EP2423580B1 - Steam generator with cooling unit - Google Patents

Steam generator with cooling unit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2423580B1
EP2423580B1 EP20100155135 EP10155135A EP2423580B1 EP 2423580 B1 EP2423580 B1 EP 2423580B1 EP 20100155135 EP20100155135 EP 20100155135 EP 10155135 A EP10155135 A EP 10155135A EP 2423580 B1 EP2423580 B1 EP 2423580B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
aroma
steam generator
unit
steam
generator according
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EP20100155135
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2423580A3 (en
EP2423580A2 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Zierler
Mario Pongratz
Josef Soxberger
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Artweger GmbH and Co KG
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Artweger GmbH and Co KG
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Publication of EP2423580A2 publication Critical patent/EP2423580A2/en
Publication of EP2423580A3 publication Critical patent/EP2423580A3/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/06—Artificial hot-air or cold-air baths; Steam or gas baths or douches, e.g. sauna or Finnish baths
    • A61H33/063—Heaters specifically designed therefor
    • A61H33/065—Heaters specifically designed therefor with steam generators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F22—STEAM GENERATION
    • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
    • F22B1/00—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method
    • F22B1/28—Methods of steam generation characterised by form of heating method in boilers heated electrically

Definitions

  • Steam generators eg for a steam shower, must be compact and should be easy and safe to use.
  • a steam generator is eg in US 4 132 883 A disclosed.
  • the required electrical or electronic must not be too hot to ensure their function.
  • other components of the steam generator, such as valves must be protected against overheating.
  • the more compact the steam generator is the greater the risk of internal overheating due to the high temperatures due to steam generation.
  • such steam generators must also meet certain safety criteria, in particular, it must be ensured that external parts of the steam generator, which can be touched when used by persons directly, do not exceed an acceptable safe maximum temperature.
  • a steam generator with a housing in which the dividing wall is divided by a housing, wherein an electric unit is arranged in a first housing part and in a second housing part, a steam generator is arranged on the partition and a cooling unit is arranged in which a recess is provided through which cooling medium flows.
  • the steam generator is separated by a partition wall into two areas wherein the partition wall is cooled.
  • a connecting line for water for the steam generator can be connected to the domestic water connection and the cold water for the operation of the steam generator can also be used for cooling.
  • in the recess opens a supply line for water for the steam generator. That cold water flows from the domestic water connection into the cooling unit, where it cools the partition (and other parts or areas of the steam generator) and then flows on into the steam generator. This makes it possible to realize a particularly simple and compact steam generator.
  • the cooling medium is guided in the cooling unit by a separation is provided in the recess, wherein the first line opens in the region of the separation and the second line opens in the region of the other side of the separation.
  • the cooling medium forcibly flows through the entire cooling unit, which ensures the greatest possible contact of the cooling medium with the component to be cooled.
  • an aroma unit which is connected via a connecting line to the steam generator and the aroma unit is provided with a steam connection, can be discharged via the flavored steam and in the aroma receptacle is arranged an aroma container for receiving aroma, the aroma unit having an aroma unit housing, in which an aroma receptacle is arranged and the aroma receptacle is arranged movably relative to the aroma unit housing, in the aroma receptacle a first flow region is provided which is delimited by two sealing elements with respect to the aroma unit housing and is arranged in the first flow channel of the aroma container, the first flow region in a first flow region Position the steam generator with the steam connection in the aroma receptacle, a second flow region is provided which is delimited by two sealing elements relative to the Aromaajigepuruse, wherein the second flow region in a second position connects the steam generator with the steam connection, then the steam produced can be aromatized and the aroma container without risk to the operator to be refilled with full operation of the steam generator.
  • the steam generator can be made very easily accessible from the outside, eg for filling a descaling agent, if in the aroma receptacle, a third flow area and a closure means for closing the third flow area is provided, wherein the third flow area is connected to the connecting line.
  • a closure means for closing the third flow area is provided, wherein the third flow area is connected to the connecting line.
  • the steam generator is connected to a feed line for supplying cold water and a drain line for emptying the steam generator, wherein in the Supply line a filling valve and in the discharge line an emptying valve is arranged which are pulse-controlled by a control unit, wherein the control unit determines the opening and closing times of the filling valve and / or the emptying valve in dependence on the pressure of the supplied cold water.
  • the water pressure must be determined only once and the required opening and closing times of the valves can be set depending on it.
  • the number of filling pulses and / or the emptying duration can be determined as a function of the pressure of the supplied cold water. The control of the replenishment of water and the emptying of the steam generator can be so much simplified.
  • control is simplified when a memory unit is provided in the steam generator, in which the opening and closing times of the filling valve and / or the emptying valve and / or the number of filling pulses and / or the emptying time depending on the water pressure are stored. The required settings must then be removed from the storage unit corresponding only to the prevailing water pressure.
  • the water pressure can be determined very easily by measuring the filling time until a defined water level in the steam generator is reached with the aid of a level sensor. From the measured filling time can then be deduced directly on the prevailing water pressure.
  • the steam generator 1 eg for a steam shower, comprises a housing 2, in which all components of the steam generator 1 are arranged, and a lid 3, as in FIG Fig. 1 shown.
  • a control unit 4 for controlling
  • a remote control 5 is provided with which the functions of the steam generator 1 and / or the functions of a steam shower (or other device), in which the steam generator 1 can be used , can be served.
  • the remote control 5 is arranged here in a holder 6 of the housing 2.
  • the remote control 5 may have operating devices on both sides (in Fig. 1 only one page is visible), eg to be able to control different functions simply and clearly.
  • a steam generator 10 arranged.
  • the steam generated in the steam generator 10 is passed through an aroma unit 12 and passes via a steam line 15 to a steam outlet 14, through which the steam passes into the environment.
  • the flavor unit 12 for flavoring the steam, flavors, essences, herbs, fragrance oils, etc. can be filled, which are activated when the steam passes by and aromatize the steam in this way.
  • an aroma receptacle 13 Arranged in the aroma unit 12 is an aroma receptacle 13, which can be taken out of the aroma unit 12 for refilling.
  • the aroma receptacle 13 can be designed, for example, as a drawer (as further explained below), flap or the like.
  • the housing 2 of the steam generator 1 is bisected by a partition 17.
  • a first housing part of the steam generator 1, here in the upper region of the housing 2 the necessary electronics and electrics, for example for the power connection and the control of the steam generator, are arranged here in an electric unit 16.
  • the electric unit 16 is electrically connected to the operating unit 4. Since the electric unit 16, and especially the electronics therein, is only functional up to certain predetermined and specified temperatures, a partition wall 17 is provided in the housing 2, which is a hot housing part, here a lower portion of the housing 2, in which the steam generator 10 is arranged to generate steam, from the upper housing part in which the electric unit 16 is arranged separates.
  • the partition wall 17 can be cooled by the supplied cold water, as described below with reference to the Figs.
  • the partition wall 17 may, for example, as a profile or hollow profile of a thermally highly conductive material, such as aluminum or copper exist.
  • the partition 17 could also consist of two plates, between which a thermal insulation layer, such as a plastic plate is arranged.
  • the housing 2 may be constructed in a multi-layer or multi-shell, with an inner and outer part, for example made of plastic, between which a thermal insulation layer, for example made of Styrofoam, is arranged to prevent the outer surface of the steam generator 1 to gets hot.
  • sealing elements 9, 19, such as polyurethane strips may be arranged, which cooperate with the lid 3, to prevent ingress of water into the steam generator 1 or water to prevent the area with the electric unit 16.
  • a control unit 29 may be provided, which regulates the functions of the steam generator 1.
  • the control unit 29 may be connected to the control unit 4.
  • the steam generation can be regulated depending on a desired cabin temperature of a steam shower.
  • Cold water is fed to a cooling unit 20 via a connection line 21 with a connection 23, which is connected via a fitting to the domestic water connection.
  • the cold water is supplied to the steam generator 10 via a supply line 22.
  • the control of the water supply via a filling valve 25 which is driven by the electric unit 16, as described in detail below.
  • the connection line 21 (which in this case would also be the supply line 22) could also be connected directly to the steam generator 10.
  • a separate line 58 could then be provided, via which a cooling medium, preferably cold water from a domestic water connection, is supplied. Via a further line 59, the cooling medium could be removed from the cooling unit 20 again.
  • a heating element here for example an electric heating coil 30, arranged.
  • the heating coil 30 is connected to the electric unit 16 and is controlled by this.
  • a level sensor 31 is further provided in order to detect the water level in the steam generator 10 can.
  • the steam generated in the steam generator 10 passes into the aroma unit 12.
  • baffle plates 39 can be arranged to achieve a desired flow of steam.
  • the aroma unit 12 is embodied here as an aroma unit housing 40, in which an aroma receptacle 13 is arranged to be movable relative thereto.
  • the aroma receptacle 13 is executed in the illustrated embodiment as a tray that works as a slide valve to allow a change or filling of a flavor container 32 during operation.
  • the aroma unit 12 is closed, that is to say the aroma receptacle 13 in the housing 40 of the aroma unit 12.
  • the steam generated in the steam generator 10 flows in the aroma unit 12 in this first position through a first flow area 41 in the aroma receptacle 13 which is defined by two sealing elements 33, 34, such as O-rings, is limited to the Aromaticiangehotuse 40.
  • the flow region 41 is essentially formed by the annular gap which forms between the two sealing elements 33, 34 and the outer peripheral surface of the aroma receptacle 13. In this first flow region 41 and the aroma container 32 is arranged.
  • corresponding openings and / or recesses may be provided for the formation of the flow area 41 in order to allow a steam flow.
  • the steam also flows around the aroma container 32, in which flavors can be filled.
  • the aromatized steam is discharged from the aroma unit via a steam connection 35, to which the steam line 15 is connected.
  • Fig. 4 is the aroma unit open, so the aroma receptacle 13 pulled out of the housing 40 of the aroma unit 12.
  • the generated vapor flows in the aroma unit 12 in this second position through a second flow area 42 in the aroma receptacle 13, which is delimited by two sealing elements 36, 37, such as O-rings, with respect to the flavor unit housing 40.
  • the second flow region 42 is essentially formed by the annular gap that forms between the two sealing elements 36, 37 and the outer circumferential surface of the aroma receptacle 13.
  • corresponding openings and / or recesses may be provided for the formation of the flow area 41 in order to allow a steam flow.
  • Aroma can be easily replenished into the aroma container 32 in this position.
  • the aroma receptacle 13 Due to the function of the aroma receptacle 13 as a slide valve refilling of aroma during full operation of the steam generator 10 can take place. For this purpose, only the aroma receptacle 13 must be pulled out of the housing, wherein the sealing elements 33, 34, 36, 37 ensure that no hot steam can escape. After refilling aroma, the aroma receptacle 13 can be pushed back into the aroma unit housing 40, whereby the steam generator 10 is again connected to the steam outlet 35 through the first flow area 41.
  • the aroma unit 12 can also be used for other purposes, for example for the regularly necessary descaling of the steam generator 10.
  • the steam generator 10 should of course not be in operation.
  • the aroma container 32 can only be inserted into the aroma container receptacle 44, so that it can be easily removed.
  • a third flow region 43 can be opened in the aroma receptacle 13, which connects the aroma container receptacle 44 for the aroma container 32 with the connecting line 38.
  • the aroma container 32 on the aroma receptacle 13
  • another closure means for the third flow region 43 may also be provided, for example a simple stubble, which closes the third flow region 43 and makes it accessible from the outside.
  • Descaling agents for example vinegar, can now be filled into the steam generator 10, for example via the aroma container receiver 44, the third flow region 43 and the connecting line 38.
  • a guide means 45 may be arranged, on which the aroma receptacle 13 is additionally guided.
  • the guide means 45 can also serve as a stop for the aroma receptacle 13 in order to prevent too far extraction of the aroma receptacle 13 from the aroma unit 12.
  • the cooling unit 20 for cooling the partition wall 17 in the steam generator 1 is shown in detail.
  • the cooling unit 20 is fixed to the partition wall 17.
  • a recess 57 is provided, which is sealed to the outside via sealing elements 52, 53, such as O-rings.
  • a partition 54 is provided to force a defined flow direction and flow.
  • the connecting line 21 of the steam generator 1 is supplied via the cold water.
  • cold water is meant water, which is taken from a water connection, eg a domestic water connection, and can generally have temperatures of 5 ° C to 20 ° C [please check].
  • the cold water is thus over a large area in direct contact with the partition wall 17, which can be sufficiently cooled in this way.
  • the recess 57 of the cooling unit 20 is covered by a lid, so that the cold water is no longer in direct contact with the partition wall 17.
  • the cooling of the partition wall 17 by the water flowing in the recess 57 which would cool the partition wall 17 indirectly via the cover, would also work so well.
  • a pressure sensor 51 which measures the water pressure in the recess 57. This pressure sensor 51 can be used for security purposes to determine if any water is present. Should no water be present, the steam generator 10 must not be put into operation in order to prevent overheating of the steam generator 10.
  • cold water is meant water, which is taken from a water connection, eg a domestic water connection, and can generally have temperatures of 5 ° C to 20 ° C. It is therefore first, for example, during commissioning or each time the steam generator 1, the water pressure measured. This can be done, for example, by measuring the time it takes to fill the steam generator 10 with the filling valve 25 open until the level sensor 31 responds. From this filling time can be concluded that the water pressure, eg empirically calculated by experiments and test series or due to the geometric conditions (flow cross sections, loss coefficients, etc.).
  • the water pressure could also be measured directly, eg via the pressure sensor 51 in the cooling unit 20 or through a pressure sensor arranged elsewhere.
  • the filling pulses may for example be stored in a memory unit 28 of the electric unit 16 assigned to a pressure range, so that the filling pulses after determining the prevailing water pressure of a control unit 29, which controls the filling valve 25 accordingly, can be retrieved. Also, depending on the determined water pressure and the number of Greimpulse be set. These can in turn be assigned to the water pressure in the storage unit 28 be deposited.
  • the number of fill pulses could also be fixed, so that it is always filled with the specified number of fill pulses.
  • Table 1 Determination of the filling pulses Measured filling time From this derived water pressure Filling pulses time for Number of pulses To fill Non-filling ⁇ t 1 p 1 t F, 1 t NF, 1 A 1 t 1 - t 2 p 2 t F, 2 t NF, 2 A 2 ... ... ... ... ... tn -1 -tn p n t F, n t NF, n A n > t n error
  • the refill time (filling valve 25 open) is determined as a function of the determined water pressure.
  • the mixing pulses are generated as a function of the water pressure either via the filling valve 25 or the emptying valve 24, which are controlled by the control unit 29.
  • the emptying is preferably during a given discharge duration, which also depends on the water pressure can be dependent.
  • Table 2 Determination of the mixing pulses Measured filling time water pressure Filling valve 25 Emptying valve 24 Entleerdauer open closed open closed ⁇ t 1 p 1 t F, open, 1 t F, closed, 1 one - t Ent, 1 t 1 - t 2 p 2 t F, open, 2 t F, closed, 2 one - t Ent, 2 ... ...
  • the mixing pulses are generated via the filling valve 25 and the emptying valve 24 permanently (during the emptying period) open. Due to the high water pressure so cold enough water can be supplied in order to achieve sufficient mixing to ensure a necessary low temperature for safety reasons of running water.
  • both the filling valve 25 and the emptying valve 24 are permanently opened, since the water pressure is suitable for a permanent supply of cold water and simultaneous emptying.
  • the filling valve 25 is permanently opened and the mixing pulses are generated via the emptying valve 24. In this area, the water pressure is not sufficient to ensure sufficient mixing in pulse-like supply of cold water.
  • the cold water is therefore continuously supplied and the mixture of hot water from the steam generator 10 and cold water after a certain mixing time (emptying valve 24 closed) for a certain duration pulsed emptied (emptying valve 24 open) to a necessary low for safety reasons temperature of the expiring To ensure water.
  • the above-described steam generator 1 may be used, for example, in a steam shower 60, as in FIG Fig. 8 shown.
  • the steam shower consists in the embodiment shown glass walls 61, 62 and a door 63 which is pivotally mounted on the glass wall 62.
  • the cabin is closed at the top by a roof 69 and can be shot down by a trough 67.
  • Loudspeakers 64 and / or lights 65 for example for light therapy, may be arranged in the roof.
  • further functional units can be arranged on the cabin.
  • the speakers 64, the lights 65 and any other functional units can be controlled by the remote control 5 of the steam generator 1.
  • Seats 66 may further be provided in the cab to allow a user of the steam shower to comfortably enjoy a steam bath.

Description

Dampfgeneratoren, z.B. für eine Dampfdusche, müssen kompakt aufgebaut sein und sollen einfach und sicher zu bedienen sein. Ein solcher Dampfgenerator ist z.B. in US 4 132 883 A offenbart. Dazu ist es wünschenswert, neben dem Dampferzeuger, auch die Steuerung des Dampfgenerators in den Dampfgenerator zu integrieren. Die dazu erforderliche Elektrik bzw. Elektronik darf jedoch nicht zu heiß werden, um deren Funktion zu gewährleisten. Ebenso müssen andere Bauteile des Dampfgenerators, wie z.B. Ventile, vor Überhitzung geschützt werden. Je kompakter der Dampfgenerator ausgeführt wird, desto größer ist jedoch die Gefahr der inneren Überhitzung durch die durch die Dampferzeugung bedingten hohen Temperaturen. Außerdem müssen solche Dampfgeneratoren auch gewissen Sicherheitskriterien entsprechen, insbesondere muss sichergestellt werden, dass äußere Teile des Dampfgenerators, die bei Benutzung durch Personen direkt berührt werden können, eine zulässige ungefährliche Höchsttemperatur nicht überschreiten.Steam generators, eg for a steam shower, must be compact and should be easy and safe to use. Such a steam generator is eg in US 4 132 883 A disclosed. For this purpose, it is desirable to integrate in addition to the steam generator, the control of the steam generator in the steam generator. However, the required electrical or electronic must not be too hot to ensure their function. Similarly, other components of the steam generator, such as valves, must be protected against overheating. However, the more compact the steam generator is, the greater the risk of internal overheating due to the high temperatures due to steam generation. In addition, such steam generators must also meet certain safety criteria, in particular, it must be ensured that external parts of the steam generator, which can be touched when used by persons directly, do not exceed an acceptable safe maximum temperature.

Es ist daher eine Aufgabe der gegenständlichen Erfindung, einen Dampfgenerator anzugeben, der kompakt aufgebaut ist und bei dem eine innere und äußere Überhitzung von Teilen des Dampfgenerators verhindert wird.It is therefore an object of the subject invention to provide a steam generator which is compact and in which an internal and external overheating of parts of the steam generator is prevented.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch einen Dampfgenerator mit einem Gehäuse gelöst, bei dem das durch eine im Gehäuse angeordnete Trennwand zweigeteilt ist, wobei in einem ersten Gehäuseteil eine Elektrikeinheit angeordnet ist und in einem zweiten Gehäuseteil ein Dampferzeuger angeordnet ist und an der Trennwand eine Kühleinheit angeordnet ist, in der eine Ausnehmung vorgesehen ist, durch die Kühlmedium fließt. Hierbei wird der Dampfgenerator durch eine Trennwand in zwei Bereiche getrennt wobei die Trennwand gekühlt wird. Damit wird ermöglicht, die Komponenten des Dampfgenerators, die von Ihrer Funktion her eine hohe Arbeitstemperatur haben (wie z.B. der Dampferzeuger) und die Komponenten, die nur bis zu einer vorgegebenen Temperatur betrieben werden dürfen (wie z.B. die Elektronik) in unterschiedlichen Bereichen im Dampfgenerator anzuordnen, wobei die Bereiche durch eine gekühlte Trennwand getrennt sind. So kann sichergestellt werden, dass die Temperatur in bestimmten Bereichen des Dampfgenerators nicht zu hoch wird. Gleichzeitig wird dadurch aber auch das Gehäuse selbst gekühlt. Dadurch wird es möglich alle benötigten Komponenten trotzdem in einem kompakten Gehäuse unterzubringen und damit einen kompakten Dampfgenerator zu realisieren.This object is achieved by a steam generator with a housing in which the dividing wall is divided by a housing, wherein an electric unit is arranged in a first housing part and in a second housing part, a steam generator is arranged on the partition and a cooling unit is arranged in which a recess is provided through which cooling medium flows. In this case, the steam generator is separated by a partition wall into two areas wherein the partition wall is cooled. This makes it possible to arrange the components of the steam generator, which have a high working temperature due to their function (such as the steam generator) and the components that can only be operated up to a predetermined temperature (such as the electronics) in different areas in the steam generator wherein the areas are separated by a cooled partition. This ensures that the temperature in certain areas of the steam generator is not too high. At the same time, however, this also cools the housing itself. This makes it possible to accommodate all the components needed in a compact housing and thus to realize a compact steam generator.

Ganz besonders vorteilhaft mündet in die Ausnehmung der Kühleinheit eine Anschlussleitung für Wasser für den Dampfgenerator. Damit kann der Dampfgenerator an den Hauswasseranschluss angeschlossen werden und das kalte Wasser für den Betrieb des Dampfgenerators kann gleichzeitig auch zur Kühlung herangezogen werden. Dazu ist vorzugsweise auch vorgesehen, dass in der Ausnehmung eine Zuführleitung für Wasser für den Dampferzeuger mündet. Dass kalte Wasser fließt damit vom Hauswasseranschluss in die Kühleinheit, kühlt dort die Trennwand (und andere Teile bzw. Bereiche des Dampfgenerators) und fließt dann weiter in den Dampferzeuger. Damit lässt sich ein besonders einfach aufgebauter und kompakter Dampfgenerator realisieren.Very particularly advantageous opens into the recess of the cooling unit, a connecting line for water for the steam generator. Thus, the steam generator can be connected to the domestic water connection and the cold water for the operation of the steam generator can also be used for cooling. Is to preferably also provided that in the recess opens a supply line for water for the steam generator. That cold water flows from the domestic water connection into the cooling unit, where it cools the partition (and other parts or areas of the steam generator) and then flows on into the steam generator. This makes it possible to realize a particularly simple and compact steam generator.

Um eine möglichst gute Kühlwirkung zu erzielen, wird das Kühlmedium in der Kühleinheit geführt, indem in der Ausnehmung eine Abtrennung vorgesehen ist, wobei die ersten Leitung im Bereich der Abtrennung mündet und die zweite Leitung im Bereich der anderen Seite der Abtrennung mündet. Damit fließt das Kühlmedium erzwungenermaßen durch die ganze Kühleinheit, was einen größtmöglichen Kontakt von Kühlmedium mit dem zu kühlenden Bauteil sicherstellt.In order to achieve the best possible cooling effect, the cooling medium is guided in the cooling unit by a separation is provided in the recess, wherein the first line opens in the region of the separation and the second line opens in the region of the other side of the separation. Thus, the cooling medium forcibly flows through the entire cooling unit, which ensures the greatest possible contact of the cooling medium with the component to be cooled.

Wenn eine Aromaeinheit vorgesehen ist, die über eine Verbindungsleitung mit dem Dampferzeuger verbunden ist und an der Aromaeinheit ein Dampfanschluss vorgesehen ist, über den aromatisierter Dampf abführbar ist und in der Aromaaufnahme ein Aromabehälter zur Aufnahme von Aroma angeordnet ist, wobei die Aromaeinheit ein Aromaeinheitgehäuse aufweist, in dem eine Aromaaufnahme angeordnet ist und die Aromaaufnahme relativ zum Aromaeinheitgehäuse bewegbar angeordnet ist, in der Aromaaufnahme ein erster Strömungsbereich vorgesehen ist, der durch zwei Dichtelement gegenüber dem Aromaeinheitgehäuse begrenzt ist und im ersten Strömungskanal der Aromabehälter angeordnet ist, wobei der erste Strömungsbereich in einer ersten Position den Dampferzeuger mit dem Dampfanschluss verbindet in der Aromaaufnahme ein zweiter Strömungsbereich vorgesehen ist, der durch zwei Dichtelemente gegenüber dem Aromaeinheitgehäuse begrenzt ist, wobei der zweite Strömungsbereich in einer zweiten Position den Dampferzeuger mit dem Dampfanschluss verbindet, dann kann der erzeugte Dampf aromatisiert werden und der Aromabehälter ohne Gefahr für die bedienende Person bei vollem Betrieb des Dampferzeugers nachgefüllt werden.If an aroma unit is provided, which is connected via a connecting line to the steam generator and the aroma unit is provided with a steam connection, can be discharged via the flavored steam and in the aroma receptacle is arranged an aroma container for receiving aroma, the aroma unit having an aroma unit housing, in which an aroma receptacle is arranged and the aroma receptacle is arranged movably relative to the aroma unit housing, in the aroma receptacle a first flow region is provided which is delimited by two sealing elements with respect to the aroma unit housing and is arranged in the first flow channel of the aroma container, the first flow region in a first flow region Position the steam generator with the steam connection in the aroma receptacle, a second flow region is provided which is delimited by two sealing elements relative to the Aromaeinheitgehäuse, wherein the second flow region in a second position connects the steam generator with the steam connection, then the steam produced can be aromatized and the aroma container without risk to the operator to be refilled with full operation of the steam generator.

Der Dampferzeuger kann sehr einfach von außen zugänglich gemacht werden, z.B. zum Einfüllen eines Entkalkungsmittels, wenn in der Aromaaufnahme ein dritter Strömungsbereich und ein Verschlussmittel zum Verschließen des dritten Strömungsbereiches vorgesehen wird, wobei der dritte Strömungsbereich mit der Verbindungsleitung verbunden ist. Damit kann die Bedienung und die Wartung des Dampfgenerators sehr vereinfacht werden. Ganz besonders vorteilhaft ist es dabei, als Verschlussmittel den in einer Aromabehälteraufnahme angeordneten Aromabehälter selbst vorzusehen.The steam generator can be made very easily accessible from the outside, eg for filling a descaling agent, if in the aroma receptacle, a third flow area and a closure means for closing the third flow area is provided, wherein the third flow area is connected to the connecting line. Thus, the operation and maintenance of the steam generator can be greatly simplified. It is particularly advantageous in this case to provide as closure means the aroma container arranged in a flavor container receptacle itself.

Um eine einfache Nachfüllung von Wasser in den Dampferzeuger ohne Unterbrechung des Dampfens und eine sichere Entleerung ohne der Gefahr der Verbrühung vor Personen zu ermöglichen, wird der Dampferzeuger mit einer Zuführleitung zur Zufuhr von kaltem Wasser und einer Entleerleitung zur Entleerung des Dampferzeugers verbunden, wobei in der Zuführleitung ein Füllventil und in der Entleerleitung ein Entleerventil angeordnet ist, die von einer Steuereinheit impulsförmig ansteuerbar sind, wobei die Steuereinheit die Öffnen- und Schließzeiten des Füllventils und/oder des Entleerventils in Abhängigkeit vom Druck des zugeführten kalten Wassers ermittelt. Der Wasserdruck muss dabei nur einmal bestimmt werden und die benötigten Öffnen- und Schließzeiten der Ventile können in Abhängigkeit davon festgelegt werden. Zusätzlich können noch die Anzahl der Füllimpulse und/oder die Entleerdauer in Abhängigkeit vom Druck des zugeführten kalten Wassers ermittelt werden. Die Steuerung der Nachfüllung von Wasser und der Entleerung des Dampferzeugers kann so sehr vereinfacht werden.In order to allow easy replenishment of water in the steam generator without interrupting the steam and safe emptying without the risk of scalding people, the steam generator is connected to a feed line for supplying cold water and a drain line for emptying the steam generator, wherein in the Supply line a filling valve and in the discharge line an emptying valve is arranged which are pulse-controlled by a control unit, wherein the control unit determines the opening and closing times of the filling valve and / or the emptying valve in dependence on the pressure of the supplied cold water. The water pressure must be determined only once and the required opening and closing times of the valves can be set depending on it. In addition, the number of filling pulses and / or the emptying duration can be determined as a function of the pressure of the supplied cold water. The control of the replenishment of water and the emptying of the steam generator can be so much simplified.

Noch weiter wird die Steuerung vereinfacht, wenn im Dampfgenerator eine Speichereinheit vorgesehen ist, in der die Öffnen- und Schließzeiten des Füllventils und/oder des Entleerventils und/oder die Anzahl der Füllimpulse und/oder die Entleerdauer in Abhängigkeit vom Wasserdruck hinterlegt sind. Die benötigten Einstellungen müssen dann nur mehr zum herrschenden Wasserdruck korrespondierend aus der Speichereinheit entnommen werden.Still further, the control is simplified when a memory unit is provided in the steam generator, in which the opening and closing times of the filling valve and / or the emptying valve and / or the number of filling pulses and / or the emptying time depending on the water pressure are stored. The required settings must then be removed from the storage unit corresponding only to the prevailing water pressure.

Der Wasserdruck kann sehr einfach ermittelt werden, indem mit Hilfe eines Niveausensors die Füllzeit bis zum Erreichen eines festgelegten Wasserstandes im Dampferzeuger gemessen wird. Aus der gemessenen Füllzeit kann dann direkt auf den herrschenden Wasserdruck rückgeschlossen werden.The water pressure can be determined very easily by measuring the filling time until a defined water level in the steam generator is reached with the aid of a level sensor. From the measured filling time can then be deduced directly on the prevailing water pressure.

Die gegenständliche Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der schematischen, beispielhaften, nicht einschränkenden und vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen zeigenden Figuren 1 bis 8 beschrieben. Dabei zeigt

  • Fig. 1 einen erfindungsgemäßen Dampfgenerator,
  • Fig. 2 eine Ansicht auf den erfindungsgemäßen Dampfgenerator mit abgenommenen Deckel,
  • Figs. 3 bis 5 Detailansichten des Dampfgenerators mit Aromalade,
  • Figs. 6 und 7 Detailansichten der Kühleinheit und
  • Fig. 8 eine Dampfdusche mit einem Dampfgenerator.
The subject invention will be shown below with reference to the schematic, exemplary, non-limiting and advantageous embodiments FIGS. 1 to 8 described. It shows
  • Fig. 1 a steam generator according to the invention,
  • Fig. 2 a view of the steam generator according to the invention with the lid removed,
  • Figs. 3 to 5 Detail views of the steam generator with flavoring,
  • Figs. 6 and 7 Detail views of the cooling unit and
  • Fig. 8 a steam shower with a steam generator.

Der erfindungsgemäße Dampfgenerator 1, z.B. für eine Dampfdusche, umfasst ein Gehäuse 2, in dem alle Komponenten des Dampfgenerators 1 angeordnet sind, und einen Deckel 3, wie in Fig. 1 dargestellt. Am Dampfgenerator 1 ist weiters eine Bedieneinheit 4 zum Steuern des Dampfgenerators 1 angeordnet, hier z.B. im Bereich des Deckels 3. Weiters ist eine Fernbedienung 5 vorgesehen, mit der die Funktionen des Dampfgenerators 1 und/oder die Funktionen einer Dampfdusche (oder einer anderen Vorrichtung), in der der Dampfgenerator 1 zum Einsatz kommen kann, bedient werden können. Die Fernbedienung 5 ist hier in einer Halterung 6 des Gehäuses 2 angeordnet. Die Fernbedienung 5 kann an beiden Seiten Bedieneinrichtungen aufweisen (in Fig. 1 ist nur eine Seite sichtbar), z.B. um jeweils unterschiedliche Funktionen einfach und übersichtlich steuern zu können.The steam generator 1 according to the invention, eg for a steam shower, comprises a housing 2, in which all components of the steam generator 1 are arranged, and a lid 3, as in FIG Fig. 1 shown. At the steam generator 1 is further a control unit 4 for controlling Furthermore, a remote control 5 is provided with which the functions of the steam generator 1 and / or the functions of a steam shower (or other device), in which the steam generator 1 can be used , can be served. The remote control 5 is arranged here in a holder 6 of the housing 2. The remote control 5 may have operating devices on both sides (in Fig. 1 only one page is visible), eg to be able to control different functions simply and clearly.

Im Dampfgenerator 1 ist, wie in Fig. 2 gezeigt, ein Dampferzeuger 10 angeordnet. Der im Dampferzeuger 10 erzeugte Dampf wird über eine Aromaeinheit 12 geführt und gelangt über eine Dampfleitung 15 zu einem Dampfauslass 14, über den der Dampf in die Umgebung gelangt. In der Aromaeinheit 12 können zur Aromatisierung des Dampfes Aromen, Essenzen, Kräuter, Duftöle, etc. gefüllt werden, die bei Vorbeiziehen des Dampfes aktiviert werden und den Dampf auf diese Weise aromatisieren. In der Aromaeinheit 12 ist eine Aromaaufnahme 13 angeordnet, die aus der Aromaeinheit 12 zum Nachfüllen herausgenommen werden kann. Die Aromaaufnahme 13 kann z.B. als Lade (wie weiter untern näher erläutert), Klappe oder Ähnliches ausgeführt sein.In the steam generator 1, as in Fig. 2 shown a steam generator 10 arranged. The steam generated in the steam generator 10 is passed through an aroma unit 12 and passes via a steam line 15 to a steam outlet 14, through which the steam passes into the environment. In the flavor unit 12, for flavoring the steam, flavors, essences, herbs, fragrance oils, etc. can be filled, which are activated when the steam passes by and aromatize the steam in this way. Arranged in the aroma unit 12 is an aroma receptacle 13, which can be taken out of the aroma unit 12 for refilling. The aroma receptacle 13 can be designed, for example, as a drawer (as further explained below), flap or the like.

Das Gehäuse 2 des Dampfgenerators 1 ist durch eine Trennwand 17 zweigeteilt. In einem ersten Gehäuseteil des Dampfgenerators 1, hier im oberen Bereich des Gehäuses 2, ist hier in einer Elektrikeinheit 16 die notwendige Elektronik und Elektrik, z.B. für den Stromanschluss und die Steuerung des Dampfgenerators, angeordnet. Die Elektrikeinheit 16 ist elektrisch mit der Bedieneinheit 4 verbunden. Da die Elektrikeinheit 16, und vor allem die darin befindliche Elektronik, nur bis zu bestimmten vorgegebenen und spezifizierten Temperaturen funktionsfähig ist, ist im Gehäuse 2 eine Trennwand 17 vorgesehen, die einen heißen Gehäuseteil, hier ein unterer Bereich des Gehäuses 2, in dem der Dampferzeuger 10 zur Dampferzeugung angeordnet ist, vom oberen Gehäuseteil, in dem die Elektrikeinheit 16 angeordnet ist, trennt. Die Trennwand 17 kann dazu durch das zugeführte kalte Wasser gekühlt werden, wie weiter unten unter Bezugnahme auf die Figs. 6 und 7 im Detail beschrieben. Auf der der Elektrikeinheit 16 zugewandten Seite der Trennwand 17 können auch direkt thermisch hoch belastete elektrische Bauteile 56, wie z.B. ein Triac, angeordnet werden, die so direkt gekühlt werden können. Die Trennwand 17 kann z.B. als Profil oder Hohlprofilaus einem thermisch gut leitenden Material, wie z.B. Aluminium oder Kupfer, bestehen. Die Trennwand 17 könnte aber auch aus zwei Platten bestehen, zwischen denen eine thermische Isolationsschicht, z.B. eine Kunststoff-Platte, angeordnet ist. Ebenso kann auch das Gehäuse 2 mehrschichtig oder mehrschalig aufgebaut sein, mit einem Innen- und Außenteil, z.B. aus Kunststoff, zwischen denen eine thermische Isolationsschicht, z.B. aus Styropor, angeordnet ist, um zu verhindern, dass die Außenfläche des Dampfgenerators 1 zu heiß wird. An der Trennwand 17 und/oder am Gehäuse 2 können auch noch Dichtelemente 9, 19, wie z.B. Polyurethan-Streifen, angeordnet sein, die mit dem Deckel 3 zusammenwirken, um ein Eindringen von Wasser von außen in den Dampfgenerator 1 oder ein Eindringen von Wasser in den Bereich mit der Elektrikeinheit 16 zu verhindern.The housing 2 of the steam generator 1 is bisected by a partition 17. In a first housing part of the steam generator 1, here in the upper region of the housing 2, the necessary electronics and electrics, for example for the power connection and the control of the steam generator, are arranged here in an electric unit 16. The electric unit 16 is electrically connected to the operating unit 4. Since the electric unit 16, and especially the electronics therein, is only functional up to certain predetermined and specified temperatures, a partition wall 17 is provided in the housing 2, which is a hot housing part, here a lower portion of the housing 2, in which the steam generator 10 is arranged to generate steam, from the upper housing part in which the electric unit 16 is arranged separates. The partition wall 17 can be cooled by the supplied cold water, as described below with reference to the Figs. 6 and 7 described in detail. On the side of the partition wall 17 facing the electrical unit 16, electrical components 56, such as a triac, which are directly subjected to high thermal loads, can also be arranged, which can be cooled directly. The partition wall 17 may, for example, as a profile or hollow profile of a thermally highly conductive material, such as aluminum or copper exist. The partition 17 could also consist of two plates, between which a thermal insulation layer, such as a plastic plate is arranged. Likewise, the housing 2 may be constructed in a multi-layer or multi-shell, with an inner and outer part, for example made of plastic, between which a thermal insulation layer, for example made of Styrofoam, is arranged to prevent the outer surface of the steam generator 1 to gets hot. On the partition wall 17 and / or on the housing 2 may also be sealing elements 9, 19, such as polyurethane strips, may be arranged, which cooperate with the lid 3, to prevent ingress of water into the steam generator 1 or water to prevent the area with the electric unit 16.

In der Elektrikeinheit 16 kann auch eine Steuereinheit 29 vorgesehen sein, die die Funktionen des Dampfgenerators 1 regelt. Die Steuereinheit 29 kann mit der Bedieneinheit 4 verbunden sein. Z.B. kann die Dampferzeugung in Abhängigkeit von einer gewünschten Kabinentemperatur einer Dampfdusche geregelt werden.In the electric unit 16, a control unit 29 may be provided, which regulates the functions of the steam generator 1. The control unit 29 may be connected to the control unit 4. For example, The steam generation can be regulated depending on a desired cabin temperature of a steam shower.

Über eine Anschlussleitung 21 mit einem Anschluss 23, die über eine Armatur am Hauswasseranschluss angeschlossen wird, wird kaltes Wasser einer Kühleinheit 20 zugeführt. Von der Kühleinheit 20 wird das kalte Wasser über eine Zuführleitung 22 dem Dampferzeuger 10 zugeführt. Die Steuerung der Wasserzufuhr erfolgt über ein Füllventil 25, das durch die Elektrikeinheit 16 angesteuert wird, wie weiter unten im Detail beschrieben. Die Anschlussleitung 21 (die in diesem Fall auch gleichzeitig die Zuführleitung 22 wäre) könnte aber auch direkt mit dem Dampferzeuger 10 verbunden sein. Für die Kühleinheit 20 könnte dann eine eigene Leitung 58 vorgesehen sein, über die ein Kühlmedium, vorzugsweise kaltes Wasser aus einem Hauswasseranschluss, zugeführt wird. Über eine weitere Leitung 59 könnte das Kühlmedium wieder aus der Kühleinheit 20 abgeführt werden.Cold water is fed to a cooling unit 20 via a connection line 21 with a connection 23, which is connected via a fitting to the domestic water connection. From the cooling unit 20, the cold water is supplied to the steam generator 10 via a supply line 22. The control of the water supply via a filling valve 25 which is driven by the electric unit 16, as described in detail below. The connection line 21 (which in this case would also be the supply line 22) could also be connected directly to the steam generator 10. For the cooling unit 20, a separate line 58 could then be provided, via which a cooling medium, preferably cold water from a domestic water connection, is supplied. Via a further line 59, the cooling medium could be removed from the cooling unit 20 again.

Nach Ende des Betriebes des Dampfgenerators 1 im Dampferzeuger 10 verbleibendes Wasser wird über eine Entleerleitung 26, die in den Dampfauslass 14 mündet, und ein Entleerventil 24, das durch die Elektrikeinheit 16 angesteuert wird, entleert, wie weiter unten im Detail beschrieben.After the operation of the steam generator 1 in the steam generator 10 remaining water is emptied via an emptying line 26, which opens into the steam outlet 14, and an emptying valve 24, which is controlled by the electric unit 16, as described in detail below.

Im Dampferzeuger 10 ist, wie in den Figuren 3 bis 4 dargestellt, ein Heizelement, hier z.B. eine elektrische Heizwendel 30, angeordnet. Die Heizwendel 30 ist mit der Elektrikeinheit 16 verbunden und wird von dieser gesteuert. Im Dampferzeuger ist weiters ein Niveausensor 31 vorgesehen, um den Wasserstand im Dampferzeuger 10 erfassen zu können. Über eine Verbindungsleitung 38 gelangt der im Dampferzeuger 10 erzeugte Dampf in die Aromaeinheit 12. Im Dampferzeuger 10 können auch Prellbleche 39 angeordnet sein, um eine gewünschte Dampfströmung zu erreichen. Die Aromaeinheit 12 ist hier als Aromaeinheitgehäuse 40 ausgeführt, in dem eine Aromaaufnahme 13 relativ dazu bewegbar angeordnet ist. Die Aromaaufnahme 13 ist im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel als Lade ausgeführt, die als Schieberventil funktioniert, um einen Wechsel oder eine Befüllung eines Aromabehälters 32 auch während des Betriebs zu ermöglichen.In the steam generator 10 is, as in the FIGS. 3 to 4 shown, a heating element, here for example an electric heating coil 30, arranged. The heating coil 30 is connected to the electric unit 16 and is controlled by this. In the steam generator, a level sensor 31 is further provided in order to detect the water level in the steam generator 10 can. Via a connecting line 38, the steam generated in the steam generator 10 passes into the aroma unit 12. In the steam generator 10 and baffle plates 39 can be arranged to achieve a desired flow of steam. The aroma unit 12 is embodied here as an aroma unit housing 40, in which an aroma receptacle 13 is arranged to be movable relative thereto. The aroma receptacle 13 is executed in the illustrated embodiment as a tray that works as a slide valve to allow a change or filling of a flavor container 32 during operation.

In Fig. 3 ist die Aromaeinheit 12 geschlossen, also die Aromaaufnahme 13 im Gehäuse 40 der Aromaeinheit 12. Der im Dampferzeuger 10 erzeugte Dampf strömt in der Aromaeinheit 12 in dieser ersten Position durch einen ersten Strömungsbereich 41 in der Aromaaufnahme 13, der durch zwei Dichtelemente 33, 34, wie z.B. O-Ringe, gegenüber dem Aromaeinheitgehäuse 40 begrenzt wird. Der Strömungsbereich 41 wird im gezeigten Beispiel im Wesentlichen durch den Ringspalt gebildet, der sich zwischen den beiden Dichtelementen 33, 34 und der äußeren Umfangsfläche der Aromaaufnahme 13 ausbildet. In diesem ersten Strömungsbereich 41 ist auch der Aromabehälter 32 angeordnet. An der Aromaaufnahme 13 können zur Ausbildung des Strömungsbereiches 41 aber auch entsprechende Öffnungen und/oder Ausnehmungen vorgesehen sein, um eine Dampfströmung zu ermöglichen. Der Dampf umströmt dabei auch den Aromabehälter 32, in dem Aromen eingefüllt sein können. Der aromatisierte Dampf wird über einen Dampfanschluss 35, an dem die Dampfleitung 15 angeschlossen wird, von der Aromaeinheit abgeführt.In Fig. 3 the aroma unit 12 is closed, that is to say the aroma receptacle 13 in the housing 40 of the aroma unit 12. The steam generated in the steam generator 10 flows in the aroma unit 12 in this first position through a first flow area 41 in the aroma receptacle 13 which is defined by two sealing elements 33, 34, such as O-rings, is limited to the Aromaeinheitgehäuse 40. In the example shown, the flow region 41 is essentially formed by the annular gap which forms between the two sealing elements 33, 34 and the outer peripheral surface of the aroma receptacle 13. In this first flow region 41 and the aroma container 32 is arranged. At the aroma receptacle 13, however, corresponding openings and / or recesses may be provided for the formation of the flow area 41 in order to allow a steam flow. The steam also flows around the aroma container 32, in which flavors can be filled. The aromatized steam is discharged from the aroma unit via a steam connection 35, to which the steam line 15 is connected.

In Fig. 4 ist die Aromaeinheit geöffnet, also die Aromaaufnahme 13 aus dem Gehäuse 40 der Aromaeinheit 12 herausgezogen. Der erzeugte Dampf strömt in der Aromaeinheit 12 in dieser zweiten Position durch einen zweiten Strömungsbereich 42 in der Aromaaufnahme 13, der durch zwei Dichtelemente 36, 37, wie z.B. O-Ringe, gegenüber dem Aromaeinheitgehäuse 40 begrenzt wird. Der zweite Strömungsbereich 42 wird im gezeigten Beispiel im Wesentlichen durch den Ringspalt gebildet, der sich zwischen den beiden Dichtelementen 36, 37 und der äußeren Umfangsfläche der Aromaaufnahme 13 ausbildet. An der Aromaaufnahme 13 können zur Ausbildung des Strömungsbereiches 41 aber auch entsprechende Öffnungen und/oder Ausnehmungen vorgesehen sein, um eine Dampfströmung zu ermöglichen. In dieser Position kann sehr einfach Aroma in den Aromabehälter 32 nachgefüllt werden. Aufgrund der Funktion der Aromaaufnahme 13 als Schieberventil kann das Nachfüllen von Aroma im vollen Betrieb des Dampferzeugers 10 erfolgen. Dazu muss lediglich die Aromaaufnahme 13 aus dem Gehäuse gezogen werden, wobei die Dichtelemente 33, 34, 36, 37 dafür sorgen, dass kein heißer Dampf austreten kann. Nach dem Nachfüllen von Aroma kann die Aromaaufnahme 13 wieder in das Aromaeinheitgehäuse 40 geschoben werden, womit der Dampferzeuger 10 wieder durch den ersten Strömungsbereich 41 mit dem Dampfauslass 35 verbunden ist.In Fig. 4 is the aroma unit open, so the aroma receptacle 13 pulled out of the housing 40 of the aroma unit 12. The generated vapor flows in the aroma unit 12 in this second position through a second flow area 42 in the aroma receptacle 13, which is delimited by two sealing elements 36, 37, such as O-rings, with respect to the flavor unit housing 40. In the example shown, the second flow region 42 is essentially formed by the annular gap that forms between the two sealing elements 36, 37 and the outer circumferential surface of the aroma receptacle 13. At the aroma receptacle 13, however, corresponding openings and / or recesses may be provided for the formation of the flow area 41 in order to allow a steam flow. Aroma can be easily replenished into the aroma container 32 in this position. Due to the function of the aroma receptacle 13 as a slide valve refilling of aroma during full operation of the steam generator 10 can take place. For this purpose, only the aroma receptacle 13 must be pulled out of the housing, wherein the sealing elements 33, 34, 36, 37 ensure that no hot steam can escape. After refilling aroma, the aroma receptacle 13 can be pushed back into the aroma unit housing 40, whereby the steam generator 10 is again connected to the steam outlet 35 through the first flow area 41.

Die Aromaeinheit 12 kann aber auch noch für andere Zwecke genutzt werden, z.B. für das regelmäßig notwendige Entkalken des Dampferzeugers 10. Dazu wird die Aromaaufnahme 13, wie in Fig. 5 dargestellt, aus dem Aromaeinheitgehäuse 40 der Aromaeinheit 12 gezogen und der Aromabehälter 32 aus der Aromaaufnahme 13 entfernt. Der Dampferzeuger 10 sollte dabei natürlich nicht in Betrieb sein. Der Aromabehälter 32 kann dazu z.B. nur in die Aromabehälteraufnahme 44 gesteckt sein, damit dieser einfach entfernt werden kann. Beim Herausnehmen des Aromabehälters 32 kann ein dritter Strömungsbereich 43 in der Aromaaufnahme 13 geöffnet werden, der die Aromabehälteraufnahme 44 für den Aromabehälter 32 mit der Verbindungsleitung 38 verbindet. Selbstverständlich kann anstelle des Aromabehälters 32 an der Aromaaufnahme 13 auch eines anderes Verschlussmittel für den dritten Strömungsbereich 43 vorgesehen sein, z.B. ein einfacher Stoppel, der den dritten Strömungsbereich 43 verschließt und von außen zugänglich macht. Nun kann Entkalkungsmittel, wie z.B. Essig, z.B. über die Aromabehälteraufnahme 44, dem dritten Strömungsbereich 43 und der Verbindungsleitung 38 in den Dampferzeuger 10 gefüllt werden.However, the aroma unit 12 can also be used for other purposes, for example for the regularly necessary descaling of the steam generator 10. For this purpose, the aroma receptacle 13, as in Fig. 5 drawn out of the aroma unit housing 40 of the aroma unit 12 and the aroma container 32 is removed from the aroma receptacle 13. The steam generator 10 should of course not be in operation. For example, the aroma container 32 can only be inserted into the aroma container receptacle 44, so that it can be easily removed. At the Removing the aroma container 32, a third flow region 43 can be opened in the aroma receptacle 13, which connects the aroma container receptacle 44 for the aroma container 32 with the connecting line 38. Of course, instead of the aroma container 32 on the aroma receptacle 13, another closure means for the third flow region 43 may also be provided, for example a simple stubble, which closes the third flow region 43 and makes it accessible from the outside. Descaling agents, for example vinegar, can now be filled into the steam generator 10, for example via the aroma container receiver 44, the third flow region 43 and the connecting line 38.

In der Aromaeinheit 12 kann auch ein Führungsmittel 45 angeordnet sein, an dem die Aromaaufnahme 13 zusätzlich geführt wird. Das Führungsmittel 45 kann auch als Anschlag für die Aromaaufnahme 13 dienen, um ein zu weites Herausziehen der Aromaaufnahme 13 aus der Aromaeinheit 12 zu verhindern.In the aroma unit 12, a guide means 45 may be arranged, on which the aroma receptacle 13 is additionally guided. The guide means 45 can also serve as a stop for the aroma receptacle 13 in order to prevent too far extraction of the aroma receptacle 13 from the aroma unit 12.

In den Figs. 6 und 7 ist die Kühleinheit 20 zur Kühlung der Trennwand 17 im Dampfgenerator 1 im Detail dargestellt. Die Kühleinheit 20 ist an der Trennwand 17 befestigt. In der Kühleinheit 20 ist eine Ausnehmung 57 vorgesehen, die über Dichtelemente 52, 53, wie z.B. O-Ringe, nach außen abgedichtet ist. In der Ausnehmung 57 ist eine Abtrennung 54 vorgesehen, um eine definierte Strömungsrichtung und Durchströmung zu erzwingen. In die Ausnehmung 57 mündet hier im Bereich der Abtrennung 54 über eine Anschlussbohrung 50 die Anschlussleitung 21 des Dampfgenerators 1, über die kaltes Wasser zugeführt wird. Unter kaltem Wasser wird dabei Wasser verstanden, das einem Wasseranschluss, z.B. ein Hauswasseranschluss, entnommen wird und in der Regel Temperaturen von 5°C bis 20°C aufweisen kann [bitte prüfen]. Das kalte Wasser durchströmt, erzwungen durch die Abtrennung 54, die Ausnehmung 57 und wird über eine Abflussbohrung 55 im Bereich der anderen Seite der Abtrennung 54, die hier mit der Zuführleitung 22 des Dampferzeugers 10 verbunden ist, aus der Ausnehmung 57 abgeführt. Das kalte Wasser ist damit großflächig in direktem Kontakt mit der Trennwand 17, die auf diese Weise ausreichend gekühlt werden kann. Ebenso könnte aber vorgesehen sein, dass die Ausnehmung 57 der Kühleinheit 20 durch einen Deckel abgedeckt ist, sodass das kalte Wasser nicht mehr in direktem Kontakt mit der Trennwand 17 kommt. Die Kühlung der Trennwand 17 durch das in der Ausnehmung 57 fließende Wasser, das die Trennwand 17 indirekt über den Deckel kühlen würde, würde aber auch so ausreichend funktionieren.In the Figs. 6 and 7 the cooling unit 20 for cooling the partition wall 17 in the steam generator 1 is shown in detail. The cooling unit 20 is fixed to the partition wall 17. In the cooling unit 20, a recess 57 is provided, which is sealed to the outside via sealing elements 52, 53, such as O-rings. In the recess 57, a partition 54 is provided to force a defined flow direction and flow. In the recess 57 opens here in the region of the partition 54 via a connection bore 50, the connecting line 21 of the steam generator 1, is supplied via the cold water. By cold water is meant water, which is taken from a water connection, eg a domestic water connection, and can generally have temperatures of 5 ° C to 20 ° C [please check]. The cold water, forced through the partition 54, flows through the recess 57 and is discharged from the recess 57 via a drainage bore 55 in the region of the other side of the partition 54, which is here connected to the supply line 22 of the steam generator 10. The cold water is thus over a large area in direct contact with the partition wall 17, which can be sufficiently cooled in this way. Likewise, however, it could be provided that the recess 57 of the cooling unit 20 is covered by a lid, so that the cold water is no longer in direct contact with the partition wall 17. However, the cooling of the partition wall 17 by the water flowing in the recess 57, which would cool the partition wall 17 indirectly via the cover, would also work so well.

Durch die Kühlung der Trennwand 17 wird aber auch das Gehäuse 2 selbst gekühlt, wodurch die Oberflächentemperatur des Gehäuses 2 gesenkt werden kann. Das ermöglicht z.B., dass das Gehäuse 2 auch gefahrlos direkt als Rückenlehne verwendet werden kann.By cooling the partition wall 17 but also the housing 2 itself is cooled, whereby the surface temperature of the housing 2 can be lowered. This allows, for example, that the housing 2 can also be safely used directly as a backrest.

In der Kühleinheit 20 kann auch ein Drucksensor 51 angeordnet sein, der den Wasserdruck in der Ausnehmung 57 misst. Dieser Drucksensor 51 kann für Sicherheitszwecke genutzt werden, um festzustellen, ob überhaupt Wasser vorhanden ist. Sollte kein Wasser vorhanden sein, so darf der Dampferzeuger 10 nicht in Betrieb genommen werden, um Überhitzung des Dampferzeugers 10 zu verhindern.In the cooling unit 20 may also be arranged a pressure sensor 51 which measures the water pressure in the recess 57. This pressure sensor 51 can be used for security purposes to determine if any water is present. Should no water be present, the steam generator 10 must not be put into operation in order to prevent overheating of the steam generator 10.

Für eine komfortable Funktion des Dampfgenerators 1, z.B. für den Einsatz in einer Dampfdusche, ist ein gleichmäßiges, unterbrechungsfreies Dampfen wünschenswert. Ein Zusammenfallen des Dampfes soll dabei vermieden werden. Das kann über das Zusammenspiel von Wasserstand im Dampferzeuger 10 und Heizleistung des Heizelements im Dampferzeuger (die üblicherweise konstant ist, aber auch geregelt sein könnte) sichergestellt werden. Dabei darf nicht zu viel kaltes Wasser zugeführt werden, da dann die Leistung des Heizelements unter Umständen nicht mehr ausreichen kann, um unterbrechungsfrei den gewünschten Dampf zu erzeugen. Daher muss sichergestellt sein, dass beim Nachfüllen von Wasser in den Dampferzeuger 10 nur so viel Wasser zugeführt wird, um gleichmäßiges, unterbrechungsfreies Dampfen zu gewährleisten. Dazu wird das Wasser impulsförmig zugeführt.For a comfortable operation of the steam generator 1, e.g. for use in a steam shower, uniform, uninterrupted steaming is desirable. A collapse of the steam should be avoided. This can be ensured by the interaction of water level in the steam generator 10 and heating power of the heating element in the steam generator (which is usually constant, but could also be regulated). In this case, not too much cold water may be supplied, since then the performance of the heating element may no longer be sufficient to produce the desired vapor without interruption. Therefore, it must be ensured that when refilling water in the steam generator 10 only as much water is supplied to ensure uniform, uninterrupted steaming. For this purpose, the water is supplied in a pulse shape.

Die Menge des impulsförmig zugeführten kalten Wasser hängt aber vom Wasserdruck und von der Öffnungszeit des Füllventils 25 ab. Unter kaltem Wasser wird dabei Wasser verstanden, das einem Wasseranschluss, z.B. ein Hauswasseranschluss, entnommen wird und in der Regel Temperaturen von 5°C bis 20°C aufweisen kann. Es wird daher zuerst, z.B. bei der Inbetriebnahme oder bei jedem Einschalten des Dampfgenerators 1, der Wasserdruck gemessen. Dies kann z.B. erfolgen, indem die Zeit gemessen wird, die benötigt wird, den Dampferzeuger 10 bei offenem Füllventil 25 bis zum Ansprechen des Niveausensors 31 zu füllen. Von dieser Füllzeit kann auf den Wasserdruck geschlossen werden, z.B. empirisch durch durchgeführte Versuche und Testreihen oder aufgrund der geometrischen Verhältnisse (Strömungsquerschnitte, Verlustbeiwerte, etc.) berechnet. Alternativ könnte der Wasserdruck auch direkt gemessen werden, z.B. über den Drucksensor 51 in der Kühleinheit 20 oder durch einen beliebig anderswo angeordneten Drucksensor. In Abhängigkeit vom ermittelten Wasserdruck werden Füllimpulse, z.B. definiert durch die Zeiten für Füllen (Füllventil 25 offen) und Nicht-Füllen (Füllventil 25 geschlossen), ermittelt. Die Füllimpulse können z.B. in einer Speichereinheit 28 der Elektrikeinheit 16 einem Druckbereich zugeordnet hinterlegt sein, sodass die Füllimpulse nach Ermittlung des herrschenden Wasserdruckes von einer Steuereinheit 29, die das Füllventil 25 entsprechend ansteuert, abgerufen werden können. Ebenfalls können in Abhängigkeit des ermittelten Wasserdruckes auch die Anzahl der Füllimpulse festgelegt werden. Diese können wiederum dem Wasserdruck zugeordnet in der Speichereinheit 28 hinterlegt sein. Die Anzahl der Füllimpulse könnte aber auch fix festgelegt sein, sodass immer mit der vorgegebenen Anzahl von Füllimpulsen gefüllt wird. Der oben beschriebene Zusammenhang wird anhand der folgenden Tabelle 1 verdeutlicht, wobei in diesem Beispiel der Wasserdruck über die Füllzeit ermittelt wurde. Tabelle 1 Ermittlung der Füllimpulse Gemessene Füllzeit Daraus abgeleiteter Wasserdruck Füllimpulse Zeit für Anzahl der Impulse Füllen Nicht-Füllen <t1 p1 tF,1 tNF,1 A1 t1 - t2 p2 tF,2 tNF,2 A2 ... ... ... ... ... tn-1 - tn pn tF,n tNF,n An >tn Fehler However, the amount of impulsively supplied cold water depends on the water pressure and on the opening time of the filling valve 25. By cold water is meant water, which is taken from a water connection, eg a domestic water connection, and can generally have temperatures of 5 ° C to 20 ° C. It is therefore first, for example, during commissioning or each time the steam generator 1, the water pressure measured. This can be done, for example, by measuring the time it takes to fill the steam generator 10 with the filling valve 25 open until the level sensor 31 responds. From this filling time can be concluded that the water pressure, eg empirically calculated by experiments and test series or due to the geometric conditions (flow cross sections, loss coefficients, etc.). Alternatively, the water pressure could also be measured directly, eg via the pressure sensor 51 in the cooling unit 20 or through a pressure sensor arranged elsewhere. Depending on the determined water pressure filling pulses, eg defined by the times for filling (filling valve 25 open) and non-filling (filling valve 25 closed), determined. The filling pulses may for example be stored in a memory unit 28 of the electric unit 16 assigned to a pressure range, so that the filling pulses after determining the prevailing water pressure of a control unit 29, which controls the filling valve 25 accordingly, can be retrieved. Also, depending on the determined water pressure and the number of Füllimpulse be set. These can in turn be assigned to the water pressure in the storage unit 28 be deposited. The number of fill pulses could also be fixed, so that it is always filled with the specified number of fill pulses. The relationship described above is illustrated by the following Table 1, wherein in this example, the water pressure over the filling time was determined. Table 1 Determination of the filling pulses Measured filling time From this derived water pressure Filling pulses time for Number of pulses To fill Non-filling <t 1 p 1 t F, 1 t NF, 1 A 1 t 1 - t 2 p 2 t F, 2 t NF, 2 A 2 ... ... ... ... ... tn -1 -tn p n t F, n t NF, n A n > t n error

Ab einem bestimmten ermittelten minimalen Wasserdruck kann von einem Fehler ausgegangen werden und es kann eine entsprechende Fehlermeldung ausgegeben werden, z.B. durch eine blinkende LED oder durch eine Anzeige auf der Bedieneinheit 4. Der Betrieb des Dampfgenerators 1 wird dabei unterbunden bis der Fehler behoben ist.From a certain determined minimum water pressure can be assumed that an error and it can be issued a corresponding error message, e.g. by a flashing LED or by a display on the control unit 4. The operation of the steam generator 1 is prevented until the error is corrected.

Alternativ könnte aber auch ein kontinuierliches Nachfüllen (entspricht einem einzigen Impuls) des Dampferzeugers 10 realisiert sein. Dazu wird die Nachfüllzeit (Füllventil 25 offen) in Abhängigkeit des ermittelten Wasserdruckes festgelegt.Alternatively, however, a continuous refilling (corresponding to a single pulse) of the steam generator 10 could also be realized. For this purpose, the refill time (filling valve 25 open) is determined as a function of the determined water pressure.

Nach dem Ende des Betriebs des Dampfgenerators 1, z.B. indem der Dampfgenerator 1 manuell abgeschaltet wird, befindet sich noch heißes Wasser im Dampferzeuger 10. Dieses heiße Wasser (mit Temperaturen von bis 90°C und mehr) kann aber nicht einfach über das Entleerventil 24 und den Dampfauslass 14 abgelassen werden, da dabei Gefahr für die Verbrühung von Personen besteht und das aus Sicherheitsgründen folglich zu verhindern ist. Es ist daher ein kontrolliertes Entleeren notwendig, um eine maximale Austrittstemperatur des zu entleerenden Wassers (z.B. max. 42°C) zu gewährleisten. Dazu wird während des Entleerens kaltes Wasser beigemengt und mit dem heißen Wasser vermischt. Das kalte Wasser wird vorteilhafter Weise impulsförmig beigemengt, um eine gute Durchmischung mit dem heißen Wasser zu erzielen. Die Mischimpulse werden wiederum vom ermittelten Wasserdruck (wie oben beschrieben) abhängig gemacht. Die Mischimpulse werden in Abhängigkeit vom Wasserdruck entweder über das Füllventil 25 oder das Entleerventil 24 erzeugt, die dazu von der Steuereinheit 29 angesteuert werden. Die Entleerung wird vorzugsweise während einer vorgegebenen Entleerdauer, die ebenfalls vom Wasserdruck abhängig sein kann, durchgeführt. Der oben beschriebene Zusammenhang wird anhand der folgenden Tabelle 2 verdeutlicht, wobei in diesem Beispiel der Wasserdruck über die Füllzeit (siehe oben) ermittelt wurde. Tabelle 2 Ermittlung der Mischimpulse Gemessene Füllzeit Wasserdruck Füllventil 25 Entleerventils 24 Entleerdauer offen geschlossen offen geschlossen <t1 p1 tF,offen,1 tF,geschl,1 ein - tEnt,1 t1 - t2 p2 tF,offen,2 tF,geschl,2 ein - tEnt,2 ... ... tk-1 - tk pk tF,offen,k tF,geschl,k ein - tEnt,k tk - tk+1 pk+1 ein - ein - tEnt,k+1 tk+1 - tk+2 pk+2 ein - tE,offen,k+2 tE,geschl,k+2 tEnt,k+1 ... ... tn-1 - tn pn ein - tE,offen,n tE,geschl,n tEnt,n >tn Fehler After the end of the operation of the steam generator 1, for example by the steam generator 1 is switched off manually, there is still hot water in the steam generator 10. This hot water (with temperatures of up to 90 ° C and more) but can not easily on the emptying valve 24 and the steam outlet 14 are drained, since this is a danger to the scalding of persons and therefore for safety reasons is to be prevented. Therefore, a controlled emptying is necessary to ensure a maximum outlet temperature of the water to be emptied (eg max 42 ° C). For this purpose, cold water is added during emptying and mixed with the hot water. The cold water is advantageously impulsively added to achieve a good mixing with the hot water. The mixing pulses are in turn made dependent on the determined water pressure (as described above). The mixing pulses are generated as a function of the water pressure either via the filling valve 25 or the emptying valve 24, which are controlled by the control unit 29. The emptying is preferably during a given discharge duration, which also depends on the water pressure can be dependent. The relationship described above is illustrated by the following Table 2, in which example the water pressure over the filling time (see above) was determined. Table 2 Determination of the mixing pulses Measured filling time water pressure Filling valve 25 Emptying valve 24 Entleerdauer open closed open closed <t 1 p 1 t F, open, 1 t F, closed, 1 one - t Ent, 1 t 1 - t 2 p 2 t F, open, 2 t F, closed, 2 one - t Ent, 2 ... ... tk-1 -tk p k t F, open, k t F, closed, k one - t Ent, k t k - t k + 1 pk + 1 one - one - t Ent, k + 1 t k + 1 - t k + 2 p k + 2 one - t E, open, k + 2 t E, closed, k + 2 t Ent, k + 1 ... ... tn -1 -tn p n one - t E, open , n t E, closed, n t ent, n > t n error

In einem ersten Bereich mit hohem Wasserdruck (kurzer Füllzeit) werden die Mischimpulse über das Füllventil 25 erzeugt und das Entleerventil 24 dauerhaft (während der Entleerdauer) auf offen gestellt. Aufgrund des hohen Wasserdruckes kann so ausreichend kaltes Wasser zugeführt werden, um eine ausreichende Durchmischung zu erzielen, um eine aus Sicherheitsgründen notwendig niedrige Tempertur des ablaufenden Wassers sicherzustellen. In einem zweiten Bereich werden sowohl das Füllventil 25, als auch das Entleerventil 24, dauerhaft geöffnet, da der Wasserdruck für eine permanente Zufuhr von kaltem Wasser und gleichzeitiger Entleerung passend ist. In einem dritten Bereich mit niedrigem Wasserdruck (langer Füllzeit) wird das Füllventil 25 dauerhaft geöffnet und die Mischimpulse über das Entleerventil 24 erzeugt. In diesem Bereich reicht der Wasserdruck nicht aus, um eine ausreichende Durchmischung bei impulsartiger Zufuhr von kaltem Wasser zu gewährleisten. Das kalte Wasser wird daher laufend zugeführt und die Mischung aus heißem Wasser aus dem Dampferzeuger 10 und kaltem Wasser nach einer bestimmten Mischzeit (Entleerventil 24 geschlossen) für eine bestimmte Dauer impulsförmig entleert (Entleerventil 24 offen), um eine aus Sicherheitsgründen notwendig niedrige Temperatur des ablaufenden Wassers sicherzustellen.In a first area with high water pressure (short filling time), the mixing pulses are generated via the filling valve 25 and the emptying valve 24 permanently (during the emptying period) open. Due to the high water pressure so cold enough water can be supplied in order to achieve sufficient mixing to ensure a necessary low temperature for safety reasons of running water. In a second area, both the filling valve 25 and the emptying valve 24 are permanently opened, since the water pressure is suitable for a permanent supply of cold water and simultaneous emptying. In a third area with low water pressure (long filling time), the filling valve 25 is permanently opened and the mixing pulses are generated via the emptying valve 24. In this area, the water pressure is not sufficient to ensure sufficient mixing in pulse-like supply of cold water. The cold water is therefore continuously supplied and the mixture of hot water from the steam generator 10 and cold water after a certain mixing time (emptying valve 24 closed) for a certain duration pulsed emptied (emptying valve 24 open) to a necessary low for safety reasons temperature of the expiring To ensure water.

Der oben beschriebene Dampfgenerator 1 kann z.B. in einer Dampfdusche 60 verwendet werden, wie in Fig. 8 gezeigt. Die Dampfdusche besteht im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel aus Glaswänden 61, 62 und einer Tür 63, die an der Glaswand 62 schwenkbar angeordnet ist. Die Glaswände 61, 62 und die Tür 63, an der ein Griff 68 angeordnet ist, bilden eine Kabine, in der der Dampfgenerator 1 angeordnet ist. Die Kabine ist oben durch ein Dach 69 abgeschlossen und kann unten durch eine Wanne 67 abgeschossen sein. Im Dach können Lautsprecher 64 und/oder Lichter 65, z.B. für eine Lichttherapie, angeordnet sein. Ebenfalls können noch weitere Funktionseinheiten an der Kabine angeordnet sein. Die Lautsprecher 64, die Lichter 65 und eventuelle weitere Funktionseinheiten können durch die Fernbedienung 5 des Dampfgenerators 1 gesteuert werden. In der Kabine können weiters Sitze 66 vorgesehen sein, damit ein Benutzer der Dampfdusche bequem ein Dampfbad genießen kann.The above-described steam generator 1 may be used, for example, in a steam shower 60, as in FIG Fig. 8 shown. The steam shower consists in the embodiment shown glass walls 61, 62 and a door 63 which is pivotally mounted on the glass wall 62. The glass walls 61, 62 and the door 63, on which a handle 68 is arranged, form a cabin, in which the steam generator 1 is arranged. The cabin is closed at the top by a roof 69 and can be shot down by a trough 67. Loudspeakers 64 and / or lights 65, for example for light therapy, may be arranged in the roof. Likewise, further functional units can be arranged on the cabin. The speakers 64, the lights 65 and any other functional units can be controlled by the remote control 5 of the steam generator 1. Seats 66 may further be provided in the cab to allow a user of the steam shower to comfortably enjoy a steam bath.

Claims (13)

  1. A steam generator comprising a housing (2) which is divided into two parts by a partition (17) disposed in the housing (2), an electrical unit (16) being disposed in a first housing part and a boiler (10) being disposed in a second housing part, characterized in that a cooling unit (20) in which an aperture (57) is provided, through which the cooling medium flows, is disposed on the partition (17).
  2. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that a first line opens into the aperture (57), via which cooling agent, preferably cold water, is supplied.
  3. The steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that a connecting line (21) for water for the steam generator (1) opens into the aperture (57).
  4. A steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a second line opens into the aperture (57), via which cooling agent is discharged from the aperture (57).
  5. The steam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that a feed line (22) for water for the boiler (10) opens into the aperture (57).
  6. A steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a separation (54) is provided in the aperture (57), wherein the first line opens into the region of the separation (54) and the second line opens into the region of the other side of the separation (54).
  7. A steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an aroma unit (12) is provided, which is connected to the boiler (10) via a connecting line (38), and a steam connection (35) is provided on the aroma unit (12) via which aromatized steam can be discharged, and an aroma container (32) for accommodating aroma is disposed in an aroma receptacle (13) of the aroma unit (12), wherein the aroma unit (12) comprises an aroma unit housing (40), in which the aroma receptacle (13) is disposed and the aroma receptacle (13) is disposed so as to be movable relative to the aroma unit housing (40) between a first position and a second position, further characterized in that a first flow region (41) is provided in the aroma receptacle (13), the first flow region being delimited by two sealing elements (33, 34) with respect to the aroma unit housing (40), and the aroma container (32) is disposed in the first flow channel (41), wherein in the first position the first flow region (41) connects the boiler (10) to the steam connection (35), and further characterized in that in the aroma receptacle (13) a second flow region (42) is provided which is delimited by two sealing elements (36, 37) with respect to the aroma unit housing (40), wherein in the second position the second flow region (42) connects the boiler (10) to the steam connection (35).
  8. The steam generator according to claim 7, characterized in that a third flow region (43) is provided in the aroma receptacle (13) and a closing means for closing the third flow region (43) is provided, wherein the third flow region (43) is connected to the connecting line (38).
  9. The steam generator according to claim 8, characterized in that the aroma container (32), disposed in an aroma container receptacle (44), is provided as the closing means.
  10. A steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the boiler (10) is connected to a feed line (22) for supplying cold water and a drain line (26) for draining the boiler (10), wherein a filling valve (25) is disposed in the feed line (22) and a drain valve (24) is disposed in the drain line (26), which can be actuated by a control unit (29) in a pulsed manner, wherein the control unit (29) ascertains the opening and closing times of the filling valve (25) and/or of the drain valve (24) as a function of the pressure of the cold water that is supplied.
  11. The steam generator according to claim 10, characterized in that the number of filling pulses and/or the drain duration can be ascertained in the control unit (29) as a function of the pressure of the supplied cold water.
  12. The steam generator according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a memory unit (28) is provided, in which the opening and closing times of the filling valve (25) and/or of the drain valve (24) and/or the number of filling pulses and/or the drain duration are stored as a function of the water pressure.
  13. A steam generator according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that a level sensor (31) is provided in the boiler (10), and the time that is required to fill the boiler (10) until the level sensor (31) responds can be measured in the control unit (29), and the water pressure can be ascertained in the control unit (10) as a function of the measured filling time.
EP20100155135 2009-03-05 2010-03-02 Steam generator with cooling unit Active EP2423580B1 (en)

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GB2536254A (en) * 2015-03-10 2016-09-14 Maclean Int Ltd Methods and apparatus for providing steam containing essential oils associated with aromatherapy

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US4132883A (en) * 1976-06-14 1979-01-02 Champion Spark Plug Company Electric steam vaporizer
DE69006567T2 (en) * 1989-10-20 1994-09-08 Stem Srl Steam generator for household and industry.
US5616265A (en) * 1994-08-08 1997-04-01 Altman; Mitchell Steam generating apparatus and method of controlling the same

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