JP2001104440A - Steam generator and sauna apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steam generator capable of preventing the outflow of a proper amount of the hot water in a hot water tank to the outside to the utmost when the whole of the steam generator falls in a direction easy to fall based on a structural aspect. SOLUTION: A steam forming part 30 is arranged above a hot water tank 20 and the lower end part thereof is arranged at the position superposed on the opening surface of the hot water tank 20 so that the hot water not evaporated in the steam forming part 30 is allowed to fall to the hot water tank 20 as it is. An upper plate 21 is provided to the hot water tank 20 so as to cover the opening surface thereof and a communication port 31 communicating with the lower end part of the steam forming part 30 is provided to the upper plate 21 at a position holding a height capable of preventing the outflow of a proper amount of the hot water in the hot water tank 20 toward the steam forming part 30 when the whole of an apparatus falls.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steam generator for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere at a desired place. The steam generator here is usually portable, and constitutes a main part of a sauna device that can be used by elderly people, physically handicapped persons, and the like in, for example, general homes and nursing homes.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Portable sauna devices that can be used in ordinary homes and nursing homes have become more and more important with the recent increase in welfare momentum. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-1
The one disclosed in JP 04208 has already been proposed.

[0003] The conventional steam generator includes a heat exchange section,
The water exchange unit includes a water sprinkling unit that sprinkles hot water to the heat exchange unit, a hot water supply unit that supplies the hot water to the water sprinkling unit, a blower that sends steam generated in the heat exchange unit to the outside, and the like. Here, the tank, which is the hot water supply section, is configured separately from other components such as the heat exchange section.

[0004] However, in order to reuse the heat of the waste water sprinkled from the water sprinkling section, in addition to the above configuration, a waste water storing section disposed below the heat exchanging section, It was necessary to provide a pump for supplying waste water to the hot water supply unit. As described above, in order to effectively reuse the calorific value of the drainage water sprinkled from the water sprinkling section, the number of parts naturally increases, and the structure attached to the use of the plurality of independent parts is unnecessarily complicated. was there.

[0005] In view of the inconvenience of the conventional steam generator, the applicant has arranged a steam generator above the hot water tank to evaporate the hot water sent from the hot water tank. An attempt is being made to develop a new steam generator in which the remaining hot water that has not been vaporized by the method is dropped directly into the hot water tank.

[0006]

The steam generator under development as described above has a structure in which the hot water tank and the steam generator are vertically close to each other and are connected to each other. Therefore, when the entire portable device is accidentally overturned, the hot water in the hot water tank may easily flow out from the side that discharges steam through the steam generation unit to the outside.

[0007] Further, due to the actual structure, an air flow path for supplying air taken in from outside is communicated with the steam generating section, and the hot water tank is further provided with a water supply section for supplying water. . Here, the water supply unit may be opened and closed as appropriate, but the air flow path cannot be closed during operation of the apparatus. Therefore, in the case where the entire device has fallen, from the air flow path and the open water supply unit,
There was no denying that the hot water in the hot water tank could flow out through these.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the steam generator under development, and when the entire device falls down in a direction in which it is likely to fall down due to its structure, an appropriate amount is stored in the hot water tank. An object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator and a sauna device that can prevent hot water from flowing out to the outside as much as possible.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems The gist of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object lies in the following inventions. [1] In a portable steam generator (10) for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere at a desired place, a hot water tank (20) and a hot water tank disposed above the hot water tank (20) A steam generation unit (30) for evaporating the hot water sent from (20), and a steam blowing unit (50) communicating with the steam generation unit (30) and discharging steam to the outside; The lower end side of the steam generation section (30) receives the remaining hot water that has not been vaporized as it is in the hot water tank (2).
0) so as to be dropped into the hot water tank (20).
0) is provided with an upper plate (21) that covers the opening surface thereof, and a communication port (31) is formed in the upper plate (21) to communicate with the lower end side of the steam generator (30). ) Is established at a position where a suitable amount of hot water in the hot water tank (20) does not flow out to the steam generating section (30) when the entire apparatus falls down. 10).

[2] The lower end side of the steam generating section (30) is connected to the upper plate (21), and the entire periphery of the communication port (31) in the connection cross section at the lower end side is turned over. At this time, the hot water tank (20) is shaped so as to protrude inside the connection cross section so as to maintain a height position at which an appropriate amount of hot water does not flow out to the steam generating unit (30) side [1]. The steam generator (10) as described.

[3] The steam generator (10) according to [2], wherein a periphery of the communication port (31) protruding inward of the connection section is inclined downward.

[4] An intake section (230) for taking in air from the outside, and a fan (40) for sending out the steam to the steam blowing section (50) together with the air taken in from the intake section (230). And the suction unit (23)
0) is connected to the hot water tank (20) at a position on the maximum amount of hot water level in the hot water tank (20), and the hot water tank (20) below the upper plate (21) from the start end of the suction part (230). 20) From the space above the warm water surface in the communication port (3)
1) to form an airflow path from the steam generator (30) to the steam blower (50) via the steam generator (30);
When the entire apparatus is turned over, a suitable amount of hot water in the hot water tank (20) is supplied to the intake section (23).
The steam generator (10) according to [1], [2] or [3], wherein the steam generator is opened at a position where the height does not flow out to the 0) side.

[5] The steam generator (10) according to [4], wherein the vent (231) is opened in the upper plate (21).

[6] The steam generator according to [4] or [5], wherein a filter (233) for preventing foreign matter from entering is detachably attached to the opening at the start end of the suction section (230). (10).

[7] A water supply unit (210) for supplying water from outside to the hot water tank (20) is provided, and the terminal side of the water supply unit (210) is connected to the hot water tank (20). The water inlet (211) is opened at a position where a proper amount of hot water in the hot water tank (20) does not flow out to the water supply section (210) when the entire apparatus falls down. 1], [2], [3], [4],
The steam generator (10) according to [5] or [6].

[8] The steam generator (10) according to [7], wherein a filter (213) for preventing foreign matter from entering is detachably attached to the opening at the start end of the water supply section (210).

[9] [1], [2], [3], [4],
The steam generator (10) according to [5], [6], [7] or [8] is combined with a body storage body capable of storing a substantially whole body of a human body. A portable sauna apparatus, wherein the generated steam is supplied into the body housing, and the body housing is set to a humid atmosphere.

Next, the operation based on the above-mentioned solution will be described. According to the steam generator (10) according to the present invention, the hot water in the hot water tank (20) is supplied to the steam generator (30), and the hot water is vaporized by the steam generator (30).
Steam can be generated to create a humid atmosphere. In the steam generating section (30), specifically, for example, steam can be easily generated by contacting sprinkled hot water with countercurrent air in a contact area as large as possible.

The steam generator (30) includes a hot water tank (2).
0), and particularly at the lower end side of the steam generator (30), so that the remainder of the hot water that has not been vaporized is dropped into the hot water tank (20) as it is. It is arranged at a position overlapping the opening surface. As a result, the excess hot water in the steam generating section (30) can be returned to the hot water tank (2) again with a simple configuration without using any power.
0) can be easily returned, and the amount of heat of the hot water can be reused.

In addition, the opening surface of the hot water tank (20) is covered with an upper plate (21) to form a closed structure, and the upper plate (21) is connected to the lower end of the steam generating section (30). The mouth (31) is opened, but this communication mouth (31)
When the whole apparatus falls down, the hot water tank (20) is set up at a position where a proper amount of hot water does not flow out to the steam generating section (30) side.

Accordingly, the hot water tanks (2
0) and the steam generating section (30), the hot water in the hot water tank (20) passes through the steam generating section (30) through the steam generating section (30) when the apparatus falls down. It is possible to reliably and easily prevent the air from flowing out from the blow-out portion (50).

The area and shape of the communication port (31) are as follows:
It is mainly determined specifically based on the direction in which the entire device easily falls down, the volume of hot water stored in an appropriate amount in the hot water tank (20), and the like. Therefore, it is not always necessary to match the connection cross section when the lower end side of the steam generation section (30) is connected to the upper plate (21).

For example, in the case where the area of the connection section to the upper plate (21) on the lower end side of the steam generation section (30) is relatively large, the peripheral edge of the communication port (31) in this connection section is cut off. When the entire apparatus falls, an appropriate amount of hot water is supplied to the steam generating section (3) in the hot water tank (20).
The shape may be such that it protrudes inward of the connection cross section to such an extent that a height position that does not flow out to the 0) side is maintained.

Here, if the periphery of the communication port (31) projecting to the inside of the connection cross section is inclined downward, excess moisture in the steam generating section (30) is efficiently removed from the communication port (3).
It can be dropped from 1) to the lower hot water tank (20).

The end of the suction section (230) is connected to a position on the hot water tank (20) at the highest temperature level in the hot water tank (20), and the upper plate is connected from the starting end of the suction section (230). (21) An airflow path from the space above the hot water surface in the lower hot water tank (20) to the steam blower (50) from the steam generator (30) through the communication port (31). For example, by operating the fan (40), the blower for sending the steam toward the steam blower (50) is
The hot water tank (20) without providing a separate heater or the like
It can be heated efficiently using the residual heat inside.

In such a structure, the intake section (2
An air vent (231) whose end side communicates with the hot water tank (20) also has an appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank (20) when the entire device is turned over.
It is good to set up at a position that keeps the height that does not flow out to the 0) side.
Thus, as in the case of the communication port (31), the hot water tank (2
It is possible to reliably and easily prevent the warm water in 0) from flowing out to the outside through the intake section (230).

The vent (231) may be opened in the upper plate (21). Further, the intake section (23)
0), a filter (2) for preventing contamination
If the filter 33 is detachably attached, foreign matter can be prevented from entering the inside of the device from the suction section 230, and the filter 233 can be detachably attached, which facilitates replacement and maintenance. .

Further, the water supply port (21) is connected at the end side of the water supply section (210) to the hot water tank (20).
1) Also, when the entire device falls, the hot water tank (2)
It is good to set up at the position which keeps the height where the appropriate amount of hot water in 0) does not flow out to the water supply section (210). A filter (213) for preventing foreign matter from entering may be detachably attached to the opening at the start end of the water supply section (210).

The steam generator (10) described above is
When a portable sauna device is configured in combination with a body storage body that can store substantially the whole body of the human body, the steam generator (1)
By supplying the steam generated in 0) to the body storage body, the body storage body can be made to have a humid atmosphere. According to such a sauna device, a healthy person or a physically handicapped person,
Regardless of the elderly, a sauna bath can be easily obtained even in a bedroom or the like.

[0030]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 11 show an embodiment of the present invention. The steam generator 10 according to the present embodiment is a device that generates steam for forming a humid atmosphere at a desired place. Such a steam generator 1
Reference numeral 0 denotes a portable type, which is suitable for use as a main part of a sauna device that can be used in a general home, a nursing home for the elderly, or the like in a state where an elderly person, a physically handicapped person, or the like is lying down.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 8 to 10, a steam generator 10 has a cover body 1 in which various related parts are stored.
1, a lid portion 12 that can be opened and closed is provided on one side wall surface of the cover main body 11 (a portion facing one side wall surface 20a of the hot water tank 20 described later). The lid portion 12 is connected to the cover body 11 side by a pair of upper and lower hinges 12a, 12a (see FIG. 8) so as to be openable and closable.

On the upper surface of the cover body 11, an operation panel 13 having various switches 120 and a display unit 130 is provided.
Is provided. Further, a carrying handle 14 is protrudingly provided near the center of gravity of the upper surface of the cover body 11. Note that four support legs 15, 15,... Are attached below the bottom surface of the cover body 11.

The hot water tank 2 is provided inside the cover body 11.
0, various related components such as a steam generating unit 30 for evaporating hot water, a steam blowing unit 50 for discharging steam to the outside, and a fan 40 are compactly housed. Also, the cover body 1
A power cord 16 extends from the lower end of the power cord 1 to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water tank 20 is disposed at the lowermost part of the cover body 11. Hot water tank 2
No. 0 has a closed structure in which the opening surface is covered with the upper plate 21. Near the bottom of the hot water tank 20, a heater 22 for directly heating the supplied water to a predetermined temperature is provided.

As the heater 22, specifically, a throw-in type electric heater is used from the viewpoint of thermal efficiency and cost.
In the hot water tank 20, a temperature sensor 23 (see FIG. 7) for detecting the temperature of the hot water and a float switch 24 for detecting the capacity of the hot water are provided.

On one side wall surface 20a of the hot water tank 20, a water supply portion 2 for supplying water into the hot water tank 20 from outside is provided.
10 are provided. The water supply unit 210 is formed of a tubular body, and the terminal side thereof is connected to a position below the hot water level of the minimum required amount (the amount of water that can entirely cover the heater 22) in the hot water tank 20.

Here, the end side of the water supply section 210 is defined as one side wall surface 2.
The water inlet 211 connected to the water outlet 0a is provided at a position where an appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank 20 does not flow out of the water outlet 211 to the outside when the entire device falls down in the front-rear direction where the structure is likely to fall. Have been.

More specifically, referring to FIG.
Is arranged at a position overlapping on a center line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the upper surface of the opening of the hot water tank 20, so that when the hot water tank 20 falls together with the entire apparatus, it is separated upward by a height H3 from the tank bottom at the time of falling. Is set. At the time of such a fall, the water level of the appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank 20 does not exceed the height H3.

The water supply section 210 extends upward along the one side wall surface 20a from the water supply port 211, and a water supply port 212 is provided at a starting end which is an upper end thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the water supply port 212 is inclined and opened so that the inside can be seen from the outside.
12a is set so as to coincide with the position of the maximum water amount (the amount overflowing from the lower edge 212a of the water supply port 212) of the hot water tank 20 as the hot water surface.

At the water supply port 212, a strainer (filter) 213 for preventing foreign matter from entering is detachably attached. Further, a cap 214 is attached to the water supply port 212 so as to be openable and closable. The water supply port 212 is closed by a cap 214 except at the time of water supply.

A drain portion 2 for discharging hot water (including water) in the hot water tank 20 to the outside is provided below the water supply portion 210 on one side wall surface 20a of the hot water tank 20.
20 are provided. The drain portion 220 is formed of a tubular body, and the terminal end side thereof is connected to the bottom wall (the lowest position) of the hot water tank 20 near the side wall surface 20a side.

The end of the drain 220 is connected to the hot water tank 20.
Is extended to one wall surface 20a side, and a knob 2
A valve 221 which is opened and closed by the valve 22 is provided. Here, the knob 222 is one wall surface 2 of the hot water tank 20.
It is arranged in a state where it can be easily operated from the 0a side.

An intake unit 230 for taking in air from the outside is provided above the hot water tank 20. The suction portion 230 is formed of a tubular body, and the end side thereof is connected to a position on the hot water tank 20 at the maximum amount of hot water surface.

Vent 231 at the end of intake section 230
Are provided on the upper plate 21. This vent 23
1, when the entire device falls down in the front-back direction, which is likely to fall due to its structure, an appropriate amount of hot water is
It is established at a position where it does not flow out from 31 to the intake section 230 side.

More specifically, referring to FIG.
Is arranged at a position where the center of the opening overlaps with a center line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the upper surface of the opening of the hot water tank 20, and when the hot water tank 20 falls with the whole apparatus, it is separated upward by a height H2 from the tank bottom at the time of falling. Is set to At the time of such a fall, the water level of the appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank 20 does not exceed the height H2. Note that the area and shape of the vent 231 may be specifically determined based on the tank water volume, the ideal air volume, and the like.

The start end of the suction section 230 extends to the side wall surface 20a of the hot water tank 20, and an intake port 232 is provided at the start end. A strainer (filter) 233 for preventing foreign matter from entering is also detachably attached to the intake port 232.

[0047] Above the hot water tank 20, a steam generator 30 for vaporizing the hot water sent from the hot water tank 20 is provided.
Are arranged integrally. The lower end of the steam generator 30 is
Disposed at a position overlapping the opening surface of the hot water tank 20,
A communication port 31 for communicating with the lower end side of the steam generation unit 30 is opened in the upper plate 21 closing the opening surface.

The communication port 31 is set so that the residual water that has not been vaporized in the vapor generation section 30 falls directly into the hot water tank. Further, in the present embodiment, from a suction port 232 of the suction section 230 to a space on a hot water surface in the hot water tank 20 below the upper plate 21, a steam generation section 30 described later from the steam generation section 30 through the communication port 31. An airflow path is formed so as to reach the blowout section 50.

The communication port 31 is provided at a position where an appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank 20 does not flow out to the steam generating section 30 when the entire apparatus falls down in the front-rear direction where the structure is likely to fall. ing.

More specifically, referring to FIG.
Is disposed at a position where the center of the opening overlaps with a center line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the upper surface of the opening of the hot water tank 20, and when the hot water tank 20 falls together with the entire apparatus, it is separated upward by a height H1 from the tank bottom at the time of falling. Is set to At the time of such a fall, the water level of the appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank 20 does not exceed the height H1.

Here, the area and the shape of the communication port 31 are appropriately determined mainly depending on the front-rear direction in which the entire apparatus is likely to fall and the specific volume of the hot water contained in the hot water tank 20 in an appropriate amount. Connection section 3 on the lower end side of 30
It is not always necessary to match 0a.

When the area of the connection section 30a on the lower end side of the steam generation section 30 is relatively large as in the present embodiment, the periphery of the communication port 31 with respect to the connection section 30a is When the entire body falls, the shape protrudes inward (upward when the body falls) of the connection cross section 30a so that an appropriate amount of warm water in the warm water tank 30 does not flow out to the steam generator 30 side. D). The size of the connection section 30a on the lower end side of the steam generation section 30 is specifically set based on a space capacity required for steam generation, its cross-sectional area, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, an injection means 32 and a heat exchange member 33 are provided in the steam generating section 30. The injection means 32 is disposed so as to extend horizontally in the upper part of the steam generation unit 30, and includes a nozzle for spraying hot water sent from the hot water tank 20. The nozzle is provided with a plurality of small holes at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction.

The heat exchanging member 33 receives the hot water sprinkled and sprayed downward from the jetting means 32 and vaporizes it. Specifically, the heat exchanging plates 33 are arranged substantially horizontally in three upper and lower stages. 34. Each heat exchange plate 34 has a shape substantially conforming to the cross section of the steam generation unit 30, and although not shown, a number of small holes are densely formed, and the contact area with water is enlarged. I have.

As shown in FIG. 4, the injection means 32 and the hot water tank 20 are connected by hot water supply means 240 for pumping hot water by power. The hot water supply means 240
A suction-side circulating hose 242 for connecting the drive pump 241 and the lower part of the hot water tank 20 in communication with each other.
And a circulating hose 243 on the delivery side that connects and connects the drive pump 241 and the injection means 32.

As shown in FIG. 1, a fan 40 is mounted on the upper end side of the steam generator 30 via a support 41. The fan 40 is driven to rotate by a drive motor 40a, and draws air from the suction unit 230 into the inside of the device and sends out the steam generated by the steam generation unit 30 to the steam blowing unit 50. Fan 40
Consists of a centrifugal fan.

A steam outlet 50 for discharging steam to the outside is connected to the side of the fan 40. Steam outlet 5
Numeral 0 is a tubular body, and its outlet side extends to the outside while penetrating the side wall of the cover body 11. In addition, a temperature sensor 51 for detecting the temperature of the steam to be blown out is provided inside the steam blowing unit 50.

The steam generator 30 and the fan 4
Behind 0, a control unit 100 is provided. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 100 includes a microcomputer 110 for controlling the operation of the entire apparatus. The microcomputer 110 includes various switches 120 and a display unit 130 on the operation panel 13, a heater 22, a temperature sensor 23, and a float switch 2.
4. Control-related devices such as a drive pump 241, a drive motor 40a, and a temperature sensor 51 are connected via signal lines.

Next, the operation will be described. In the apparatus schematic diagram shown in FIG. 11, when a preparation switch, which is one of the switches 120, is turned on, the heater 22 of the hot water tank 20 heats the internal water to make it hot water. Here, the control unit 100
For example, the hot water in the hot water tank 20 can be controlled at a constant value of 60 ° C. or the like.

Further, the drive pump 241 is driven, and the hot water in the hot water tank 20 is pumped to the injection means 32 located above the steam generating section 30, and the hot water is directed from the injection means 32 to each heat exchange plate 34 below. Is sprayed. In addition, fan 4
0 is also rotationally driven, and air is blown from the space on the hot water surface in the hot water tank 20 below the upper plate 21 from the suction unit 230 to the air flow path from the steam generation unit 30 to the steam blowing unit 50 via the communication port 31. .

Here, the air blown to the steam generator 30 can be efficiently heated by utilizing the residual heat in the hot water tank 20 without providing a separate heater or the like. Steam generator 3
At 0, the hot water is vaporized by the contact of the hot water sprayed and sprayed on each heat exchange plate 34 with the countercurrent of the warm air. The generated steam is sent to the steam blowing unit 50 by the blowing air flowing through the airflow path, and is blown to the outside as it is.

The temperature at which the steam is blown out is detected by a temperature sensor 51 provided in the steam blow-out section 50, and based on the discharge temperature signal, the microcomputer 110 controls the output of the drive pump 241 to increase or decrease the amount of hot water sprayed. By doing so, the temperature at which the steam is blown out can be adjusted to a desired value. When this apparatus is used as a sauna apparatus to be described later, it is preferable to maintain the medium temperature at 38 ° C to 44 ° C. The stop of the apparatus is performed by a stop switch or an automatic timer.

In particular, in the present apparatus, the steam generating section 30 is disposed above the hot water tank 20, and the lower end of the steam generating section 30 drops the remaining hot water that has not been vaporized into the hot water tank 20 as it is. So that the hot water tank 20
Is arranged at a position overlapping the opening surface of the. Therefore, the excess hot water in the steam generation section 30 can be easily returned to the hot water tank 20 again with a simple configuration without using any power, and the heat of the hot water can be effectively reused.

The hot water tank 20 is provided with an upper plate 21 for covering the opening surface thereof to form a closed structure.
1 is a communication port 31 through which the lower end of the steam generator 30 communicates.
However, as shown in FIG. 3, the communication port 31 is opened at a position where an appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank 20 does not flow out to the steam generating unit 30 when the entire device is turned over. ing.

As a result, the hot water tank 20
Also in the structure in which the steam generation unit 30 and the communication unit 31 communicate with each other, it is ensured that the hot water in the hot water tank 20 flows out of the steam blowing unit 50 through the steam generation unit 30 through the communication port 31 when the apparatus falls. And it can be prevented easily.

Although not shown in the drawings as another configuration example,
If the periphery (D in FIG. 3) of the communication port 30 protruding inward of the connection cross section 30a is inclined downward, excess water in the steam generation unit 30 can be efficiently drained from the hot water tank 20 below the communication port 30. Can be dropped.

The ventilation port 231 at the end of the suction unit 230 is also located at a position where an appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank 20 does not flow out to the suction unit 230 side when the whole apparatus falls down. With the opening, the hot water in the hot water tank 20 can be reliably and easily prevented from flowing out of the hot water tank 20 from the vent hole 231 when the device falls down, as in the case of the communication port 31.

Further, a strainer 233 for preventing foreign matter from entering is detachably attached to the intake port 232 on the starting end side of the intake section 230, so that foreign matter can be prevented from entering the inside of the apparatus from the intake port 232. Can be prevented.
In addition, since the strainer 233 is detachable, its replacement and maintenance become easy.

Further, the water supply port 211, which is the terminal side of the water supply unit 210, is also located at a position where the appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank 20 does not flow out to the water supply unit 210 side when the whole apparatus is overturned. The hot water in the hot water tank 20 can be reliably and easily prevented from flowing out from the water inlet 211 when the apparatus falls down.

Further, the strainer 213 for preventing foreign matter from entering the water supply port 212, which is the starting end side of the water supply section 210, is detachably attached to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the apparatus from the water supply port 212. Can be prevented.
In addition, since the strainer 213 is also detachable, its replacement and maintenance become easy.

The above steam generator 10 may be configured as a portable sauna device in combination with a body storage body capable of storing substantially the whole body of a human body. By supplying the steam generated by the steam generator 10 into the body housing, the body housing can be made to have a humid atmosphere.

Here, the body storage body is described in, for example,
From the sleeping bag-shaped one disclosed in 104208, a bag-shaped one that wraps under the neck in a seated state, or another unit bath itself may be used. According to such a sauna device, a sauna bath can be easily obtained even in a bedroom or the like, regardless of a healthy person, a physically handicapped person, an elderly person, and the like.

The steam generator 10 according to the present invention is
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the steam generator 10 can be used as a humidifier or the like separately from the sauna device. Further, the shape and size of the communication port 31 and the ventilation port 231 are appropriately determined,
It is not limited to the illustrated one.

[0074]

According to the steam generating apparatus of the present invention, the steam generating section is disposed above the hot water tank. In particular, at the lower end of the steam generating section, the remaining hot water that has not been vaporized is used as the hot water tank. By arranging the hot water tank in a position overlapping with the opening surface of the hot water tank so as to drop the hot water into the hot water tank, excess hot water in the steam generating section can be easily returned to the hot water tank again with a simple configuration without using any power. It is possible,
The amount of heat of the hot water can be reused.

Further, a communication opening formed in an upper plate covering an opening surface of the hot water tank is provided with a height at which an appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank does not flow out to the steam generating section side when the whole apparatus is turned over. In the structure where the hot water tank and the steam generation unit which are vertically overlapped with each other are communicated by opening at the position where the hot water is held, the hot water in the hot water tank passes through the steam generation unit when the device falls over from these communication ports, and the steam is generated. It is possible to reliably and easily prevent the water from flowing out of the blowout portion.

Also, the end of the intake section for taking in air from the outside is connected to a position on the maximum amount of hot water surface in the hot water tank, and the hot water tank below the upper plate from the start end of the intake section. If an airflow path from the steam generation unit to the steam blowout unit is formed from the space above the hot water surface through the communication port, the blower for sending the steam toward the steam blowout unit by operating a fan Can be efficiently heated by utilizing the residual heat in the hot water tank without providing a separate heater or the like.

Further, the ventilation port at the end of the intake section communicating with the hot water tank is also located at a position where a proper amount of hot water in the hot water tank does not flow out to the intake section side when the entire apparatus is turned over. With the opening, similarly to the case of the communication port, it is possible to reliably and easily prevent the hot water in the hot water tank from flowing out to the outside from the vent hole through the air inlet when the apparatus falls.

Further, the water supply port for supplying water from the outside into the hot water tank is connected to the water supply port at the end side of the water supply tank. When the whole apparatus is turned over, an appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank is supplied to the water supply section. By opening the hot water tank at a position that does not flow out to the side, it is possible to reliably and easily prevent the hot water in the hot water tank from flowing out of the hot water tank from the water inlet through the air inlet when the device falls.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front side in a partially broken state.

FIG. 2 is a right side sectional view of the steam generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the right side in a partially broken state.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an upper plate of a hot water tank included in the steam generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear cross-sectional view of the steam generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the rear side in a partially broken state.

FIG. 5 is a left side sectional view of the steam generator according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the left side in a partially broken state.

FIG. 6 is a right side view partially showing the internal structure of the steam generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the steam generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a steam generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a right side view showing the steam generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a steam generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a system block diagram schematically showing a steam generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Steam generator 11 ... Cover body 12 ... Lid part 13 ... Operation panel 14 ... Handle 16 ... Power cord 20 ... Hot water tank 20a ... One side wall 21 ... Upper plate 22 ... Heater 23 ... Temperature sensor 24 ... Float switch 30 ... Steam generation unit 30a Connection section 31 Communication port 32 Injection means 33 Heat exchange member 34 Heat exchange plate 40 Fan 40a Drive motor 50 Steam blowout unit 51 Temperature sensor 100 Control unit 110 Microcomputer 210 ... water supply unit 211 ... water supply port 212 ... water supply port 213 ... strainer 220 ... drainage unit 221 ... valve 222 ... knob 230 ... intake unit 231 ... ventilation 232 ... intake port 233 ... strainer 240 ... warm water supply means 241 ... drive pump 242 ... Circulation hose 243… Circulation hose

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Ogami 2-1-1, Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Tochiki Kiki Co., Ltd. (72) Kunihide Shigematsu 2, Nakajima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka No. 1-1, Totoki Kiki Co., Ltd. Address Koito Kogyo Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C094 AA01 BA16 BA18 BA19 BB11 BC11 DD09 EE03 EE38 GG02 GG03 GG11 GG17

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A portable steam generator for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere in a desired place, comprising: a hot water tank; and a hot water tank disposed above the hot water tank and sent from the hot water tank. And a steam blower that communicates with the steam generator and discharges steam to the outside. The lower end of the steam generator is configured to leave the remaining hot water that has not been vaporized as it is. Like dropping it in a hot water tank,
The hot water tank is provided at a position overlapping with an opening surface of the hot water tank, and the hot water tank is provided with an upper plate that covers the opening surface, and the upper plate is provided with a communication port through which a lower end side of the steam generator communicates. A steam generator, wherein a mouth is opened at a position where an appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank does not flow out to the steam generating unit side when the whole device falls down. 2. A suitable amount of hot water in the hot water tank when the lower end side of the steam generating section is connected to the upper plate, and the periphery of the communication port in the connection cross section at the lower end side is overturned when the entire apparatus is turned over. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the shape of the steam generator protrudes inwardly of the connection cross section so as to maintain a height position at which the water does not flow out to the steam generation unit side. 3. The steam generator according to claim 2, wherein a peripheral edge of the communication port projecting inward from the connection section is inclined downward. 4. An air intake unit for taking in air from the outside, and a fan for sending out the steam to the steam blowout unit together with the air taken in from the air intake unit. The steam generating section is connected to a position on the hot water surface of the highest limit amount in the tank, and from the space on the hot water surface in the hot water tank below the upper plate from the starting end side of the intake section through the communication port. To form a gas flow path from the air outlet to the steam outlet, the end side of the air intake unit communicates with the hot water tank through an air vent, and when the entire device is turned over, an appropriate amount of hot water in the hot water tank is supplied to the air inlet side. The steam generator according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the steam generator is opened at a position where the water does not flow out. 5. The steam generator according to claim 4, wherein said vent is opened in said upper plate. 6. The steam generator according to claim 4, wherein a filter for preventing foreign matter from entering is detachably attached to the opening on the start end side of the suction section. 7. A hot water supply unit for externally supplying water into the hot water tank, wherein a water supply port having an end connected to the hot water tank is connected to the hot water tank. 4. An opening in a position where a suitable amount of hot water in a tank does not flow out to the water supply unit at a height that keeps the hot water out.
7. The steam generator according to 4, 5, or 6. 8. The steam generator according to claim 7, wherein a filter for preventing foreign matter from entering is detachably attached to the opening on the start end side of the water supply section. 9. The steam generator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein the steam generator is combined with a body storage body capable of storing a substantially whole body of a human body. The portable sauna apparatus, characterized in that the steam generated in the step (1) is supplied into the body storage body, and the body storage body is set to a humid atmosphere.