JP2001104441A - Steam generator, washing method thereof and sauna apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steam generator capable of sterilizing, washing and drying a hot water tank and a steam forming part being its principal parts at the same time, capable of being certainly and easily enhanced in sanitation as a whole and capable of supplying comfortable steam having no fear containing various bacteria or fungi. SOLUTION: In a sterilizing mode, the water supplied into a hot water tank 20 is heated to sterilizing temperature higher than usual use temperature by a heater 22 and this high temperature heated water is circulated to a steam forming part 30 and the hot water tank 20 by a drive part 241. In a washing mode, a detergent is supplied into the hot water tank 20 other than water from a water feed part 210 and the washing water in the hot water tank 20 is circulated to the steam forming part 30 and the hot water tank 20 by the drive pump 241. In a drying mode, the water in the hot water tank 20 is discharged by a drain part 220 and only a fan 40 is rotationally driven to send air to the steam forming part 30 and the hot water tank 20.

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 in a desired place, and a method for cleaning the same. 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] Incidentally, if the remaining water is left as it is without appropriately treating the remaining water, especially in the hot water supply section and the heat exchange section of the steam generator, there is a problem that dirt adheres and germs and fungi are generated. If the device is used as it is with such contaminated bacteria and mold, and the generated steam is used for a sauna device, it may cause illness due to the reduced immunity in elderly people etc. There could be fear.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional steam generator, although the hot water supply section is not described in detail, generally, components such as a throw-in type heater are built in the tank, and The heat exchange section is filled with a contact area enlarging member or the like, and has a problem that cleaning workability is lacking. Further, the hot water supply unit and other components such as a heat exchange unit are separated,
It was also difficult to dry the tank, which is the hot water supply unit, by blowing air from the blower on the heat exchange unit side.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional steam generator, and sterilizes and cleans a hot water tank and a steam generator, which are main parts of the apparatus, simultaneously. Furthermore, it is possible to dry, it is possible to reliably and easily improve the hygiene of the entire device,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a steam generator capable of supplying a comfortable steam free from contamination of bacteria and mold.

[0007]

The gist of the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned object lies in the following items. [1] In a steam generator (10) for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere in a desired place, a steam generator for evaporating a hot water tank (20) and hot water sent from the hot water tank (20). And heating the water supplied into the hot water tank (20) to a sterilizing operating temperature higher than a normal operating temperature, and heating the high-temperature water to the steam generating unit (30) and the hot water tank. A steam generator (10) having a sterilization mode for circulation in (20).

[2] A heater (2) provided in the hot water tank (20) for heating water in the hot water tank (20).
2) the heater (22) heats the water in the hot water tank (20) to warm water at a normal operating temperature during normal operation, and the hot water tank (20) in the sterilization mode.
The steam generator (10) according to [1], wherein the water in the inside is heated to high-temperature water at a sterilization use temperature.

[3] In a steam generator (10) for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere at a desired place,
It has at least a hot water tank (20) and a steam generator (30) for evaporating hot water sent from the hot water tank (20), and supplies a cleaning agent in the hot water tank (20) in addition to water. And a cleaning mode for circulating cleaning water in which a cleaning agent is mixed with water or hot water in the hot water tank (20) to the steam generating section (30) and the hot water tank (20). Apparatus (10).

[4] A water supply unit (210) for supplying water from outside in the hot water tank (20), and a cleaning agent is supplied from the water supply unit (210) in addition to water in the cleaning mode. The steam generator (10) according to [3], wherein:

[5] In a steam generator (10) for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere at a desired place,
The apparatus has at least a hot water tank (20) and a steam generation unit (30) for evaporating hot water sent from the hot water tank (20), and after draining the hot water tank (20), the steam generation unit (10) A steam generator (10) having a drying mode for blowing air to a hot water tank (20).

[6] A heater (2) provided in the hot water tank (20) for heating water in the hot water tank (20).
The steam generator (1) according to [5], wherein the hot water tank (20) is configured to be able to boil empty in the drying mode by the heater (22).
0).

[7] A fan (40) for blowing the steam generated by the steam generating section (30) to the outside.
And a drain section (22) for draining the inside of the hot water tank (20).
0), and in the drying mode, the drainage section (22)
After draining the inside of the hot water tank (20) according to 0), the fan (40) blows the steam to the steam generator (30) and the hot water tank (20) [5].
Or the steam generator (10) according to [6].

[8] At least two of the sterilizing mode, the washing mode, and the drying mode are provided, and the modes are switchable. [1], [2], [ 3], [4], [5], [6] or [7].

[9] The necessary operations in the sterilization mode, the washing mode, and the drying mode are each started by a predetermined operation, and are also controlled to stop automatically by the predetermined operation or automatically after a lapse of a predetermined time. [1], [2], [3], [4], [5],
The steam generator according to [6], [7] or [8] (1
0).

[10] A display unit (130) for visually displaying the corresponding mode during any operation of the sterilization mode, the cleaning mode, and the drying mode [1]. , [2], [3], [4], [5],
The steam generator (10) according to [6], [7], [8] or [9].

[11] A method for cleaning a steam generator (10) for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere in a desired place, wherein the steam generator (10) includes a hot water tank (20), A steam generating unit (30) for evaporating the hot water sent from the hot water tank (20), wherein the water supplied into the hot water tank (20) is set at a sterilizing operating temperature higher than a normal operating temperature. A sterilization mode in which the high-temperature water is heated and circulated through the steam generation section (30) and the hot water tank (20); and a cleaning agent is supplied into the hot water tank (20) in addition to the water. The cleaning water in which the cleaning agent is mixed with water or hot water in the steam generation unit (3)
0) and a washing mode in which the hot water tank (20) is circulated, and a drying mode in which the inside of the hot water tank (20) is drained and then blown to the steam generator (30) and the hot water tank (20). A method for cleaning a steam generator (10), characterized in that:

[12] [1], [2], [3],
The steam generator (10) according to [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9] or [10], and a body storage body capable of storing a substantially whole body of a human body. A sauna device comprising a combination of the steam generator and the steam generated by the steam generator (10), wherein the steam is supplied to the body storage body to make the body storage body 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.

Before using the steam generator (10) or after long-term storage, the apparatus is switched to a sterilization mode, a washing mode, or a drying mode, so that a hot water tank, which is a main part of the apparatus, is switched. (20) and the steam generator (30) can be sterilized, washed, and further dried at the same time. This makes it possible to reliably and easily improve the hygiene of the entire apparatus, and to generate a comfortable steam free from contamination of bacteria and mold.

First, in the sterilization mode, the hot water tank (2)
0) is heated to a sterilization use temperature higher than the normal use temperature, and the high-temperature water is supplied to the steam generator (30).
And circulate through the hot water tank (20). In the sterilization mode, for example, the heater (22) provided in the hot water tank (20) is used as it is, and the hot water tank (2) is used.
The water in 0) may be heated to high-temperature water at the sterilization use temperature.

Next, in the cleaning mode, the hot water tank (2)
0), a cleaning agent is supplied into the hot water tank (2).
The cleaning water in which the cleaning agent is mixed with water or hot water in 0) is circulated to the steam generating section (30) and the hot water tank (20). In such a washing mode, for example, a hot water tank (2
0) From the water supply unit (210) that supplies water from outside,
A cleaning agent may be supplied in addition to water.

In the drying mode, after the inside of the hot water tank (20) is drained, the remaining water is dried by blowing air to the steam generator (30) and the hot water tank (20).
In such a drying mode, if the inside of the hot water tank (20) is heated by the heater (22), drying can be performed more quickly.

In the drying mode, water (including hot water, high-temperature water, and washing water) in the hot water tank (20) is discharged by, for example, a drainage section (220) for draining the hot water tank (20).
Is discharged to the outside, and then the steam generating section (30) is directly used by using the fan (40) for sending the steam to the outside.
And it is good to send air to a warm water tank (20).

The necessary operations in the sterilization mode, the washing mode, and the drying mode may be started by a predetermined operation, and may be controlled to stop by the same operation or automatically after a lapse of a predetermined time.

Furthermore, during any one of the sterilization mode, the cleaning mode, and the drying mode, the user can easily confirm if the corresponding mode is visually displayed on the display unit (130). be able to.

The above-mentioned steam generator (10) is
If the sauna device is configured in combination with a body storage body capable of storing substantially the whole body of a human body, the steam generated by the steam generator (10) is supplied into the body storage body, thereby making the body storage body humid. Atmosphere can be. 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.

[0028]

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.

The steam generator 10 can be switched between a sterilization mode in which high-temperature water is circulated through the hot water tank 20 and the steam generation section 30 as main parts, a cleaning mode in which cleaning water is circulated, and a drying mode in which air is blown. It is configured. The details of each mode will be described as a cleaning method described later.

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.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, on the upper part of the lid part 12, the attracted part 19 made of a magnetic metal projecting to the back side.
Is provided on the side of the cover main body 11 facing the attracted portion 19, and an attracting portion 17 provided with a pair of magnet plates 18, 18 arranged vertically.

A lid opening / closing detecting means 140 for detecting the open / closed state of the lid 12 is provided between the magnet plates 18 of the suction section 17. The lid opening / closing detecting means 140 is specifically composed of a limit switch. When the lid 12 is closed and the adsorbing portion 17 and the adsorbed portion 19 are in contact with each other, the lid is pushed toward the adsorbed portion 19 and turned off. When the lid unit 12 is opened, it is turned on and outputs an open signal to a control unit 100 described later.

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 provided 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 section 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.

The water supply port 211 at the end of the water supply section 210 is connected to one side wall surface 20 a of the hot water tank 20. 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 start end side which is an upper end thereof. Here, the water supply port 212 is inclined and opened so that the inside can be seen from the outside, and the lower end edge 212a of the water supply port 212 matches the position where the maximum amount of hot water in the hot water tank 20 becomes. It is set as follows.

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 the 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. In addition, the drainage unit 220 may be configured to separately provide a pump, and to electrically (force) drain the water by operating the operation panel 13.

An intake unit 230 for taking in air from 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. Here, a vent 231 that is the end side of the intake part 230 is opened in the upper plate 21.

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

Above the hot water tank 20, a steam generator 30 for converting hot water sent from the hot water tank 20 into steam 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 steam generator 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.

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 disposed 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.

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. The fan 40 is specifically composed 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. Hot water supply means 240, drive motor 40 for fan 40
a, control-related equipment such as a temperature sensor 51 is connected via a signal line.

Here, the heater 22 is connected to the temperature fuse 22a.
And it is connected to the power cord 16 via a double-cut relay 22b. When the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 20 becomes uncontrollable and becomes high,
This is to cut off the power supply to the heater 22 by fusing.

The heater 22 is set so as to be in a state of being unable to conduct electricity when the lid portion 12 is open.
That is, when the lid unit 12 is opened, the lid unit open / close detection unit 140 is turned on, and the lid unit open / close detection unit 140 is turned on.
Outputs an open signal from the microcomputer 110 to the microcomputer 110.
The power supply from the power cord 16 to the heater 22 is cut off by controlling the double-cut relay 22b to the double-cut state.

According to the steam generator 10 as described above,
In FIG. 11, a preparation switch which is one of the switches 120 is provided.
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 can control the hot water in the hot water tank 20 at a constant value of, for example, 60 ° C. Here, when the drive pump 241 is operated and a small amount of hot water is circulated in the steam generator 30 and the hot water tank 20, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 20 can be made uniform.

When the operation SW is turned on, 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 each of the water below the injection means 32. Hot water is sprayed and sprayed toward the heat exchange plate 34. Further, the fan 40 is also driven to rotate, and an airflow path 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 steam blowout unit 50 from the steam generation unit 30 through the communication port 31. Ventilation occurs in

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 blowout 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 to be 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.

The steam generator 30 is provided with the hot water tank 2.
0, and 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 20.
The hot water tank 20 is disposed at a position overlapping the opening surface of the hot water tank 20 so that the hot water tank 20 falls. 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.

Next, a method for cleaning the steam generator 10 will be described. In the steam generator 10, before use or after long-term storage, the hot water tank 20 and the steam generator 30 are blasted with a sterilization mode in which high-temperature water is circulated, and a cleaning mode in which cleaning water is circulated. The mode can be sequentially switched to the drying mode.

According to such a cleaning method, the hot water tank 20 and the steam generator 30 can be simultaneously sterilized, cleaned, and further dried together with the components therein, and the entire apparatus can be cleaned. Can be reliably and easily improved. Therefore, at the time of next use, it is possible to supply a comfortable steam free from contamination of bacteria and mold. Further, the same can be said even if it is carried out after long-term storage.

[1] Sterilization Mode In a state where an appropriate amount of water (including hot water) is in the hot water tank 20, for example, the operation S
When a predetermined operation of simultaneously pressing the W, + (plus) SW, and-(minus) SW is performed, the heater 22 controls the water in the hot water tank 20 at a sterilizing operating temperature higher than the normal operating temperature (for example, under the control of the microcomputer 110). (75 ° C.). Thus, by controlling the output of the heater 22, high-temperature water for sterilization is generated in the sterilization mode.

Further, the drive pump 241 is driven, and the high-temperature water in the hot water tank 20 is pumped to the injection means 32 above the steam generator 30 and is directed from the injection means 32 to each heat exchange plate 34 below. Hot water is sprayed. At this time, since the fan 40 is stopped, the high-temperature water does not vaporize in the steam generation unit 30, but falls directly below the communication port 31 in the upper plate 21 and returns to the hot water tank 20.

As described above, the high-temperature water is supplied to the hot water tank 20.
The steam circulates between the steam generator 30 and the steam generator 30, so that not only the inner walls thereof but also the heater 22 in the hot water tank 20 as well as the temperature sensor 23 and the float switch 24 are sterilized by the high-temperature water. Injection means 3 in steam generator 30
2 and each heat exchange plate 34 of the heat exchange member 33. Further, the hot water supply means 240 and the drive pump 241 forming the circulation path are also sterilized.

During the sterilization mode, a 7-segment LED of the display unit 130 indicates the fact (for example, “HH”).
, Etc.), the user can easily confirm. When the cover 12 of the cover body 11 is open, the cover open / close detecting means 140 is turned on,
At this time, the control is performed so that the operation in the sterilization mode is not performed even if the three SWs such as the operation SW are simultaneously pressed.

The sterilization mode as described above is operated by the switch 12
Pressing the stop SW of 0 or stopping by an automatic timer (for example, about 20 minutes) returns to the standby state. Further, after the sterilization mode is completed, the warm water tank 20 may be drained by operating the drain unit 220.

[2] Washing Mode First, an appropriate amount of water (including hot water) is stored in the hot water tank 20.
In the hot water tank 20 from the water supply section 210.
A cleaning agent (for example, a neutral detergent) is supplied into the inside. Then, among the switches 120, for example, a temperature setting SW, + (plus)
When a predetermined operation of simultaneously pressing SW and-(minus) is performed,
Drive pump 2 under the control of microcomputer 110
Only 41 is driven.

Then, in the hot water tank 20, the cleaning agent mixed with the water or the hot water is pumped to the injection means 32 above the steam generator 30, and each heat exchange plate below the injection means 32. Cleaning water is sprayed toward 34.
At this time, since the fan 40 is stopped, the steam generation unit 3
0, the washing water is not vaporized, and
, And returns to the hot water tank 20.

As described above, the washing water is supplied to the hot water tank 20.
And the steam generation unit 30, and not only the inner walls of these but also the heater 22 in the hot water tank 20, as well as the temperature sensor 23 and the float switch 24, are sufficiently washed with the washing water. The same applies to the injection means 32 in the steam generation unit 30 and each heat exchange plate 34 of the heat exchange member 33. The hot water supply means 24 forming a circulation path
0 and its drive pump 241 will also be cleaned.

During the cleaning mode, a 7-segment LED of the display unit 130 indicates that (for example, “5J”).
, Etc.), the user can easily confirm. When the cover 12 of the cover body 11 is open, the cover open / close detecting means 140 is turned on,
At this time, the control is performed so that the operation in the cleaning mode is not performed even if three switches such as the temperature setting switch are simultaneously pressed.

The cleaning mode as described above is performed by using the switch 12
By pressing the 0 stop SW or by an automatic timer (for example, about 5 minutes), it returns to the standby state. After the end of the cleaning mode, the drainage of the hot water tank 20 may be performed by operating the drainage unit 220. further,
It is advisable to circulate newly supplied water before draining.

[3] Drying Mode First, with the lid section 12 opened, the hot water tank 20 is drained by the drain section 220. The drive pump 2
Since 41 does not have a water stopping function, all of the steam is discharged from the steam generator 30 and the hot water supply means 240 without remaining water.

When the lid unit 12 is closed and a predetermined operation of simultaneously pressing, for example, the time setting SW, + (plus) SW, and-(minus) of the switch 120 during standby is performed, the microcomputer 110 controls the microcomputer. This time, only the drive motor 40a of the fan 40 is rotationally driven.
As a result, air is blown from the space in the hot water tank 20 below the upper plate 21 from the intake section 230 to the air flow path from the steam generation section 30 to the steam blowout section 50 through the communication port 31, so that air remains in each component. The water that has been dried also dries.

During the drying mode, a 7-segment LED of the display unit 130 indicates that (for example, “FF”).
, Etc.), the user can easily confirm. When the cover 12 of the cover body 11 is open, the cover open / close detecting means 140 is turned on,
At this time, the control is performed so that the operation in the drying mode is not performed even if three time switches such as the time setting switch are simultaneously pressed.

The drying mode as described above is controlled by the switch 12
By pressing the 0 stop SW or by an automatic timer (for example, about 10 minutes), the operation returns to the standby state. In the drying mode, when the heater 22 is capable of dry heating, the heater 22 is also heated, so that drying can be performed more quickly.

Further, in each of the above-described modes and during normal water supply / drainage work, when the lid portion 12 is open, the heater 22 in the hot water tank 20 is in a state where power cannot be supplied. Specifically, in FIG.
When is opened, the lid opening / closing detecting means 140 is turned on, and an opening signal is output from the lid opening / closing detecting means 140 to the microcomputer 110.

When the microcomputer 110 receives the opening signal from the lid opening / closing detecting means 140, the double-cut relay 22b is controlled to the double-cut state, and the power supply from the power cord 16 to the heater 22 is cut off. Here the double-sided relay 22
b, for example, if a cut-off distance of 2 mm or more is used, even if the heater 22 has only basic insulation, the double-cut relay 22b with a cut-off distance of 2 mm or more becomes additional insulation. Become. Therefore, even if insulation breakdown occurs in the heater 22 for some reason, there is no danger that the user will get an electric shock by touching the hot water tank 20 made of water or metal.

The steam generator 10 described above may constitute a sauna device in combination with a body housing capable of housing substantially the whole body of a human body. By supplying the steam generated by the steam generator to the body housing, the body housing can be made to be a humid atmosphere.

Here, the body housing 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. In the above embodiment,
Although a case has been described in which all modes of the sterilization mode, the cleaning mode, and the drying mode are provided, any one of the modes or two or more of the modes may be provided.

[0080]

According to the steam generator and the cleaning method of the present invention, there are provided a sterilization mode for circulating high-temperature water through the hot water tank and the steam generator, a cleaning mode for circulating cleaning water, and a drying mode for blowing air. Having at least one of them, and being able to sequentially switch between the modes, simultaneously sterilizing and cleaning the hot water tank and the steam generating unit for each of the components provided therein, and further, Drying can be performed, and the hygiene of the entire apparatus can be reliably and easily improved. Therefore, at the time of next use, it is possible to supply a comfortable steam free from contamination of bacteria and mold.

[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 view partially showing the internal structure of the steam generator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a main part of a cover main body and a lid constituting 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 sectional view of the steam generator according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the right side in a partially broken state.

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 main body 12 ... Lid part 13 ... Operation panel 14 ... Handle 16 ... Power cord 17 ... Suction part 18 ... Magnet plate 19 ... Sucked part 20 ... Hot water tank 20a ... One side wall 21 ... Upper plate Reference Signs List 22 heater 22a temperature fuse 22b double cut relay 23 temperature sensor 24 float switch 30 steam generator 31 communication port 32 injection means 33 heat exchange member 34 heat exchange plate 40 fan 40a drive motor Reference Signs List 50: steam blowing section 51: temperature sensor 100: control section 110: microcomputer 140: lid opening / closing detection means 210: water supply section 211: water supply port 212: water supply port 213: strainer 220: drainage section 221: valve 222: knob 230 … Intake unit 231… vent 232… intake 233… strainer 240… supply hot water 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, Toto Kiki Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takayuki Sato 100, Maeda-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Koito Industry Co., Ltd. (72) Satoshi Sawamura 100, Maeda-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Address Koito Kogyo Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 4C094 AA01 DD08 EE02 GG03

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A steam generating apparatus for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere at a desired place, comprising at least a hot water tank and a steam generating unit for evaporating hot water sent from the hot water tank. A steam generator having a sterilization mode in which water supplied to the hot water tank is heated to a sterilization use temperature higher than a normal use temperature, and the high temperature water is circulated to the steam generation unit and the hot water tank. 2. A heater provided in the hot water tank for heating water in the hot water tank, wherein the heater heats the water in the hot water tank to warm water at a normal use temperature during normal operation. 2. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein in the sterilization mode, water in the hot water tank is heated to high-temperature water at a sterilization use temperature. 3. A steam generator for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere in a desired place, comprising at least a hot water tank and a steam generating unit for evaporating hot water sent from the hot water tank. A cleaning mode in which a cleaning agent is supplied to the hot water tank in addition to water, and cleaning water in which the cleaning agent is mixed with water or hot water in the hot water tank is circulated to the steam generator and the hot water tank. And a steam generator. 4. The water supply unit according to claim 3, further comprising a water supply unit for supplying water from outside to the hot water tank, wherein a cleaning agent is supplied from the water supply unit in the cleaning mode in addition to the water. Steam generator. 5. A steam generator for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere at a desired location, comprising at least a hot water tank and a steam generating unit for evaporating hot water sent from the hot water tank. A steam generator, comprising: a drying mode in which air is blown to the steam generation unit and the hot water tank after draining the inside of the hot water tank. 6. A heater provided in the hot water tank for heating water in the hot water tank, wherein the heater is configured to be capable of emptying the hot water tank in the drying mode. The steam generator according to claim 5, wherein 7. A hot water tank, comprising: a fan for blowing steam generated by the steam generation unit to send the steam to the outside; and a drainage unit for draining the inside of the hot water tank. The steam generator according to claim 5, wherein after the inside is drained, the fan blows the steam to the steam generator and the hot water tank. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least two modes among said sterilization mode, cleaning mode, and drying mode, wherein said modes are switchable.
The steam generator according to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. 9. Each of the necessary operations in the sterilization mode, the washing mode, and the drying mode is started by a predetermined operation, and is controlled to stop automatically by the predetermined operation or automatically after a lapse of a predetermined time. The steam generator according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. 10. A display unit for visually displaying a corresponding mode during operation of any of the sterilization mode, the cleaning mode, and the drying mode. , 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9. 11. A method for cleaning a steam generator for generating steam for forming a humid atmosphere in a desired place, the steam generator comprising: a hot water tank; and a hot water fed from the hot water tank. A sterilization mode in which water supplied into the hot water tank is heated to a sterilization use temperature higher than a normal use temperature, and the high temperature water is circulated through the steam generation unit and the hot water tank. A cleaning mode in which a cleaning agent other than water is supplied into the hot water tank, and cleaning water in which the cleaning agent is mixed with water or hot water in the hot water tank is circulated through the steam generation unit and the hot water tank; A method for cleaning a steam generator, characterized by sequentially switching to a drying mode in which air is blown to the steam generator and the hot water tank after draining the inside of the hot water tank. 12. The method of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
The steam generator according to claim 8, 9 or 10, and a body storage body capable of storing substantially the whole body of a human body, wherein the steam generated by the steam generator is supplied to the body storage body, and the body storage is performed. A sauna device characterized by a humid atmosphere inside the body.