JP2003235929A - Steam generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steam generator capable of realizing effective use of water by reusing hot water discharged into a heat exchange promotion member from a hot water injection pipe and controlling hot water discharged from the hot water injection pipe separately from high temperature water of a hot-water supply device to obtain a stable steam generation condition. <P>SOLUTION: The heat exchange promotion member having a heating means is provided with a steam generation means for generating steam by discharging hot water having a predetermined temperature from a hot water injection port of the hot water injection pipe and blowing out steam from a steam blowing-out port by the operation of a fan, a hot water circulation means for recovering hot water discharged from the hot water injection pipe of the steam generation means and brought into contact with the heat exchange promotion member and returning the hot water into the hot water injection pipe, and a control means for controlling the operation of the steam generation means and the hot water circulation means. The control means brings the operation of the fan into an inhibit condition for a predetermined time, for example, when starting the operation of the steam generation means and brings the hot water circulation means into an operation condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steam generator which is installed in a bathroom of a general household and can generate steam in the bathroom.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a steam generator installed in a bathroom is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 2871340 or Japanese Patent No. 2773014. A steam generator disclosed in the former (Japanese Patent No. 2871340) has a structure in which an inside of an exterior body having a steam outlet and an air inlet is provided.
A hot water ejection pipe having a plurality of hot water ejection ports, a heat exchange promoting member and a fan are respectively arranged, and steam is generated by diffusing hot water from the hot water ejection port of the hot water ejection pipe to the heat exchange promoting member,
This steam is blown out from the steam outlet by the rotation of the fan.

In this steam generator 101, as shown in FIG. 12, a hot water jet pipe 103 is connected to a hot water supply port 102a of a hot water supply device 102 having no hot water circulation circuit.
Connect via 4. As a result, the hot water discharged from the hot water jetting pipe 103 heats and humidifies the air passing between the parallel thin plates 107a of the heat exchange promoting member 107 by the operation of the fan 106 to raise the temperature and raise the temperature of this air. Along with this, a vapor pressure difference is caused to evaporate a part of the hot water to form steam, and the steam warms and humidifies the bathroom.

The steam generator disclosed in the latter (Japanese Patent No. 2773014) heat exchanges with a hot water spouting pipe having a plurality of hot water spouts inside an exterior body in which a steam blow-out port and an air suction port are opened. Arrange the promotion member and the fan respectively,
The hot water is diffused from the hot water outlet of the hot water jet pipe to the heat exchange promoting member, and high temperature water is supplied to the inside of the pipe-shaped connecting member that connects the thin plates of the heat exchange promoting member to generate steam. The fan is rotated to blow out from the steam outlet.

As shown in FIG. 13, the steam generator 101 generally has a hot water jet pipe 103 at a hot water inlet 102a of a hot water heater 102 having a hot water circulation circuit 102b.
Are connected via a pipe 104, and the water heater 10
It is installed by connecting both ends of the coupling member 107b of the heat exchange promoting member 107 to the outlet and the inlet of the second hot water circulation circuit 102b through the pipe 108. As a result, the heat of the hot water that is dissipated from the hot water spout pipe 103 to the heat exchange promoting member 107 and the hot water that flows through the connecting member 107b generates steam in the same manner as the former steam generator 101, and heats and humidifies the bathroom. In addition, the hot water is circulated and supplied into the connecting member 107b without radiating the hot water from the hot water jet pipe 103 to operate the fan 106, so that the bathroom is heated without being humidified. Has become.

[0006]

However, in these steam generators 101, the hot water whose temperature has dropped to the downward direction by being diffused from the hot water jet pipe 103 between the thin plates 107a of the heat exchange promoting member 107 Exchange promotion member 10
7 is received by a drain pan 109 arranged at the bottom of the drain pan 109, and is discharged from a hot water outlet provided in the drain pan 109 via a drain pipe 110 to, for example, a drainage channel of a bathroom. It is difficult to make effective use of the above) and it is not preferable in terms of economy and energy saving.

Further, since hot water from a water heater or a hot water heater (referred to as the water heater 102) is directly used for generating steam, it has the following problems. That is, in these steam generators 101, it is necessary to supply high-temperature water of, for example, 60 ° C. or higher to the hot water jet pipe 103. However, if the hot water of the water heater 102 or the like is set to high temperature water, it is used in bathrooms in general households. Water heater 10 used in kitchens and washrooms other than
It may be inappropriate as a hot water temperature such as 2. And
This is remarkable because it is necessary to further raise the temperature of the high-temperature water supplied from the water heater 102 or the like when trying to heat and humidify the inside of the bathroom to a predetermined temperature, especially when the temperature inside the bathroom is low such as in winter. It is easy to become.

Further, the water heater 102 and the like are replaced with the steam generator 10.
Since it is difficult to operate individually according to 1, it is easy for the degree of steam generation to vary depending on the hot water supply temperature setting of the water heater 102 or the temperature in the bathroom, and a stable steam generation state is obtained regardless of the season. Becomes difficult.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to effectively utilize water by reusing the hot water that is diffused from the hot water ejection pipe to the heat exchange promoting member, It is an object of the present invention to provide a steam generator that controls the hot water discharged from the hot water jet pipe separately from high-temperature water such as a water heater to obtain a stable steam generation state.

[0010]

In order to achieve such an object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention provides a heat exchange accelerating member having a heating means with a predetermined temperature from a hot water ejection port of a hot water ejection pipe. Steam is generated by dissipating the hot water, and the steam is discharged from the steam outlet by the operation of the fan, and the hot water that has been diffused from the hot water jet pipe of the steam generating means and that has contacted the heat exchange promoting member is recovered. And a hot water circulating means for returning to the hot water jetting pipe, and a control means for controlling the operations of the steam generating means and the hot water circulating means.

According to this structure, the hot water diffused from the jet outlet of the hot water jetting pipe of the steam generating means to the heat exchange promoting member becomes a vapor when it comes into contact with the heat exchange promoting member. The hot water is blown out from the steam outlet by the rotation of the fan, and the remaining hot water is returned to the hot water jet pipe by the hot water circulating means and is again diffused from the hot water jet onto the heat exchange promoting member. Therefore, it is not necessary to drain the hot water used in the hot water jetting pipe, the water can be reused, and the individual hot water of the hot water circulating means can be easily controlled, so that a stable steam generation state can be obtained.

Further, as in the invention according to claim 2, the hot water circulating means collects hot water in contact with the heat exchange promoting member, a discharge port of the hot water collecting member, and the hot water jet pipe. It is preferable to include a circulation pump arranged between the above and the above, a supply means for supplying water or hot water to the circulation passage by the circulation pump, and a drainage means capable of discharging the circulating hot water to the outside. With such a configuration, the hot water collecting means such as the drain pan, the circulation pump, the water supply means and the draining means form the hot water circulating means. Therefore, the structure of the hot water circulating means is simplified and the hot water is reliably circulated. Operation and drainage operation can be obtained.

Then, the control means, as in the invention described in claim 3, when the operation of the steam generating means is started, the operation of the fan is prohibited for a predetermined time and the hot water circulating means is operated. It is preferable. With this configuration, when the steam generating means starts to operate, the fan does not operate for a predetermined time and only the hot water circulating means operates, so that, for example, blowout of cold air is prevented or a sterilizing action of the hot water itself is obtained.

Further, as in the invention described in claim 4, when the operation of the steam generating means is stopped, the control means is external to the hot water circulating by the hot water circulating means until the temperature of the hot water falls below a predetermined temperature. It is preferable to prohibit drainage to.
With this configuration, when the steam generating means is stopped, drainage by the drainage means is prohibited until the circulating hot water falls below a predetermined temperature, so drainage of hot water is reliably prevented and safety during drainage is ensured. It is possible to secure the above, and to prevent fatigue of the drain pipe due to heat.

Further, it is preferable that the control means controls the amount of steam generated from the steam generating means by controlling the circulating amount of hot water by the hot water circulating means, as in the fifth aspect of the invention. . With this configuration, since the amount of steam generated is controlled by controlling the amount of hot water in the hot water circulation means, the control itself can be simplified and a stable and reliable generation state of a predetermined amount of steam can be obtained. .

Further, it is preferable that the control means controls the supply amount of water or hot water by the water supply means based on the detection result of the detection means, as in the invention described in claim 6. In this case, the detecting means detects at least one of the amount of circulating hot water in the hot water circulating means, the electrical characteristic value of the circulation pump, and the water level of the hot water collecting member, as in the invention according to claim 7. It is preferable. With such a configuration, for example, the amount of hot water flowing through the circulation flow path of the hot water circulation means can be detected by the detection means, and the amount of hot water supplied from the water supply means to the circulation flow path can be controlled based on the detection result. The amount of hot water circulating in the hot water circulating means can be maintained at a predetermined level, and the generation state of steam can be further stabilized.

The control means controls the steam generating means and the hot water circulating means, and the high temperature water supplying means for supplying high temperature water to the connecting member of the steam generating means. In this case, the control means, the steam generating means, and the hot water circulating means may be operated by the power source supplied from the high-temperature water supply means, as in the invention according to claim 9. preferable. With such a configuration, the control of the steam generating means and the hot water circulating means and the control of the high temperature water supplying means such as the water heater are associated with each other by the control means, so that the control itself can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. In particular, by supplying the power source such as the steam generating means from the high temperature water supplying means, the wiring can be simplified and the operability on the steam generating means side can be improved.

Further, as in the invention described in claim 10, the control means supplies the hot water to the hot water jetting pipe while supplying the hot water to the connecting member, and the hot water to the connecting member. It is preferable to be able to switch between heating operation in which hot water is supplied and hot water is not supplied to the hot water jet pipe. With such a configuration, the steam generating means can be switched between heating and humidifying operation and heating operation, and can be used as a heater by setting the heating operation, which improves the usability of the steam generator. Can be achieved.

In addition, the steam generating means is arranged inside a bathroom washing room counter or a bathtub apron as in the invention described in claim 11, and is washed from an outlet provided at the bottom of the washing room counter or the bathtub apron. It is preferable to blow out steam inside. With this configuration, the steam can be blown out into the washing room by the steam generation means arranged inside the counter or the bathtub apron in the washing room, so that desired steam can be delivered to the bathroom without impairing the design in the bathroom. It can be generated, and comfortable bathing becomes possible.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 8 show an embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the basic structure thereof, FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a heat exchange promoting member. FIG. 4 is a perspective view, FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the steam generator is installed in a bathroom, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control system, and FIGS. 6 to 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation.

In FIG. 1, the steam generator 1 includes a steam generating means 2 and hot water (hot water H used in the steam generating means 2).
A hot water circulating means 3 for circulating W1), a water supplying means 4 for supplying (supplementing) water or hot water (referred to as water W) to the hot water circulating means 3, and hot water HW1 in the hot water circulating means 3. It is composed of a draining means 5 for draining to the outside, a control means 6 for controlling these, and the like.

The steam generating means 2 includes a heat exchange promoting member 7
And a hot water spouting pipe 8 for radiating hot water to the heat exchange promoting member 7.
And a fan 9 or the like for blowing the generated steam or the like in a predetermined direction, and the steam is generated by the hot water HW1 diffused from the hot water ejection pipe 8 to the heat exchange promotion member 7 as described later, and this steam is controlled by the control means 6 The fan 9 that rotates in response to the control signal sends air (blows) in a predetermined direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, the steam generator 1 has an outer casing 10 formed of, for example, a resin in a box shape, and an air suction port 11 is provided in the upper portion of the inclined front face of the outer casing 10. The steam outlet 12 is formed below
Are formed. Further, inside the exterior body 10, a heat exchange promoting member 7 is arranged so as to face the air suction port 11 so as to be inclined substantially parallel to the front surface of the exterior body 10, and the upper end of the front surface of the heat exchange promoting member 7 is arranged. A hot water spouting pipe 8 is arranged in the section, and a fan 9 is arranged in the lower portion on the rear side of the heat exchange promoting member 7. A drain pan 13 is provided below the heat exchange promotion member 7 as a hot water recovery means, which will be described later, and a blow passage 14 is formed below the fan 9 toward the steam outlet 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heat exchange promoting member 7 of the steam generating means 2 is composed of a large number of thin plates 15 arranged at a predetermined interval in the lateral direction and substantially in parallel, and the thin plates 15.
A connecting member 1 made of a circular metal pipe for horizontally connecting
6 and a pair of left and right support members 1 for supporting the connecting member 16.
It is composed of 7 etc. The thin plate 15 and the connecting member 16
The support member 17 is formed of a metal material having high thermal conductivity such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper, and the connecting member 16 is formed by bending one pipe in a meandering manner by continuously connecting one pipe from the upper portion to the lower portion. The openings at both ends are directed to the right side in FIG. 3, for example.

Then, for example, an opening on the upper side of the connecting member 16 is connected to an outlet 20b of the water heater / heater 19 by a pipe 21, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and an opening on the lower side is used for hot water supply. A pipe 22 is directly connected to the inlet 20a of the heater 19. The hot water supply / room heater 19 has a high-temperature water circulation circuit 20, a pump 23, a burner 24, a control circuit 25, a hot water supply port (not shown), and the like.
By controlling the pump 4 and the pump 23, hot water having a predetermined temperature set by the control circuit 25 (referred to as high-temperature water HW2) is circulated and supplied into the connecting member 16 of the heat exchange promoting member 7.

Further, the hot water jetting pipe 8 of the steam generating means 2
Is formed of a metal pipe such as stainless steel, and has a plurality of hot water outlets 8a at predetermined intervals along its axial direction.
(See FIG. 2) is provided so as to be directed downward,
The hot water HW1 ejected from the hot water ejection port 8a is arranged so as to be dissipated on the thin plate 15 at the upper end of the front surface of the heat exchange promotion member 7. The fan 9 is composed of, for example, a sirocco fan, and rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2 by the rotation of a fan motor (not shown), and the steam generated from the heat exchange promoting member 7 is blown out as shown by arrow C. The air is blown through the passage 14.

The hot water circulating means 3, as shown in FIG.
The drain pan 13 disposed below the heat exchange promotion member 7 for collecting the hot water HW1 diffused in the promotion member 7;
A circulation pump 28 and the like are connected in the middle of a pipe 27 between the discharge port 13a of the drain pan 13 and the hot water supply port 8b of the hot water jet pipe 8, and the circulation pump 2 is controlled by the control signal of the control means 6.
The hot water HW1 collected in the drain pan 13 is returned to the hot water jet pipe 8 again by the operation of the hot water jet pipe 8.

The water supply means 4 has a water supply source 29, a water supply solenoid valve 31 arranged in a pipe 30 between the water supply source 29 and the drain pan 13, and the like. When the water supply solenoid valve 31 is opened by the control signal of the means 6, a predetermined amount of water or the like W is supplied from the water or the like supply source 29.
It is designed to supply (supplement) within 3. As the water supply source 29, tap water may be used as it is, such as water using a faucet, or water may be used as water W by using the hot water supply port of the water heater / heater 19 or various water heaters. Can also be used.

Further, the draining means 5 is the hot water circulating means 3
The drain pan 13 has a drainage solenoid valve 34 and the like arranged in the pipe 33 between the drainage port 13a of the drain pan 13 and the external drainage port 32. The hot water HW1 is discharged to the outside.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the control means 6 includes a control circuit 35 including a microcomputer and a power supply circuit 36.
And a remote controller 37, and the drain pan 13 is provided on the input side of the control circuit 35.
Water temperature sensor 38 for detecting the temperature of the hot water HW1 in the interior, a water level sensor 39 for detecting the water level of the hot water HW1 in the drain pan 13, and a room temperature sensor for detecting the room temperature in the unit bathroom 41 in which the steam generator 1 is installed. A sensor group such as 40 is connected, a remote controller 37 that can be operated by wire or wireless is connected, and the circulation pump 28 and various electromagnetic valves 31, 34 are connected to the output side of the control circuit 35.

Further, the control circuit 35 of the steam generator 1 is
The power supply circuit 36 of the steam generator 1 is electrically connected to the control circuit 25 of the water heater / heater 19 by, for example, a two-way communication line 42, and is connected so that power can be supplied from the power supply circuit 43 of the water heater / heater 19. Has been done. As a result, the remote controller 37 of the steam generator 1 can be used to turn on / off the power of the hot water heater / heater 19 and various driving operations, and the remote controller 44 of the hot water heater 19 can also be used to turn on the power of the steam generator 1. -It is configured so that it can be turned off and various driving operations can be performed.

The connection structure of the control circuits 35 and 25 of the steam generator 1 and the hot water supply / room heating device 19 is not limited to this example, and they may be arranged individually and operated individually.
As shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 5, it is possible to employ a connection structure in which only the power supply circuits 36 and 43 are shared by the steam generator 1 and the hot water supply / room heater 19.

The steam generator 1 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a unit bathroom 4 forming a bathroom.
It is installed inside the counter 47 of the washing place 46 of No. 1. The unit bathroom 41 in this case is formed in a substantially box shape by the wall panel 48, the ceiling panel 49, and the like, and the bathtub 50 is installed on the waterproof pan inside and the washing space 46 is provided. The counter 47 is provided on the panel 48 side, and a bathroom ventilation fan 51 is provided on the ceiling panel 49.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front wall 47b of the counter 47, which is composed of the upper wall 47a and the front wall 47b, is
It is attached to the upper surface wall 47a by the attachment metal fitting 53 or the like with the air introduction port 52 formed in the upper part,
An air outlet 54 corresponding to the steam outlet 12 of the steam generator 1 is provided in the lower portion thereof. This air inlet 5
The air introduced into the counter 47 from 2 as indicated by the arrow D is sucked into the device 1 from the air suction port 11 as indicated by the arrow B, and the steam blown by the fan 9 is the steam outlet. 12 and the air outlet 54 are blown into the washing space 46 as shown by the arrow C.

The arrangement structure of the steam generator 1 on the counter 47 is not limited to this example, and for example, the upper wall 47a and the front wall 47b can be used without using the fittings 53 and the like.
It is possible to form the air introduction port 52 at a predetermined position of the front wall 47b of the counter 47 integrally formed with the steam generator 1 and arrange the steam generator 1 inside the counter 47 behind the air introduction port 52. Other appropriate arrangement structures can be adopted, such as the arrangement of the device 1 inside the bathtub apron 57 (see FIG. 4). And at this time, the steam generator 1
By installing the inside of the counter 47 and the bathtub apron 57, the device 1 is not exposed in the unit bathroom 41, and the deterioration of the design value (designability) inside the unit bathroom 41 is prevented. There is.

Next, an example of the operation of the steam generator 1 will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. Note that these flowcharts are automatically executed by a program stored in advance in the microcomputer or the like of the control circuit 35. FIG. 6 shows the flow of basic operations.
First, this will be described.

In FIG. 6, the program starts (S10
1) Then, the power source S that can operate the steam generator 1 such as a mist switch provided on the remote controller 37.
It is determined whether W is turned on (S102), and this determination S102 is repeated until "YES". Then, the bather operates the steam generator 1 to bathe in the unit bathroom 41 in a heated and humidified state, and the power SW
When is turned on, the determination S102 becomes "YES", and a water supply process (S103) is performed to supply water W to the circulation passage of the hot water circulation unit 3 (hereinafter referred to as "hot water circulation unit 3").

After the water supply process S103, the high temperature water HW2 of the hot water supply / room heater 19 is exchanged with the heat exchange promoting member 7.
High temperature water circulation process (S10)
4) is performed, and hot water H of a predetermined temperature is set in the hot water circulating means 3.
Steam temperature control that circulates W1 to generate steam (including mist) and controls the temperature of the generated steam (S1
05) is performed. This steam temperature control S105 is repeatedly performed until the power source SW is turned off (S10).
6) When the bather turns off the power SW in order to get out of the unit bathroom 41, the determination S106 becomes “YES”, the stop process (S107) is performed, and then the series of programs is ended (S108).

In the water supply process S103, as shown in FIG. 7, first, the water supply solenoid valve 31 is opened by the control signal of the control circuit 35 (S201) to supply the water supply W 29 from the water supply source 29.
Is supplied to the drain pan 13, and then the circulation pump 28 is turned on (S202) by the control signal of the control circuit 35 to circulate the water or the like W supplied to the drain pan 13 in the hot water circulating means 3. When the water W or the like starts to circulate in the hot water circulating means 3, the water level in the drain pan 13 is detected by the water level sensor 39 (S203), and it is determined whether or not the value is a predetermined value (S).
204). This determination S204 is repeated until "YES", and when the water level reaches a predetermined value, "YE
"S" and the water supply solenoid valve 31 is closed by the control signal of the control circuit 35 (S205).

As a result, the water etc. supply processing S103 is executed, and while the water etc. supply processing S103 is executed,
Although the circulation pump 28 is turned on, the fan 9 is in a stopped state, and the cold air due to the rotation of the fan 9 is not blown out into the washing place 46 from the outlet 54 of the unit bathroom 41. When the SW is turned on, it is surely prevented from taking cold air.

The high temperature water circulation process S104 is executed when the water supply process S103 is completed or when the water is supplied to a predetermined water level. In this high-temperature water circulation processing S104, the hot water supply / room heater 19 is operated (S301),
The control circuit 25 sets the hot water in the high temperature water circulation circuit 20 to the high temperature water HW2 and operates the pump 23 to circulate the high temperature water HW2 in the coupling member 16 of the heat exchange promoting member 7.

As a result, the high-temperature water HW2 having a temperature of, for example, 80 ° C. or higher, which is heated by the hot water supply / room heating device 19, is heated by the heat exchange promoting member 7.
The temperature of the connecting member 16 is raised to a predetermined temperature by being supplied into the connecting member 16. At this time, since the control circuit 35 of the steam generator 1 and the control circuit 25 of the hot water supply / room heater 19 are connected by the bidirectional communication line 42, the hot water supply / room heater 19 can be controlled by the remote controller 37 of the steam generator 1. Therefore, the operability can be improved.

When the high temperature water circulation process S104 for circulating the high temperature water HW2 in the connecting member 16 of the heat exchange promoting member 7 is executed, the water W circulating in the hot water circulating means 3 is heated to a predetermined temperature as follows. To warm water HW1. That is, when the high-temperature water HW2 is circulated through the connecting member 16, the temperature of the connecting member 16 and the thin plate 15 rises, and the temperature of the water W and the like diffused on the thin plate 15 rises due to this temperature. By circulating the water, the temperature of the water W or the like gradually increases and becomes warm water HW1 having a predetermined temperature according to the temperature of the high temperature water HW2.

Then, the steam temperature control S105 is performed when the water W or the like becomes the hot water HW1. In this steam temperature control S105, first, for example, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time t1 has elapsed from the start of turning on the circulation pump 28 in step S202 (S401). This determination S10
The predetermined time t1 in 4 is a time required for the water W supplied from the water supply unit 4 into the hot water circulation unit 3 to become the hot water HW1 at a temperature at which steam can be generated. When the source 29 is normal tap water, the predetermined time is within 1 minute.

Then, it is determined that the predetermined time t1 has elapsed S
If YES in 401, the fan 9 is rotated by the control signal of the control circuit 35 (S402). By the rotation of the fan 9, for example, the air in the unit bathroom 41 introduced into the counter 47 from the air introduction port 52 of the front wall 47b of the counter 47 becomes the exterior body 1 of the steam generator 1.
0 is sucked in through the air suction port 11 and passes between the thin plates 15 of the heat exchange promoting member 7, whereby steam is generated as follows.

That is, the connecting member 1 of the heat exchange promoting member 7
The connecting member 16 itself is raised to a predetermined temperature by the high-temperature water HW2 circulated and supplied to 6, and the surface of the thin plate 15 fixed to the connecting member 16 is also raised to a predetermined temperature. Also, the thin plate 15 whose temperature has been raised
Hot water HW1 that is released from the hot water spout pipe 8 and flows downward
However, the air passing between the thin plates 15 is heated and humidified to raise the temperature, and a vapor pressure difference is generated as the temperature of the air rises, and a part of the warm water HW1 that has been diffused evaporates and is generated as vapor. It will be. The generated steam is blown by the rotating fan 9 so that the steam is discharged from the discharge passage 14 to the steam outlet 1
It is blown out into the washing place 46 of the unit bathroom 41 through the 2 and the outlet 54.

When the steam is blown into the unit bathroom 41, the air in the unit bathroom 41 is humidified and heated to raise its temperature, and this temperature Ti is detected by the room temperature sensor 40 (S403). , The detected room temperature Ti is the lower limit reference temperature Td stored in the microcomputer in advance.
Whether or not it is below is determined (S404). This determination S40
If "NO" in 4, that is, if the room temperature Ti exceeds the lower limit reference temperature Td, it is determined whether the detected temperature Ti is lower than the upper limit reference temperature Tu stored in the microcomputer (S4).
05) is done.

If "YES" in the determination S404, that is, if the room temperature Ti has not reached the lower limit reference temperature Td,
Both the circulation pump 28 and the pump 23 of the hot water supply / room heating device 19 are maintained in the ON state (S407), and steam generation (blowing) from the steam generator 1 is continued. Also, the determination S4
In the case of “YES” at 05, that is, when the room temperature Ti is higher than the lower limit reference temperature Td and lower than the upper limit reference temperature Tu,
When it is determined that the room temperature Ti is within the predetermined temperature range, the operations of the circulation pump 28 and the pump 23 are both stopped and turned off (S40).
6) Put into a state. When both the pumps 28 and 23 are turned off, the generation (blowing) of steam from the steam generator 1 is stopped.

When the on / off states of both pumps 28 and 23 are controlled in steps S406 and S407, the process proceeds to the determination S106, and it is determined whether or not the power supply SW is turned off. In this determination S106, "NO" is determined. In case of step S
Returning to 403, the room temperature Ti is detected again, and the detected temperature T
Based on i, the operations of the circulation pump 28 and the pump 23 are controlled in the same manner as described above. That is, the detected room temperature T
Both pumps 28 and 23 are on / off controlled according to i, and the temperature inside the unit bathroom 41 is maintained at a predetermined temperature.

In this way, the steam temperature is controlled, and the bather tries to get out of the unit bathroom 41 by the power switch.
When is turned off, the judgment S106 becomes "YES", and the stop processing S107 is executed. This stop processing S107
As shown in FIG. 8, first, the pump 23 or the like of the hot water supply / room heating device 19 is turned off to bring it into a stopped state (S501), and the temperature of the hot water HW1 in the hot water circulating means 3 is set to the drain pan 1.
3 (S502), the detected temperature T2 is compared with the drainage reference temperature Ts stored in advance in the microcomputer of the control circuit 35 to determine whether the detected temperature T2 is equal to or lower than the drainage reference temperature Ts. Whether or not it is determined (S503).

This judgment S503 is repeated until it becomes "YES", and if the detected temperature T2 of the hot water HW1 falls below the drainage reference temperature Ts after a lapse of a predetermined time, the judgment S503 is carried out.
If YES, the circulation pump 28 is stopped (S5).
04), and the fan 9 is stopped (S505) substantially at the same time as the circulation pump 28 is stopped.

After the circulation pump 28 and the fan 9 are stopped, the drainage solenoid valve 34 is operated to open (S506),
It is determined whether the predetermined time t2 has elapsed (S507). The predetermined time t2 is the hot water HW in the hot water circulating means 3.
It is a preset time so that almost all 1 can be drained,
When “YES” is determined in this determination S507, the hot water HW1 in the hot water circulation means 3 is discharged from the external drainage port 32 of the drainage means 5.
The water is drained from the steam generator 1 to the drain hole of the unit bathroom 41, for example.

At the time of this drainage, the temperature of the hot water HW1 to be drained is equal to or lower than the drainage standard temperature Ts, so that the safety during drainage is ensured and the heat of the drainage pipes such as the pipe 33 and the external pipe is generated. Fatigue can also be prevented. Further, since this stop processing S107 is always executed after the power SW is turned off, the hot water HW1 used for steam generation does not remain in the drain pan 13 or the like after the steam generator 1 is used, When using the generator 1, the hot water HW1 in a clean state can always be used.

The above flow chart is an example, and a flow for controlling the amount of steam such as the amount of mist or the amount of steam as shown in FIG. 9 may be added.
That is, for example, during the steam temperature control S105, the current value Ii of the circulation pump 28 is detected (S701).
Then, the detected current value Ii is compared with the reference current value Is preset in the microcomputer, and the detected current value Ii is compared with the reference current value Ii.
It is determined whether or not it is s or more (S702).

If "YES" in this determination S702, that is, if the detected current value Ii is larger than the reference current value Is, it is determined that the circulating hot water amount is large and the steam amount is large, and the control circuit 35 supplies the power. The current value supplied from the circuit 36 to the circulation pump 28 is reduced (S703), and the discharge capacity of the circulation pump 28, that is, the amount of circulating hot water is reduced. Due to this decrease in the amount of circulating hot water, the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 1 decreases.

On the other hand, if "NO" in the determination S702, that is, if the detected current value Ii is smaller than the reference current value Is, it is determined that the circulating hot water amount is small and the steam amount is small, and the control circuit 35 causes the power circuit. The current value supplied from 36 to the circulation pump 28 is increased (S704), and the discharge capacity of the circulation pump 28, that is, the amount of circulating hot water is increased.
The increase in the amount of circulating hot water increases the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 1.

That is, since the amount of steam generated from the steam generator 1 is affected by the amount (temperature) of the hot water HW1 diffused from the hot water jet pipe 8 onto the heat exchange promoting member 7, this hot water amount is circulated by the circulation pump. The operation current value of 28 is used for control (adjustment). The control of the amount of hot water in the hot water circulating means 3 is not limited to the control by the operating current value of the circulation pump 28, but may be performed by an electrical characteristic value such as the operating voltage or operating frequency of the circulating pump 28 (the rotation speed of the drive motor). Can also be controlled. It is also possible to dispose a flow rate sensor (not shown) in the hot water circulating means 3 and control each electric characteristic value of the circulation pump 28 based on the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor.

In the above flow chart,
Although the high temperature water circulation process S104 is performed after the water supply process S103, for example, as shown in FIG.
After performing the high-temperature water circulation processing S104, the water supply processing S1
03 may be performed, or as shown in FIG. 10B, the water etc. supply processing S103 and the high temperature water circulation processing S105.
Can also be performed in parallel.

Further, in the above flow chart, the circulating hot water amount of the warm water HW1 is controlled to a predetermined value by detecting the water level in the drain pan 13 in the water supply process S103 after the power SW is turned on. While the steam generator 1 is in use, when the circulating hot water HW1 evaporates and the amount of hot water decreases to a predetermined amount, for example, by the flow shown in FIG. Can be replenished.

That is, the water level Hi of the water level sensor 39 arranged on the drain pan 13 is sequentially detected (S80).
1), it is determined whether or not the detected water level Hi is lower than or equal to the lower limit reference water level Hd stored in advance in the microcomputer (S802).
To be done. If "NO" in this determination S802, that is, if the water level Hi exceeds the lower limit reference water level Hd, the detected water level Hi is the upper limit reference water level Hu stored in the microcomputer.
It is determined whether or not it is less than (S803).

If "YES" in determination S802, that is, if the water level Hi has not reached the lower limit reference water level Hd,
The water supply solenoid valve 31 is opened (S805) to supply the water 2
Water W etc. is supplied to the drain pan 13 from 9. Further, when the determination S803 is “YES”, that is, when the water level Hi exceeds the lower limit reference water level Hd and is less than the upper limit reference water level Hu, it is determined that the detected water level Hi is within the predetermined range, and the water supply solenoid valve 31 is turned on. Close (S804). As a result, when the amount of hot water HW1 in the hot water circulating means 3 becomes equal to or lower than the lower limit reference water level Hd, the water W is automatically replenished within a range not exceeding the upper limit reference water level Hu, The hot water HW1 is maintained at a predetermined amount that can stably generate steam.

The replenishment control of the water W or the like into the hot water circulating means 3 is not limited to the detection of the water level of the drain pan 13, but may be performed by the detection signal of the flow rate sensor for detecting the flow rate in the hot water circulating means 3 described above. It is also possible to detect the change of the electric characteristic value such as the current value and the voltage value of the circulation pump 28 due to the change of the circulating hot water amount, and to control the replenishment of water W etc. based on these detected values. You can also

In addition, since the water temperature sensor 38 is arranged in the drain pan 13 for the replenishment control of the water W, the water temperature sensor can be obtained by previously obtaining the relationship between the amount of hot water in the hot water circulating means 3 and the water temperature. It can also be performed based on the detected temperature of 38. That is, for example, the steam temperature control S105
In the inside, the water temperature sensor 38 sequentially detects the water temperature of the hot water HW1 in the drain pan 13, compares the detected temperature with one (or a plurality of) reference values set in advance, and based on the comparison result, the water supply solenoid valve 31. Open and close the hot water circulation means 3
The temperature of the hot water HW1 is controlled by supplying water or the like W having a predetermined temperature therein.

In this way, it is possible to control the replenishment of the water W while effectively utilizing the water temperature sensor 38, and to control the temperature of the hot water HW1 circulating in the hot water circulating means 3.
It becomes possible to set a predetermined temperature at which steam is constantly generated, and it is possible to eliminate variations in the steam generation state due to seasons, etc., by setting a reference value to be compared in accordance with the outside air or the like.

Further, in the above-mentioned flowchart, the upper limit reference value and the lower limit reference value as the reference values in the determinations S404, S405 and the determinations S802, S803 are the upper limit reference depending on a predetermined value which is constant above or below the intermediate reference value. A value or a lower limit reference value may be set, or one reference value may be used for determination without using two reference values.
Further, in the case of making a determination with one reference value as in determinations S204, S503, and S702, it is possible to make a determination with two upper and lower reference values.

Furthermore, steps S203 and S204
The water level detection determination in step S502 may be performed based on a preset time, and the temperature detection determination of the warm water HW1 in steps S502 and S503 may be performed based on a preset time. Further, in the above flowchart, the stop processing S10 after the power SW is turned off.
The hot water HW1 in the hot water circulation means 3 is discharged to the outside by means of 7. However, for example, when the power source SW is turned on, first, the hot water HW1 remaining in the hot water circulation means 3 is discharged to the outside. By performing the drainage treatment and the water supply treatment S102 after the drainage treatment, the cleanliness of the hot water HW1 in the hot water circulating means 3 can be further ensured.

Thus, the steam generator 1 of the above embodiment
In this case, the hot water HW1 that is diffused from the hot water jetting pipe 8 arranged above the heat exchange promoting member 7 of the steam generating means 2 and flows down to the lower side is collected by the drain pan 13 arranged below the heat exchange promoting member 7. In addition, since the pipe 27 and the circulation pump 28 provided between the drain pan 13 and the hot water spouting pipe 8 can be returned to the hot water spouting pipe 8 again, the hot water HW1 used for steam generation can be externally supplied as in the conventional case. Therefore, the hot water HW1 can be reused and the water resources can be effectively used. By making effective use of this water, water costs can be reduced and water heaters and
The fuel cost can be reduced.

Further, by returning the water W supplied (supplemented) from the water supply unit 4 to the hot water outlet pipe 8 again by the hot water circulation unit 3, the connecting member for connecting the flow path of the hot water HW1 and the heat exchange promoting member 7 to each other. Since the flow path of the high temperature water HW2 that is circulated and supplied to the inside 16 forms a completely different flow path, the hot water HW1 and the high temperature water HW
W2 can be controlled individually, and each hot water HW1, HW
The temperature of 2 can be maintained with high accuracy, and even if the temperature in the unit bathroom 41 in winter is low, for example, hot water HW1 corresponding to the temperature can be easily obtained, and steam can be used regardless of the season. It is possible to obtain a stable occurrence state of. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent misunderstandings and the like of the user based on the difference in recognition of the degree of warming caused by steam.

Further, the hot water circulation means 3 is formed by a hot water recovery member such as the drain pan 13, a circulation pump 28, a water supply means 4 and a drainage means 5 and the like, for example, the conventional piping structure for the hot water ejection pipe and the connecting member is changed. Therefore, the structure of the hot water circulation means 3 itself can be simplified, and it is possible to obtain an inexpensive steam generator 1 that can cope with a conventional product without making a large design change. Become.

Further, since the control circuit 35 can control the diffusion of the hot water HW1 by the hot water jet pipe 8 and the control circuit 25 can control the circulation of the hot water HW2, the connecting member 1
6 is circulated and hot water HW2 is circulated and hot water HW1 is not jetted from the hot water jetting pipe 8 to perform a dry warming operation, and hot water HW2 is circulated and supplied to the connecting member 16 to blast hot water. It is possible to perform the heating and humidifying operation by discharging the warm water HW1 from the pipe 8, and it is possible to easily switch between them, thereby improving the usability of the steam generator 1.

In particular, the steam generator 1 is installed in the unit bathroom 41, and the steam generator 1 and the water heater / heater 19 and, for example, the ceiling panel 4 of the unit bathroom 41.
9 and the bathroom ventilation fan 51 arranged in the control circuit 35, 2
If they are operated in association with each other by means of 5 or the like, it is possible to easily create a mist, steam, a dry heating state, a sauna state, a dry state of clothes or the like in the unit bathroom 41, and It is possible to greatly increase the added value related to use.

Further, the control circuit 35 for controlling the steam generating means 2 and the hot water circulating means 3, and the connecting member 1 of the steam generating means 2.
Since the control circuit 25 of the hot water supply / room heating device 19 that supplies the high-temperature water HW2 to 6 is connected by the bidirectional communication line 42, for example, the hot water supply / room heating device 19 can be controlled by the control circuit 35, and the control itself is duplicated. The steam generator 1 can be formed at a lower cost by simplifying the configuration by omitting the above, and the wiring structure can be simplified by, for example, wiring the power source of the steam generator 1 from the water heater / heater 19. It is possible to improve the usability of the steam generator 1.

Furthermore, the control means 6 causes the power source S
When the mist switch or the like as W is turned on, only the hot water circulation means 3 can be operated without operating the fan 9 for a predetermined time, so that it is possible to prevent the blowing of cold air when the mist switch is turned on. The hot water HW1 circulating in the hot water circulation means 3 is no longer cooled by cold air, and
W1 can be rapidly heated, and by circulating the warm water HW1 for a predetermined time, it is possible to disperse various bacteria contained in W such as water in a sterilized state, and clean steam can be discharged to the unit bathroom 41.
It becomes possible to blow it out.

When the mist switch or the like is turned off,
Since the drainage means 5 prohibits the drainage of the hot water HW1 circulated by the control means 6 until the hot water HW1 circulates below a predetermined temperature, drainage of the hot water HW1 above the predetermined temperature to the outside is reliably prevented, and the safety of drainage is improved. It is possible to sufficiently secure the hot water HW1 in the hot water circulation means 3 after the steam generator 1 is used, and it is possible to always use clean hot water HW1 in which no germs grow.

Further, since the amount of steam generated is controlled by controlling the amount of circulating hot water by the control means 6, the control itself is simplified, and a predetermined amount of steam can be generated stably and reliably, and the control means 6 is used. Can control the supply amount of the water etc. W by the water etc. supply means 4 based on the detection value of the water level sensor 39 etc., and therefore, the circulation amount of the hot water HW1 in the hot water circulation means 3 can be maintained at a predetermined level. The warm water HW1 having a predetermined temperature and a predetermined temperature can always be diffused from the hot water ejection pipe 8 onto the heat exchange promotion member 7, and the generation state of steam can be further stabilized.

From these facts, it becomes possible to easily generate a desired form of steam and to obtain a steam generator 1 having excellent usability, and by applying it to the unit bathroom 41 in which diversification is particularly required. , It is possible to improve the bathing comfort and usability at the same time.

In the above embodiment, as the water supply means 4, the water supply solenoid valve 31 connected to the water supply source 29 is used.
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pipe having a hot water supply solenoid valve is connected to the outlet 20b of the hot water heater / heater 19, and the opening of the pipe is located on the drain pan 13. The high-temperature water HW2 of the hot water heater 19
Alternatively, hot water may be used as the hot water HW1.
In this case, the hot water HW1 having a predetermined temperature can be circulated in the hot water circulation means 3 substantially at the same time when the mist SW is turned on,
It becomes possible to generate steam more quickly (rapid warming).

Further, in the above embodiment, the pipe 27 of the hot water circulating means 3 is provided between the drain pan 13 and the hot water jetting pipe 8 so that the hot water HW1 flowing down from the heat exchange promoting member 7 is provided.
The hot water HW1 flowing down from the heat exchange accelerating member 7 is provided by, for example, directly returning the hot water to the hot water jetting pipe 8 through the pipe 27.
It is also possible to indirectly return the hot water to the hot water jetting pipe 8 while heating.

Further, the form of the unit bathroom 41 in the above embodiment, the shape of the exterior body 10 of the steam generator 1, the shape of the heat exchange promoting member 7 itself, the arrangement relationship of the hot water spouting pipe 8 and the like are merely examples. For example, the hot water spouting pipe 8 is formed of a plurality of nozzles, and the front face of the hot water spouting pipe 8 is arranged at a predetermined distance above the heat exchange promoting member 7, or the shape of the heat exchange promoting member 7 is changed. It can be appropriately changed within a range that does not deviate from the gist of each invention related to the present invention, for example, it can be formed in a horizontally narrow or vertically long width.

[0080]

As described in detail above, according to the invention as set forth in claim 1, the hot water which has generated steam by being dissipated from the hot water ejection pipe to the heat exchange promoting member is regenerated by the hot water circulating means. Since it is returned to the hot water ejection pipe and re-emitted from the hot water ejection port onto the heat exchange promoting member, it is not necessary to drain the hot water used in the hot water ejection pipe, and the water can be reused. Since the hot water circulating through the circulation means can be individually controlled, a stable steam generation state can be obtained regardless of the season or the like.

According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the hot water circulating means includes a hot water collecting member such as a drain pan, a circulation pump, a water supplying means and a draining means. Since it is formed, the structure of the hot water circulating means itself can be simplified, and reliable hot water circulation operation and drainage operation can be obtained.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, when the operation of the steam generating means is started, the control means does not operate the fan for a predetermined time and the hot water is heated. Since only the circulation means is operated, for example, blowout of cold air can be prevented, the hot water circulating in the hot water circulation means can be heated quickly, and the sterilizing action of the hot water itself can be obtained.

According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claims 1 to 3, when the operation of the steam generating means is stopped, the hot water circulated by the control means becomes a predetermined temperature or less. Since the drainage of the hot water to the outside by the drainage means is prohibited, the drainage of hot water having a predetermined temperature or higher can be reliably prevented, and sufficient safety at the time of draining can be ensured.

According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claims 1 to 4, since the amount of steam generated is controlled by the amount of circulating hot water by the control means, the control itself The structure is simplified and a predetermined amount of steam can be generated stably and reliably.

According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claims 2 to 5, the control means determines whether water or hot water is supplied by the water supply means based on the detection result of the detection means. Since the supply amount is controlled, the circulating amount of hot water in the hot water circulating means can be maintained at a predetermined value, and the generation state of steam can be further stabilized.

According to the invention described in claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 6, the detecting means has the circulating hot water amount in the hot water circulating means, the electrical characteristic value of the circulation pump, and the hot water collecting member. Since at least one value of the water level is detected, the factors involved in the steam generation can be effectively detected, and the steam generation state can be further stabilized.

According to the invention described in claim 8, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claims 1 to 7, high-temperature water is supplied to the steam generating means and the hot water circulating means, and the connecting member of the steam generating means. Since the control is performed in association with the high-temperature water supply means, the control itself does not overlap, and the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

According to the invention described in claim 9, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 8, since the steam generating means and the like are operated by the power source supplied from the high temperature water supplying means, the wiring is simple. In addition to being able to be manufactured at a lower cost, the operability of the steam generator can be improved.

According to the invention described in claim 10,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in claims 1 to 9, since the heating / humidifying operation and the heating operation can be switched by the control means, the steam generator can also be used as a heater by setting the heating operation. As a result, the usability of the steam generator can be improved.

According to the invention described in claim 11,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in claims 1 to 10, since steam can be blown into the washing room by the steam generating means arranged inside the counter of the bathroom washing room or the bathtub apron, the design in the bathroom is not damaged. A desired vapor can be generated in the bathroom, and a comfortable bathing can be achieved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a basic configuration of an embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the heat exchange promoting member.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the installation state in the bathroom.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control system thereof.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the basic operation thereof.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the specific operation thereof.

FIG. 8 is another flowchart showing the specific operation thereof.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the specific operation thereof.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another modification of the specific operation thereof.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing still another modified example of the specific operation thereof.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a usage pattern of a conventional steam generator.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing another usage pattern of the conventional steam generator.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Steam generator 2 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Steam generation means 3 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Hot water circulation means 4 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Water supply means 5 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Drainage means 6 ... Control means 7 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Heat exchange promotion member 8 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Hot water jet pipe 8a ... ・ ・ ・ Hot water spout 9 ... Fan 11 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Air inlet 12 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Steam outlet 13 ... Drain pan 13a .... Discharge port 15 ... ・ ・ ・ Thin plate 16 ... Connection member 19 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Hot water heater 20 ... High temperature water circulation circuit 23 ... Pump 25 ... Control circuit 27 ... Piping 28 ... Circulation pump 29 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Supply source of water, etc. 35 ... Control circuit 36 ... Power supply circuit 37 ... Remote control 41 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Unit bathroom 42 ... Bidirectional communication line 46 ... Washing area 47 ... Counter

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masahito Ichikawa             1370 Nishiyama-cho, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture Yamaha Rebi             Nung Tech Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2D032 GA00 GA03 GA05                 4C094 AA01 BA30 DD08 EE02 FF01                       FF16 GG03

Claims (11)

[Claims] Claim: What is claimed is: 1. A steam is generated by discharging hot water of a predetermined temperature from a hot water jet port of a hot water jet pipe to a heat exchange promoting member having a heating means, and the steam is blown from the steam blow port by the operation of a fan. Controlling the operation of the steam generating means, the hot water circulating means for collecting the hot water that has been diffused from the hot water jetting pipe of the steam generating means and contacting the heat exchange member and returning it to the hot water jetting pipe, and the operations of the steam generating means and the hot water circulating means. A steam generator comprising: a control unit. 2. The hot water circulating means collects hot water in contact with the heat exchange promoting member, and a circulation pump arranged between an outlet of the hot water collecting member and the hot water jet pipe. The steam generator according to claim 1, further comprising: a water supply unit that supplies water or hot water to the circulation flow path by the circulation pump; and a drainage unit that can drain the circulating hot water to the outside. 3. The control means causes the operation of the fan to be in a prohibited state for a predetermined time and the hot water circulation means to be in an active state when the operation of the steam generating means is started. The steam generator described. 4. The control means prohibits draining of the hot water to the outside until the temperature of the hot water circulated by the hot water circulating means falls below a predetermined temperature when the operation of the steam generating means is stopped. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The control means controls the amount of steam generated by the steam generating means by controlling the amount of hot water circulated by the hot water circulating means. The steam generator described. 6. The control unit controls the amount of water or hot water supplied by the water supply unit based on the detection result of the detection unit. Steam generator. 7. The detecting means detects at least one of a circulating hot water amount in the hot water circulating means, an electric characteristic value of the circulating pump, and a water level of the hot water collecting member. The steam generator according to. 8. The control means associates and controls the steam generating means and the hot water circulating means with the high temperature water supplying means for supplying high temperature water to the connecting member of the steam generating means. The steam generator according to any one of 1 to 7. 9. The steam generator according to claim 8, wherein the control means, the steam generating means and the hot water circulating means are operated by a power source supplied from the high temperature water supplying means. 10. The heating and humidifying operation for supplying hot water to the hot water jet pipe while supplying hot water to the connecting member, and the heating means supplying hot water to the hot water jet pipe and not supplying hot water to the hot water jet pipe. 2. It can be switched to warm operation.
10. The steam generator according to any one of 9 to 9. 11. The steam generating means is disposed inside a bathroom washing room counter or a bathtub apron, and blows steam into the washing room from a blowout port provided under the washing shop counter or under the bathtub apron. Item 11. A steam generator according to any one of items 1 to 10.