JP2571829B2 - Steam tub with steam generator system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS When installing cabinets equipped for use as a sauna or steam tub, one of the major problems is manifested by a steam generator and various controllers. How best to put the whole done. The whole is generally separated from the structure of the cabinet and, due to its installation and coupling to the cabinet, a considerable amount of construction work is often required, in which case various vapors are carried from the steam generator to the cabinet. And electrical wiring to allow control and regulation of the steam generator. In order not to carry out such construction work, the lines and wiring are alternatively arranged externally, and thus seem to give very unsatisfactory results in terms of general appearance.

In addition, the location of the separate steam generator and often a considerable distance from the cabinet, the conduit carrying the steam to the cabinet promotes heat distribution and thus jeopardizes the performance of the sauna as a whole It means taking a course.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The general object of the present invention is to embody a steam generator, located just above a steam tub cabinet, complete with controls and thus external to the whole and functionally Minimizing the number of electrical and hydraulic linkages required, and also
Eliminating the above difficulties by minimizing the length of travel of the electrical and hydraulic linkages between the steam generator and the cabinet, and thus using a steam tub cabinet installation that is small and free of other visible elements It is to be.

Means for Solving the Problems To this end, the present invention comprises an electric steam boiler for producing steam and a pipe connecting the boiler to a steam inlet port in a steam tub cabinet. Embodies a type of steam generator, in which case the whole is
It is completely contained in a general box-shaped container, the dimensions of the base of the container being the same as the dimensions of the upper part of the cabinet on which the container is applied, thus forming a single whole with the cabinet.

Embodiments The objects of the invention and advantages over the known art will become more apparent from a consideration of the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings, a sauna or steam tub cabinet installation, embodied in accordance with the innovative principles of the invention, holds all of the control or steam generation equipment and is realized, for example, by a glass fiber reinforced acrylic material, and The apparatus includes a substantially box-shaped container 10 disposed above a cabinet (shower cubicle) in which steam produced by the generator is transported.

The substantially box-shaped container 10 has a base dimension that covers the upper part of the cabinet by completely closing.

For convenience, reference will be made hereinafter to specific systems for the generation and control of steam, but such systems are included in the vessel 10 and thereby do not limit the scope of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system is characterized by an armored electrical resistance 13 and a water purification cartridge by pipe 14.
15 includes an electric steam boiler 12 coupled to a water purification cartridge, wherein the water purification cartridges are in series (e.g., three; two are ion exchange resin cartridges for water decalcification, and a third is water dechlorination Including activated carbon for). From the cartridge 15, a pipe 16 leads to a salt container 17 (to regenerate the resin in the ion exchange cartridge), and from there a supply solenoid supplying cold water from the mains to the above system via a pipe 19
Leads to 18. A pipe 20 from the boiler 12 couples the boiler to a drain trap 21 which, in turn, is coupled to a drain 23 by a pipe 22 and to a second discharge or drain solenoid 25 by a pipe 24; , Is connected to the pipe 19. Air intake 26
Is located between the drain trap 21 and the drain 23. Because the cartridge 15 and drain trap 21 are complementary components of the overall steam generation and control system, they
It is not incorporated into the container 10. Given these small volumes, they are easily hidden from view by, for example, replacing the intermediate space between the rear wall of the steam tub cabinet and the adjacent wall. Such components are anyway components external to the container 10, and furthermore, in embodiments different from those given herein as examples of the application of the innovative principles of the invention, they have functions. Missing or replaced by a functionally equivalent device located within the container 10.

In the exemplary embodiment described herein, tube 27 is
The steam generated in the boiler 12 is transported to a discharge port 28 communicating with the inside of the cabinet 11. Also within the container 10 is a system for recirculating air in the cabinet 11, including a duct 29 containing a fan 30 and a series-coupled electrical resistance 31. At the end, the duct 29 communicates with the interior of the cabinet 11. The first end (close to the fan) communicates directly and the second end communicates with the interior of the cabinet near the steam discharge port 28.

The method of operation of the entire installation in question is controlled by an electronic control unit 32 which is activated by a device 33 inside the cabinet 11. The unit 32 and the actuating device 33 are sent to an external electrical line via an electrical coupling 36 by an electrical switch 34 controlled by a mechanical push button 35 located on the ceiling of the steam tub cabinet.

Unit 32 and corresponding actuator 33 are implemented in any manner and operate with the desired cycle that is compatible with the operating requirements of the steam generator system. Hereinafter, the method of operation of the steam tub cabinet installation will, for convenience, refer to specific embodiments in the electronic control unit, and reference will be made to embodied corresponding actuators that incorporate the microprocessor system into the programmed special functions. This does not limit the entire invention or the claims,
It is to be understood that they illustrate possible practical embodiments.

The method of operation of the steam tub cabinet installation in question using the microprocessor system is as follows.

When the mechanically actuated push button 35 is depressed, a voltage is supplied to the electronic control unit 32 and, for example, a membrane keyboard (impermeable on demand) and an alphanumeric display, for example using a liquid crystal Are supplied to the corresponding actuating device including. When the push button 35 is pressed to supply voltage to the system, pressing the push button marked SALNA on the keyboard of the electronic control unit 32 activates the supply solenoid 18 and thus the mains water. Flows through a pipe 16, reaches a salt container 17 through a pipe 19, passes through it, and passes through a cartridge 15;
In this case it is dechlorinated and decalcified and finally reaches the boiler 12. A minimum water level is reached in the boiler 12, resulting in an armored electrical resistance
When 13 is covered (this level is detected by a suitable first sensor inside the boiler, not shown, which sends information to the electronic control unit 42), the outer resistance 13 Is activated by the electronic control unit 32. When the maximum water level is reached (also detected by a suitable sensor, not shown), the electronic control unit 32 turns off the supply solenoid 18 and thus interrupts the mains water supply to the boiler. Let it. The water so present in the boiler is
13 and heated for a certain time (about 6-7 minutes)
After that, steam begins to form in the boiler 12. The steam flows through the pipe 27 and is introduced into the cabinet 11 through the discharge port 28. Once the steam has been discharged into the cabinet, a fan 30 activated by an electronic control unit 42 absorbs the steam and air mixture in the cabinet to prevent it from cooling and condensing, and Conveyed inside the duct 29, in which case it is heated by contact with the electronic resistance 31 and then discharged again from the other end of the Dagut closest to the discharge port 28 into the interior of the steam tub cabinet, thus the boiler 12 Mixed with the steam coming in from. In this way, an air / steam mixture similar to that schematically shown in FIG. 2 is obtained, in which the forced circulation system shows how the steam permeates the entire interior of the cabinet in a uniformly distributed manner. Is done.

With the help of the actuator 33, it is possible to select the desired environment (eg moderate, medium, high temperature, etc.) inside the steam tub cabinet. This selection is made by an electronic control unit 32 that appropriately controls the various electrical resistances (13, 31) in the system to keep the selected environment inside the steam tub cabinet constant. The sauna cycle for steam generation is based on the fact that the water in the boiler
Either when a minimum level is reached (detected by a first sensor of a suitable type) or when the electronic control unit 32 is informed of the pressing of a key marked STOP on the keyboard of the actuator 33. Ends at Alternatively, provision is made for a timer in the electronic control unit 32, the timer being provided for a desired period of operation.
It is pluggable via the actuation device 33. Upon expiration of the preset time, the timer starts the same procedure acquired by pressing the STOP key.

In any way that causes the end of the sauna cycle (minimum water level in the boiler, press of the STOP key, expiration of the preset timer time), the electronic control unit 32 will deactivate all heating resistances in the system. And initiate the system flush cycle. This cycle consists of main water from pipe 19
And activation of a drain solenoid 25 through which the drain trap 21 is reached. The drain trap 21 is comprised of three pipes 20, 22, 24 interconnected by a T-joint (shown in FIG. 1 and more clearly in FIGS. 3-5), and these pipes are divided into sections. Bent upwards so as to be parallel and perpendicular to, and again, as already mentioned, curved to reach the next. That is,
The pipe 20 reaches the boiler 12. The pipe 24 reaches a discharge or drain solenoid 25. The pipe 22 reaches the drain 23 by bending downward. When the sauna or steam tub cabinet installation is inactive (switched off), the equilibrium conditions are as shown in FIG. 3 showing the drain trap in unfilled conditions with water to the level indicated by AA. Forming a filled drain trap 3
Acquired in one pipe. FIG. 3 also shows the conditions that exist when the steam tub cabinet installation is in operation;
The pressure set by the steam in the boiler is transmitted to the drain trap through pipe 20 and reaches the level indicated by BB when the water level in the drain wrap is modified. The length of the section of pipes 20 and 22 is directed straight up before bending again, in this case when the steam tub cabinet installation is inactive and it is active, i.e. steam is generated. When you are
In both cases, as indicated by AA and BB, respectively, the water level of such a section never reaches the highest point where the three straight pipe sections recurve and end in a vertical parallel arrangement. do not do.

Discharge or drain solenoid 25 is an electronic control unit
When activated by 32, the conditions shown in FIG. 4 persist. That is, the water flows through the pipe 24 and reaches the drain trap 21 and branches to the pipes 20 and 22, thus reaching the boiler that is flushed by the pipe 20. Then, through pipe 22, the water reaches the discharge system at 25, filling the drain trap. The drain or drain solenoid 25 remains activated long enough for priming to occur (eg, for 10 seconds) and by the electronic control unit 32 to ensure that its deactivation is in effect. When this occurs, the drain trap system 25 enters the water discharge phase, as shown in FIG. In this phase, the pipe 24 is
25 closes at the upper end and is thus outside the function of the drain trap, while the pipe 20
And 22 flow to drain 23 (as a result of air intake 26 in the descending section of pipe 22), withdrawing the water present in boiler 12 and using it. The system is thus flushed and all remaining water is emptied in an efficient and completely automatic manner. To this end, the system either immediately provides another steam bath cycle or is otherwise ready for total deactivation, i.e. by pressing the push button 35 on the cabinet ceiling, the system is connected to the steam bath electrical system. Disconnect power completely. This is done via the switch 34.

Besides improving the steam circulation inside the steam tub cabinet, the duct 29 containing the fan 30 and the electrical resistance offers other beneficial and convenient possibilities. This makes it possible, for example, to activate the fan and the resistance separately from the steam generation system and thus to circulate warm air in the cabinet, which is beneficial for preheating the cabinet, Delay the onset of steam generation (ie, while the water in boiler 12 is heated)
Alternatively, upon completion of the steam bath cycle, the bather and / or the interior of the cabinet is dried.

The microprocessor-operated electronic control system readily makes available the full range of functions added to the basic functions of steam bath operation simply by storing the appropriate programs in the system's memory during manufacture. Such additional features increase the practicality and benefits of use. First,
A great variety of messages are prepared, these messages indicating, on the alphanumeric display of the actuating device 33, the various enabling or enabling functions, for example, the phase of the steam bath cycle, WIAT FO
Indicated by phrases such as R STEAM, STEAM READY, PIPE RINSING, etc. In addition, the type of environment selected and the instantaneous temperature inside the steam tub cabinet (measured by a suitable sensor located in the cabinet and coupled to the electronic control unit 32) are also displayed. further,
If the installation malfunctions, a self-diagnostic message is prepared which is very useful to technical assistants for quick identification and repair of the fault. Such a message is also convenient for daily maintenance purposes. For example, container 17 is periodically filled with salt to regenerate resin in cartridge 15. The low salt level in vessel 17 becomes the appropriate phrase displayed after a certain number of steam bath cycles and is automatically displayed on an alphanumeric display. This prevents oversight of personnel and assures good salt re-supply.

The very considerable advantages provided by the invention by the steam tub cabinet installation are thus clear.

The incorporation of the steam generator and all the components that form the associated control mechanism in the vessel fitted on the cabinet (the dimensions of the vessel 10, of course, the vessel 10 of the various elements that make up the steam tub system) As in the case of the arrangement within, is variable in relation to the cabinet used), but allows to obtain a very modest size steam tub cabinet installation, the required surface area for installation is And, in fact, the area of the base of the cabinet. The incorporation also provides a considerable aesthetic advantage, apart from the cabinet itself, where no other elements are visible (and thus no steam pipes) and for installing pipes other than those of the water drainage system. Achieved without the need for construction work. Installation time and costs are consequently reduced. Another advantage is the optimal steam circulation obtained by duct 29, which not only circulates the steam and thus promotes a uniform distribution in the cabinet, but also keeps it at a preset temperature. A duct 29 is used to preheat and dry the cabinet separately from the steam bath function.

The aforementioned water drainage system using a drain trap,
This means that a steam tub cabinet installation that does not require manual work to fill and empty the boiler 12 is embodied, and at the same time, after the use of the steam tub cabinet, the steam generation system is flushed, To ensure that it is achieved by a very economical drain trap device.

Finally, a control unit using a microprocessor allows a wide range of additional functions at low cost and is available to bathers without difficulty. One such additional feature described above is the reading of the internal temperature of the steam tub cabinet.

In addition, the fact that the container is available directly above the cabinet makes it easy and with minimal coupling to add a variety of other equipment located in the space within the container that is not occupied by the steam generation system and the controller To For example,
By means of the aforementioned actuator 33 with a keyboard, a provision is made for a radio receiver system controllable by a microprocessor system capable of storing a certain number of radio channels. Sound diffusion is easily placed on the ceiling of the steam tub cabinet. Another possible device is a lamp 37 for illuminating the interior of the steam tub cabinet, for example, powered by the intermediary of a switch 34, and also as a clearly visible indication that the steam tub cabinet installation electrical system is on. Useful.

 The main features and aspects of the present invention are as follows.

1. An electric steam boiler having a first electrical resistance for water heating for steam generation, and a pipe connecting the boiler to a steam filled port for sending steam to the inside of a steam tub cabinet installation. A steam generating device of the type wherein the device is completely contained within a substantially box-shaped container having a base dimension equal to the size of the upper portion of the cabinet, wherein the container is applied to the top of the cabinet; A steam generator that forms a single whole with a cabinet.

2. The general box-shaped container also houses a duct communicating with the steam tub cabinet at the end and includes a suction fan and a second electrical heating resistor for recirculation and heating of air in the cabinet. A steam generator according to claim 1.

3. The steam generator according to 1 or 2 above, wherein the water is taken directly from the water mains by operating a supply or feed solenoid.

4. A steam generator according to any one of the preceding, wherein the water is passed through a resin possessing decalcification and / or dechlorination properties before being introduced into the boiler.

5. The steam generator according to any one of the above, wherein control of power supply to the first solenoid and the second resistor of the suction fan and the suction fan is performed by an electronic timer circuit.

6. The steam generator of claim 5, wherein the electronic timer circuit is programmed by a controller to provide a variable time during which the steam is generated and a variable steam bath cabinet interior temperature.

7. The steam generator according to the above 6, wherein the control device is arranged inside the cabinet.

8. The control system and the electronic circuit described above, wherein the electronic circuit is realized as a whole using a programmable microprocessor.
Or the steam generator according to 7.

9. The generating device according to 6, 7, or 8, wherein the control device is realized by incorporating an impermeable membrane type keyboard.

10. A steam generator as described in 8 or 9 above, wherein the controller is also characterized by an alphanumeric display.

11. The entire microprocessor is, on the alphanumeric display device,
11. The steam generator according to claim 10, wherein a message related to the operation of the system generator and the microprocessor system is displayed.

12. Steam generation according to any one of the above, wherein the electrical supply to such a device is interrupted by an electrical switch controlled by an externally located mechanically actuated push button at the base of the general box-shaped container. apparatus.

13.3 A water drainage system comprising a T-joint of three pipes is coupled to the boiler, the pipes at the other end being respectively a first pipe to the boiler and a second pipe to the water drainage system. And a third pipe is coupled to the water mains and coupled to a drain or drain solenoid controlled by the electronic circuit, the electronic circuit providing power to the solenoid so that the water mains can be connected to the three mains. Allow the pipes to be filled and then reach the boiler, and when the discharge or drain solenoid is subsequently turned off, the water contained in the three pipes and the boiler is transferred to the third boiler. A steam generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the steam is drained through a pipe to provide a water trapping effect to empty the three pipes and the boiler.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vertical section of a steam tub cabinet embodied in accordance with the innovative principles of the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a vertical section of a steam tub cabinet embodied according to the invention, showing the circulation of steam. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an automatic drain trap type water discharge device under unfilled conditions. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the water discharge device of FIG. 3 having a drain trap under filling conditions. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the water discharge device of FIG. 3 under discharge conditions. 10… Container 11… Cabinet 12… Electric steam boiler 13 …… Electric resistance 14… Pipe 15… Purified water card ridge 16 …… Pipe 18 …… Supply solenoid 21 …… Drain trap 26 …… Air intake 28… … Steam discharge port 29… Duct 30… Fan 32… Electronic control unit 33… Actuator

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An electric steam boiler having a first electrical resistance for heating water for producing steam, and a pipe connecting the boiler to a steam inlet port for sending steam into an interior of a steam tub cabinet installation. A steam generating device of the type comprising: the device completely enclosed in a substantially box-shaped container having a base dimension equal to the size of the upper part of the cabinet, wherein the container is applied at the top of the cabinet. A steam generator that forms a single whole with a cabinet.