JP4185121B2 - Steam generator - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a steam generator that can be installed in, for example, a bathroom of a general household and can generate steam in the bathroom, and more particularly to a steam generator that can maintain clean hot water for generating steam. .

  Conventionally, as a steam generator installed in a bathroom, it is indicated by patent documents 1 or patent documents 2, for example. In the steam generator disclosed in Patent Document 1, a hot water jet pipe having a plurality of hot water outlets, a heat exchange promoting member, and a fan are disposed inside an exterior body having a steam outlet and an air suction port, respectively. Steam is generated by diffusing hot water from the hot water outlet of the pipe to the heat exchange promoting member, and this steam is blown out from the steam outlet by rotation of the fan.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the steam generator 101 generally connects a hot water discharge pipe 103 via a pipe 104 to a hot water supply port 102 a of a hot water supply apparatus 102 that does not have a hot water circulation circuit. Thus, the hot water diffused from the hot water jet 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, and the temperature of the air rises. As a result, a difference in vapor pressure is generated, and a part of the hot water is evaporated to become steam, and the interior of the bathroom is heated and humidified by this steam.

  Moreover, the steam generator disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a hot water discharge pipe having a plurality of hot water discharge ports, a heat exchange promoting member, and a fan, respectively, inside an exterior body in which the steam outlet and the air suction port are opened. The hot water is diffused from the hot water outlet of the hot water discharge pipe to the heat exchange promoting member, and steam is generated by supplying high temperature water to the inside of the pipe-like connecting member connecting the thin plates of the heat exchange promoting member. The steam is blown out from the steam outlet by the rotation of the fan.

As shown in FIG. 10, this steam generator 101 generally connects a hot water jet pipe 103 to a hot water outlet 102a of a hot water heater 102 having a hot water circulation circuit 102b via a pipe 104, and hot water heater. It is installed by connecting both ends of the connecting member 107b of the heat exchange promoting member 107 to the outlet and inlet of the hot water circulation circuit 102b of the machine 102 via the pipe 108. Thereby, steam is generated by the heat of the hot water diffused from the hot water jet pipe 103 to the heat exchange promoting member 107 and the hot water flowing through the connecting member 107b in the same manner as in the former steam generator 101, thereby heating and humidifying the bathroom. The hot water is circulated and supplied into the connecting member 107b without operating the hot water from the hot water jet pipe 103, and the fan 106 is operated to heat and heat the bathroom without humidifying it. It has become.
Japanese Patent No. 2871340 Japanese Patent No. 2773014

  However, in these steam generators 101, hot water that is diffused from the hot water jet pipe 103 between the thin plates 107 a of the heat exchange promoting member 107 and flows downward is disposed below the heat exchange promoting member 107. Since drainage is received by the drain pan 109 and drained from the hot water outlet provided in the drain pan 109 to the drainage channel of the bathroom, for example, through the drain pipe 110, the hot water (water) supplied to the hot water jet pipe 103 is effectively used. This is difficult, and is not preferable in terms of economy and energy saving.

  Moreover, since the hot water of a hot water heater or a hot water heater (referred to as the hot water heater 102 or the like) is directly used for generating steam, the following problems are also caused. That is, in these steam generators 101, for example, it is necessary to supply high-temperature water of 60 ° C. or higher to the hot water jet pipe 103. It may be inappropriate as the hot water temperature of the hot water heater 102 used in other kitchens and toilets. And this means that the temperature of the high-temperature water supplied from the hot water heater 102 or the like needs to be further raised when trying to heat and humidify the interior of the bathroom to a predetermined temperature, especially when the temperature in the bathroom is low, such as in winter. There is a tendency to become noticeable.

  In addition, since it is difficult to individually operate the water heater 102 or the like according to the steam generator 101, the degree of steam generation is likely to vary depending on the hot water temperature setting of the water heater 102 or the temperature in the bathroom and the season. Nevertheless, it becomes difficult to obtain a stable generation state of steam.

The present invention has such has been made in view of the circumstances, purpose of that, in the steam generator for generating steam while circulating the hot water, drainage safety with can maintain clean the circulation path It is in providing the steam generator which can perform ensuring etc. simultaneously .

  In order to achieve this object, the invention according to claim 1 of the present invention generates steam by dissipating hot water at a predetermined temperature from the hot water outlet of the hot water jet pipe to the heat exchange promoting member having heating means. Steam generating means for blowing out the steam from a steam outlet by operation of the fan, hot water circulating means for recovering the hot water diffused from the hot water jet pipe of the steam generating means and returning it to the hot water jet pipe, and the steam generation And a control means for controlling the operation of the hot water circulation means, the control means continuing the operation of the hot water circulation means and the fan for a predetermined time after the operation of the heating means is stopped. Then, the hot water in the circulation path is circulated while being diffused to the heat exchange promoting member to lower the hot water to a predetermined temperature, and then the hot water circulation means and the blower fan are stopped to become the predetermined temperature or lower. Hot water And performing a stop process to drain to the outside.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the control means causes the hot water circulation means and the fan to continue to operate for a predetermined time after the heating means is stopped to dissipate the hot water in the circulation path to the heat exchange promoting member. In order to stop the hot water circulating means and the blower fan, and then to stop the hot water that has become below the predetermined temperature, the waste water is removed from the hot water circulating means. While this waste can be drained to the outside together with hot water, the inside of the circulation path can be kept clean, and drainage of hot water below a predetermined temperature while efficiently reducing the temperature of the hot water used for steam generation. Sufficient drainage safety can be ensured.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 to 9 show an embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing its basic configuration, FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a heat exchange promoting member. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the installation state of the steam generator in the bathroom, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control system, and FIGS. 6 to 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation.

  In FIG. 1, a steam generator 1 includes a steam generator 2, a hot water circulating means 3 for circulating hot water (hot water HW 1) used in the steam generating means 2, and water or hot water (water Water supply means 4 for supplying (supplementing) water), drainage means 5 for draining hot water HW1 in the hot water circulation means 3, and control means 6 for controlling them.

  The steam generating means 2 includes a heat exchange promoting member 7, a hot water jet pipe 8 that diffuses hot water to the heat exchange promoting member 7, a fan 9 that blows the generated steam and the like in a predetermined direction, and the like, which will be described later. In this way, steam is generated by the hot water HW1 diffused from the hot water jet pipe 8 to the heat exchange promoting member 7, and this steam is blown (blowed out) in a predetermined direction by the fan 9 that is rotated by the control signal of the control means 6. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the steam generator 1 has an exterior body 10 formed in a box shape with, for example, a resin, and an air suction port 11 is formed on the inclined front upper portion of the exterior body 10. At the same time, a steam outlet 12 is formed in the lower part. Further, inside the exterior body 10, the heat exchange promotion member 7 is disposed 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 front upper end of the heat exchange promotion member 7 is arranged. A hot water jet pipe 8 is disposed in the part, and a fan 9 is disposed in the lower part of the rear side of the heat exchange promoting member 7. In addition, a drain pan 13 as hot water recovery means, which will be described later, is provided in the lower part of the heat exchange promoting member 7, and an outlet flow path 14 is formed in the lower part of the fan 9 toward the steam outlet 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the heat exchange promoting member 7 of the steam generating means 2 includes a large number of thin plates 15 arranged substantially in parallel with a predetermined interval in the horizontal direction, and the thin plates 15 are arranged in the horizontal direction. And a pair of left and right support members 17 for supporting the connection member 16. The thin plate 15, the connecting member 16, and the support member 17 are formed of a metal material having high thermal conductivity such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, etc., and the connecting member 16 is continuous from the upper part to the lower part. The two end openings are directed to the right side of FIG. 3, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example, an opening on the upper side of the connecting member 16 is connected to an outlet 20 b of the hot water heater 19 by a pipe 21, and the lower opening is connected to the hot water heater 19. The pipe 20 is directly connected to the inlet 20a. The hot water heater 19 includes a high-temperature water circulation circuit 20, a pump 23, a burner 24, a control circuit 25 to which a remote controller 44 is connected, a hot water supply port (not shown), and the like, and the burner 24 and the pump 23 are controlled by the control circuit 25. Thus, the heat exchange promoting member 7 is heated by circulating and supplying hot water (referred to as high temperature water HW2) having a predetermined temperature set by the control circuit 25 into the connecting member 16 of the heat exchange promoting member 7. Yes.

  Further, the hot water jet pipe 8 of the steam generating means 2 is formed of a metal pipe such as stainless steel, and a plurality of hot water jet outlets 8a (see FIG. 2) are directed downward at predetermined intervals along the axial direction thereof. The hot water HW1 ejected from the hot water outlet 8a is disposed on the thin plate 15 at the upper end of the front surface of the heat exchange promoting member 7. The fan 9 is composed of, for example, a sirocco fan or the like. When the fan motor (not shown) rotates, the fan 9 rotates in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2 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 path 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water circulation means 3 is arranged at the lower part of the heat exchange promoting member 7 and collects the drain pan 13 for collecting the hot water HW1 diffused by the promoting member 7, and the discharge port 13 a of the drain pan 13. And a circulating pump 28 connected in the middle of the pipe 27 between the hot water supply pipe 8b of the hot water jet pipe 8 and the circulation pump 28 is operated by a control signal of the control means 6 to collect in the drain pan 13. The warm water HW1 is returned to the hot water jet pipe 8 again.

  The water supply means 4 includes a water supply source 29 and a water supply electromagnetic valve 31 disposed in a pipe 30 between the water supply source 29 and the drain pan 13. By opening the water supply electromagnetic valve 31 with a control signal, a predetermined amount of water W or the like is supplied (supplemented) from the water supply source 29 into the drain pan 13. As the water supply source 29, water can be used as it is as a water faucet W, or water can be used as it is, or hot water can be used as the water W using a hot water heater 19 or a hot water outlet of various water heaters. It can also be used.

  Further, the drainage means 5 includes a drainage electromagnetic valve 34 and the like disposed in a pipe 33 between the discharge port 13a of the drain pan 13 of the hot water circulation means 3 and the external drainage port 32, and the like. By opening the drain electromagnetic valve 34, the hot water HW1 in the drain pan 13 is drained to the outside.

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

  In addition, the control circuit 35 of the steam generator 1 is electrically connected to the control circuit 25 of the hot water heater 19 via, for example, a bidirectional communication line 42, and the power circuit 36 of the steam generator 1 is connected to the hot water heater 19. The power supply circuit 43 is connected so that power can be supplied. As a result, the remote controller 37 of the steam generator 1 can be used to turn on / off the hot water heater 19 and various operation 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 to be able to turn off and perform various driving operations.

  In addition, the connection structure of each control circuit 35 and 25 of the steam generator 1 and the hot water heater 19 is not limited to this example, and can be individually arranged and operated individually. As shown, a connection structure in which only the power supply circuits 36 and 43 are shared by the steam generator 1 and the hot water heater 19 can be employed.

  And this steam generator 1 is installed in the counter 47 of the washing place 46 of the unit bathroom 41 which forms a bathroom, as shown, for example in FIG. The unit bathroom 41 in this case is formed in a substantially box shape by a wall panel 48, a ceiling panel 49, etc., and a bathtub 50 is installed on a waterproof pan inside and a washing place 46 is provided. The counter 47 is provided on the panel 48 side, and the bathroom ventilation fan 51 is provided on the ceiling panel 49.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the front wall 47b of the counter 47 composed of the upper wall 47a and the front wall 47b is attached to the upper wall 47a by a mounting bracket 53 or the like with the air introduction port 52 formed in the upper part thereof. In addition, an outlet 54 corresponding to the steam outlet 12 of the steam generator 1 is provided at the lower part thereof. The air introduced into the counter 47 from the air introduction port 52 as indicated by the arrow D is sucked into the device 1 from the air suction port 11 of the steam generation device 1 as indicated by the arrow B and is also blown by the fan 9. Is blown out from the steam outlet 12 and the outlet 54 into the washing place 46 as shown by arrow C.

  The arrangement structure of the steam generator 1 on the counter 47 is not limited to this example. For example, the front surface of the counter 47 in which the upper wall 47a and the front wall 47b are integrally formed without using the mounting bracket 53 or the like. An air inlet 52 is formed at a predetermined position of the wall 47b, the steam generator 1 is disposed inside the counter 47 behind the air inlet 52, the steam generator 1 is disposed inside the bathtub apron 57, etc. Other suitable arrangement structures can be employed. At this time, by installing the steam generator 1 in the counter 47 or the bathtub apron 57, the apparatus 1 is not exposed in the unit bathroom 41, and the design value (design) (design) in the unit bathroom 41 is prevented. ) Is prevented.

  Next, an example of operation | movement of this steam generator 1 is demonstrated based on the flowchart of FIGS. These flowcharts are automatically executed by a program stored in advance in the microcomputer of the control circuit 35 or the like. FIG. 6 shows a basic flow of operation, which will be described first.

  In FIG. 6, when the program is started (S101), it is determined whether or not the power supply SW that can operate the steam generator 1, such as a mist switch, provided in the remote controller 37 is turned on (S102). Determination S102 is repeated until “YES”. Then, when the bather activates the steam generator 1 and turns on the power SW in order to bathe the unit bathroom 41 in a heated and humidified state, the determination becomes “YES” in judgment S102 and the inside of the circulation path of the hot water circulation means 3 ( Hereinafter, a water supply process (S103) for supplying water W to the hot water circulation means 3 is performed.

  And after this water supply process S103, while performing the high temperature water circulation process (S104) which circulates the high temperature water HW2 of the hot water heater 19 in the connection member 16 of the heat exchange promotion member 7, it is predetermined in the hot water circulation means 3. Steam temperature control (S105) is performed to circulate the hot water HW1 at a temperature to generate steam (including mist) and control the temperature of the generated steam. This steam temperature control S105 is repeatedly performed until the power source SW is turned off (S106). When the bather turns off the power source SW in order to leave the unit bathroom 41, the determination becomes S106 “YES”. Then, after the stop process (S107), the series of programs are terminated (S108).

  In the water supply process S103, as shown in FIG. 7, first, the water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is opened by a control signal of the control circuit 35 (S201), and water W is supplied from the water supply source 29 into the drain pan 13. Thereafter, the circulation pump 28 is turned on by the control signal of the control circuit 35 (S202), and the water or the like W supplied into the drain pan 13 is circulated in the hot water circulation means 3. When water or the like W starts to circulate in the hot water circulation 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 (S204). This determination S204 is repeated until “YES” is reached. When the water level reaches a predetermined value, “YES” is set and the water supply electromagnetic valve 31 is closed by the control signal of the control circuit 35 (S205).

  Thereby, the water supply process S103 is executed. While the water supply process S103 is executed, the circulation pump 28 is turned on, but the fan 9 is stopped, and the cold air generated by the rotation of the fan 9 is It is not blown out from the outlet 54 of the unit bathroom 41 into the washing place 46. For example, when the bather turns on the power switch SW, that is, the bather takes cold air immediately after the operation of the steam generator 1 starts. It is surely prevented.

  Then, when the water supply process S103 is completed or when water is supplied up to a predetermined water level, the high-temperature water circulation process S104 is executed. In the hot water circulation process S104, the hot water heater 19 is operated (S301), the hot water of the high temperature water circuit 20 is set to the high temperature water HW2 by the control circuit 25, and the pump 23 is operated to connect the heat exchange promoting member 7. This is done by circulating hot water HW2 in the member 16.

  Thereby, for example, high-temperature water HW2 of 80 ° C. or higher heated by the hot water heater 19 is supplied into the connecting member 16 of the heat exchange promoting member 7, and the temperature of the connecting member 16 is raised to a predetermined temperature. At this time, since the control circuit 35 of the steam generator 1 and the control circuit 25 of the hot water heater 19 are connected by the bidirectional communication line 42, the hot water heater 19 can be controlled by the remote control 37 of the steam generator 1. Thus, 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 circulation means 3 rises to a predetermined temperature as follows. Becomes 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 or the like dissipated on the thin plate 15 rises due to this temperature. , The temperature of water or the like W gradually rises to become hot water HW1 having a predetermined temperature corresponding to the temperature of the high-temperature water HW2.

  In the water supply process S103 to the high-temperature water circulation process S104, the power supply SW is turned on and the circulation pump 28 is turned on for a predetermined time so that the hot water HW1 circulates in the hot water circulation means 3 and the fan 9 is stopped. Thus, the water in the hot water circulation means 3 can be quickly heated (for example, within 1 minute to be described later) to the hot water HW1 having a predetermined temperature, and the hot water HW1 having a predetermined temperature (for example, 60 ° C.) or higher can The germs contained in the equal W are sterilized and clean warm water HW1 is obtained.

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

  Then, when the predetermined time t1 has elapsed, “YES” is determined in S401, and the fan 9 is rotated by the control signal of the control circuit 35 (S402). Due to 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 47 b of the counter 47 from the air suction port 11 of the exterior body 10 of the steam generator 1. By being sucked and passing between the thin plates 15 of the heat exchange promoting member 7, steam is generated as follows.

  That is, the connecting member 16 itself is raised to a predetermined temperature by the high temperature water HW2 circulated and supplied to the connecting member 16 of the heat exchange promoting member 7, and the surface of the thin plate 15 fixed to the connecting member 16 is also predetermined. Raised to temperature. Further, the hot water HW1 that is diffused from the hot water jet pipe 8 and flows down on the thin plate 15 that has been heated is heated and humidified to increase the temperature of the air passing between the thin plates 15. As the temperature rises, a difference in vapor pressure occurs, and part of the diffused hot water HW1 evaporates to generate vapor. The generated steam is blown by the rotating fan 9 and blown out from the blow-out flow path 14 into the washing place 46 of the unit bathroom 41 through the steam blow-out opening 12 and the blow-out opening 54.

  Then, when the generated steam is blown into the unit bathroom 41, the air in the unit bathroom 41 is humidified and heated to increase its temperature, and this temperature Ti is detected by the room temperature sensor 40 (S403). Then, it is determined whether or not the detected room temperature Ti is equal to or lower than the lower limit reference temperature Td stored in advance in the microcomputer (S404). If “NO” in this determination S404, that is, if the room temperature Ti exceeds the lower limit reference temperature Td, it is determined whether or not the detected temperature Ti is lower than the upper limit reference temperature Tu stored in the microcomputer (S405). .

  If “YES” in 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 heater 19 are kept on (S407), and the steam generator The generation of steam from 1 (blowing) is continued. If “YES” in the determination S405, that is, if the room temperature Ti exceeds the lower reference temperature Td and is lower than the upper reference temperature Tu, it is determined that the room temperature Ti is within the predetermined temperature range, and the circulation pump 28 and the pump Both of the operations of No. 23 are stopped to be turned off (S406). The steam generation (blowing) from the steam generator 1 is stopped when both the pumps 28 and 23 are turned off.

  When the on / off states of the pumps 28 and 23 are controlled in steps S406 and S407, the process proceeds to the determination S106 to determine whether or not the power SW is turned off. If the determination S106 is “NO”, Returning to step S403, the room temperature Ti is detected again, and the operations of the circulation pump 28 and the pump 23 are controlled based on the detected temperature Ti in the same manner as described above. That is, both pumps 28 and 23 are controlled to be turned on / off according to the detected room temperature Ti, and the temperature in the unit bathroom 41 is maintained at a predetermined temperature.

  When the steam temperature control S105 is executed in this way and the bather turns off the power SW in order to leave the unit bathroom 41, the determination in S106 is “YES” and the stop process S107 is executed. In the stop process S107, as shown in FIG. 8, first, the pump 23 and the like of the hot water heater 19 are turned off to make a stop (S501) state, and the temperature of the hot water HW1 in the hot water circulation means 3 is arranged in the drain pan 13. The detected water temperature sensor 38 detects (S502), compares this detected temperature T2 with the drainage reference temperature Ts stored in advance in the microcomputer of the control circuit 35, and determines whether the detected temperature T2 is equal to or lower than the drainage reference temperature Ts. Determination is made (S503).

  This determination S503 is repeated until “YES” is reached, and when the temperature T2 of the hot water HW1 falls below the reference drain temperature Ts after a predetermined time has elapsed, “YES” is determined in the determination S503, and the circulation pump 28 is stopped (S504). The fan 9 is stopped (S505) substantially simultaneously with the stop of the circulation pump 28.

  Then, after the circulation pump 28 and the fan 9 are stopped, the drain electromagnetic valve 34 is operated and opened (S506), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time t2 has passed (S507). The predetermined time t2 is a time set in advance so that substantially all of the hot water HW1 in the hot water circulation means 3 can be drained, and when the determination in S507 becomes “YES”, the hot water in the hot water circulation means 3 The HW 1 is drained from the external drain port 32 of the drainage means 5 to, for example, the drain hole of the unit bathroom 41 that is outside the steam generator 1.

  That is, by the stop process S107, the hot water used for generating steam is circulated in the hot water circulation means 3 and diffused to the heat exchange promoting member 7, while the temperature is actively lowered to the drainage reference temperature Ts or less. Will be. During this circulation, since hot water is not circulated and supplied to the heat exchange promoting member 7, the temperature of the thin plate 15 of the heat exchange promoting member 7 is lowered in a short time, and the heat is diffused to the thin plate 15 or the circulation pump 28 is operated. Thus, the hot water HW1 in the hot water circulation means 3 is efficiently cooled in a flowing (stirring) state, and the temperature of the hot water Hw1 is lowered to a predetermined temperature in a relatively short time.

  And since the temperature of the warm water HW1 drained is equal to or lower than the drainage reference temperature Ts during this drainage, safety during drainage is ensured and fatigue due to the heat of the drainpipe can also be prevented. . Further, in the stop process S107, the circulating pump 28 is operated for a predetermined time and discharged to the outside while circulating the hot water HW1, so that it is possible to discharge while removing dust and the like, and the hot water circulating means after the operation of the steam generator 1 is completed. The hot water HW1 used for steam generation does not remain in the steam generator 3, so that the hot water circulation means 3 is always kept clean, and cleanliness in the next operation is easily ensured.

  The above flowchart is an example, and a flow for controlling the amount of steam such as the amount of mist or steam is added, or when the circulating hot water HW1 evaporates into steam while the steam generator 1 is in use. When the amount of hot water is reduced to a predetermined amount, a flow for replenishing water W appropriately by the water supply means 4 can be added. Alternatively, the water supply process S103 may be performed after the high temperature water circulation process S104, or the water supply process S103 and the high temperature water circulation process S105 may be performed in parallel.

  As described above, in the steam generator 1 of the above embodiment, the hot water HW1 radiated from the hot water jet pipe 8 disposed at the upper part of the heat exchange promoting member 7 of the steam generating means 2 and flowing down to the lower part is subjected to heat exchange. Steam is generated because it is recovered by the drain pan 13 disposed at the lower part of the promotion member 7 and can be returned to the hot water jet pipe 8 by the piping 27 and the circulation pump 28 provided between the drain pan 13 and the hot water jet pipe 8. The hot water HW1 used for the water is not drained to the outside as in the prior art, and the hot water HW1 can be reused and water resources can be effectively used. By effective use of this water, it is possible to reduce water bills and fuel costs of the hot water heater 19 in ordinary households.

  Further, the water W supplied (supplemented) from the water supply means 4 is returned to the hot water jet pipe 8 by the hot water circulation means 3, so that the hot water HW 1 and the heat exchange promoting member 7 are connected to the connection member 16. Since the circulation path of the high-temperature water HW2 is formed in a completely separate flow path, the hot water HW1 and the high-temperature water HW2 can be individually controlled, and the temperature of each of the hot water HW1 and HW2 is maintained with high accuracy. For example, even when the temperature in the unit bathroom 41 in winter is low, the hot water HW1 corresponding to the temperature can be easily obtained, and a stable generation state of steam can be obtained regardless of the season. it can. As a result, for example, it becomes possible to prevent the occurrence of misunderstanding of the user based on the difference in recognition of the degree of warming by steam.

  Further, when the power source SW (mist switch or the like) is turned on by the control means 6, that is, immediately after the start of the operation of the steam generator 1, only the hot water circulation means 3 can be operated without operating the fan 9 for a predetermined time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cold air from being blown when the mist switch is turned on, the hot water HW1 circulating in the hot water circulation means 3 is not cooled by the cold air, and the hot water HW1 can be heated quickly, and the hot water is heated for a predetermined time. By circulating HW 1, germs contained in water or the like W can be dissipated in a sterilized state, and clean steam can be blown into the unit bathroom 41.

  Further, when the power SW is turned off, the control means 6 circulates the hot water HW1 at a predetermined temperature in the hot water circulation means 3 for a predetermined time, and when the hot water HW1 falls below the predetermined temperature, the drainage means 5 discharges the water to the outside. In order to perform the stop process S107, the inside of the circulation path when the steam generator 1 is used next, such as being able to discharge to the outside while removing dust or the like, and reliably preventing the growth of germs due to the remaining hot water HW1, etc. As a result, in combination with the sterilization action when the power supply SW is turned on, it is possible to always generate clean steam by the clean hot water HW1. In addition, since the drainage temperature is set to be lower than the predetermined temperature, sufficient safety during drainage can be ensured.

  Moreover, according to the said Example, the following incidental effects can be obtained. That is, the hot water circulation means 3 is formed by a hot water recovery member such as a drain pan 13, a circulation pump 28, a water supply means 4, a drainage means 5, etc., for example, changing the piping structure for a conventional hot water discharge pipe or connecting member, etc. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the hot water circulation means 3 itself, and to obtain an inexpensive steam generator 1 that can cope with a conventional product without making a major design change.

  Further, the diffusion of the hot water HW1 through the hot water jet pipe 8 can be controlled by the control circuit 35, and the circulation of the high temperature water HW2 can be controlled by the control circuit 25. Therefore, the hot water HW2 is circulated and supplied to the connecting member 16 and the hot water jet pipe 8 is supplied. Is set to a state in which the hot water HW1 is not injected, and a dry warming operation can be performed. Further, the hot water HW1 is circulated and supplied to the connecting member 16 to dissipate the hot water HW1 from the hot water jet pipe 8, thereby heating and humidifying the operation. In addition, it is possible to easily switch between them, and it is possible to improve 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, the hot water heater 19, and the bathroom ventilation fan 51 disposed on the ceiling panel 49 of the unit bathroom 41, for example, are connected to the control circuit 35. 25, etc., the mist, steam, dry heating state, sauna state, dry state of clothing, etc. can be easily created in the unit bathroom 41. It is possible to greatly increase the added value related to the use of.

  Further, a control circuit 35 for controlling the steam generating means 2 and the hot water circulating means 3 and a control circuit 25 for the hot water heater 19 for supplying the hot water HW2 to the connecting member 16 of the steam generating means 2 are connected by a bidirectional communication line 42. Therefore, for example, the hot water heater 19 can be controlled by the control circuit 35, the duplication of control itself can be omitted, the configuration can be simplified, and the steam generator 1 can be formed at a lower cost. In addition, for example, by wiring the power source of the steam generator 1 from the hot water heater 19, it is possible to simplify the wiring structure and further improve the usability of the steam generator 1.

  Furthermore, since the control means 6 can control the supply amount of water etc. W by the water supply means 4 based on the detection value of the water level sensor 39 etc., the circulation amount of the hot water HW1 in the hot water circulation means 3 is maintained at a predetermined level. Thus, the hot water HW1 having a predetermined temperature and a predetermined temperature can always be dissipated from the hot water jet pipe 8 onto the heat exchange accelerating member 7, thereby further stabilizing the state of steam generation. From these, it becomes possible to easily generate steam in a desired form and to obtain a steam generator 1 that is excellent in usability, and in particular, by applying to the unit bathroom 41 that requires diversification, It is possible to improve comfort and usability at the same time.

  In addition, in the said Example, although the piping 33 which has the water supply electromagnetic valve 31 connected to the water supply sources 29 was used as the water supply means 4, this invention is not limited to this, For example, the hot water heater 19 It is also possible to connect a pipe provided with a hot water supply solenoid valve to the outlet 20b of the hot water supply, and position the opening of this pipe on the drain pan 13 to use the hot water HW2 or hot water of the hot water heater 19 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 almost simultaneously with the turning on of the power supply SW, and steam can be generated more quickly.

  In the above embodiment, the hot water circulating means 3 is provided with the pipe 27 between the drain pan 13 and the hot water jet pipe 8, so that the hot water HW 1 flowing down from the heat exchange promoting member 7 is directly fed through the hot water jet pipe through the pipe 27. However, the hot water HW1 flowing down from the heat exchange promoting member 7 is indirectly returned to the hot water jet pipe 8 by interposing the hot water heater 19 or other hot water heater in the middle of the pipe 27, for example. It can also be.

  Furthermore, 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 jet pipes 8, etc. are merely examples. The ejection pipe 8 is constituted by a plurality of nozzles, and is arranged at a predetermined distance above the heat exchange promoting member 7 whose front surface is arranged substantially vertically, or the shape of the heat exchange promoting member 7 is relatively wide. It can be appropriately changed within a range not departing from the gist of each invention according to the present invention, such as a narrow horizontally long or vertically long shape.

  The present invention is not limited to a steam generator installed inside a bathroom counter, but is a steam generator installed in a corner of the bathroom ceiling or ceiling and wall panel, or a steam generator installed in a sauna room or the like. It can also be applied to.

The conceptual diagram which shows the basic composition of one Example of the steam generator concerning this invention. The schematic longitudinal section The perspective view of the heat exchange promotion member The perspective view which shows the installation state to the bathroom The control system block diagram Flow chart showing an example of the basic operation The flowchart showing the specific operation Other flowchart showing the specific operation of the same Schematic diagram showing usage of conventional steam generator Conceptual diagram showing another usage pattern of a conventional steam generator

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Steam generating apparatus, 2 ... Steam generating means, 3 ... Hot water circulation means, 4 ... Water supply means, 5 ... Drain means, 6 ... Control means, 7 ... -Heat exchange promoting member, 8 ... hot water jet pipe, 8a ... hot water jet port, 9 ... fan, 11 ... air suction port, 12 ... steam blowout port, 13 ... drain pan, 13a ... discharge port, 15 ... thin plate, 16 ... connecting member, 19 ... hot water heater, 20 ... hot water circulation circuit, 23 ... pump, 25 ... control circuit, 27 ... Piping, 28 ... Circulating pump, 29 ... Supply source for water, 35 ... Control circuit, 36 ... Power supply circuit, 37 ... Remote control, 41 ... Unit bathroom, 42 ... Bidirectional communication line, 46 ... Washing area, 47 ... Counter

Claims (1)

Steam generating means for generating steam by dissipating hot water at a predetermined temperature from the hot water outlet of the hot water outlet to the heat exchange promoting member having the heating means, and blowing the steam from the steam outlet by the operation of the fan, A steam generator comprising: hot water circulating means for recovering hot water diffused from the hot water jet pipe of the steam generating means and returning the hot water to the hot water jet pipe; and control means for controlling the operation of the steam generating means and the hot water circulating means Because
The control means continues the operation of the hot water circulation means and the fan for a predetermined time after the operation of the heating means is stopped, and circulates the hot water in the circulation path while dissipating it to the heat exchange promoting member. A steam generator, wherein the hot water circulating means and the blower fan are stopped after being lowered to a predetermined temperature, and a stop process is performed to drain the hot water that has become equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature to the outside.

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