JPH09273705A - Steam generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently and stably generate the steam by preventing the scale composition such as calcium and magnesium which is the dissolved matter or the hardness composition in water from being precipitated in an evaporation chamber and a heat generating body part of a steam generator. SOLUTION: This steam generator is provided with a steam generating means 10 to evaporate water, a water feeding means 12 to feed water to the steam generating means 10, a water treatment means 19 to reform the water-soluble composition, and a control means 21 to control the steam generating means 10 and the water feeding means 12, controls the water feed quantity and the heating quantity so that the fed water flows in the heat generating body in the non-evaporated condition and evaporated product in a heat generating body 15 is solved out and removed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steam and hot air generator used for thawing food for home and business use, food processing such as cooking or bread, air conditioning, indoor cleaning, clothes pressing and sterilization. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional steam generator is a can body 1 for a steam generator, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-371704 shown in FIG.
3 types of individuals 2a, 2b, 2c with different specific gravities are filled in the individual 2a by random movement of the individuals when steam is generated.
In the air-water separation area, the individual 2b is in the lower surface area, and the individual 2c is in the intermediate area to prevent the scale from adhering and accumulating, and to crush and separate the accumulated scale.

In another conventional steam generator, an ion exchange resin 4 is housed in the bottom of an open type water supply tank 3 as in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-46324 shown in FIG. A drive signal is sent from the control means 5 to the water supply valve 6, the valve is opened, and tap water is pumped. Tap water passes through the layer of the ion exchange resin 4 and is supplied to the steam generator 8 by the water supply pump 7.

When tap water passes while contacting the ion exchange resin 4, calcium and magnesium contained in the tap water are adsorbed and removed by the ion exchange resin 4.

[0005]

However, with the structure of the above-mentioned conventional Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-371704, it is possible to prevent the scale from adhering and accumulating, but the edge portion of the individual wears and the scale peeling performance deteriorates. May damage the body.

Further, in the structure of the above-mentioned conventional Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 4-46324, the compound of the soft water ion component such as sodium ion generated when the calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged by the ion exchange resin is stored in the steam generator. It will remain.

The present invention solves the above problems by preventing the deposition of dissolved substances in water and scale components such as calcium and magnesium, which are hardness components in water, in the evaporation chamber and heating element portion of a steam generator. The object is to provide a steam generator capable of efficiently and stably generating steam.

[0008]

The steam generator of the present invention introduces soft water, from which hard components such as calcium and magnesium contained in water are removed by a water softening device, into an evaporation chamber, and the soft water is heated by heat of a heat generating part. Involved in a device that evaporates to obtain steam.

In such an apparatus, when a compound of a soft water ion component such as sodium ion contained in softened water is evaporated, the compound is deposited as an evaporation residue in the evaporation chamber, especially in the heat generating portion. According to the present invention, by supplying a larger amount of water to the evaporation chamber to remove this residue,
The evaporation residue composed of a compound such as sodium ion is leached out and discharged to the outside, and the amount of water is controlled by a control means. As a result, the residue having poor heat conductivity is removed in the evaporation chamber, and the heat is quickly transferred to the introduced water, so that the apparatus can obtain steam well.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following constitution.

When the water softened by the water softening device is introduced into the evaporation chamber and the water is evaporated to obtain the above, in order to remove the compound of the soft water ionic component generated in the heating portion as the evaporation residue, the soft water is removed. The amount of water was increased to control the amount of water to elute the compound with the non-evaporated water.

Further, steam generating means having an evaporation part for vaporizing water, water supply means for sending water to the steam generating means,
The steam generating means and a control means for controlling the water supply means are provided, and the control means evaporates the supply water to flow through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state and to elute and remove the evaporation product adhering to the heat generating portion. It is configured to control the generation means or the water supply means.

Also, steam generating means having an evaporation part for vaporizing water, water supply means for sending water to the steam generating means,
The steam generating means and a control means for controlling the water supply means are provided, and the control means allows the supply water to flow through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state and to elute and remove the evaporation product attached to the heat generating portion. The evaporation generating means or the water supply means is controlled.

Further, the water treatment means is constructed to remove the water hardness component by the ion exchange resin. Further, the control means controls the ratio between the amount of water supplied by the water supply means and the amount of heat generated by the steam generation means to remove the evaporation product.

Further, the control means is provided with a control cycle in which the amount of supplied water is equal to or larger than the amount of steam-generated water, and the supplied water flows through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state to elute the evaporation product of the heat generating portion.

The control means is provided with a control cycle in which the heating amount is equal to or less than the evaporation amount set value, and the supply water flows through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state to elute the evaporation product of the heat generating portion.

Further, the control means is provided with a cycle in which the water supply means operates after the steam generation operation is completed, and the supplied water flows through the heat generating portion to elute the evaporation product of the heat generating portion.

Further, the control means is provided with a cycle in which the steam generating means is started after the water supply means is started with a delay, and the supply water flows through the heat generating section before the heat generating section is heated, and the evaporation products of the heat generating section are removed. It was made to elute.

Further, the control means has a timer for detecting the operating time of the steam generating means, and when the operation of the steam generating means reaches the set time of the setting section, the supply water flows through the heat generating section in a non-evaporated state, The operation mode was set to remove the evaporation product that elutes the evaporation product in the heat generating part.

Further, the control means has a counter for detecting the start or stop of the steam generating means, and when the number of start or stop of the steam generating means reaches the number of times set by the setting section, the supply water is not evaporated and heat is generated. The operation mode in which the evaporation product is removed by flowing through the section is set.

Further, it comprises a water supply means having a water supply pump and a control means having a timer for detecting the operation time, and when the operation of the pump reaches the set time of the setting portion, the supply water is in a non-evaporated state. The operation mode was set to flow through the heat generating part and remove the evaporation products.

Further, it comprises a plunger type water supply pump for pumping water and a drive pulse generating circuit, and when the number of pulses reaches the set number of pulses of the setting section, the supplied water flows through the heat generating section in a non-evaporated state to generate evaporation. The operation mode is such that the object is removed.

Further, a water amount detecting means for detecting the amount of water supplied to the steam generating means is provided, and when the water flow amount reaches the set water amount of the setting portion, the supplied water flows through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state to generate an evaporation product. The operating mode is to remove.

Further, the water supply means has mounting detection means for detecting mounting or dismounting of the water supply tank, and when the mounting frequency reaches the set mounting frequency of the setting section, the supply water flows through the heat generating section in a non-evaporated state. The operation mode is such that the evaporation products are removed.

Further, the steam generating means is provided with a steam temperature detecting means, and when the generated steam temperature reaches the set temperature of the setting section, the supply water flows through the heat generating section in a non-evaporated state to remove the evaporation product. It is configured to be in mode.

Further, the temperature detecting means is provided on the heating element of the steam generating means, and when the temperature of the heating element reaches the set temperature of the setting section,
The operation mode is such that the supply water flows through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state and the evaporation product is removed.

Further, the evaporation section is provided with an exciting coil provided on the outer periphery of the evaporation chamber, and a heating element which is mounted inside the evaporation chamber and generates heat due to a magnetic field change generated by the exciting coil.

According to the present invention, when the flow rate control valve constituting the water supply means is opened, the water is sent from the water supply source such as city water to the water treatment means. The water that has flown into the water treatment means is subjected to ion exchange, permeable membrane treatment, or the like to replace the hardness components such as calcium and magnesium that are scale components to become soft water, and then flows into the steam generation means. The water that has flowed into the steam generating means comes into contact with the heat generating portion and is instantly heated and evaporated.

When the evaporation is continued, the compound of the component softened by the ion exchange resin is accumulated in the heating element as an evaporation residue.

When the accumulation progresses to a certain degree, a cleaning operation for removing the accumulated evaporation residual product is performed.

In the cleaning operation, the ratio between the amount of water supplied from the water supply means and the amount of heating of the steam generating means is controlled by the control signal from the control means.

The control of the ratio of the amount of supplied water to the amount of heating is performed by increasing the amount of supplied water to a flow rate at which the amount of steam-generated water is equal to or more than that, and the supplied water flows through the heat-generating portion in a non-evaporated state, and evaporates products in the heat-generating portion. Let On the contrary, the amount of heating is reduced to a heating input at which the amount of evaporation is less than or equal to the set value, and the feed water flows through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state to elute the evaporation product of the heat generating portion.

In the cleaning operation, in response to a control signal from the control means, the water supply means is operated after the steam generation operation is completed, and the supplied water flows through the heat generating portion to elute the evaporation product of the heat generating portion. On the contrary, after starting the water supply means, flowing the supply water to the heat generating part, the supply water flowing through the heat generating part and eluting the evaporation product of the heat generating part, delaying and starting the steam generating means to start the steam generating operation. Do it.

In the cleaning operation, when the operating time of the steam generating means reaches the cleaning set time of the setting portion by the steam generating means operation detection timer of the control means, the ratio of the amount of supplied water to the amount of heating is changed, and the supply water is not supplied. In the evaporation state, the heating portion is made to flow, and the evaporation product of the heating portion is eluted and removed.

In the cleaning operation, the start / stop detection counter for detecting the start or stop of the steam generating means of the control means, when the number of start or stop of the steam generating means reaches the cleaning set number of times of the setting portion, the supplied water amount and the heating amount. The ratio is changed to a state in which the feed water is in an unevaporated state so as to flow through the heat generating portion, and the evaporation product of the heat generating portion is eluted and removed.

In the cleaning operation, the operation time detection timer of the control means detects the operation time of the water supply pump, and when the operation of the pump reaches the cleaning set time of the setting section, the ratio of the amount of water supplied and the amount of heat supplied is changed to supply the water. Water is allowed to flow through the heat-generating portion in a non-evaporated state, and the evaporation product of the heat-generating portion is eluted and removed.

In the cleaning operation, when the number of pulses sent from the drive pulse generating circuit of the water supply pump to the pump reaches the cleaning set pulse number of the setting section, the ratio of the amount of water supplied to the amount of heat is changed, and the water supply is not evaporated. In this state, the heating portion is made to flow, and the evaporation product of the heating portion is eluted and removed.

In the cleaning operation, when the supplied water amount detected by the water amount detecting means reaches the cleaning set water amount of the setting portion, the ratio between the supplied water amount and the heating amount is changed so that the heat generating portion is operated in the state where the supplied water is not evaporated. It is made to flow, and the evaporative products of the exothermic part are eluted and removed.

In the cleaning operation, the mounting detection means detects the mounting or dismounting of the water supply tank, and when the mounting count reaches the cleaning setting mounting count of the setting portion, the ratio of the supplied water amount and the heated amount is changed, and the supply water is not supplied. In the evaporation state, the heating portion is made to flow, and the evaporation product of the heating portion is eluted and removed.

In the cleaning operation, the steam temperature detecting means detects the steam temperature generated by the steam generating means, and when the steam temperature reaches the set temperature of the setting portion, the supply water flows through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state and evaporates. The product is eluted off.

In the cleaning operation, the temperature detecting means detects the temperature of the heat generating element of the steam generating means, and when the temperature of the heat generating element reaches the set temperature of the setting section, the supply water flows through the heat generating section in a non-evaporated state to generate evaporation. The substance is eluted and removed.

When the heating element of the heating section is heated by induction heating, the heating element generates heat due to the induced current induced in the heating element. Due to this heat generation, the water appropriately introduced from the inflow port into the evaporation chamber is heated and vaporized to become steam. Further, the steam is heated by the heating element of the exciting coil section on the exit side of the evaporation chamber, becomes heated steam, flows out from the outflow port, and is sent to the use place.

According to the present invention, the water softened by the water softening device as described above is introduced into the evaporation chamber, and the water is evaporated in the heat generating portion to obtain evaporation. Then, in order to remove the compound of the soft water ion component deposited on the heat generating portion as the evaporation residue, the control means inflows more water than is evaporated, and the water is used to elute and remove the compound. At this time, the control means controls the amount of water (cleaning operation).

Further, in this embodiment, the case where the heating element is heated by induction heating as the heating portion is shown. This is because when heating by induction heating, the heating element can be efficiently heated in a short time, and the heating element is formed of a porous body to increase the surface area, and water can be easily evaporated efficiently.
Therefore, when the rapid heating property, the efficiency, or the like is not required so much, a sheathed heater, a surface heater subjected to insulation treatment, or the like may be used as the heat generating portion.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, 10 is a steam generating means for heating and vaporizing water, 11 is a liquid supply pipe 12 as a means for supplying a liquid to the steam generating means in the upper part of the evaporation chamber, and a steam outflow pipe 13 for sending the steam to a utilization place in the lower part. Are connected. An excitation coil 14 is wound around the outer periphery of the evaporation chamber 11,
A heating element 15, which serves as a magnetic circuit component of the magnetic field induced by the exciting coil, is inserted therein. Reference numeral 16 is a drain pipe that guides non-evaporated water and condensed water to the outside. Reference numeral 17 denotes a flow control valve, the inflow pipe of which is connected to a water source through an opening / closing valve 18 and the outflow pipe of which is connected to a water treatment means 19. 20 is a water treatment means 1
It is an ion exchange resin that is enclosed in 9 and absorbs and removes hardness water components such as calcium and magnesium to soften the supply water.

The control means 21 comprises a flow control valve drive circuit 22 for varying the amount of supplied water, a high frequency power supply circuit 23 for generating AC power to the exciting coil 17, and a setting unit for setting the ratio of the supplied water amount and the heating amount. 24, and a control unit 25 that controls the amount of water supplied by the water supply unit and the amount of heating of the steam generation unit 10 based on the signal from the setting unit.

FIG. 2 is a sequence showing an embodiment of the cleaning operation mode set in the setting section 24. After the start of operation T1, the ratio between the amount of water supplied from the water supply means and the heating amount of the steam generating means is changed. That is, the ratio of the amount of supplied water is increased.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. The setting unit 24 of the control means 21 starts cleaning after T1 time and sets an operation mode for increasing the amount of supplied water. After setting, the steam generator 10 is started. The controller 25 operates as shown in FIG. 2 based on the mode signal. Control unit 25
The flow rate control valve drive circuit 22 receives the sequence signal from the above and the flow rate control valve 17 is opened and the set water amount Q1 is sent to the water treatment means 19. The softened water is dropped onto the heating element 15 from the liquid supply pipe 12 of the steam generating means 10.

On the other hand, when AC power is supplied from the high frequency power supply circuit 23 to the exciting coil 17, the magnetic lines of force generated by the exciting coil 17 penetrate through the heating element 15 in the steam chamber 11. When the direction of the lines of magnetic force changes according to the cycle of the supplied alternating current, an electric force for preventing the change of the lines of magnetic force acts on the heating element 15, and a current in the direction opposite to the coil current flows in the heating element. Induced. The heating element 15 generates heat due to this induced current. Due to this heat generation, the water appropriately supplied from the liquid supply pipe 12 to the heating element 15 is heated and vaporized to become steam. If the heating vaporization of water is continued,
The evaporation residue of the water softened by the heating element 15 is deposited on the heating element 15.

After a lapse of T1 time from the start of the operation, the amount of water supplied from the flow control valve 17 is increased from Q1 to Q2 by a signal from the control unit 25. Due to this increase in the amount of supplied water, a part of the supplied water flows down in the heating element 15 without being evaporated. The water that flows down elutes the accumulated evaporation product and cleans the heating element 15.

According to the structure of this embodiment, since the amount of cleaning water is large, water is well dispersed and uniform cleaning can be performed.

FIG. 3 is a sequence showing an embodiment of another cleaning operation mode. Contrary to the above embodiment, the heating amount of the steam generating means 10 is decreased and the supply water amount ratio is increased after the start of operation T2. That is, from the start of operation to T2
After a lapse of time, the heating amount of the steam generating means 10 is reduced from W1 to W2, and the feed water amount ratio is increased. Due to this increase in the water supply amount ratio, part of the water supplied flows down in the heating element 15 without being evaporated. The water that flows down elutes the accumulated evaporation product and cleans the heating element 15.

The control of the ratio between the amount of water supplied by the water supply means and the amount of heat generated by the steam generating means is carried out even if the amount of water supplied and the amount of heat generated by the steam generating means are decreased at the same time. Water flows in the heating element in a non-evaporated state, and an effect of eluting and removing the evaporation product in the heating element can be obtained.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, the cleaning is performed by the hot water heated by the heating element, the evaporation product is easily dissolved, and the cleaning can be performed for a short time.

FIG. 4 is a sequence showing an embodiment of another cleaning operation mode. The operation mode set in the setting unit 24 is for cleaning after the steam generation operation is completed. In the cleaning operation, a control signal from the control unit 25 of the control means 21 supplies water by continuing the operation of the flow rate control valve 17 which is the water supply means after the operation of the steam generating means 10 is completed. The supplied water partially evaporates, but almost flows in the state of water in the heating element 15 to elute the evaporation product in the heating element. When the elution set amount of water flows, the operation of the flow control valve 17 is stopped and the cleaning operation is finished.

According to the structure of this embodiment, the cleaning is performed by the hot water heated by the residual heat of the heating element, the evaporation products are easily dissolved, and the cleaning with less energy loss can be performed.

FIG. 5 is a sequence showing an embodiment of another cleaning operation mode. An operation mode in which cleaning is performed before the steam generation operation is set in the setting unit 24.

In the cleaning operation, in response to a control signal from the control section 25 of the control means 21, first, the flow rate control valve 17 which is the water supply means is started to send water to the water treatment means 19. The supplied water is softened by the water treatment means 19 and then heated.
Pour into 5. When the water flows through the heating element, the evaporation residue product deposited in the heating element 15 in the previous steam generation operation is dissolved in the water and flows out. When the set cleaning operation is completed, a start signal for the steam generating means 10 is sent from the control unit 25, the steam generating means 10 is started, and a steady steam generating operation is performed.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the heating element from being dry-heated due to the delay in water supply, and to enhance the safety of the steam generating portion.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the cleaning operation mode. The control means 21 has an operation detection timer 26 for sending a time signal to the control unit 25 in addition to the above embodiment.

In the above structure, the time to start cleaning is set in the setting section 24 before the steam generating means 10 is started.

From the control unit 25 to the flow control valve drive circuit 22
Then, at the same time when the drive signal is sent to the high frequency power supply circuit 23, the timer 20 starts the time measurement. Flow control valve 17,
The steam generating means 10 is started by a drive signal from the flow control valve drive circuit 22 and the high frequency power supply circuit 23. When the operation time of the steam generating means 10 detected by the operation detection timer 26 reaches the cleaning set time of the setting unit 24, the control unit 25 sends a signal for controlling the supplied water amount and the heated amount, and the supplied water amount and the heated amount are changed. The operation in which the ratio is changed, or the steam generating means 10 is stopped and the flow control valve 17 is opened to perform only water supply operation, and the supply water flows into the heating element 15 in an unevaporated state. Residual products deposited in the heating element due to evaporation are removed by evaporating into the water that has not evaporated, and the heating element is cleaned.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, cleaning can be performed according to the residual products accumulated in the heating element.
The loss of cleaning water can be reduced.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the cleaning operation mode. In the above embodiment, the control means 21 causes the control section 25 to count the start or stop of the operation by the counter circuit 27.
Is added.

In the above structure, the number of times of starting and stopping the cleaning is set in the setting unit 24 before the steam generating means 10 is started.

In the cleaning operation, the start or stop of the vapor generating means of the control means is counted by the counter circuit 27, and when the number of start or stop reaches the cleaning set number of times of the setting section, the control section 25 controls the supplied water amount and the heating amount. A control signal is sent, the ratio of the amount of supplied water to the amount of heat is changed, and the supplied water flows into the heating element 15 in a non-evaporated state. Residual products deposited in the heating element due to evaporation are removed by evaporating into the water that has not evaporated, and the heating element is cleaned.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a cleaning operation mode in which other water supply means is used to flow the supply water in a non-evaporated state in the heating element to elute and remove the evaporation product in the heating element.
The water supply means 28 is composed of a water reservoir including a water supply tank 29 and a water receiving container 30, and a water pressure pump 31 provided in the liquid supply pipe 12. The control means 21 is provided with a pump drive circuit 32 and an operation detection timer 33 that sends a timer time signal to the control unit 25.

In the above structure, the time to start cleaning is set in the setting section 24 before starting the steam generating means 10. Based on the operation signal from the setting unit 24, the control unit 25 sends the pump drive circuit 32 and the high frequency power supply circuit 23.
The driving signal is sent to. When the pump 31 is started, the driving detection timer 33 starts measuring driving time. The water in the water supply tank 29 is sent from the water receiving container 30 to the water treatment means 19, is subjected to water softening treatment, and the liquid supply pipe 12 of the steam generation means 10.
Is appropriately cooled by the heating element 15 which is heated by the induced current, and is heated, vaporized, and becomes vapor.

When the operation time of the pump 31 detected by the operation detection timer 33 reaches the cleaning setting time of the setting section 24, the operation of changing the ratio of the hydraulic water supply amount and the heating amount of the pump 32 or the operation of the pump 32 is changed. The operation is continued, the steam generating means 10 is stopped, the feed water is caused to flow into the heating element 15 in an unvaporized state, and the residual product during evaporation of the heating element is removed by elution.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, the cleaning is performed according to the amount of water evaporated in the heating element, and the cleaning is performed almost according to the residual product accumulated in the heating element.
The loss of cleaning water can be reduced.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a cleaning operation mode in which a pulse drive pump is used as the water pressure pump 32. The control unit 21 includes a high frequency power supply circuit 23, a setting unit 24,
A pump driving pulse generation circuit 34 and a pulse counter circuit 35 are added to the control unit 25.

In the above structure, the number of pulses to be sent to the pump drive pulse generating circuit 34 for starting cleaning is set in the setting section 24 before starting the steam generating means 10.

In the cleaning operation, the number of pulses sent from the control unit 25 to the pump drive pulse generation circuit 34 is counted by the pulse counter circuit 35, and the setting unit 2
When the cleaning set pulse number of 4 is reached, the ratio of the amount of supplied water and the amount of heating is changed so that the supply water flows in the heating element in a non-evaporated state to elute and remove the evaporation product in the heating element.

According to the structure of this embodiment, since the pump driving pulse is directly counted, the amount of water sent by the pump can be made more accurate, the cleaning setting can be made more accurately, and the cleaning efficiency can be improved.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment in which the flow rate detecting means 36 for detecting the flow rate flowing into the steam generating means 10 is arranged in the water supply passage. The flow rate detecting means 36 is composed of a rotating body 37 in which the number of rotations changes in proportion to the amount of water passing, a magnetic body is embedded, and a magnetic sensor 38 for detecting the rotation. The control means 21 includes a high frequency power supply circuit 23, a flow control valve drive circuit 22,
A flow rate detection circuit 39 is added to the setting unit 24 and the control unit 25.

In the above structure, the water flow rate for starting cleaning is set in the setting section 24 before the steam generating means 10 is started. Based on the operation signal from the setting unit 24, the operation signal is sent from the control unit 25 to the flow rate control valve drive circuit 22 and the high frequency power supply circuit 23. When water is sent under pressure, the rotating body 37 of the flow rate detecting means 36 rotates, the signal detected by the magnetic sensor 38 is sent to the flow rate detecting circuit 39, and the flow rate is measured. The flow rate calculated by the flow rate detection circuit 39 is the setting unit 2
When the set water amount of 4 is reached, the ratio between the supplied water amount and the heating amount is changed, the supplied water is allowed to flow in the heating element in a non-evaporated state, and the evaporation product in the heating element is removed by elution.

According to the construction of this embodiment, the amount of water passing can be accurately grasped, the cleaning setting can be made accurately, and the cleaning efficiency can be improved.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in which mounting detection means 39 for detecting mounting or dismounting of the water supply tank 29 of the water supply means is mounted. The attachment detection means 40 is a micro switch attached to the water receiving container 30. The control means 21 is additionally provided with a counter 41 which receives a signal from the attachment detection means, counts the number of times the water supply tank 29 is attached, and sends a count signal to the control section 25.

In the above structure, before starting the steam generating means 10, the number of times of mounting the water supply tank 29 for starting cleaning is set in the setting section 24.

In the cleaning operation, the signal from the mounting detecting means 40 is received, and the mounting count counted by the counter 41 is sent to the control section 25. When the mounting count counted by the counter 41 reaches the cleaning setting mounting count of the setting unit 24, the control unit 25 changes the ratio of the supplied water amount and the heating amount, and the supplied water flows in the heating element in a non-evaporated state. The evaporative products in the heating element are removed by elution.

According to the structure of this embodiment, it is possible to set the timing for cleaning and to detect the presence or absence of the tank, and to prevent the heating element from becoming empty due to forgetting to mount the tank, thus ensuring the safety of the steam generating portion. Sex can be enhanced.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which the steam temperature detecting means of the steam generating means 10 is attached. Steam temperature detection means 4
2 is attached to the steam outflow pipe 13 of the steam generating means 10. A temperature detection circuit 43 is added to the control means 21.

In the above structure, before starting the steam generating means 10, the steam temperature at which cleaning is started is set in the setting section 24. Based on the operation signal from the setting unit 24, the operation signal is sent from the control unit 25 to the pump drive circuit 32 and the high frequency power supply circuit 23. When the pump 31 is started, the water in the water supply tank 29 is transferred from the water receiving container 30 to the water treatment means 19
To the heating element 15 which is heated by the induced current and is heated and vaporized from the liquid supply pipe 12 of the steam generating means 10. The generated steam is sent from the steam outflow pipe 13 to the place of use. The temperature of the steam is detected by the steam temperature detecting means 42, and the temperature detecting circuit 43 causes the controller 24 to detect the temperature.
Sent to When the heating vaporization of water is continued, the heating element 15
The evaporation residue of water that has been softened by water is deposited on the heating element 15. Due to the accumulation of the evaporation residue on the heating element 15, the distribution of the flow of the dropped water deteriorates, and a part of the water flows down to the drainage pipe 16 without being evaporated, and the temperature of the steam blown out from the steam outflow pipe 13 rises. .

Steam temperature detecting means 4 sent to the control unit 25
When the temperature of 2 reaches the cleaning set temperature of the setting unit 24, the operation of changing the ratio of the hydraulic water supply amount of the pump 32 and the heating amount, or the operation of the pump 32 is continued, and the steam generating means 10 is stopped. , The heating element 15 with the supply water not evaporated
Pour through to elute and remove residual products of the heating element during evaporation.

According to the structure of this embodiment, the cleaning timing can be set according to the amount of the residual product accumulated in the heating element, and the temperature of the generated steam can be controlled, so that the control circuit structure is simple and the cost is low. Can be

FIG. 13 shows a heating element 15 of the steam generating means 10.
This is an embodiment in which a temperature detecting means is attached to. The temperature detecting means 44 is attached to the lower portion of the heating element 15.

In the above structure, the temperature of the heating element for starting the cleaning is set in the setting section 24 before the steam generating means 10 is started. When an operation signal is sent from the control unit 25 to the pump drive circuit 32 and the high-frequency power supply circuit 23 based on the operation signal from the setting unit 24, steam is generated as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the evaporation residue is left after the operation is continued or repeated. The substance accumulates on the heating element 15 and the temperature of the heating element 15 rises.

When the temperature of the temperature detecting means 44 of the heating element 15 sent to the control section 25 reaches the cleaning set temperature of the setting section 24, the operation of changing the ratio of the hydraulic water supply amount of the pump 32 to the heating amount, or The operation of the pump 32 is continued, the steam generating means 10 is stopped, and the supply water is caused to flow into the heating element 15 in a non-evaporated state to elute and remove the residual product during evaporation of the heating element.

According to the configuration of this embodiment, the cleaning timing can be set according to the amount of residual products accumulated in the heating element, and the temperature of the heating element can be directly detected to prevent the abnormal temperature rise of the heating element. Since it can also serve as a circuit, the cleaning efficiency can be improved and the safety of the generated steam portion can be improved.

[0090]

From the above description, the steam generator of the present invention has the following effects.

(1) Evaporated water is passed through a water treatment device containing an ion exchange resin to remove calcium and magnesium contained in the water by ion substitution to soften the water. No scale is generated on the interior wall. Further, the evaporation product generated as a compound of the soft water component ions generated by the ion substitution is dissolved and removed in water during cleaning, so that the factor that inhibits steam generation can be removed.

(2) Since the evaporation product is dissolved and removed by the cleaning action, the evaporation product is not deposited even if water is dropped and vaporized on the heating element. Therefore, the water is instantaneously dropped on the heating heater having a high heating rate. Can generate steam to
It is possible to provide an evaporator in which vapor generation is quick to start and the evaporation amount can be controlled at high speed.

(3) Since the cleaning action for removing the evaporation products is automatically performed, the tropical zone is always maintained in a clean state, and the performance deterioration and the abnormal operation state caused by forgetting the cleaning are prevented. be able to.

(4) The scale does not adhere to the heating element, the factors that hinder the steam generation of the heating element are removed, the good heat dissipation is maintained, the temperature rise of the heating element is suppressed, and the thermal damage of the heating element is prevented. It can be prevented.

(5) Since there is no mechanical stress such as collision and rubbing, the heating element and the steam generating chamber are not worn or damaged, and the steam generator is improved in reliability and durability. it can.

(6) By preventing the heating element from adhering to the scale, an increase in the heating temperature of the heating element is suppressed, and the wires of the heating element are made thin.
It is possible to provide a steam generator that can have a high-density structure, has a high generation rate, and can easily control the amount of steam.

(7) The flowability / diffusivity of water allows the residual product to be uniformly dissolved and removed from the heating element.
Local heat generation due to scale adhesion can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the principle of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram of a cleaning operation of the steam generator.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of a cleaning operation of the steam generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram of a cleaning operation of the steam generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of a cleaning operation of the steam generating means according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a circuit configuration diagram of the control means of the steam generating means of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a circuit configuration diagram of the control means of the steam generating means of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the principle of a steam generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration diagram of the control means of the steam generating means in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the principle of a steam generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the principle of a steam generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the principle of a steam generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing the principle of a steam generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front sectional view of a conventional steam generator.

FIG. 15 is a front sectional view of a conventional steam generator.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Vapor Generation Means 11 Evaporation Chamber 12 Liquid Supply Pipe (Liquid Supply Means) 14 Excitation Coil 15 Heating Element (Heating Part) 17 Flow Control Valve 19 Water Treatment Means 20 Ion Exchange Resin (Water Softening Device) 21 Control Means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kenji Yasui 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. When water softened by a water softening device is introduced into an evaporation chamber and the water is evaporated to obtain steam, in order to remove a compound of a soft water ionic component generated in an exothermic part as an evaporation residue, A steam generator, wherein the amount of soft water is increased and the amount of water that elutes the compound is controlled by unevaporated water. 2. A steam generating means having an evaporation part for vaporizing water, a water supply means for sending water to the steam generating means, and a control means for controlling the steam generating means and the water supply means.
The control means flows through the heat generating portion in a state where the supply water is not evaporated,
A steam generator configured to control the evaporation generation means or the water supply means so as to elute and remove the evaporation product attached to the heat generating portion. 3. A steam generating means having an evaporation part for vaporizing water, a water supply means for sending water to the steam generating means, and a control means for controlling the steam generating means and the water supply means.
The control unit controls the evaporation generation unit or the water supply unit so that the supply water flows through the heat generation unit in a state where the supply water is not evaporated and the evaporation product generated in the heat generation unit is eluted and removed. apparatus. 4. The steam generator according to claim 3, wherein the water treatment means is configured to remove water hardness components with an ion exchange resin. 5. The steam generator according to claim 2, wherein the control means controls the ratio of the amount of water supplied by the water supply means to the amount of heat generated by the steam generation means to remove the evaporation product. 6. The control means is provided with a control cycle in which the amount of supplied water is equal to or larger than the amount of steam-generated water, and the supplied water flows through the heat-generating portion in a non-evaporated state to elute the evaporation product of the heat-generating portion. 2. The steam generator according to 2 or 3. 7. The control means is provided with a control cycle in which the heating amount is equal to or less than an evaporation amount set value, and the supply water flows through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state to elute the evaporation product of the heat generating portion. Item 2. The steam generator according to Item 2 or 3. 8. The control means is provided with a cycle in which the water supply means operates after the steam generation operation is finished, and the supplied water flows through the heat generating portion to elute the evaporation product of the heat generating portion. Alternatively, the steam generator according to item 3. 9. The control means provides a cycle in which after the water supply means is started, the steam generation means is started with a delay, and the supply water flows through the heat generation section before the heat generation section is heated, and the evaporation products of the heat generation section are generated. The steam generator according to claim 2 or 3, which is configured to be eluted. 10. The control means has a timer for detecting the operating time of the steam generating means, and when the operation of the steam generating means reaches the set time of the setting section, the supply water flows through the heat generating section in a non-evaporated state. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the steam generator is configured to be in an operation mode in which the evaporation product of the heat generating portion is eluted and the evaporation product is removed. 11. The control means has a counter for detecting the start or stop of the steam generating means, and when the number of start or stop of the steam generating means reaches the number of times set in the setting section, heat is generated in a state where the supply water is not evaporated. The steam generator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein an operation mode in which the vaporized product is removed by flowing through the section is set. 12. A water supply means having a water supply pump and a control means having a timer for detecting an operation time. When the operation of the pump reaches a set time of the setting section, the supply water is in an unevaporated state. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein an operation mode in which the vaporized product is removed by flowing through the heat generating portion is set. 13. A plunger type water feed pump for pumping water and a drive pulse generating circuit. When the number of pulses reaches the number of pulses set in the setting section, the supplied water flows through the heat generating section in a non-evaporated state to generate evaporation. The steam generator according to claim 12, wherein the steam generator is configured to be in an operation mode for removing a substance. 14. A water amount detecting means for detecting the amount of water supplied to the steam generating means is provided, and when the water flow amount reaches the set water amount of the setting portion, the supplied water flows through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state to generate an evaporation product. The steam generator according to claim 2 or 3, which is configured to be in an operation mode for removing the. 15. The water supply means has mounting detection means for detecting mounting or dismounting of the water supply tank, and when the mounting frequency reaches the set mounting frequency of the setting section, the supply water flows through the heat generating section in a non-evaporated state. The steam generator according to claim 2 or 3, which is configured to be in an operation mode in which the evaporation product is removed. 16. The steam generating means is provided with a steam temperature detecting means, and when the generated steam temperature reaches a set temperature of a setting section,
4. The steam generator according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the supply water flows through the heat generating portion in a non-evaporated state, and an operation mode in which an evaporation product is removed is set. 17. A temperature detecting means is provided on the heating element of the steam generating means, and when the temperature of the heating element reaches the set temperature of the setting section, the supply water flows through the heating section in a non-evaporated state to remove the evaporation product. The steam generator according to claim 2 or 3, which is configured to be in an operation mode. 18. The heating unit comprises an exciting coil provided on the outer periphery of the evaporation chamber, and a heating element which is mounted inside the evaporation chamber and generates heat due to a change in magnetic field generated by the exciting coil. The steam generator according to item 1.