JP2003275273A - Steam generator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steam generator which enables heating operation with the humidification capability and without it with one unit only while achieving the effective utilization of hot water (water) by re-using the hot water to be dispersed to a heat exchange promoting member from a hot water injection tube. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus is provided with a steam generation means which generates steam by dispersing hot water to the heat exchange promoting member from the hot water injection tube and blows the steam out of a blowoff port with the operation of a fan, a heating means for supplying hot water to the heat exchange promoting member and the hot water injection pipe of the steam generation means, the first hot water circulation means which returns the hot water supplied to the heat exchange promoting member and the second hot water circulation means which recovers the hot water supplied to the hot water injection tube to be dispersed to the heat exchange promoting member and returns it to the heating means. It is also provided with a switching means which can switch the supply of the hot water from the heating means to at least one of the first and second hot water circulation means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、例えば一般家庭の
浴室等に設置されて浴室内に蒸気を発生させ得る蒸気発
生装置に係わり、特に一台の暖房機で加湿する暖房運転
と加湿しない暖房運転が可能な蒸気発生装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a steam generator which is installed in a bathroom of a general household and can generate steam in the bathroom, and more particularly to a heating operation in which one heater is used for humidifying and a non-humidifying heating. The present invention relates to a steam generator that can be operated.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来、浴室内に設置される蒸気発生装置
としては、例えば特許第２８７１３４０号公報あるいは
特許第２７７３０１４号公報に開示されている。前者
（特許第２８７１３４０号公報）に開示の蒸気発生装置
は、吹出口と空気吸込口を有する外装体の内部に、複数
の湯噴出口を有する湯噴出管と熱交換促進部材及びファ
ンをそれぞれ配置し、湯噴出管の湯噴出口から熱交換促
進部材に湯を放散することにより蒸気を発生させ、この
蒸気をファンの回転で吹出口から吹き出すようにしたも
のである。2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a steam generator installed in a bathroom is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 2871340 or Japanese Patent No. 2773014. In the steam generator disclosed in the former (Japanese Patent No. 2871340), a hot water ejection pipe having a plurality of hot water ejection ports, a heat exchange promoting member, and a fan are arranged inside an exterior body having a blowout port and an air suction port, respectively. Then, steam is generated by diffusing the hot water from the hot water outlet of the hot water jetting pipe to the heat exchange promoting member, and the steam is blown out from the air outlet by the rotation of the fan.

【０００３】そして、この蒸気発生装置１０１は、一般
的に図９に示すように、温水循環回路を有さない給湯機
１０２の給湯口１０２ａに湯噴出管１０３を配管１０４
を介して接続されている。これにより、湯噴出管１０３
から放散される湯が、ファン１０６の作動で熱交換促進
部材１０７の平行な各薄板１０７ａ間を通過する空気を
加温加湿して温度上昇させ、この空気の温度上昇に伴い
蒸気圧差を生じさせて、湯の一部を蒸発させて蒸気とす
るようになっており、この蒸気によって浴室内が加温加
湿される。As shown in FIG. 9, the steam generator 101 generally has a hot water outlet 102a of a water heater 102 having no hot water circulation circuit, and a hot water jet pipe 103 and a pipe 104.
Connected through. As a result, the hot water ejection pipe 103
The hot water that is discharged from the chamber heats and humidifies the air passing between the parallel thin plates 107a of the heat exchange promotion member 107 by the operation of the fan 106 to raise the temperature, and a vapor pressure difference is generated as the temperature of the air rises. Then, a part of the hot water is evaporated to form steam, and the steam warms and humidifies the bathroom.

【０００４】また、後者（特許第２７７３０１４号公
報）に開示の蒸気発生装置は、蒸気吹出口と空気吸込口
が開口する外装体の内部に、複数の湯噴出口を有する湯
噴出管と熱交換促進部材及びファンをそれぞれ配置し、
湯噴出管の湯噴出口から熱交換促進部材に湯を放散する
と共に、熱交換促進部材の薄板を連結するパイプ状の連
結部材の内部に高温水を供給することにより蒸気を発生
させ、この蒸気をファンの回転で吹出口から吹き出すよ
うにしたものである。The steam generator disclosed in the latter (Japanese Patent No. 2773014) heat exchanges with a hot water spouting pipe having a plurality of hot water spouts inside an exterior body in which a steam blow-out port and an air suction port are opened. Arrange the promotion member and the fan respectively,
The hot water is diffused from the hot water outlet of the hot water jet pipe to the heat exchange promoting member, and high temperature water is supplied to the inside of the pipe-shaped connecting member that connects the thin plates of the heat exchange promoting member to generate steam. The fan is rotated to blow out from the outlet.

【０００５】そして、この蒸気発生装置１０１は、一般
的に図１０に示すように、温水循環回路１０２ｂを有す
る給湯暖房機１０２の給湯口１０２ａに湯噴出管１０３
を配管１０４を介して接続すると共に、給湯暖房機１０
２の温水循環回路１０２ｂの出口と入口に熱交換促進部
材１０７の連結部材１０７ｂの両端を配管１０８を介し
て接続することによって設置される。これにより、湯噴
出管１０３から熱交換促進部材１０７に放散される湯と
連結部材１０７ｂを流れる湯との熱によって、前者の蒸
気発生装置１０１と同様に蒸気を発生させて浴室内の加
温加湿が行えると共に、湯噴出管１０３から湯を放散さ
せずに連結部材１０７ｂ内に高温水を循環供給してファ
ン１０６を作動させることで、浴室内を加湿させずに加
温して暖房するようになっている。As shown in FIG. 10, the steam generator 101 generally has a hot water jet pipe 103 at a hot water supply port 102a of a hot water supply heater 102 having a hot water circulation circuit 102b.
Are connected via a pipe 104, and the water heater 10
It is installed by connecting both ends of the coupling member 107b of the heat exchange promoting member 107 to the outlet and the inlet of the second hot water circulation circuit 102b through the pipe 108. As a result, the heat of the hot water that is dissipated from the hot water spout pipe 103 to the heat exchange promoting member 107 and the hot water that flows through the connecting member 107b generates steam in the same manner as the former steam generator 101, and heats and humidifies the bathroom. In addition, the hot water is circulated and supplied into the connecting member 107b without radiating the hot water from the hot water jet pipe 103 to operate the fan 106, so that the bathroom is heated without being humidified. Has become.

【０００６】[0006]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】しかしながら、これら
の蒸気発生装置１０１においては、湯噴出管１０３から
熱交換促進部材１０７の薄板１０７ａ間に放散されて下
方に流下する温度が下がった湯を、熱交換促進部材１０
７の下部に配置したドレンパン１０９で受け、このドレ
ンパン１０９に設けた排湯口から排水管１１０を介し
て、例えば浴室の排水路に排水しているため、湯噴出管
１０３に供給される湯（水）の有効活用を図ることが困
難であり、経済的にも省エネルギーの面においても好ま
しくないという問題点を有している。However, in these steam generators 101, the hot water whose temperature has dropped to the downward direction by being diffused from the hot water jet pipe 103 between the thin plates 107a of the heat exchange promoting member 107 Exchange promotion member 10
7 is received by a drain pan 109 arranged at the bottom of the drain pan 109, and is discharged from a hot water outlet provided in the drain pan 109 via a drain pipe 110 to, for example, a drainage channel of a bathroom. It is difficult to make effective use of the above) and it is not preferable in terms of economy and energy saving.

【０００７】また、蒸気の発生に給湯機や給湯暖房機
（給湯機１０２等という）の温水を直接使用しているた
め、次のような問題点も有している。すなわち、これら
の蒸気発生装置１０１においては、例えば６０℃以上の
高温水を湯噴出管１０３に供給する必要があるが、給湯
機１０２等の給湯湯度を高温に設定すると、一般家庭等
において浴室以外の台所や洗面所で使用される給湯機１
０２等の湯温としては不適切となる場合がある。そし
て、このことは、特に冬季のように浴室内温度が低い場
合等において、浴室内を所定温度まで加温加湿しようと
すると、給湯機１０２等から供給される高温水の温度を
一層上げる必要があり顕著になり易い。Further, since hot water from a water heater or a hot water heater (referred to as the water heater 102) is directly used for generating steam, it has the following problems. That is, in these steam generators 101, it is necessary to supply high-temperature water of, for example, 60 ° C. or higher to the hot water jet pipe 103. Water heater 1 used in kitchens and washrooms other than
It may be inappropriate as the hot water temperature of 02 or the like. This means that, particularly when the temperature in the bathroom is low, such as in winter, when the bathroom is heated to a predetermined temperature and humidified, it is necessary to further raise the temperature of the high-temperature water supplied from the water heater 102 or the like. Yes, it tends to be noticeable.

【０００８】また、給湯機１０２等を蒸気発生装置１０
１に応じて個別に操作（管理）することが難しいことか
ら、給湯機１０２等の給湯温度設定や浴室内温度によっ
て蒸気の発生度合いにバラツキが発生し易く、季節に係
わらず安定した蒸気の発生状態を得ることが困難にな
る。Further, the water heater 102 and the like are replaced with the steam generator 10.
It is difficult to operate (manage) individually according to 1, so that the degree of steam generation tends to vary depending on the hot water supply temperature setting of the water heater 102 or the temperature in the bathroom, and stable steam generation regardless of the season. It is difficult to get the status.

【０００９】本発明は、このような事情に鑑みてなされ
たもので、その目的は、湯噴出管から熱交換促進部材に
放散される湯を再利用することによって水の有効活用を
図ると共に、季節に係わらず安定した蒸気を発生させ、
かつ一台の暖房手段で加湿する暖房運転と加湿しない暖
房運転とが可能な蒸気発生装置を提供することにある。The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to effectively utilize water by reusing the hot water that is diffused from the hot water ejection pipe to the heat exchange promoting member, Generates stable steam regardless of the season,
Another object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator capable of performing heating operation with humidification and heating operation without humidification with one heating means.

【００１０】[0010]

【課題を解決するための手段】かかる目的を達成すべ
く、本発明のうち請求項１に記載の発明は、熱交換促進
部材に湯噴出管から湯を放散することにより蒸気を発生
させ該蒸気をファンの作動によって吹出口から吹き出す
蒸気発生手段と、前記熱交換促進部材と蒸気発生手段の
湯噴出管とに湯を供給する暖房手段と、前記熱交換促進
部材に供給した湯を前記暖房手段に戻す第一の湯循環手
段と、前記湯噴出管に供給し熱交換促進部材に放散され
た湯を回収して前記暖房手段に戻す第二の湯循環手段
と、を備えたことを特徴とする。In order to achieve such an object, the invention as set forth in claim 1 of the present invention is to generate steam by dissipating hot water from a hot water spouting pipe to a heat exchange promoting member to generate steam. The steam generating means for blowing out air from the outlet by the operation of the fan, the heating means for supplying hot water to the heat exchange promoting member and the hot water jet pipe of the steam generating means, and the hot water supplied to the heat exchange promoting member for the heating means. And a second hot water circulation means for returning the hot water supplied to the hot water jetting pipe and diffused to the heat exchange promoting member to the heating means. To do.

【００１１】このように構成することにより、暖房手段
から蒸気発生手段の湯噴出管に供給されて熱交換促進部
材に放散される湯は、熱交換促進部材に接触することに
よりその一部が蒸気となってファンの回転で吹出口から
吹き出され、残りの湯が第二の湯循環手段により暖房手
段に戻され所定温度となって湯噴出管から熱交換促進部
材上に再び放散される。これにより、湯噴出管で使用さ
れる湯を外部に排水する必要がなくなり湯（水）の再利
用が図れると共に、湯噴出管や熱交換促進部材に供給さ
れる湯の温度管理が容易となり、蒸気の安定した発生状
態が得られる。With this structure, the hot water supplied from the heating means to the hot water jetting pipe of the steam generating means and dissipated to the heat exchange promoting member partially comes into contact with the heat exchange promoting member to generate steam. Then, the remaining hot water is returned to the heating means by the second hot water circulating means to reach a predetermined temperature and is again diffused from the hot water ejection pipe onto the heat exchange promoting member. As a result, it is not necessary to drain the hot water used in the hot water spout pipe to the outside, and the hot water (water) can be reused, and the temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot water spout pipe and the heat exchange promoting member can be easily controlled, A stable generation state of steam can be obtained.

【００１２】そして、請求項２に記載の発明のように、
前記暖房手段からの湯の供給を、前記第一の湯循環手段
と第二の湯循環手段の少なくとも一方に切り換え可能な
切換手段を設けることが好ましい。この切換手段を所定
に切り換えることで、例えば暖房手段から供給される湯
を湯噴出管に供給して加湿する暖房運転としたり、ある
いは暖房手段から供給される湯を熱交換促進部材に供給
して加湿しない暖房運転に切り換え運転できて、一台の
暖房手段で加湿する暖房運転と加湿しない暖房運転が行
え、暖房手段の構成の簡素化や装置の使い勝手の向上等
が図れる。Then, as in the invention described in claim 2,
It is preferable to provide switching means capable of switching the supply of hot water from the heating means to at least one of the first hot water circulating means and the second hot water circulating means. By switching the switching means in a predetermined manner, for example, the hot water supplied from the heating means is supplied to the hot water jet pipe to perform humidification, or the hot water supplied from the heating means is supplied to the heat exchange promoting member. The heating operation can be switched to the non-humidifying heating operation, and the heating operation that humidifies and the heating operation that does not humidify can be performed by one heating means, and the configuration of the heating means can be simplified and the usability of the device can be improved.

【００１３】そして、前記切換手段は、請求項３に記載
の発明のように、前記暖房手段からの湯の供給を前記第
一の湯循環手段と第二の湯循環手段とに択一的に切り換
えることが好ましい。このように構成することにより、
切換手段で加湿した空気（蒸気）による暖房運転と加湿
しない空気による暖房運転とのいずれかに切り換え運転
できて、所望する運転状態が確実かつ容易に得られ、装
置の使い勝手の一層の向上が図れる。The switching means selectively supplies the hot water from the heating means to the first hot water circulating means and the second hot water circulating means. It is preferable to switch. By configuring in this way,
The switching operation can be switched to either heating operation with humidified air (steam) or heating operation with non-humidified air, the desired operating condition can be obtained reliably and easily, and the usability of the device can be further improved. .

【００１４】また、前記切換手段は、請求項４に記載の
発明のように、供給する湯が前記暖房手段から熱交換促
進部材及び又は湯噴出管に向う往路側に設けた第１切換
手段と、熱交換促進部材及び又は湯噴出管から前記暖房
手段に戻る復路側に設けた第２切換手段とを備えること
が好ましい。このように構成することにより、第１切換
手段と第２切換手段の切り換え操作で、加湿する暖房運
転と加湿しない暖房運転の確実な切り換え動作が可能に
なる。The switching means may be the first switching means provided on the outward path of the hot water supplied from the heating means to the heat exchange promoting member and / or the hot water jet pipe. It is preferable to include a heat exchange promoting member and / or a second switching means provided on the return path from the hot water jet pipe to the heating means. With this configuration, a reliable switching operation between the heating operation with humidification and the heating operation without humidification can be performed by the switching operation of the first switching unit and the second switching unit.

【００１５】また、請求項５に記載の発明のように、前
記第二の湯循環手段が循環ポンプを有し、該循環ポンプ
が蒸気発生手段側かもしくは暖房手段側に設けられてい
ることが好ましい。このように構成することにより、循
環ポンプを蒸気発生装置側に設けることで暖房手段の小
型化が図れ、暖房手段側に設けることで蒸気発生手段が
小型化されてその浴室等への設置の容易化等が図れる。Further, as in the invention described in claim 5, the second hot water circulation means has a circulation pump, and the circulation pump is provided on the steam generating means side or the heating means side. preferable. With this configuration, the circulation pump is provided on the steam generator side to downsize the heating means, and the circulation pump is provided on the heating means side to downsize the steam generation means to facilitate installation in the bathroom or the like. Can be achieved.

【００１６】[0016]

【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面
に基づいて詳細に説明する。図１〜図７は、本発明に係
わる蒸気発生装置の一実施例を示し、図１がその基本的
構成を示す概念図、図２が蒸気発生手段の概略縦断面
図、図３がその熱交換促進部材の斜視図、図４が蒸気発
生手段の浴室への設置状態を示す概略斜視図、図５が暖
房手段の概略構成図、図６が制御系のブロック図、図７
がその動作の一例を示すフローチャートである。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 show an embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the basic structure thereof, FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of steam generating means, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the exchange promoting member, FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the installation state of the steam generating means in the bathroom, FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the heating means, FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system, and FIG.
Is a flowchart showing an example of the operation.

【００１７】図１において、蒸気発生装置１は、蒸気発
生手段２と、この蒸気発生手段２に湯Ｗを供給する暖房
手段３を備えている。蒸気発生手段２は、暖房手段３か
ら供給される湯Ｗによって蒸気を発生する発生手段４
と、この発生手段４で使用した湯Ｗを暖房手段３に戻す
ことで湯Ｗを循環させる第二の湯循環手段５と、暖房手
段３の湯Ｗの発生手段４への供給や戻り等を切り換える
切換手段６と、前記湯循環手段５内の湯Ｗを外部に排水
する排水手段７と、これらを適宜に制御する制御手段８
等で構成されている。In FIG. 1, the steam generator 1 comprises steam generating means 2 and heating means 3 for supplying hot water W to the steam generating means 2. The steam generating means 2 generates steam by the hot water W supplied from the heating means 3.
And a second hot water circulating means 5 for circulating the hot water W used in the generating means 4 to return it to the heating means 3, and a supply and return of the hot water W from the heating means 3 to the generating means 4. Switching means 6 for switching, drainage means 7 for draining the hot water W in the hot water circulation means 5 to the outside, and control means 8 for appropriately controlling these
Etc.

【００１８】前記発生手段４は、熱交換促進部材９と、
この熱交換促進部材９に湯Ｗを放散する湯噴出管１０
と、発生した蒸気等を所定方向に送風するファン１１等
を有し、後述する如く湯噴出管１０から熱交換促進部材
９に放散された湯Ｗにより蒸気を発生させ、この蒸気を
制御手段８の制御信号で回転するファン１１により、所
定方向に送風する（吹き出す）ようになっている。The generating means 4 includes a heat exchange promoting member 9,
Hot water spouting pipe 10 that dissipates hot water W on the heat exchange promoting member 9.
And a fan 11 for blowing the generated steam or the like in a predetermined direction, the steam is generated by the hot water W diffused from the hot water jet pipe 10 to the heat exchange promoting member 9, and the steam is generated by the control means 8 as will be described later. The fan 11 that rotates in response to the control signal blows (blows) in a predetermined direction.

【００１９】そして、蒸気発生手段２は、図２に示すよ
うに、例えば樹脂で箱型に形成された外装体１２を有
し、この外装体１２の傾斜した前面上部には空気吸込口
１３が形成されると共に、その下部には吹出口１４が形
成されている。また、外装体１２の内部には、空気吸込
口１３に対向して熱交換促進部材９が外装体１２の前面
と略平行に傾斜して配置されると共に、この熱交換促進
部材９の前面上端部に湯噴出管１０が配置され、さらに
熱交換促進部材９の後方側の下部にはファン１１が配置
されている。なお、熱交換促進部材９の下部にはドレン
パン１５が設けられ、ファン１１の下部には吹出口１４
方向に向けて吹出流路が形成されている。As shown in FIG. 2, the steam generating means 2 has an outer casing 12 formed of, for example, resin in a box shape, and an air suction port 13 is provided in the upper front portion of the inclined outer casing 12. The air outlet 14 is formed at the bottom of the air outlet. A heat exchange promoting member 9 is arranged inside the outer casing 12 so as to face the air suction port 13 and is inclined substantially parallel to the front surface of the outer casing 12, and the upper end of the front surface of the heat exchange promoting member 9 is disposed. A hot water spouting pipe 10 is arranged in the portion, and a fan 11 is arranged in the lower rear portion of the heat exchange promoting member 9. A drain pan 15 is provided below the heat exchange promotion member 9, and a blower outlet 14 is provided below the fan 11.
A blowout flow path is formed in the direction.

【００２０】前記熱交換促進部材９は、図３に示すよう
に、縦方向に所定間隔を有して略平行に配置された多数
枚の薄板１６と、この薄板１６を横方向に連結する円形
金属パイプからなる連結部材１７と、この連結部材１７
を支える左右一対の支持部材１８等で構成されている。
なお、薄板１６、連結部材１７及び支持部材１８は、例
えばステレンススチール、アルミニウム、銅等の熱伝導
率の高い金属材で形成され、連結部材１７は、１本のパ
イプを上部から下部に向け連続させて蛇行状に折り曲げ
形成され、その両端開口部が例えば図３の右側に指向し
ている。As shown in FIG. 3, the heat exchange accelerating member 9 has a large number of thin plates 16 arranged in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, and a circular shape connecting the thin plates 16 in the horizontal direction. Connecting member 17 made of metal pipe, and this connecting member 17
It is composed of a pair of left and right support members 18 and the like for supporting the.
The thin plate 16, the connecting member 17, and the supporting member 18 are made of, for example, a metal material having high thermal conductivity such as stainless steel, aluminum, or copper, and the connecting member 17 is formed by continuously connecting one pipe from the upper part to the lower part. Then, it is bent in a meandering shape, and the openings at both ends thereof are directed to the right side in FIG. 3, for example.

【００２１】そして、図１に示すように、この連結部材
１７の例えば上部側の開口部は切換手段６としての第１
切換手段６ａに連結されると共に、下部側の開口部は第
２切換手段６ｂに連結されて第一の湯循環手段を構成し
ている。また、この第１切換手段６ａ及び第２切換手段
６ｂは、例えば入口に対して２つの出口を有する２方弁
等で形成され、入口がどちらかの出口に単独で連通する
ように設定されている。As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the opening on the upper side of the connecting member 17 serves as the first switching means 6.
While being connected to the switching means 6a, the opening on the lower side is connected to the second switching means 6b to form a first hot water circulating means. Further, the first switching means 6a and the second switching means 6b are formed by, for example, a two-way valve having two outlets with respect to the inlets, and the inlets are set so as to communicate with either of the outlets independently. There is.

【００２２】前記湯噴出管１０は、ステンレススチール
等の金属パイプによって形成され、先端側が閉塞される
と共に基端側に設けた連結部１０ｂが配管２０を介して
前記第１切換手段６ａに連結されている。また、この湯
噴出管１０は、その軸方向に沿って所定間隔で複数の湯
噴出口１０ａ（図２参照）が下方に指向するように穿設
されており、その湯噴出口１０ａから噴出される湯Ｗが
熱交換促進部材９の前面上端部の薄板１６上に放散され
得るように配置されている。The hot water spouting pipe 10 is formed of a metal pipe such as stainless steel, and the front end side is closed and a connecting portion 10b provided on the base end side is connected to the first switching means 6a via a pipe 20. ing. The hot water jet pipe 10 has a plurality of hot water jet ports 10a (see FIG. 2) directed downward at predetermined intervals along the axial direction of the hot water jet pipe 10 and is jetted from the hot water jet port 10a. The hot water W is arranged so that it can be diffused on the thin plate 16 at the upper end of the front surface of the heat exchange promotion member 9.

【００２３】前記ファン１１は、例えばシロッコファン
等で構成され、図示しないファンモータが回転すること
により、図２の矢印イ方向に回転して、熱交換促進部材
９から発生する蒸気を矢印ハの如く吹出流路を介して外
側に送風するようになっている。The fan 11 is composed of, for example, a sirocco fan or the like, and is rotated in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 2 by the rotation of a fan motor (not shown), so that the steam generated from the heat exchange promoting member 9 is moved in the direction of arrow c. Thus, the air is blown to the outside through the blowout flow path.

【００２４】また、前記第二の湯循環手段５は、図１に
示すように、熱交換促進部材９の下部に配置されて該促
進部材９に放散された湯Ｗを回収する前記ドレンパン１
５と、このドレンパン１５の排出口１５ａと前記第２切
換手段６ｂとの間の配管２１の途中に連結された循環ポ
ンプ２２等を有している。そして、循環ポンプ２２が作
動することにより、ドレンパン１５内の湯Ｗを配管２
１、第２切換手段６ｂ及び蒸気発生手段２と暖房手段３
とを連結する配管２３ｂ等を介して暖房手段３に供給す
るようになっている。なお、この第二の湯循環手段５の
循環ポンプ２２は、蒸気発生手段２内への配置に限ら
ず、例えば図１の二点鎖線で示すように、暖房手段３の
復路配管２４に配置して蒸気発生手段２の小型化を図る
ことも可能である。As shown in FIG. 1, the second hot water circulating means 5 is disposed under the heat exchange promoting member 9 and collects the hot water W diffused by the hot water promoting member 9.
5, a circulation pump 22 and the like connected in the middle of the pipe 21 between the discharge port 15a of the drain pan 15 and the second switching means 6b. Then, the circulation pump 22 is operated to supply the hot water W in the drain pan 15 to the pipe 2
1, second switching means 6b, steam generating means 2 and heating means 3
It is adapted to be supplied to the heating means 3 via a pipe 23b or the like for connecting with. The circulation pump 22 of the second hot water circulation means 5 is not limited to the arrangement inside the steam generation means 2, but is arranged in the return pipe 24 of the heating means 3 as shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. It is also possible to reduce the size of the steam generating means 2.

【００２５】前記排水手段７は、第二の湯循環手段５の
ドレンパン１５の排出口１５ａと外部排水口との間の配
管に配置された排水電磁弁２５等を有し、制御手段８の
制御信号で排水電磁弁２５が開くことにより、ドレンパ
ン１５内の湯Ｗを外部に排水するようになっている。The drainage means 7 has a drainage electromagnetic valve 25 and the like arranged in a pipe between the drainage port 15a of the drain pan 15 of the second hot water circulation means 5 and the external drainage port, and the control of the control means 8 is performed. The hot water W in the drain pan 15 is drained to the outside by opening the drainage electromagnetic valve 25 in response to the signal.

【００２６】前記制御手段８は、図６に示すように、マ
イコン等を有する制御回路２６と電源回路２７及びリモ
コン２８等を備え、制御回路２６の入力側には、前記ド
レンパン１５の湯Ｗの水位を検知する水位センサ２９及
び蒸気発生手段２が設置される例えば浴室５３（図４参
照）内の室温を検知する室温センサ３０等のセンサ群が
接続されると共に、有線もしくは無線で操作可能な前記
リモコン２８が接続され、制御回路２６の出力側には前
記ファン１１、循環ポンプ２２、排水電磁弁２５、切換
手段６等が接続されている。As shown in FIG. 6, the control means 8 is provided with a control circuit 26 having a microcomputer and the like, a power supply circuit 27, a remote controller 28 and the like, and the hot water W of the drain pan 15 is provided on the input side of the control circuit 26. A water level sensor 29 for detecting the water level and a sensor group such as a room temperature sensor 30 for detecting the room temperature in the bathroom 53 (see FIG. 4) in which the steam generating means 2 is installed are connected and can be operated by wire or wirelessly. The remote controller 28 is connected, and the fan 11, the circulation pump 22, the drainage electromagnetic valve 25, the switching means 6 and the like are connected to the output side of the control circuit 26.

【００２７】また、蒸気発生手段２の制御回路２６は、
暖房手段３の制御回路３２と、例えば双方向通信回線３
３によって電気的に接続されると共に、蒸気発生手段２
の電源回路２７が暖房手段３の電源回路３４から電力を
供給され得るよう接続されている。これにより、蒸気発
生手段２のリモコン２８で暖房手段３の電源のオン・オ
フ操作や各種の運転操作等が可能になると共に、暖房手
段３のリモコン３５でも蒸気発生手段２の電源のオン・
オフや各種の運転操作が可能になるように構成されてい
る。Further, the control circuit 26 of the steam generating means 2 is
The control circuit 32 of the heating means 3 and, for example, the bidirectional communication line 3
The steam generating means 2 is electrically connected by 3
The power supply circuit 27 is connected so that power can be supplied from the power supply circuit 34 of the heating means 3. As a result, the remote controller 28 of the steam generating means 2 can be used to turn on / off the power of the heating means 3 and various driving operations, and the remote controller 35 of the heating means 3 can also be used to turn on / off the power of the steam generating means 2.
It is configured so that it can be turned off and various driving operations can be performed.

【００２８】なお、蒸気発生手段２と暖房手段３の各制
御回路２６、３２の接続構造はこの例に限らず、それぞ
れ個別に配置して個別に操作することもできるし、図５
の二点鎖線で示すように、電源回路２７、３４のみを蒸
気発生手段２と暖房手段３とで共用する接続構造を採用
することもできる。The connection structure of the control circuits 26 and 32 of the steam generating means 2 and the heating means 3 is not limited to this example, but may be arranged individually and operated individually.
It is also possible to employ a connection structure in which only the power supply circuits 27 and 34 are shared by the steam generating means 2 and the heating means 3, as indicated by the two-dot chain line.

【００２９】前記暖房手段３は、図１に示すように、上
部に復路配管２４が接続され底部に往路配管３６が接続
された貯留槽３７と、往路配管３６に設けられたポンプ
３８と、往路配管３６内の湯を加熱する熱交換器３９
と、貯留槽３７に水供給源４０から水を供給する電磁弁
４１と、貯留槽３７内の水位を検知する水位センサ４２
及び前記制御回路３２等を有する、いわゆるガス給湯機
や灯油ガス化給湯機等が使用される。そして、この暖房
手段３をさらに詳述すると、図５に示すように構成され
ている。As shown in FIG. 1, the heating means 3 has a storage tank 37 in which a return pipe 24 is connected to the upper part and a forward pipe 36 is connected to the bottom, a pump 38 provided in the forward pipe 36, and a forward path. Heat exchanger 39 for heating the hot water in the pipe 36
An electromagnetic valve 41 for supplying water from the water supply source 40 to the storage tank 37, and a water level sensor 42 for detecting the water level in the storage tank 37.
A so-called gas water heater, kerosene gasification water heater, or the like having the control circuit 32 and the like is used. Further, the heating means 3 will be described in more detail as shown in FIG.

【００３０】すなわち、水位センサ４２が配置された前
記貯留槽３７の上部にはオーバーフロー配管６４が接続
されると共に、往路配管３６にはサーミスタ４３が配置
され、また、前記熱交換器３９は、点火プラグ４４、イ
グナイタ４５、フロームロッド４６、燃焼ファン４７等
を有し、この熱交換器３９には元ガス電磁弁４８、暖房
ガス電磁弁４９及びガス比例弁５０からなるガス供給配
管５１が接続されている。That is, an overflow pipe 64 is connected to the upper portion of the storage tank 37 in which the water level sensor 42 is arranged, a thermistor 43 is arranged in the outward pipe 36, and the heat exchanger 39 is ignited. It has a plug 44, an igniter 45, a from rod 46, a combustion fan 47, etc., and a gas supply pipe 51 consisting of a source gas solenoid valve 48, a heating gas solenoid valve 49 and a gas proportional valve 50 is connected to the heat exchanger 39. ing.

【００３１】また、往路配管３６の熱交換器３９部分に
は該部分の配管温度を検知する温度センサ５２が配置さ
れると共に、往路配管３６の出口側にはその温度を検知
する前記サーミスタ４３が配置されている。この暖房手
段３は、制御回路３２によって熱交換器３９やポンプ３
８、各種弁等を制御することによって、制御回路３２で
設定された所定温度の湯Ｗを往路配管３６、配管２３ａ
及び第１切換手段６ａ（図１参照）等を介して蒸気発生
手段２の湯噴出管１０や連結部材１７に供給するように
なっている。Further, a temperature sensor 52 for detecting the pipe temperature of the heat exchanger 39 portion of the outward pipe 36 is arranged, and the thermistor 43 for detecting the temperature is provided at the outlet side of the outward pipe 36. It is arranged. The heating means 3 includes a heat exchanger 39 and a pump 3 controlled by the control circuit 32.
8. By controlling various valves and the like, the hot water W having a predetermined temperature set by the control circuit 32 is supplied to the outward pipe 36 and the pipe 23a.
Also, the water is supplied to the hot water jetting pipe 10 and the connecting member 17 of the steam generating means 2 via the first switching means 6a (see FIG. 1) and the like.

【００３２】そして、蒸気発生手段２は、例えば図４に
示すように、浴室５３の洗い場５４のカウンタ５５内部
に設置される。この場合の浴室５３は、壁パネル５６と
天井パネル５７等によって略箱状に形成され、内部の防
水パン上にはバスタブ５８が設置されると共に洗い場５
４が設けられ、この洗い場５４の壁パネル５６側に前記
カウンタ５５が設けられ、また天井パネル５７には浴室
換気扇５９が設けられている。The steam generating means 2 is installed inside the counter 55 of the washing place 54 of the bathroom 53 as shown in FIG. 4, for example. The bathroom 53 in this case is formed in a substantially box shape by the wall panel 56, the ceiling panel 57 and the like, and the bathtub 58 is installed on the waterproof pan inside and the washing room 5 is provided.
4 is provided, the counter 55 is provided on the wall panel 56 side of the washing area 54, and a bathroom ventilation fan 59 is provided on the ceiling panel 57.

【００３３】また、図２に示すように、上面壁５５ａと
前面壁５５ｂからなるカウンタ５５の前面壁５５ｂは、
その上部に空気導入口６０が形成された状態で取付金具
６１等によって上面壁５５ａに取り付けられると共に、
その下部には蒸気発生手段２の前記吹出口１４に対応し
た吹出口６２が設けられている。そして、空気導入口６
０から矢印ニの如くカウンタ５５内部に導入された空気
が、蒸気発生手段２の空気吸込口１３から該手段２内に
矢印ロの如く吸い込まれ、またファン１１によって送風
された蒸気が吹出口１４及び吹出口６２から矢印ハの如
く洗い場５４内に吹き出されるようになっている。Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the front wall 55b of the counter 55 including the upper wall 55a and the front wall 55b is
It is attached to the upper surface wall 55a by a mounting member 61 or the like in a state where the air introduction port 60 is formed on the upper part thereof,
An air outlet 62 corresponding to the air outlet 14 of the steam generating means 2 is provided in the lower portion thereof. And the air inlet 6
The air introduced from 0 to the inside of the counter 55 as indicated by arrow D is sucked into the means 2 from the air suction port 13 of the means 2 as indicated by arrow B, and the steam blown by the fan 11 is blown out by the outlet 14 Further, the air is blown out from the air outlet 62 into the washing space 54 as shown by the arrow C.

【００３４】なお、蒸気発生手段２のカウンタ５５への
配置構造はこの例に限定されず、前記取付金具６１等を
使用することなく、例えば上面壁５５ａと前面壁５５ｂ
が一体成形されたカウンタ５５の、前面壁５５ｂの所定
位置に空気導入口６０を形成し、この空気導入口６０後
方のカウンタ５５の内部に蒸気発生手段２を配置した
り、蒸気発生手段２を浴槽エプロン６３の内部に配置す
る等、他の適宜の配置構造を採用することができる。そ
して、この時、蒸気発生手段２をカウンタ５５や浴槽エ
プロン６３内部に設置することで、該蒸気発生手段２が
浴室５３内に露出することがなくなり、浴室５３内部の
意匠的価値（デザイン性）の低下が防止されている。The arrangement structure of the steam generating means 2 on the counter 55 is not limited to this example, and for example, the upper wall 55a and the front wall 55b can be used without using the mounting bracket 61 and the like.
Of the counter 55 integrally formed with the air inlet port 60 is formed at a predetermined position on the front wall 55b, and the steam generating means 2 is arranged inside the counter 55 behind the air inlet port 60 or the steam generating means 2 is installed. Other appropriate arrangement structure such as the arrangement inside the bathtub apron 63 can be adopted. At this time, by installing the steam generating means 2 inside the counter 55 or the bathtub apron 63, the steam generating means 2 is not exposed in the bathroom 53, and the design value (design) of the inside of the bathroom 53. Is prevented from falling.

【００３５】次に、前記蒸気発生装置１の動作の一例を
図７のフローチャートに基づいて説明する。なお、これ
らのフローチャートは前記制御回路２６のマイコン等に
予め記憶されたプログラムによって自動的に実行され
る。先ず、プログラムが開始（Ｓ１０１）されると、前
記リモコン２８に設けられた例えばミストスイッチ等の
蒸気発生手段２を作動させ得る電源ＳＷがオンしたか否
かが判断（Ｓ１０２）され、この判断Ｓ１０２は「ＹＥ
Ｓ」になるまで繰り返される。Next, an example of the operation of the steam generator 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that these flowcharts are automatically executed by a program stored in advance in the microcomputer of the control circuit 26 or the like. First, when the program is started (S101), it is determined whether or not a power source SW, such as a mist switch, provided in the remote controller 28 has been turned on (S102), and this determination S102. Is "YE
It is repeated until it becomes "S".

【００３６】入浴者が蒸気発生手段２を作動させて入浴
しようとして電源ＳＷをオンすると、判断Ｓ１０２で
「ＹＥＳ」となって、運転モードの設定処理（Ｓ１０
３）を行う。この運転モードの設定処理Ｓ１０３は、入
浴者がリモコン２８で設定した運転状態に応じて、制御
回路２６の制御信号で第１切換手段６ａ及び第２切換手
段６ｂを所定位置に切り換えることによって行われる。When the bather turns on the power switch SW to operate the steam generating means 2 to bathe, the decision S102 becomes "YES", and the operation mode setting process (S10) is performed.
Perform 3). The operation mode setting process S103 is performed by switching the first switching means 6a and the second switching means 6b to predetermined positions by the control signal of the control circuit 26 according to the operating state set by the bather using the remote controller 28. .

【００３７】第１切換手段６ａと第２切換手段６ｂの切
換設定処理が終了すると、この切換設定処理により、暖
房手段３から所定温度（例えば８０℃）の湯Ｗを蒸気発
生手段２に循環供給する湯循環処理（Ｓ１０４）を行
う。この湯循環処理Ｓ１０４は、先ず暖房手段３を作動
させて、その制御回路３２により熱交換器３９の湯Ｗを
所定温度に設定すると共にポンプ３８を作動させ、例え
ば加湿する暖房運転の場合は、第１切換手段６ａを第二
の湯循環手段５側に切り換えて、往路配管３６から所定
温度の湯Ｗを湯噴出管１０に供給する。When the switching setting processing of the first switching means 6a and the second switching means 6b is completed, hot water W of a predetermined temperature (for example, 80 ° C.) is circulated from the heating means 3 to the steam generating means 2 by this switching setting processing. A hot water circulation process (S104) is performed. In this hot water circulation process S104, first, the heating means 3 is operated, the hot water W of the heat exchanger 39 is set to a predetermined temperature by the control circuit 32 thereof, and the pump 38 is operated, for example, in the case of heating operation for humidification, The first switching means 6a is switched to the second hot water circulating means 5 side, and the hot water W having a predetermined temperature is supplied to the hot water jetting pipe 10 from the outward pipe 36.

【００３８】この湯噴出管１０への湯Ｗの供給によっ
て、その湯噴出口１０ａから湯Ｗが熱交換促進部材９上
に放散され、熱交換促進部材９の表面に接触しつつ下方
に流下して、ドレンパン１５内に収容（回収）される。
このドレンパン１５内に収容された湯Ｗの水位が所定水
位になると、制御回路２６の制御信号により循環ポンプ
２２が作動して、ドレンパン１５内の湯Ｗを第二の湯循
環手段５側に切り換え設定されている第２切換手段６
ｂ、配管２３ｂ等を介して暖房手段３の復路配管２４に
供給して、貯留槽３７に戻す。この貯留槽３７に戻され
た湯Ｗが再び往路配管３６から蒸気発生手段２に供給さ
れることになる。By supplying the hot water W to the hot water jetting pipe 10, the hot water W is diffused from the hot water jetting port 10a onto the heat exchange promoting member 9 and flows downward while coming into contact with the surface of the heat exchange promoting member 9. And is stored (collected) in the drain pan 15.
When the water level of the hot water W accommodated in the drain pan 15 reaches a predetermined water level, the circulation pump 22 is operated by the control signal of the control circuit 26 to switch the hot water W in the drain pan 15 to the second hot water circulating means 5 side. Second switching means 6 that has been set
It is supplied to the return pipe 24 of the heating means 3 via b, the pipe 23b, etc., and returned to the storage tank 37. The hot water W returned to the storage tank 37 is again supplied to the steam generating means 2 from the outward pipe 36.

【００３９】この湯循環処理Ｓ１０４がファン１１が停
止した状態で所定時間実行されると、湯循環処理によっ
て発生する蒸気（ミストも含む）の温度等を制御する蒸
気温度制御（Ｓ１０５）を行う。この蒸気温度制御Ｓ１
０５は、先ず、例えば前記湯循環処理Ｓ１０４における
循環ポンプ２２のオン開始から所定時間が経過した場合
に、制御回路２６の制御信号でファン１１を回転させる
ことで、カウンタ５５の前面壁５５ｂの空気導入口６０
からカウンタ５５内部に導入された浴室５３内の空気
が、蒸気発生手段２の外装体１２の空気吸込口１３から
吸い込まれ、これが熱交換促進部材９の薄板１６間を通
過し、次のようにして蒸気が発生する。When this hot water circulation process S104 is executed for a predetermined time with the fan 11 stopped, steam temperature control (S105) is performed to control the temperature of steam (including mist) generated by the hot water circulation process. This steam temperature control S1
Reference numeral 05 denotes the air on the front wall 55b of the counter 55 by rotating the fan 11 with a control signal of the control circuit 26 when a predetermined time has passed from the start of turning on the circulation pump 22 in the hot water circulation process S104. Inlet 60
The air in the bathroom 53 introduced into the counter 55 from the inside is sucked from the air suction port 13 of the exterior body 12 of the steam generating means 2, and this passes between the thin plates 16 of the heat exchange promoting member 9 as follows. Steam is generated.

【００４０】すなわち、薄板１６上に湯噴出管１０から
放散され下方に流下する湯Ｗが、各薄板１６間を通過す
る前記空気を加温加湿してその温度を上昇させ、この空
気の温度上昇に伴い蒸気圧差が生じることで、放散され
た湯Ｗの一部が蒸発して蒸気を発生させることになる。
そしてこの発生した蒸気は、回転しているファン１１に
よる送風で、吹出流路から吹出口１４と吹出口６２を介
して浴室５３の洗い場５４内に吹き出される。That is, the hot water W which is radiated from the hot water jetting pipe 10 and flows downward on the thin plates 16 warms and humidifies the air passing between the thin plates 16 to raise its temperature, and the temperature of this air rises. As a result, a steam pressure difference is generated, so that part of the hot water W that has been diffused evaporates to generate steam.
Then, the generated steam is blown out from the blowout flow path into the washing place 54 of the bathroom 53 through the blowout port 14 and the blowout port 62 by the blowing of the rotating fan 11.

【００４１】このようにして蒸気が浴室５３内に吹き出
されると、浴室５３内の温度が前記室温センサ３０で検
知され、この検知された室温を予めマイコンに記憶して
ある基準温度と比較して、例えば蒸気発生手段２のポン
プ２２と暖房手段３のポンプ３８をオン・オフ制御する
ことで、浴室５３内の温度が所定温度に維持される。When the steam is blown into the bathroom 53 in this way, the temperature inside the bathroom 53 is detected by the room temperature sensor 30, and the detected room temperature is compared with a reference temperature stored in advance in the microcomputer. Then, for example, the pump 22 of the steam generating unit 2 and the pump 38 of the heating unit 3 are turned on / off to maintain the temperature in the bathroom 53 at a predetermined temperature.

【００４２】また同時に、前記ドレンパン１５に設けた
水位センサ２９が検知信号に基づく、循環ポンプ２２の
オン・オフ制御等により湯循環手段５内を循環する湯Ｗ
の量が常に所定湯量となるように制御されると共に、暖
房手段３内の貯留槽３７内の水位は、水位センサ５２の
検知信号に基づく制御回路３２による電磁弁４１の開閉
動作によって所定量に維持される。At the same time, the hot water W circulating in the hot water circulating means 5 is controlled by the water level sensor 29 provided in the drain pan 15 based on the detection signal to turn the circulation pump 22 on and off.
Is controlled so that the amount of hot water is always a predetermined amount, and the water level in the storage tank 37 in the heating means 3 is set to a predetermined amount by the opening / closing operation of the solenoid valve 41 by the control circuit 32 based on the detection signal of the water level sensor 52. Maintained.

【００４３】そして、この蒸気温度制御Ｓ１０５は、前
記電源ＳＷがオフされるまでの間繰り返して行われ、入
浴者が浴室５３から出ようとして電源ＳＷをオフした時
点で、停止処理（Ｓ１０７）を行い、その後一連のプロ
グラムを終了（Ｓ１０８）する。この時の停止処理Ｓ１
０７は、例えば、先ず暖房手段３の燃焼を停止状態と
し、ドレンパン１５内の湯Ｗの温度が所定温度以下にな
った場合に、循環ポンプ２２とファン１１を略同時に停
止させると共に、排水手段７の排水電磁弁２５を所定時
間開動作させることによって行う。The steam temperature control S105 is repeatedly performed until the power source SW is turned off, and when the bather turns off the power source SW to get out of the bathroom 53, a stop process (S107) is performed. After that, a series of programs is ended (S108). Stop processing S1 at this time
In 07, for example, first, the combustion of the heating means 3 is stopped, and when the temperature of the hot water W in the drain pan 15 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the circulation pump 22 and the fan 11 are stopped substantially simultaneously, and the drainage means 7 is also provided. The drainage electromagnetic valve 25 is opened for a predetermined time.

【００４４】この停止処理Ｓ１０７により、所定温度以
下のドレンパン１５内の湯Ｗが、排水手段７の外部排水
口から蒸気発生手段２の外部である例えば浴室５３の排
水孔等に排水される。そして、この時排水される湯Ｗの
温度が排水基準温度以下になっていることから、排水時
の安全性が確保されることになる。By this stop processing S107, the hot water W in the drain pan 15 having a temperature equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature is drained from the external drainage port of the drainage unit 7 to the drainage hole of the bathroom 53 or the like outside the steam generation unit 2. Then, since the temperature of the hot water W drained at this time is equal to or lower than the drainage reference temperature, safety during drainage is ensured.

【００４５】また、この停止処理Ｓ１０７が電源ＳＷが
オフされた後に必ず実行されることから、蒸気発生手段
２の使用後にドレンパン１５内等に蒸気発生に使用した
湯Ｗが残留することがなくなり、例えば雑菌の増殖等が
確実に防止されると共に、湯循環手段５内のゴミ等が除
去されつつ外部に排出され、次に蒸気発生手段２を運転
する場合に、湯循環手段５内が清潔な状態で使用できる
ことになる。Further, since the stop processing S107 is always executed after the power source SW is turned off, the hot water W used for steam generation does not remain in the drain pan 15 or the like after the steam generating means 2 is used. For example, the growth of miscellaneous bacteria is reliably prevented, and the dust and the like in the hot water circulating means 5 is removed and discharged to the outside. When the steam generating means 2 is operated next time, the hot water circulating means 5 is clean. It can be used in the state.

【００４６】なお、以上のフローチャートは一例であっ
て、ミスト量やスチーム量等の蒸気の量を制御するフロ
ーを追加することもできるし、第１切換手段６ａと第２
切換手段６ｂの切り換え操作を制御回路２６による自動
切り換えに限らず、手動で操作するフローとすることも
できる。また、上記フローチャートにおいては、第１、
第２切換手段６ａ、６ｂとして２方弁を使用し、連結部
材１７内への湯Ｗの供給と湯噴出管１０への湯Ｗの供給
を択一的に切り換え操作する構成としたが、連結部材１
７と湯噴出管１０への湯Ｗの供給をパルス的に切り換え
操作したり、あるいは、第１、第２切換手段６ａ、６ｂ
として三方弁を使用し、連結部材１７内に所定時間湯Ｗ
を供給した後に、湯噴出管１０にも湯Ｗを供給して蒸気
を発生させることも勿論可能である。The above flow chart is an example, and a flow for controlling the amount of steam such as the amount of mist or the amount of steam can be added, and the first switching means 6a and the second switching means 6a can be used.
The switching operation of the switching means 6b is not limited to the automatic switching by the control circuit 26, and may be a flow of manual operation. In the above flowchart, the first,
A two-way valve is used as the second switching means 6a and 6b, and the supply of the hot water W into the connecting member 17 and the supply of the hot water W to the hot water ejection pipe 10 are selectively switched. Member 1
7 and the supply of the hot water W to the hot water spouting pipe 10 are switched in a pulsed manner, or the first and second switching means 6a, 6b.
A three-way valve is used as
Of course, it is also possible to supply the hot water W to the hot water jet pipe 10 after the hot water is supplied to generate steam.

【００４７】一方、加湿しない暖房運転の場合は、切換
手段６の第１切換手段６ａと第２切換手段６ｂを第一の
湯循環手段側に切換設定して、暖房手段３の湯Ｗを連結
部材１７内に循環供給する。これにより、循環する湯Ｗ
により連結部材１７が所定温度まで上昇され、ファン１
１の回転で送風され熱交換促進部材９の薄板１６間を通
過する空気が暖められて、これが吹出口１４と吹出口６
２から浴室５３の洗い場５４内に吹き出される。この空
気は、湯噴出管１０に湯Ｗが供給されていないことか
ら、乾いた空気（湿度を持たない空気）となって、例え
ばこの乾燥した空気によって浴室５３内に干された洗濯
物の乾燥等が可能になる。On the other hand, in the heating operation without humidification, the first switching means 6a and the second switching means 6b of the switching means 6 are switched to the first hot water circulation means side to connect the hot water W of the heating means 3. It is circulated and supplied into the member 17. As a result, the circulating hot water W
The connecting member 17 is heated to a predetermined temperature by the fan 1
The air blown by the rotation of 1 heats the air passing between the thin plates 16 of the heat exchange promoting member 9 to be warmed, and this is the air outlet 14 and the air outlet 6.
2 is blown into the washing place 54 of the bathroom 53. Since the hot water W is not supplied to the hot water jet pipe 10, this air becomes dry air (air having no humidity), and for example, the laundry dried in the bathroom 53 by the dry air is dried. Etc. are possible.

【００４８】このように、上記実施例の蒸気発生装置１
にあっては、暖房手段３から供給され蒸気発生手段２の
湯噴出管１０から放散されて熱交換促進部材９に接触し
ながら下部に流下する湯Ｗを、熱交換促進部材９の下部
に配置したドレンパン１５で回収すると共に、このドレ
ンパン１５と暖房手段３の復路配管２４との間に設けた
配管２１と循環ポンプ２２等からなる第二の湯循環手段
５及び切換手段６としての第２切換手段６ｂ等により暖
房手段３に再び戻すことができるため、蒸気発生に使用
される湯Ｗを従来のように外部にそのまま排水すること
がなくなり、湯Ｗの再利用が図れて湯（水）の有効活用
が可能になる。この湯（水）の有効活用によって、一般
家庭等において、水道料金の低減化や給湯暖房機１９の
燃料代の低減化を図ることができる。Thus, the steam generator 1 of the above embodiment
In this case, the hot water W which is supplied from the heating means 3 and which is diffused from the hot water jet pipe 10 of the steam generating means 2 and flows down to the heat exchange promotion member 9 while being in contact with the heat exchange promotion member 9 is arranged below the heat exchange promotion member 9. The second hot water circulating means 5 including a pipe 21 and a circulation pump 22 and the like provided between the drain pan 15 and the return pipe 24 of the heating means 3 and the second switching as the switching means 6 are collected. Since it can be returned to the heating means 3 again by the means 6b and the like, the hot water W used for steam generation is not discharged to the outside as it is, unlike the conventional case, and the hot water W can be reused and the hot water (water) Effective utilization becomes possible. By effectively utilizing this hot water (water), it is possible to reduce the water charge and the fuel cost of the hot water heater / heater 19 in a general household or the like.

【００４９】また、暖房手段３から供給される湯Ｗを切
換手段６の切り換え操作によって暖房手段３に再び戻す
ことで、暖房手段３内の所定温度の湯Ｗを連結部材１７
と湯噴出管１０のどちらにも供給することができるた
め、一台の暖房手段３により、加湿した空気（蒸気）を
吹出口６２から吹き出して浴室５３内を暖房する暖房運
転と、加湿しない乾いた空気を吹出口６２から吹き出す
ことにより浴室５３内を暖房する暖房運転とを行うこと
ができる。Further, by returning the hot water W supplied from the heating means 3 to the heating means 3 by the switching operation of the switching means 6, the hot water W of a predetermined temperature in the heating means 3 is connected to the connecting member 17.
Since it can be supplied to both the hot water jet pipe 10 and the hot water jet pipe 10, heating operation for heating the inside of the bathroom 53 by blowing humidified air (steam) from the outlet 62 by one heating means 3 and dry operation without humidification. It is possible to perform a heating operation for heating the inside of the bathroom 53 by blowing out the generated air from the air outlet 62.

【００５０】特に、切換手段６として、第１切換手段６
ａと第２切換手段６ｂを有し、それぞれ個別に切り換え
制御されることから、所定の暖房運転状態を確実かつ容
易に得ることができると共に、蒸気発生手段２に使用さ
れる暖房手段３を、例えば１種類に特定化できて、暖房
手段３の構成の簡素化が図れると共に、蒸気発生装置１
の設置の容易化を図ること等ができる。Particularly, as the switching means 6, the first switching means 6
a and the second switching means 6b are individually controlled to be switched, so that a predetermined heating operation state can be reliably and easily obtained, and the heating means 3 used for the steam generating means 2 is For example, it can be specified as one type, the configuration of the heating means 3 can be simplified, and the steam generator 1
Can be installed easily.

【００５１】また、蒸気発生手段２を浴室５３内に設置
し暖房手段３を屋外に配置して、蒸気発生手段２や暖房
手段３、切換手段６及び浴室５３の天井パネル５７に配
置される浴室換気扇５９とを、制御回路２６、３２等に
より関連付けて作動させれば、浴室５３内にミスト、ス
チーム、ドライの暖房状態、サウナ状態、あるいは衣類
等の乾燥状態等を容易に創出することができて、浴室５
３の使用に係わる付加価値を大幅に高めることが可能に
なる。Further, the steam generating means 2 is installed in the bathroom 53, the heating means 3 is arranged outdoors, and the steam generating means 2, the heating means 3, the switching means 6 and the ceiling panel 57 of the bathroom 53 are arranged in the bathroom. If the ventilation fan 59 is operated in association with the control circuits 26, 32, etc., it is possible to easily create a mist, steam, dry heating state, sauna state, dry state of clothes, etc. in the bathroom 53. The bathroom 5
It is possible to significantly increase the added value associated with the use of item 3.

【００５２】さらに、第１切換手段６ａと第２切換手段
６ｂを制御回路２６によって自動的に切り換えできるた
め、操作性の向上と切り換え位置により各種暖房状態が
容易に得られると共に、暖房手段３の湯Ｗの温度設定等
を蒸気発生手段２側で行うことができて、蒸気発生装置
１の使い勝手の向上を図ることができる。Further, since the first switching means 6a and the second switching means 6b can be automatically switched by the control circuit 26, various heating states can be easily obtained by improving the operability and the switching position, and the heating means 3 The temperature setting of the hot water W can be performed on the steam generating means 2 side, and the usability of the steam generating device 1 can be improved.

【００５３】また、暖房手段３で所定温度まで上昇され
た湯Ｗをそのまま湯噴出管１０から噴出させて蒸気を発
生させることができるため、運転開始から蒸気発生まで
の時間短縮を図ることができると共に、暖房手段３によ
って湯Ｗの温度を高精度に維持できて、例えば冬季の浴
室５３内の温度が低い場合等であっても、その温度に応
じた湯Ｗが容易に得られて、季節等に係わらず蒸気の安
定した発生状態を得ることができる。その結果、例えば
蒸気による暖まり方の程度の認識違いに基づくユーザー
の誤解等の発生を防止することが可能になる。Further, since the hot water W heated to the predetermined temperature by the heating means 3 can be directly ejected from the hot water ejection pipe 10 to generate steam, the time from the start of operation to the generation of steam can be shortened. At the same time, the temperature of the hot water W can be maintained with high accuracy by the heating means 3, and even if the temperature of the bathroom 53 is low in winter, for example, the hot water W corresponding to the temperature can be easily obtained, and the season Regardless of the above, a stable generation state of steam can be obtained. As a result, for example, it is possible to prevent misunderstandings and the like of the user based on the difference in recognition of the degree of warming caused by steam.

【００５４】またさらに、第二の湯循環手段５がドレン
パン１５、循環ポンプ２２等によって形成されると共
に、切換手段６が第１及び第２の切換手段６ａ、６ｂで
形成されるため、例えば従来の配管構造を変更すること
等で対応できて、蒸気発生装置１自体の構成の簡素化を
図ることができると共に、従来製品に大きな設計変更を
行うことなく対応できる等、安価な蒸気発生装置１を得
ることが可能になる。Furthermore, since the second hot water circulating means 5 is formed by the drain pan 15, the circulation pump 22 and the like, and the switching means 6 is formed by the first and second switching means 6a, 6b, for example, in the prior art. It is possible to deal with this problem by changing the piping structure of the steam generator 1 and simplify the structure of the steam generator 1 itself, and to cope with the conventional product without making a major design change. It will be possible to obtain.

【００５５】また、蒸気発生手段２及び第二の湯循環手
段５を制御する制御回路２６と、蒸気発生手段２の連結
部材１７に湯Ｗを供給する暖房手段３の制御回路３２が
双方向通信回線３３によって接続されているため、例え
ば制御回路２６で暖房手段３を制御することができて、
制御自体の重複を省いてその構成の簡略化を図り、蒸気
発生装置１を一層コスト安価に形成することができると
共に、例えば蒸気発生手段２の電源を暖房手段３から配
線すること等により、配線構造の簡素化が図れたり蒸気
発生装置１の使い勝手の一層の向上を図ることが可能に
なる。The control circuit 26 for controlling the steam generating means 2 and the second hot water circulating means 5 and the control circuit 32 for the heating means 3 for supplying the hot water W to the connecting member 17 of the steam generating means 2 are bidirectionally communicated. Since they are connected by the line 33, the heating means 3 can be controlled by the control circuit 26,
The structure of the steam generator 1 can be simplified by omitting the duplication of the control itself, and the steam generator 1 can be formed at a lower cost. For example, by wiring the power source of the steam generator 2 from the heating means 3, wiring can be performed. It is possible to simplify the structure and further improve the usability of the steam generator 1.

【００５６】図８は、前記暖房手段３の変形例を示す概
略構成図である。この例の暖房手段３は、貯留槽３７の
底部に往路配管２４と復路配管３６を連結し、かつ配管
２３や復路配管２４等に適宜逆止弁７１を配置するよう
にしたものである。この例の暖房手段３を使用した蒸気
発生手段２においても、前記例と同様の作用効果を得る
ことができると共に、蒸気発生装置１に使用される暖房
手段３の形態の範囲拡大が図れることになる。FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram showing a modification of the heating means 3. The heating means 3 of this example is configured such that the outward pipe 24 and the return pipe 36 are connected to the bottom of the storage tank 37, and the check valve 71 is appropriately arranged in the pipe 23, the return pipe 24, and the like. In the steam generating means 2 using the heating means 3 of this example as well, it is possible to obtain the same operational effect as the above example, and to expand the range of the form of the heating means 3 used in the steam generator 1. Become.

【００５７】なお、上記実施例における浴室５３の形態
や、蒸気発生手段２の外装体１２の形状、熱交換促進部
材９自体の形状や湯噴出管１０の配置関係等は一例であ
って、例えば湯噴出管１０を複数のノズル形式で構成
し、これをその前面が略垂直に配置された熱交換促進部
材９の上部に所定距離隔てて配置したり、熱交換促進部
材９の形状を比較的幅の狭い横長や縦長に形成する等、
本発明に係わる各発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲において
適宜に変更することができる。The form of the bathroom 53 in the above embodiment, the shape of the outer casing 12 of the steam generating means 2, the shape of the heat exchange promoting member 9 itself, the arrangement relationship of the hot water spouting pipe 10 and the like are examples, and for example, The hot water spouting pipe 10 is formed of a plurality of nozzles, and the front face of the hot water spouting pipe 10 is arranged at a predetermined distance above the heat exchange promoting member 9, or the shape of the heat exchange promoting member 9 is relatively large. Forming a narrow width such as horizontally or vertically
The invention can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of each invention related to the invention.

【００５８】[0058]

【発明の効果】以上詳述したように、請求項１に記載の
発明によれば、暖房手段から湯噴出管を介して熱交換促
進部材に放散されることで蒸気を発生させた湯が、第二
の湯循環手段によって再び暖房手段に戻されるため、湯
噴出管で使用される湯を外部に排水する必要がなくなり
湯（水）の再利用を図ることができると共に、暖房手段
による湯の温度管理等が容易となり、季節等に係わらず
安定した蒸気発生状態を得ることができる。また、切換
手段によって一台の暖房手段で湿度を持った暖房運転と
湿度を持たない暖房運転とに切り換えできて、暖房手段
の構成の簡素化や蒸気発生装置の使い勝手の向上を図る
ことができる。As described above in detail, according to the invention as set forth in claim 1, the hot water generated by being dissipated from the heating means to the heat exchange promoting member via the hot water jet pipe is generated, Since it is returned to the heating means by the second hot water circulation means, it is not necessary to drain the hot water used in the hot water ejection pipe to the outside, and the hot water (water) can be reused and the Temperature control becomes easy, and a stable steam generation state can be obtained regardless of the season. Further, the switching means can switch between the heating operation with humidity and the heating operation without humidity with one heating means, so that the structure of the heating means can be simplified and the usability of the steam generator can be improved. .

【００５９】また、請求項２に記載の発明によれば、請
求項１に記載の発明の効果に加え、切換手段によって一
台の暖房手段で加湿する暖房運転と加湿しない暖房運転
とに切り換えできて、暖房手段の構成の簡略化や蒸気発
生装置の使い勝手の向上を図ることができる。Further, according to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, it is possible to switch between the heating operation in which one heating means humidifies and the heating operation in which no humidification occurs by the switching means. Thus, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the heating means and improve the usability of the steam generator.

【００６０】また、請求項３に記載の発明によれば、請
求項２に記載の発明の効果に加え、切換手段が加湿する
暖房運転と加湿しない暖房運転とに択一的に切り換えで
きるため、所定の運転状態を確実かつ容易に得ることが
できて、蒸気発生装置の使い勝手の一層の向上を図るこ
とができる。Further, according to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2, since the switching means can selectively switch between the heating operation in which the humidification is performed and the heating operation in which the humidification is not performed, The predetermined operating state can be obtained reliably and easily, and the usability of the steam generator can be further improved.

【００６１】また、請求項４に記載の発明によれば、請
求項２または３に記載の発明の効果に加え、暖房手段の
往路側に第１切換手段が設けられ復路側に第２切換手段
が設けられているため、両切換手段の切り換え操作で、
加湿する暖房運転と加湿しない暖房運転の確実な切り換
え動作を行うことができる。According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2 or 3, the first switching means is provided on the forward side of the heating means and the second switching means is provided on the return side. Is provided, the switching operation of both switching means
A reliable switching operation between the heating operation with humidification and the heating operation without humidification can be performed.

【００６２】また、請求項５に記載の発明によれば、請
求項１ないし４に記載の発明の効果に加え、前記第二の
湯循環手段の循環ポンプが蒸気発生手段側かもしくは暖
房手段側に設けられているため、循環ポンプを蒸気発生
装置側に設けることで暖房手段の小型化が図れ、また暖
房手段側に設けることで蒸気発生手段が小型化されてそ
の浴室等への設置の容易化を図ることができる。According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claims 1 to 4, the circulation pump of the second hot water circulating means is on the steam generating means side or the heating means side. Since it is provided on the steam generator side, the heating means can be downsized by installing the circulation pump on the steam generator side, and by installing it on the heating means side, the steam generating means can be downsized and installed easily in the bathroom or the like. Can be realized.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明に係わる蒸気発生装置の一実施例の基本
的構成を示す概念図FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a basic configuration of an embodiment of a steam generator according to the present invention.

【図２】同その蒸気発生手段の概略縦断面図FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the steam generating means.

【図３】同その熱交換促進部材の斜視図FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the heat exchange promoting member.

【図４】同蒸気発生手段の浴室への設置状態を示す斜視
図FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the steam generating means is installed in a bathroom.

【図５】同暖房手段の概略構成図FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the heating means.

【図６】同蒸気発生装置の制御系のブロック図FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system of the steam generator.

【図７】同その基本的動作の一例を示すフローチャートFIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the basic operation thereof.

【図８】同暖房手段の変形例を示す概略構成図FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a modified example of the heating means.

【図９】従来の蒸気発生装置の使用形態を示す概念図FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a usage pattern of a conventional steam generator.

【図１０】従来の蒸気発生装置の他の使用形態を示す概
念図FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing another usage pattern of the conventional steam generator.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１・・・・・・・・・蒸気発生装置 ２・・・・・・・・・蒸気発生手段 ３・・・・・・・・・暖房手段 ４・・・・・・・・・発生手段 ５・・・・・・・・・湯循環手段 ６・・・・・・・・・切換手段 ６ａ・・・・・・・・第１切換手段 ６ｂ・・・・・・・・第２切換手段 ７・・・・・・・・・排水手段 ８・・・・・・・・・制御手段 ９・・・・・・・・・熱交換促進部材 １０・・・・・・・・湯噴出管 １１・・・・・・・・ファン １３・・・・・・・・空気吸込口 １４・・・・・・・・吹出口 １５・・・・・・・・ドレンパン １５ａ・・・・・・・排出口 １６・・・・・・・・薄板 １７・・・・・・・・連結部材 ２２・・・・・・・・循環ポンプ ２４・・・・・・・・復路配管 ２６・・・・・・・・制御回路 ３６・・・・・・・・往路配管 ３７・・・・・・・・貯留槽 ３８・・・・・・・・ポンプ ３９・・・・・・・・熱交換器 ５３・・・・・・・・浴室 ５４・・・・・・・・洗い場 ５５・・・・・・・・カウンタ 1 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Steam generator 2 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Steam generation means 3 ... Heating means 4 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Generation means 5 ... ・ Hot water circulation means 6 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Switching means 6a ... The first switching means 6b ... The second switching means 7 .... Drainage means 8 ... Control means 9 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Heat exchange promotion member 10 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Hot water jet pipe 11 ... Fan 13 ... Air inlet 14 ... 15 ... Drain pan 15a ...- Discharge port 16 ... thin plate 17 ... Connection member 22 ... Circulation pump 24 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Return piping 26 ... Control circuit 36 ... Outward piping 37 ... Reservoir 38 ... Pump 39 ... Heat exchanger 53 ... Bathroom 54 ... Washing area 55 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Counter

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 市川 雅仁 静岡県浜松市西山町1370番地 ヤマハリビ ングテック株式会社内 Ｆターム(参考） 2D032 GA00 3L070 AA07 BB03 DD06 DE09 3L072 AA06 AB06 AC01 AD03 AE10 4C094 AA01 BC11 DD08 EE05 EE09 GG16    ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masahito Ichikawa             1370 Nishiyama-cho, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture Yamaha Rebi             Nung Tech Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 2D032 GA00                 3L070 AA07 BB03 DD06 DE09                 3L072 AA06 AB06 AC01 AD03 AE10                 4C094 AA01 BC11 DD08 EE05 EE09                       GG16

Claims (5)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】熱交換促進部材に湯噴出管から湯を放散す
ることにより蒸気を発生させ該蒸気をファンの作動によ
って吹出口から吹き出す蒸気発生手段と、前記熱交換促
進部材と蒸気発生手段の湯噴出管とに湯を供給する暖房
手段と、前記熱交換促進部材に供給した湯を前記暖房手
段に戻す第一の湯循環手段と、前記湯噴出管に供給し熱
交換促進部材に放散された湯を回収して前記暖房手段に
戻す第二の湯循環手段と、を備えたことを特徴とする蒸
気発生装置。1. A steam generating means for generating steam by discharging hot water from a hot water jet pipe to a heat exchange promoting member and blowing the steam from an outlet through the operation of a fan; and the heat exchange promoting member and the steam generating means. Heating means for supplying hot water to the hot water ejection pipe, first hot water circulation means for returning the hot water supplied to the heat exchange promoting member to the heating means, and supply to the hot water ejection pipe for dissipation to the heat exchange promoting member A second hot water circulating means for collecting hot water and returning it to the heating means. 【請求項２】前記暖房手段からの湯の供給を、前記第一
の湯循環手段と第二の湯循環手段の少なくとも一方に切
り換えが可能な切換手段を設けたことを特徴とする請求
項１に記載の蒸気発生装置。2. The switching means for switching the supply of hot water from the heating means to at least one of the first hot water circulating means and the second hot water circulating means. The steam generator according to. 【請求項３】前記切換手段は、前記暖房手段からの湯の
供給を前記第一の湯循環手段と第二の湯循環手段とに択
一的に切り換えることを特徴とする請求項２に記載の蒸
気発生装置。3. The switching means selectively switches the supply of hot water from the heating means between the first hot water circulating means and the second hot water circulating means. Steam generator. 【請求項４】前記切換手段は、供給する湯が前記暖房手
段から熱交換促進部材及び又は湯噴出管に向う往路側に
設けた第１切換手段と、熱交換促進部材及び又は湯噴出
管から前記暖房手段に戻る復路側に設けた第２切換手段
とを備えることを特徴とする請求項２または３に記載の
蒸気発生装置。4. The first switching means for supplying hot water from the heating means to the heat exchange promoting member and / or the hot water jetting pipe, and the heat exchanging promoting member and / or the hot water jetting pipe. The steam generator according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a second switching unit provided on a return path side that returns to the heating unit. 【請求項５】前記第二の湯循環手段が循環ポンプを有
し、該循環ポンプが蒸気発生手段側かもしくは暖房手段
側に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１ないし４
のいずれかに記載の蒸気発生装置。5. The second hot water circulating means has a circulating pump, and the circulating pump is provided on the steam generating means side or the heating means side.
The steam generator according to any one of 1.