JP2003153978A - Steam generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steam generating device for speedily generating steam when the device is temporarily stopped and re-started. SOLUTION: In the steam generating device 10, a control part 64 controls a driving circuit 57 to stop the current carry to an ultrasonic vibrator 31 only and reduce the current carry rate to a fan part 19 when a temporary stop signal is inputted from a control panel 14. At the same time, a detection signal from a temperature sensor 33 is compared with a set temperature value stored in a memory 62, and the duty cycle to a heater 30 is changed based on the result of the comparison.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for heating water to atomize it to generate steam, and more particularly to a steam generating device suitable for a beautiful face.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A facial treatment device is used as a type of steam generator. A facial device is a device that opens steam by applying steam to the face to make it easier to remove waste products, and is known as a face care product after removing makeup. Conventionally, in this type of device, the water stored in the heating dish is heated by the heater, the heated water is atomized by the ultrasonic transducer to form steam, and the steam is blown from the fan unit to the outside. Erupted.

When using such a steam generator, for example, for a beautiful face, the user first applies steam to the face to cleanse the face to wipe off the make-up, and then cleans the makeup. In order to enhance the effect, a beauty essence may be applied and steam may be applied to the face again, and for example, a telephone call or a visitor may come during use. Therefore, it is necessary to stop the generation of steam. Conventionally, every operation of the steam generator is stopped every time the operation is interrupted.

[0004]

However, when the steam generator is stopped, the heated water cools,
When restarting, there was a problem that it took time for steam to be jetted again. Therefore, even if you interrupt
There has been a demand for a steam generator capable of shortening the time until steam is jetted again.

[0005]

In order to solve the above points, the following constitution is adopted. <Structure 1> A steam generator according to the present invention includes a heater for heating water, an ultrasonic transducer for atomizing water to form steam, a fan unit for sending steam to the outside, a heater, A drive circuit for energizing and driving the ultrasonic vibrator and the fan unit, a control unit for controlling the drive circuit, and an input unit for inputting a pause signal to temporarily stop the generation of steam are provided. When the temporary stop signal is input, the control unit controls the drive circuit to stop only energization to the ultrasonic transducer.

<Operation 1> In the steam generator according to the present invention, when the temporary stop signal is input, the control unit controls the drive circuit to continue energizing the heater and the fan unit, and the ultrasonic vibration is generated. Stop energizing only the child. Thus, even if the steam generator is temporarily stopped, since the water is continuously heated by the heater, it is possible to quickly generate steam simply by operating the ultrasonic oscillator when restarting.

<Structure 2> A steam generator according to the present invention comprises a heating dish for storing water, a heater for heating the water, an ultrasonic vibrator for atomizing the water to steam, and steam. A fan unit for sending to the outside, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the heating plate, a drive circuit for energizing and driving the heater, the ultrasonic transducer and the fan unit, and controlling the drive circuit A control unit and an input unit for inputting a temporary stop signal to temporarily stop the generation of steam are provided.When the temporary stop signal is input by the input unit, the control unit controls the drive circuit to generate ultrasonic waves. When energizing the vibrator is stopped and the temperature of water is determined to be lower than the preset temperature value by comparing with the preset temperature value based on the detection signal from the temperature sensor, the heater is set to the predetermined energization rate. Energize with the water temperature When There it is determined that the set temperature value or more,
It is characterized in that the heater is energized at a lower energization rate than a predetermined energization rate.

<Operation 2> In the steam generator according to the present invention, when the temporary stop signal is input, the control unit controls the drive circuit to continue energizing the fan unit. Energization to the heater is stopped, and energization to the heater is changed based on the comparison between the detection signal from the temperature sensor and the preset temperature value. As a result, the water is maintained at the optimum set temperature value, so that optimum steam can be quickly generated when restarting.

Further, in the steam generator according to the present invention, when the temporary stop signal is input from the input section, the control section controls the drive circuit to change the energization of the heater and the fan section. You may make it energize at a lower energization rate than a predetermined drive energization rate. By reducing the energization rate to the fan portion, the time for energizing the heater at a low energization rate increases, so that the total power consumption can be reduced.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments. <Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the outer shape of a steam generator according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a steam generator 10 according to the present invention includes a main body 11 formed of a box body having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a lid body 12 provided on an upper surface of the main body 11 and covering the main body 11. Equipped with. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid body 12 is detachably and openably / closably supported by a hinge portion 13 provided on an upper end of a rear surface of the main body 11. An operation panel 14 that is operated by a user and serves as an input unit is provided on the front surface of the main body 11.

On the operation panel 14, a time display section 14a for displaying time, a start / stop key 14b for starting, temporarily stopping or stopping the operation of the steam generator 10, and an operating time of 1 to 15 minutes. When the time setting key 14c that is variable in the range, the atomization amount switching key 14d that adjusts the amount of steam generation, the aroma key 14e that only blows air, and the atomization amount small is selected by the atomization amount switching key 14d An atomization amount lamp 14f that lights up and a water supply warning lamp 14g that lights up when the water level drops are provided.

Inside the main body 11, located near the hinge part 13, located near the water supply part 15 for supplying water and near the operation panel 14, and heated for atomizing the water by heating. The part 16 is connected to the water supply part 15 and the heating part 16, and is connected to the communication part 17 for guiding the water of the water supply part 15, and is detachably attached on the heating part 16, and guides the steam from the heating part 16. Steam spouting part 18 for spouting outside
A fan unit 19 located below the water supply unit 15 for giving wind to the steam, and a blower unit 44 having a blowout port 44a for guiding the blown air from the fan unit 19 to the steam ejection unit 18. A heat sink 20 is provided in front of the air outlet 19a of the fan unit 19 and is provided below the heating unit 16 for providing the drive circuit board 56. The heat sink 20 has an L-shaped flat cross section. A partition plate 11a is provided between the water supply unit 15 and the heating unit 16.

As shown in FIG. 2, the water supply portion 15 is formed at a first step portion 22a provided with a cartridge type water supply tank 21 and at a position lower than the first step portion 22a. , And a second step portion 22b provided with a float switch 23 for detecting the water level. Each step 22
a and 22b show circular planes, each having a size such that the cap 24 and the float switch 23 of the water supply tank 21 can be installed, and the first step portion 22a and the second step portion 22a.
The step difference from the stepped portion 22b is set so that a predetermined water supply amount can be obtained. The second step portion 22b has a connecting pipe 2 extending downward to guide water from the water supply tank 21.
2c is formed.

The water tank 21 is provided with a valve body (not shown) built in the cap 24. First step 22
A push-up rod 25 is provided at a. Then, the push-up rod 25 pushes up the valve body of the water supply tank 21,
The water tank 21 is mounted on the first step portion 22a,
Further, the water supplied from the water supply tank 21 is stored while being kept at a constant water level. In this embodiment, the capacity of the water supply tank 21 is one cleansing time (about 15 minutes).
And 25 considering steam discharge rate (8-10cc / min)
It is set to around 0 cc.

The heating section 16 comprises a heating dish 26 for storing water, and a water supply chamber 27 communicating with the heating dish 26 and supplying water to the heating dish. The heating dish 26 is formed of a material having excellent thermal conductivity such as aluminum, and has a surface treated with a glossy fluororesin.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the heating dish 26 is formed integrally with the large diameter portion 28 as an upper portion having an opening 26a opening upward. It has a small diameter part 29 as a lower part, and shows a T-shaped vertical cross section as a whole.

A heater 30 for heating water is provided on the lower surface 28a of the large diameter portion 28 along the lower surface 28a. An ultrasonic transducer 31 for atomizing heated water is provided on the bottom surface 29a of the small diameter portion 29.

In this embodiment, 5 heaters are used.
00 watts of sheathed heater is used, ultrasonic transducer 3
1, the frequency is about 1.6MHz, the sound velocity of propagation in water is 1
An ultrasonic transducer of 500 m / s is used. The distance h from the bottom surface 29a of the heating plate 26 to the water surface is 45 mm.
And the capacity of the heating dish 26 is set to 50 to 55 cc.

A heater 30 is provided on the side of the small diameter portion 29.
A heat shield plate 32 for partitioning the ultrasonic transducer 31 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the heat shield plate 32 is fixed to the upper edge of the heat sink 20 and the side surface of the partition plate 11a, and is inclined as shown in FIG. The heat shield plate 32 extends to the vicinity of the side wall 11b of the main body 11 and forms a ventilation path with a constant space between the heat shield plate 32 and the side wall 11c facing the side wall 11b.

The heat shield 32 attached in this manner
However, since the heater 30 and the ultrasonic transducer 31 are separated from each other to block the heat radiated from the heater 30 to the ultrasonic transducer 31, the heater 30 and the ultrasonic transducer 31 are provided in an inclined manner. It does not accumulate on the heating plate 32 and falls along the main body side wall 11b and is discharged to the outside. Thereby, the influence of water on the drive circuit board 56 provided on the heat sink 20 can be prevented.

At the bottom of the water supply chamber 27, there is provided a connecting pipe 27a extending downward from the bottom and guiding the water from the water supply section 15. A temperature sensor 33 for detecting the temperature of water is provided on the bottom surface of the water supply chamber 27.

The communication part 17 is a connecting pipe 22c of the water supply part 15.
A connecting pipe 34 communicating with the heating pipe 1 and the connecting pipe 34.
The drainage chamber 35 for communicating with the connection pipe 27a provided in the water supply chamber 27 of No. 6 and discharging the residual water in the water supply part 15 and the heating part 16 after cleansing is completed.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the drainage chamber 35 of the steam generator according to the present invention. 4A is a sectional view of the drainage chamber 35 in a non-drained state, and FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the drainage chamber 35 in a drained state. In the drainage chamber 35,
A valve portion 37 is provided. The valve portion 37 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, a through hole 36 for draining water is provided.
A valve seat 40 that forms the
A valve body 41 for closing the valve 6, a spring 42 for moving the valve body 41 downward, and an inclined plate 43 having an inclined surface for moving the valve body 41 upward.

The tip of a manual operating rod 38 is in contact with the inclined plate 43 for opening and closing the valve portion 37. Further, below the inclined plate 43, a drain container 39 that can be inserted and removed for receiving the residual water discharged by opening the valve portion 37 is provided. Since the capacity of the drain container 39 is required to collect the residual water in the apparatus after one cleansing is completed, the capacity of the water supply tank 21 is set to 250 c.
When it is set to c, about 100 cc is preferable.

In the valve portion 37 having such a structure, when the operating rod 38 is pushed in by the user to discharge the water, the inclined plate 43 moves and the inclined surface causes the valve body 41 to move upward. To move. The valve body 41 moves up and the valve seat 4
When it is separated from 0, the flow hole 36 is opened. This allows the residual water to be discharged. Also, the operating rod 3
When the user releases the hand from 8, the spring 42 moves the valve body 41 downward, so that the valve body 41 fits into the valve seat 40 and closes the through hole 36.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the steam ejection portion 18. FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing the steam ejection portion 18. FIG. 7 is a mounting view of the steam ejection unit 18. As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, the steam ejection portion 18 communicates with the blower portion 44 (see FIG. 3) and covers the heating plate 26 with a steam guide tube 45 and a steam guide tube. Four
5, a spray nozzle 47 that communicates with the cover case 46 that covers 5 and the steam guide cylinder 45 and that projects from the cover case 46.
With.

The steam guide cylinder 45 has a cylindrical outer cylinder portion 45a which covers the entire large-diameter portion 28 of the heating dish 26, and the opening 26a of the heating dish 26 which is concentric with the outer cylinder portion 45a. And an inner cylinder portion 45b. A blower introduction portion 45c that covers the blower portion 44 is provided on one side of the outer tubular portion 45a so as to bulge as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and a blower introduction port is provided on the inner tubular portion 45b. 45d is provided.

On the upper surface of the steam guide cylinder 45, the inner cylinder portion 4
Overhanging portion 4 expanded into a semi-circular dome shape at approximately the center of 5b
5e is provided, and a depression surface 45h (see FIG. 5) formed on the front side of the overhanging portion 45e is provided with a steam vent hole 45f that communicates with the inside of the inner tubular portion 45b and sends out steam. Further, a surrounding rib 45g (see FIG. 6) is provided so as to surround the steam vent hole 45f.

Since the overhanging portion 45e is located almost directly above the heating dish 26 and secures a distance from the water surface of the heating dish 26,
When the ultrasonic oscillator 31 operates, it does not come into contact with the water column formed on the upper surface of the heating dish 26. Also, the overhanging portion 45
Since e has a semi-circular dome shape, when the adhered steam becomes a water drop, it does not directly go down to the water column and prevents the atomization ability from being lowered due to interference.

The steam guide cylinder 45 is made of a nylon-based material having relatively high hydrophilicity. Accordingly, when the steam is condensed, it is difficult to form water drops, and it is possible to prevent the drops from being dropped on the heating dish 26. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the steam temperature and the steam amount from decreasing.

In the steam guide cylinder 45, the blower unit 44
After being introduced into the space between the outer tubular portion 45a and the inner tubular portion 45b by the blower introduction portion 45c,
The air is introduced into the inner tubular portion 45b by the blower inlet 45d, and steam is wound along the inner peripheral surface of the inner tubular portion 45b and delivered to the ventilation hole 45f (see the arrow in FIG. 6). When the steam is condensed into the inner cylinder portion 45b and becomes water droplets, the water droplets move toward the steam ventilation holes 45f by blowing air because the surrounding ribs 45g are provided around the steam ventilation holes 45f. Even with this, the surrounding rib 45g does not reach the steam vent hole 45f.

The cover case 46 is heated by the fixing member 48 (see FIG. 7) provided on the upper surface of the main body 11.
It is fixed in the state that it is attached to. This fixing member 48 is
It is provided on the upper surface of the main body 11 so as to be able to be tilted up and down, and is fitted into the cover case 46 to fix the cover case 46. The cover case 46 is provided with a lid 49 for covering the ejection nozzle 47 so as to be openable and closable, and a mirror 50 is attached to the inner surface of the lid 49.
The mirror 50 is used so that the user can easily apply the steam from the ejection nozzle to a desired portion of the face.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the ejection nozzle 47,
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the ejection nozzle 47,
FIG. 8B is a front view showing the ejection nozzle 47 viewed from the direction A in FIG. The ejection nozzle 47 includes a hollow ejection cylinder 47a, as shown in FIGS.
The shaft portion 47b is formed integrally with the shaft portion 47 at a right angle. One end portion 47c of the shaft portion 47b is a hollow portion that communicates with the ejection cylinder 47a and guides the steam from the steam guide cylinder 45. Further, a rectifying plate 47d having a V-shaped front surface is provided in the ejection cylinder 47a so as to have directivity so that the steam is linearly ejected toward the user without being diffused.

As shown in FIG. 5, the jet nozzle 47 has lower bearing ribs 51a and 51b provided on the depressed surface 45h of the steam guide cylinder 45 and the steam guide cylinder 45.
It is sandwiched and rotatably attached by the upper bearing ribs 52a and 52b provided on the inner surface side of the cover case 46 for covering.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ejection cylinder 47a projects from the long hole 53 opened in the cover case 46,
The ejection angle can be adjusted along the long hole 53. Then, as described above, the ejection nozzle 4
Since 7 is covered by the lid 49 on the upper surface of the cover case 46, dust and insects do not enter the ejection cylinder 47a of the ejection nozzle 47 when not in use, and the steam generator 10 can be used hygienically.

The jet nozzle 47 is made of a nylon-based material having relatively high hydrophilicity, like the steam guide tube 45, and the straightening plate 47d provided on the jet tube 47a is made of stainless steel or the like and has excellent thermal conductivity. It is also formed of a hydrophilic material. As a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of water droplets and prevent the hot water from splashing from the tip of the ejection cylinder 47a. The materials of the steam guide cylinder 45 and the jet nozzle 47 described above may be hydrophilic, and the flow straightening plate 47d may be used.
The shape of may be a cross or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fan unit 19 includes a fan 53a having a blower opening 19a and a motor 53b for starting the fan 53a. A power supply circuit board 54 is attached between the fan unit 19 and the water supply unit 15. A power supply circuit 55 is provided on the power supply circuit board 54. Also, the above L
A drive circuit 57 is provided on the drive circuit board 56 attached to the character-shaped heat sink 20.

Further, in order to stop the operation when the steam generator 10 in operation falls due to an unexpected accident,
An overturn switch 58 (see FIG. 2) is provided at the bottom of the main body 11. In addition, a thermal fuse 59 (see FIG. 3) is attached to the back surface of the heat shield plate 32 in order to stop the operation by melting due to abnormal heating.

In this embodiment, a microcomputer 60 for controlling all the operations of the steam generator 10 according to the present invention is attached to the back surface of the operation panel 14. FIG. 9 shows a steam generator 10 according to the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing the control system of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the control system 61 includes a microcomputer 60, an operation panel 14 controlled by the microcomputer 60, a power supply circuit 55, and a drive circuit 57.

The microcomputer 60 has a memory 62.
And a control unit 6 for controlling the memory 62, the drive circuit 57 and the like.
4 and. The memory 62 includes an initial temperature T0 of water, a first set temperature T1 corresponding to each initial temperature T0, a second set temperature T2 set to a constant value “85 ° C.”, and a temporary stop temperature threshold set to a fixed value. Temperature value T3 as
It stores "86 ° C" and the like. The first set temperature T1 is determined in consideration of the temperature difference between the water located near the temperature sensor 33 and the water surface, the time from the start of heating to the occurrence of steam, and the steam temperature at the optimum position where steam hits the face. To be done. In this embodiment, the initial temperature T0 is “10 ° C.”
In the case of, the first set temperature T1 is “75 ° C.”.

The power supply circuit 55 is connected to a commercial AC power supply. The power supply circuit is connected to the microcomputer 60, the operation panel 14 and the drive circuit 57, and is also connected to the overturn switch 58 and the temperature fuse 59. The drive circuit 57 is connected to the float switch 23, the heater 30, the ultrasonic transducer 31, the temperature sensor 33, and the fan unit 19, and drives them by energizing them.

<Operation of the Embodiment> The operation of the steam generating apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 10 shows a steam generator 10 according to the present invention.
3 is a flowchart showing the operation of FIG. FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing the control operation of the control system 61 according to the present invention.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, the user attaches the water tank 21 filled with water at 10 ° C. to the water supply section 15 and attaches the cover case 46 to the heating section 16.
The lid 12 is fixed on the upper surface of the lid by the fixing member 48.
Then, the lid 49 attached to the cover case 46 is opened, and the ejection nozzle 47 is adjusted to a desired angle. Water from the water supply tank 21 is supplied from the water supply unit 15 through the communication unit 17 to the heating plate 26 of the heating unit 16,
It is stored in the heating dish 26. When water is supplied to the heating dish 26, the control unit 64 of the microcomputer 60 reads a temperature detection signal indicating that the initial temperature T0 is 10 ° C. from the temperature sensor 33 and stores it in the memory 62 (step 1 ).

The control section 64 causes the time display section 14a of the operation panel 14 to display "15". This number "15"
Means that the operating time initial setting value is set to 15 minutes (step 1). Then, when changing the set time, the user appropriately sets the operation time in the range of 1 to 15 minutes with the time setting key 14c, and sets the atomization amount with the atomization amount switching key 14d (step 2). The set operation time and atomization amount are stored in the memory 62.

When the user presses the start / stop key 14b (step 3), the control section 64 confirms the water level based on the water level detection signal from the float switch 23 (step 4). When it is determined that the water level is insufficient, the control unit 64
Blinks the water supply warning lamp 14g and returns to step 1 (step 5). When it is determined that the water level is desired, the control unit 6
4 activates the drive circuit 57 to turn on only the heater 30.
The water in the heating dish 26 is heated by energizing at an initial energization rate H0 of 00%, for example, 5 amperes (see FIG. 11) (step 6).

When the water in the heating dish 26 is heated, the controller 64 controls the first set temperature T1 "stored in the memory 62 based on the initial temperature T0 stored in the memory 62 and indicating 10 ° C. After reading "75 ° C", it is determined whether or not the water in the heating dish 26 has reached 75 ° C based on the temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor (step 7). Water temperature is 75
When the temperature reaches 0 ° C., the control unit 64 controls the drive circuit 57 to drive the ultrasonic transducer 31 in accordance with the atomization amount set as described above, and the fan unit 19 to a normal drive energization rate. It is driven at the initial duty ratio F0 (see FIG. 11) (step 8). The driven ultrasonic transducer 31 is
A water column is formed on the water surface of the heating dish 26 to atomize the water. The atomized water is blown out from the driven fan unit 19 as steam through the steam jetting unit 18 to the outside.

In this embodiment, since the ultrasonic transducer 31 and the fan unit 19 are driven after the temperature of the water located near the temperature sensor 33 reaches 75 ° C., from the start to the generation of steam. The heating time is about 1 minute and 30 seconds. Further, since the temperature of the water on the water surface becomes 80 ° C. or higher, the temperature of the jetted steam is about 70 ° C. at the tip of the jet cylinder 47a of the jet nozzle 47, and the tip of the jet cylinder 47a is about 70 ° C. It becomes about 40 ° C at the position of the face about 20 cm away from.

After that, the control section 64 further reads the temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 33 and determines whether or not the water has reached the second set temperature T2, for example, 85 ° C. (step 9). When the temperature of the water located at the temperature sensor 33 reaches the second set temperature T2 “85 ° C.”, the control unit 64 controls the drive circuit 57 to turn the heater 30 on and the initial energization rate H0.
The current is applied at a duty ratio H1 of 85%, that is, 4.25 amps (see FIG. 11) (step 10).

When the energization rate of the heater 30 is reduced, the control unit 64 causes the start / stop key 1 on the operation panel 14 to operate.
The presence or absence of a pause signal from 4b is determined (step 1
6). This pause signal is obtained by the user pressing the start / stop key 14b within 2 seconds. When it is determined that there is no temporary stop signal, the control unit 64 proceeds to step 11 described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a temporary stop signal,
The control unit 64 compares the operation time set above with
Stop the calculation of the time elapsed from the start to the present.
Further, the control unit 64 controls the drive circuit 57 to stop the energization of the ultrasonic transducer 31 and also the fan unit 19
Is energized at a duty factor F1 which is 60% of the initial duty factor F0 (step 17). When the ultrasonic vibrator 31 stops, the generation of steam is suppressed.

Further, the control unit 64 reads the temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 33, and sets the temperature value T3 "86 ° C".
Then, it is determined whether or not the water temperature is 86 ° C. or higher (step 18). When it is determined that the temperature of the water is lower than 86 ° C., the control unit 64 causes the predetermined energization rate H1, that is, 4.2.
The drive circuit 57 is controlled to continue energizing the heater 30 at 5 amperes (step 19). And the water is 86
When it is determined that the temperature is equal to or higher than ° C, the control unit 64 determines the initial energization rate H
The drive circuit 57 is controlled to continue energizing the heater 30 at the energization rate H2 of 40% of 0, that is, 2 amperes (step 20). As a result, the temperature of the water in the heating dish 26 is maintained at around 86 ° C.

Thereafter, the control unit 64 determines that the pause time is 5
It is determined whether minutes have passed (step 21). When the pause time exceeds 5 minutes, the control unit 64 performs the operation from step 12 described below. Pause time is 5
If it is less than a minute, the control unit 64 also causes the restart signal from the start / stop key 14b of the operation panel 14, that is,
The presence / absence of a start signal is determined (step 22). This restart signal is obtained by the user pressing the start / stop key 14b for 2 seconds or more.

If there is no restart signal, the control section 64 returns to step 18 and operates. Upon receiving the restart signal, the control unit 64 starts the time calculation from the suspended start. In addition, the control unit 64 controls the drive circuit 57 to energize the ultrasonic transducer 31 to drive it again, energize the heater 30 at a predetermined energization rate H1 of 4.25 amperes, and also to operate the fan unit 19 Is energized at the initial energization rate F0 (step 23).

In the present embodiment, when the controller 30 changes the energization rate applied to the heater 30 based on the set temperature value T3 during the temporary stop, the water heated by the heater 30 is heated to the optimum temperature. It is maintained at 86 ° C (Fig. 11).
reference). Thus, when restarting, only by driving the ultrasonic transducer 31, optimal steam can be quickly generated and ejected. After that, the control unit 64 proceeds to step 11.

Further, the control section 64 determines whether or not there is a stop signal from the start / stop key 14b of the operation panel 14 (step 11). This stop signal is obtained by the user pressing the start / stop key 14b for 2 seconds or more. If there is a stop signal, the control unit 64
Controls the drive circuit 57 to stop the operation of the heater 30 and the ultrasonic transducer 31 (step 12). This stops the generation of steam.

About 30 seconds after the heater 30 and the ultrasonic transducer 31 are stopped (step 13), the control section 64 controls the drive circuit 57 to stop the operation of the fan section 19 (step 14). Thereby, after cooling the inside of the main body 11, all the operations of the steam generator 10 can be stopped.

If there is no stop signal, the control unit 64
Compares the elapsed time being calculated with a preset operation time stored in the memory to determine whether the time has elapsed (step 15). When the time passes, the control unit 64
Performs the operation from step 12.

After the steam generator 10 is used, when the user pushes the operating rod 38, the valve portion 37 in the drainage chamber 35 is opened, so that the residual water in the water supply portion 15 and the heating dish 26 is discharged. To be done. The discharged water is stored in the drain container 39 and then discarded. As a result, it is possible to prevent the propagation of various bacteria in the main body 11.

[0059]

According to the steam generator of the present invention, when the temporary stop signal is input, the control unit controls the drive circuit to continue energizing the heater and the fan unit. Since only the energization of the vibrator is stopped, the generation of steam is suppressed at the same time, and the water is kept warm by the heater. With this, when restarting, it is possible to quickly generate steam simply by driving the ultrasonic transducer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outer shape of a steam generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a drainage chamber of the steam generator according to the present invention, (a) is a cross-sectional view of the drainage chamber in a non-drained state, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the drainage chamber in a drained state. is there.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a steam ejection portion.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing a steam ejection portion.

FIG. 7 is a mounting view of a steam ejection unit.

8A and 8B are views showing an ejection nozzle, FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing the ejection nozzle, and FIG. 8B is a front view showing the ejection nozzle seen from the direction A in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system of the steam generator according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of the steam generating device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart showing a control operation of the control system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 steam generator 14 Operation panel (input section) 19 Fan Club 26 heating plate 30 heater 31 Ultrasonic transducer 33 Temperature sensor 60 microcomputer 64 control unit

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Shimada             3-3-3 Toyotama Minami, Nerima-ku, Tokyo Stocks             Company Japan Esthetic Association F-term (reference) 4C094 AA04 BB15 DD09 EE03 FF02                       FF20 GG04 GG08 GG16

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A heater for heating water, an ultrasonic vibrator for atomizing the water to form steam, a fan unit for sending the steam to the outside, the heater, and the ultrasonic vibrator. And a drive circuit for energizing and driving the fan unit, a control unit for controlling the drive circuit, and an input unit for inputting a temporary stop signal for temporarily stopping the generation of the steam. The steam generator, wherein the controller controls the drive circuit to stop energization of the ultrasonic transducer only when the suspension signal is input. 2. A heating dish in which water is stored, a heater for heating the water, an ultrasonic vibrator for atomizing the water into steam, and a fan unit for sending the steam to the outside. A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water in the heating dish; a drive circuit for energizing and driving the heater, the ultrasonic transducer and the fan unit; and a control unit for controlling the drive circuit. And an input unit for inputting a temporary stop signal to temporarily stop the generation of steam, and when the temporary stop signal is input by the input unit, the control unit controls the drive circuit. , Stopping the energization of the ultrasonic transducer, and based on the detection signal from the temperature sensor, comparing with a preset temperature value, it is determined that the temperature of the water is lower than the preset temperature value Then, the above A steam generator, wherein when the temperature of the water is determined to be equal to or higher than the preset temperature value, the heater is energized at a lower energization rate than the predetermined energization rate. 3. When the temporary stop signal is input by the input unit, the control unit controls the drive circuit to energize the fan unit at a duty ratio lower than a predetermined drive duty ratio. The steam generator according to claim 2.