CA2568469C - Steam bath and steam generating unit used - Google Patents

Abstract

Steam Bath And Steam Generating Unit Used has a steam generating unit composed by the housing (16), a module or system of stainless steel plates (5) fixed inside the housing, two electric poles (10, 11) that supply the module with 120 volts of 240 volts making possible that once the water (13) delivered by the water regulator (14) in form of drops contact with the plates, steam is generated and goes out from the steam generating unit through at least one steam outlet (15). The steam generating unit also has a water level regulator (7, 8) inside the steam generator and a manual drainage (9) that allows draining the water held in the interior of the steam generator every time it is used.

Description

STEAM BATH AND STEAM GENERATING UNIT USED
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to a steam generating unit that has a system of stainless steel plates to generate water steam to be used for steam baths, among other applications. This device reduces the energy and water consumption, and produces great volume of steam for these kinds of applications in a short period of time. Due to its characteristics, it can be also placed in houses, gyms, offices, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

It is widely known that steam baths have been used for many years because of its excellent therapeutic properties and body relaxation properties; and especially for its application to eliminate toxins from the body by means of sweating stimulated by the action of water steam generally used in these types of devices.

In the state of technique, it is known the solutions related to saunas, Turkish baths, and steam baths, where energy is obtained from different sources like infrared sources, lights, or lamps (preferably halogen lamps), and electric resistances; the latter being used the most. Particularly, it is reported and known the heating devices (resistances) for generating steam used in the construction of steam baths, which is the object of the present invention.

The patent US4031573, with publication date 1977-06-28, whose applicant is ROMANOFF PAUL IRA, shows a device for the steam generation composed by an electrical heater that generates enough heat to evaporate the water contained in a tray placed on the mentioned heater. The main difficulty of this device lays on the time needed to evaporate the water in the tray what, certainly, will increase the energy consumption.
In the patent JP1118002, publication date 1989-05-10, whose applicant is YOOZEFU
BARUTOHAAZARU ARUNORUT, a steam generator to be used in steam baths is claimed, that is composed by a resistance or heating element placed in the water to the boiling point. The main difficulty here is the high energy consumption and time consuming process to turn water into steam.

In the patent F1884726, publication date 1990-04-14, whose applicant is HELO
TEHTAAT OY, it is claimed a system (electric stove) of the type used for steam baths, that has electric resistances to generate the heat needed to evaporate water.
However, the main disadvantage of this system is the high energy consumption, since the attached temperature regulating system requires incorporating more water depending on the steam demands.

In the patent F1884714, publication date 1990-04-14, whose applicant is HARVIA
PERTI
KALEVI, a system of resistance that works independently is claimed. That is to say, the system does not use different voltage energy, and also it is necessary to be under water, what increases the consumption of both, water and energy; and a significant increase of time in the heating process to turn water into steam.
In the patent CH676199, publication date 1990-12-28, whose applicant is KURZ
RUDOLF GMBH & CO, it is claimed a device characterized by the fact that steam is obtained by means of the immersion of the heating device in a water container.
Producing the steam needed from water, it is required a high consumption of energy to turn water into steam. The system of introduction or immersion of the heating device in a water container has a general problem, and it is that the device must be submerged in water without being heated to prevent its breaking when contacting with the cold water surface. So, the energy consumption to turn water into steam increases.

DANNENMANN GUDRUM, who is the applicant of the following patents: DE4001778, publication date 1991-07-25; DE4226689, publication date 1994-02-17; and DE4328376;
uses a device to generate steam for a steam bath, but it has a main disadvantage, and it is that the electrical heating element is installed in the water container and it is necessary to heat all the water in the deposit up to turn it into steam. So, this process requires time and high energy consumption.

In the patent JP8199834, publication date 1996-08-06, whose applicant is MITSUI
MINING CO LTD, it is claimed a resistance system, that just like the others already described, requires to be submerged in water before being heated, to evaporate water and turn it into steam. Then, this patent presents the same disadvantage already mentioned in the other patents that comprehend the known state of technique.

In the patent DE19609128, publication date 1997-09-11, whose applicant is KLAFS
SAUNABAU, it is claimed a system of resistances working under the principle of heating a ceramic surface, what is quite a substitute for some other experiences where different kind of rocks (preferably volcanic) are used; yet it has a difficulty: a high energy consumption is needed to heat a ceramic surface, and the impossibility to use different voltages.
In the patent JP2002272806, publication date 2002-09-24, whose applicant is TANAKA
YASUHIDE, it is claimed a system of resistances used to generate steam, but has a disadvantage: it is necessary to submerge the resistance in the water before being heated, what increases the consumption of water and energy, without eliminating the risk of breaking the resistance in the water container if it does not contain the proper volume of water. Also, the systems of resistances that work submerged in water require a long time to turn water into steam by means of heating.

In the patent DE10351263, publication date 2005-06-02, whose applicant is RUKU
GMBH & CO KG, it is claimed a steam generator unit to be used in steam baths.
This unit possesses a container full of water that is evaporated using the heat produced by the heating unit. The steam generator unit is not placed inside the recipient, but at the bottom of the container; so, it is necessary to generate heat enough to turn water into steam. Then, the main difficulty comes to be the high energy consumption.
Generally speaking, resistances used in steam baths have the following general difficulties:
a. Known existing resistances suitable for steam production, are submerged in a deposit of water.
b. As the resistance is always submerged in a water container, it needs more time to reach the required temperature and turn water into steam.
c. Then, the energy consumption increases.

d. These resistances used in steam baths need a power adapter to be connected to 120 volts and 240 volts power suppliers; otherwise the resistances will damage.
e. These systems of resistances should have a suitable ground system and be connected to 240 volts source because of the high amperage consumption.

Nowadays, it is well-known that main users of steam baths do not have enough time.
Then, it is necessary to develop systems that allow them take a quick and effective bath, either in their offices, gyms, or houses. Besides, it is important to take into account the low energy consumption to heat the resistance, as well as the low water consumption, as a suitable solution from the economical point of view, and the practical use of these devices. By the way, this solution is not included in the known state of technique.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

An object of the present invention is thus to provide a steam generating unit which satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and which is thus an improvement over other related systems known in the prior art.

According to the present invention, there is provided a steam generator for generating steam from water drops provided by a regulator device, the steam generator comprising a housing where is fixed a system of stainless steel plates, said system including at least two stainless steel plates forming open-ended prisms of different sizes, the prisms being placed one inside the other, the plates being separated by an insulator that prevents a contact between the plates, the system of stainless steel plates being configured for receiving 120 volts or 240 volts energy by means of two electric poles connectable to an energized basis, each electric pole being connected to a corresponding plate via a cable so that when water drops falling down by gravity force from the regulator device make contact with the system of stainless steel plates, steam is generated and goes out from the steam generator through at least one steam outlet, the steam generator being also provided with a water level regulator placed inside the steam generator and a drainage that allows draining the water held in the interior of the steam generator.

Other preferred aspects, embodiments, variants and/or resulting advantages of the present invention are briefly summarized hereinbelow.

Indeed, according to another preferred aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a steam generator unit that has a system of stainless steel plates that form open-bases prisms or cylinders (open-bases prisms or cylinders are placed one inside the other). When energized by electricity, and water drops fall down on the energized plates, then water turns into steam. This system guarantees the generation of great volume of steam in a short period of time, what turns this device into a suitable one for being used in steam baths, among other applications, with an optimal efficiency regarding energy and water consumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
Figure 1 shows a side view of the module or system of stainless steel plates.
Figure 1.1 shows a raised view of the module or system of stainless steel plates.

Figure 2 shows a view of the module or system of stainless steel plates and the basis for electrical poles and fixing system.

Figure 3 shows a cut view of the module or system of stainless steel plates and the dripping water system.
Figure 4 and 5 show a diagonal view from the cabin or steam bath.
The steam generator unit is composed by a housing (16), and a module or system of stainless steel plates (5) that has at least two prisms or cylinders of different size placed one inside the other. Their bases are open.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION:
The module or system of stainless steel plates (5) can be composed also by plates that adopt prism shapes formed by at least three sides of open bases, or at least two open bases cylinders with different diameters and placed one inside the other.

In order to illustrate the object of the present invention, as illustrative and not limiting its scope, a module or system of stainless steel plates (5) is available. The system is composed by three rectangular bases prisms (1), (2), (3) made out of steel plates of different dimensions, as can be appreciated in Figures 1 and 1.1. The module or system of stainless steel plates (5) of this invention can be connected to different power supplies, 120 volts and 240 volts, without causing damages to the system or demanding electrical power converters.
The already mentioned prisms are placed one inside the other to conform the module or system of stainless steel plates (5), and must be separated by a special plastic or insulator (4) to prevent short circuits when connecting to power supply.

This module or system of stainless steel plates (5) is placed at the bottom (12) of the housing (16) by means of a fixing system (6). The housing (16) is made of fiberglass, plastic, or an equivalent material. It has a basis (22) in its central part for the electric poles (10) and (11); and through them the module or system of stainless steel plates (5) is energized when connected to the power supply. The housing (16) has also a water input (21), to which a water regulator device (14) is connected that guarantees the water supply in form of drops (13) to the module or system of stainless steel plates (5); at least one steam outlet (15) that permit the exit of the steam resulting from the contact of the water drops (13) and the system of stainless steel plates (5), a manual water drainage (9), a drain pipe (7,8) to keep a constant water level inside the housing (16). All these parts form the steam generating unit.

This steam generating unit has the following advantages over the others known in the state of technique:
1. There is no risk of deterioration of the system as the system can be connected to a power supply without having drops of water dropping onto it, and even completely dry, as the system remains inactive when no water is present to close the circuit between the energized stainless steel plates.

2. The system of stainless steel plates (5) never turns red-hot while energized, even when it has been made out of steel, what protects the walls of the plates from damages. This translates into a longer duration.

3. Water is introduced in the generator in form of drops (13) and controlled by a dripping device (14) that will increase or decrease the energy consumption depending on the number of drops (13) contacting with the module or system of stainless steel plates (5), making possible a water and energy saving.

4. It is capable of saving time and energy when generating steam, because one or several drops of water (13) evaporate and turn into steam faster than water contained in a deposit.

5. The possibility of being connected to the power supply without water will permit a gradual increase of energy consumption determined by the number of water drops contacting the module or system of stainless steel plates (5), what assures a consumption rate between 8 and 10 ampere maximums when it is connected to a 120 volts power source; and between 3 and 4 ampere, when connected to 240 volts.
This device or steam generating system is used in a steam bath composed by a cabin that has a ventilation system (17), a lighting system, a seat (18), a drainage, a waste deposit (19), and water reservoir (20) to be used for the dripping system (14). If users want, they can add aromatic essences to this reservoir.
One example that allows putting into practice the present invention, given as an illustrative but never limitative aspect, is:

A steam generator composed by a module or system of stainless steel plates (5) having three rectangular open bases prisms (1, 2, 3) made of 24 caliber steel plates, where the plate that shapes the outer rectangular basis prism (3) has the dimensions:
length:16.5 cm, width: 5.5 cm, and height: 4.2 cm. The plate that shapes the intermediate prism (2) has the dimensions: length: 15.5 cm, width: 5.0 cm and height: 4.2 cm; and the plate that shapes the inner rectangular basis prism (1) has the dimensions: length: 15.0 cm, width:
4.5 cm, and height: 4.2 cm. These prisms are separated each other by a special plastic or insulator (4).

r The module or system of stainless steel plates (5) is placed in the housing (16) made of fiberglass having the following dimensions: 71/2 inches length, 3 inches width, and 5 inches height; that has a water input (21) composed by a pipe that takes water from the deposit (20) to a regulator device (14) that lets the water out in form of water dripping (13) falling down due to gravity force directly on the module or system of stainless steel plates (5), which is connected to a 120 volts power source and turns water into steam.
Then, steam goes to the cabin or steam bath through an outlet (15) created for that purpose. Also, the module has a water level control system (7, 8) that guarantees a constant water level inside the steam generator and a manual drainage (9) that allows draining and cleaning the steam bath after being used.
Dimensions for a single-person cabin are 80 inches height, 37 inches length, and 30 inches width; and can be made of treated American pine or cedar.

It is used connected to a 120 volts power source and the module begins to generate steam immediately due to water dripping (13) falling down on the module or system of stainless steel plates (5). If desired, aromatic essences can be added to the water for a greater satisfaction of the user.

Other examples of how to make the steam generator could be a module or system of stainless steel plates (5) comprehending at least two prisms with different configurations, or at least two cylinders made of the same 24 caliber steel, of different sizes, or any other configuration that can be derived from 24 caliber steel rectangular plates, in such a way that can be placed one inside the other, being separated each other by an insulator.
It is also necessary to adapt the housing (16), made of fiberglass or a similar material, to the new configuration of the module or system of stainless steel plates (5) and to use the same technical principle of water dripping on the module or system of stainless steel plates (5) as the steam generator.

Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:

1. A steam generator for generating steam from water drops provided by a regulator device, the steam generator comprising a housing where is fixed a system of stainless steel plates, said system including at least two stainless steel plates forming open-ended prisms of different sizes, the prisms being placed one inside the other, the plates being separated by an insulator that prevents a contact between the plates, the system of stainless steel plates being configured for receiving 120 volts or 240 volts energy by means of two electric poles connectable to an energized basis, each electric pole being connected to a corresponding plate via a cable so that when water drops falling down by gravity force from the regulator device make contact with the system of stainless steel plates, steam is generated and goes out from the steam generator through at least one steam outlet, the steam generator being also provided with a water level regulator placed inside the steam generator and a drainage that allows draining the water held in the interior of the steam generator.

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the stainless steel plates form at least two prisms, placed one inside the other, each prism having at least three sides and an open base.

3. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein the stainless steel plates form at least two cylinders, placed one inside the other, each cylinder having an open base.

4. The steam generator according to claim 1, wherein water drops introduced into the steam generator fall between a pair of vertical plates, parallel to and along said plates, and wherein the number of water drops is controlled by the regulator device.

5. The steam generator according to claim 1, comprising an additional component selected from the group consisting of a cabin, a ventilation system, a seat, a waste deposit and a water reservoir.