Steam generator

Abstract

To provide a steam generator capable of even when part of sprayed water is not converted into steam by sauna stones and passes through the sauna stones, diffusing all of the water by converting it into steam.SOLUTION: In a steam generator 10, steam is generated by spraying water into sauna stones 14 heated by first to third infrared heaters 16a-16c to a high temperature, and the steam generated by the sauna stones 14 diffuses upwardly from a first accommodation space 11 on the airflow released upwardly from an air flow passage 22 by a sirocco fan 19. Water that has dropped down from a ventilation hole 26 of a first horizontal plate 23 to a second accommodation space 12 is converted into steam in a process of flowing on first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a-17c, and is converted into steam on a horizontal evaporation plate 18 so as to diffuse upwardly from the first accommodation space 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam generating device that generates steam by pouring water onto sauna stones heated to a high temperature. [Background technology]

[0002] A sauna device is disclosed (see Patent Document 1) that includes a sauna stove and a sprinkler unit installed above the sauna stove to supply water to the sauna stove, the sprinkler unit including multiple branch pipes each with a drain outlet and a water guide element having a connection part to which the upper parts of the multiple branch pipes are connected, and when the sauna device is viewed vertically, the drain outlets of the multiple branch pipes are located at different positions within the area that overlaps with the sauna stove, and the horizontal distribution range of the multiple branch pipes at the connection part with the connection part is narrower than the horizontal distribution range of the drain outlets of the multiple branch pipes. The sauna stove includes a container, a heater element, and sauna stones. The heater element is an electric heater element housed inside the container to heat the sauna stones. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3222639 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The sauna device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can evenly spray water onto the sauna stones while preventing water from splashing around the sauna stove. When water is sprayed onto the sauna stones, it instantly evaporates due to the high temperature of the sauna stones, generating a large amount of steam that fills the sauna room. However, with this sauna device, the water that is not vaporized by the sauna stones lowers the temperature of the heater element, which can prevent the heater element from sufficiently heating the sauna stones. As a result, it takes time for the sauna stones to heat up again, and the sauna stones cannot be heated quickly. Furthermore, with this sauna device, the generated steam diffuses in all directions around the sauna stove, but the direction of the steam diffusion cannot be controlled, making it impossible to diffuse the steam in a desired direction.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator that can convert all sprayed water into steam and diffuse it, even if some of the water passes through the sauna stones without being converted into steam by the sauna stones. Another object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator that can quickly raise the temperature of sauna stones that have dropped in temperature. Another object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator that can strengthen the diffusion power of the generated steam and diffuse it evenly throughout the entire sauna room. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The premise of the present invention to solve the above problem is a steam generating device that generates steam by pouring water onto sauna stones heated to a high temperature.

[0007] The present invention is characterized in that the steam generating device comprises a first storage space of a predetermined volume formed by a horizontal plate having a plurality of ventilation holes and an inner peripheral wall extending upward in the vertical direction from the periphery of the horizontal plate and configured to store a plurality of sauna stones; a second storage space of a predetermined volume formed by a horizontal evaporation plate located below the first storage space and an inner peripheral wall extending upward in the vertical direction from the periphery of the horizontal evaporation plate; at least two inclined evaporation plates arranged in the second storage space and aligned downward from the upper and lower sides of the second storage space; a heat source arranged in the second storage space for heating the sauna stones, the horizontal evaporation plate, and the inclined evaporation plate; and air ducts formed on the sides of the first and second storage spaces through which air flows. The steam generating device has an air flow path and a blower fan installed below the horizontal evaporator plate that generates an air current from bottom to top along the air flow path, and the tilt direction of the lower inclined evaporator plate is opposite to that of the upper inclined evaporator plate. In the steam generating device, steam is generated by pouring water onto the sauna stones that have been heated to a high temperature by a heat source, and the steam generated by the sauna stones is carried by the air current released upward from the air flow path by the blower fan and diffuses upward from the first storage space, and water that falls into the second storage space through the air vents in the horizontal plate becomes steam as it flows through the inclined evaporator plates and diffuses upward from the first storage space.

[0008] In one example of the present invention, the other end of the upper inclined evaporating plate is located widthwise inside of the other end of the lower inclined evaporating plate, and one end of the upper inclined evaporating plate is located widthwise inside of one end of the lower inclined evaporating plate, and water flowing down in the vertical direction from the other end of the upper inclined evaporating plate falls onto the other end of the lower inclined evaporating plate, and water flowing down in the vertical direction from one end of the upper inclined evaporating plate falls onto one end of the lower inclined evaporating plate.

[0009] In another example of the present invention, the inclined evaporator plate is formed by a first inclined evaporator plate located at the top of the second storage space and inclined downward at a predetermined angle from one end to the other end, a second inclined evaporator plate located directly below the first inclined evaporator plate and inclined downward at a predetermined angle from the other end to the one end, and a third inclined evaporator plate located directly below the second inclined evaporator plate and inclined downward at a predetermined angle from one end to the other end, and the heat source is formed by a first heat source located between the first inclined evaporator plate and the second inclined evaporator plate. The evaporator is formed from a second heat source located between the horizontal evaporator plate and the third inclined evaporator plate, and a third heat source located between the third inclined evaporator plate and the horizontal evaporator plate, wherein the other end of the first inclined evaporator plate is located widthwise inside of the other end of the second inclined evaporator plate, one end of the second inclined evaporator plate is located widthwise inside of one end of the third inclined evaporator plate, water flowing down in the vertical direction from the other end of the first inclined evaporator plate falls on the other end of the second inclined evaporator plate, and water flowing down in the vertical direction from one end of the second inclined evaporator plate falls on one end of the third inclined evaporator plate.

[0010] In another example of the present invention, the steam generating device includes a water supply device equipped with a water spray nozzle that sprays water from above the first storage space toward the sauna stones stored in the first storage space.

[0011] In another example of the present invention, a steam generating device includes an outer peripheral wall located radially outside the inner peripheral wall and extending in the vertical direction, and a steam flow path formed between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, extending in the vertical direction, through which steam generated in the horizontal evaporator plate and the first to third inclined evaporator plates flows, and in the steam generating device, the steam generated in the horizontal evaporator plate and the first to third inclined evaporator plates flows through the steam flow path and is released upward from the steam flow path.

[0012] Another example of the present invention is a steam generating device that includes a plurality of outer air vents perforated in the outer peripheral wall facing the horizontal evaporator plate and a plurality of inner air vents perforated in the inner peripheral wall facing the horizontal evaporator plate, and in the steam generating device, air flowing in through the outer air vents enters the second storage space through the inner air vents and becomes hot air through heat radiation from the heat source, convective heat radiation from the sauna stones, and infrared heat radiation, and the hot air is then released upward from the first storage space.

[0013] In another example of the present invention, a steam generating device has first to third inclined evaporative plates and a horizontal evaporative plate heated to high temperatures by first to third heat sources, and the sauna stones, which have been covered with water to reduce their temperature, are heated by heat radiation from the first to third heat sources and by convective and infrared heat radiation from the first to third inclined evaporative plates and the horizontal evaporative plate.

[0014] In another example of the present invention, the first to third inclined evaporating plates and the horizontal evaporating plate include iron plates having a thickness dimension of 15 to 20 mm, the horizontal evaporating plate has a planar area approximately the same as the planar area of ​​the second storage space, and the first to third heat sources are infrared heaters. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] In the steam generating device according to the present invention, water that falls into the second storage space through the ventilation holes in the horizontal plate without being vaporized by the sauna stones turns into steam as it flows through the inclined evaporative plates and diffuses upward from the first storage space. Therefore, even if some of the sprayed water passes through the sauna stones without being vaporized by the sauna stones, the water can be instantly vaporized by the inclined evaporative plates, and all of the water that passes through the sauna stones can be converted into steam and diffused. In the steam generating device, the water that passes through the sauna stones turns into steam by the inclined evaporative plates, and the temperature of the heat source is not lowered by the water that passes through the sauna stones. Therefore, the sauna stones, whose temperature has been lowered by the sprayed water, can be quickly heated to a high temperature by the heat source. The steam generator generates steam by pouring water onto the sauna stones, which have been heated to a high temperature by the heat source. The generated steam then diffuses upward from the first storage space on the air current released upward from the air flow path by the blower fan, thereby strengthening the diffusion power of the generated steam and increasing the loyly sensation. By utilizing the ascending air current created by the blower fan, the steam can be diffused above the first storage space that contains the sauna stones (throughout the sauna room). Because the steam generator can diffuse the generated steam upward from the first storage space, the steam quickly diffuses throughout the sauna room, quickly filling the entire sauna room with steam, and the steam can heat the sauna room to the desired temperature.

[0016] In this steam generating device, the other end of the upper inclined evaporating plate is located widthwise inside of the other end of the lower inclined evaporating plate, and one end of the upper inclined evaporating plate is located widthwise inside of one end of the lower inclined evaporating plate, so that water flowing down in the vertical direction from the other end of the upper inclined evaporating plate falls onto the other end of the lower inclined evaporating plate, and water flowing down in the vertical direction from one end of the upper inclined evaporating plate falls onto the one end of the lower inclined evaporating plate.This means that water that does not turn into steam on the upper inclined evaporating plate or from that one end reliably falls onto the other end or one end of the lower inclined evaporating plate.Therefore, water that does not vaporize on the upper inclined evaporating plate does not spill over from the lower inclined evaporating plate, and all of the water that passes through the sauna stones and falls through the air vents in the horizontal plates can be converted into steam and diffused.

[0017] The inclined evaporator plate is formed of a first inclined evaporator plate that is inclined downward at a predetermined angle from one end to the other end, a second inclined evaporator plate that is located directly below the first inclined evaporator plate and is inclined downward at a predetermined angle from the other end to the one end, and a third inclined evaporator plate that is located directly below the second inclined evaporator plate and is inclined downward at a predetermined angle from the one end to the other end, and the heat source is formed of a first heat source that is located between the first inclined evaporator plate and the second inclined evaporator plate, a second heat source that is located between the second inclined evaporator plate and the third inclined evaporator plate, and a third heat source that is located between the third inclined evaporator plate and a horizontal evaporator plate, and the other end of the first inclined evaporator plate is located inside the other end of the second inclined evaporator plate in the width direction, and one end of the second inclined evaporator plate is located between the third inclined evaporator plate and the horizontal evaporator plate. In a steam generating device in which water flowing downward in the vertical direction from the other end of the first inclined evaporative plate falls onto the other end of the second inclined evaporative plate, and water flowing downward in the vertical direction from one end of the second inclined evaporative plate falls onto one end of the third inclined evaporative plate, water that falls into the second storage space through the ventilation holes in the horizontal plate without being vaporized by the sauna stones turns into steam as it flows through the first to third inclined evaporative plates and diffuses upward from the first storage space, so even if some of the sprayed water passes through the sauna stones without being vaporized by the sauna stones and falls through the ventilation holes in the horizontal plate, the water can be instantly vaporized by the first to third inclined evaporative plates, and all of the water that passes through the sauna stones can be converted into steam and diffused. In the steam generating device, water that passes through the sauna stones and falls through the air vents in the horizontal plate is converted into steam by the first to third inclined evaporation plates, and the temperature of the first to third heat sources is not lowered by the water that passes through the sauna stones, so the sauna stones, whose temperature has been lowered by the sprayed water, can be quickly heated to a high temperature by the first to third heat sources.The steam generator generates steam by pouring water onto the sauna stones, which have been heated to high temperatures by the first to third heat sources. The generated steam then diffuses upward from the first storage space on the air current released upward from the air flow path by the blower fan, thereby strengthening the diffusion power of the generated steam and increasing the loyly sensation. By utilizing the ascending air current created by the blower fan, the steam can be diffused above the first storage space that contains the sauna stones (throughout the sauna room). Because the steam generator can diffuse the generated steam upward from the first storage space, the steam quickly diffuses throughout the sauna room, quickly filling the entire sauna room with steam, and the steam can heat the sauna room to a predetermined temperature. In the steam generating device, water that flows down from the other end of the first inclined evaporative plate without becoming steam reliably falls onto the other end of the second inclined evaporative plate, and water that flows down from one end of the second inclined evaporative plate without becoming steam reliably falls onto one end of the third inclined evaporative plate. Therefore, water that does not vaporize on the first inclined evaporative plate does not spill down from the second inclined evaporative plate, and water that does not vaporize on the second inclined evaporative plate does not spill down from the third inclined evaporative plate, and all of the water can be reliably vaporized on the first to third inclined evaporative plates.

[0018] A steam generating device including a water supply device equipped with a sprinkler nozzle that sprays water from above the first storage space onto the sauna stones contained in the first storage space can automatically generate steam by spraying water from the sprinkler nozzle of the water supply device onto the sauna stones contained in the first storage space, and the generated steam can be carried on an ascending air current created by a blower fan, allowing the steam to quickly diffuse throughout the entire sauna room, quickly filling the entire sauna room with steam and heating the sauna room to a predetermined temperature.

[0019] The steam generating device includes an outer peripheral wall located radially outside the inner peripheral wall and extending in the vertical direction, and a steam flow path formed between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, extending in the vertical direction, through which the steam generated in the horizontal evaporation plate and the first to third inclined evaporation plates flows. The steam generating device, in which the steam generated in the horizontal evaporation plate and the first to third inclined evaporation plates flows through the steam flow path and is released upward from the steam flow path, generates water that does not vaporize on the sauna stones by spraying a large amount of water, and the water that passes through the sauna stones and falls from the air vents in the horizontal plate is released upward from the first to third evaporators. The water vapor instantly evaporates in the first to third evaporator plates and the horizontal evaporator plate, and the water vapor generated in the first to third evaporator plates and the horizontal evaporator plate passes through the water vapor flow path between the inner and outer walls and is released upward from the water vapor flow path.Therefore, the water vapor generated in the first to third evaporator plates and the horizontal evaporator plate can be diffused upward (throughout the entire sauna room) from the water vapor flow path, and the water vapor generated in the first to third evaporator plates and the horizontal evaporator plate can quickly fill the entire sauna room, and the water vapor can heat the sauna room to a predetermined temperature.

[0020] This steam generating device includes a plurality of outer air vents perforated in the outer peripheral wall facing the horizontal evaporator plate and a plurality of inner air vents perforated in the inner peripheral wall facing the horizontal evaporator plate, and air flowing in through the outer air vents enters the second storage space through the inner air vents and becomes hot air through heat radiation from the heat source and convective heat radiation and infrared heat radiation from the sauna stones, and this hot air is then released upward from the first storage space.When water is not being sprayed on the sauna stones, the air that flows in through the outer air vents and enters the second storage space through the inner air vents is heated by heat radiation from the hot air and convective heat radiation and infrared heat radiation (heat storage) from the sauna stones and becomes hot air, which rises and is released upward from the first storage space, so that the sauna room filled with steam can be heated by the hot air and the temperature of the sauna room can be maintained at a predetermined high temperature by the hot air. The steam generator can quickly diffuse the hot air throughout the sauna room by carrying it on the rising air current created by the blower fan, quickly filling the entire sauna room with hot air, heating the sauna room to a predetermined temperature with that hot air, and providing an effective loyly sensation throughout the sauna room.

[0021] In this steam generating device, the first to third inclined evaporative plates and the horizontal evaporative plate are heated to high temperatures by the first to third heat sources, and the sauna stones, which are covered with water and have cooled down, are heated by heat radiation from the first to third heat sources and by convective and infrared heat radiation from the first to third inclined evaporative plates and the horizontal evaporative plate.Since the first to third inclined evaporative plates and the horizontal evaporative plate are heated to high temperatures by heat radiation from the first to third heat sources installed between the first to third evaporative plates, even if water that does not vaporize on the sauna stones is generated by spraying a large amount of water, the water will instantly vaporize on the first to third inclined evaporative plates and the horizontal evaporative plate, which have been heated to a high temperature, and water vapor will be generated on the evaporative plates.Therefore, by using these evaporative plates together with the sauna stones, a large amount of water vapor can be generated, which can quickly heat the sauna room to the desired temperature and provide an effective loyly sensation throughout the sauna room. In the steam generating device, the sauna stones are heated by heat radiation from the first to third heat sources and by convection and infrared heat radiation (heat storage) from the first to third inclined evaporative plates and horizontal evaporative plates.Therefore, the sauna stones, which have been covered in water and whose temperature has dropped, can be quickly returned to a high temperature by heat radiation from the first to third heat sources and by convection and infrared heat radiation from the first to third inclined evaporative plates and horizontal evaporative plates.Steam can be generated in a short period of time by the sauna stones, which have been heated to a high temperature by heat radiation from the first to third heat sources and by convection and infrared heat radiation from the first to third inclined evaporative plates and horizontal evaporative plates.

[0022] In a steam generator in which the first to third inclined evaporator plates and the horizontal evaporator plate include iron plates with a thickness of 15 to 20 mm, the horizontal evaporator plate has a planar area substantially equal to the planar area of ​​the second storage space, and the first to third heat sources are infrared heaters, the first to third inclined evaporator plates and the horizontal evaporator plate are iron plates with the thicknesses and have a planar area substantially equal to the planar area of ​​the second storage space, so the thermal conductivity of the first to third inclined evaporator plates and the horizontal evaporator plate (iron plates) is high, and the first to third heat sources (infrared heaters) can quickly heat the evaporator plates (iron plates) to a high temperature. In the steam generator, the first to third inclined evaporator plates and the horizontal evaporator plate (iron plates) have a high heat storage effect, so the evaporator plates (iron plates) do not cool easily once heated, and even if there is water that does not vaporize on the sauna stones, the water can be instantly vaporized on the evaporator plates to generate a large amount of steam. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of an example steam generating device. [Figure 2] Rear view of the steam generating device. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the first horizontal plate (mesh). [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the first infrared heater and the first inclined evaporation plate. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a top view showing the third horizontal plate (fan suction plate). [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of first to third inclined evaporation plates. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the flow of hot air in the steam generating device. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the flow of water vapor in the steam generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The steam generator according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of an example steam generator 10, and FIG. 2 is a rear view of the steam generator 10. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the steam generator 10, and FIG. 4 is a left side view of the steam generator 10. FIG. 5 is a top view of the steam generator 10, and FIG. 6 is a top view of the first horizontal plate 23 (net). FIG. 7 is a top view of the first infrared heater 16a and the first inclined evaporation plate 17a, and FIG. 8 is a top view of the third horizontal plate 33 (fan suction plate). The sauna stones 14 are not shown in FIGS. 1 to 5. In FIGS. 1 to 4, the up-down direction (vertical direction) is indicated by arrow A, the front-to-back direction (horizontal direction) is indicated by arrow B, and the width direction (horizontal direction) is indicated by arrow C.

[0025] The steam generator 10 is installed in a sauna room (not shown) of a predetermined volume, and sprinkles water W (see FIG. 11) on a plurality of sauna stones 14 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) housed in a first storage space 11 (storage space), causing the water to instantly evaporate, generating steam that fills the sauna room. The steam generator 10 has a first storage space 11 of a predetermined volume formed at the top, a second storage space 12 of a predetermined volume formed directly below the first storage space 11, and a third storage space 13 of a predetermined volume formed directly below the second storage space 12.

[0026] The steam generating device 10 includes a plurality of sauna stones 14 housed in the first storage space 11, an automatic water supply device 15 (water supply device) that sprays water W onto the sauna stones 14, a plurality of first to third inclined evaporative plates 17a to 17c (inclined evaporative plates) housed in the second storage space 12, a plurality of first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (first to third heat sources) housed in the second storage space 12, a horizontal evaporative plate 18 housed in the second storage space 12, a sirocco fan 19 (blower fan) and a cooling fan 20 housed in the third storage space 13, first to fourth steam flow paths 21a to 21d (steam flow paths) and an air flow path 22.

[0027] The first storage space 11 is formed (made) of a first horizontal plate 23 (horizontal plate) (fire grate) and first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d (inner peripheral walls). First to fourth outer wall plates 25a to 25d (outer peripheral walls) are disposed radially outward of the first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d. As shown in FIG. 6, the first horizontal plate 23 is made of stainless steel expanded metal (wire mesh) having a plurality of ventilation holes 26. Note that, in addition to expanded metal, the first horizontal plate 23 may also be made of stainless steel lath (wire mesh), a perforated plate formed by drilling a plurality of ventilation holes in a stainless steel plate, stainless steel grating, or the like.

[0028] The first horizontal plate 23 has a rectangular planar shape (top surface shape) and has front and rear edge portions extending in the width direction and both side edge portions extending in the front-rear direction. The front edge portion of the first horizontal plate 23 rests on a first flange 27a extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of a middle portion of the first inner wall plate 24a, and the rear edge portion rests on a third flange 27c extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of a middle portion of the third inner wall plate 24c. One side edge portion rests on a second flange 27b extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of a middle portion of the second inner wall plate 24b, and the other side edge portion rests on a fourth flange 27d extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of a middle portion of the fourth inner wall plate 24c.

[0029] The first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d are made of stainless steel plates having a predetermined thickness, and their side surfaces are formed into a quadrangle (rectangle) that is long in the vertical direction. Of the first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d, the first inner wall plate 24a and the third inner wall plate 24c face each other in the front-to-rear direction, and the second inner wall plate 24b and the fourth inner wall plate 24d face each other in the width direction. The first inner wall plate 24a (front inner wall) extends upward and downward in the vertical direction from the front edge (periphery) of the first horizontal plate 23. The second inner wall plate 24b (side inner wall) extends upward and downward in the vertical direction from one side edge (periphery) of the first horizontal plate 23. The third inner wall plate 24c (rear inner wall) extends upward and downward in the vertical direction from the rear edge (periphery) of the first horizontal plate 23. The fourth inner wall plate 24d (side inner wall) extends upward and downward in the vertical direction from the other side edge (peripheral edge) of the first horizontal plate 23.

[0030] The other side edge of the first inner wall plate 24a and one side edge of the second inner wall plate 24b are detachably connected by predetermined fastening means (fixing bolts and nuts, rivets, etc.), the other side edge of the second inner wall plate 24b and one side edge of the third inner wall plate 24c are detachably connected by the predetermined fastening means, the other side edge of the third inner wall plate 24c and one side edge of the fourth inner wall plate 24d are detachably connected by the predetermined fastening means, and the other side edge of the fourth inner wall plate 24d and one side edge of the first inner wall plate 24a are detachably connected by the predetermined fastening means.

[0031] In the steam generator 10, a first storage space 11 of a predetermined volume is formed, surrounded by a first horizontal plate 23 and first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d. The first storage space 11 has a top opening surrounded by the upper edges of the first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d. A plurality of sauna stones 14 are stored inside the first storage space 11 through the top opening. When the sauna stones 14 are stored in the first storage space 11, gaps are formed between the sauna stones 14 through which hot air (air) and steam can flow.

[0032] The second storage space 12 (storage space) is formed (made) by a second horizontal plate 28 (non-perforated horizontal plate) (bottom wall) and first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d (inner peripheral walls) that extend vertically downward from the front and rear end edges and both side edges of the first horizontal plate 23 (vertically upward from the front and rear end edges and both side edges of the second horizontal plate 28). The second horizontal plate 28 is made of an iron or stainless steel plate having a predetermined thickness. The second horizontal plate 28 has a rectangular planar shape (top surface shape) and has front and rear end edges extending in the width direction and both side edges extending in the front-rear direction.

[0033] The lower edge of the first inner wall plate 24a is detachably connected to the upper surface of the front edge portion of the second horizontal plate 28 by predetermined fastening means (fixing bolts and nuts, rivets, etc.), and the lower edge of the second inner wall plate 24b is detachably connected to the upper surface of one side edge portion of the second horizontal plate 28 by the predetermined fastening means. The lower edge of the third inner wall plate 24c is detachably connected to the upper surface of the rear edge portion of the second horizontal plate 28 by the predetermined fastening means, and the lower edge of the fourth inner wall plate 24d is detachably connected to the upper surface of the other side edge portion of the second horizontal plate 28 by the predetermined fastening means.

[0034] A plurality of inner air vent holes 29 are perforated (formed) aligned in the width direction in the lower part of the first inner wall plate 24a (the lower part of the first inner wall plate 24a facing the horizontal evaporator plate 18) and the lower part of the third inner wall plate 24c (the lower part of the third inner wall plate 24c facing the horizontal evaporator plate 18), which form the second storage space 12. A plurality of inner air vent holes 29 are perforated (formed) aligned in the front-rear direction in the lower part of the second inner wall plate 24b (the lower part of the second inner wall plate 24b facing the horizontal evaporator plate 18), which form the second storage space 12, and the lower part of the fourth inner wall plate 24d (the lower part of the fourth inner wall plate 24d facing the horizontal evaporator plate 18).

[0035] The first to fourth outer wall plates 25a to 25d are made from stainless steel plates having a predetermined thickness, and their side shapes are formed into quadrangles (rectangles) that are long in the vertical direction. The first outer wall plate 25a (front outer wall) is disposed radially outward (forward in the front-to-rear direction) of the first inner wall plate 24a at a predetermined distance and faces the first inner wall plate 24a in the front-to-rear direction. A first water vapor flow path 21a (water vapor flow path) extending in the vertical direction is formed between the first inner wall plate 24a and the first outer wall plate 25a.

[0036] A plurality of outer vent holes 30 are drilled (formed) in the width direction in the lower part of the first outer wall plate 25a (outer peripheral wall) (the lower part of the first outer wall plate 25a facing the horizontal evaporation plate 18). The lower edge of the first outer wall plate 25a is detachably connected to the upper surface of the front edge of the second horizontal plate 28 by predetermined fixing means (fixing bolts and nuts, rivets, etc.). The other side edge of the fourth outer wall plate 25d and one side edge of the first outer wall plate 25a are detachably connected by the predetermined fixing means.

[0037] The second outer wall plate 25b (side outer wall) is disposed radially outward (laterally in the width direction) of the second inner wall plate 24b at a predetermined distance and faces the second inner wall plate 24b in the width direction. A second steam flow path 21b (steam flow path) extending in the vertical direction is formed between the second inner wall plate 24b and the second outer wall plate 25b. A plurality of outer air vent holes 30 aligned in the front-rear direction are drilled (formed) in the lower part of the second outer wall plate 25b (outer peripheral wall) (the lower part of the second outer wall plate 25b facing the horizontal evaporator plate 18). The lower edge of the second outer wall plate 25b is detachably connected to the upper surface of one side edge of the second horizontal plate 28 by predetermined fastening means (e.g., fastening bolts and nuts, rivets, etc.). The other side edge of the first outer wall plate 25a and one side edge of the second outer wall plate 25b are detachably connected by the predetermined fastening means.

[0038] The third outer wall plate 25c (rear outer wall) is disposed radially outward (rearward in the front-rear direction) from the third inner wall plate 24c at a predetermined distance and faces the third inner wall plate 24c in the front-rear direction. A third steam flow path 21c (steam flow path) extending in the vertical direction is formed between the third inner wall plate 24c and the third outer wall plate 25c. A plurality of outer air vent holes 30 aligned in the width direction are drilled (formed) in the lower part of the third outer wall plate 25c (outer peripheral wall) (the lower part of the third outer wall plate 25c facing the horizontal evaporator plate 18). The lower edge of the third outer wall plate 25c is detachably connected to the upper surface of the rear edge of the second horizontal plate 28 by predetermined fastening means (e.g., fastening bolts and nuts, rivets, etc.). The other side edge of the second outer wall plate 25b and one side edge of the third outer wall plate 25c are detachably connected by the predetermined fastening means.

[0039] The fourth outer wall plate 25d (side outer wall) is disposed radially outward (laterally in the width direction) of the fourth inner wall plate 24d at a predetermined distance and faces the fourth inner wall plate 24d in the width direction. A fourth steam flow path 21d (steam flow path) extending in the vertical direction is formed between the fourth inner wall plate 24d and the fourth outer wall plate 25d. A plurality of outer air vent holes 30 aligned in the front-rear direction are drilled (formed) in the lower part of the fourth outer wall plate 25d (outer peripheral wall) (the lower part of the fourth outer wall plate 25d facing the horizontal evaporator plate 18). The lower edge of the fourth outer wall plate 25d is detachably connected to the upper surface of the other side edge of the second horizontal plate 28 by predetermined fastening means (e.g., fastening bolts and nuts, rivets, etc.). The other side edge of the third outer wall plate 25c and one side edge of the fourth outer wall plate 25d are detachably connected by the predetermined fastening means.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 5, a cover plate 31 is disposed and fixed between the upper edge of the first inner wall plate 24a and the upper edge of the first outer wall plate 25a, between the upper edge of the second inner wall plate 24b and the upper edge of the second outer wall plate 25b, between the upper edge of the third inner wall plate 24c and the upper edge of the third outer wall plate 25c, and between the upper edge of the fourth inner wall plate 24d and the upper edge of the fourth outer wall plate 25d. The cover plate 31 is detachably connected to the upper edges of the first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d and the upper edges of the first to fourth outer wall plates 25a to 25d by the predetermined fixing means. The cover plate 31 is perforated (formed) with a plurality of circular water vapor vent holes 32 aligned in the front-rear and width directions.

[0041] The third storage space 13 is formed (made) of third to fifth horizontal plates 33 to 35 arranged in the vertical direction, first to fourth vertical rods 36a to 36d (first to fourth vertical supports) extending in the vertical direction, and first to fourth vertical plates 37a to 37d (first to fourth vertical covers). The first to fourth vertical rods 36a to 36d are stainless steel rods (square pipes) having a predetermined thickness. The first vertical rod 36a is located at the corner where the front edge of the second horizontal plate 28 intersects with the other side edge, and is detachably connected to the underside of the corner of the second horizontal plate 28 by the predetermined fixing means.

[0042] The second vertical rod 36b is disposed at a corner where the front edge and one side edge of the second horizontal plate 28 intersect, and is detachably connected by the predetermined fastening means to the underside of the corner of the second horizontal plate 28. The third vertical rod 36c is disposed at a corner where the rear edge and one side edge of the second horizontal plate 28 intersect, and is detachably connected by the predetermined fastening means to the underside of the corner of the second horizontal plate 28. The fourth vertical rod 36d is disposed at a corner where the rear edge and the other side edge of the second horizontal plate 28 intersect, and is detachably connected to the underside of the corner of the second horizontal plate 28 by the predetermined fastening means.

[0043] The third horizontal plate 33 is made of a stainless steel plate having a predetermined thickness. The third horizontal plate 33 is disposed below (directly below) the second horizontal plate 28 and is positioned a predetermined distance below the second horizontal plate 28. An air passage gap 38 (air passage space) extending in the front-rear and width directions is formed between the second horizontal plate 28 and the third horizontal plate 33, through which air flows. A circular air intake opening 39 is perforated (formed) in the center of the third horizontal plate 33. The third horizontal plate 33 has a rectangular planar shape (top surface shape) and has front and rear edge portions extending in the width direction and both side edge portions extending in the front-rear direction.

[0044] The third horizontal plate 33 has a corner where the front edge intersects with one side edge intersecting with the upper edge of the first vertical rod 36a (first vertical support) by the predetermined fastening means, a corner where the rear edge intersects with one side edge intersecting with the upper edge of the second vertical rod 36b (second vertical support) by the predetermined fastening means, a corner where the rear edge intersects with the other side edge intersecting with the upper edge of the third vertical rod 36c (third vertical support) by the predetermined fastening means, and a corner where the front edge intersects with the other side edge intersecting with the upper edge of the fourth vertical rod 36d (fourth vertical support) by the predetermined fastening means.

[0045] The fourth horizontal plate 34 is disposed below the third horizontal plate 33. The fourth horizontal plate 34 is made of a stainless steel plate having a predetermined thickness. A circular motor shaft insertion hole 40 is drilled (formed) in the center of the fourth horizontal plate 34. The fourth horizontal plate 34 has a rectangular planar shape (top surface shape) and has front and rear edge portions extending in the width direction and both side edge portions extending in the front-to-rear direction.

[0046] The fourth horizontal plate 34 is detachably connected by the predetermined fastening means to an intermediate portion of the first vertical rod 36a at a corner where the front edge intersects with one side edge, and to an intermediate portion of the second vertical rod 36b at a corner where the rear edge intersects with one side edge. The fourth horizontal plate 34 is detachably connected by the predetermined fastening means to an intermediate portion of the third vertical rod 36c at a corner where the rear edge intersects with the other side edge, and to an intermediate portion of the fourth vertical rod 36d at a corner where the front edge intersects with the other side edge.

[0047] The fifth horizontal plate 35 is disposed below the fourth horizontal plate 34. A stainless steel plate having a predetermined thickness is used for the fifth horizontal plate 35. The fifth horizontal plate 35 has a rectangular planar shape (top surface shape) and has front and rear edge portions extending in the width direction and both side edge portions extending in the front-to-rear direction.

[0048] The fifth horizontal plate 35 has an upper surface of a corner where the front edge intersects with one side edge detachably connected to the lower end detachably connected to the first vertical rod 36a by the predetermined fastening means, an upper surface of a corner where the rear edge intersects with one side edge detachably connected to the lower end detachably connected to the second vertical rod 36b by the predetermined fastening means, an upper surface of a corner where the rear edge intersects with the other side edge detachably connected to the lower end detachably connected to the third vertical rod 36c by the welding technique or the predetermined fastening means, and an upper surface of a corner where the front edge intersects with the other side edge detachably connected to the lower end detachably connected to the fourth vertical rod 36c by the predetermined fastening means.

[0049] The first vertical plate 37a is a stainless steel plate having a predetermined thickness. The first vertical plate 37a is rectangular and located below the first inner wall plate 24a (front inner wall) and disposed between the first vertical rod 36a and the second vertical rod 36b. The first vertical plate 37a is detachably connected to the first and second vertical rods 36a and 36b by the predetermined fastening means. The second vertical plate 37b is a stainless steel plate having a predetermined thickness. The second vertical plate 37b is rectangular and located below the second inner wall plate 24b (side inner wall) and disposed between the second vertical rod 36b and the third vertical rod 36c. The second vertical plate 37b is detachably connected to the second and third vertical rods 36b and 36c by the predetermined fastening means.

[0050] The third vertical plate 37c is a stainless steel plate having a predetermined thickness. The third vertical plate 37c is rectangular and located below the third inner wall plate 24c (rear inner wall) and disposed between the third vertical rod 36c and the fourth vertical rod 36d. The third vertical plate 37c is detachably connected to the third and fourth vertical rods 36c, 36d by the predetermined fastening means. The fourth vertical plate 37d is a stainless steel plate having a predetermined thickness. The fourth vertical plate 37d is rectangular and located below the fourth inner wall plate 24d (side inner wall) and disposed between the fourth vertical rod 36d and the first vertical rod 36a. The fourth vertical plate 37d is detachably connected to the first and fourth vertical rods 36a, 36d by the predetermined fastening means.

[0051] The third vertical plate 37c is shorter than the vertical dimensions of the first, second, and fourth vertical plates 37a, 37b, and 37d, and the upper end of the third vertical plate 37c abuts against the rear end edge of the third horizontal plate 34. An air flow opening 41 is formed above the third vertical plate 37c between the rear end edge of the second flat plate 33 and the rear end edge of the third flat plate 34 (between the third horizontal plate 33 and the third plate 34 on the third inner wall plate 24c side), through which air flowing out from an outlet port 55 (described later) of the sirocco fan 19 passes.

[0052] The automatic water supply device 15 has a water supply pipe 42, a water spray nozzle 43, and an on-off valve (solenoid valve) (not shown). The automatic water supply device 15 has a timer function and opens and closes the on-off valve at predetermined time intervals to automatically supply water at the predetermined time intervals. A power source is connected to the on-off valve. The water supply pipe 42 is located in the third steam flow path 21c between the third inner wall plate 24c and the third outer wall plate 25c and extends in the vertical direction. The water supply pipe 42 is exposed to the outside from the cover plate 31 extending between the upper edge of the third inner wall plate 24c and the upper edge of the third outer wall plate 25c and extends upward from the cover plate 31. After extending forward in the front-to-rear direction, the water supply pipe 42 extends downward in the center of the first storage space 11.

[0053] The water supply pipe 42 has a base end connected to the third outer wall plate 25c and passing through the third outer wall plate 25c, with a water supply connection port 44 exposed on the outer surface of the third outer wall plate 25c. A water supply pipe (not shown) is detachably connected to the water supply connection port 44. A sprinkler nozzle 43 is attached to the tip of the water supply pipe 42. The sprinkler nozzle 43 sprays water W radially so that water is sprayed over the entire first storage space 11. The sprinkler nozzle 43 sprays water W from above the first storage space 11 toward the sauna stones 14 stored in the first storage space 11. When the on-off valve is opened, the water W passes through the water supply pipe 42 and is sprayed from the sprinkler nozzle 43 onto the sauna stones 14.

[0054] 9 is a perspective view showing an example of first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c. The first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c (inclined evaporation plates) are arranged in the second storage space 12. Although the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c are shown as the inclined evaporation plates, there is no particular limitation on the number of inclined evaporation plates. Two first and second inclined evaporation plates may be arranged in the second storage space 12, or four or more first to nth inclined evaporation plates may be arranged in the second storage space 12.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 9, the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c are each formed of an iron plate 45 of a predetermined thickness made of iron with excellent thermal conductivity, a peripheral wall 46 extending upward in the vertical direction from the periphery of the iron plate 45, and a water outlet 49 (water drop port) perforated at one end 47 or the other end 48 of the iron plate 45. The iron plate 45 has a substantially rectangular planar shape and has a planar area (top surface area) substantially the same as the planar area (top surface area) of the second accommodation space 12. The peripheral wall 46 is made of iron like the iron plate 45, and is connected to the iron plate 45 by welding.

[0056] The thickness of the iron plate 45 forming the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c is in the range of 15 to 20 mm. If the thickness of the iron plate 45 is less than 15 mm, even if the iron plate 45 is preheated (preheated) by heating with the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c, it will take time for the temperature to rise to the predetermined level after being cooled by the water W that passes through the sauna stones 14 and falls through the ventilation holes 26 of the horizontal plate 11, and the next water W may not be able to be vaporized when it passes through the sauna stones 14 and falls through the ventilation holes 26 of the horizontal plate 11.

[0057] The first inclined evaporator plate 17a is located above (at the top of) the second storage space 12. The first inclined evaporator plate 17a has one end 47 and the other end 48 and side edges 50 extending between the one end 47 and the other end 48. The peripheral wall 46 (side edges 50) of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a is detachably connected to the second and fourth inner wall plates 24b and 24d that form the second storage space 12 by the predetermined fastening means. The first inclined evaporator plate 17a slopes downward at a predetermined angle from the one end 47 to the other end 48. A water outlet 49 (water drop port) is formed at the other end 48 of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a. The inclination angle of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a is not particularly limited, but is inclined at an angle that allows water W located on the upper surface of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a to slowly flow from the one end 47 to the other end 48 of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a due to its potential energy. In the first inclined evaporation plate 17a, water that falls onto one end 47 thereof flows slowly toward the other end 48 thereof.

[0058] The second inclined evaporation plate 17b is located approximately in the center of the second storage space 12 and is installed directly below the first inclined evaporation plate 17a, with the first infrared heater 16a (first heat source) sandwiched between them. The second inclined evaporation plate 17b has one end 47 and the other end 48 and side edges 50 extending between the one end 47 and the other end 48. Its peripheral wall 46 (side edges 50) is detachably connected to the second and fourth inner wall plates 24b and 24d that form the second storage space 12 by the predetermined fastening means. The second inclined evaporation plate 17b is inclined downward at a predetermined angle from the other end 48 toward the one end 47. The inclination direction of the second inclined evaporation plate 17b (the inclined evaporation plate located lower in the second storage space 12) is opposite to the inclination direction of the first inclined evaporation plate 17a (the inclined evaporation plate located upper in the second storage space 12). A water outlet 49 (water drop port) is formed at one end 47 of the second inclined evaporation plate 17b.

[0059] The other end 48 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b extends outward in the width direction from the other end 48 of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a and is located outward in the width direction from the other end 48 of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a. In other words, the other end 48 of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a is located inward in the width direction from the other end 48 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b. Water W flowing downward in the vertical direction from a water outlet 49 (water drop port) of the other end 48 of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a falls onto the upper surface of the other end 48 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b, and the water W flows from the other end 48 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b toward the one end 47. The inclination angle of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b is not particularly limited, but is inclined at an angle that allows the water W located on the upper surface of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b to slowly flow from the other end 48 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b toward the one end 47 due to its potential energy. In the second inclined evaporation plate 17b, the water W that has fallen onto the other end 48 flows slowly toward the one end 47.

[0060] The third inclined evaporation plate 17c is located below the second storage space 12 and is installed directly below the second inclined evaporation plate 17b, with the second infrared heater 16b (second heat source) sandwiched between them. The third inclined evaporation plate 17c has one end 47 and the other end 48 and side edges 50 extending between the one end 47 and the other end 48, and its peripheral wall 46 (side edges 50) is detachably connected to the second and fourth inner wall plates 24b and 24d that form the second storage space 12 by the predetermined fastening means. The third inclined evaporation plate 17c is inclined downward at a predetermined angle from the one end 47 to the other end 48. The inclination direction of the third inclined evaporation plate 17c (the inclined evaporation plate located lower in the second storage space 12) is opposite to the inclination direction of the second inclined evaporation plate 17b (the inclined evaporation plate located upper in the second storage space 12). A water outlet 49 (water drop port) is formed at the other end 48 of the third inclined evaporation plate 17c.

[0061] One end 47 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c extends outward in the width direction from one end 47 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b and is located outward in the width direction from one end 47 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b. In other words, one end 47 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b is located inward in the width direction from one end 47 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c. Water W flows downward in the vertical direction from a water outlet 49 (water drop port) of one end 47 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b and falls onto the upper surface of one end 47 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c, and the water W flows from one end 47 to the other end 48 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c. The inclination angle of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c is not particularly limited, but is inclined at an angle that allows the water W located on the upper surface of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c to slowly flow from one end 47 to the other end 48 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c due to its potential energy. In the third inclined evaporation plate 17c, the water W that falls onto one end 47 thereof flows slowly toward the other end 48 thereof.

[0062] The first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (first to third heat sources) are arranged in the second accommodating space 12. Although the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c are illustrated as heat sources, there is no particular limitation on the number of infrared heaters. Two first and second infrared heaters may be arranged in the second accommodating space 12, or four or more first to nth infrared heaters may be arranged in the second accommodating space 12.

[0063] The first infrared heater 16a (first heat source) is located above the second storage space 12 and is installed between the first inclined evaporation plate 17a and the second inclined evaporation plate 17b. The lower surface of the first inclined evaporation plate 17a is located directly above the first infrared heater 16a, and the upper surface of the second inclined evaporation plate 17b is located directly below the first infrared heater 16a. The first infrared heater 16a is located widthwise inward of one end 47 and the other end 48 of the first and second inclined evaporation plates 17a, 17b. The first infrared heater 16a is U-shaped, and both ends thereof are removably connected by predetermined fixing means to the first inner wall plate 24a, which extends downward from the front edge of the first horizontal plate 11.

[0064] The second infrared heater 16b (second heat source) is located approximately in the center of the second storage space 12, and is installed between the second inclined evaporation plate 17b and the third inclined evaporation plate 17c. The lower surface of the second inclined evaporation plate 17b is located directly above the second infrared heater 16b, and the upper surface of the third inclined evaporation plate 17c is located directly below the second infrared heater 16b. The second infrared heater 16b is located widthwise inward of one end 47 and the other end 48 of the second and third inclined evaporation plates 17b, 17c. The second infrared heater 16b is U-shaped, and both ends thereof are removably connected by predetermined fixing means to the first inner wall plate 24a, which extends downward from the front edge of the first horizontal plate 11.

[0065] The third infrared heater 16c (third heat source) is located below the second storage space 12, and is installed between the third inclined evaporation plate 17c and the horizontal evaporation plate 18. The lower surface of the third inclined evaporation plate 17c is located directly above the third infrared heater 16c, and the upper surface of the horizontal evaporation plate 18 is located directly below the third infrared heater 16c. The third infrared heater 16c is located widthwise inward of one end 47 and the other end 48 of the third inclined evaporation plate 17c. The third infrared heater 16c is formed in a U-shape, and both ends thereof are removably connected by predetermined fixing means to the first inner wall plate 24a, which extends downward from the front edge of the first horizontal plate 11.

[0066] A power source is connected to the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (first to third heat sources). The surface temperatures of the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c reach 500°C or higher during operation. The first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c heat the sauna stones 14, the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c, and the horizontal evaporation plate 18 to high temperatures.

[0067] The horizontal evaporator plate 18 is located below (at the bottom of) the second storage space 12. The horizontal evaporator plate 18 is installed directly below the third infrared heater 16c (third heat source). The horizontal evaporator plate 18 is placed on a base 51, which is connected to the second horizontal plate 12 by predetermined fastening means (fixing bolts and nuts, rivets, etc.), thereby connecting and fixing the plate to the second horizontal plate 28. The horizontal evaporator plate 18 is an iron plate of a predetermined thickness made of iron with excellent thermal conductivity and is shaped like a rectangular pillar. The horizontal evaporator plate 18 has a predetermined thickness in the vertical direction and a planar area (top surface area) substantially equal to the planar area (top surface area) of the second storage space 12. Water W flows downward in the vertical direction from a water outlet 49 (water drop port) at the other end 48 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c and drops onto the top surface of the horizontal evaporator plate 18.

[0068] The first to third inclined evaporator plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporator plate 18 are heated by the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (first to third heat sources) and store heat (preheating). The first inclined evaporator plate 17a, which has stored heat, evaporates (vaporizes) the water W that passes through the sauna stones 14 in the first storage space 11 and drops from the air vents 26 of the first horizontal plate 23, generating steam. The second inclined evaporator plate 17b, which has stored heat, evaporates (vaporizes) the water W that flows through the first inclined evaporator plate 17a and drops from a water outlet 49 (water drop port) at the other end 48 of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a, generating steam. The third inclined evaporator plate 17c, which has stored heat, evaporates (vaporizes) the water W that flows through the second inclined evaporator plate 17b and drops from a water outlet 49 (water drop port) at one end 47 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b, generating steam. The heat-storing horizontal evaporator plate 18 evaporates (vaporizes) the water W that flows through the third inclined evaporator plate 17c and flows down from the water outlet 49 (water drop port) at the other end 48 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c, generating water vapor.

[0069] The sirocco fan 19 (blower fan) and the cooling fan 20 are installed in the third housing space 13. The sirocco fan 19 includes a motor 52, an impeller 53, an intake port 54, and an exhaust port 55. The sirocco fan 19 is housed in the third housing space 13 with the impeller 53 facing up and the intake port 54 facing upward, and is disposed below the horizontal evaporation plate 18 (third horizontal plate 33). The motor shaft of the sirocco fan 19 is inserted into the motor shaft insertion hole 40 of the fourth horizontal plate 34. Rotation of the motor shaft rotates the impeller 53 of the sirocco fan 19, and air is drawn in through the intake port 54 and then flows out through the exhaust port 55. A power source is connected to the motor 52 of the sirocco fan 19.

[0070] The cooling fan 20 is fixed to the third vertical plate 37c by the predetermined fixing means. The cooling fan 20 supplies air outside the steam generator 10 to the third accommodation space 13 to cool the sirocco fan 19. The air supplied to the third accommodation space 13 by the cooling fan 20 is exhausted to the outside of the steam generator 10 through an exhaust port 56 formed in the third vertical plate 37c. A power source is connected to the cooling fan 20.

[0071] The air flow path 22 is formed immediately behind the third outer wall plate 25c (rear outer wall) (to the side of the first and second storage spaces 11, 12). The air flow path 22 is formed (made) by a first inclined plate 57 that slopes upward from the rear end edge of the third horizontal plate 33 toward the outside in the radial direction, a second inclined plate 58 that slopes upward from the rear end edge of the fourth horizontal plate 34 toward the outside in the radial direction, and a fifth vertical plate 59 that is located radially outside the third outer wall plate 25c and extends in the vertical direction.

[0072] The upper edge of the first inclined plate 57 is detachably connected to the lower edge of the third outer wall plate 25c by predetermined fastening means (fixing bolts and nuts, rivets, etc.), and the upper edge of the second inclined plate 58 is detachably connected to the lower edge of the fifth vertical plate 59 by the predetermined fastening means. The lower edge of the first inclined plate 57 is detachably connected to the rear edge of the third horizontal plate 33 by the predetermined fastening means, and the lower edge of the second inclined plate 58 is detachably connected to the rear edge of the fourth horizontal plate 34 by the predetermined fastening means.

[0073] Both side edge portions of the fifth vertical plate 59 are detachably connected to both side edge portions of the third outer wall plate 25c by predetermined fixing means (fixing bolts and nuts, rivets, etc.). The first and second inclined plates 57, 58 are connected to the air flow opening 41, and an air flow path 22 inclined upward is formed between the first inclined plate 57 and the second inclined plate 58, and an air flow path 22 extending in the vertical direction is formed between the third outer wall plate 25c and the fifth vertical plate 59.

[0074] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the flow of hot air in the steam generator 10, and Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the flow of water vapor in the steam generator 10. When a switch (not shown) of the steam generator 10 is turned on and the steam generator 10 starts up, electricity is supplied from a power source to the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (first to third heat sources) and the cooling fan 20. The first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c are activated, and the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c radiate heat upward and downward in the second storage space 12, heating the sauna stones 14 housed in the first storage space 11 and the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c and horizontal evaporation plate 18 housed in the second storage space 12.

[0075] After a certain time has passed, electricity is supplied from the power supply to the solenoid valve and to the sirocco fan 19 (blower fan). Note that the valve mechanism of the solenoid valve closes and water W is not sprayed from the spray nozzles 43 of the automatic water supply device 15 until the sauna stones 14, the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c, and the horizontal evaporation plate 18 are heated to a predetermined temperature.

[0076] The first to third inclined evaporator plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporator plate 18 are heated by heat radiation from the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c, and as a result, these plates gradually store heat (preheat), and after a predetermined time, the temperatures of these plates reach a high temperature (e.g., about 450 to 500°C). The sauna stones 14 are heated by heat radiation from the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c and by convection and infrared radiation (heat storage) from the first to third inclined evaporator plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporator plate 18, and after a predetermined time, the temperatures of these sauna stones 14 reach a high temperature (e.g., about 450 to 500°C).

[0077] When the motor 52 of the sirocco fan 19 is operated and the impeller 53 rotates, air flows through the airflow gap 38 (airflow space) formed between the second horizontal plate 28 and the third horizontal plate 33 toward the circular air intake opening 39 formed in the center of the third horizontal plate 33, as shown by the arrows in Figure 10. The air then flows through the air intake opening 39 into the suction port 54 of the impeller 53 of the sirocco fan 19 and out through the air outlet 55. The air that flows out through the air outlet 55 passes through the airflow opening 41 formed between the rear edge of the third horizontal plate 33 and the rear edge of the fourth horizontal plate 34 and into the air flow path 22. After flowing upward through the air flow path 22, the air is released from the air flow path 22 above the sauna room, creating an updraft in the sauna room. When the cooling fan 20 is operated, air outside the steam generator 10 is supplied to the third accommodation space 13, where it cools the sirocco fan 19. The outside air supplied to the third accommodation space 13 is exhausted to the outside of the steam generating device 10 through the exhaust port 56 .

[0078] When the sauna stones 14 are heated to a high temperature, an ascending air current is generated in the first storage space 11, and the air flows from the outer air vents 30 drilled (formed) in the first to fourth outer wall plates 25a to 25d into the first to fourth steam flow paths 21a to 21d (steam flow paths) between the first to fourth outer wall plates 25a to 25d (outer wall) and the first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d (inner wall), and then flows into the lower part of the first storage space 11 through the inner air vents 29 drilled (formed) in the first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d.

[0079] The air that flows into the lower part of the second storage space 12 is heated by the horizontal evaporator plate 18 and the first to third inclined evaporator plates 17a-17c. The air then flows upward from the bottom to the top of the second storage space 12, passing through the first to third infrared heaters 16a-16c and being heated by them. The air then passes through the vents 26 in the first horizontal plate 23 and through the gaps between the sauna stones 14, where it is heated and becomes hot air. The hot air is released into the sauna room from the top opening of the first storage space 11. It then rides on the rising air current of the air released above the sauna room from the air flow path 22 by the sirocco fan 19, flows upward into the sauna room, and is released (dissipated) evenly throughout the sauna room. The sauna room is heated by the hot air released from the top opening of the first storage space 11.

[0080] When the automatic water supply device 15 is not spraying water W onto the sauna stones 14, the steam generator 10 is configured to supply water from the outer vent 30 and the inner vent 29. 2 The air entering the storage space 12 is heated by the heat dissipation of the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c, the convection and infrared heat dissipation (heat storage) of the sauna stones 14, and the convection and infrared heat dissipation (heat storage) of the first to third inclined evaporator plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporator plate 18, becoming hot air (hot wind). This hot air rises and is released upward from the top opening of the first storage space 11. The hot air is then carried by the ascending air currents created by the sirocco fan 19 (blower fan), allowing it to be quickly dispersed throughout the sauna room. The steam generator 10 quickly dissipates (fills) the hot air throughout the sauna room, heating it to a predetermined temperature. The hot air has a stirring effect that reduces the temperature difference within the sauna room, and the hot air maintains the temperature of the sauna room at a predetermined high temperature.

[0081] When the sauna stones 14 are heated to a high temperature and the timer function of the automatic water supply device 15 is activated and a predetermined time has elapsed, the on-off valve of the automatic water supply device 15 opens, and water is sprayed from the sprinkler nozzles 43 toward the top opening of the first storage space 11, and water W is sprayed (poured) onto the sauna stones 14. The water W sprayed onto the sauna stones 14 is instantly vaporized by the hot sauna stones 14, becoming water vapor (steam). The water vapor generated by the sauna stones 14 is released into the sauna room from the top opening of the first storage space 11 and is carried by the rising air currents released upward from the air flow path 22 by the sirocco fan 19 (blower fan), spreading throughout the sauna room and filling it. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of water spraying, the on-off valve closes and the sprinkler nozzles 43 stop spraying water.

[0082] If water W that does not evaporate is generated by the sauna stones 14 while water W is being sprayed from the spray nozzles 43, the water W passes through the gaps between the sauna stones 14 and the vent holes 26 of the first horizontal plate 23, and falls onto the upper surface of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a. The water W that falls onto the upper surface of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a evaporates into steam (vapor) as it flows from one end 47 of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a, which is heated to a high temperature, to the other end 48. If water W that does not evaporate is generated on the first inclined evaporator plate 17a, the water W falls from the water outlet 49 (water drop port) at the other end 48 of the first inclined evaporator plate 17a onto the upper surface of the other end 48 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b. The water W that falls onto the upper surface of the other end 48 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b evaporates into steam (vapor) as it flows from the other end 48 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b, which is heated to a high temperature, to the one end 47.

[0083] If water W that does not vaporize is generated on the second inclined evaporator plate 17b, the water W falls from a water outlet 49 (water drop port) on one end 47 of the second inclined evaporator plate 17b onto the upper surface of one end 47 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c. The water W that fell on the upper surface of one end 47 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c vaporizes and becomes water vapor (steam) as it flows from one end 47 to the other end 48 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c, which is heated to a high temperature. If water W that does not vaporize is generated on the third inclined evaporator plate 17c, the water W falls from a water outlet 49 (water drop port) on the other end 48 of the third inclined evaporator plate 17c onto the upper surface of the horizontal evaporator plate 18. The water W that fell on the upper surface of the horizontal evaporator plate 18 is vaporized by the horizontal evaporator plate 18, which is heated to a high temperature, and becomes water vapor (steam).

[0084] The water vapor generated by the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporation plate 18 passes through the inner air vent 29 and flows into the first to fourth water vapor flow paths 21a to 21d (water vapor flow paths) formed between the first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d (inner walls) and the first to fourth outer wall plates 25a to 25d (outer walls), flows from below to above the first to fourth water vapor flow paths 21a to 21d, and is released toward the sauna room through the water vapor vent 32 perforated (formed) in the cover plate 31, and is diffused throughout the sauna room by riding on the rising air currents created by the sirocco fan 19 (blower fan).

[0085] The steam generating device 10 sprays (pours) water W from the spray nozzles 43 of the automatic water supply device 15 onto the sauna stones 14 that have been heated to high temperatures by the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (first to third heat sources), causing the water W to evaporate on the sauna stones 14, generating water vapor (steam).The generated water vapor then diffuses upward from the first storage space 11 (storage space) on the rising air current released upward from the air flow path 22 by the sirocco fan 19 (blowing fan).This strengthens the diffusion power of the generated water vapor and increases the feeling of loyly.By utilizing the rising air current created by the sirocco fan 19 (blowing fan), the water vapor can be diffused above the first storage space 11 (storage space) that contains the sauna stones 14 (throughout the sauna room).

[0086] The steam generator 10 can diffuse the generated water vapor (steam) from the first storage space 11 (storage space) to above the sauna room (the entire sauna room), so the water vapor quickly diffuses throughout the sauna room and can quickly fill the entire sauna room with water vapor, allowing the sauna room to be heated to a predetermined temperature and providing an effective loyly sensation throughout the sauna room.In the steam generator 10, the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c are iron plates 45 having a thickness of 15 to 20 mm and have substantially the same planar area as the first storage space 11 (storage space), so the inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c (iron plates 45) have high thermal conductivity, allowing the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (heat sources) to quickly heat the inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c (iron plates 45) to a high temperature.

[0087] In the steam generating device 10, the sauna stones 14 are heated by heat radiation from the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (heat sources) and heat storage (preheating) of the first to third inclined evaporative plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporative plate 18. Therefore, the sauna stones 14, whose temperature has dropped when they are covered with water W, can be quickly returned to a high temperature by heat radiation from the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (first to third heat sources) and convection heat radiation and infrared heat radiation (heat storage) of the first to third inclined evaporative plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporative plate 18. Steam (vapor) can be generated in a short cycle by the sauna stones 14, which have been heated to a high temperature by heat radiation from the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (heat sources) and convection heat radiation and infrared heat radiation (heat storage) of the first to third inclined evaporative plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporative plate 18.

[0088] In the steam generating device 10, water W that falls into the second storage space 12 through the ventilation holes 26 of the first horizontal plate 23 without being vaporized by the sauna stones 14 turns into steam as it flows through the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c and diffuses upward from the first storage space 11.Therefore, even if some of the sprayed water W passes through the sauna stones 14 without being vaporized by the sauna stones 14 and falls through the ventilation holes 26 of the first horizontal plate 23, the water W can be instantly vaporized by the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c, and all of the water W that has passed through the sauna stones 14 can be converted into steam and diffused.

[0089] In the steam generating device 10, water W that flows down from the other end 48 of the first inclined evaporative plate 17a without becoming steam reliably falls onto the other end 48 of the second inclined evaporative plate 17b, and water W that flows down from one end 47 of the second inclined evaporative plate 17b without becoming steam reliably falls onto one end 47 of the third inclined evaporative plate 17c. Therefore, water W that does not vaporize on the first inclined evaporative plate 17a does not spill down from the second inclined evaporative plate 17b, and water W that does not vaporize on the second inclined evaporative plate 17b does not spill down from the third inclined evaporative plate 17c, and all of the water W can be reliably evaporated on the first to third inclined evaporative plates 17a to 17c.

[0090] In the steam generating device 10, the water W that passes through the sauna stones 14 and falls through the air vents 26 of the first horizontal plate 23 is all converted into steam by the first to third inclined evaporation plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporation plate 18, and the temperature of the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c (first to third heat sources) is not lowered by the water W that has passed through the sauna stones 14, so the sauna stones 14, whose temperature has been lowered by the sprayed water W, can be quickly heated to a high temperature by the first to third infrared heaters 16a to 16c.

[0091] In the steam generating device 10, the water vapor generated in the first to third inclined evaporator plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporator plate 18 passes through the first to fourth water vapor flow paths 21a to 21d (water vapor flow paths) between the first to fourth inner wall plates 24a to 24d (inner peripheral walls) and the first to fourth outer wall plates 25a to 25d (outer peripheral walls) and is released upward from these water vapor flow paths 21a to 21d.Therefore, the water vapor generated in the first to third inclined evaporator plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporator plate 18 can be diffused from these water vapor flow paths 21a to 21d to the top of the sauna room (the entire sauna room), and the water vapor generated in the inclined evaporator plates 17a to 17c and the horizontal evaporator plate 18 can be quickly filled throughout the entire sauna room. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10 Steam Generator 11 First Storage Space (Storage Space) 12 Second Storage Space (Storage Space) 13 Third Storage Space (Storage Space) 14 sauna stones 15 Automatic water supply device (water supply device) 16a-16c 1st to 3rd infrared heaters (heat source) 17a-17c 1st to 3rd inclined evaporation plates 18 horizontal evaporation plate 19 Sirocco fan (blower fan) 20 Cooling fan 21a~21d 1st~4th steam flow path (steam flow path) 22 Air flow path 23 First horizontal plate (horizontal plate) 24a to 24d 1st to 4th inner wall plates (inner peripheral wall) 25a-25d 1st to 4th outer wall plates (peripheral wall) 26 Ventilation holes 27a~27c 1st~4th flanges 28 Second horizontal plate (bottom wall) 29 Inner ventilation hole 30 outer vents 31 Lid Plate 32 Water vapor vent 33 Third horizontal plate 34 Fourth horizontal plate 35 5th horizontal plate 36a~36d 1st~4th vertical rods 37a~37d 1st~4th vertical plates 38 Airflow gap (airflow space) 39 Intake opening 40 Motor shaft insertion hole 41 Air vent opening 42 Water supply piping 43 Watering nozzle 44 Water connection port 45 Iron Plate 46 Peripheral wall 47 One end 48 Other end 49 Water outlet 50 Both edges 51 Pedestal 52 Motor 53 Impeller 54 Intake port 55 Discharge port 56 Exhaust port 57 First Inclined Plate 58 Second tilt plate 59 5th vertical plate W water

Claims

1. In a steam generator, water is poured onto sauna stones heated to a high temperature to generate steam. The steam generating device has: a first storage space of a predetermined volume formed by a horizontal plate having a plurality of air vents and an inner peripheral wall extending vertically upward from the periphery of the horizontal plate, and configured to store a plurality of sauna stones; a second storage space of a predetermined volume formed by a horizontal evaporator plate located below the first storage space and the inner peripheral wall extending vertically upward from the periphery of the horizontal evaporator plate; at least two inclined evaporator plates arranged in the second storage space from top to bottom of the second storage space; a heat source arranged in the second storage space to heat the sauna stones, the horizontal evaporator plate, and the inclined evaporator plate; air flow paths formed on the sides of the first and second storage spaces through which air flows; and a blower fan installed below the horizontal evaporator plate to generate an air current from bottom to top along the air flow path, wherein the inclination direction of the inclined evaporator plate located below is opposite to the inclination direction of the inclined evaporator plate located above. In the steam generating device, water is poured onto the sauna stones heated to a high temperature by the heat source to generate steam, and the steam generated by the sauna stones is carried by the air current released upward from the air flow path by the blower fan and diffuses upward from the first storage space, and water that falls into the second storage space through the air vents in the horizontal plate becomes steam as it flows through the inclined evaporation plates and diffuses upward from the first storage space.

2. 2. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other end of the upper inclined evaporating plate is located widthwise inside of the other end of the lower inclined evaporating plate, and one end of the upper inclined evaporating plate is located widthwise inside of the one end of the lower inclined evaporating plate, and water flowing down in the vertical direction from the other end of the upper inclined evaporating plate falls onto the other end of the lower inclined evaporating plate, and water flowing down in the vertical direction from the one end of the upper inclined evaporating plate falls onto the one end of the lower inclined evaporating plate.

3. The inclined evaporator plate is formed of a first inclined evaporator plate located at the top of the second storage space and inclined downward at a predetermined angle from one end to the other end, a second inclined evaporator plate located directly below the first inclined evaporator plate and inclined downward at a predetermined angle from the other end to the one end, and a third inclined evaporator plate located directly below the second inclined evaporator plate and inclined downward at a predetermined angle from one end to the other end, and the heat source is formed of a first heat source located between the first inclined evaporator plate and the second inclined evaporator plate, and a heat source between the second inclined evaporator plate and the third inclined evaporator plate. and a third heat source located between the third inclined evaporator plate and the horizontal evaporator plate, wherein the other end of the first inclined evaporator plate is located widthwise inside the other end of the second inclined evaporator plate, one end of the second inclined evaporator plate is located widthwise inside the one end of the third inclined evaporator plate, water flowing down in the vertical direction from the other end of the first inclined evaporator plate falls onto the other end of the second inclined evaporator plate, and water flowing down in the vertical direction from the one end of the second inclined evaporator plate falls onto the one end of the third inclined evaporator plate.

4. 4. The steam generating device according to claim 3, further comprising a water supply device provided with a sprinkler nozzle for sprinkling water from above the first storage space onto the sauna stones stored in the first storage space.

5. The steam generating device according to claim 4, wherein the steam generating device includes an outer peripheral wall located radially outside the inner peripheral wall and extending in the vertical direction, and a steam flow path formed between the inner peripheral wall and the outer peripheral wall, extending in the vertical direction, through which steam generated in the horizontal evaporator plate and the first to third inclined evaporator plates flows, and the steam generating device includes a steam flow path through which steam generated in the horizontal evaporator plate and the first to third inclined evaporator plates flows and is released upward from the steam flow path.

6. The steam generating device includes a plurality of outer air vents perforated in the outer peripheral wall facing the horizontal evaporator plate and a plurality of inner air vents perforated in the inner peripheral wall facing the horizontal evaporator plate, and in the steam generating device, air flowing in from the outer air vents enters the second storage space through the inner air vents and becomes hot air through heat radiation from the heat source and convective heat radiation and infrared heat radiation from the sauna stones, and the hot air is released upward from the first storage space.

7. The steam generating device is described in claim 6, wherein the first to third inclined evaporating plates and the horizontal evaporating plate are heated to high temperatures by the first to third heat sources, and the sauna stones, whose temperature has been reduced by being covered with water, are heated by heat radiation from the first to third heat sources and by convective and infrared heat radiation from the first to third inclined evaporating plates and the horizontal evaporating plate.

8. The steam generating device described in claim 7, wherein the first to third inclined evaporating plates and the horizontal evaporating plate include iron plates having a thickness dimension of 15 to 20 mm, the horizontal evaporating plate has a planar area approximately the same as the planar area of ​​the second storage space, and the first to third heat sources are infrared heaters.

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