Steam generating device and steam generating method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a steam generating device and a steam generating method. The steam generating device is provided with: a main switch that is connected to an external power source and turned on and off by a user; a steam generating unit that receives water via a water supply hose and passes the water through, and that heats the water by receiving power from the power source, thereby generating steam; a sensor module that senses the temperature and pressure of the steam discharged from the steam generating unit; a controller that receives the sensing information from the sensor module and regulates both the heating temperature of the steam generating unit and the amount of water supplied to the steam generating unit; and a steam supply unit for ejecting steam that is discharged from the steam generating unit via a steam hose. The steam generating device according to the present invention having the above configuration heats the water passing through the plate-shaped steam generating unit, and thus can generate steam at a very high speed compared to a low-temperature type steam generating device and consume less power due to having excellent steam generation efficiency, given the same amount of power. In addition, the steam generating device can be easily installed in a small space due to having a compact structure and small size, thus providing convenience of use, and has no risk of exploding.

Description

Steam generating device and steam generating method

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric steam generator and a steam generation method using the steam generator, and more particularly, to a steam generator and a steam generation method which generate steam through an instantaneous heating method that heats water in flow, thereby shortening the time required to heat water, eliminating the need for standby power, thus consuming less power, and having a compact size.

[0002] Among the various car washing equipment found at car washes is the steam cleaner. A steam cleaner heats water to create high-pressure, high-temperature steam, which is then sprayed onto targeted areas of the vehicle to remove contaminants. Steam cleaners typically use small amounts of water, less than one liter per minute, resulting in minimal wastewater generation.

[0003] These steam cleaners come in fuel-powered and electric versions. Electric steam cleaners are basically equipped with a water tank with a built-in electric heater, which heats the water and generates steam.

[0004] In this regard, Domestic Utility Model Publication No. 20-0345045 (Steam Generator) has been disclosed. The disclosed steam generator has the configuration illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0005] The conventional steam generator (10) shown in the figure has a wet steam tank (13) that receives water supplied from the outside and heats it using a heater (14), a detection tank (11) that detects the water level and temperature inside the wet steam tank (using a water level sensor (11a) and a temperature sensor (11b)), a dry steam tank (15) that is located above the wet steam tank and heats wet steam at high temperature and high pressure, and a spray gun (17) that sprays steam inside the dry steam tank.

[0006] However, the conventional steam generator mentioned above is a so-called "storage type" steam generator that generates steam by boiling water stored in a wet steam tank (13), and thus has the disadvantage of taking a long time to generate usable steam. This means that one has to stand next to the object to be washed and wait for the steam to come out, which is inconvenient.

[0007] Furthermore, because the internal pressure of a wet steam tank can rise significantly during use, various safety devices must be implemented to prevent explosion. (Nevertheless, steam generator explosion accidents still occur frequently.) Because of the need for additional safety devices and the bulkiness of the heating tank itself, conventional steam generators have the disadvantage of being large, complex, and requiring high maintenance costs.

[0008] The present invention was created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a steam generating device and a steam generating method that have a compact structure, have no risk of explosion, and can stably and continuously generate high-temperature and high-pressure steam in a very short period of time.

[0009] As a solution to the problem for achieving the above object, the steam generating device of the present invention includes a main switch that is connected to an external power source and turned on and off by a user; a steam generating unit that receives water through a water supply hose and passes it, heats the water by receiving power from the power source, and generates steam; a sensor module that detects the temperature and pressure of steam discharged from the steam generating unit; a controller that receives detection information from the sensor module and adjusts the heating temperature of the steam generating unit and the amount of water supplied to the steam generating unit; and a steam providing unit that ejects steam discharged from the steam generating unit through a steam hose.

[0010] In addition, the steam generating unit has a lower plate having an inlet and an outlet, a middle plate that is laminated on the upper part of the lower plate and has a path formed therein for receiving water introduced through the inlet and guiding it toward the outlet, an upper plate that covers the middle plate and seals the path, and a heater that receives power from a power source in a state of close contact with the upper plate, generates heat by heating water passing through the path, and generates steam.

[0011] In addition, between the main switch and the heater, a current control unit that is controlled by a controller and controls the current directed to the heater, and an electronic connector that is located between the current control unit and the heater and is turned on or off through an on / off operation are installed.

[0012] Additionally, a first operating switch is further included, which is manually operated by the user and turns on or off the electronic connector.

[0013] In addition, the controller can automatically disconnect the electronic connector before the user disconnects the electronic connector through the first operation switch when the steam generating unit overheats.

[0014] Additionally, a water pump that pumps water and supplies it to the steam generating unit is connected to the above water supply hose.

[0015] In addition, a second operating switch is further provided that is manually operated by the user to operate or stop the water pump.

[0016] In addition, the controller can control the water pump to adjust the amount of water supplied after the water pump is started to operate by the second operation switch, and can automatically stop the water pump when water supply is not necessary.

[0017] In addition, a water tank is further provided that is connected to the steam generation unit through the water supply hose and receives water to be supplied to the steam generation unit, and a flow sensor is installed in the water supply hose that detects the flow rate of water delivered from the water tank to the steam generation unit and transmits the detection information to the controller, thereby causing the controller to apply a current corresponding to the change in flow rate to the heater.

[0018] In addition, a humidity control switch is further included to control the humidity of the steam discharged through the steam supply unit, which controls the pumping amount of the water pump through the controller.

[0019] In addition, the steam generation method of the present invention is a method of generating steam using a steam generation device including a main switch that is connected to an external power source and turned on and off by a user, a steam generation unit that receives and passes water through a water supply hose and generates steam by receiving power from the power source by heating the water, a sensor module that detects the temperature and pressure of steam discharged from the steam generation unit, a controller that receives detection information from the sensor module and controls the heating temperature of the steam generation unit and the amount of water supplied to the steam generation unit, and a steam providing unit that ejects steam generated in the steam generation unit, the method including: a device starting step of turning on the main switch to make the steam generation device operable; a steam generating step of supplying water to the steam generation unit and applying power to generate steam; and a steam providing step of ejecting steam generated in the steam generation unit toward a steam use point through the steam providing unit.

[0020] And, as a process that is carried out when the pressure and temperature of the steam generation unit are higher than the set value, a normal recovery step is further included in which the power supplied to the steam generation unit is temporarily cut off while the water supply state to the steam generation unit is maintained, so that the steam generation unit is cooled by the water passing through the steam generation unit; and a steam generation resumption step is further included in which the power is reapplied to the steam generation unit when the pressure and temperature are within the set range to resume steam generation.

[0021] In addition, as a process performed after the completion of the above steam provision step, a use-ending step is further included in which the current applied to the steam generation unit is cut off while maintaining the water supply state to the steam generation unit, so that the steam generation unit is cooled by the water passing through the steam generation unit.

[0022] In addition, the steam generation method of the present invention has the characteristics of generating steam by using a main switch that is connected to an external power source and turned on and off by a user; a steam generation unit that receives water through a water supply hose and passes it, receives power from the power source, heats the water, and generates steam; a sensor module that detects the temperature and pressure of steam discharged from the steam generation unit; a controller that receives detection information from the sensor module and adjusts the heating temperature of the steam generation unit and the amount of water supplied to the steam generation unit; and a steam supply unit that ejects steam discharged from the steam generation unit through a steam hose.

[0023] The steam generating device of the present invention, which is constructed as described above, heats water passing through a plate-shaped steam generating unit, so that it can generate steam at a much faster rate than a storage type, and has a high steam generation efficiency for the same power consumption, so that it uses less power.

[0024] In addition, it is compact and miniaturized, so it can be easily installed in narrow spaces, making it convenient to use and there is no risk of explosion.

[0025] Figure 1 is a drawing for explaining the problems of a conventional steam generator.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a steam generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a steam generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figures 4 and 5 are drawings for explaining the configuration of a steam generation unit applied in the steam generation device of Figure 2.

[0029] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are drawings for explaining the operation method of a steam generator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a steam generation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Hereinafter, one embodiment according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a steam generator (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] As shown, the steam generator (20) according to the present embodiment takes the shape of a box and has wheels at the bottom. Since the structure of the steam generator (20) is compact, it can be used in a mobile manner by applying wheels.

[0034] In addition, a wireless signal receiving unit (35), an interface unit (32), an emergency notification unit (34), a first operation switch (36a), a second operation switch (36b), a humidity control switch (37), and a main switch (23) are arranged on the upper front side of the casing (31) of the steam generator (20), and a steam outlet (38) is installed at the bottom.

[0035] The wireless signal receiving unit (35) is a wireless receiving module that receives an operating signal from the remote switch (71) described below. In addition, the interface unit (32) displays various statuses related to the operation of the steam generator (20) in real time, or is a unit where the user inputs operating conditions. For example, the temperature and pressure of the steam generator (50) (as desired by the user) can be input through the interface unit (32).

[0036] The emergency alarm unit (34) operates to notify the user when an abnormal situation occurs during the operation of the steam generator (20). For example, it operates when the temperature or pressure of the steam generator (50) exceeds the allowable range. The emergency alarm unit (34) may be an LED lamp or an audio output unit. The user receives the warning signal from the emergency alarm unit (34) and takes appropriate action (such as stopping the steam generator).

[0037] The main switch (23) is connected to an external power source (21 in Fig. 3) and is a switch that is turned on and off by the user. When the main switch (23) is turned off, power itself is not supplied to the steam generator (20). The power source may be a 380V or 220V commercial power source. When the power cord (not shown) plug of the steam generator (20) is plugged into an outlet and the main switch (23) is turned on, power is supplied to the steam generator (20).

[0038] The first operating switch (36a) is manually operated by the user and turns on or off the electronic connector (61) described below. The electronic connector (61) supplies or cuts off power supplied to the steam generating unit (50). Pressing the first operating switch (36a) once supplies power to the steam generating unit, and pressing it once more cuts off the power supply. The first operating switch (36a) can be operated at any time by the user.

[0039] The disconnection of the electronic connector (61) can also be accomplished by the controller (41) described below. That is, when the steam generating unit overheats, the controller (41) can intervene and automatically disconnect the electronic connector (61) before the user disconnects the electronic connector via the first operating switch (36a). When the steam generating unit is overheated and the user is unaware of the overheating, the controller (41) can stop the steam generating unit to prevent accidents such as explosions in advance.

[0040] The second operating switch (36b) is also a switch manually operated by the user. The second operating switch (36b) is a switch that operates or stops the water pump (45d in FIG. 3) described later. When the second operating switch (36b) is pressed once, the water pump (45d) pumps water, and when pressed once more, the water pump does not operate, preventing water supply.

[0041] The water pump (45d) is controlled by the controller (41) and can also be stopped by the controller. The controller (41) controls the operation of the water pump (45d) that is operating (by the second operation switch) and can stop the water pump (45d) when no more water supply is required. In other words, after the operation of the water pump is started by the second operation switch, the water pump is controlled to adjust the water supply amount and the water pump is automatically stopped when water supply is no longer necessary.

[0042] The humidity control switch (37) is a switch that controls the humidity of the steam discharged through the steam gun (69). When the humidity is increased through the humidity control switch (37), the pumping amount of the water pump (45d) increases, thereby increasing the moisture content in the steam. Since this is a general matter, further explanation is omitted.

[0043] The steam outlet (38) is a passage through which steam generated in the steam generating unit (50) escapes. A steam hose (65) is inserted into the steam outlet (38) for use. The steam hose (65) is a flexible hose having a steam gun (69) at its end. The user holds the steam gun (69) and sprays steam to the target point where steam is needed.

[0044] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a steam generator (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] As shown, the steam generator (20) according to the present embodiment includes a main switch (23), a controller (41), a current control unit (43), a steam generation unit (50), an electronic connector (61), a sensor module (63), and a steam providing unit.

[0046] The main switch (23), as described above, is connected to an external power source (21) and is a switch that is turned on and off by the user. By turning the main switch (23) on, the standby state of the steam generator (20) is completed.

[0047] The controller (41) outputs all control signals necessary for driving the steam generator (20). The controller (41) is also electrically connected to the interface unit (32), the emergency notification unit (34), the first and second operation switches (36a, 36b), the wireless signal receiving unit (35), and the humidity control switch (37).

[0048] The controller (41) receives detection information from the sensor module (63), and based on the received information, controls the current control unit (43) and the water pump (45d), thereby controlling the heating temperature of the steam generation unit (50) and the amount of water supplied to the steam generation unit (50).

[0049] The steam generation unit (50) receives water through a water supply hose (45f) and passes it through, receives power from a power source (21), heats the water, and generates steam, and has the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the steam generating unit (50) has a lower plate (51), a middle plate (53), an upper plate (55), and a heating plate (57) as a heater.

[0051] The lower plate (51) is a metal square plate having a certain thickness and has an inlet (51a) and an outlet (51b) at diagonal corners. Connecting pipes (59a, 59b) are fixed to the inlet (51a) and the outlet (51b). Water supplied through one connecting pipe (59a) enters the flow path (53a) of the middle plate (53) through the inlet (51a), passes through the flow path, and then flows out through the outlet (51b) and into the other connecting pipe (59b).

[0052] The intermediate plate (53) is a square plate-shaped member of a certain thickness that is laminated on top of the lower plate (51). The intermediate plate (53) is tightly bonded to the upper surface of the lower plate (51). In addition, a flow path (53a) that is open vertically is formed on the intermediate plate (53). The flow path (53a) has a curved shape, and one end is positioned at the inlet (51a), and the other end is positioned above the outlet (51b). Water that rises through the inlet (51a) passes through the flow path (53a) and then flows down to the outlet (51b).

[0053] The upper plate (55) is a plate-shaped member of a certain thickness that seals the passage (53a) while covering the intermediate plate (53). The lower surface of the upper plate (55) is in close contact with the upper surface of the intermediate plate (53).

[0054] The lower plate (51) and the middle plate, and the middle plate (53) and the upper plate (55) are brazed together, so there is no concern about water leakage.

[0055] The heating plate (57) is a heater that is in close contact with the upper surface of the upper plate (55), has an electric heating wire attached to a coating, generates heat when power from a power source is applied, transfers heat to the attached plate, heats water passing through the passage (53a), and generates steam. To this end, a heating wire (57c) is formed on the heating plate (57). The heating wire (57c) corresponds to the passage (53a) with the upper plate (55) interposed therebetween. The heat generated from the heating wire (57c) passes through the upper plate (55) in the thickness direction and is transferred into the passage (53a). The water flowing along the passage (53a) is heated as it flows and discharged in a steam state.

[0056] A terminal (57a) is formed at the end of the above-described heating wire (57c). The terminal (57a) is connected to the electronic connector (61) of Fig. 3. The electronic connector (61) is an electrical element that is operated by the first operating switch (36a) or the remote switch (71) to conduct or disconnect current. When the electronic connector (61) is conducted, current passing through the current control unit (43) can be applied to the heating wire (57c), and when it is disconnected, current cannot be transmitted to the heating wire (57c). If current is not applied, water is not heated.

[0057] The sensor module (63) detects the temperature and pressure of the steam discharged from the steam generating unit (50). The sensor module (63) includes a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor (not shown). The sensor module (63) is connected to the controller (41) and transmits the detected temperature and pressure data to the controller (41) in real time. The controller (41) prevents overheating by controlling the current applied to the electronic connector (61) and the pumping amount of the water pump (45d) based on the information received from the sensor module (63).

[0058] The current control unit (43) is installed between the controller (41) and the heating plate (57), which is a heater, and is a current control module controlled by the controller (41). The current control unit (43) may include a variable resistor and controls the size of the current applied to the electronic connector (61). The higher the current value applied to the electronic connector (61), the higher the temperature of the steam generation unit.

[0059] The steam supply unit sprays steam discharged from the steam generating unit (50) through the steam hose (65) to a steam-requiring point. The steam-requiring point may be an object to be cleaned, such as a car body or a seat inside the vehicle, that requires steam cleaning.

[0060] The steam supply unit includes a steam hose (65), a 3-way valve (64), a pressure switch (67), and a steam gun (69). The steam hose (65) is a flexible tube that guides the produced steam.

[0061] The 3-way valve (64) is a valve controlled by the controller (41) and directs steam discharged from the steam generation unit (50) toward the steam gun (69). In addition, when water is discharged from the steam generation unit (50), the flow path is changed and the water is drained outside the steam hose.

[0062] 'When water comes out' is when power is not supplied to the steam generating unit (50). For example, when the electronic connector (61) is disconnected by the first operation switch (36a) to finish using the steam generating device (20), or when the electronic connector (61) is automatically disconnected due to the steam generating unit (50) overheating, water comes out to cool the steam generating unit (50).

[0063] Even if the power supply to the steam generation unit (50) is cut off, the water pump (45d) continues to operate, so the pumped water passes through the steam generation unit (50), cools the steam generation unit, and then drains to the outside through the 3-way valve. The water pump (45d) pumps water until the second operation switch (36b) is turned off or until a stop signal from the controller (41) is output.

[0064] Depending on the embodiment, water drained through the 3-way valve (64) may be returned to the water tank (45a).

[0065] The pressure switch (67) is a switch that controls the pressure of steam sprayed from the steam gun (69).

[0066] Meanwhile, the water tank (45a) is connected to the steam generation unit (50) via a water supply hose (45f). The water in the water tank (45a) flows into the aforementioned inlet (51a) via the water supply hose (45f). The water tank (45a) is equipped with a low water level sensor (45b). The low water level sensor (45b) senses the remaining amount of water and transmits the sensing information to the controller (41).

[0067] Additionally, a flow sensor (45c), a water pump (45d), and a check valve (45e) are connected to the water supply hose (45f).

[0068] The flow sensor (45c) detects the amount of water supplied per unit time toward the steam generation unit (50). The flow rate information of the supplied water is transmitted to the controller (41). The controller (41) applies or blocks a current corresponding to a change in the flow rate to the steam generation unit (50) based on the sensed flow rate information.

[0069] In addition, the water pump (45d) transfers water in the water tank (45a) to the steam generating unit (50). The pumping flow rate of the water pump (45d) is variable and controlled by the controller (41). The water pump (45d) starts operating when the second operation switch (36b) is turned on while the main switch (23) is on. When the main switch (23) or the second operation switch (36b) is turned off, the water pump stops. The check valve (45e) prevents backflow of the supplied water.

[0070] Meanwhile, the wax container (47a) is a container for storing liquid wax to be mixed with steam. The wax container (47a) is connected to the inlet (51a) of the steam generating unit via a wax hose (47f). A level sensor (47b) is also provided in the wax container (47a) to continuously sense the remaining amount of wax. The level sensor (47b) is connected to the controller (41). If only steam is used, wax is not used.

[0071] The memory unit (25) is a storage unit in which operating conditions (e.g., steam temperature, humidity, pressure, and steam provision time) input through the above-mentioned interface unit (32) are stored. The controller (41) outputs a control signal according to the conditions input to the memory unit (25).

[0072] The cooling fan (26) prevents overheating of components inside the casing (31) to maintain the best condition. The cooling method of the cooling fan is diverse, and for example, it may be a method of exhausting heat inside the casing (31).

[0073] The remote switch (71) is a switch that integrates the functions of the first and second operation switches (36a, 36b). Using the remote switch (71), the steam generator can be operated and stopped wirelessly. That is, when the main switch is in the on state, the electronic connector (61) is energized or cut off, or the water pump (45d) is turned on and off. The first and second operation switches (36a, 36b) and the remote switch (71) can be used selectively.

[0074] The remote switch (71) is sized to fit into a user's pocket and may be equipped with various function buttons, similar to a TV remote control. In addition, a wireless signal receiving unit (35) is positioned on the front of the casing (31) to enable use of the remote switch (71).

[0075] The humidity control switch (37) is a humidity control means for controlling the humidity of steam discharged through the steam gun (69) of the steam supply unit. The user can control the humidity of the steam by operating the humidity control switch (37).

[0076] The principle of humidity control is to control the pumping amount of the water pump. In other words, if the amount of water supplied to the steam generating unit (50) is increased while maintaining the same heating temperature, the humidity increases, and if the amount of water is reduced, the humidity decreases. For reference, 'wet steam' containing moisture is suitable for washing the exterior of a vehicle, and 'dry steam' without moisture is good for washing the interior of a vehicle.

[0077] Figures 6 and 7 are block diagrams for explaining the operation of the steam generator (20) described above. Figure 6 shows the process from the start of use of the steam generator (20) to the generation of steam, and Figure 7 shows the process from the end of use of steam to the complete stop of the steam generator. Complete stop means returning the steam generator (20) to a state where it can be used by others.

[0078] First, in order to use the steam generator (20), power is supplied to the steam generator by turning the main switch (23) to the on state. When the main switch is on, the steam generator enters the standby state.

[0079] When the main switch is turned on, the controller (41) automatically operates to sense the remaining amount of water and wax inside the water tank (45a) and wax tank (47a). The controller (41) receives information on the remaining amount of water and wax through the level sensors (45b, 47b). Although wax is not related to steam generation, since the steam generator of this embodiment is mainly used in car washes, wax-related matters will also be described for the convenience of explanation.

[0080] If the remaining amount is sensed to require replenishment of water or wax, the system notifies the user through the interface unit (32) that replenishment is required. The user or administrator can determine the need for replenishment through the interface unit and replenish water or wax. If the water or wax is not replenished within a set time (e.g., 10 minutes), the system enters a stop state, i.e., the main switch is turned off. When the main switch is turned off, the water or wax tank is replenished with water and wax, and then the main switch is turned on again.

[0081] If the remaining amount sensing result indicates that no replenishment is necessary or that replenishment has been completed, the interface section (32) also displays that no replenishment is necessary.

[0082] If it is confirmed that the remaining amount of water and wax is secured, the user operates the pump (water pump (45d), wax pump (47c)) using the second operation switch (36b) or remote switch (71). While water and wax are supplied by the operation of the water pump and wax pump, the supply flow rate of water and wax is checked in real time through the flow sensor (45c, 47d).

[0083] If the supply flow rate of water or wax is less than the normal range, the controller (41) adjusts the operation of the water pump or wax pump to compensate for the supply flow rate and bring it back to the normal range. However, if the normal range is maintained, the electronic connector (61) is directly energized to supply power to the steam generating unit (50), thereby heating the water passing through the steam generating unit (50). As the water is heated, steam is of course generated.

[0084] If the pressure and temperature range of the steam generated through the above process are higher than the normal range, the user presses the first operation switch (36a) to cut off the power applied to the steam generation unit (50). This stops heating. If the temperature and pressure are higher than the normal range (and the user is unaware of this fact) but does not operate the first operation switch (36a), the controller (41) intervenes and disconnects the electronic connector (61).

[0085] However, if the temperature and pressure are within the normal range, the power supply is maintained. Maintaining the power supply generates steam, and the generated steam is sprayed to the desired location through the aforementioned steam gun (69).

[0086] When the humidity control switch (37) is operated to change the humidity of the steam provided, a signal from the humidity control switch (37) is transmitted to the controller (41), and the controller (41) controls the operation of the water pump (45d). To increase the humidity, the pumping flow rate of the water pump is increased, and to decrease the humidity, the pumping flow rate is decreased. Steam with controlled humidity is provided through pump control.

[0087] Meanwhile, if the user has completely used the steam generator, the steam generator (20) is returned to its original state. This is to ensure that the steam generator (20) can be used by another person.

[0088] To achieve this, the electronic connector (61) is disconnected via the first operating switch (36a). When the electronic connector (61) is disconnected, the power transmitted to the steam generating unit (50) is cut off, thereby stopping steam generation. Even so, the water pump (45d) and wax pump (47c) continue to operate.

[0089] Since water is supplied to the steam generating unit (50) while the power is cut off, the internal pressure and temperature of the steam generating unit (50) decrease. After the pressure and temperature decrease, the wax pump and water pump are stopped. In addition, the cooling fan (26) is also stopped. After completing the above process, the main switch (23) is turned off to complete the initialization process of the steam generating device (20).

[0090] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a steam generation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] As illustrated, the steam generation method according to the present embodiment includes a device startup step (101), a steam generation step (103), a normal recovery step (105), a steam generation resumption step (107), a steam provision step (109), a use termination step (111), and a power cut-off step (113).

[0092] The device startup step (101) is a process of making the steam generator (20) usable. The device startup step (101) includes a process of turning on the main switch (23). When the main switch (23) is turned on, an external power source (21) is supplied, and the steam generator becomes operable.

[0093] The subsequent steam generation step (103) is a process of generating steam by supplying water to the steam generation unit (50) and applying electricity. That is, the water pump (45d) is operated to supply water to the steam generation unit (50), and at the same time, electricity from the power source is applied to the aforementioned heating wire (57c) to boil the water and generate steam.

[0094] The steam created through the above steam generation step (103) is supplied to the required location through the steam provision step (109).

[0095] However, if the steam generation unit (50) becomes overheated and overpressured during the steam generation step (103), the normal recovery step (105) and the steam generation resumption step (107) are performed first without performing the steam provision step (109).

[0096] The normal recovery stage (105) is a process that is carried out when the pressure and temperature of the steam generation unit are higher than the set value. It is a process that temporarily blocks the power transmitted to the steam generation unit while maintaining the water supply state to the steam generation unit (50), so that the steam generation unit is cooled by the water passing through the steam generation unit.

[0097] As a result of the normal recovery step (105), when the pressure and temperature of the steam generation unit (50) return to normal, the steam generation resumption step (107) is performed. The steam generation resumption step (107) is a process of resuming steam generation by reapplying power to the steam generation unit (50) when the pressure and temperature are within the set range.

[0098] The subsequent steam provision step (109) is a process of spraying steam created through the steam generation step (103) or steam created through the steam generation resumption step (107) toward the steam use point using a steam gun (69). For example, this is a process of spraying the steam onto a vehicle to be washed.

[0099] If the use of the steam generator (20) is completed through the above process, the steam generator (20) is initialized through the use completion step (111) so that it can be used by the next person.

[0100] The use-end step (111) is a process in which, after the completion of the steam provision step (109), the water supply state to the steam generation unit is maintained, the current applied to the steam generation unit is cut off so that the steam generation unit is cooled by the water passing through the steam generation unit. During the use-end step (111), the internal pressure and temperature of the steam generation unit (50) are lowered and become close to room temperature.

[0101] If the end-of-use step (111) has been performed, the power cut-off step (113) is performed. The power cut-off step (113) is a process of turning the main switch (23) to the off state, thereby disconnecting the steam generator (20) from the external power source. All processes are completed through the end-of-use step (111).

[0102] Above, the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various modifications are possible by a person of ordinary skill within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0103] [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10: Steam generator 11: Temperature sensing tank 11a: Water level sensor

[0105] 11b: Temperature sensor 13: Wet steam tank 14: Heater

[0106] 15: Dry steam tank 17: Spray gun 20: Steam generator

[0107] 21: Power 23: Main switch 25: Memory

[0108] 26: Cooling fan 31: Casing 32: Interface

[0109] 34: Emergency alarm unit 35: Wireless signal receiver 36a: First operating switch

[0110] 36b: Second operating switch 37: Humidity control switch 38: Steam outlet

[0111] 41: Controller 43: Current regulator 45a: Water tank

[0112] 45b: Level sensor 45c: Flow sensor 45d: Water pump

[0113] 45e: Check valve 45f: Water supply hose 47a: Wax container

[0114] 47b: Level sensor 47c: Wax pump 47d: Flow sensor

[0115] 47f: Wax hose 50: Steam generating unit 51: Lower plate

[0116] 51a: Inlet 51b: Outlet 53: Intermediate plate

[0117] 53a: Euro 55: Top plate 57: Heating plate

[0118] 57a: Terminal 57c: Heating wire 59a, 59b: Connecting pipe

[0119] 61: Electronic connector 63: Sensor module 64: 3-way valve

[0120] 65: Steam hose 67: Pressure switch 69: Steam gun

[0121] 71: Remote switch

Claims

1. A main switch that is connected to an external power source and turned on and off by the user; A steam generating unit that receives water through a water supply hose and passes it through, and receives power from the power source to heat the water and generate steam; A sensor module that detects the temperature and pressure of steam discharged from a steam generating unit; A controller that receives detection information from a sensor module and controls the heating temperature of the steam generation unit and the amount of water supplied to the steam generation unit; A steam supply unit that includes a steam generating unit that ejects steam through a steam hose. Steam generator.

2. In paragraph 1, The above steam generating unit; A lower plate having an inlet and an outlet, An intermediate plate that is laminated on top of the lower plate and has a flow path formed to receive water flowing in through the inlet and guide it toward the outlet side; An upper plate that covers the middle plate and seals the euro, A heater having a power supply connected to the upper plate, which generates heat by heating water passing through the passage and generating steam. Steam generator.

3. In paragraph 2, Between the above main switch and the heater, A current control unit that is controlled by a controller and regulates the current directed to the heater, An electronic connector is installed between the current control unit and the heater, and is turned on and off to supply or disconnect current. Steam generator.

4. In paragraph 3, It is manually operated by the user and further includes a first operating switch that energizes or de-energizes the electronic connector. Steam generator.

5. In paragraph 4, The above controller can automatically disconnect the electronic connector before the user disconnects the electronic connector through the first operation switch when the steam generating unit overheats. Steam generator.

6. In paragraph 1, In the above water supply hose, A water pump is connected to supply water to the steam generating unit by pumping it. Steam generator.

7. In paragraph 6, As being manually operated by the user, a second operating switch for operating or stopping the water pump is further provided. Steam generator.

8. In paragraph 7, The above controller can control the water pump to adjust the water supply amount after the water pump is started to operate by the second operation switch, and can automatically stop the water pump when water supply is not necessary. Steam generator.

9. In paragraph 2, A water tank is further provided that is connected to the steam generation unit through the above water supply hose and accommodates water to be supplied to the steam generation unit. A flow sensor is installed in the water supply hose to detect the flow rate of water delivered from the water tank to the steam generation unit and transmit the detection information to the controller, thereby causing the controller to apply current corresponding to the flow rate change to the heater. Steam generator.

10. In paragraph 6, In order to control the humidity of the steam discharged through the above steam supply unit, a humidity control switch for controlling the pumping flow rate of the water pump through the controller is further included. Steam generator.

11. A method for generating steam using a steam generating device including a main switch that is connected to an external power source and turned on and off by a user, a steam generating unit that receives and passes water through a water supply hose and heats the water to generate steam by receiving power from the power source, a sensor module that detects the temperature and pressure of steam discharged from the steam generating unit, a controller that receives detection information from the sensor module and adjusts the heating temperature of the steam generating unit and the amount of water supplied to the steam generating unit, and a steam providing unit that ejects steam generated in the steam generating unit. A device startup step of turning on the main switch to enable the steam generator to operate; A steam generation step for generating steam by supplying water to a steam generation unit and applying electricity; Includes a steam provision step that sprays steam generated in the steam generation unit toward the steam use point through the steam provision unit. Steam generation method.

12. In paragraph 11, This is a process that is carried out when the pressure and temperature of the above steam generation unit are higher than the set value. A normal recovery step in which the power supplied to the steam generation unit is temporarily cut off while maintaining the water supply state to the steam generation unit, so that the steam generation unit is cooled by the water passing through the steam generation unit; A steam generation resumption step is further included to re-supply power to the steam generation unit to resume steam generation when the pressure and temperature are within the set range. Steam generation method.

13. In paragraph 12, This is a process that is carried out after the above steam provision step is completed. A use-end step is further included, which maintains the water supply state to the steam generation unit, cuts off the current applied to the steam generation unit, and allows the steam generation unit to be cooled by the water passing through the steam generation unit. Steam generation method.

14. A method for generating steam using a steam generating device according to any one of clauses 1 to 10.

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