HEATING APPARATUS USING HOT WATER AND STEAM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heating apparatus using hot water and steam, in which a heater receives and heats a source water to generate hot water and steam, and the mixture of hot water and steam is automatically circulated inside a heating pipe due to an expansion force of the generated steam. According to the heating apparatus of the invention, the heater is supplied with a source water and heats the source water to generate hot water and steam. The generated hot water and steam is automatically circulated inside the heating pipe in a state of mixture of hot water and steam, thereby eliminating the need for a separate circulating means for circulating the hot water and steam.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a heating apparatus using hot water and steam. More specifically, the invention relates to a heating apparatus using hot water and steam, in which a heater receives and heats a source water to generate hot water and steam, and the mixture of hot water and steam is automatically circulated inside a heating pipe due to an expansion force of the generated steam.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a heating apparatus used in a heating mat and the like includes a heating water tank for storing the heating water, a heater for heating the heating water to produce hot water, a circulation pump for circulating the hot water, and a heating pipe arranged in the heating mat.

In this conventional heating apparatus, the heating water stored in the heating water tank is supplied to the heater, and the heater heats up the heating water to generate hot water. The circulation pump operates to circulate the hot water inside the heating pipe.

However, the conventional heating apparatus is configured such that the circulation pump is employed to circulate hot water. Therefore, noises and electromagnetic waves are caused by the operation of a circulation pump. Further, failure of the circulation pump leads to a shortened lifespan of the entire heating apparatus.

In this connection, Korean Patent No. 10-0312643 issued on Dec. 28, 2001 as a prior art discloses a liquid-circulation type heating apparatus. This heating apparatus includes a heat radiation member, a circulation pipe arranged inside the heat radiation member, a heating means coupled to the circulation pipe for heating a liquid accommodated inside the circulation pipe, a pressure buffering means for buffering the pressure of the liquid expanded by operation of the heating means to thereby enable the liquid to circulate, a first back-flow prevention means installed between the heating means and the pressure buffering means, and a second back-flow prevention means installed to be opposed to the first back-flow prevention means. This heating apparatus is structured such that the liquid flowing in the circulation pipe inside of the heat radiation member is heated by heat transmission, and pressure generated inside the circulation pipe can be absorbed when automatically circulating the liquid using expansion force of the liquid.

In the above liquid-circulation type heating apparatus, however, since liquid is circulated by an expansion force generated by heating the liquid, a high pressure is caused inside the circulation pipe. Therefore, a separate pressure buffering means is required to buffer the high pressure.

In addition, a heavy duty circulation pipe is required to endure the high internal pressure, which leads to an increase in the entire weight of the heating apparatus. In order to prevent explosion of the circulation pipe due to the internal pressure, the circulation pipe is required to be wrapped around with a woven structure, thereby resulting in an increase in the production cost and a decrease in the heat transmission efficiency.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a heating apparatus using hot water and steam, in which a heater receives and heats a source water to generate hot water and steam, and the mixture of hot water and steam is automatically circulated inside a heating pipe due to an expansion force of the generated steam.

Another object of the invention is to provide a heating apparatus using hot water and steam, which can avoid noises and electromagnetic waves caused by circulation of hot water and steam.

Technical Solution

To accomplish the above object of the present invention, according to the present invention, there is provided a heating apparatus using hot water and steam. The apparatus comprises: a source water tank for storing a source water used in heating. The source water tank has an inlet port and an outlet port. A first check valve is connected to the outlet port and prevents the source water from back-flowing towards the source water tank. A heater is connected to the first check valve and heats the source water. A heating pipe interconnects the heater and the inlet port of the source water tank. A second check valve is installed between the heater and the inlet port of the source water tank. The second check value prevents the source water circulating inside the heating pipe from back-flowing. The heater is penetrated internally and has a heater-passing portion formed therein. One side of the heater-passing portion is connected to the first check valve, and the other side of the heater-passing portion is connected to the heating pipe such that the source water supplied through the first check valve is heated into hot water and steam and supplied to the heating pipe in a direct-water type. A temperature sensor is coupled to one side of the heating pipe to measure a temperature of the heating pipe. A temperature controller is connected to the temperature sensor to control the operation of the heater according to a value measured in the temperature sensor. A case accommodates the source water tank, the first and second check valves and the heater. The hot water and steam generated in the heater is automatically circulated in a state of mixture.

Preferably, the heater includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater.

Preferably, the temperature controller includes: a power input unit for receiving an external power; a signal input unit coupled to the temperature sensor for receiving the value measured in the temperature sensor; a temperature indicator for displaying the value measured in the temperature sensor; a temperature-setting unit for setting a heating temperature; a power output unit for supplying a power to the heater; and a control unit for comparing the temperature value input to the signal input unit with the temperature value set in the temperature-setting unit and controlling the power to be supplied to the heater through the power output unit.

Preferably, a heat-storing material is filled in an extra space of the case remaining after the source water tank, the first and second check valves and the heater are accommodated in the case.

Preferably, the heat-storing material is clay ceramic or germanium.

Advantageous Effects

According to the above-construction of the invention, the heater is supplied with a source water and heats the source water to generate hot water and steam. The generated hot water and steam is automatically circulated inside the heating pipe in a state of mixture of hot water and steam, thereby eliminating the need for a separate circulating means for circulating the hot water and steam.

In addition, according to the present invention, noises and electromagnetic waves, which are caused by circulation of hot water and steam, can be avoided. Since the heating pipe does not generate a pressure, a light weight apparatus can be enabled, and fracture or explosion due to internal pressure can be prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a heating apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view for explaining the operation of a heating apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a temperature controller according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary application of a heating apparatus according to the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary application of a heating apparatus according to the present invention.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a heating apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view for explaining the operation of a heating apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a temperature controller according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary application of a heating apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating another exemplary application of a heating apparatus according to the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a heating apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes a source water tank 10 for storing a source water and having an inlet port 12 and an outlet port 11 through which the source water flows into and out of the source water tank 10, a first check value 20 connected to the outlet port 11, a heater 30 for heating the source water to generate hot water and steam, a heating pipe 40 for inter-connecting the heater 30 and the source water tank 10, a second check value 21 disposed between the heater 30 and the source water tank 10, a case containing the above elements, a temperature sensor 50 for measuring the temperature of the heating pipe 40, and a temperature controller 60.

The source water tank 10 stores the source water used in the heating up to a certain water level. The source water tank 10 is formed with the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 11 through which the source water flows into and out of the source water tank 10. Further, a water injection port for injecting the source water may be formed in the source water tank 10. At this time, the outlet port 11 may be installed at a position lower than the inlet port 12. It is preferable that the source water is filled in the source water tank 10 up to about one third of the tank volume.

The first check value 20 is connected with the outlet port 11 of the source water tank 10 in such a way that the source water flowing out of the source water tank 10 can be prevented from backward-flowing.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the heater 30 is to heat the source water being supplied through the first check value 20. The heater 30 has a main body having a rectangular shape. A heater-passing portion 31 is formed in the center portion of the heater main body in the longitudinal direction thereof.

At this time, the first check value 20 is connected to one end of the heater-passing portion 31, and the heating pipe 40 is connected to the other end of the heater-passing portion 31. The source water, which is supplied through the first check value 20, is heated inside the heater-passing portion 31 to generate hot water and steam. Due to the expansion force of the generated steam, the hot water and steam is supplied to the heating pipe 40 in a state of mixture. Therefore, a series of processes occurring in the heater 30, i.e., the processes for supplying the source water, heating and discharging the heated source water, is performed in a direct-water type.

The above heater 30 may employ a common heating means such as an electric coil or a ceramic heater. Preferably, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater can be used. In this way, a PTC heater, which is a type of ceramic heater, is used to avoid generation of electromagnetic wave harmful to human health.

Here, the PTC heater is formed by mixing BaTiO3 and oxide such as a small amount (approximately, 0.1˜1.5%) of potassium of group I or Thorium or Yttrium of group III and sintering this mixture. This PTC heater has a relatively low resistance value at a lower temperature. When the temperature reaches above a certain level, the resistance increases rapidly and thus it stops heating to prevent over-heating above a certain temperature level. Thus, any additional means to prevent over-heating is not necessary and the manufacturing process is simple, leading to a cost-saving.

The case 70 contains the above-described elements of the invention, and is formed of an empty body having an accommodation space inside thereof. A heat-storing material (not shown) can be filled in an extra space of the case remaining after all the elements are installed in the case. At this time, the heat-storing material may be one of clay-ceramic or germanium. In case where this heat-storing material is filled inside the case 70, the heat of hot water is prevented from discharging to the outside of the system and far-infrared radiation useful to human health occurs.

The heating pipe 40 connects the heater 30 with the inlet port 12 of the source water tank 10, and can be installed to heat a heating stone mat, a heating floor mat, a private small mat, a chair or the like. The heating pipe 40 may be formed, for example, of P.E., copper, stainless steel, silicon or Teflon.

The second check value 21 may be installed between the heater 30 and the inlet port 12 of the source water tank 10. The second check value 21 prevents back-flowing of the source water, which circulates the heating pipe 40. Preferably, the second check value 21 is installed near the inlet port 12 of the source water tank 10.

The temperature sensor 50 is coupled to one side of the heating pipe 40 and measures the temperature of the heating pipe 40. At this time, the temperature sensor 50 is preferred to be installed near the second check value 21. The measured temperature values are transmitted to the temperature controller 60 electrically connected thereto. Details on the temperature controller 60 will be described hereafter.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the temperature controller 60 includes a power input unit 61, a signal input unit 62 connected to the temperature sensor 50 for receiving a value measured in the temperature sensor, a temperature indicator 63 for displaying the value measured in the temperature sensor 50, a temperature-setting unit 64 for setting a heating temperature, a power output unit 65 for supplying a power to the heater, and a control unit 66 for comparing the temperature value inputting to the signal input unit 62 with a temperature value set in the temperature-setting unit 64 and controlling the power to be supplied to the heater 30 through the power output unit 65. Here, the power output unit 65 may convert an external power into a direct current, which is then supplied to the PTC.

In FIG. 3, the reference numeral 63 not described above denotes a power switch for supplying the external power into the temperature controller 60 or interrupting the external power from the temperature controller 60.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the heating apparatus having the above-described construction may be applied to a heating mat 80, a heating floor mat 81 or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, in case where the heating apparatus is applied to a heating mat 80, the heating pipe 40 is arranged in a zigzag fashion inside of the entire heating mat 80. Further, the source water tank, the check valve, and the case 70 housing the heater and the second check valve are installed at the inner side of the heating mat frame. The temperature controller 60 is installed in the outside of the apparatus at a position where a users head may be placed.

Although not illustrated, the case 70 and the temperature controller 60 may be installed at the lower portion of the heating mat 80, i.e., at a position where a users feet may be placed.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in case where the heating apparatus is applied to a heating floor mat 81, the heating pipe 40 is arranged in a zigzag fashion inside of the entire heating floor mat 81. Further, the case 70 and the temperature controller 60 may be installed outside of the heating floor mat 81. At this time, the case 70 is coupled to one side of the heating floor mat 81, and the temperature controller 60 is coupled to one side of the case 70.

Although not described here, the heating apparatus according to the present invention may be applied to any place required to be heated, such as a heating bed, a clay bed, a private small mate, a chair or the like.

Hereinafter, the operation of a heating apparatus using hot water and steam according to the present invention will be explained.

In the operation of the heating apparatus 100 according to the present invention, first, the power switch 69 is made open to connect an external power to the power input unit 61 of the temperature controller 61. The control unit 66 compares a temperature value set-up in the temperature-setting unit 64 with a temperature value measured in the temperature sensor 50, which is input through the signal input unit 62. If the temperature value set-up in the temperature-setting unit 64 is larger than the measured value, the power output unit 65 makes the power to be supplied to the heater 30. At this time, the temperature value set-up in the temperature-setting unit 64 is displayed in the temperature display unit 63.

As described above, if the heater 30 is supplied with power, the source water inside the heater-passing portion 31 of the heater 30 is heated to produce hot-water, along with a certain amount of steam.

The hot-water and steam generated inside of the heater-passing portion 31 is pushed into the heating pipe 40 due to an expansion force of the steam in a mixture of hot-water and steam. At this time, back-flowing of the hot-water and steam into the source water tank 10 is prevented by the first check value 20. Accordingly, the hot water and steam come to flow towards the heating pipe 40.

The hot water and steam circulating inside of the heating pipe 40 is flown into the source water tank 10 through the inlet port 12 via the second check value 21. At this time, the steam loses its heat energy and is flown into the source water tank 10 in a liquefied state. In addition, the source water in-flowing through the inlet port 12 is prevented from back-flowing towards the heating pipe 40 by the second check valve 21.

In this way, if the heated source water and steam is pushed into the heating pipe 40, the source water stored in the source water tank 10 is supplied to the heater-passing portion 31 of the heater 30 through the first check valve 20. Accordingly, the circulation continues along a closed loop, which is formed by the source water tank 10, the first check value 20, the heater 30, the heating pipe 40 and the second check valve 50.

Therefore, the heating apparatus 100 enables the circulation of hot water without using a separate circulating means. Thus, noises due to operation of a circulating means can be avoided and electromagnetic waves are not generated. Further, it can avoid concerns about failure of the circulating pump and limited lifespan.

On the other hand, after accommodating the source water tank 10, the first and second check valves 20 and the heater 30 in the case, the extra space of the case is filled with a heat-storing material such as clay ceramic or germanium capable of generating far-infrared radiation, thereby maintaining the heat generated by the heater 30 and the like. Further, the far-infrared radiation generated from the heat-storing material is useful to human health.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the above-construction of the invention, the heater is supplied with a source water and heats the source water to generate hot water and steam. The generated hot water and steam is automatically circulated inside the heating pipe in a state of mixture of hot water and steam, thereby eliminating the need for a separate circulating means for circulating the hot water and steam.

In addition, according to the present invention, noises and electromagnetic waves, which are caused by circulation of hot water and steam, can be avoided. Since the heating pipe does not generate a pressure, a light weight apparatus can be enabled, and fracture or explosion due to internal pressure can be prevented.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments, it is not to be restricted by the embodiments but only by the appended claims. It is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art can change or modify the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heating apparatus using hot water and steam, the apparatus comprising:

a source water tank for storing a source water used in heating, the source water tank having an inlet port and an outlet port;

a first check valve connected to the outlet port for preventing the source water from back-flowing towards the source water tank;

a heater connected to the first check valve for heating the source water;

a heating pipe for interconnecting the heater and the inlet port of the source water tank; and

a second check valve installed between the heater and the inlet port of the source water tank and for preventing the source water circulating the heating pipe from back-flowing,

wherein the heater is penetrated internally and has a through-hole portion formed therein, the heater-passing portion being connected at one side thereof to the first check valve and being connected at the other side thereof to the heating pipe such that the source water supplied through the first check valve is heated into hot water and steam and supplied to the heating pipe in a direct-water type;

a temperature sensor coupled to one side of the heating pipe to measure a temperature of the heating pipe;

a temperature controller connected to the temperature sensor for controlling the operation of the heater according to a value measured in the temperature sensor; and

a case for accommodating the source water tank, the first and second check valves and the heater,

wherein the hot water and steam generated in the heater is automatically circulated in a state of mixture.

2. The heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heater comprises a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater.

3. The heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the temperature controller comprises:

a power input unit for receiving an external power;

a signal input unit coupled to the temperature sensor for receiving the value measured in the temperature sensor;

a temperature indicator for displaying the value measured in the temperature sensor;

a temperature-setting unit for setting a heating temperature;

a power output unit for supplying a power to the heater; and

a control unit for comparing the temperature value input to the signal input unit with the temperature value set in the temperature-setting unit and controlling the power to be supplied to the heater through the power output unit.

4. The heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a heat-storing material is filled in an extra space of the case remaining after the source water tank, the first and second check valves and the heater are accommodated in the case.

5. The heating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the heat-storing material is clay ceramic or germanium.