JP7714166B2 - Mist generating system, and bathroom and shower room unit equipped with the same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mist generating system, and in particular to a mist generating system that retains mist in a mist retention space provided indoors, and to a bathroom or shower room unit equipped with the same.

JP 2008-018130 A (Patent Document 1) describes a bathtub sauna device. In this bathtub sauna device, mist is pumped into the bathtub body, which is covered with a bathtub lid, creating a sauna space inside the bathtub body, allowing users to enjoy a sauna bath inside the bathtub body.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-018130

However, the bathtub sauna device described in Patent Document 1 requires a bathtub lid to be placed on top of the bathtub body to create a sauna space inside the bathtub body, which restricts the user's position and prevents them from enjoying sufficient comfort. Meanwhile, the inventors discovered that when the bathtub sauna device described in Patent Document 1 is used without a bathtub lid, the mist sent into the bathtub does not remain within the bathtub body depending on the usage environment, making it impossible to enjoy a satisfactory mist bath.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a mist generating system that allows users to enjoy mist bathing in a variety of environments, as well as a bathroom and shower room unit equipped with the same.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a mist generating system that causes mist to accumulate in a mist retention space provided indoors. The system is characterized by having a mist generating device that generates mist and allows the generated mist to flow into the mist retention space, an indoor temperature adjustment device that adjusts the temperature inside the room, and a control device that controls the mist generating device and the indoor temperature adjustment device so that the mist generated by the mist generating device accumulates in the mist retention space.

The inventors discovered that when mist is introduced into a mist retention space in a room using a mist generator, depending on the usage environment, the mist may diffuse rather than retain in the mist retention space, making it impossible to enjoy a mist bath. After extensive research into this phenomenon, the inventors discovered that the temperature of the mist released from the mist generator is related to the temperature of the room.

For example, when high-temperature mist is released into a low-temperature space, the temperature of the area where the mist is released (mist ambient temperature) rises, while the temperature of the indoor air is low, creating an updraft due to this temperature difference. If the temperature difference is large and the updraft is strong, the mist released from the mist generator will not remain within the space, but will instead spread throughout the indoor space, making it impossible to enjoy a mist bath. With the present invention configured as described above, the control device controls the mist generator and indoor temperature adjustment device so that the mist generated by the mist generator remains within the mist retention space, thereby preventing the released mist from spreading, allowing users to enjoy mist baths in a variety of environments.

In the present invention, the mist retention space is preferably the space inside a bathtub located in the bathroom, and further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the bathroom. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor before mist is released from the mist generator is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control device activates the indoor temperature adjustment device to raise the temperature inside the bathroom.

In the present invention configured as described above, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor before mist is released from the mist generator is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control device activates the indoor temperature adjustment device to raise the temperature in the bathroom. This allows the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist released from the mist generator and the temperature in the bathroom to be maintained within an appropriate range, preventing the mist from spreading. Furthermore, if the bathtub is filled about halfway with hot water and the space above it is used as a mist retention space, a relatively strong updraft will be generated due to the temperature difference between the water in the bathtub and the air in the bathroom. According to the present invention configured as described above, activating the indoor temperature adjustment device to raise the temperature in the bathroom also reduces this temperature difference, preventing the mist from spreading, allowing users to enjoy a mist bath even in a bathtub filled with hot water.

In the present invention, preferably, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control device activates the indoor temperature adjustment device to raise the temperature in the bathroom to above the predetermined temperature, and then starts the flow of mist from the mist generator.

With this configuration, the mist generator begins to emit mist after the temperature in the bathroom rises above a predetermined temperature. This allows the mist emitted from the mist generator to be guided into the bathtub from the start, allowing the mist generated by the mist generator to be retained without waste.

In the present invention, the indoor temperature adjustment device is preferably configured to raise the indoor temperature by discharging warm air, and the indoor temperature adjustment device is configured to send the warm air out of the mist retention space.

When a heating device that discharges warm air is used as an indoor temperature control device, it can maintain the appropriate temperature in the bathroom, but the discharged warm air may blow away the mist discharged into the mist retention space, preventing the mist from remaining there. With the present invention configured as described above, the indoor temperature control device discharges warm air toward the outside of the mist retention space, preventing the warm air from interfering with the retention of mist while maintaining the appropriate temperature in the bathroom.

In the present invention, the room temperature adjustment device is preferably configured to discharge warm air toward a washing area in the bathroom.
According to the present invention configured in this manner, the indoor temperature control device ejects warm air toward the bathroom washing area, thereby maintaining the temperature in the bathroom at an appropriate level while preventing the warm air from interfering with the retention of mist inside the bathtub body.

In the present invention, the control device is preferably configured to be able to set a preparation mode that prepares the mist generator to emit mist, and when the preparation mode is set, the control device automatically activates the indoor temperature adjustment device to raise the indoor temperature if the indoor temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature.

With this configuration, the present invention allows for the setting of a preparation mode. When the preparation mode is set, if the room temperature drops below a predetermined temperature, the room temperature adjustment device is automatically activated and the room temperature is raised. This means that when a user wants to take a mist bath, they can begin the mist bath with only a short wait time.

In the present invention, preferably, in the preparation mode, the control device controls the indoor temperature adjustment device to maintain the indoor temperature at a predetermined temperature.

With this configuration, the present invention maintains the room temperature at a predetermined temperature in preparation mode, preventing the temperature in the bathroom from rising too much while preparation mode is active, which could cause discomfort to the bather.

In the present invention, preferably, when the room temperature falls below a predetermined temperature while mist is being discharged from the mist generator, the control device activates the room temperature adjustment device to raise the room temperature.

With this configuration, if the room temperature drops below a predetermined temperature while mist is being ejected, the room temperature is raised. This prevents the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature from becoming too large even while mist is being ejected, and maintains an environment in which mist can be retained in the bathtub.

In the present invention, preferably, the control device controls the room temperature adjustment device so that the room temperature is maintained at or above a predetermined temperature while mist is being ejected from the mist generator.

With this configuration, the present invention maintains the room temperature at or above a predetermined temperature even while mist is being ejected, maintaining an environment in which mist can be retained within the mist retention space, allowing mist to be stably retained within the mist retention space.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the device further includes a ventilation device for ventilating the room, and when mist is being discharged from the mist generator, the control device stops the ventilation device or reduces the ventilation efficiency of the ventilation device so as not to prevent the mist from remaining in the mist retention space.

A ventilation system is usually installed in a room, but if ventilation is performed while mist is being discharged from the mist generator, the ventilation airflow may prevent the mist from remaining in the mist retention space. According to the present invention configured as described above, when mist is being discharged, the ventilation system is stopped or the ventilation efficiency of the ventilation system is reduced, thereby preventing ventilation from interfering with the retention of mist.

The present invention also provides a bathroom with a mist generating function, characterized by having a bathtub, a mist generating system of the present invention that causes mist to accumulate in a mist accumulation space inside the bathtub, and wall members that surround the bathtub.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a shower room unit with a mist generating function, characterized by comprising a shower discharge device, a wall member surrounding the shower discharge device, and the mist generating system of the present invention, which causes mist to accumulate in the mist accumulation space inside the wall member.

The mist generating system of the present invention, and the bathroom and shower room units equipped with it, allow you to enjoy a mist bath in a variety of environments.

1 is a perspective view of a mist generating system in which a mist generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a bathtub apparatus, which is a plumbing device. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a mist generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention from the start of mist ejection until the mist accumulates in the entire mist accumulation space. FIG. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention from the start of mist ejection until the mist accumulates in the entire mist accumulation space. FIG. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention from the start of mist ejection until the mist accumulates in the entire mist accumulation space. FIG. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention from the start of mist ejection until the mist accumulates in the entire mist accumulation space. FIG. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention from the start of mist ejection until the mist accumulates in the entire mist accumulation space. FIG. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention from the start of mist ejection until the mist accumulates in the entire mist accumulation space. FIG. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a method for measuring the temperature of the mist and the temperature in the room before the supply of the mist begins in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a method for measuring the temperature of the mist and the temperature in the room before the supply of the mist begins in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a method for measuring the temperature of the mist and the temperature in the room before the supply of the mist begins in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result of mist temperature by the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. A figure showing the range of temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage to the mist retention space and the temperature in the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the supply of mist begins in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mist particle size measurement device in a mist generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a particle size distribution measuring device in a mist generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows an example of particle size distribution data measured by a particle size distribution measuring device in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the difference in intensity and particle size in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing a box-shaped observation device for observing the state within a virtual retention space in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a comparison of the state of mist in a virtual retention space for different combinations of temperature difference and Sauter mean particle diameter in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a device for determining whether mist is accumulating in the mist accumulation space inside the bathtub body in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a mist generating device body and a mist discharge passage of a mist generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a mist generator main body and a mist discharge passage of a mist generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mist generating device main body of a mist generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with a mist discharge passage removed; FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a mist generating device main body of a mist generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a mist generator main body and a mist discharge passage of a mist generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing the control of water supply to the mist generator and the water temperature in the tank in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing control of an indoor temperature adjustment device in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing control of the indoor temperature adjustment device executed by the control unit in a preparation mode in the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shower room equipped with a mist generating system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a mist generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention and a bathroom/shower room unit equipped with the same will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a unit bath, i.e., a bathroom incorporating a mist generating system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a bathtub apparatus 2, a plumbing device that employs a mist generator 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, is installed in a bathroom 3. The bathroom 3 is a box-shaped space that forms a somewhat sealed indoor space 5 because water is used inside. The water includes water that is warmer than the outside air temperature (room temperature) and heated water (so-called hot water). An operating unit 28 for operating the mist generator 1 is installed inside the bathroom 3. An indoor temperature adjustment unit 29 and a ventilation unit 31 are also attached to the ceiling of the bathroom 3.

The operating unit 28 is connected to the control unit 26, which is a control device, and the control unit 26 is configured to control the mist generator 1, the indoor temperature adjustment device 29, and the ventilation device 31 based on operations on the operating unit 28. The mist generator 1, the indoor temperature adjustment device 29, and the ventilation device 31 constitute a mist generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bathtub device 2 and the bathroom 3 (wall components that constitute the bathtub 2) incorporating the mist generating system of this embodiment constitute a unit bath with mist generating functionality according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The operation unit 28 can also be used to store water in the bathtub apparatus 2 and set the temperature. The operation unit 28 may have an operation function that allows it to set the temperature of the mist to be supplied, an operation function that allows it to set the particle size of the mist to be supplied, and so on. The operation unit 28 may be installed outside the bathroom 3, or it may be a remote control or other remote operation unit. The bathtub apparatus 2 is equipped with a water supply device 7 that supplies water. The bathtub apparatus 2 further includes a bathtub main body 6 that forms a mist retention space 4 that receives the mist supplied from the mist generating device 1. Examples of plumbing equipment to which the mist generating device 1 of this embodiment can be applied include bathrooms, toilets, washrooms, kitchens, etc. In this case, the mist generating device 1 is installed to supply mist to the bathtub main body, bathroom wash area floor, shower room, hand washing bowl, washbasin bowl, kitchen sink, or other plumbing equipment. The bathroom 3 is not limited to a room where only the bathtub main body 6 is installed, but may also include a toilet, hand washing device, washbasin, or a combination thereof.

The bathtub body 6 forms a mist retention space 4 that is open upward toward the interior space 5 in which the bathtub body 6 of the bathtub device 2 is placed. The bathtub body 6 is a bathtub (hot tub) that can store water in the internal mist retention space 4. The bathtub body 6 is rectangular when viewed from above, with long side portions 6d formed on the long sides of the rectangle and short side portions 6e formed on the short sides.

The mist retention space 4 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped space formed inside the bathtub main body 6. As shown in Figure 2, when user A takes a bath, water B at 34°C to 45°C is stored in the lower part of the mist retention space 4, allowing user A to bathe in a seated position. As will be described later, in Figure 2, mist is retained above the water B in the mist retention space 4 (a mist retention layer C is formed). The mist retention space 4 extends to the upper end 6a of the bathtub main body 6 and is open at the top. The mist generator 1 of this embodiment is configured to retain mist in the mist retention space 4 even when a bathtub lid covering the top surface of the mist retention space 4 is not placed on the bathtub main body 6.

In addition, it is also possible to retain only mist without storing water B in the mist retention space 4. The shape of the bathtub body 6 is not limited to the box-like shape in the embodiment, and may be any shape that can form a retention space. For example, the bathtub body 6 may be circular or elliptical when viewed from above, with a bowl-shaped mist retention space formed inside. The bottom surface of the bathtub body 6 may be angled to allow the user to assume a posture similar to a lying or sitting position, and the bottom surface may or may not have a step. Furthermore, the upper edge of the bathtub body 6 does not need to be horizontal at a constant height, but may be formed so that the height varies. For example, the upper edge of the bathtub body 6 may be shaped to extend diagonally upward or downward in side view, to extend in a bow shape with a portion concave downward, or to form an approximately right angle.

The mist generator 1 comprises a mist generator body 8 in which mist is generated, and a mist discharge passage 10 that discharges the mist into a mist accumulation space in the bathtub body 6, which is open at the top.
Mist is generated from heated water inside the mist generator main body 8. The mist generator main body 8 is located on the short side portion 6e of the bathtub main body 6. A platform-like portion is formed on the top of the short side portion 6e on which the mist generator main body 8 is placed.

The mist generator main body 8 contains a tank 12, which serves as a water storage unit for storing water to be turned into mist. Connected to this tank 12 is a water supply channel 14, which supplies water from a water source to the tank 12, and a drainage channel 16, which drains water from the tank 12 to a drain pipe. Inside the tank 12, there are an ultrasonic vibrator 18, a heater 20, a float switch 21, which serves as a water level sensor, and a water temperature gauge 22, which serves as a water temperature detection means. Furthermore, an indoor temperature gauge 24, which serves as a temperature sensor, is provided on the outside of the tank 12. The ultrasonic vibrator 18 and heater 20 are controlled by a control unit 26.

A rectangular parallelepiped tank 12 is formed within the mist generator main body 8, and a water supply channel 14 and a drain channel 16 are connected to the side wall of the mist generator main body 8. A mist discharge passage 10 is also connected to the side wall of the mist generator main body 8. Furthermore, a water supply channel on-off valve 30 that opens and closes the water supply channel 14 is provided in the water supply channel 14. A drain channel on-off valve 32 that opens and closes the drain channel 16 is provided in the drain channel 16. The specific structure within the mist generator main body 8 will be described later.

The ultrasonic vibrator 18 is attached to the bottom surface of the tank 12 facing upward and is configured to emit ultrasonic waves toward the surface of the water stored in the tank 12. When ultrasonic waves are emitted by the ultrasonic vibrator 18, a liquid column is formed on the water surface of the tank 12 vertically above the ultrasonic vibrator 18, and a mist of finely divided water with a predetermined particle size is generated around this liquid column. The ultrasonic vibrator 18 is electrically connected to the control unit 26, and the particle size of the generated mist can be changed by adjusting the ultrasonic oscillation output, frequency, etc. of the ultrasonic vibrator 18. In this embodiment, five ultrasonic vibrators 18 are arranged in a straight line inside the tank 12.

The control unit 26 is configured to heat the water in the tank 12 by passing an electric current through the heater 20, thereby controlling the temperature of the water in the tank 12 to a predetermined temperature. For example, the heater 20 can heat supplied water (e.g., room temperature of approximately 20°C) to 60°C or higher, above room temperature. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 26 can control the temperature of water once heated to 60°C or higher by the heater 20 so that the temperature difference between room temperature and the water temperature is a predetermined temperature. Thus, in the mist generator main body 8, the temperature of the water heated to 60°C or higher is controlled, and mist is generated from the temperature-controlled water. The present invention can also be configured to supply water heated to 60°C or higher in a water heater to the mist generator main body 8 and generate mist from that water.

The control unit 26 heats the water in the tank 12 to a temperature above room temperature, generating mist that creates an updraft at a temperature above room temperature, and has the function of controlling the temperature of the mist so that it tends to stagnate depending on the particle size and other conditions of the mist. Since the water is heated to 60°C or above, it is also possible to take measures to suppress the growth of at least some bacteria (e.g., Legionella). The step in which the heater 20 heats the water (or mist) to 60°C or above may be omitted, and instead this step may be replaced by other bacteria suppression means, such as a sterilization means using UV light or a sterilization means that adds a sterilizing agent.

The present invention can also be configured so that the heater 20 is located at a position higher than the water level in the tank 12, heating the mist generated from the water. In this case, the heater 20 can heat the mist generated from the water to 60°C or higher. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 26 can control the temperature of the mist heated by the heater 20 to 60°C or higher so that the temperature difference between the mist temperature and room temperature is a predetermined temperature.

The water temperature measuring device 22 detects the temperature of the water in the tank 12. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the water temperature measuring device 22, and the control unit 26 can recognize the temperature of the water in the tank 12.
The indoor temperature measuring device 24 detects the temperature of the air outside the mist generator main body 8 in the indoor space 5 where the bathtub main body 6 is placed. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the indoor temperature measuring device 24, allowing the control unit 26 to recognize the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5. Note that before mist supply begins (before the mist generator 1 is activated), the air temperature in the indoor space 5 and the air temperature in the mist retention space 4 are assumed to be approximately equal or relatively close to each other, so the control unit 26 can estimate the air temperature in the indoor space 5 measured by the indoor temperature measuring device 24 as the air temperature in the mist retention space 4.

The control unit 26 is also configured to control the water supply line opening/closing valve 30, which is a water supply valve, and the ultrasonic vibrator 18. The float switch 21 detects the water level in the tank 12, and when the water level in the tank 12 drops to a predetermined level, it detects this and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 26. Based on the detection signal from the float switch 21, the control unit 26 controls the water supply line opening/closing valve 30 so that the water level of the water stored in the tank 12 is maintained within an appropriate range. The control of the water supply line opening/closing valve 30 by the control unit 26 will be described later.

The control unit 26 has a built-in CPU, memory, etc., and generates mist based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 18, heater 20, water temperature measuring device 22, indoor temperature measuring device 24, operation unit 28, etc. The control unit 26 is also electrically connected to and controls the water supply line opening/closing valve 30 provided in the water supply line 14 and the drainage line opening/closing valve 32 provided in the drainage line.

The mist discharge passage 10 discharges the mist generated by the mist generator main body 8 toward the room in which the bathtub main body 6 is located, allowing it to flow into the mist accumulation space 4 within the bathtub main body 6, which is open at the top. As shown in the cross-section of the flow path in Figure 2, the mist discharge passage 10 is a passage that extends from the mist generator main body 8 to the upper part of one end of the mist accumulation space 4. The opening of the mist discharge passage 10 is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape along the short side portion 6e of the bathtub main body 6. The opening is formed to have a width that spans almost the entire short side portion 6e. The mist discharge passage 10 is located above the water overflow portion 6c within the bathtub main body 6. In this embodiment, this overflow portion 6c is the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub main body 6. As an alternative, the overflow portion 6c may be an overflow port provided within the bathtub main body 6.

The mist generator 1 is configured to supply mist at a flow rate of, for example, 0.03 mL/min to 1.5 mL/min to a mist retention space 4 of 1 L (liter). For example, the mist generator 1 supplies mist at a flow rate of 11 mL/min to a bathtub main body 6 having a mist retention space 4 with a volume of 330 L. The mist flow rate (supply amount) can be controlled by the number of ultrasonic vibrators 18, their output, the direction in which the ultrasonic waves are emitted, the water level in the tank 12, or the shape of the flow path within the mist generator main body 8 or the mist discharge passage 10, etc.

In the mist generator main body 8, heated mist is generated and the temperature of the mist is controlled to facilitate retention of the mist in the mist retention space 4. This will be described below.
The mist generator 1 is configured so that the temperature difference between the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space 4 and the room temperature where the bathroom appliance is used before mist supply begins is 0°C or more, allowing the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to remain in the mist retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6. The mist generator 1 is also configured to create a temperature difference such that the force of the rising air current caused by the temperature difference to lift the mist does not exceed the weight of the mist discharged from the mist discharge passage 10, which corresponds to the particle size of the mist. This type of mist supply may be achieved without using the room temperature gauge 24 (i.e., without relying on the measurement results of the room temperature gauge 24) by presetting the temperature of the water supplied to the mist generator body 8, the heating temperature of the heater 20, or the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator 18 according to the expected temperature range of the air in the room space 5. Alternatively, this type of mist supply may be achieved by adjusting the settings at the time of supply. The mist generator 1 is configured so that the temperature difference is preferably 100° C. or less, more preferably 60° C. or less, and even more preferably 45° C. or less. The mist generator 1 generates heated mist and controls the particle size of the mist, making it easier for the mist to remain in the mist retention space 4.

Next, the operation of the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 to 8. FIG.
3 to 8 are diagrams showing the state from when mist starts to be discharged until the mist accumulates throughout the mist accumulation space 4. The basic structure of the mist generator 1 shown in Figures 3 to 8 is almost the same as the basic structure of the mist generator 1 shown in Figure 2, so the same reference numerals as in Figure 2 will be used in the description of Figures 3 to 8.

As shown in Figure 2, in the standby state before the mist generator 1 begins operation, water at approximately 38°C is stored in the lower half of the mist retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6. The air temperature in the interior space 5 of the bathroom 3 and the air temperature in the mist retention space 4 are approximately the same temperature. Also, in the standby state, the water supply channel on-off valve 30 and the drain channel on-off valve 32 are closed, and there is no water in the tank 12. The ultrasonic vibrator 18 and heater 20 are stopped.

The user operates the operating unit 28 to start controlling the mist supply from the mist generator 1. Before mist supply begins, the indoor temperature gauge 24 measures the air temperature in the indoor space 5, and the air temperature in the indoor space 5 is input to the control unit 26. The control unit 26 opens the water supply line valve 30 to supply water from the water supply line 14 into the tank 12. The drainage line valve 32 remains closed. When a predetermined amount of water has accumulated in the tank 12, the water supply line valve 30 opens. Next, the control unit 26 activates the heater 20 to heat the water from the supplied water temperature to 60°C or higher. After the water has been heated to 60°C or higher, the control unit 26 adjusts the temperature of the water in the tank 12 by starting and stopping the heater 20 so that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space 4 and the temperature in the bathroom 3 before mist supply begins is 0°C or higher. The control unit 26 then activates the ultrasonic vibrator 18 to generate mist within the tank 12.

FIG. 3 shows the state immediately after the supply of mist from the mist discharge passage 10 into the mist retention space 4 begins.
The mist generated in the mist generator main body 8 is supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space 4 in the bathtub main body 6. The mist naturally overflows from the mist discharge passage 10 and, as shown by arrow F1, is supplied into the mist retention space 4 while freely falling under its own weight. In this way, the mist is prevented from moving in any direction other than downward. Therefore, the mist is prevented from moving, such as by stirring, diffusing, or rising, within the mist retention space 4.

Figure 4 shows the state approximately several seconds after the start of mist supply. Mist continues to be supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4. The supplied mist has begun to accumulate above the surface of water B and in a lower part of retention space 4. The force of the updraft trying to raise the mist does not exceed the weight of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10, making it easier for the mist to accumulate in the retention space 4. Therefore, the mist accumulates in a relatively low part of retention space 4. Mist is gradually supplied and added from the mist supply unit 10 side, and gradually moves from the mist supply unit 10 side toward the opposite short side above the water surface or bottom of retention space 4.

Figure 5 shows the state shown in Figure 4, where the mist has reached the opposite short side of the bathtub body 6. The supply of mist from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 continues.

FIG. 6 shows the state after about 10 seconds have passed since the start of mist supply.
As shown in Figure 6, after the rising cloud R (for example, a collection of mist of a predetermined density that rises beyond the overflow surface 6b, which is the upper edge of the bathtub main body 6) rises to a height within a range of approximately 5 cm to approximately 30 cm above the overflow surface 6b, some of the mist floats or dissipates, while the force of gravity on the majority of the mist becomes greater than the force exerted by the rising air current, and the mist gradually descends again toward the retention space 4 within the bathtub main body 6, and some of the mist evaporates and disappears during its movement.

As shown in Figure 7, more mist is supplied into the retention space 4 than in the state shown in Figure 6, and the mist descending from the rising cloud R returns to and remains in the retention space 4. Note that the mist device 1 may also form a mist retention layer C without forming a rising cloud of mist.

FIG. 8 shows the state after about 20 seconds have passed since the start of mist supply.
Mist continues to be supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space 4, and the mist supplied into the mist retention space 4 remains near the top of the mist retention space 4 (the upper end 6a of the bathtub main body 6). The mist primarily resides in the mist retention space 4 in a region above the water surface of the water B and below the top of the mist retention space 4. The mist either falls into the water B and is absorbed, or forms droplets that adhere to the wall of the bathtub main body 6 and disappear, or diffuses beyond the edge of the upper end 6a of the bathtub main body 6. The time it takes for the mist to disappear varies depending on the particle size of the mist. While the mist disappears or diffuses in this way, new mist is supplied before it disappears or diffuses, forming a mist retention layer within the retention space 4. In other words, the mist flows slowly within the mist retention space 4, but does not diffuse from the mist retention space 4, forming a stable retention layer C. The retention layer C is formed above the water surface of water B when mist of a certain density or higher exists within a unit space. The retention layer appears as a white cloud. The retention layer is formed so that the mist density is relatively high at the bottom and relatively low at the top. Due to the presence of the retention layer, it appears as if the mist is filled up to the top of the mist retention space 4.

The retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below height position M1 (Figure 2), which is the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6 (height position M0 (Figure 2)) plus the height equivalent to the depth L1 of the bathtub body 6. The retention boundary surface 66 indicates the boundary region between retention layer C, where the mist has a concentration above a certain level in the air, and air layer J, where the mist has a concentration below a certain level in the air. Because the mist moves to some extent while retaining its position, the retention boundary surface 66 is defined as an area that has some height in the vertical direction and also as an area that spreads horizontally. The overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6 is the lowest part of the side wall of the bathtub body 6, i.e., the part that overflows first when water accumulates up to the upper limit of the bathtub body 6.

Furthermore, the retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed above the height position M0 of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6. Furthermore, the retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below a height position (height position M2 to height position M3 (Figure 2)) that is 100 mm to 200 mm higher than the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6 (height position M0). If the retention boundary surface 66 is positioned higher than the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6, the user can enjoy the mist bathing effect up to a height above the bathtub, i.e., the warm bathing effect up to a height higher than the bathtub. While the mist generator 1 is operating (in use), mist is supplied into the bathtub body 6 and the mist continues to accumulate.
The mist generating device 1 is configured to specify the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature, the particle size of the mist, the amount of mist supplied, etc., so that the height position of the stagnation boundary surface 66 is at the specified height position as described above.

Next, referring to Figures 9 to 11, we will explain how to measure the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space 4, and the temperature of the room in which the bathtub device 2 is used before the supply of mist begins.
9 to 11 are diagrams showing methods for measuring the temperature of the mist and the temperature inside the room before the supply of the mist begins.

The temperature of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space 4 is measured using a box-shaped device 35 that corresponds to the shape of the expected plumbing equipment. The box-shaped device 35 includes a virtual retention space 34 that simulates the shape of the mist retention space of the expected plumbing equipment, and a K-type thermocouple 36 that is positioned in the center of the virtual retention space 34 and measures the temperature.

The virtual retention space 34 is formed to mimic the shape of the actual mist retention space 4 while being smaller in size. The size and shape of the virtual retention space are determined based on the anticipated plumbing equipment, and are determined to correspond to the size and shape of the bathtub in the case of a bathtub device 2, the bathroom wash area floor, the shower room, the vanity sink in the case of a washbasin, the kitchen sink in the case of a kitchen, etc. When viewed from above, the virtual retention space 34 forms, for example, a rectangle with short sides of 120 mm and long sides of 300 mm, and when viewed from the front, a rectangular parallelepiped with a height of 120 mm and long sides of 300 mm. The virtual retention space 34 of the box-shaped device 35 is open, with its ceiling omitted. A temperature-sensing element of a K-type thermocouple 36 is placed at the center of this virtual retention space 34 to measure the air temperature within the virtual retention space 34.

The K thermocouple 36 is located 60 mm inward from the sidewall along the short side, 150 mm inward from the sidewall along the long side, and 60 mm above the bottom in the height direction, when viewed from above. For example, the temperature-sensing part of the K thermocouple measures 4.5 mm in diameter and 50 mm in height. The K thermocouple 36 is electrically connected to a temperature logger (not shown). For example, measurement data from the K thermocouple 36 (model L-TN-4-K, manufactured by AS ONE Corporation) is measured and recorded using a temperature logger (NR-TH08, manufactured by Keyence Corporation, NR-500 series), and the temperature logger information is recorded on a computer. The water used to generate the mist is tap water, and the quality of the water used to generate the mist is based on that of tap water. Furthermore, in the room where each measurement method is performed, no air conditioning or other ventilation that would create airflow within the room is supplied.

Next, FIG. 12 shows an example of the measurement results of the mist temperature.
In Fig. 12, the vertical axis represents the temperature (mist atmosphere temperature) [°C] measured by the K thermocouple 36 in the virtual retention space 34, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time [s] from the start of measurement. As shown in Fig. 12, the temperature measured by the K thermocouple 36 begins to rise when mist is started to be supplied from the mist generating device 1 of this embodiment into the virtual retention space 34 of the box-shaped device 35, and after a sufficient amount of time (e.g., 2500 [s]) it becomes an approximately constant value. In this embodiment, the mist atmosphere temperature T1 (43°C in the example of Fig. 12), which is the highest temperature when the increase in the measured temperature has almost stopped, is defined as the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist generating device 1 to the mist retention space 4.

In the example of mist ambient temperature measurement shown in Figure 12, the room temperature at the start is T0 = -5°C, and the initial temperature of the mist generated within the mist generator main body 8 is 60°C. The temperature of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space is slightly reduced, and this temperature is measured as the mist ambient temperature. After mist supply begins, the temperature within the virtual retention space 34 rises over time, converging to an approximately constant value T1. If mist supply from the mist generator 1 continues, the value to which the temperature measured within the virtual retention space 34 converges will be the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the virtual retention space 34. Therefore, it is assumed that the temperature of the mist actually supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space 4 will be the temperature of the mist measured in the virtual retention space 34 (mist ambient temperature).

Next, we will explain how to measure the temperature in a room where a plumbing device is used before mist supply begins. The temperature in the room where the plumbing device is used before mist supply begins is measured by a room temperature K thermocouple 50 (Figures 9 to 11) located outside the virtual retention space 34 within the room where the plumbing device is used. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 outside the virtual retention space 34 is located in the same room space as the box-shaped device 35 and simulates the room temperature measuring device 24. Therefore, the temperature measured by the room temperature K thermocouple 50 corresponds to the room temperature measured by the room temperature measuring device 24. In simulations using a virtual retention space, the temperature measured by this room temperature K thermocouple 50 is used as the room temperature. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 is located at the height of the top of the virtual retention space 34, 60 mm outward from the sidewall in the direction along the short side and 150 mm inward from the sidewall at one end of the virtual retention space 34 in the direction along the long side, when viewed from above. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 is fixed outside the virtual retention space 34 by a support portion 38 extending outside the virtual retention space 34. The temperature of the room where the plumbing equipment is used is measured by the room temperature K thermocouple 50 before mist supply to the virtual retention space 34 begins. The room temperature K thermocouple is the same K thermocouple as the K thermocouple 36 inside the virtual retention space. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 is not limited to this location and may be placed in a position outside and near the mist generator main body 8. Furthermore, since the room temperature K thermocouple 50 only needs to measure the temperature of the room where the plumbing equipment is used before mist supply begins, the K thermocouple 36 placed inside the virtual retention space 34 may measure the air temperature inside the virtual retention space 34 before mist supply begins.

Next, referring to Figure 13, we will explain the range of temperature difference (shown by the dotted area in Figure 13) between the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space 4 and the temperature in the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the mist supply begins.
As described above, the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space 4 can be determined based on the temperature of the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the mist supply begins. Therefore, the temperature difference between these mist temperatures and the room temperature can be determined. By setting this temperature difference to 0°C or more, the temperature of the mist adjusted after heating can be set to the same temperature as or higher than the room temperature before the mist supply begins.

In Figure 13, the vertical axis represents the mist temperature [°C], and the horizontal axis represents the room temperature [°C]. Furthermore, line C1 in Figure 13 is the line where the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature is 0°C. Therefore, the area above line C1 is the range where the temperature difference is 0°C or more. Furthermore, line C2 is the line where the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature is 100°C. The mist generator 1 is configured to achieve a temperature difference of 0°C or more and 100°C or less. By being able to set a relatively high mist temperature with a temperature difference of up to 100°C, the cleaning properties of the mist and its ability to easily remove dirt can be improved when using mist to clean the bathtub body 6 of a bathroom fixture. For example, relatively high cleaning performance can be achieved by using high-temperature mist close to the boiling point of water. Furthermore, when the mist reaches its boiling temperature (e.g., 100°C), it changes into water vapor and the mist droplets disappear, so the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 is kept below 100°C (indicated by the area below line C5).

Furthermore, the mist generator 1 is configured so that the temperature difference is between 0°C and 60°C. Line C3 is shown where the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature is 60°C. By limiting the use of relatively high-temperature mist that results in a temperature difference of up to 60°C, the cleaning properties of the mist can be improved while further reducing the risk of burns when using mist to clean the bathtub body 6 of the plumbing equipment.

The mist generator main body 8 and mist discharge passage 10 of the mist generator 1 are configured so that the temperature difference is between 0°C and 45°C. Line C4 is shown, where the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature is 45°C. By using a relatively low-temperature mist with a temperature difference of up to 45°C, the possibility of users of plumbing equipment being burned by the mist can be virtually eliminated.

Furthermore, in Figure 13, if the mist temperature is set to 35 degrees or higher (indicated by line D1) and 45 degrees or lower (indicated by line D2), the temperature can be set to about the user's body temperature or warmer, while almost eliminating the possibility of the user being burned by the mist.

Next, a device and a method for measuring the particle size of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of a mist particle size measuring device. As shown in Fig. 14, mist particle size measuring device 37 includes a box-shaped device 39 that sets up virtual retention space 34 of the same size and shape as described above, and a particle size distribution measuring device 53. A 20 mm x 20 mm square opening 52 is formed in the side wall of this box-shaped device 39, i.e., near the center of the side wall of virtual retention space 34, and a lid 55 is attached to this opening 52.

As shown in FIG. 15, the particle size distribution measuring device 53 is equipped with a particle size measuring laser 54, which is arranged so that the measurement region E of the particle size measuring laser is located near and in front of the opening 52. The particle size measuring laser 54 is arranged so that the laser light from the particle size measuring laser 54 is parallel to the long side of the virtual retention space 34 when viewed from above. The measurement region E, through which the laser light emitted from the particle size measuring laser 54 passes, is located in front of the opening 52. The measurement region E is located 150 mm from the opening 52. The particle size distribution measuring device 53 is equipped with a measurement lens 56, which is configured to detect diffracted and scattered light of the laser light.

First, with the lid 55 attached to the opening 52, mist begins to be supplied into the virtual retention space 34. The mist supply port from the mist discharge passage 10 is not shown. One minute after the mist supply begins, the lid 55 is opened, allowing the mist to leak toward the measurement area E of the particle size measurement laser 54. The scattered light distribution is measured using the measurement lens 56 when the particle size measurement laser 54 has a transmittance of 60% to 90%. For example, the particle size measurement laser 54 and measurement lens 56 are the LDSA-SPR1500A, an Aerotrac LDSA-SPR series spray particle size distribution measurement device manufactured by Microtrac Bell Co., Ltd. Particle size distribution data is measured 10 times and recorded on a PC. The 10 particle size distribution data are averaged on the PC.

Figure 16 shows an example of particle size distribution data measured by the particle size distribution measuring device 53. In Figure 16, the left vertical axis shows frequency [%], the right vertical axis shows cumulative [%], and the horizontal axis shows particle size [μm]. For example, a PC analyzes the particle size distribution data obtained in this way and obtains the 20th percentile particle size G and Sauter mean particle size H of this particle size distribution data as particle size data. The Sauter mean particle size indicates the particle size having the same surface area-to-volume ratio as the total volume of all particles relative to the total surface area of all particles. By determining the average particle size using the Sauter mean particle size, the influence of a small number of large particle sizes on the measurement value can be suppressed.

The mist generator 1 is configured so that the particle size of the majority of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 is 3.1 μm or more and 40 μm or less. To minimize the effects on measurement of a small number of large or small particles at the upper and lower limits of this range, the mist particle size is specified to satisfy the following conditions: the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 40 μm or less and the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 3.1 μm or more.

The mist generator 1 is configured so that the particle size of the majority of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 is 3.6 μm or more and 20 μm or less. To minimize the effects on measurement of a small number of large or small particles at the upper and lower limits of this range, the particle size of the mist is specified to satisfy the following conditions: the average of the Sauter mean particle size and the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 3.6 μm or more, and the Sauter mean particle size of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit is 20 μm or less.

The mist generator 1 is configured so that the particle size of the majority of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 is 4.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. To minimize the influence of a small number of large or small particles at the upper and lower limits of this range, the mist particle size is specified to satisfy the condition that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 4.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

Next, the relationship between the temperature difference and the particle size will be described with reference to FIG.
In Figure 17, the vertical axis represents particle size [μm], and the horizontal axis represents temperature difference ΔT [°C]. In Figure 17, the preferred ranges for particle size and temperature difference ΔT are indicated by dotted regions. The mist generator 1 can set a predetermined temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature within a range of 0°C to 100°C. As described above, the temperature difference can be changed to a range of 0°C to 60°C, 0°C to 45°C, etc.

The mist generating device 1 is configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 40 μm or less. Therefore, the particle size of most of the mist is 40 μm or less.
If the mist particle size is 40 μm, the terminal velocity v can be calculated as 45.3 mm/s using the following formula: The method for calculating the terminal velocity v of water droplets can be expressed as follows. If the molecular viscosity coefficient of air is μ and the radius of the water droplet (half the mist particle size) is r, then ρ = 103 kg/m ^-3 , g = 9.8 m/s ² , μ = 1.8 × 10 -5 N·sec/m ² (15°C),
V(∞)=(2ρgr ² )/(9μ)=1.2×10 ⁸ r ²
The terminal velocity v(∞) is proportional to the square of the radius of the water droplet. Note that this formula is applicable to the range Re<1, i.e., r<0.1 mm.

If the mist particle size is 40 μm, resulting in a terminal velocity of 45.3 mm/s, it is assumed that the supplied mist will reach the bottom of the mist retention space in approximately 10 seconds (for example, the distance from the mist discharge passage 10 to the bottom of the mist retention space 4 is 45 cm) and disappear. In other words, the mist will remain for at least 10 seconds from when it is supplied until it disappears. If the mist remains for approximately 10 seconds in this way, new mist can be supplied during this time, making it easier to maintain the mist retention layer C. In Figure 17, when the Sauter mean particle size is greater than 40 μm, the average time until the mist disappears becomes shorter, making it less likely that a mist retention layer will form due to the disappearance of the mist.

The mist generator 1 may be configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 20 μm or less. In this case, the particle size of the majority of the mist is 20 μm or less. If the mist particle size is 20 μm, the terminal velocity v is calculated to be 11.3 mm/s, and it will take at least approximately 40 seconds for the supplied mist to reach the bottom of the mist retention space 4, further reducing the proportion of mist that falls to the bottom of the mist retention space 4 relatively quickly.

The mist generator 1 may be configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 10 μm or less. In this case, the particle size of the majority of the mist is 10 μm or less. If the mist particle size is 10 μm, the terminal velocity v is calculated to be 2.8 mm/s, and it will take at least approximately 160 seconds for the supplied mist to reach the bottom of the mist retention space 4. This allows the mist to remain in the mist retention space 4 for a longer period of time, and further reduces the proportion of mist that falls to the bottom of the mist retention space 4 relatively quickly.

The mist generator 1 may be configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 3.1 μm or more. In this case, the particle size of the majority of the mist is 3.1 μm or more. This reduces the proportion of mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 that is not retained within the mist retention space 4 and diffuses outside the mist retention space 4, while increasing the proportion of mist that is retained within the mist retention space 4, allowing the mist to be efficiently retained within the mist retention space 4.

The mist generator 1 may be configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 3.6 μm or more. In this case, the particle size of the majority of the mist is 3.6 μm or more. This further reduces the proportion of mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 that is not retained within the mist retention space 4 and diffuses outside the mist retention space 4, while also further increasing the proportion of mist that is retained within the mist retention space 4, allowing the mist to be retained more efficiently within the mist retention space 4.

The mist generator 1 may be configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 4.1 μm or more. In this case, the particle size of the majority of the mist is 4.1 μm or more. This further reduces the proportion of mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 that is not retained within the mist retention space 4 and diffuses outside the mist retention space 4, and further increases the proportion of mist that is retained within the mist retention space 4, allowing the mist to be retained more efficiently within the mist retention space 4.

Next, the relationship between temperature difference, particle size, and the state of mist within the virtual retention space 58 will be further explained with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Figure 18 shows a box-shaped observation device for observing the state within the virtual retention space. Figure 19 compares the state of mist within the virtual retention space 58 for nine combinations of temperature difference and Sauter mean particle size.

As shown in Figure 19, the state of mist within a virtual retention space 58 can be measured using a box-shaped observation device 55 that corresponds to the shape of the expected plumbing equipment. The box-shaped observation device 55 is equipped with a virtual retention space 58 that simulates the shape of the mist retention space of the expected plumbing equipment, and a camera 62 that observes and records the state of the mist within the virtual retention space 58. As shown in Figure 18, the virtual retention space 58 of the box-shaped observation device 55 has short sides of 120 mm, long sides of 300 mm, and a height of 240 mm. The virtual retention space 58 is open upward, with no ceiling surface. One side wall of the virtual retention space 58 of the box-shaped observation device 55 is formed by a transparent plate 60, and the interior of the virtual retention space 58 can be observed and recorded using a camera 62 positioned diagonally above the box-shaped observation device 55. A supply port 64 measuring 70 mm in width and 40 mm in height is formed at a position 120 mm high on the side wall on the short side of the virtual retention space 58 of the box-shaped observation device 55. This supply port 64 is connected to the mist discharge passage 10.

19 compares nine patterns of stagnation conditions captured by the camera 62 when mist with a predetermined particle size and temperature difference is supplied from the mist discharge passage 10. In each pattern, the dotted line indicates the position where the stagnation boundary surface is expected to occur.
In FIG. 19, the vertical axis indicates the Sauter mean particle diameter of the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10, and the horizontal axis indicates the temperature difference ΔT between the temperature of the mist and the temperature inside the room.

Pattern example A in Figure 19 shows the state of mist when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 50 μm to 60 μm and the temperature difference is 5°C (mist temperature 20°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C). In pattern example A, the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 falls relatively quickly to the bottom within the virtual retention space 58 and disappears, so the mist does not remain within the virtual retention space 58. This photograph was taken two minutes after mist supply began. Therefore, in pattern example A, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface within the virtual retention space 58 is not formed.

Pattern example B in Figure 19 shows the state of the mist when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 50 μm to 60 μm and the temperature difference is 25°C (mist temperature 40°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C). In pattern example B, the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 falls relatively quickly to the bottom within the virtual retention space 58 and disappears, so the mist does not remain within the virtual retention space 58.

Pattern example C in Figure 19 shows the state of the mist when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 50 μm to 60 μm and the temperature difference is 45°C (mist temperature 60°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C). Even in pattern example C, the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 falls relatively quickly to the bottom within the virtual retention space 58 and disappears, so the mist does not remain within the virtual retention space 58.

Pattern example D in Figure 19 shows the state of mist when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 4 μm to 8 μm and the temperature difference is 5°C (mist temperature 20°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C). In pattern example D, the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 forms a stagnation layer C in the virtual retention space 58, although the concentration is somewhat low. Because the mist particle size is relatively small, the terminal velocity is also relatively small, and the falling speed is slow. Meanwhile, the updraft caused by the temperature difference is also small. As a result, the mist stagnates and forms a stagnation layer in the virtual retention space 58, forming a stagnation boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

Pattern Example E in Figure 19 shows the state of mist when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 4 μm to 8 μm and the temperature difference is 25°C (mist temperature 40°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C). In Pattern Example E, the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 forms a highly concentrated stagnation layer C within the virtual retention space 58. Because the mist particle size is relatively small, the terminal velocity is also relatively low and the fall speed is slow. A slight updraft is also generated due to the temperature difference. Here, the force of the updraft caused by the temperature difference to lift the mist does not exceed the weight of the mist, while suppressing the fall of the mist and causing the mist to remain stagnate for a relatively long time. Therefore, a mist stagnation layer C is formed within the virtual retention space 58, forming a stagnation boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

Pattern Example F in Figure 19 shows the state of mist when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 4 μm to 8 μm and the temperature difference is 45°C (mist temperature 60°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C). In Pattern Example F, the mist supplied from the mist supply unit forms a highly concentrated stagnation layer C within the virtual retention space 58. Because the mist particle size is relatively small, the terminal velocity is also relatively small, and the fall speed is slow. Furthermore, the updraft caused by the temperature difference is slightly stronger than when the temperature difference is 25°C. However, the force of the updraft caused by the temperature difference to lift the mist still does not exceed the weight of the mist, suppressing the fall of the mist and causing the mist to remain stagnant for a relatively long time. Because the updraft is slightly stronger, there are areas where the mist appears to float up from the stagnation layer C, but overall the mist stagnation layer C continues to be maintained. Therefore, a mist stagnation layer is formed within the virtual retention space 58, forming a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface. Even if there are areas where the mist is rising locally, if the retention boundary surface 66 is maintained over more than half of the virtual retention space 58, it is considered that the retention boundary surface 66 has been formed.

Pattern example G in Figure 19 shows the state of mist when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 1.2 μm and the temperature difference is 5°C (mist temperature 20°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C). In pattern example G, the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 diffuses and floats up within the virtual retention space 58. The updraft caused by the temperature difference is relatively small. However, because the mist particle size is even smaller, the terminal velocity is even smaller and the falling speed is even slower. Therefore, the mist is lighter and diffuses with a slight updraft. Therefore, no mist stagnation layer C is formed within the virtual retention space 58, forming a retention boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

Pattern example H in Figure 19 shows the state of mist when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 1.2 μm and the temperature difference is 25°C (mist temperature 40°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C). In pattern example G, the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 diffuses in a floating manner within the virtual retention space 58. Because the mist particle size is even smaller, the terminal velocity is even smaller and the falling speed is even slower. Furthermore, the updraft caused by the temperature difference is even stronger. Therefore, the mist is lighter and is diffused by the stronger updraft. Therefore, a mist stagnation layer C that forms a stagnation boundary surface 66 on its upper surface is not formed within the virtual retention space 58.

Pattern Example I in Figure 19 shows the state of mist when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 1.2 μm and the temperature difference is 45°C (mist temperature 60°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C). In Pattern Example I, the mist supplied from the mist discharge passage 10 diffuses and floats up within the virtual retention space 58. Because the mist particle size is even smaller, the terminal velocity is even smaller and the falling speed is even slower. Furthermore, the updraft caused by the temperature difference is even stronger. Therefore, the mist is lighter and is diffused by the stronger updraft. Therefore, a mist stagnation layer C that forms a retention boundary surface on the upper surface is not formed within the virtual retention space 58.

Next, referring to Figure 20, we will explain a device and method for determining whether mist is stagnating in the mist stagnating space 4 (or virtual stagnating space, etc.) within the bathtub body 6 (whether a mist stagnating layer C has formed on its upper surface, forming a stagnating boundary surface 66).

As shown in Figure 20, the internal transmittance measured inside the mist retention space 4 in the bathtub body 6 using a transmittance measuring device 68 is compared with the external transmittance measured outside the mist retention space 4. If the internal transmittance is lower than the external transmittance, it can be determined that mist is retained inside the mist retention space 4. More specifically, if internal transmittance/external transmittance < 1, it can be determined that mist is retained inside the mist retention space 4.

Next, the transmittance measuring device 68 will be described with reference to FIG.
The transmittance measuring device 68 includes a first laser device 70 disposed inside the mist retention space 4 and a first transmittance measuring device 72 that receives a laser. The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are disposed 150 mm apart horizontally at a position 150 mm below the upper end of the mist retention space 4 (for example, a depth position that is approximately 30% of the depth of the mist retention space 4). The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are disposed near the center of the mist retention space 4 when viewed from above. The transmittance is measured by measuring the intensity of the laser light measured by the first transmittance measuring device 72 relative to the intensity of the laser light emitted from the first laser device 70.

The transmittance measuring device 68 further includes a second laser device 74 located outside the mist retention space 4, and a second transmittance measuring device 76 that receives the laser. The second laser device 74 and the second transmittance measuring device 76 are located 150 mm apart horizontally at a position 150 mm above the top end of the mist retention space 4 (e.g., relative to the top end of the mist retention space 4; a position symmetrical to the first laser device 70 and first transmittance measuring device 72). The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are located near the center of the mist retention space 4 when viewed from above. The intensity of the laser light measured by the second transmittance measuring device 76 is measured relative to the intensity of the laser light emitted from the second laser device 74, and the transmittance is measured. The transmittance measurement device 68 comprises a first laser device 70 and a first transmittance measurement device 72 located inside the mist retention space 4, but these devices may also be located in a virtual retention space such as the one described above instead of the mist retention space 4 to virtually measure the predicted transmittance. In this case, a second laser device 74 and a second transmittance measurement device 76 are located outside the virtual retention space.

In more specific terms, the device configuration involves laser light emitted from a Keyence digital fiber amplifier FS-N11MN, passing through the company's FU-77TZ (first laser device 70 or second laser device 74), and being received by the company's FU-77TZ (first transmittance measuring device 72 or second transmittance measuring device 76). The received light is returned to the fiber amplifier FS-N11MN, which outputs a voltage of, for example, 1-5V depending on the light intensity. The output voltage is measured using the company's NR-500 series NR-HA08 and scaled to a value between 0 and 100% on a PC. Transmittance data is measured, for example, at a sampling period of 100ms. For example, within 15 minutes of starting to supply mist at approximately constant volume, transmittance data is averaged over the first 30 seconds that can be determined to be in a steady state.

For example, as shown in pattern example E in Figure 19, when mist is retained inside the mist retention space 4, the internal transmittance decreases. On the other hand, the mist mainly remains inside the mist retention space 4, and the external transmittance measured above the retention boundary surface 66 is relatively high. Therefore, internal transmittance/external transmittance < 1, and it is determined that mist is retained inside the mist retention space 4.

As shown in pattern example A in Figure 19, when mist is not retained inside the mist retention space 4 and the mist mainly falls and disappears, both the internal transmittance and external transmittance remain at relatively high values. Therefore, internal transmittance/external transmittance = 1, and it is not determined that mist is retained inside the mist retention space 4.

As shown in pattern example I in Figure 19, when mist diffuses from inside the mist retention space 4 to the outside, it is thought that the internal transmittance and external transmittance will both be similar values with slightly lower transmittance. Therefore, internal transmittance/external transmittance = 1, and it is not determined that mist is retained inside the mist retention space 4.

Next, the specific structures of the mist generator main body 8 and the mist discharge passage 10 of the mist generator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
Figure 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the mist generator main body 8 and mist discharge passage 10 of the mist generator 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 22 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the mist generator main body 8 and mist discharge passage 10. Figure 23 is a perspective view of the mist generator main body 8 with the mist discharge passage 10 removed. Figure 24 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the mist generator main body 8. Figure 25 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the mist generator main body 8 and mist discharge passage 10 as viewed obliquely from below.

As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the mist generator main body 8 of the mist generator 1 is formed in a roughly rectangular box shape, with the water to be turned into mist stored in its lower part, forming a water storage section called a tank 12. A recess 12a is provided in the bottom of the tank 12, and an ultrasonic vibrator 18 is attached to the bottom surface of this recess 12a, facing vertically upward. With this structure, the ultrasonic vibrator 18 irradiates ultrasonic waves toward the water surface W of the water stored in the tank 12, forming a liquid column LC above the water surface W vertically above the ultrasonic vibrator 18. In this way, the irradiation of ultrasonic waves forms a liquid column LC above the water surface W of the tank 12, and mist is generated around this liquid column LC in the internal space of the mist generator main body 8.

As shown in FIG. 24, five recesses 12a are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the mist generator main body 8 at the bottom of the tank 12, and an ultrasonic vibrator 18 is provided at the bottom of each recess 12a. That is, the five ultrasonic vibrators 18 are arranged in a straight line at the bottom of the mist generator main body 8. Furthermore, partition walls 8b extending in the short side direction are provided between each recess 12a (ultrasonic vibrators 18) to separate the interior of the mist generator main body 8. Furthermore, a heater 20 is arranged at the bottom of the tank 12 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the mist generator main body 8. This heater 20 is arranged so as to extend parallel to the arrangement direction of the five ultrasonic vibrators 18. When the mist generator 1 is operating, the heater 20 heats the water in the tank 12 to a predetermined temperature.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, an opening is provided at the top of one side of the mist generator main body 8, and a mist discharge passage 10 is attached to cover this opening. The mist discharge passage 10 is attached to one side of the mist generator main body 8 and is a duct with a roughly rectangular cross section that extends vertically downward from the mist generator main body 8. The upper end of the mist discharge passage 10 is connected to the interior of the mist generator main body 8 at the side, and a mist discharge outlet 10a facing vertically downward is provided at the lower end. As a result, mist generated in the internal space of the mist generator main body 8 flows into the mist discharge passage 10 and is discharged from the mist discharge outlet 10a at the lower end of the mist discharge passage 10.

On the other hand, an intake passage 8e is provided at the upper end of the mist generator main body 8, on the side opposite the mist discharge passage 10. This intake passage 8e is formed on the top surface of the mist generator main body 8 and opens vertically upward. That is, the internal space of the mist generator main body 8 is connected to the outside air via the intake passage 8e. The intake passage 8e is also provided on the top surface of the mist generator main body 8, and a ceiling surface 8a is formed vertically above the ultrasonic vibrator 18. This ceiling surface 8a is inclined so that it is higher on the side of the mist generator main body 8 facing the mist discharge passage 10 and lower on the side facing the intake passage 8e. That is, the ceiling surface 8a is configured to be inclined in the portion vertically above the ultrasonic vibrator 18 where the liquid column LC is formed, but is generally horizontal near the mist discharge passage 10. The inclination of this ceiling surface 8a directs the mist generated within the mist generator main body 8 toward the mist discharge passage 10.

A step is provided between the inclined portion of the ceiling surface 8a and the generally horizontal portion, and this step forms a damming portion 8c. In other words, when the liquid column LC formed on the water surface W or droplets LD separated from the liquid column LC strike the inclined ceiling surface 8a and adhere to the ceiling surface 8a, the damming portion 8c prevents the adhered droplets from flowing toward the mist discharge passage 10 (shown by phantom lines in Figure 21).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, a roughly dome-shaped guide wall 8d is provided on the ceiling surface 8a adjacent to the damming portion 8c. This guide wall 8d is configured with a dome shape that is higher in the center, and is provided above each ultrasonic vibrator 18. That is, the water blocked by the damming portion 8c flows left and right along the guide wall 8d, then flows along the inner wall surface of the mist generator main body 8 and the partition wall 8b (FIG. 24) into the tank 12 (shown by phantom lines in FIG. 25). The water that flows down from the damming portion 8c along the partition wall 8b flows down between the ultrasonic vibrators 18, preventing the flowing water from interfering with the formation of the liquid column LC.

Next, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, a water supply section 9 and a drainage section 11 are provided at one end of the mist generator main body 8. The water supply section 9 has a water supply line connection section 9a to which the water supply line 14 (Figure 2) is connected, and a water supply chamber 9b into which water supplied from this water supply line connection section 9a flows. Water that flows into the water supply chamber 9b flows into the tank 12 inside the mist generator main body 8, and as shown in Figure 24, the water supply chamber 9b and the tank 12 are connected through a communication passage 9c below a partition wall 8b provided adjacent to the water supply chamber 9b.

Because the lower end of the partition wall 8b is located below the water surface W of the tank 12, the communication passage 9c is always submerged while the mist generator 1 is operating. That is, the water supply chamber 9b of the water supply unit 9 is connected to the inside of the tank 12 through the communication passage 9c below the water surface W of the tank 12. In this way, the water supply unit 9 is connected to the inside of the tank 12 via the communication passage 9c below the water surface W of the tank 12. Therefore, when water flows into the water supply chamber 9b from the water supply line connection 9a, rippling of the water surface W in the tank 12 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the drainage section 11 has a drainage channel connection section 11a, a drainage chamber 11b located adjacent to this drainage channel connection section 11a, and an overflow section 11c located between the drainage channel connection section 11a and the drainage chamber 11b. The drainage chamber 11b is connected to the inside of the tank 12 through a passage (not shown) below the water surface W. The overflow section 11c is a horizontally extending weir separating the drainage chamber 11b and the drainage channel connection section 11a. When the water level in the drainage chamber 11b exceeds the height of the overflow section 11c, the water in the drainage chamber 11b is discharged to the drainage channel connection section 11a. Furthermore, because the tank 12 and the drainage chamber 11b are connected by a passage below the water surface W, the maximum water level in the tank 12 is determined by the height of the overflow section 11c.

Next, the control of the mist generating device 1, the indoor temperature adjusting device 29, and the ventilation device 31 by the control unit 26 will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28.
Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the mist generating system according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the control unit 26. Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the control of the water supply to the mist generating device 1 and the water temperature in the tank 12. Fig. 28 is a flowchart showing the control of the indoor temperature adjustment device 29.

The flowchart shown in Figure 26 shows the control executed by the control unit 26 when the start switch (not shown) on the operation unit 28 (Figure 1) is operated by the user. Furthermore, the control of the mist generator preparation process shown in Figure 27 and the control of the room temperature preparation process shown in Figure 28 are also executed simultaneously in parallel when the start switch (not shown) is operated.

First, in step S1 of Figure 26, the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the ventilation device 31 (Figure 1) to stop it. That is, if ventilation is being performed by the ventilation device 31 while the mist generator 1 is discharging mist, the airflow tends to cause the mist discharged from the mist generator 1 to diffuse, preventing the mist from accumulating within the bathtub body 6 (in the mist accumulation space 4). For this reason, when discharging mist from the mist generator 1, the ventilation device 31 is stopped to prevent the mist from diffusing. Note that the present invention can also be configured so that the ventilation efficiency of the ventilation device 31 is reduced to a level that does not prevent the mist from accumulating, without stopping the ventilation device 31.

Meanwhile, in step S11 of the mist generator preparation process flow shown in Figure 27, preparation is made for the tank 12 of the mist generator 1. Specifically, the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the drainage channel on-off valve 32 (Figure 2) connected to the drainage channel 16, causing it to close, and allowing water to be stored in the tank 12.
Furthermore, in step S<b>12 , the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the water supply line opening/closing valve 30 ( FIG. 2 ) connected to the water supply line 14 to open it and allow water to flow into the tank 12 .

Next, in step S13, it is determined whether a predetermined amount of water has been stored in the tank 12. That is, a float switch 21 (Figure 2) is provided in the tank 12, and this float switch 21 can detect the water level in the tank 12. The processing of step S13 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that a predetermined amount of water has been stored in the tank 12.

When a predetermined amount of water has been stored in the tank 12, the processing in the flowchart shown in Figure 27 proceeds to step S14, where the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the water supply line open/close valve 30, closing it and stopping the supply of water to the tank 12.

Next, in step S15, it is determined whether the temperature of the water in the tank 12 measured by the water temperature gauge 22 (Figure 2) is between 60°C and 65°C. Because the temperature of the water in the tank 12 is below 60°C immediately after water supply is stopped in step S14, processing in the flowchart proceeds to step S16. Furthermore, in step S16, because the temperature of the water in the tank 12 is not within the range of between 60°C and 65°C, the value of the "tank hot water preparation complete flag" is set to "0." The "tank hot water preparation complete flag" will be described later. Next, in step S17, it is determined whether the temperature of the water in the tank 12 is below 60°C. If it is below 60°C, processing proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the control unit 26 starts supplying electricity to the heater 20, and the process in the flowchart returns to step S15. Thereafter, the process of steps S15 → S16 → S17 → S18 → S15 is repeatedly executed until the temperature of the water in the tank 12 reaches 60°C. When the temperature of the water in the tank 12 reaches 60°C, in step S15 it is determined that the water temperature is equal to or greater than 60°C and equal to or less than 65°C, and the process proceeds to step S20.

In step S20, the value of the tank hot water preparation complete flag is set to "1." Thereafter, as long as the temperature of the water in the tank 12 is in the range of 60°C or higher and 65°C or lower, the value of the tank hot water preparation complete flag remains "1." Also, in the flowchart of Figure 27, the processing of steps S15 → S20 → S15 is repeated. In this way, the value of the "tank hot water preparation complete flag" is set to "1" when the temperature of the water in the tank 12 is at an appropriate temperature of 60°C or higher and 65°C or lower, and is set to "0" if the temperature is not appropriate.

Furthermore, if the temperature of the water in the tank 12 exceeds 65°C due to continued power supply to the heater 20, the process in the flowchart of FIG. 27 proceeds from step S15 to S16, where the value of the tank hot water preparation completion flag is set to "0." Next, the process in the flowchart proceeds from step S17 to S19, where the control unit 26 stops power supply to the heater 20. Thereafter, in the flowchart of FIG. 27, the process of steps S15, S16, S17, S19, and S15 is repeated until the temperature of the water in the tank 12 drops to 65°C.

In the control flow for the room temperature preparation process shown in Figure 28, in step S21, the control unit 26 determines whether the temperature inside the bathroom 3 measured by the room temperature measuring device 24 (Figure 2) is above a predetermined temperature. In this embodiment, the predetermined temperature is set to 25°C. That is, if the temperature inside the bathroom 3 is above 25°C, the rising air current generated by the air inside the bathtub body 6 being heated by the hot water inside the bathtub body 6 will not be very strong. Therefore, by discharging mist from the mist generator 1 into the mist retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6, the discharged mist can be retained within the mist retention space 4. On the other hand, if the temperature inside the bathroom 3 is below 25°C, the rising air current generated by the hot water inside the bathtub body 6 will be strong, causing the mist discharged from the mist generator 1 to diffuse, making it difficult to retain the mist within the mist retention space 4.

For this reason, if the temperature in the bathroom 3 is below 25°C, the process proceeds to step S22, where the value of the "room temperature preparation complete flag" is set to "0." The "room temperature preparation complete flag" will be described later. Next, in step S23, the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the room temperature adjustment device 29 (Figure 1), activating it and raising the temperature in the bathroom 3. In this embodiment, the room temperature adjustment device 29 is a heater (not shown) that is configured to heat the air in the bathroom 3 while circulating it.

Next, in step S24, it is determined whether the temperature in the bathroom 3 is above a predetermined temperature (25°C in this embodiment), and if it is below the predetermined temperature, the process of step S24 is repeated.

When the temperature in the bathroom 3 rises above the predetermined temperature, the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 28 proceeds to step S25, where the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 to stop it, and then returns to step S21.
In step S21, it is determined whether the temperature in bathroom 3 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (25° C. in this embodiment), and if it is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S26.

In step S26, the value of the indoor temperature preparation complete flag is set to "1." Thereafter, as long as the temperature in the bathroom 3 is above the predetermined temperature, the process of steps S21 → S26 → S21 is repeated, and the value of the indoor temperature preparation complete flag is maintained at "1." In this way, the value of the "indoor temperature preparation complete flag" is set to "0" if it is determined in step S21 that the temperature in the bathroom 3 is below the predetermined temperature, and is set to "1" if it is determined that the temperature in the bathroom 3 is above the predetermined temperature and is an appropriate temperature.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 26, step S1 is executed, followed by step S2. In step S2, a determination is made as to whether the temperature in the bathroom 3 is above a predetermined temperature and whether the temperature of the water in the tank 12 of the mist generator 1 is within a predetermined temperature range (60°C or higher and 65°C or lower in this embodiment). Specifically, a determination is made as to whether the value of the tank hot water preparation completion flag set in the flowchart shown in FIG. 27 is "1" and whether the value of the room temperature preparation completion flag set in the flowchart shown in FIG. 28 is "1". If neither flag is "1", step S2 is repeatedly executed, waiting until each flag is set to "1".

If the values of the tank hot water preparation complete flag and the room temperature preparation complete flag are both "1," step S3 is executed, in which the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the mist generator 1 to begin generating mist. Specifically, the control unit 26 initiates operation of the ultrasonic vibrator 18, turning the water in the tank 12 into mist. As a result, the mist generated within the mist generator main body 8 of the mist generator 1 is discharged through the mist discharge passage 10 into the bathtub main body 6, where it remains in the mist retention space 4 within the bathtub main body 6.

Next, in step S4, the control unit 26 determines whether the temperature in the bathroom 3 is above a predetermined temperature (25°C in this embodiment). If the temperature in the bathroom 3 is below 25°C, the process proceeds to step S5, where the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 to activate it and raise the temperature in the bathroom 3. In this embodiment, the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 is configured to discharge warm air toward the washing area of the bathroom 3. This prevents the warm air from hitting the mist accumulating in the bathtub body 6 and causing the accumulating mist to diffuse. Alternatively, the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 can be configured to change the direction of the discharged warm air, and the angle of the fins (not shown) of the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 can be set so that the warm air is directed toward the washing area while the mist discharge passage 10 is operating.

Next, in step S6, it is determined whether the temperature in the bathroom 3 is above a predetermined temperature (25°C in this embodiment), and if it is below the predetermined temperature, the process of step S6 is repeated.

When the temperature in the bathroom 3 rises above the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step S7, where the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 to stop it, and the process returns to step S4. Thereafter, steps S4 to S7 are repeatedly executed, and the temperature in the bathroom 3 is maintained above the predetermined temperature.

Furthermore, when the user operates the stop switch (not shown) on the operation unit 28 (Figure 1), the process of step S8 is executed as an interrupt process. In step S8, the control unit 26 sends a signal to the ventilation device 31 to return the ventilation device 31 to its original state. That is, if the ventilation device 31 was operating before the user operated the start switch (not shown) on the operation unit 28 (Figure 1), the ventilation device 31 is operated. Similarly, if the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 was operating before the user operated the start switch, it is operated based on the previous settings, and if the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 was stopped, it is stopped.

Next, with new reference to FIG. 29, the mist generation preparation mode in the mist generating system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the control of the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 executed by the control unit 26 in the preparation mode.

The control unit 26 is configured to be able to set a preparation mode that prepares the mist generator 1 to emit mist. When the user operates the preparation mode setting switch (not shown) on the operation unit 28 (Figure 1), the control unit 26 executes the flowcharts shown in Figures 27 and 29 described above. By executing the flowchart shown in Figure 27, the mist generator preparation process is performed, and preparations are made for the mist generator 1 to generate mist. In addition, by executing the flowchart shown in Figure 29, the room temperature preparation process is performed, and preparations are made for a room temperature that will allow mist to remain in the mist retention space 4.

First, in step S31 of Figure 29, the control unit 26 determines whether the temperature in the bathroom 3 measured by the indoor temperature measuring device 24 (Figure 2) is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature. In this embodiment, the first predetermined temperature is set to 25°C. If the temperature in the bathroom 3 is below 25°C, the process proceeds to step S32, where the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 (Figure 1) to activate it and raise the temperature in the bathroom 3.

Next, in step S33, it is determined whether the temperature in the bathroom 3 is equal to or higher than a second predetermined temperature, which is higher than the first predetermined temperature. If the temperature is lower than the second predetermined temperature, step S33 is repeated. In this embodiment, the second predetermined temperature is set to 27°C.

When the temperature in the bathroom 3 rises above the second predetermined temperature, the process in the flowchart shown in Figure 29 proceeds to step S34, where the control unit 26 sends a control signal to the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 to stop it, and the process returns to step S31. Thereafter, steps S31 to S34 are repeatedly executed, and the temperature in the bathroom 3 is maintained within a temperature range above the first predetermined temperature and below the second predetermined temperature while the preparation mode is being executed.

On the other hand, when the preparation mode setting switch (not shown) is operated, the flowchart shown in Figure 27 described above is also executed in parallel, so the mist generator 1 is maintained in a state where it can generate mist. Therefore, after a predetermined time has passed since the preparation mode setting switch was operated, the temperature in the bathroom 3 is maintained at a temperature where mist can be retained in the mist retention space 4, and the mist generator 1 is maintained in a state where it can generate mist. In this state, when the user operates the mist generation system's start switch (not shown), the control unit 26 executes the flowchart shown in Figure 26.

When the flowchart shown in Figure 26 is executed while the preparation mode is running, the conditions of step S2 in Figure 26 are already satisfied, so immediately after operating the start switch, the processing from step S3 onwards is executed, and mist begins to be emitted from the mist generator 1. This allows the user to enjoy a mist bath without waiting.

As a modified example, the present invention can be configured so that when the preparation mode setting switch is operated, the flowchart shown in FIG. 28 is executed instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. 29. Also, as a modified example, the present invention can be configured so that when the start switch is operated directly, without operating the preparation mode setting switch, the flowchart shown in FIG. 29 is executed instead of the flowchart shown in FIG. 28. Alternatively, as a modified example, the present invention can be configured so that steps S31 to S34 in FIG. 29 are executed instead of steps S4 to S7 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 26.

In the mist generating system of the first embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 26 controls the mist generator 1 and the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 so that the mist generated by the mist generator 1 remains within the mist retention space 4, thereby preventing the released mist from diffusing and allowing users to enjoy a mist bath in a variety of usage environments.

Furthermore, with the mist generating system of this embodiment, the temperature difference between the mist flowing out from the mist generator 1 and the temperature inside the bathroom 3 can be maintained within an appropriate range, preventing the mist from spreading. Furthermore, if the bathtub body 6 is filled about halfway with hot water and the space above it is used as the mist retention space 4, a relatively strong updraft will be generated due to the temperature difference between the hot water in the bathtub body 6 and the air inside the bathroom 3. However, with the mist generating system of this embodiment, the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 is activated to raise the temperature inside the bathroom 3, thereby mitigating this temperature difference and preventing the mist from spreading, allowing you to enjoy a mist bath even in a bathtub body 6 filled with hot water.

Furthermore, with the mist generating system of this embodiment, mist begins to flow out from the mist generator 1 after the temperature in the bathroom 3 has risen above a predetermined temperature (steps S2 → S3 in Figure 26), so the mist flowing out from the mist generator 1 can be retained within the bathtub body 6 from the start, and the mist generated by the mist generator 1 can be retained without waste.

Furthermore, the mist generating system of this embodiment is configured to allow the setting of a preparation mode. When the preparation mode is set, if the temperature in the bathroom 3 falls below a predetermined temperature, the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 is automatically activated (steps S31 to S32 in Figure 29), and the temperature in the bathroom 3 is raised. Therefore, when a user wants to take a mist bath, they can start the mist bath with only a short wait time.

Furthermore, with the mist generating system of this embodiment, the room temperature is maintained at a predetermined temperature in preparation mode (Figure 29), preventing the temperature in the bathroom 3 from rising too much while preparation mode is set, which could cause discomfort to the bather.

Furthermore, according to the mist generating system of this embodiment, the indoor temperature adjustment device 29 discharges warm air toward the washing area in the bathroom 3, thereby maintaining the temperature inside the bathroom 3 at an appropriate temperature while preventing the warm air from interfering with the retention of mist.

Furthermore, according to the mist generating system of this embodiment, if the temperature inside the bathroom 3 drops below a predetermined temperature while mist is being emitted, the temperature inside the bathroom 3 is raised (steps S4 → S5 in Figure 26). This prevents the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist and the temperature inside the bathroom 3 from becoming too large even while mist is being emitted, and maintains an environment in which mist can be retained inside the bathtub body 6.

Furthermore, with the mist generating system of this embodiment, the temperature inside the bathroom 3 is maintained above a predetermined temperature even while the mist is being ejected, so an environment in which the mist can be retained inside the bathtub main body 6 can be maintained, allowing the mist to be retained stably inside the bathtub main body 6.

Next, a shower room unit equipped with a mist generating system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 30. The mist generating system of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the plumbing equipment to which the mist generating system is applied is a shower room. Figure 30 is a perspective view of a shower room unit with a mist generating function according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 30, the mist generating system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is applied to a shower room 203, a type of plumbing equipment. The shower room 203 is formed in the shape of a rectangular area with sides of approximately 0.8 to 2 meters, with a semicircular area added to it when viewed from above, creating a relatively small room. The shower room apparatus 202 installed in the shower room 203 is equipped with a shower water discharge device 207 that discharges shower water. The shower room apparatus 202 further includes a shower room main body 206 that forms a mist retention space 204 that receives mist supplied from the mist generating device 1. An indoor temperature adjustment device 29 and a ventilation device 31 are installed on the ceiling surface of the shower room 203, and these, together with the mist generating device 1, constitute a mist generating system. The shower room 203 is not limited to a room where only the shower water discharge device 207 is installed, but may also include a toilet, hand washing device, sink, or a combination of these.

The shower room main body 206 forms a mist retention space 204 that is open upward toward the indoor space 205 where the shower room device 202 is used. The shower room main body 206 is formed by the shower room wall components and shower room door that surround the shower water discharge device 207, allowing water to flow into the internal mist retention space 204. This structure allows mist to be retained within the shower room main body 206. Note that this embodiment demonstrates that the mist retention space 204 can be defined even if the boundary between the indoor space 205 of the shower room 203 and the mist retention space 204 is not clearly defined by the structure. The boundary between the indoor space 205 and the mist retention space 204 is set at a different position, taking into account the mist supply capacity of the mist generator 1. The mist retention space 204 can be arbitrarily set as a space for storing mist, taking into account the mist supply capacity of the mist generator 1. This mist retention space 204 is a retention space that is open upward toward the indoor space 205. Note that this is not limited to this embodiment, and the mist retention space 204 can be set for the same purpose even if the boundary between the indoor space 205 and the mist retention space 204 is not clearly defined by the structure. The retention space 204 is formed to about the height of a seated user's face, for example (or, for example, about one-third of the total height of the interior space of the shower room).

The mist generator 1 is configured so that the temperature difference between the mist supplied to the mist retention space 204 and the temperature of the shower room before mist supply begins is 0°C or greater, causing the supplied mist to retain within the mist retention space 204 in the shower room main body 206. Figure 29 shows an example of a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

With the structure of the second embodiment configured in this way, heated mist is retained within the mist retention space 204 of the shower room main body 206. For example, the heated mist can warm the shower room main body 206, thereby heating the shower room floor and the mist retention space 204. The heated mist can also allow the user to take a mist bath in the mist retention space 204. Furthermore, by retaining the heated mist at a relatively high position, the user can take a mist bath while sitting in the chair 208 inside the mist retention space 204 or while standing. Furthermore, for example, the heated mist can warm the shower room main body 206 and also make it easier to clean or remove dirt adhering to the shower room main body 206 with relatively high cleaning performance.

The above describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mist generator 2 Bathtub device 3 Bathroom 4 Mist retention space 5 Indoor space 6 Bathtub body 6a Upper end 6d Long side portion 6e Short side portion 6f Drain pan 8 Mist generator body 8a Ceiling surface 8b Partition wall 8c Damming portion 8d Guide wall portion 8e Intake passage 9 Water supply portion 9a Water supply channel connection portion 9b Water supply chamber 9c Communication passage 10 Mist discharge passage 10a Mist discharge port 11 Drain portion 11a Drain channel connection portion 11b Drain chamber 11c Overflow portion 12 Tank (water storage portion)
12a Recess 14 Water supply channel 16 Drain channel 18 Ultrasonic vibrator 20 Heater 21 Float switch (water level sensor)
22 Water temperature measuring instrument 24 Indoor temperature measuring instrument (temperature sensor)
26 Control unit (control device)
28 Operation unit 29 Indoor temperature adjustment device 30 Water supply channel opening/closing valve (water supply valve)
31 Ventilation device 32 Drainage channel opening/closing valve 203 Shower room

Claims (9)

A mist generating system that retains mist in a mist retention space provided in a room,
a mist generating device that generates mist and causes the generated mist to flow into the mist retention space;
an indoor temperature control device for adjusting the temperature of the room;
a control device that controls the mist generator and the indoor temperature adjustment device so that the mist generated by the mist generator is retained in the mist retention space;
and
The mist retention space is a space inside a bathtub arranged in a bathroom, and further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the bathroom. If the temperature detected by the temperature sensor before mist is discharged from the mist generating device is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control device activates the indoor temperature adjustment device to raise the temperature inside the bathroom.
The mist generating system is characterized in that the indoor temperature adjustment device is configured to raise the indoor temperature by discharging warm air, and the indoor temperature adjustment device is configured to send the warm air out of the bathtub while the mist generating device is operating . 2. The mist generating system of claim 1, wherein when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control device activates the indoor temperature adjustment device to raise the temperature in the bathroom above the predetermined temperature, and then starts the flow of mist from the mist generating device. 2. The mist generating system according to claim 1 , wherein the indoor temperature adjusting device is configured to discharge warm air toward the washing area of the bathroom. 4. The mist generating system according to claim 1, wherein the control device is configured to be able to set a preparation mode that prepares the mist generator to emit mist, and when the preparation mode is set, the control device automatically activates the indoor temperature adjustment device to raise the temperature in the room if the temperature in the room is lower than a predetermined temperature. 5. The mist generating system according to claim 4 , wherein the control device controls the room temperature adjusting device in the preparation mode so as to maintain the room temperature at a predetermined temperature. 6. The mist generating system according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature in the room drops below a predetermined temperature while mist is being discharged from the mist generating device, the control device activates the indoor temperature adjustment device to raise the temperature in the room . 7. The mist generating system according to claim 1 , wherein the control device controls the indoor temperature adjustment device so that the temperature in the room is maintained at or above a predetermined temperature while mist is being discharged from the mist generating device. 8. The mist generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a ventilation device for ventilating the room, wherein the control device stops the ventilation device when mist is being ejected from the mist generating device, or reduces the ventilation efficiency of the ventilation device so as not to hinder the retention of mist in the mist retention space. A bathroom equipped with a mist generating function,
A bathtub and
The mist generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , which retains mist in a mist retention space inside the bathtub;
A wall member surrounding the bathtub;
A bathroom characterized by having: