Mist generator

Abstract

To provide a mist generator capable of generating mist of an appropriate temperature.SOLUTION: A mist generator includes: a tank for storing liquid; an air supply pump for pressure-feeding air; a mist generation unit for generating mist from the liquid stored in the tank by using the air pressure-fed from the air supply pump; and a mist spray port for spraying the mist generated by the mist generation unit. The mist generation unit includes an air passage for guiding the air pressure-fed from the air supply pump to the mist spray port, a body connected to the air passage on an upstream side of a flow of the air of the mist spray port and formed with a liquid passage for guiding the liquid stored in the tank to the mist spray port, and a pipe member formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than that of the body, and constituting a part of the air passage on an upstream side of the flow of the air of a connection position with the liquid passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mist generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, mist generators that spray mist from liquid (for example, water or chemical liquid) stored in a tank for moisturizing or beautifying the user's skin have been known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] Among such mist generating devices, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration in which air pressurized from a pump and liquid stored in a tank are combined to generate mist by utilizing the Venturi effect. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5335466 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6288508 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-186009 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the temperature of the air pumped from the pump increases as the pressure increases, which can cause the temperature of the mist to increase.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mist generating device that can generate mist at an appropriate temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a liquid storage device comprising: a tank for storing liquid; an air pump for pressurizing air; a mist generating unit that generates mist from the liquid stored in the tank using the air pressurized from the air pump; and a mist spray nozzle that sprays the mist generated by the mist generating unit, wherein the mist generating unit comprises: an air passage that guides the air pressurized from the air pump to the mist spray nozzle; a main body that is connected to the air passage upstream of the mist spray nozzle in the air flow direction and has a liquid passage that guides the liquid stored in the tank to the mist spray nozzle; and a pipe member that is made of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the main body and that forms part of the air passage upstream of the connection position with the liquid passage in the air flow direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, mist at an appropriate temperature can be generated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mist generating device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the mist generating device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the mist generating device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main body and the lotion mist unit. [Figure 5] 1A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a lotion mist unit, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a second cool mist generating section. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing the spray range of each spray nozzle when the mist generator is viewed from the left and right sides. FIG. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the overlap of the spray ranges on the AA plane (A) and the BB plane (B) in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the mist generating device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mist generating device. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart of a cleaning process. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified examples of the internal structure of the mist generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A mist generator 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment of the present invention described below is merely an example of how the present invention can be realized, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the described embodiment. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented by making various modifications to the embodiment.

[0011] [Configuration of mist generator 1] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the mist generating device 1. Fig. 2 is a front view of the mist generating device 1. Fig. 3 is a side view of the mist generating device 1. Figs. 2 and 3 show schematic diagrams of the main components housed in a housing 10 of the mist generating device 1.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the mist generator 1 has a housing 10 composed of a main body 11 and a cover 12. The main body 11 is a member that houses or supports the components of the mist generator 1. The main body 11 has a generally cylindrical outer shape. The cross section of the main body may be a perfect circle, an ellipse, or some other shape. The cover 12 is a member that exposes or covers the top surface 13 of the main body 11. The cover 12 is supported by the main body 11 at the upper rear end thereof so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis L0 that extends in the left-right direction.

[0013] Hereinafter, when the mist generator 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, the direction perpendicular to the surface on which it is placed is defined as the "up-down direction," the extension direction of the rotation axis L0 within the horizontal direction is defined as the "left-right direction," and the direction perpendicular to this is defined as the "front-rear direction." Furthermore, within the up-down direction, the side from the center of the mist generator 1 toward the top surface 13 is defined as "upward," and the opposite side is defined as "downward." Furthermore, within the front-rear direction, the side from the center of the top surface 13 toward the rotation axis L0 is defined as "rearward," and the opposite side is defined as "front." Furthermore, within the left-right direction, "left" and "right" are defined as facing the front of the mist generator 1.

[0014] The top surface 13 is a surface that exposes the components (27L, 27R, 28, 34, 35, 51, 52, 53) described below. Furthermore, the top surface 13 according to this embodiment is an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the front. However, the top surface 13 may also be a horizontal surface. Furthermore, the top surface 13 is provided with a storage recess 14 that stores the lotion mist unit (cool mist unit) 30 described below. The storage recess 14 is positioned forward of the warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 described below. The storage recess 14 is recessed downward from the top surface 13. Furthermore, the top surface of the storage recess 14 is closed by a lid 15 (see FIG. 4) when the lotion mist unit 30 is not stored therein.

[0015] The mist generator 1 mainly comprises a water tank (first tank) 21, a heater (warm mist generating section) 22, a first cool mist generating section 23, an air supply pump 24, an air supply switching valve (switching section) 25, a water switching valve (adjusting section) 26, warm mist spray nozzles 27L and 27R, a first cool mist spray nozzle 28, and a lotion mist unit (cool mist unit) 30.

[0016] Most of the water tank 21, heater 22, first cool mist generator 23, air pump 24, air switch valve 25, water switch valve 26, and lotion mist unit 30 are housed inside main body 11. Warm mist spray nozzles 27L and 27R, first cool mist spray nozzle 28, and part of lotion mist unit 30 are exposed on top surface 13. Water tank 21 is exposed on the back surface of main body 11 below top surface 13.

[0017] The components (21-28, 30) of the mist generator 1 are connected by pipelines 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47. The pipelines 41-47 are flow paths through which fluids (liquids and gases) pass. The pipelines 41-47 are made of, for example, flexible tubes, resin pipes, metal pipes, or a combination of these.

[0018] Pipe 41 connects water tank 21 and water switching valve 26. Pipe 42 connects water switching valve 26 and heater 22. Pipe 43 connects heater 22 and warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R. Pipe 44 connects water switching valve 26 and first cool mist generator 23. Pipe 45 connects air supply pump 24 and air supply switching valve 25. Pipe 46 connects air supply switching valve 25 and first cool mist generator 23. Pipe 47 connects air supply switching valve 25 and lotion mist unit 30 (more specifically, second cool mist generator 33, described later).

[0019] The water tank 21 is a container having an internal space for storing water (first liquid). The water tank 21 is configured to be detachable from the back surface of the main body 11. When the water tank 21 is removed from the main body 11, the user can refill the water tank 21 with water. When the water tank 21 is attached to the main body 11, the internal space of the water tank 21 is connected to the conduit 41. The water stored in the water tank 21 flows out through the conduit 41.

[0020] Heater 22 heats the water that flows in through pipe 41, water switching valve 26, and pipe 42 to generate hot water mist (warm mist), and supplies the generated hot water mist to warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R through pipe 43. Heater 22 may heat water using, for example, an electric heating wire, discharge, or a semiconductor element. The hot water mist is steam generated by evaporating water. The temperature of the hot water mist is set to, for example, about 30°C to 50°C.

[0021] The first cool mist generating unit 23 generates a cool water mist (cool mist) from the water that flows in through the conduit 41, the water switching valve 26, and the conduit 44, and supplies the generated cool water mist to the first cool mist spray nozzle 28. More specifically, the first cool mist generating unit 23 generates the cool water mist using air pressurized by the air supply pump 24. The configuration of the first cool mist generating unit 23 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5(B). The cool water mist is water that has been atomized. The temperature of the cool water mist is set lower than that of the warm mist (for example, at about room temperature).

[0022] The air supply pump 24 compresses the air (outside air) and sends it out (hereinafter referred to as "pressurizes and sends out") to the duct 45. For example, a rotary electric pump can be used as the air supply pump 24. The compression rate of the air by the air supply pump 24 is set appropriately depending on, for example, the recommended distance for the cold water mist and lotion mist.

[0023] The air supply switching valve 25 switches whether the first cool mist generating unit 23 or the second cool mist generating unit 33 is to generate cool mist. In other words, the air supply switching valve 25 switches the supply destination of the air pressure-fed from the air supply pump 24. More specifically, the air supply switching valve 25 switches whether the air supplied from the air supply pump 24 through the conduit 45 is to be supplied to the first cool mist generating unit 23 through the conduit 46 or to the lotion mist unit 30 (more specifically, the second cool mist generating unit 33) through the conduit 47. As an example, the air supply switching valve 25 is a solenoid valve that switches the air supply destination under the control of a control board 50 (described later). As another example, the air supply switching valve 25 may be a manual valve that switches the air supply destination by manual operation by the user of the mist generator 1.

[0024] The water switching valve 26 distributes water supplied from the water tank 21 to the heater 22 and the first cool mist generator 23. More specifically, the water switching valve 26 distributes water supplied from the water tank 21 through the pipe 41 to the heater 22 and the first cool mist generator 23 through the pipes 42 and 44. The water switching valve 26 may also adjust the water distribution ratio (e.g., 10:0, 5:5, or 3:7) between the heater 22 and the first cool mist generator 23. As one example, the water switching valve 26 is an electromagnetic proportional valve that adjusts the water distribution ratio under the control of the control board 50. As another example, the water switching valve 26 may be a manual valve that adjusts the water distribution ratio (in other words, the ratio of hot water mist to cold water mist) manually operated by a user of the mist generator 1. The water switching valve 26 may be omitted, and the pipes 41, 42, and 44 may be directly connected by a three-way valve or the like.

[0025] The warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R spray warm water mist supplied from the heater 22 through the pipe 43. More specifically, the warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R spray the warm mist in an upward and forward direction. The first cool mist spray nozzle 28 sprays the cold water mist generated by the first cool mist generation unit 23. More specifically, the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 sprays the cold water mist in an upward and forward direction.

[0026] The warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 are provided on the upper surface 13 of the main body 11. The warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R are arranged at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction. The first cool mist spray nozzle 28 is arranged between the two warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R. In other words, the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 is arranged on a line connecting the two warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R. In yet other words, the two warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 are arranged in positions that overlap each other when the mist generator 1 is viewed from the left-right side.

[0027] The warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 according to this embodiment are provided on the side surface of a cylindrical member 29. A portion of the cylindrical member 29 (the portion where the warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 are formed) is exposed from the top surface 13 of the main body 11. The cylindrical member 29 is supported by the main body 11 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis L1 extending in the left-right direction. Furthermore, gripping portions 29L, 29R that a user can grip to rotate the cylindrical member 29 are provided on the outer surface of the cylindrical member 29.

[0028] In this embodiment, an example of cylindrical member 29 that is rotated by manual operation by a user is described, but cylindrical member 29 may also be rotated by the driving force of a motor. Also, in this embodiment, an example is described in which the portion in which warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and first cool mist spray nozzle 28 are formed rotates as a unit, but the portion in which warm mist spray nozzle 27L is formed, the portion in which warm mist spray nozzle 27R is formed, and the portion in which first cool mist spray nozzle 28 is formed may also rotate independently. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and first cool mist spray nozzle 28 are not limited to the above example.

[0029] [Composition of Lotion Mist Unit 30] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the main body 11 and the lotion mist unit 30. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view (A) of the lotion mist unit 30 and a cross-sectional view (B) of the second cool mist generating section 33. The lotion mist unit 30 is a unit that sprays lotion as a mist. Lotion is an example of a medicinal liquid containing ingredients effective for moisturizing and beautifying the skin. As shown in FIG. 4, the lotion mist unit 30 mainly includes a housing 31, a lotion tank 32 (second tank), a second cool mist generating section 33, a second cool mist spray nozzle 34, and a locking section 35.

[0030] The lotion mist unit 30, with its components (31-35) integrated (unitized), is configured to be detachable from the storage recess 14 of the main body 11. When the user presses the lotion mist unit 30 against the lid 15, the lid 15 rotates against the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown), and the lotion mist unit 30 is stored in the storage recess 14. The tip of the conduit 47 is then connected to the air passage 37a of the second cool mist generator 33. On the other hand, when the user removes the lotion mist unit 30 from the storage recess 14, the biasing force of the biasing member causes the lid 15 to close the top surface of the storage recess 14. This allows the user to refill the lotion tank 32 with lotion.

[0031] The housing 31 houses or supports the components (32-35) of the lotion mist unit 30. The housing 31 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The lotion tank 32 is a container having an internal space for storing lotion (second liquid). The lotion tank 32 is detachably attached to the lower part of the housing 31. Alternatively, the lotion tank 32 forms the lower part of the housing 31. However, the combination of liquids stored in the water tank 21 and the lotion tank 32 is not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0032] The second cool mist generating unit 33 generates a lotion mist (cool mist) from the lotion stored in the lotion tank 32 and supplies the generated lotion mist to the second cool mist spray nozzle 34. More specifically, the second cool mist generating unit 33 generates the lotion mist using air pressurized by the air supply pump 24. The configuration of the second cool mist generating unit 33 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5(B). The lotion mist is a mist of lotion. The temperature of the lotion mist is set lower than that of the warm mist (for example, at about room temperature).

[0033] The second cool mist spray nozzle 34 sprays the lotion mist generated by the second cool mist generator 33. More specifically, the second cool mist spray nozzle 34 sprays the lotion mist in an upward and forward direction. The second cool mist spray nozzle 34 is provided on the top surface 13 of the main body 11. More specifically, the second cool mist spray nozzle 34 is provided on the front surface of a locking portion 35 that protrudes upward from the top surface 13 of the main body 11.

[0034] The second cool mist spray nozzle 34 is disposed forward of the warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and the first cool mist spray nozzle 28. The second cool mist spray nozzle 34 is disposed below the warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and the first cool mist spray nozzle 28. More specifically, the two warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and the second cool mist spray nozzle 34 are disposed at the vertices of a triangle (more specifically, an isosceles triangle). The layout of the second cool mist spray nozzle 34 is not limited to the example described above. One of the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 and the second cool mist spray nozzle 34 may be omitted.

[0035] When the lotion mist unit 30 is stored in the storage recess 14, the outer edge of the top surface of the housing 31 is flush with the top surface 13 of the main body 11. The top surface of the housing 31 also protrudes upward toward the center to form a locking portion 35. In other words, the locking portion 35 is the portion of the top surface of the housing 31 that protrudes upward. The locking portion 35 is also the portion that protrudes from the top surface 13 of the main body 11 when the lotion mist unit 30 is stored in the storage recess 14. The locking portion 35 is the portion that is locked with the user's finger when removing the lotion mist unit 30 from the storage recess 14.

[0036] The front surface of the locking portion 35 is an inclined surface that slopes upward toward the rear. The second cool mist spray nozzle 34 is provided on the front surface of the locking portion 35 and faces upward and forward. A recess 36 that is recessed toward the front surface is formed on the back surface of the locking portion 35. The recess 36 is a portion that receives the user's finger when removing the lotion mist unit 30 from the storage recess 14. That is, the user hooks their finger in the recess 36 provided on the back surface of the locking portion 35 and lifts it upward to remove the lotion mist unit 30 from the storage recess 14.

[0037] [Configuration of cool mist generating units 23 and 33] As shown in FIG. 5(B), the second cool mist generating unit 33 is composed of a main body 37 and a pipe member 38. The main body 37 is integrally molded from, for example, a resin material (e.g., ABS). The pipe member 38 is formed from, for example, a metal material (e.g., brass) or a ceramic material. However, the combination of materials forming the main body 37 and the pipe member 38 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, as long as the pipe member 38 is formed from a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the main body 37. Furthermore, the pipe member 38 may be mesh-shaped, or may have fine irregularities or holes formed inside, in order to further enhance the heat dissipation effect.

[0038] The main body 37 is formed with an air passage 37a and a liquid passage 37b. The air passage 37a is an air passage that guides air pressurized from the air pump 24 to the second cool mist spray nozzle 34. One end of the air passage 37a is connected to the air pump 24 via a conduit 45, the air supply switching valve 25, and a conduit 47, and the other end is connected to the second cool mist spray nozzle 34. The liquid passage 37b is a lotion passage that guides the lotion stored in the lotion tank 32 to the second cool mist spray nozzle 34 via the air passage 37a. One end of the liquid passage 37b is connected to the interior space of the lotion tank 32, and the other end is connected to the air passage 37a upstream of the second cool mist spray nozzle 34 in the air flow direction.

[0039] The diameter of the upstream end of air passage 37a formed in main body 37 in the direction of air flow is set to be larger than the diameter at the connection position with liquid passage 37b. A pipe member 38 is inserted (press-fitted) into the larger diameter portion of air passage 37a of main body 37. In other words, pipe member 38 constitutes part of air passage 37a upstream of the connection position with liquid passage 37b in the direction of air flow.

[0040] The pipe member 38 is a cylindrical member with both ends open. The inner diameter of the pipe member 38 is set to be the same as the diameter of the air passage 37a of the main body 37 at the connection position with the liquid passage 37b. In other words, the diameter of the air passage 37a is the same over the range from the portion formed by the pipe member 38 to the connection position with the liquid passage 37b.

[0041] In the second cool mist generating unit 33 configured as described above, air sent under pressure from the air supply pump 24 passes through the air passage 37a and is discharged from the second cool mist spray nozzle 34. This reduces the pressure at the connection point between the air passage 37a and the liquid passage 37b, and the lotion stored in the lotion tank 32 is sucked up into the liquid passage 37b due to the pressure difference. The lotion sucked up into the liquid passage 37b is then mixed with air passing through the air passage 37a and sprayed from the second cool mist spray nozzle 34 as a mist of lotion. Here, the air compressed by the air supply pump 24 has a higher temperature than the outside air. This air dissipates heat as it passes through the pipe member 38 and is then mixed with the lotion.

[0042] The first cool mist generating unit 23 has a configuration common to the second cool mist generating unit 33. However, the air passage of the first cool mist generating unit 23 guides air supplied from the air pump 24 through a conduit 45, the air pump 24, and a conduit 46 to the first cool mist spray nozzle 28. The liquid passage of the first cool mist generating unit 23 is connected to the air passage upstream of the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 in the air flow direction, and guides water stored in the water tank 21 to the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 through a conduit 41, the water switching valve 26, and a conduit 44. The water sucked up into the liquid passage is mixed with air passing through the air passage and sprayed from the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 as a mist of cool water mist.

[0043] [Relationship between spray ranges 27L, 27R, 28, and 34] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the spray ranges of each of the spray nozzles 27L, 27R, 28, and 34 when the mist generator 1 is viewed from the left and right. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the overlap of the spray ranges in plane AA (A) and plane BB (B) in Figure 6. In Figures 6 and 7, the spray ranges of mist from each of the spray nozzles 27L, 27R, 28, and 34 are identified by the reference numbers of the nozzles 27L, 27R, 28, and 34. Also, for simplicity, in Figure 7, the spray ranges in each plane are shown as perfect circles, but the spray ranges may become ellipses depending on how the planes are set.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 6, the mist sprayed from each of the spray nozzles 27L, 27R, 28, and 34 spreads conically and sprays upward and forward. The warm mist spray nozzles 27L and 27R spray warm water mist in a cone shape with an apex angle of 40°, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 6, for example. The first cool mist spray nozzle 28 sprays cold water mist in a cone shape with an apex angle of 30°, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 6, for example. The second cool mist spray nozzle 34 sprays lotion mist in a cone shape with an apex angle of 30°, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 6, for example. However, the spray ranges of the warm water mist, cold water mist, and lotion mist are not limited to the example in Fig. 6.

[0045] Furthermore, most of the mist sprayed from each spray nozzle 27L, 27R, 28, and 34 remains inside the cone within a predetermined range (hereinafter referred to as the "effective spray distance") and then disperses into the air (e.g., evaporates or falls due to gravity). The mist generator 1 also has a recommended distance (hereinafter referred to as the "recommended distance") from each spray nozzle 27L, 27R, 28, and 34 to the user's face. The recommended distance (e.g., 20 cm to 50 cm, more preferably 40 cm) is a distance at which the user can effectively receive fine mist without scattering to the surrounding area, for moisturizing and beautifying the user's skin. The recommended distance is described, for example, in the instruction manual for the mist generator 1. The recommended distance is set shorter than the effective spray distance. Meanwhile, the recommended distance is set longer than the distance from the warm mist spray nozzles 27L and 27R to the position where the spray ranges 27L and 27R first intersect (i.e., the position between the AA plane and the BB plane).

[0046] 7, some or all of spray ranges 27L, 27R, 28, and 34 intersect with one another. More specifically, some or all of spray ranges 27L, 27R, 28, and 34 intersect with one another inside the recommended distance (i.e., on the side closer to each spray nozzle 27L, 27R, 28, and 34 than the tip of the recommended distance). Note that "spray ranges intersect" refers to the overlapping of cones representing spray ranges 27L, 27R, 28, and 34. In other words, "spray ranges intersect" refers to the overlapping of circles representing spray ranges on a plane intersecting spray ranges 27L, 27R, 28, and 34, as shown in FIG. 7, for example.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 7(A), in plane AA in Fig. 6, spray ranges 27L and 27R do not intersect with each other, but intersect with spray range 28, and do not intersect with spray range 34. Also, as shown in Fig. 7(B), in plane BB in Fig. 6, spray ranges 27L and 27R intersect with each other and with both spray range 28 and spray range 34. In other words, spray range 28 intersects with each of the two spray ranges 27L and 27R (plane AA) before the position (plane BB) where the two spray ranges 27L and 27R intersect with each other.

[0048] On the other hand, it does not matter which occurs first: the timing when spray ranges 27L, 27R intersect with each other, or the timing when spray ranges 27L, 27R intersect with spray range 34. Furthermore, spray ranges 28, 34 may or may not intersect inside the recommended distance as shown in Figures 6 and 7(B).

[0049] Furthermore, spray ranges 27L, 27R may intersect with spray range 34 throughout the entire rotation range of warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R around rotation axis L1, or may intersect with spray range 34 only in a portion of the rotation range of warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R. Furthermore, when warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and first cool mist spray nozzle 28 are independently rotatable, spray ranges 27L, 27R, 28 may intersect with each other throughout the entire rotation range, or may intersect with each other only in a portion of the rotation range.

[0050] 6, the locking portion 35 protrudes from the top surface 13 of the housing 10 at a position outside the spray ranges 27L, 27R, and 28 when the lotion mist unit 30 is housed in the housing recess 14. More specifically, the locking portion 35 is positioned below the spray ranges 27L, 27R, and 28 when the lotion mist unit 30 is housed in the housing recess 14. Furthermore, the locking portion 35 may be positioned outside the spray ranges 27L, 27R, and 28 throughout the entire rotation ranges of the warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R and the first cool mist spray nozzle 28, or may be positioned outside the spray ranges 27L, 27R, and 28 over only a portion of the rotation ranges.

[0051] [Configuration of control board 50] Fig. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram of the mist generator 1. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the mist generator 1. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the mist generator 1 includes a control board 50, a power button 51, a mode switching button 52, a clean button 53, a mode lamp 54, and an indicator lamp 55. The control board 50 is housed in a housing 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the power button 51, the mode switching button 52, the clean button 53, the mode lamp 54, and the indicator lamp 55 are arranged on the top surface 13 of the housing 10.

[0052] The power button 51 is an operation unit that accepts a user's operation to switch the operation of the mist generator 1 between ON and OFF. The mode switching button 52 is an operation unit that accepts a user's operation to switch the operation mode of the mist generator 1 (more specifically, the combination of mists to be sprayed). The clean button 53 is an operation unit that accepts a user's operation to instruct the execution of the cleaning process shown in Fig. 10. Note that specific examples of the operation unit are not limited to the form of a button, and may be a toggle switch, an icon displayed on an LCD panel, or the like.

[0053] The mode lamp 54 is a lamp that indicates the current operating mode of the mist generator 1. There are no particular limitations on the specific operating modes of the mist generator 1, but examples include "CLEANSING" mode, "SKINCARE" mode, "CLEAR" mode, "TONER MIST" mode, "HOT STEAM" mode, and "COOL MIST" mode. The indicator lamp 55 is a lamp that indicates the current operating mode or the remaining time of the cleaning process.

[0054] The control board 50 controls the operation of the heater 22, air supply pump 24, air supply switching valve 25, and water switching valve 26 in accordance with the user's operation of each of the buttons 51 to 53. More specifically, when the power button 51 is turned on, the control board 50 operates the mist generator 1 using power supplied from an external power source (not shown). Furthermore, when the power button 51 is turned off, the control board 50 stops the operation of the mist generator 1.

[0055] Furthermore, while the power button 51 is turned on, the control board 50 switches the operating mode of the mist generator 1 each time the mode switching button 52 is pressed, and notifies the user of the current operating mode via the mode lamp 54. Each operating mode will be explained below, but the combination of mist to be sprayed and the spray time are not limited to the following examples.

[0056] The "CLEANSING" mode is an operation mode in which, for example, warm water mist is sprayed for three minutes. In the "CLEANSING" mode, the control board 50 operates the heater 22 and stops the air pump 24 for three minutes.

[0057] In the "SKINCARE" mode, for example, warm water mist is sprayed for five minutes, followed by lotion mist for one minute and twenty seconds. In the "SKINCARE" mode, the control board 50 operates the heater 22 and stops the air supply pump 24 for five minutes, then stops the heater 22, operates the air supply pump 24, and switches the air supply switching valve 25 to the second cool mist generator 33 side for one minute and twenty seconds.

[0058] The "CLEAR" mode is an operating mode in which, for example, warm water mist is sprayed for one minute, followed by cold water mist for 30 seconds, and this is repeated seven times. In the "CLEAR" mode, the control board 50 operates the heater 22, stops the air supply pump 24, and continues this state for one minute, then stops the heater 22, operates the air supply pump 24, and switches the air supply switching valve 25 to the first cool mist generator 23 side, and this state is continued for 30 seconds, and this is repeated seven times.

[0059] The "TONER MIST" mode is an operating mode in which lotion mist is sprayed for, for example, 1 minute 30 seconds. In the "TONER MIST" mode, the control board 50 stops the heater 22, operates the air supply pump 24, and switches the air supply switching valve 25 to the second cool mist generator 33 side, and continues this state for 1 minute 30 seconds.

[0060] The "HOT STEAM" mode is an operating mode in which hot water mist is sprayed for 12 minutes, for example. In the "HOT STEAM" mode, the control board 50 operates the heater 22 and stops the air pump 24 for 12 minutes.

[0061] The "COOL MIST" mode is an operating mode in which cool water mist is sprayed for 10 minutes, for example. In the "COOL MIST" mode, the control board 50 stops the heater 22, operates the air supply pump 24, and switches the air supply switching valve 25 to the first cool mist generator 23 side, and continues this state for 10 minutes.

[0062] The mist generator 1 may also have an operating mode in which multiple mists are sprayed simultaneously. As one example, the control board 50 may operate the heater 22 and the air supply pump 24 and switch the air supply switching valve 25 to the side of the first cool mist generator 23, thereby simultaneously spraying a hot water mist and a cold water mist. As another example, the control board 50 may operate the heater 22 and the air supply pump 24 and switch the air supply switching valve 25 to the side of the second cool mist generator 33, thereby simultaneously spraying a hot water mist and a lotion mist.

[0063] In addition, the control board 50 may operate the water switching valve 26 in response to the user operating an operating unit (not shown) to switch the distribution ratio of water from the water tank 21 to the heater 22 and the first cool mist generating unit 23 (i.e., the ratio of the amount of hot water mist and cold water mist sprayed).

[0064] Furthermore, the control board 50 notifies the remaining time of the current operation mode through the indicator lamps 55. More specifically, the indicator lamps 55 are composed of a plurality of linear lamps (five in this embodiment), each formed in a line. The control board 50 notifies the remaining time of the current operation mode by the number of linear lamps that are lit. That is, the control board 50 gradually reduces the number of lit linear lamps as the remaining time of the current operation mode decreases.

[0065] [Clean Processing] Furthermore, when the clean button 53 is pressed by the user (for example, pressed and held for three seconds), the control board 50 executes the cleaning process shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the cleaning process. The cleaning process is a process for removing liquid from inside the mist generating device 1 before storing the mist generating device 1 for an extended period of time. The cleaning process is also effective when replacing the lotion stored in the lotion tank 32. The user, for example, will discard the liquid stored in the water tank 21 and the lotion tank 32 before pressing the clean button 53.

[0066] First, the control board 50 switches the air supply switching valve 25 to the side of the second cool mist generator 33 (S1). Next, the control board 50 operates the air supply pump 24 for a first time period (e.g., 5 seconds) (S2). As a result, any lotion remaining in the lotion passageway from the lotion tank 32 via the second cool mist generator 33 to the second cool mist spray nozzle 34 is sprayed as lotion mist from the second cool mist spray nozzle 34. The first time period is the time required to remove any lotion remaining in the lotion passageway when the lotion in the lotion tank 32 has been discarded (when the lotion tank 32 is substantially empty).

[0067] Next, the control board 50 switches the air supply switching valve 25 to the side of the first cool mist generator 23 in response to the lapse of the first time period (S3). Next, the control board 50 operates the air supply pump 24 for a second time period (e.g., 115 seconds) (S4). As a result, water remaining in the water passage from the water tank 21 to the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 via the conduit 41, the water switching valve 26, the conduit 44, and the first cool mist generator 23 is sprayed as cold water mist from the first cool mist spray nozzle 28. The second time period is the time required to remove the water remaining in the water passage when the water in the water tank 21 has been discarded (when the water tank 21 is substantially empty).

[0068] That is, the control board 50 supplies air from the air supply pump 24 until the liquid is removed from the liquid passage. The control board 50 also switches the air supply destination using the air supply switching valve 25, thereby removing the liquid from the lotion passage (S1-S2) and the water passage (S3-S4) in that order. Note that the order of steps S1-S2 and S3-S4 may be reversed. The second time period is set to be longer than the first time period. More specifically, the longer the length of the liquid passage, the longer the time for which air is supplied by the air supply pump 24. The first time period and the second time period are, for example, times determined in advance through experiments, simulations, etc. However, specific examples of the first time period and the second time period are not limited to those described above.

[0069] Then, when the second time period has elapsed (i.e., steps S1-S4 have ended), the control board 50 turns off the power and stops the operation of the mist generator 1 (S5). Note that while steps S1-S4 are being executed, the control board 50 may operate the heater 22 to remove water from the water passage that runs from the water tank 21 through the pipe 41, the water switching valve 26, and the pipes 42 and 43 to the warm mist spray nozzles 27L and 27R.

[0070] The control board 50 may also notify that the cleaning process is being performed through the indicator lamp 55. For example, while the cleaning process is being performed, the control board 50 lights up the multiple linear lamps that make up the indicator lamp 55 one by one in order from the left at predetermined time intervals. This allows the user to accurately recognize the remaining time of the cleaning process.

[0071] [Variations] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the internal structure of the mist generator 1. Note that for simplicity, some components are not shown in Fig. 11, but some or all of the components shown in Fig. 2 may be included.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11 , the mist generator 1 according to the modified example further includes a water switching valve 56 between the heater 22 and the two warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R. More specifically, the water switching valve 56 is connected to the heater 22 via a conduit 43. The water switching valve 56 is also connected to the warm mist spray nozzle 27L via a conduit 48 and to the warm mist spray nozzle 27R via a conduit 49. The water switching valve 56 functions as a switching unit that switches whether the warm water mist supplied from the heater 22 via the conduit 43 is supplied to one or both of the two warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R via the conduits 48, 49 (i.e., the supply destination of the warm water mist). The water switching valve 56 may also function as an adjustment unit that increases or decreases (adjusts) the amount of warm water mist sprayed from the warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R.

[0073] For example, the water switching valve 56 can distribute the warm water mist supplied from the heater 22 to both of the two warm mist spray nozzles 27L and 27R, thereby allowing the warm mist to be sprayed onto both cheeks of the user at the same time.

[0074] As another example, the water switching valve 56 can switch between a state in which the warm water mist supplied from the heater 22 is supplied only to the warm mist spray nozzle 27L and a state in which it is supplied only to the warm mist spray nozzle 27R. This allows the warm mist to be supplied separately to the left and right cheeks of the user (i.e., the left and right cheeks can be stimulated separately).

[0075] Furthermore, the mist generator 1 may include a cooling unit (not shown) that cools the water passing through the passage from the water tank 21 to the first cool mist spray nozzle 28. The cooling unit can be realized, for example, by a heat sink or a semiconductor element. This allows the temperature of the cool water mist sprayed from the first cool mist spray nozzle 28 to be set to room temperature or lower. By combining the warm water mist from the two warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R with the cold water mist from the first cool mist spray nozzle 28, the temperature of the mist that hits the user's skin can be maintained at a predetermined temperature or lower (for example, 40° or lower). Furthermore, by combining the warm water mist and cold water mist alternately from the left and right, thermal stimulation to the user's skin can be more effectively provided.

[0076] The first aspect of the present invention is, for example, as follows. <1> a tank for storing a liquid; an air pump for compressing air; a mist generating unit that generates mist from the liquid stored in the tank by using air pressure-fed from the air pump; a mist spray nozzle for spraying the mist generated by the mist generating unit, The mist generating unit is a main body formed with an air passage that guides the air pressurized from the air pump to the mist spray nozzle, and a liquid passage that is connected to the air passage upstream of the mist spray nozzle in the air flow direction and that guides the liquid stored in the tank to the mist spray nozzle; a pipe member formed of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the main body and constituting part of the air passage upstream of the connection position with the liquid passage in the air flow direction. <2> the above <1> In the mist generating device described in the main body is formed of a resin material, The mist generating device is characterized in that the pipe member is made of a metal material. <3> the above <1> In the mist generating device described in The mist generating device is characterized in that the diameter of the air passage is uniform throughout the range from the portion formed by the pipe member to the connection position with the liquid passage. <4> the above <1> In the mist generating device described in A mist generating device characterized in that the tank, the mist generating unit, and the mist spray nozzle are unitized and configured to be detachable from the housing of the mist generating device. <5> the above <4> In the mist generating device described in A mist generating device characterized in that a chemical solution is stored in the tank.

[0077] The above features <1> According to the invention, the air compressed by the air pump 24 and heated up is allowed to radiate heat as it passes through the pipe member 38, and then mixed with the lotion (or water), thereby preventing the temperature rise of the lotion mist (or cold water mist). In other words, mist at an appropriate temperature can be generated. In addition, the above features <2> According to the patent, the second cool mist generating unit 33 (or the first cool mist generating unit 23) is formed from a resin body 37 and a metal pipe member 38, thereby achieving the above-mentioned effects with a simple configuration. Also, by changing the length of the pipe member 38, the temperature of the air mixed with the lotion (or water) can be fine-tuned (i.e., the longer the pipe member 38, the lower the air temperature). In addition, the above features <3> According to this, by making the diameter of air passage 37a the same from the position of pipe member 38 to the position where it connects to liquid passage 37b, it is possible to stabilize the airflow passing through air passage 37a, and as a result, it is possible to stably spray lotion mist (or cold water mist). In addition, the above features <4> According to the above, by unitizing the lotion tank 32, the second cool mist generating section 33, and the second cool mist spray nozzle 34, it becomes easier to handle the lotion mist unit 30. Furthermore, the components that spray the cold water mist may be unitized. Furthermore, the above features <5> 5(B), the second cool mist generating unit 33 that turns lotion into mist can spray lotion mist at a temperature at which the lotion functions effectively (e.g., penetrates the skin easily). Also, the air passing through the air passage 37a can be prevented from affecting the ingredients of the lotion.

[0078] The second aspect of the present invention is, for example, as follows. <1> a warm mist generating unit that generates warm mist from a liquid; a cold mist generating unit that generates cold mist from a liquid; a warm mist spray nozzle for spraying the warm mist generated by the warm mist generating unit; a cold mist spray nozzle for spraying the cold mist generated by the cold mist generating unit, A mist generating device characterized in that the spray range of the warm mist from the warm mist spray nozzle intersects with the spray range of the cool mist from the cool mist spray nozzle. <2> the above <1> In the mist generating device described in a first tank and a second tank each for storing a liquid; the warm mist generating unit generates warm mist from the liquid stored in the first tank, The cold mist generating unit is a first cool mist generating unit that generates cool mist from the liquid stored in the first tank; a second cold mist generating unit that generates cold mist from the liquid stored in the second tank, The cold mist spray nozzle is a first cool mist spray nozzle for spraying the cool mist generated by the first cool mist generating unit; a second cold mist spray nozzle for spraying the cold mist generated by the second cold mist generating unit, A mist generating device characterized in that the spray range of warm mist from the warm mist spray nozzle intersects with both the spray range of cold mist from the first cold mist spray nozzle and the spray range of cold mist from the second cold mist spray nozzle. <3> the above <2> In the mist generating device described in The device has two warm mist spray nozzles whose spray ranges intersect with each other, A mist generating device characterized in that the spray range of the cold mist from the first cold mist spray nozzle intersects with the spray ranges of each of the two warm mist spray nozzles just before the position where the spray ranges of the warm mist from the two warm mist spray nozzles intersect. <4> the above <3> In the mist generating device described in The first cold mist spray nozzle is disposed on a line segment connecting the two warm mist spray nozzles, A mist generating device characterized in that the two warm mist spray nozzles and the second cold mist spray nozzle are arranged at positions that form the vertices of a triangle. <5> the above <2> In the mist generating device described in A mist generating device comprising a switching unit that switches whether the first cool mist generating unit or the second cool mist generating unit generates the cool mist. <6> the above <2> In the mist generating device described in A mist generating device comprising an adjusting unit that adjusts the distribution ratio of liquid from the first tank to the warm mist generating unit and the first cold mist generating unit.

[0079] The above features <1> According to this, the hot water mist and cold water mist (or the hot water mist and lotion mist) are mixed before reaching the user's face, which reduces changes in mist temperature due to changes in the relative position between the mist generator 1 and the user. As a result, mist at an appropriate temperature can be supplied to the user. In addition, the above features <2> According to the above, by intersecting spray areas 27L and 27R with both spray areas 28 and 34, mist at an appropriate temperature can be supplied to the user whether a combination of hot and cold water mist is used or a combination of hot and lotion mist is used. Also, by intersecting and supplying hot and lotion mist, it is possible to promote penetration of the lotion into the user's skin. In addition, the above features <3> According to the invention, by making the spray range 28 intersect with each of the spray ranges 27L and 27R before the spray ranges 27L and 27R intersect with each other, it is possible to suppress changes in the mist temperature even if the user approaches the mist generating device 1 closer than the recommended distance. In addition, the above features <4> According to this, by laying out the spray ports 27L, 27R, 28, 34 on the vertices and sides of the triangle, the intersection range of the spray ranges 27L, 27R, 28, 34 of each mist can be increased. In addition, the above features <5> According to the invention, by selectively spraying cold water mist or lotion mist using the air supply switching valve 25, the mist desired by the user can be supplied, and whichever is selected, mist at an appropriate temperature can be supplied to the user. Furthermore, the above features <6> According to the invention, mist at a more appropriate temperature can be supplied to the user by adjusting the ratio of the amount of hot water mist and cold water mist sprayed using the water switching valve 26. Furthermore, by spraying hot water mist and cold water mist alternately, hot and cold stimuli can be alternately given to the user.

[0080] The third aspect of the present invention is, for example, as follows. <1> The housing and a first tank that is detachably supported by the housing and stores a liquid; a warm mist generating unit accommodated inside the housing and configured to generate warm mist from the liquid stored in the first tank; a warm mist spray nozzle provided on an upper surface of the housing and configured to spray the warm mist generated by the warm mist generating unit; a second tank for storing a liquid, a cold mist generating unit for generating a cold mist from the liquid stored in the second tank, and a cold mist spray nozzle for spraying the cold mist generated by the cold mist generating unit; An accommodation recess for accommodating the cool mist unit is formed on the upper surface of the housing, The cool mist unit has a locking portion that is locked when the cool mist unit is removed from the accommodation recess, A mist generating device characterized in that, when the cool mist unit is accommodated in the accommodation recess, the engaging portion protrudes from the top surface of the housing at a position outside the range of warm mist sprayed by the warm mist spray nozzle. <2> the above <1> In the mist generating device described in The upper surface of the housing is inclined downward toward the front, The warm mist spray nozzle sprays warm mist in a forward and upward direction, The mist generating device is characterized in that the accommodating recess is disposed forward of the warm mist spray nozzle. <3> the above <1> In the mist generating device described in The accommodating recess is disposed forward of the warm mist spray nozzle, The warm mist spray nozzle is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, A mist generating device characterized in that the locking portion is positioned at a position outside the spray range of the warm mist throughout the entire rotation range of the warm mist spray nozzle. <4> the above <1> In the mist generating device described in The cool mist spray nozzle is provided on the front surface of the locking portion, A mist generating device characterized in that a recess that is recessed toward the front side is formed on the back side of the engaging part.

[0081] The above features <1> According to the above, by providing the locking portion 35 at a position outside the warm water mist spray ranges 27L and 27R, it is possible to prevent the locking portion 35 from getting wet or its temperature from rising due to the warm water mist sprayed from the warm mist spray nozzles 27L and 27R. This prevents the fingers engaged with the locking portion 35 from slipping on water droplets or feeling hot when removing the lotion mist unit 30. As a result, the lotion mist unit 30 can be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, since the warm water mist does not hit the lotion mist unit 30, thermal effects on the lotion in the lotion tank 32 are prevented. Furthermore, since the locking portion 35 does not interfere with the airflow of the warm water mist sprayed from the warm mist spray nozzles 27L and 27R, a stable supply of warm mist can be achieved to the user. The same applies to the first cool mist spray nozzle 28. In addition, the above features <2> According to the above, by arranging the lotion mist unit 30 in front of the warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R on the upper surface 13 that slopes downward toward the front, it is possible to increase the spray ranges 27L, 27R while avoiding interference with the locking portion 35. The same applies to the first cool mist spray nozzle 28. In addition, the above features <3> According to the above, by arranging the locking portion 35 at a position outside the spray range 27L, 27R throughout the entire rotation range of the warm mist spray nozzles 27L, 27R, it is possible to obtain the above-mentioned advantageous effects while improving the usability of the mist generator 1. The same applies to the first cool mist spray nozzle 28. Furthermore, the above features <4> According to the invention, the second cool mist spray nozzle 34 is disposed on the front surface of the locking part 35, and the recess 36 is formed on the back surface of the locking part 35, thereby preventing the back surface of the locking part 35 from getting wet with the lotion mist. This makes it even easier to pull out the lotion mist unit 30 by hooking a finger in the recess 36 provided on the back surface of the locking part 35 and pulling it towards you (towards the front).

[0082] The fourth aspect of the present invention is, for example, as follows. <1> a tank for storing a liquid; an air pump for compressing air; a mist generating unit that generates mist from the liquid stored in the tank by using air pressure-fed from the air pump; a mist spray nozzle for spraying the mist generated by the mist generating unit; an operation unit that accepts user operations; a control unit that supplies air from the air pump to the mist generating unit in response to operation of the operating unit until the liquid is removed from the liquid passage leading from the tank to the mist spray nozzle. <2> the above <1> In the mist generating device described in A mist generating device characterized in that, in response to the operation of the operating unit, the control unit supplies air from the air supply pump to the mist generating unit for a predetermined time required to remove liquid from the liquid passage leading from the tank to the mist spray nozzle. <3> the above <2> In the mist generating device described in the tanks include a first tank and a second tank each storing a liquid; The mist generating unit is a first mist generating unit that generates mist from the liquid stored in the first tank; a second mist generating unit that generates mist from the liquid stored in the second tank, The mist spray nozzle is a first mist spray nozzle for spraying the mist generated by the first mist generating unit; a second mist spray nozzle for spraying the mist generated by the second mist generating unit, a switching unit that switches whether the air supplied from the air supply pump is supplied to the first mist generation unit or the second mist generation unit, The control unit is configured to switch the air supply destination using the switching unit, thereby removing liquid in sequence from the liquid passage leading from the first tank to the first mist spray nozzle and from the liquid passage leading from the second tank to the second mist spray nozzle. <4> the above <3> In the mist generating device described in a liquid passage from the first tank to the first mist spray nozzle is longer than a liquid passage from the second tank to the second mist spray nozzle; The mist generating device is characterized in that the control unit makes the time for supplying air to the first mist generating unit longer than the time for supplying air to the second mist generating unit.

[0083] The above features <1> According to the method described above, the air pump 24 is operated during the cleaning process, so the liquid can be removed from inside the mist generator 1 before long-term storage. As a result, components of the liquid remaining inside the mist generator 1 can be prevented from precipitating and accumulating in the liquid passages, preventing the generation of mist the next time the device is used. In addition, the above features <2> According to the present invention, the above-described effects can be achieved with a simple configuration by operating the air supply pump 24 for the predetermined first and second times. However, the mist generator 1 may also be equipped with a sensor that detects liquid present in the liquid passage (typically, the water tank 21 and the lotion tank 32). Then, in steps S2 and S4, the control board 50 may operate the air supply pump 24 until the sensor no longer detects liquid. In addition, the above features <3> According to the method, in a mist generating device 1 capable of selectively spraying cold water mist and lotion mist, by sequentially executing steps S1-S2 and steps S3-S4, cleaning processing can be achieved with the existing configuration without adding a new configuration for cleaning processing. Furthermore, the above features <4> According to the method, by setting the operating time (air supply time) of the air pump 24 according to the length of the liquid passage, it is possible to reliably remove liquid from inside the mist generating device 1 while preventing the cleaning process time from becoming longer than necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...mist generator, 10, 31...housing, 11, 37...main body, 12...cover, 13...top surface, 14...recessed storage area, 15...lid, 21...water tank, 22...heater, 23...first cool mist generating unit, 24...air supply pump, 25...air supply switching valve, 26, 56...water switching valve, 27L, 27R...warm mist spray nozzle, 28...first cool mist spray nozzle, 29...cylindrical member, 29L, 29R...gripping member part, 30...lotion mist unit, 32...lotion tank, 33...second cool mist generating part, 34...second cool mist spray nozzle, 35...locking part, 36...recess, 37a...air passage, 37b...liquid passage, 38...pipe member, 41-49...pipe line, 50...control board, 51...power button, 52...mode switching button, 53...clean button, 54...mode lamp, 55...indicator lamp

Claims

1. a tank for storing a liquid; an air pump for compressing air; a mist generating unit that generates mist from the liquid stored in the tank by using air pressure-fed from the air pump; a mist spray nozzle for spraying the mist generated by the mist generating unit, The mist generating unit is a main body formed with an air passage that guides the air pressurized from the air pump to the mist spray nozzle, and a liquid passage that is connected to the air passage upstream of the mist spray nozzle in the air flow direction and that guides the liquid stored in the tank to the mist spray nozzle; a pipe member formed of a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the main body and constituting part of the air passage upstream of the connection position with the liquid passage in the air flow direction.

2. The mist generating device according to claim 1, the main body is formed of a resin material, The mist generating device is characterized in that the pipe member is made of a metal material.

3. The mist generating device according to claim 1, The mist generating device is characterized in that the diameter of the air passage is uniform throughout the range from the portion formed by the pipe member to the connection position with the liquid passage.

4. The mist generating device according to claim 1, A mist generating device characterized in that the tank, the mist generating unit, and the mist spray nozzle are unitized and configured to be detachable from the housing of the mist generating device.

5. The mist generating device according to claim 4, A mist generating device characterized in that a chemical solution is stored in the tank.

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