Sauna equipment

Abstract

To provide a sauna device that suppresses fluctuations in air outlet temperature. [Solution] When the water storage temperature falls below the set temperature, the control unit 64 performs a heating support operation by operating the mist motor 22 at a higher rotation speed than when the temperature is above the set temperature. Also, when the water storage temperature rises above the set temperature, the control unit 64 performs a cooling support operation by operating the blower fan 35 at a higher rotation speed than when the temperature is below the set temperature. This suppresses the temperature of the humidified air discharged from the air outlet 5 of the mist generator 1 from falling or rising relative to the target temperature, thereby improving user comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sauna device that enables a sauna bath by supplying mist with a temperature increased by a mist generator with water heated by a heater into a sauna room.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a sauna device that includes a water storage unit for storing water, a heating means for heating the water in the water storage unit, a negative ion generator for crushing the warm water in the water storage unit to generate fine water droplets, and a blower for supplying the fine water droplets from an outlet into a sauna room, and performs a sauna operation.

[0003] In this conventional device, while comparing the temperature in the sauna room with the set temperature, further, based on the result of comparing the stored water temperature in the water storage unit with the set temperature, ON / OFF control of a heater for heating the stored water is performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the sauna device of Patent Document 1, since the stored water temperature also fluctuates in accordance with the change in the temperature (room temperature) in the sauna room, the stored water temperature decreases when the room temperature decreases, and the blowing temperature at the outlet decreases below the target temperature. Also, since the stored water temperature rises when the room temperature rises, the blowing temperature rises above the target temperature. As a result, for the bather near the outlet, the wind coming out of the outlet feels cold or hot, which is uncomfortable.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the sauna device according to claim 1 of the present invention has a mist generating device comprising: a water storage tank to which water supply pipes and drainage pipes are connected and which is capable of storing and draining water; a heating heater installed in the water storage tank and which can be switched ON / OFF; a water temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature in the water storage tank; a rotating body that pumps up the water in the water storage tank by rotation and scatters it outward; a mist motor connected to a drive shaft that pivotally supports the rotating body so that it can rotate; and a collision body to which the water scattered by the rotating body collides; and the mist generated by the mist generating device is discharged into the sauna room through an air outlet. The system comprises a blower fan for blowing air, and a control unit that switches the ON / OFF state of the heating heater to control the water storage temperature to a set temperature, and performs normal operation by blowing the mist generated by the mist generator into the sauna room using the blower fan. The control unit is characterized in that, during normal operation, when the water storage temperature is lower than the set temperature, it performs a heating support operation by increasing the rotation speed of the mist motor to a higher level than when the temperature is above the set temperature, and when the water storage temperature is above the set temperature, it performs a cooling support operation by increasing the rotation speed of the blower fan to a higher level than when the temperature is below the set temperature.

[0007] Furthermore, the sauna device according to claim 2 is equipped with an indoor temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the sauna room, and when the water storage temperature is defined as a first set temperature that is lower by a first predetermined value from the set temperature, and the water storage temperature is defined as a second set temperature that is higher by a second predetermined value from the set temperature, the control unit controls the temperature inside the sauna room to reach the target temperature during normal operation, and when the water storage temperature is lower than the first set temperature, it performs the heating support operation, and when the water storage temperature is equal to or higher than the second set temperature, it performs the cooling support operation.

[0008] Furthermore, in the sauna apparatus of claim 3, the control unit increases the rotation speed of the mist motor during the heating support operation as the amount of decrease in the water storage temperature from the set temperature increases, and increases the rotation speed of the blower fan during the cooling support operation as the amount of increase in the water storage temperature from the set temperature increases. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the sauna outlet from decreasing or increasing relative to the target temperature, thereby improving user comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a sauna device showing one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a sauna device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sauna device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a sauna device according to the same embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an external view of a sauna device of the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an electrical circuit block diagram of the same embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing a series of operations of the same embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the operation of the cleaning mode in the same embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the operation of sterilization mode A in the same embodiment. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the operation of the startup mode of the same embodiment. [Figure 11] This flowchart shows the operation of the stable mode in the same embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the operation of sterilization mode B in the same embodiment. [Figure 13]It is a flowchart showing the operation of the drying mode of the same embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the standard mode of the same embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the weak mode of the same embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram explaining the control contents of the standard mode and the weak mode of the same embodiment. [Figure 17] Timing chart explaining the heating support operation and the cooling support operation in the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 18] Timing chart explaining the heating support operation and the cooling support operation in the second embodiment of the present invention

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Next, a sauna device in an embodiment of this invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0012] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a mist generator provided under a bench 3 in a low-temperature sauna room 2. The air in the sauna room 2 is sucked by a blower fan 35 through a suction duct 4 extending to the upper part in the sauna room 2. After removing dust and bacteria, the heated and temperature-increased mist and negative ions are supplied from an air outlet 5 formed under the bench 3 to the sauna room 2, and this is sequentially repeated to circulate the air in the sauna room 2, thereby creating an atmosphere for using a low-temperature and high-humidity sauna with a use room temperature of 38 to 42°C and a relative humidity of 90% or more in the sauna room 2.

[0013] Note that a plurality of mist generators 1 may be provided in the sauna room 2. That is, when the sauna device is used for a large number of people, it is necessary to enlarge the sauna room 2 to secure a large space. At that time, by using a plurality of mist generators 1, the temperature and humidity in the sauna room 2 can be appropriately maintained. In this embodiment, since the configuration and operation of the mist generator 1 are the same for a plurality of mist generators 1, one mist generator 1 will be described.

[0014] 6 is a water storage tank that stores a fixed amount of water, 7 is a water supply pipe connected to one side wall of the water storage tank 6 and supplies water to the water storage tank 6, 8 is a water supply valve installed in the middle of the water supply pipe 7 and opens and closes the water supply pipe 7, 9 is a heating heater that heats the water stored in the water storage tank 6 and is horizontally mounted in an M shape in plan view near the bottom of the water storage tank 6 below the water surface and has three U-shaped sections 10, 11 is an overflow pipe installed on one side wall of the water storage tank 6, 12 is a drain pipe connected to the bottom of the water storage tank 6 and drains the water stored in the water storage tank 6 or the heated water heated by the heating heater 9, and 13 is a drain valve installed in the middle of the drain pipe 12 and opens and closes the drain pipe 12.

[0015] 14 is a partition wall that divides the water storage tank 6 into two chambers, a processing chamber 15 and a separation chamber 16. Its lower end is bent towards the separation chamber 16, and the connecting passage 17 between it and the water surface is lowered to near the water surface. This allows it to also function as a gas-liquid separator, causing large mist particles (large-diameter mist, described later) in the air traveling from the processing chamber 15 to the separation chamber 16 to collide with the water surface and fall.

[0016] In the processing chamber 15, the lower half of the mist motor 22 is inserted through an insertion hole 19 provided in the lid 18 of the water storage tank 6, with the lower half of the mist motor 22 housed in a recess 21 of the waterproof cover 20, and the mist motor 22 is connected to a support shaft 23. A mortar-shaped rotating body 24, with its lower part submerged in water and its diameter increasing towards the top, is suspended in the U-shaped section 10 furthest from the water supply pipe 7 of the heating heater 9. This rotating body 24 rotates driven by the mist motor 22, and its centrifugal force draws up the hot water in the water storage tank 6 heated by the heating heater 9 along the surface and underside of the rotating body 24, scattering it into the surroundings through a plurality of pores 25 formed at its upper end.

[0017] In the separation chamber 16, a first baffle plate 26, formed by inclining and bending the lower end of the partition wall 14 toward the bottom of the separation chamber 16, and a second baffle plate 27, attached to the side wall opposite the partition wall 14 at an angle toward the bottom, are alternately projected, forming a meandering passage 28 in the central part that leads from the lower connecting passage 17 to the upper air outlet 5.

[0018] 29 is a cylindrical porous body positioned at a predetermined distance from the outer circumference of the rotating body 24 and rotating together with the rotating body 24. 30 is a porous section formed on the entire circumferential wall of the porous body 29, consisting of numerous slits, wire mesh, perforated metal, etc., which acts as an impact body. The mist generating means is composed of a water storage tank 6, a heating heater 9, a mist motor 22, the rotating body 24, and the porous section 30.

[0019] The mist motor 22, which constitutes the mist generating means, is driven, and the centrifugal force generated by rotating the rotating body 24 supported by the drive shaft pumps up water from the water storage tank 6 and scatters air outward. As the water droplets passing through the porous section 30 are crushed, the water particles are made finer, generating nanometer (nm) sized mist (hereinafter referred to as fine mist). At the same time, relatively large water droplets (hereinafter referred to as large-diameter mist) are also generated, and due to the Lenard effect caused by the miniaturization of water, the fine mist becomes negatively charged, and the large-diameter mist becomes positively charged.

[0020] 31 is an elliptical air guide tube arranged around the outer circumference of the porous body 29 at predetermined intervals to cover the porous body 29, and is provided on the inner lid 34 that closes the top of the processing chamber 15 so as to form a pair of large flow passages 32, 32 and a pair of small flow passages 33, 33 between it and the cylindrical porous body 29. 35 is a variable-speed blower fan consisting of a cross-flow fan, located at the top of the separation chamber 16, in a position that connects the separation chamber 16 and the air outlet 5. When the blower fan 35 is driven, air from inside the sauna room 2, sucked in through the suction duct 4 and the air inlet 36 between the lid 18 and the inner lid 34, flows into the air supply chamber 37 formed in the space between the lid 18 and the inner lid 34, which has an air inlet 36 to which the suction duct 4 is connected on one side wall, and flows from the air supply chamber 37 at the top of the processing chamber 15 towards the processing chamber 15 from above the rotating body 24 into the air guide tube 31. This increases the number of times water particles are broken down, as well as the negative charge of the air, resulting in the generation of a large amount of fine mist and negative ions. For example, approximately 7,000 negative ions / cc are detected at the central midpoint of sauna room 2.

[0021] The air guide tube 31 is provided with a flange portion 38 that protrudes inward from its inner periphery. This flange portion 38 is positioned above the upper surface of the rotating body 24 to prevent water, which is pumped up from the water storage tank 6 by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the rotating body 24 and scattered through the porous body 29, from splashing into unintended locations, such as near the connection between the mist motor 22 fixed to the lid 18 and the support shaft 23, or into the air supply chamber 37.

[0022] 39 is a water level detection means provided at the bottom of the water storage tank 6, which outputs a detection signal when there is water or hot water in the water storage tank 6, and the water level detection means 39 is composed of two float switches 40 and 41.

[0023] Here, the float switch 40 outputs an OFF signal when the water level is low and before the heating element 9 is exposed above the water surface, and outputs an ON signal when the water level rises from the low water level state. The float switch 41 outputs an OFF signal when the water level is at which the float switch 40 is giving an ON signal, and outputs an ON signal when the water level in the water storage tank 6 rises further and is detected to be above a predetermined water level.

[0024] 42 is a U-shaped protective frame that protects the two float switches 40 and 41 from being affected by fluctuations in the water level of the water storage tank 6. The frame has its front and both sides protruding above the water level, and it surrounds the two float switches 40 and 41 with one side wall of the water storage tank 6. The two float switches 40 and 41 are suspended and fixed from the top surface.

[0025] 43 is a U-shaped air heater attached to the air intake port 36, which together with the suction duct 4 constitutes the air supply path. The air heater 43 protrudes from the side wall of the air intake port 36 and is tilted slightly backward relative to the side wall, so that the U-shaped heater portion does not overlap and efficiently contacts the air blown in from inside the sauna room 2 with a small surface area, thereby heating the air from inside the sauna room 2. Furthermore, when the sauna device is started, the blower fan 35 is driven and the air heater 43 is energized to heat the air circulating in the sauna room 2, raising the ambient temperature of the sauna room 2 and shortening the start-up time. In addition, after the sauna device is finished, the blower fan 35 is driven and the air heater 43 is energized to dry the inside of the sauna room 2 with hot air, maintaining good hygiene.

[0026] 44 is a water temperature sensor installed at a predetermined water level on the lower outer wall of the water storage tank 6 to detect the water temperature inside the water storage tank 6. 45 is a thermostat also installed at a predetermined water level on the lower outer wall of the water storage tank 6. The thermostat 45 ensures safety by disconnecting the wiring connecting the heating element 9 and the power supply when the water storage tank 6 becomes abnormally overheated.

[0027] Furthermore, it is desirable that the thermostat 45 be installed in a position where it can quickly and reliably detect when the water storage tank 6 has become abnormally overheated, and it is preferable that it be installed on the side wall of the water storage tank 6 at a low water level where the float switch 40 outputs an OFF signal.

[0028] In Figure 1, 46 is a room temperature sensor (indoor temperature sensor) installed at the top of the sauna room 2 to detect the indoor temperature inside the sauna room 2. 47 is a ventilation fan for ventilating the sauna room 2, 48 is a door for entering and exiting the sauna room 2, 49 is a peephole located at the top of door 48, and 50 is an air intake located at the bottom of door 48 to draw air into the sauna room 2 from outside. The air intake 50 is designed to open when the ventilation fan 47 is activated, supplying air into the sauna room 2 from outside. 51 is an emergency switch; if an abnormality occurs in the sauna room 2, the user can activate this switch 51, which will sound a buzzer or otherwise notify those outside the sauna room 2 that an abnormality has occurred. This will open the drain valve 13 to drain the hot water from the water storage tank 6, and activate the ventilation fan 47 to lower the temperature and humidity inside the sauna room 2, returning it to a normal state.

[0029] Figure 5 shows item 52, which is a remote control for operating the sauna device. The remote control 52 includes an indoor temperature display unit 53 that displays the indoor temperature set in the sauna room 2, an indoor temperature display unit 54 that displays the temperature inside the sauna room 2 detected by the room temperature sensor 46, a room temperature setting switch 55 that serves as a means for setting the room temperature desired by the user inside the sauna room 2, for example, 38°C to 42°C in 1°C increments, an operation switch 56 that instructs the start and stop of the sauna device, an operation lamp 57 that indicates the ON / OFF status of the operation switch 56, and a ventilation switch that drives the ventilation fan 47 to perform ventilation operation inside the sauna room 2. The system is equipped with a 58, a ventilation lamp 59 that indicates the ON / OFF status of the ventilation switch 58, a bathing lamp 60 that lights up when the sauna room 2 reaches the set temperature set by the room temperature setting switch 55 to indicate permission to enter the sauna room 2, a speaker 61 that announces the set temperature of the sauna room 2 set by the room temperature setting switch 55, a mode selection switch 62 that selects between a standard mode and a weak mode, which are the normal operating modes, and a mode indicator lamp 63 that lights up the lamp corresponding to the mode selected by the mode selection switch 62.

[0030] Figure 6 shows a control block diagram of the present invention. 64 is a control unit that controls the sauna device and has functions such as memory, calculation, and time counting. The control unit 64 and the remote control 52 are connected wirelessly or via wired communication. Float switches 40 and 41, a water storage temperature sensor 44, a thermostat 45, a room temperature sensor 46, and an emergency switch 51 are connected to the input side of the control unit 64. A water supply valve 8, a heating heater 9, a drain valve 13, a mist motor 22, a blower fan 35, an air heater 43, and a ventilation fan 47 are connected to the output side. The control unit 64 is equipped with a switching means 65 that appropriately switches the ON / OFF state of the power supply to the heating heater 9 according to the operating state of the sauna device.

[0031] Next, the operation of one embodiment of this sauna device will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 7 to 13.

[0032] First, the set temperature (38-42°C) for sauna room 2 is set using the room temperature setting switch 55 on the remote control 52 located on the side wall of sauna room 2. When the operation switch 56 is turned ON, the operation lamp 57 lights up and the sauna device starts operating, and the cleaning mode, which is the preparatory operation of the sauna device, begins (step S100). In this cleaning mode, the drain valve 13, which opens and closes the drain pipe 12 that drains water or hot water from the water storage tank 6, is opened, and the water supply valve 8, which opens and closes the water supply pipe 7 that supplies water into the water storage tank 6, is opened to supply water into the water storage tank 6. Before filling the water storage tank 6, dust, dirt, bacteria, etc. remaining at the bottom of the water storage tank 6 are washed away and drained.

[0033] (Explanation of cleaning mode) Next, the operation of the cleaning mode described above will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 8.

[0034] The control unit 64 opens the drain valve 13 (step S101), determines whether the float switch 40 for detecting low water level has output an OFF signal (step S102), repeats the process in step S102 as long as it determines that the float switch 40 has not output an OFF signal, and when it determines that the float switch 40 has output an OFF signal, opens the water supply valve 8 after a certain delay (step S103).

[0035] In step S103, the water supply valve 8 is opened and water is supplied to the water storage tank 6. Next, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S104). If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the drain valve 13 is closed (step S105) and the cleaning mode is terminated. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the determination in step S104 is repeated.

[0036] Once the cleaning mode of step S100 is completed, the system then transitions to sterilization mode A (step S200). In this sterilization mode A, the power supply to the heating heater 9 located near the bottom of the water storage tank 6 is turned ON by the switching means 65 to heat the water in the water storage tank 6 to a temperature at which sterilization can be achieved, and the mist motor 22 is driven to rotate the rotating body 24. This sterilizes the water stored in the water storage tank 6 and washes away dust, dirt, bacteria, etc. attached to the rotating body 24 that pumps the heated hot water from the water storage tank 6, the porous body 29 which is arranged on the outer circumference of the rotating body 24 and rotates with the rotating body 24, and the air guide tube 31 which is arranged to cover the porous body 29, thereby disinfecting and sterilizing the rotating body 24, the porous body 29, and the air guide tube 31.

[0037] (Explanation of sterilization mode A) Next, the operation of the sterilization mode A described above will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0038] The control unit 64 determines whether the float switch 40 for detecting low water level has output an ON signal (step S201). If it determines that the float switch 40 has output an ON signal, it uses the switching means 65 to turn on the power supply to the heating heater 9 that heats the water in the water storage tank 6, and starts driving the mist motor 22 that rotates the rotating body 24 (step S202). It also determines whether the hot water temperature in the water storage tank 6, as detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44, is above a predetermined value (e.g., 60°C) that is sufficient for sterilization (step S203).

[0039] If the control unit 64 determines in step S203 that the hot water temperature in the water storage tank 6 is 60°C or higher, it switches the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the OFF state using the switching means 65 and simultaneously starts counting a predetermined time for heating and sterilizing the water in the water storage tank 6, i.e., the sterilization time (step S204).

[0040] After step S204, the control unit 64 switches the ON / OFF state of the heating heater 9 using the switching means 65 to maintain the temperature of the hot water in the water storage tank 6 at a sterilization temperature by turning ON the power to the heating heater 9 when the temperature of the hot water in the water storage tank 6 detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 falls below 58°C, and turning OFF the power to the heating heater 9 when the temperature of the hot water in the water storage tank 6 detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 falls above 60°C (step S205), and repeats step S205 until the sterilization time of 1 minute is completed (step S206).

[0041] Then, when the control unit 64 determines that the sterilization time count has finished (YES in step S206), it turns off the power to the heating element 9 (step S207), ending sterilization mode A and concluding the preparation operation of the sauna device.

[0042] If, in step S203, the control unit 64 determines that the temperature of the hot water in the water storage tank 6 is lower than 60°C, it determines whether 30 minutes have elapsed since it sent a signal to switch the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the ON state using the switching means 65 (step S208). If it determines that 30 minutes have elapsed since it sent the signal to switch the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the ON state, it opens the drain valve 13 to drain the water in the water storage tank 6, and announces by voice from the speaker 61 that the switching means 65 has short-circuited and it is impossible to switch the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the ON / OFF state (step S209), and terminates the preparation operation of the sauna device and does not proceed to the next step.

[0043] Furthermore, if 30 minutes have not elapsed since the power to the heating element 9 was turned ON in step S208 (the result in No in step S208), the determination of whether the hot water temperature in the water storage tank 6 is 60°C or higher is repeated in step S203.

[0044] Furthermore, after the float switch 40 outputs an ON signal in step S201, if water supply continues and the float switch 41 for detecting high water levels outputs an ON signal, the control unit 64 closes the water supply valve 8 to terminate the water supply. Based on the detection signals from the water level detection means 39 (float switches 40 and 41), the control unit 64 controls the water supply valve 8 to supply water and maintain the water storage tank 6 within a predetermined water level range.

[0045] When the sterilization mode A in step S200 is completed and the preparation operation of the sauna device is finished, the system then transitions to the startup mode (step S300), which is the normal operation of the sauna device. In this startup mode, the blower fan 35 is set to high speed and started to operate, and the air heater 43 attached to the air intake 36 is energized. Furthermore, the ON / OFF state of the heating heater 9 is switched using the switching means 65 to maintain the temperature of the water stored in the water storage tank 6 at a temperature higher than the set temperature set by the room temperature setting switch 55. As a result, the air in the sauna room 2 is heated by the air heater 43, and the fine mist and negative ions generated by crushing the hot water in the water storage tank 6, which has been heated to a temperature higher than the set temperature, are supplied to the sauna room 2 from the air outlet 5 by the blower fan 35. This process is repeated sequentially to circulate the air in the sauna room 2 and quickly start up the sauna room 2.

[0046] (Explanation of startup mode) Next, the operation of the startup mode described above will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 10.

[0047] The control unit 64 sets the blower fan 35 to high speed and starts driving the blower fan 35, and also energizes the air heater 43 (step S301). When the hot water temperature in the water storage tank 6, as detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44, falls below 46°C, the power to the heating heater 9 is switched ON. When the hot water temperature in the water storage tank 6, as detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44, falls below 48°C, the power to the heating heater 9 is switched OFF. In this way, the control unit 64 switches the power ON / OFF state of the heating heater 9 using the switching means 65 to maintain the hot water temperature in the water storage tank 6 at a predetermined value higher than the set temperature (step S302).

[0048] After step S302, if the control unit 64 determines that the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46 located at the top of the sauna room 2 has reached the set temperature (YES in step S303), it lights up the bath lamp 60 on the remote control 52 and notifies the speaker 61 that the sauna room 2 has reached the set temperature and a relative humidity of 90% or higher, creating a suitable atmosphere for use as a low-temperature sauna, and that it is now possible to enter the room (step S304), and then exits the startup mode.

[0049] Furthermore, even if the amount of hot water in the water storage tank 6 decreases during this startup mode, the control unit 64 maintains the water storage tank 6 within a predetermined water level range by controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve 8 based on detection signals from the water level detection means 39 (float switches 40, 41).

[0050] Once the startup mode of step S300 is completed, the system then transitions to a stable mode (step S400) which is normal operation that allows the user to take a bath. In this stable mode, the ON / OFF state of the heating heater 9 is switched based on the water storage temperature sensor 44 and the set temperature until the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46 reaches the set temperature set by the room temperature setting switch 55 on the remote control 52. Once the temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46 reaches the set temperature, the heating heater 9 is turned OFF, thereby enabling a stable and comfortable sauna bath at the set temperature inside the sauna room 2.

[0051] (Explanation of stable mode) Next, the operation of the stable mode described above will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 11.

[0052] The control unit 64 turns off the power supply to the air heater 43 and starts counting down a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) which is the continuous operation time (step S401). The continuous operation time is counted starting when the sauna room 2 reaches the set temperature.

[0053] After step S401, the control unit 64 determines whether the mode of normal operation selected by the mode selection switch 62 on the remote control 52 is the standard mode (step S402). If the selected mode is the standard mode, it drives the mist motor 22 and the blower fan 35 at the rotation speed set for the standard mode and switches the heating heater 9 ON / OFF based on the set temperature set on the remote control 52 and the temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 (step S403).

[0054] Furthermore, if the normal operation mode selected by the mode selection switch 62 is the low mode, the control unit 64 drives the mist motor 22 and the blower fan 35 at the rotation speed set for the low mode, and switches the heating heater 9 ON / OFF based on the set temperature set by the remote control 52 and the temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 (step S404).

[0055] The rotation speeds of the mist motor 22 and blower fan 35 in standard mode and low mode, as well as the ON / OFF switching control of the heating heater 9 based on the set temperature set by the remote control 52 and the temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44, will be described later.

[0056] After various controls are performed in standard mode in step S403 or in weak mode in step S404, the control unit 64 determines whether the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46 has reached or exceeded the set temperature set by the remote control 52 (step S405). If it determines that the room temperature has reached or exceeded the set temperature, it switches the heating heater 9 to the OFF state and interrupts the control of the heating heater 9 based on the set temperature and the water storage temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 (step S406). Furthermore, if the control unit 64 determines in step S405 that the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46 is not above the set temperature, it returns to step S402 to make a decision.

[0057] In step S406, the heating element 9 is switched to the OFF state and control of the heating element 9 based on the set temperature and the water storage temperature sensor 44 is interrupted. Then, the control unit 64 determines whether the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46 has fallen to a predetermined temperature, which is the set temperature minus 0.5°C (step S407). If it determines that the room temperature is minus 0.5°C or lower, it proceeds to the next step. If the room temperature is not minus 0.5°C or lower, the determination in step S407 is repeated.

[0058] In step S407, if the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46 is determined to be below the set temperature - 0.5°C, the control unit 64 determines whether the continuous operation time count has finished (step S408). If it determines that the continuous operation time count has finished, the speaker 61 announces by voice that the continuous operation time has finished, turns off the bath lamp 60 and the operation lamp 57, stops the blower fan 35 (step S409), automatically turns off the operation switch, ends the stable mode and ends normal operation. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S408 that the continuous operation time count has not finished, the process returns to the determination in step S402 and resumes control of the heating heater 9 based on the set temperature and the water storage temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44.

[0059] Furthermore, even if the amount of hot water in the water storage tank 6 decreases during this stable mode, the control unit 64 maintains the water storage tank 6 within a predetermined water level range by controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve 8 based on detection signals from the water level detection means 39 (float switches 40, 41).

[0060] When the stable mode ends and normal operation ends in step S400, the system then transitions to sterilization mode B (step S500), which is the final operation of the sauna device. In this sterilization mode B, the blower fan 35 is driven in normal operation to circulate the air inside the sauna room 2. As a result, the hot water in the water storage tank 6, which has taken in bacteria and other contaminants, is heated to a sterilizing temperature by the heating heater 9, and the mist motor 22 is driven to rotate the rotating body 24. This sterilizes the hot water stored in the water storage tank 6, and the hot water also washes away dust, dirt, bacteria, etc. attached to the rotating body 24 that pumps the heated hot water from the water storage tank 6, the porous body 29 that is positioned on the outer circumference of the rotating body 24 and rotates with the rotating body 24, and the air guide tube 31 that is positioned to cover the porous body 29, thereby sterilizing the rotating body 24, the porous body 29, and the air guide tube 31.

[0061] (Explanation of sterilization mode B) Next, the operation of the disinfection mode B described above will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 12. The control unit 64 determines whether the temperature of the hot water in the water storage tank 6, as detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44, is at a predetermined temperature that allows for sterilization (for example, 60°C or higher) (step S501). If it determines that the temperature of the hot water in the water storage tank 6 is 60°C or higher, it switches the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the OFF state and simultaneously starts counting a predetermined time for heating and sterilizing the water (hot water) in the water storage tank 6, i.e., the sterilization time (step S502). Then, when the temperature of the hot water in the water storage tank 6, as detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44, falls below 58°C, it switches the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the ON state, and when the temperature of the hot water in the water storage tank 6, as detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44, falls above 60°C, it switches the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the OFF state. In this way, the switching means 65 switches the power supply ON / OFF state of the heating heater 9 to maintain the temperature of the hot water in the water storage tank 6 at a temperature that allows for sterilization (step S503). Then, step S503 is repeated until the disinfection time, for example, 1 minute, is completed (step S504).

[0062] Then, when it is determined that the sterilization time count has finished (YES in step S504), the control unit 64 switches the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the OFF state using the switching means 65 and stops the driving of the mist motor 22 (step S505), and determines whether a predetermined time of 20 minutes has elapsed since the driving of the heating heater 9 and the mist motor 22 was stopped (step S506). If 20 minutes have elapsed since the sterilization time count finished, the drain valve 13 is opened to end sterilization mode B (step S507), and if 20 minutes have not elapsed, the determination in step S506 is repeated.

[0063] When the sterilization mode B of step S500 is completed, the system then transitions to the drying mode (step S600). In this drying mode, the blower fan 35 is started, the air heater 43 attached to the air intake 36 is energized, and the ventilation fan 47 is also driven to dry the inside of the mist generator 1, the suction duct 4, and the sauna room 2.

[0064] (Explanation of drying mode) Next, the operation of the drying mode described above will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 13. The control unit 64 sets the blower fan 35 to high speed and starts driving the blower fan 35, energizes the air heater 43, and also drives the ventilation fan 47 (step S601), starting the drying mode. The ventilation lamp 59 lights up, and the control unit determines whether the preset drying time, for example 90 minutes, has finished (step S602). If it determines that the drying time has finished, it stops driving the blower fan 35, turns off the power to the air heater 43, and also stops driving the ventilation fan 47 (step S603). The ventilation lamp 59 then turns off, ending the drying mode, and the sauna device's shutdown operation is completed, bringing the sauna device to a stopped state. Furthermore, the sauna device remains in a stopped state with the drain valve 13 in the open position.

[0065] (Explanation of Standard Mode and Low Mode) Next, the detailed control contents of the standard mode performed in step S403 and the weak mode performed in step S404 will be described.

[0066] First, to explain the standard mode, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 14, the control unit 64 switches the heating heater 9 to the ON state, drives the mist motor 22 at 1200 rpm and the blower fan 35 at 1180 rpm, thereby blowing the humidified air heated in the water storage tank 6 into the sauna room 2 from the air outlet 5, and heating the sauna room 2 (step S701).

[0067] Once step S701 is completed, the control unit 64 compares the set temperature set by the room temperature setting switch 55 on the remote control 52 with the water temperature in the water storage tank 6 detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44. The control unit 64 then determines whether the water temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 is equal to or greater than the set temperature + 1°C, which is a predetermined switching temperature obtained by adding a predetermined value to the set temperature (step S702). If the water temperature is equal to or greater than the set temperature + 1°C, the heating heater 9 is switched to the OFF state (step S703). If the water temperature is not equal to or greater than the set temperature + 1°C, the determination in step S702 is repeated.

[0068] Once step S703 is completed, the control unit 64 determines whether the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 44 has fallen to a predetermined switching temperature of set temperature - 1°C or less, which is the set temperature plus a predetermined value (step S704). If the water temperature is at or below the set temperature - 1°C, the heating heater 9 is switched to the ON state (step S705). If the water temperature is not at or below the set temperature - 1°C, the determination in step S704 is repeated. Then, once step S705 is completed, return to step S702 and repeat the decision-making process.

[0069] The judgments from step S701 to step S705 are repeated until the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46 in step S405 is equal to or greater than the set temperature.

[0070] For example, if the room temperature setting switch 55 is set to 40°C, the heating heater 9 is switched ON when the temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 falls below 39°C, and OFF when the temperature rises above 41°C. This allows heated, warm, humidified air to be blown into the sauna room 2 from the air outlet 5, maintaining the sauna room 2 at or near the set temperature.

[0071] Furthermore, the standard mode blows more humidified air into sauna room 2 than the low mode, so sauna room 2 is filled with a large amount of negative ions and mist, allowing users to fully enjoy their sauna experience.

[0072] Next, we will explain the low mode. As shown in the flowchart in Figure 15, the control unit 64 switches the heating heater 9 to the ON state, drives the mist motor 22 at 800 rpm, and drives the blower fan 35 at 800 rpm, thereby blowing the humidified air heated in the water storage tank 6 into the sauna room 2 from the air outlet 5, and heating the inside of the sauna room 2 (step S801).

[0073] Once step S801 is completed, the control unit 64 compares the set temperature set by the room temperature setting switch 55 on the remote control 52 with the water temperature in the water storage tank 6 detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44. The control unit 64 then determines whether the water temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 is at or above the set temperature + 3°C, which is a predetermined switching temperature obtained by adding a predetermined value to the set temperature (step S802). If the water temperature is at or above the set temperature + 3°C, the heating heater 9 is switched to the OFF state (step S803). If the water temperature is not at or above the set temperature + 3°C, the determination in step S802 is repeated.

[0074] Once step S803 is completed, the control unit 64 determines whether the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 44 has fallen to a predetermined switching temperature of set temperature + 1°C or less, which is the set temperature plus a predetermined value (step S804). If the water temperature is set temperature + 1°C or less, the heating heater 9 is switched to the ON state (step S805). If the water temperature is not set temperature + 1°C or less, the determination in step S804 is repeated. Then, once step S805 is completed, return to step S802 and repeat the decision-making process.

[0075] The decisions made in steps S801 to S805 are repeated until the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46 in step S405 is equal to or greater than the set temperature.

[0076] For example, if the room temperature setting switch 55 is set to 40°C, the heating heater 9 is switched ON when the temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 falls below 41°C, and OFF when it rises above 43°C. This allows humidified air at a higher temperature than in the standard mode to be blown into the sauna room 2 from the air outlet 5, maintaining the sauna room 2 at or near the set temperature.

[0077] Furthermore, because the rotation speed of the mist motor 22 and the blower fan 35 is lower in the low mode than in the standard mode, it is quieter than the standard mode, allowing users to enjoy a sauna bath in a quiet sauna room 2.

[0078] In the standard mode shown in Figure 14, the control unit 64 switches the ON / OFF state of the heating heater 9 to control the water storage temperature so that it is within the range of -1°C or higher and +1°C or lower than the set temperature. In other words, if the set temperature is 40°C, the control unit 64 controls the water storage temperature to reach 40°C, with the set temperature being the median value.

[0079] Furthermore, in the weak mode shown in Figure 15, the control unit 64 similarly switches the ON / OFF state of the heating heater 9 to control the water storage temperature so that it is within the range of +1°C and +3°C above the set temperature. In other words, if the set temperature is 40°C, the water storage temperature is controlled to reach 42°C, which is the median value of the set temperature +2°C, with 42°C as the target value.

[0080] Next, a first embodiment in which the temperature of the air outlet 5 is optimally controlled when humidified air (fine mist) is blown out of the air outlet 5 of the mist generator 1 will be described with reference to Figure 17.

[0081] Figure 17 shows the changes in water storage temperature and air outlet temperature, as well as the operation changes of the heating heater 9, mist motor 22, and blower fan 35, when the room temperature falls below the set temperature -2.0°C in the standard mode, which is the normal operating mode. The dotted line in the figure represents the changes in a conventional sauna device and mist generator 1, while the solid line represents the changes in this embodiment. Note that when the room temperature falls below the set temperature -2.0°C, it is assumed that the temperature drop will occur, for example, when the door 48 is opened and closed when a bather enters or leaves the room, and the amount of the drop is not limited to -2.0°C.

[0082] Here, as the room temperature inside the sauna room 2 decreases, the water temperature in the storage tank also decreases accordingly, falling below the set temperature (e.g., 40°C). As a result, the temperature of the humidified air discharged from the air outlet 5 (air outlet temperature) falls below the target temperature (e.g., 42°C). For example, as shown in Figure 17(A1), the air outlet temperature drops to the target temperature -3°C. When the water temperature in the storage tank falls below the set temperature -1.0°C, the control unit 64 turns on the heating heater 9 to raise the water temperature in the storage tank, thereby raising the air outlet temperature and the room temperature. When the water temperature in the storage tank rises to or above the set temperature +1.0°C, the control unit 64 turns off the heating heater 9 to stop heating the water in the storage tank. At this time, as shown in Figure 17(B1), the rise in water temperature does not stop immediately, and an overshoot occurs as it exceeds the set temperature of 40°C. Similarly, an overshoot occurs as the air outlet temperature also exceeds the target temperature of 42°C. For example, as shown in Figure 17(C1), the air outlet temperature rises to the target temperature + 3°C.

[0083] Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the water storage temperature falls below the set temperature of 40°C, the control unit 64 performs a heating support operation by operating the mist motor 22 at a higher rotation speed than when the temperature is above the set temperature. For example, the rotation speed of the mist motor 22 is changed from 1200 rpm to 1400 rpm in standard mode. This promotes the release of heat accumulated in the water storage tank 6 and suppresses the temperature drop of the humidified air discharged from the air outlet 5. For example, as shown in Figure 17(A2), the drop in the air outlet temperature can be suppressed to the target temperature -1.5°C. In addition, by accelerating the decrease in water storage temperature, the ON timing of the heating heater 9 can be advanced, and heating of the water storage can be performed earlier. At this time, since heating of the water storage is performed while the rotation speed of the mist motor 22 is higher than before, the upward trend of the water storage temperature becomes more gradual than before. Subsequently, once the water storage temperature reaches the set temperature, the rotation speed of the mist motor 22 returns to the conventional 1200 rpm, but the upward trend in water storage temperature remains slower than before. As a result, as shown in Figure 17(B2), the overshoot of water storage temperature can be suppressed more effectively than before.

[0084] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the water storage temperature reaches or exceeds the set temperature of 40°C, the control unit 64 performs a cooling support operation by operating the blower fan 35 at a higher rotational speed than when the temperature is below the set temperature. For example, the rotational speed of the blower fan 35 is changed from 1180 rpm to 1400 rpm in standard mode. This increases the airflow of the blower fan 35 to promote the cooling effect and suppresses the temperature rise of the humidified air discharged from the air outlet 5. For example, as shown in Figure 17(C2), the rise in the air outlet temperature can be suppressed to the target temperature + 1.5°C.

[0085] In Figure 17, since the room temperature is lower than the set temperature, the heating support operation is performed for a longer period than the cooling support operation. Then, control is performed to raise the room temperature to near the set temperature while suppressing fluctuations in the water storage temperature and air outlet temperature.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the on-duty cycle (ratio of ON time to OFF time) of the heating element 9 is larger than in the conventional design when the room temperature drops. In addition, the promotion of heat dissipation by the mist motor 22 mentioned above allows the time it takes for the room temperature, which has dropped due to the opening and closing of the door 48, to return to the set temperature to be shorter than in the conventional design (Figure 17(D)).

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 64 controls the air outlet temperature to bring it closer to the target temperature based on the water storage temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 and the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46. This makes it possible to control the air outlet temperature without using a separate temperature sensor at the air outlet 5, thereby reducing component costs.

[0088] Furthermore, although Figure 17 illustrates the operation in standard mode, the same effect can be obtained in weak mode as well.

[0089] Furthermore, although Figure 17 illustrates the case where the room temperature falls below the set temperature - 2.0°C, a similar effect can be obtained when the temperature rises above the set temperature + 2.0°C. For example, if the temperature inside the sauna room 2 is maintained at approximately 40°C, immediately after the user changes the room temperature setting from 40°C to 38°C, the room temperature will be approximately +2.0°C higher than the new set temperature of 38°C. In this case, contrary to Figure 17, the cooling support operation will be performed for a longer period than the heating support operation. The control unit 64 then executes control to lower the room temperature to near the set temperature while suppressing fluctuations in the water storage temperature and air outlet temperature, and reducing the on-duty cycle of the heating heater 9 compared to conventional methods.

[0090] In this embodiment of the sauna device and mist generator 1, when the water storage temperature falls below the set temperature, the control unit 64 performs a heating support operation by operating the mist motor 22 at a higher rotation speed than when the temperature is above the set temperature. Also, when the water storage temperature rises above the set temperature, the control unit 64 performs a cooling support operation by operating the blower fan 35 at a higher rotation speed than when the temperature is below the set temperature. This suppresses the temperature of the humidified air discharged from the air outlet 5 of the mist generator 1 from falling or rising relative to the target temperature, thereby improving user comfort.

[0091] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 18.

[0092] Figure 18 shows the changes in water reservoir temperature and air outlet temperature, as well as the operation changes of the heating heater 9, mist motor 22, and blower fan 35, when the room temperature is maintained within ±2.0°C of the set temperature (above -2.0°C and below +2.0°C of the set temperature) in the standard mode, which is the normal operating mode. Note that "room temperature within ±2.0°C of the set temperature" means that there is no introduction of outside air that causes a sudden temperature change into the sauna room 2, and the room temperature is maintained at approximately the set temperature without any changes to the set temperature. Therefore, it is not limited to ±2.0°C.

[0093] In the second embodiment of the present invention, since there are no large fluctuations in room temperature, the time for increasing the rotation speed of the mist motor 22 during heating support operation and the time for increasing the rotation speed of the blower fan 35 during cooling support operation are kept to a minimum compared to the first embodiment. Here, the first set temperature is set to a temperature lower by a first predetermined value from the set temperature of the water storage, and the second set temperature is set to a temperature higher by a second predetermined value from the set temperature of the water storage. For example, if the first predetermined value is 0.5°C and the second predetermined value is 0.5°C, the first set temperature will be the set temperature - 0.5°C and the second set temperature will be the set temperature + 0.5°C. In this case, when the water storage temperature falls below the first set temperature, the control unit 64 performs heating support operation, and when the water storage temperature rises to or above the second set temperature, the control unit 64 performs cooling support operation. As a result, similar to the first embodiment, fluctuations in the water storage temperature and room temperature are suppressed, as is the temperature fluctuation of the air outlet. In addition, the time required to increase the rotation speed of the mist motor 22 and the blower fan 35 is shortened compared to the first embodiment, thus reducing power consumption.

[0094] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the upward trend in the water storage temperature is more gradual than in the conventional embodiment, so the fluctuation period of the rise and fall in water storage temperature is longer than in the conventional embodiment. This means that the number of times the heating heater 9 that heats the water storage tank 6 is turned ON / OFF is reduced. In other words, the lifespan of the switching means 65 that switches the ON / OFF state of the power supply to the heating heater 9 can be extended. Note that if, for example, a mechanical contact relay is used as the switching means 65, the number of times the contacts are opened and closed affects the lifespan, so the fewer the ON / OFF cycles, the longer the lifespan.

[0095] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the increase in rotational speed of the mist motor 22 during heating support operation is a fixed value of +200 rpm, ranging from 1200 rpm to 1400 rpm. However, the increase in rotational speed may be increased as the amount of decrease in the water storage temperature from the set temperature increases. For example, in the second embodiment, when the temperature drops to the first set temperature (set temperature - 0.5°C), it is set to +200 rpm, and if it drops further to the set temperature - 1.0°C, it is changed to +300 rpm or +400 rpm, etc.

[0096] Furthermore, while the increase in rotational speed of the blower fan 35 during cooling support operation is a fixed value of +220 rpm, from 1180 rpm to 1400 rpm, the increase in rotational speed may be increased as the amount of rise from the set temperature of the reservoir increases. For example, when the temperature rises to the second set temperature (set temperature + 0.5°C) in the second embodiment, it is set to +220 rpm, and when it rises further to the set temperature + 1.0°C, it is changed to +330 rpm or +440 rpm, etc.

[0097] These measures enable more precise temperature control of both the water storage temperature and the air outlet temperature.

[0098] Furthermore, the other configurations used in this embodiment are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Mist Generator 2 Sauna Room 5. Air outlet 6. Water storage tank 9 Heating heater 22 Mist Motor 24. Solids of revolution 30 Porous part (collision body) 35 Blower fan 44. Water storage temperature sensor 46. ​​Room temperature sensor (indoor temperature sensor) 64 Control Unit

Claims

1. A water storage tank to which water supply and drainage pipes are connected, and which is capable of storing and draining water, A heating element installed in the water of the aforementioned water storage tank, which can be switched ON / OFF, A water temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature inside the water storage tank, A rotating body that pumps up water from the water storage tank by rotation and scatters it outwards, A mist motor connected to a drive shaft that supports the rotating body so that it can rotate, The mist generating device comprises a collision body into which water scattered by the rotating body collides, A fan blows the mist generated by the mist generator into the sauna room through an air outlet. The system includes a control unit that switches the ON / OFF state of the heating heater to control the water storage temperature to a set temperature, and performs normal operation by blowing the mist generated by the mist generator into the sauna room with the blower fan, The control unit, during normal operation, performs a heating support operation in which, when the water storage temperature is lower than the set temperature, the rotation speed of the mist motor is higher than when the temperature is above the set temperature. A sauna apparatus characterized in that, when the water storage temperature is above the set temperature, a cooling support operation is performed in which the rotation speed of the blower fan is increased compared to when the temperature is below the set temperature.

2. The sauna is equipped with an indoor temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the sauna room. The first set temperature is defined as the water storage temperature being lower by a first predetermined value from the set temperature. When the storage water temperature is defined as a second set temperature that is a second predetermined value higher than the set temperature, The control unit, during normal operation, The temperature inside the sauna is controlled to reach the target temperature, When the water storage temperature is lower than the first set temperature, the heating support operation is performed. The cooling support operation is performed when the water storage temperature is equal to or higher than the second set temperature. The sauna apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The control unit increases the rotation speed of the mist motor during the heating support operation as the amount of decrease in the water storage temperature from the set temperature increases. The sauna apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rotation speed of the blower fan in the cooling support operation is increased as the amount of rise in the water storage temperature from the set temperature increases.

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