Mist generating device and mist generating system including the same

Abstract

To provide a mist generation device capable of generating mist efficiently, and retaining the generated mist in a mist retention space of a plumbing apparatus.SOLUTION: The present invention is a mist generation device (1) used for a plumbing apparatus, comprising: a mist generation device body (8) that generates mist; and a mist guide member (10) that is provided in the mist generation device body, and guides mist generated in the mist generation device body so that the mist flows into and stays in a mist retention space (4) in which the upper part of the plumbing apparatus is open.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mist generating device, and more particularly to a mist generating device used for water-related equipment and a mist generating system including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-018130 (Patent Document 1) describes a bathtub sauna device. In this bathtub sauna device, mist is sent into a bathtub body covered with a bathtub lid, and the inside of the bathtub body can be used as a sauna space to take a sauna bath in the bathtub body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the bathtub sauna device described in Patent Document 1, in order to use the inside of the bathtub body as a sauna space, it is necessary to arrange a bathtub lid on the bathtub body, which restricts the position of the user and cannot provide sufficient comfort to the user. That is, in order to use the inside of the bathtub body as a sauna space without arranging a bathtub lid, it is necessary to generate mist that stays in the bathtub body and to send a large amount of mist into the bathtub body. However, a mist generating device that generates a large amount of mist is very large-scale and expensive.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mist generating device that can efficiently cause the discharged mist to flow into the retention space and can retain the generated mist in the mist retention space of the water-related equipment, and a mist generating system including the same.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is a mist generator used in water-related equipment, comprising a mist generator main body that generates mist, and a mist guiding member that is provided in the mist generator main body and guides the mist generated in the mist generator main body so that the mist flows into and stays in a mist retention space with an open upper part above the water-related equipment.

[0007] According to the present invention configured as described above, since the mist guiding member is provided to guide the mist generated in the mist generator main body so that the mist flows into and stays in the mist retention space with an open upper part above the water-related equipment, the mist generated in the mist generator main body can be efficiently made to flow into the mist retention space. As a result, the mist can be retained in the mist retention space without using a large-scale device.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the mist retention space is the space inside the bathtub, and the mist guiding member is arranged to allow the mist to flow into the mist retention space along one side of the bathtub, and the width at which the mist guiding member allows the mist to flow out is shorter than the length of one side of the bathtub.

[0009] According to the present invention configured as described above, since the mist guiding member allows the mist to flow into the mist retention space along one side of the bathtub and the width at which the mist guiding member allows the mist to flow out is shorter than the length of one side of the bathtub, it is possible to suppress the mist generated in the mist generator main body from descending outside the bathtub, and the mist can be efficiently made to flow into the mist retention space of the bathtub.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the mist guiding member is composed of a duct that guides the mist generated in the mist generator main body, and the lower end of the outlet opening of the duct is arranged at a height equal to or higher than the overflow surface height of the bathtub and 200 mm or less from the overflow surface of the bathtub.

[0011] According to the present invention configured as described above, since the lower end of the outlet opening of the mist guiding member composed of the duct is arranged at a height equal to or higher than the height of the overflow surface of the bathtub, it is possible to suppress the accidental intrusion of the water in the bathtub into the outlet opening of the mist guiding member. Further, since the lower end of the outlet opening of the mist guiding member is arranged at a position 200 mm or less from the overflow surface of the bathtub, it is possible to suppress the diffusion of the mist discharged from the outlet opening and its descent outside the bathtub, or the vaporization of the mist during its descent, and the mist can be more efficiently introduced into the mist retention space.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the outlet opening of the duct is arranged such that the outflowing mist descends into the internal space of the bathtub. According to the present invention configured as described above, since the outlet opening of the duct is arranged such that the outflowing mist descends into the internal space of the bathtub, the mist discharged from the outlet opening and descending naturally enters the internal space of the bathtub, so that the mist can be efficiently introduced into the mist retention space inside the bathtub.

[0013] In the present invention, preferably, the mist guiding member is configured to be deformable, and at the time of mist discharge, the lower end of the mist guiding member is moved downward compared to when no mist is discharged.

[0014] According to the present invention configured as described above, since the mist guiding member is configured to be deformable and the lower end of the mist guiding member is moved downward at the time of mist discharge, at the time of mist discharge, the mist can be introduced from the vicinity of the bathtub into the mist retention space inside the bathtub. On the other hand, at the time of non-discharge of the mist, since the mist guiding member can be moved upward, it is possible to prevent the mist guiding member from interfering with the cleaning of the bathtub, and the usability can be improved.

[0015] In the present invention, preferably, at least a part of the mist guiding member is detachably attached. According to the present invention configured as described above, since at least a part of the mist guiding member is detachably attached, when the mist generating device is not in use, all or part of the mist guiding member can be removed, preventing the mist guiding member from interfering with the cleaning of the bathtub. Also, since the mist guiding member can be removed and cleaned, the maintainability can be improved. On the other hand, when the mist generating device is in use, by attaching the removed mist guiding member, it becomes possible to discharge mist from the vicinity of the bathtub, and the mist can be efficiently introduced into the mist retention space in the bathtub.

[0016] Further, the present invention is a mist generating system, characterized by comprising the mist generating device of the present invention and a plumbing fixture having a mist retention space for retaining the mist discharged from this mist generating device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to the mist generating device of the present invention and the mist generating system provided with the same, the discharged mist can be efficiently introduced into the retention space, and the generated mist can be retained in the mist retention space of the plumbing fixture.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018]

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[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a mist generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a mist generating system including the same will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mist generating system in which a mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a bathtub device which is a plumbing fixture. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the mist generating system according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, a bathtub device 2, which is a plumbing fixture to which a mist generator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied, is provided in a bathroom 3. The bathroom 3 is a box-shaped space and forms an indoor space 5 that is somewhat sealed for using water inside. The water includes water at a temperature higher than the outside air temperature (normal temperature) and heated water (so-called hot water). An operation unit 28 for operating the mist generator 1 is provided in the bathroom 3. In this embodiment, the combination of the mist generator 1 and the bathtub device 2 functions as a mist generation system.

[0021] The operation unit 28 can also perform operations such as water storage operation and temperature setting for the bathtub device 2. The operation unit 28 may have an operation function for setting the temperature of the supplied mist, an operation function for setting the particle size of the supplied mist, and the like. The operation unit 28 may be provided outside the bathroom 3 or may be a remote operation unit such as a remote control. The bathtub device 2 is provided with a supply device 7 for supplying water. The bathtub device 2 further includes a bathtub main body 6 that forms a mist retention space 4 for receiving the mist supplied from the mist generator 1. Examples of the plumbing fixture to which the mist generator 1 of this embodiment can be applied include a bathroom, a toilet, a washroom, a kitchen, and the like. In this case, the mist generator 1 is provided to supply mist to the bathtub main body of the plumbing fixture, the washroom floor of the bathroom, the shower room, the washbasin, the washbowl of the washstand, the kitchen sink, and the like. Also, the bathroom 3 is not limited to a room in which only the bathtub main body 6 is arranged and may include a toilet, handwashing equipment, a washstand, or a combination thereof.

[0022] The bathtub main body 6 forms a mist retention space 4 that is open upward toward the indoor space 5 in which the bathtub main body 6 of the bathtub device 2 is arranged. The bathtub main body 6 is a bathtub (bathtub), and water can be stored in the inner mist retention space 4. The bathtub main body 6 is formed in a rectangular shape in a top view, with a long-side portion 6d formed on the long-side of the rectangle and a short-side portion 6e formed on the short-side.

[0023] The mist retention space 4 is a space formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape inside the bathtub main body 6. As shown in FIG. 2, when the user A takes a bath, water B at 34° C. to 45° C. is stored on the lower side of the mist retention space 4, and the user A can take a bath while sitting. As will be described later, in FIG. 2, a mist is retained above the water B in the mist retention space 4 (a state in which a mist retention layer C is formed). The mist retention space 4 is formed up to the upper end portion 6a of the bathtub main body 6 and is open at the top. The mist generating device 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to retain the mist in the mist retention space 4 even when a bathtub lid covering the top surface of the mist retention space 4 is not arranged on the bathtub main body 6.

[0024] Note that only the mist may be retained in the mist retention space 4 without storing the water B therein. The shape of the bathtub main body 6 is not limited to the box shape as in the embodiment, and any shape that can form a retention space may be used. For example, the bathtub main body 6 may be formed in a circular or elliptical shape in a top view, and a bowl-shaped mist retention space may be formed inside. The bottom surface of the bathtub main body 6 may be formed obliquely so that the user can take a posture close to a lying-down bath posture or a sitting posture, a stepped portion may or may not be formed on the bottom surface. Further, the upper edge of the bathtub main body 6 does not necessarily need to be formed horizontally at a constant height and may be formed so that the height changes. For example, the upper edge of the bathtub main body 6 may be shaped to extend obliquely upward or downward, in an arcuate shape with a part recessed downward, or in a shape forming a substantially right angle in a side view.

[0025] The mist generating device 1 includes a mist generating device main body 8 in which mist is generated inside, and a mist guiding member 10 that discharges the mist into the mist retention space in the bathtub main body 6 with an open top. Inside the mist generating device main body 8, mist is generated from heated water. Further, the mist generating device main body 8 is arranged at the short side portion 6e on the short side of the bathtub main body 6. A pedestal-shaped portion for arranging the mist generating device main body 8 is formed above the short side portion 6e.

[0026] Inside the mist generator main body 8, a tank 12 which is a water storage part for storing water to be made into mist is provided. A water supply passage 14 for supplying water from a water supply source to the tank 12 and a drainage passage 16 for draining water from the tank 12 to a drain pipe are connected. Also, inside the tank 12, an ultrasonic vibrator 18, a heater 20, and a water temperature measuring device 22 which is a water temperature detecting means are provided. Further, outside the tank 12, an indoor temperature measuring device 24 which is an air temperature detecting means is provided. Also, the ultrasonic vibrator 18 and the heater 20 are controlled by a control unit 26.

[0027] Inside the mist generator main body 8, a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped tank 12 is formed, and the water supply passage 14 and the drainage passage 16 are connected to the side wall of the mist generator main body 8. Also, a mist guiding member 10 is connected to the side wall of the mist generator main body 8. Further, the water supply passage 14 is provided with a water supply passage opening and closing valve 30 for opening and closing the water supply passage 14. The drainage passage 16 is provided with a drainage passage opening and closing valve 32 for opening and closing the drainage passage 16. The specific structure inside the mist generator main body 8 will be described later.

[0028] The ultrasonic vibrator 18 is attached upward to the bottom surface inside the tank 12 and is configured to irradiate ultrasonic waves toward the water surface of the water stored in the tank 12. When ultrasonic waves are irradiated by the ultrasonic vibrator 18, a liquid column is formed on the water surface of the tank 12 directly above the ultrasonic vibrator 18, and mist (fog) of a predetermined particle size of water in the form of fine particles is generated around this liquid column. The ultrasonic vibrator 18 is electrically connected to the control unit 26, and by adjusting the oscillation output, frequency, etc. of the ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic vibrator 18, the particle size of the generated mist can be changed. Also, in this embodiment, five ultrasonic vibrators 18 are arranged in a straight line inside the tank 12.

[0029] The control unit 26 is configured to heat the water in the tank 12 by passing an electric current through the heater 20, and control the temperature of the water in the tank 12 to a predetermined temperature. For example, the heater 20 can heat the supplied water (e.g., at room temperature of about 20°C) to 60°C or higher above room temperature. Also, for example, the control unit 26 can control the temperature of the water once heated to 60°C or higher by the heater 20 so that the temperature difference between the room temperature and the water temperature becomes a predetermined temperature. Therefore, in the mist generator main body 8, the water heated to 60°C or higher is temperature-controlled, and mist is generated from the temperature-controlled water. Note that the present invention can also be configured such that water heated to 60°C or higher in a water heater is supplied to the mist generator main body 8, and mist is generated from the water.

[0030] The control unit 26 can heat the water in the tank 12 to a temperature above room temperature and generate mist that generates an upward airflow at a temperature above room temperature, and has a function of controlling the temperature of the mist so that the mist is likely to stay according to the state such as the particle size of the mist. Since the water is heated to 60°C or higher, it is also possible to take measures to suppress the growth of at least some bacteria (e.g., Legionella bacteria). Note that the step of the heater 20 once heating the water (or mist) to 60°C or higher may be omitted, and instead, other bacteria suppression means, for example, sterilization means by UV light, bacteria suppression means for adding a bactericide, etc. may be provided.

[0031] Note that the present invention can also be configured such that the heater 20 is provided at a position higher than the water level of the water in the tank 12 so that the mist generated from the water is heated. At this time, the heater 20 can heat the mist generated from the water to 60°C or higher. Also, for example, the control unit 26 can control the temperature of the mist heated to 60°C or higher by the heater 20 so that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist and the room temperature becomes a predetermined temperature.

[0032] The water temperature measuring device 22 detects the water temperature of the water in the tank 12. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the water temperature measuring device 22, and the control unit 26 can recognize the water temperature of the water in the tank 12. The indoor thermometer 24 detects the temperature of the air outside the mist generator main body 8 in the indoor space 5 where the bathtub main body 6 is arranged. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the indoor thermometer 24, and the control unit 26 can recognize the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5. Note that, in the state before the start of mist supply (before the mist generator 1 is operated), it is assumed that the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5 and the temperature of the air in the mist retention space 4 are approximately equal or relatively close. Therefore, the control unit 26 can estimate the temperature of the air in the mist retention space 4 from the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5 measured by the indoor thermometer 24.

[0033] The control unit 26 incorporates a CPU, a memory, etc., and executes the generation of mist based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 18, the heater 20, the water temperature meter 22, the indoor thermometer 24, the operation unit 28, etc. The control unit 26 is further electrically connected to the water supply line opening / closing valve 30 provided in the water supply line 14 and the drain line opening / closing valve 32 provided in the drain line, and controls these.

[0034] The mist guiding member 10 is configured to guide the mist generated by the mist generator main body 8 so that the mist flows into and stays in the mist retention space 4 with an open upper part above the bathtub main body 6. In the present embodiment, as shown by the cross-section of the flow path shown in FIG. 2, the mist guiding member 10 is composed of a duct extending from the mist generator main body 8 to the upper part of one end of the mist retention space 4. The outlet opening 10a of the mist guiding member 10 is arranged along one side of the bathtub main body 6 so as to allow the mist to flow into the mist retention space 4. That is, the outlet opening 10a of the duct-shaped mist guiding member 10 is formed in a horizontally long rectangle along the short side portion 6e of the bathtub main body 6.

[0035] The mist generator 1 is configured to supply mist to a 1L (liter) mist retention space 4 at a flow rate of, for example, 0.03 mL / min to 1.5 mL / min. For example, for a bathtub body 6 having a mist retention space 4 with a volume of 330L, the mist generator 1 supplies mist at a flow rate of 11 mL / min. Further, the flow rate (supply amount) of the mist can be controlled by the number of ultrasonic vibrators 18, the output, the direction of ultrasonic irradiation, the water level in the tank 12, or the flow path shape in the mist generator body 8 or the mist guiding member 10, etc.

[0036] Inside the mist generator body 8, mist in a heated state is generated, the temperature of the mist is controlled, and this mist is made to stay easily in the mist retention space 4. This will be described. The mist generator 1 is configured such that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 to the mist retention space 4 and the temperature of the room inside where the water-related equipment is used before the start of mist supply is 0°C or higher, and the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 stays in the mist retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6. Further, the mist generator 1 is configured to generate a temperature difference such that the force of the upward airflow generated by the temperature difference trying to raise the mist does not exceed the weight of the mist corresponding to the particle size of the mist discharged from the mist guiding member 10. By presetting the temperature of the water supplied to the mist generator body 8, the heating temperature by the heater 20, or the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator 18 according to the assumed temperature range of the air in the indoor space 5, such mist supply may be achieved without using the indoor thermometer 24 (without relying on the measurement result of the indoor thermometer 24). Also, such mist supply may be achieved by adjusting the settings at the time of supply. The mist generator 1 is configured such that the temperature difference is preferably 100°C or lower, more preferably 60°C or lower, and still more preferably 45°C or lower. The mist generator 1 generates mist in a heated state, controls the particle size of the mist, and makes this mist stay easily in the mist retention space 4.

[0037] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, the operation of the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be described. FIGS. 3 to 8 are diagrams showing the state from the start of mist discharge until the mist stays in the entire mist retention space 4. Since the basic structure of the mist generator 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 is substantially the same as the basic structure of the mist generator 1 shown in FIG. 2, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 are given and described in FIGS. 3 to 8 as well.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, in the standby state before the operation of the mist generator 1, about 38° C. of water is stored in the lower half of the mist retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6. The temperature of the air in the indoor space 5 in the bathroom 3 and the temperature of the air in the mist retention space 4 are substantially equal. Also, in the standby state, the water supply on-off valve 30 and the drain passage on-off valve 32 are closed, and there is no water in the tank 12. The ultrasonic vibrator 18 and the heater 20 are in a stopped state.

[0039] The user operates the operation unit 28 to start the supply control of the mist of the mist generator 1. Before the start of mist supply, the room thermometer 24 measures the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5, and the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5 is input to the control unit 26. The control unit 26 opens the water supply on-off valve 30 and supplies water from the water supply passage 14 into the tank 12. Note that the drain passage on-off valve 32 remains closed. When a predetermined amount of water is stored in the tank 12, the water supply on-off valve 30 is closed. Next, the control unit 26 activates the heater 20 and heats the water supplied from the water temperature to 60° C. or higher. After the water is heated to 60° C. or higher, the control unit 26 adjusts the temperature of the water in the tank 12 by starting and stopping the heater 20 so that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 to the mist retention space 4 and the temperature in the bathroom 3 before the start of mist supply is 0° C. or higher. Next, the control unit 26 activates the ultrasonic vibrator 18 to generate mist in the tank 12.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows the state immediately after the supply of mist from the mist guiding member 10 into the mist retention space 4 is started. The mist generated in the mist generating device main body 8 is supplied from the mist guiding member 10 to the mist retention space 4 in the bathtub main body 6. The mist naturally overflows from the mist guiding member 10 and is supplied into the mist retention space 4 while freely falling due to the weight of the mist as shown by the arrow F1. In this way, it is suppressed that the mist has a moving speed in other directions than the downward moving speed. Therefore, it is made difficult for the mist to move such as being stirred, diffused, or rising in the mist retention space 4.

[0041] In FIG. 4, the state after about several seconds have elapsed since the start of mist supply is shown. The supply of mist from the mist supply part 10 to the retention space 4 is continued. The supplied mist starts to stay above the water surface of the water B and in the lower part within the retention space 4. Since the force trying to raise the mist by the upward airflow does not exceed the weight of the mist supplied from the mist supply part 10, the mist is likely to stay in the retention space 4. Therefore, the mist stays in the relatively lower part within the retention space 4. The mist is gradually supplied and added from the side of the mist supply part 10 and gradually advances from the side of the mist supply part 10 toward the short side on the opposite side on or above the water surface or at the bottom within the retention space 4.

[0042] In FIG. 5, the state where the mist has reached the short side on the opposite side of the bathtub main body 6 from the state of FIG. 4 is shown. The supply of mist from the mist supply part 10 to the retention space 4 is continued.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows the state after about 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of mist supply. As shown in FIG. 6, after the rising cloud-like body R (for example, an aggregate of mist with a predetermined density that rises further above the overflow surface 6b which is the upper edge of the bathtub main body 6) rises to a height within the range of about 5 cm to about 30 cm above the overflow surface 6b, some of the mist floats and diffuses, and for most of the mist, the gravity becomes greater than the force received by the mist from the upward airflow, and it gradually descends again toward the retention space 4 in the bathtub main body 6, and some of the mist vaporizes and disappears during the movement.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, when mist is further supplied into the retention space 4 from the state of FIG. 6, the mist descending from the rising cloud-like mist body R returns again into the retention space 4 and stays therein. Note that the mist device 1 may form a mist retention layer C without forming a rising cloud-like mist body.

[0045] FIG. 8 shows the state about 20 seconds after the start of mist supply. The supply of mist from the mist discharge passage 10 to the mist retention space 4 is continued, and the mist supplied into the mist retention space 4 stays up to a portion close to the top (the upper end portion 6a of the bathtub body 6) in the mist retention space 4. The mist mainly stays in a region above the water surface of the water B and below the top in the mist retention space 4. The mist falls onto the water B and is absorbed, or adheres to the wall surface of the bathtub body 6 as water droplets and disappears, or diffuses beyond the edge of the upper end portion 6a of the bathtub body 6. The time until disappearance varies depending on the particle size of the mist. Although the mist thus disappears or diffuses, a new mist is supplied before it disappears or diffuses, so that a mist retention layer can be formed in the retention space 4. That is, the mist forms a stable retention layer C while gently flowing in the mist retention space 4 without reaching the point of diffusing from the mist retention space 4. The retention layer C is formed by the presence of mist having a density of a certain level or more in a unit space above the water surface of the water B. The retention layer is recognized as a white cloud shape. The retention layer is formed such that the density of the mist is relatively high on the lower side and relatively low on the upper side. Due to the presence of the retention layer, it is visually recognized that the mist retention space 4 is filled with mist up to the top.

[0046] The retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below the height position M1 (FIG. 2), which is obtained by adding the height corresponding to the depth L1 of the bathtub body 6 to the height (height position M0 (FIG. 2)) of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6. The retention boundary surface 66 indicates the boundary region between the retention layer C where the mist has a concentration equal to or higher than a certain level in the air and the air layer J where the mist has a concentration lower than a certain level in the air. Since the retention boundary surface 66 moves to some extent while the mist is retained, it is defined as a region having a somewhat height in the vertical direction and is defined as a region spreading in the horizontal direction. Note that the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6 is the lowest part of the side wall of the bathtub body 6, that is, the part where water first overflows when it accumulates up to the upper limit of the bathtub body 6.

[0047] Also, the retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed above the height position M0 of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6. Further, the retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below the height position (height positions M2 to M3 (FIG. 2)), which is obtained by adding a value between 100 mm and 200 mm to the height (height position M0) of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6. When the retention boundary surface 66 is at a position higher than the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6, the user can obtain the mist bathing effect up to a position beyond the bathtub, that is, the warm bath effect up to a height higher than the bathtub. While the mist generator 1 is operating (in use), mist is supplied into the bathtub body 6 and the retention of the mist continues. The mist generator 1 is configured to define the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist and the temperature of the room, the particle size of the mist, the supply amount of the mist, etc., such that the height position of the retention boundary surface 66 becomes the predetermined height position as described above.

[0048] Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the respective measurement methods for the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 to the mist retention space 4 and the temperature of the room in which the bathtub device 2 is used before the start of the mist supply will be described. FIGS. 9 to 11 are diagrams showing the measurement methods for the temperature of the mist and the temperature of the room before the start of the mist supply.

[0049] The temperature of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 to the mist retention space 4 is measured using a box-shaped device 35 corresponding to the shape of the assumed plumbing equipment. The box-shaped device 35 includes a virtual retention space 34 that simulates the shape of the mist retention space of the assumed plumbing equipment, and a K thermocouple 36 that is disposed at the center of the virtual retention space 34 and measures the temperature.

[0050] The virtual retention space 34 is formed by simulating the shape of the actual mist retention space 4 while reducing the size. The size and shape of the virtual retention space are determined by the assumed plumbing equipment, and are determined to correspond to the size and shape of, for example, the bathtub in the case of the bathtub device 2, the bathroom floor in the bathroom, the shower room, the washbasin in the case of the washbasin, and the kitchen sink in the case of the kitchen. The virtual retention space 34 forms, for example, a rectangle with a short side of 120 mm and a long side of 300 mm in a top view, and forms a rectangular parallelepiped with a height of 120 mm and a long side of 300 mm in a front view. The ceiling surface of the virtual retention space 34 of the box-shaped device 35 is omitted and opened. At the center position of such a virtual retention space 34, the temperature sensing part of the K thermocouple 36 is disposed, and the temperature of the air in the virtual retention space 34 is measured.

[0051] The K thermocouple 36 is located at a position 60 mm inside from the side wall in the direction along the short side, at a position 150 mm inside from the side wall in the direction along the long side, and at a position 60 mm above from the bottom in the height direction in a top view. For example, the size of the temperature sensing part of the K thermocouple is φ4.5 mm × 50 mm. The K thermocouple 36 is electrically connected to a temperature logger (not shown). For example, the measurement data of the K thermocouple 36 (model number L-TN-4-K manufactured by ASONE) is measured and recorded by a temperature logger (NR-TH08 of KEYENCE Corporation's NR-500 series), and the information of the temperature logger is recorded in a personal computer. The water that generates the mist is tap water, and the water quality of the water that generates the mist is based on the water quality of tap water. Further, in the room where each measurement method is carried out, there is no supply of wind such as air conditioning that generates an air flow in the room.

[0052] Next, FIG. 12 shows an example of the measurement results of the mist temperature. In FIG. 12, the vertical axis represents the temperature (mist atmosphere temperature) measured by the K thermocouple 36 in the virtual residence space 34 [°C], and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time [s] since the start of measurement. As shown in FIG. 12, the temperature measured by the K thermocouple 36 starts to rise when the supply of mist is started from the mist generator 1 of the present embodiment into the virtual residence space 34 of the box-shaped device 35, and when sufficient time has elapsed (for example, 2500 [s] has elapsed), it becomes almost a constant value. In the present embodiment, the mist atmosphere temperature T1 (43 °C in the example of FIG. 12), which is the highest temperature when the rise in the measured temperature has almost stopped, is regarded as the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist generator 1 to the mist residence space 4.

[0053] In the measurement example of the mist atmosphere temperature shown in FIG. 12, the indoor temperature T0 at the start is -5 °C, and the initial mist temperature generated in the mist generator main body 8 is 60 °C. The temperature of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 to the mist residence space is a slightly lowered temperature, and this temperature is measured as the mist atmosphere temperature. After the start of mist supply, as time passes, the temperature in the virtual residence space 34 rises, and the temperature rise converges to a substantially constant value T1. When the supply of mist from the mist generator 1 continues, the value at which the temperature measured in the virtual residence space 34 converges is the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 to the virtual residence space 34. Therefore, it is assumed that the temperature of the mist actually supplied from the mist guiding member 10 to the mist residence space 4 is the temperature of the mist (mist atmosphere temperature) measured in the virtual residence space 34.

[0054] Next, a method for measuring the temperature in the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the start of mist supply will be described. The temperature in the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the start of mist supply is measured by a room temperature K thermocouple 50 (Figs. 9 to 11) arranged outside the virtual residence space 34 in the room where the plumbing equipment is used. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 outside the virtual residence space 34 is arranged in the same indoor space as the box-shaped device 35 and simulates the indoor thermometer 24. Therefore, the temperature measured by the room temperature K thermocouple 50 corresponds to the temperature in the room measured by the indoor thermometer 24. In simulations using the virtual residence space or the like, the temperature measured by this room temperature K thermocouple 50 is used as the indoor temperature. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 is arranged at the height of the top of the virtual residence space 34. In a top view, it is located at a position 60 mm away from the side wall in the direction along the short side and at a position 150 mm inward from the side wall at one end of the virtual residence space 34 in the direction along the long side. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 is fixed outside the virtual residence space 34 by a support portion 38 extending outside the virtual residence space 34. The temperature in the room where the plumbing equipment is used is measured by the room temperature K thermocouple 50 before the start of mist supply to the virtual residence space 34. The room temperature K thermocouple uses the same K thermocouple as the K thermocouple 36 in the virtual residence space. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 is not limited to such a location and may be arranged at a position outside and in the vicinity of the mist generating device main body 8. Also, since the room temperature K thermocouple 50 only needs to be able to measure the temperature in the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the start of mist supply, the temperature of the air in the virtual residence space 34 before the start of mist supply may be measured by the K thermocouple 36 arranged in the virtual residence space 34.

[0055] Next, with reference to Fig. 13, the range of the temperature difference (indicated by the region with dots in Fig. 13) between the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 to the mist residence space 4 and the temperature in the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the start of mist supply will be described. As described above, the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 to the mist retention space 4 and the temperature of the indoor environment where the water-related equipment is used before the start of the mist supply can be defined. Therefore, the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist and the indoor temperature can be defined. By setting this temperature difference to 0°C or higher, the temperature of the mist adjusted after heating is set to the same temperature as or higher than the room temperature before the start of the mist supply.

[0056] In FIG. 13, the vertical axis represents the temperature of the mist [°C], and the horizontal axis represents the indoor temperature [°C]. Further, line C1 in FIG. 13 is a line where the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist and the indoor temperature is 0°C. Therefore, the region above line C1 is the range where the temperature difference is 0°C or higher. Also, line C2 is a line where the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist and the indoor temperature is 100°C. The mist generating device 1 is configured such that the temperature difference is 0°C or higher and 100°C or lower. By being able to set the temperature of the mist to a relatively high temperature up to 100°C, when using the mist for cleaning the bathtub body 6 of the water-related equipment, the cleaning performance of the mist and the ability to easily remove dirt can be improved. For example, a relatively high cleaning performance can be achieved by using a high-temperature mist close to the boiling temperature of water. Note that when the mist reaches the boiling temperature (e.g., 100°C), it changes to the state of water vapor and the mist particles disappear, so the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 is set to 100°C or lower (indicated by the region below line C5).

[0057] Also, the mist generating device 1 is configured such that the temperature difference is 0°C or higher and 60°C or lower. Line C3 where the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist and the indoor temperature is 60°C is shown. By suppressing the use of a relatively high-temperature mist with a temperature difference up to 60°C, when using the mist for cleaning the bathtub body 6 of the water-related equipment, the possibility of burns can be further reduced while improving the cleaning performance of the mist.

[0058] Further, the mist generator main body 8 and the mist guiding member 10 of the mist generator 1 are configured such that the temperature difference is 0°C or more and 45°C or less. A line C4 indicating that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist and the temperature in the room is 45°C is shown. By using relatively low-temperature mist up to a temperature difference of 45°C, the possibility that the user of the water-related equipment is burned by the mist can be almost eliminated.

[0059] Also, in FIG. 13, if the temperature of the mist is set to 35 degrees or more (indicated by line D1) and 45 degrees or less (indicated by line D2), while setting the temperature to about the body temperature of the user or warmer than the body temperature, the possibility that the user is burned by the mist can be almost eliminated.

[0060] Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, a measuring device and a measuring method for the particle size of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 will be described. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a measuring device for the particle size of the mist. As shown in FIG. 14, the measuring device 37 for the particle size of the mist includes a box-shaped device 39 that sets a virtual residence space 34 having the same size and shape as described above, and a particle size distribution measuring device 53. A square opening 52 of 20 mm × 20 mm is formed near the center of the side wall of this box-shaped device 39, that is, the side wall on the side of the virtual residence space 34, and a lid 55 is attached to this opening 52.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 15, the particle size distribution measuring device 53 includes a particle size measuring laser 54, and the particle size measuring laser 54 is arranged such that the measuring region E of the particle size measuring laser is located near and in front of the opening 52. The particle size measuring laser 54 is arranged such that, in a top view, the laser beam of the particle size measuring laser 54 is parallel to the long side of the virtual residence space 34. The measuring region E through which the laser beam emitted from the particle size measuring laser 54 passes is located in front of the opening 52. The measuring region E is located at a distance of 150 mm from the opening 52. The particle size distribution measuring device 53 includes a measuring lens 56, and this measuring lens 56 is configured to detect the diffracted / scattered light of the laser beam.

[0062] First, with the lid 55 attached to the opening 52, the supply of mist into the virtual retention space 34 is started. The supply port of the mist from the mist guiding member 10 is not shown in the figure. One minute after the start of the mist supply, the lid 55 is opened, and the mist is leaked toward the measurement region E of the particle size measurement laser 54. The scattered light distribution is measured by the measurement lens 56 in a state where the transmittance of the particle size measurement laser 54 is 60% to 90%. For example, as the particle size measurement laser 54 and the measurement lens 56, LDSA-SPR1500A of the Aerotrack LDSA-SPR series of the spray particle size distribution measuring device manufactured by Microtrac Bell Corporation is used. The particle size distribution data is measured 10 times, and this particle size distribution data is recorded on the PC. The 10 times of particle size distribution data are averaged on the PC.

[0063] FIG. 16 shows an example of the particle size distribution data measured by the particle size distribution measuring device 53. In FIG. 16, the frequency [%] is shown on the left vertical axis, the cumulative [%] is shown on the right vertical axis, and the particle size [μm] is shown on the horizontal axis. For example, the PC analyzes the particle size distribution data obtained in this way, and acquires the 20% tile value particle size G and the Sauter mean particle size H of this particle size distribution data as the particle size data. The Sauter mean particle size indicates the particle size having the same surface area to volume ratio as the total volume of all particles with respect to the total surface area of all particles. By obtaining the average particle size based on the Sauter mean particle size, the influence on the measurement value by particles having a small number of large particle sizes can be suppressed.

[0064] The mist generating device 1 is configured such that most of the particle sizes of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 are 3.1 μm or more and 40 μm or less. At the upper and lower limits of this range, in order to make it less likely to be affected by the measurement of a small number of large particle size particles or small particle size particles, the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 40 μm or less, and the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 3.1 μm or more. The particle size of the mist is defined so as to satisfy such conditions.

[0065] The mist generator 1 is configured such that the majority of the particle sizes of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 are 3.6 μm or more and 20 μm or less. At the upper and lower limits of this range, in order to make it less susceptible to the influence of a small number of large-particle-size particles or small-particle-size particles, etc., the average value of the Sauter mean diameter and the Sauter mean diameter of the mist is 3.6 μm or more, and the Sauter mean diameter of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit is 20 μm or less. The particle size of the mist is defined so as to satisfy such conditions.

[0066] The mist generator 1 is configured such that the majority of the particle sizes of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 are 4.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. At the upper and lower limits of this range, in order to make it less susceptible to the influence of a small number of large-particle-size particles or small-particle-size particles, etc., the Sauter mean diameter of the mist is 4.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The particle size of the mist is defined so as to satisfy such conditions.

[0067] Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the relationship between the temperature difference and the particle size will be described. In FIG. 17, the vertical axis represents the particle size [μm], and the horizontal axis represents the temperature difference ΔT [°C]. FIG. 17 shows the preferable ranges of these particle sizes and the temperature difference ΔT by a dotted area. With the mist generator 1, a predetermined temperature difference can be set in the range where the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist and the temperature of the room is 0°C or more and 100°C or less. As described above, the temperature difference can be changed to 0°C or more and 60°C or less, 0°C or more and 45°C or less, etc.

[0068] The mist generator 1 is configured such that the Sauter mean diameter of the mist is 40 μm or less. Therefore, the majority of the particle sizes of the mist are 40 μm or less. Incidentally, if the particle size of the mist is 40 μm, the terminal velocity v is obtained as 45.3 mm / s by the following calculation. The calculation method of the terminal velocity v of the water droplet can be expressed as follows. Let μ be the molecular viscosity coefficient of air and r be the radius of the water droplet (half of the particle size of the mist), then ρ = 103 kg / m -3 , g = 9.8 m / s2 、 μ = 1.8X10-5 N·sec / m 2 From (15°C), V(∞) = (2ρgr 2 ) / (9μ) = 1.2×10 8 r 2 and the terminal velocity v(∞) is proportional to the square of the radius of the water droplet. The range where this equation can be applied is Re < 1, that is, the range of r < 0.1 mm.

[0069] When the particle size of the mist is 40 μm and the terminal velocity of the mist becomes 45.3 mm / s, it is assumed that the supplied mist reaches the bottom of the mist retention space in approximately 10 seconds (for example, 45 cm from the mist guiding member 10 to the bottom of the mist retention space 4), and the mist disappears. That is, the mist stays for at least about 10 seconds from the supply to the disappearance of the mist. If the mist stays for about 10 seconds in this way, new mist can be supplied during this time, and it becomes easier to maintain the mist retention layer C. In Fig. 17, when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is larger than 40 μm, the average time until the mist disappears becomes shorter, so it becomes difficult to form a mist retention layer due to the disappearance of the mist.

[0070] The mist generating device 1 may be configured such that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 20 μm or less. At this time, most of the particle sizes of the mist are 20 μm or less. If the particle size of the mist is 20 μm, the terminal velocity v is obtained as 11.3 mm / s, and it will take at least about 40 seconds for the supplied mist to reach the bottom of the mist retention space, and the proportion of the mist that falls to the bottom of the mist retention space 4 relatively early can be further reduced.

[0071] The mist generating device 1 may be configured such that the outer average particle size of the mist is 10 μm or less. At this time, most of the particle sizes of the mist are 10 μm or less. If the particle size of the mist is 10 μm, the terminal velocity v is determined to be 2.8 mm / s, and it will take at least approximately 160 seconds for the supplied mist to reach the bottom of the mist retention space 4. Thus, the duration of the mist retained in the mist retention space 4 can be made longer, and the proportion of the mist that falls relatively early to the bottom of the mist retention space 4 can be further reduced.

[0072] The mist generating device 1 may be configured such that the outer average particle size of the mist is 3.1 μm or more. At this time, most of the particle sizes of the mist are 3.1 μm or more. Among the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10, the proportion of the mist that diffuses outside the mist retention space 4 without being retained in the mist retention space 4 can be reduced, and the proportion of the mist that is retained in the mist retention space 4 can be increased, so that the mist is efficiently retained in the mist retention space 4.

[0073] The mist generating device 1 may be configured such that the outer average particle size of the mist is 3.6 μm or more. At this time, most of the particle sizes of the mist are 3.6 μm or more. Among the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10, the proportion of the mist that diffuses outside the mist retention space 4 without being retained in the mist retention space 4 can be further reduced, and the proportion of the mist that is retained in the mist retention space 4 can be further increased, so that the mist is more efficiently retained in the mist retention space 4.

[0074] The mist generating device 1 may be configured such that the outer average particle size of the mist is 4.1 μm or more. At this time, most of the particle sizes of the mist are 4.1 μm or more. Among the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10, the proportion of the mist that diffuses outside the mist retention space 4 without being retained in the mist retention space 4 can be further reduced, and the proportion of the mist that is retained in the mist retention space 4 can be further increased, so that the mist is even more efficiently retained in the mist retention space 4.

[0075] Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, the relationship between the temperature difference, the particle size, and the state of the mist in the virtual retention space 58 will be further described. FIG. 18 shows a box-shaped observation device for observing the state in the virtual retention space. FIG. 19 shows a comparison of the states of the mist in the virtual retention space 58 for nine combinations of the temperature difference and the Sauter mean particle size.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 19, the state of the mist in the virtual retention space 58 can be measured by a box-shaped observation device 55 corresponding to the shape of the assumed water-related equipment. The box-shaped observation device 55 includes a virtual retention space 58 that simulates the shape of the mist retention space of the assumed water-related equipment, and a camera 62 for observing and recording the state of the mist in the virtual retention space 58. As shown in FIG. 18, the virtual retention space 58 of the box-shaped observation device 55 has a short side of 120 mm, a long side of 300 mm, and a height of 240 mm. The ceiling surface of the virtual retention space 58 is omitted and it is open upward. One side wall of the virtual retention space 58 of the box-shaped observation device 55 is formed by a transparent plate 60, and the inside of the virtual retention space 58 can be observed and recorded by a camera 62 arranged obliquely above the box-shaped observation device 55. A supply port 64 with a width of 70 mm and a height of 40 mm is formed at a position 120 mm above the height of the short-side side wall of the virtual retention space 58 of the box-shaped observation device 55. This supply port 64 is connected to the mist guiding member 10.

[0077] FIG. 19 shows a comparison of nine patterns of photos taken by the camera 62 of the retention state after supplying mist with a predetermined particle size and temperature difference from the mist guiding member 10. In the photo diagrams of each pattern, the position where the retention interface is assumed to occur is indicated by a dotted line for reference. In FIG. 19, the vertical axis indicates the Sauter mean particle size of the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10, and the horizontal axis indicates the temperature difference ΔT between the temperature of the mist and the temperature of the room.

[0078] Pattern example A in Fig. 19 shows the state of mist when the outer average particle size of the mist is 50 μm to 60 μm and the temperature difference is 5 °C (the temperature of the mist is 20 °C and the temperature in the room before the start of mist supply is 15 °C). In pattern example A, the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 drops relatively quickly toward the bottom in the virtual retention space 58 and disappears, so the mist does not remain in the virtual retention space 58. The timing of taking this photo is the time when 2 minutes have elapsed after the start of mist supply. Therefore, in pattern example A, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface in the virtual retention space 58 is not formed.

[0079] Pattern example B in Fig. 19 shows the state of mist when the outer average particle size of the mist is 50 μm to 60 μm and the temperature difference is 25 °C (the temperature of the mist is 40 °C and the temperature in the room before the start of mist supply is 15 °C). In pattern example B, the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 drops relatively quickly toward the bottom in the virtual retention space 58 and disappears, so the mist does not remain in the virtual retention space 58.

[0080] Pattern example C in Fig. 19 shows the state of mist when the outer average particle size of the mist is 50 μm to 60 μm and the temperature difference is 45 °C (the temperature of the mist is 60 °C and the temperature in the room before the start of mist supply is 15 °C). Also in pattern example C, the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 drops relatively quickly toward the bottom in the virtual retention space 58 and disappears, so the mist does not remain in the virtual retention space 58.

[0081] Pattern example D in Fig. 19 shows the state of the mist when the outer average particle size of the mist is 4 μm to 8 μm and the temperature difference is 5 °C (the temperature of the mist is 20 °C and the temperature in the room before the start of mist supply is 15 °C). In pattern example D, the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 forms a retention layer C in the virtual retention space 58 while having a slightly low concentration. Since the particle size of the mist is relatively small, the terminal velocity is also relatively small, and the falling speed is slow. On the other hand, the upward airflow generated by the temperature difference is also small. As a result, while the mist stays, a mist retention layer is formed in the virtual retention space 58 to form a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface.

[0082] Pattern example E in Fig. 19 shows the state of the mist when the outer average particle size of the mist is 4 μm to 8 μm and the temperature difference is 25 °C (the temperature of the mist is 40 °C and the temperature in the room before the start of mist supply is 15 °C). In pattern example E, the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 forms a retention layer C with a high concentration in the virtual retention space 58. Since the particle size of the mist is relatively small, the terminal velocity is also relatively small, and the falling speed is slow. Some upward airflow is also generated by the temperature difference. Here, while the force of the upward airflow generated by the temperature difference trying to lift the mist does not exceed the weight of the mist, the fall of the mist is suppressed and the retention of the mist occurs relatively long. Therefore, a mist retention layer C is formed in the virtual retention space 58 to form a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface.

[0083] Pattern example F in Fig. 19 shows the state of mist when the outer average particle size of the mist is 4 μm to 8 μm and the temperature difference is 45 °C (the temperature of the mist is 60 °C and the temperature in the room before the start of mist supply is 15 °C). In pattern example F, the mist supplied from the mist supply unit forms a high-concentration retention layer C in the virtual retention space 58. Since the particle size of the mist is relatively small, the terminal velocity is also relatively small, and the falling speed is slow. Furthermore, the upward airflow generated by the temperature difference is slightly stronger than that in the case of a temperature difference of 25 °C. However, still, the force of the upward airflow generated by the temperature difference to lift the mist does not exceed the weight of the mist, suppressing the fall of the mist and resulting in a relatively long retention of the mist. Since the upward airflow is slightly stronger, there is a part where the mist locally rises from the retention layer C, but overall, the mist retention layer C is still maintained. Therefore, a mist retention layer that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface is formed in the virtual retention space 58. Even if there is a part where the mist locally rises, if the retention boundary surface 66 is maintained in more than half of the region of the virtual retention space 58, it is considered that the retention boundary surface 66 is formed.

[0084] Pattern example G in Fig. 19 shows the state of mist when the outer average particle size of the mist is 1.2 μm and the temperature difference is 5 °C (the temperature of the mist is 20 °C and the temperature in the room before the start of mist supply is 15 °C). In pattern example G, the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 diffuses and rises in the virtual retention space 58. The upward airflow generated by the temperature difference is relatively small. However, since the particle size of the mist is even smaller, the terminal velocity is even smaller, and the falling speed is even slower. Therefore, the weight of the mist is light, and it diffuses due to a slight upward airflow. Therefore, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface is not formed in the virtual retention space 58.

[0085] Pattern example H in Fig. 19 shows the state of the mist when the outer average particle size of the mist is 1.2 μm and the temperature difference is 25 °C (the temperature of the mist is 40 °C and the temperature in the room before the start of mist supply is 15 °C). In pattern example G, the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 diffuses so as to rise in the virtual retention space 58. Since the particle size of the mist is even smaller, the terminal velocity is even smaller and the falling velocity is even slower. Moreover, the upward airflow caused by the temperature difference is even stronger. Therefore, the weight of the mist is light and it diffuses due to the stronger upward airflow. Therefore, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface is not formed in the virtual retention space 58.

[0086] Pattern example I in Fig. 19 shows the state of the mist when the outer average particle size of the mist is 1.2 μm and the temperature difference is 45 °C (the temperature of the mist is 60 °C and the temperature in the room before the start of mist supply is 15 °C). In pattern example I, the mist supplied from the mist guiding member 10 diffuses so as to rise in the virtual retention space 58. Since the particle size of the mist is even smaller, the terminal velocity is even smaller and the falling velocity is even slower. Moreover, the upward airflow caused by the temperature difference is even stronger. Therefore, the weight of the mist is light and it diffuses due to the even stronger upward airflow. Therefore, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface on the upper surface is not formed in the virtual retention space 58.

[0087] Next, with reference to Fig. 20, a determination device and its determination method as to whether the mist is in a retained state (whether a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface is formed) in the mist retention space 4 (or virtual retention space, etc.) in the bathtub main body 6 will be described.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 20, the internal transmittance measured inside the mist retention space 4 in the bathtub body 6 using the transmittance measuring device 68 is compared with the external transmittance measured outside the mist retention space 4. When the internal transmittance is lower than the external transmittance, it can be determined that mist is retained inside the mist retention space 4. More specifically, when the internal transmittance / external transmittance < 1, it can be determined that mist is retained inside the mist retention space 4.

[0089] Next, with reference to FIG. 20, the transmittance measuring device 68 will be described. The transmittance measuring device 68 includes a first laser device 70 disposed inside the mist retention space 4 and a first transmittance measuring device 72 that receives the laser. The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are arranged horizontally 150 mm apart at a position 150 mm below the upper end of the mist retention space 4 (for example, at a depth position of about 30% of the depth of the mist retention space 4). The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are arranged near the center of the mist retention space 4 in a top view. The intensity of the laser light measured by the first transmittance measuring device 72 is measured with respect to the intensity of the laser light oscillated from the first laser device 70, and the transmittance is measured.

[0090] The transmittance measuring device 68 further includes a second laser device 74 disposed outside the mist retention space 4 and a second transmittance measuring device 76 that receives the laser. The second laser device 74 and the second transmittance measuring device 76 are arranged horizontally 150 mm apart at a position 150 mm above the upper end of the mist retention space 4 (for example, relative to the upper end of the mist retention space 4, at a position symmetric to the first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72). The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are arranged near the center of the mist retention space 4 in a top view. The intensity of the laser light measured by the second transmittance measuring device 76 is measured with respect to the intensity of the laser light oscillated from the second laser device 74 to measure the transmittance. Note that although the transmittance measuring device 68 arranges the first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 inside the mist retention space 4, these devices may be arranged in a virtual retention space as described above instead of the mist retention space 4 to virtually predict and measure the transmittance. In this case, the second laser device 74 and the second transmittance measuring device 76 are arranged outside the virtual retention space.

[0091] As a more specific device configuration, the laser light emitted from the digital fiber amplifier FS-N11MN manufactured by Keyence Corporation is oscillated through the FU-77TZ (the first laser device 70 or the second laser device 74) manufactured by the same company and received by the FU-77TZ (the first transmittance measuring device 72 or the second transmittance measuring device 76) manufactured by the same company. The received light is returned to the fiber amplifier FS-N11MN, and a voltage output of, for example, 1 - 5V is performed according to the amount of light. The output voltage is measured by the NR-HA08 of the NR-500 series manufactured by the same company and scaled to a value of 0 - 100% on a PC. The transmittance data is measured, for example, at a sampling period of 100 ms. For example, within 15 minutes after starting to supply mist almost quantitatively, the transmittance data for 30 seconds, which can be first determined to be in a steady state, is averaged and calculated.

[0092] For example, as shown in the pattern example E of FIG. 19, when mist stays inside the mist retention space 4, the internal transmittance decreases. On the other hand, the mist mainly stays inside the mist retention space 4, and the external transmittance measured above the retention boundary surface 66 is a relatively high value. Therefore, the internal transmittance / external transmittance < 1, and it is determined that mist stays inside the mist retention space 4.

[0093] As shown in the pattern example A of FIG. 19, when no mist stays inside the mist retention space 4 and the mist mainly falls and disappears, both the internal transmittance and the external transmittance remain relatively high values. Therefore, the internal transmittance / external transmittance = 1, and it is not determined that mist stays inside the mist retention space 4.

[0094] As shown in the pattern example I of FIG. 19, when mist diffuses from inside the mist retention space 4 to the outside, it is considered that both the internal transmittance and the external transmittance become similar values with a slightly lower transmittance. Therefore, the internal transmittance / external transmittance = 1, and it is not determined that mist stays inside the mist retention space 4.

[0095] Next, with reference to FIGS. 21 to 26, the specific structures of the mist generator main body 8 and the mist guiding member 10 of the mist generator 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of the mist generator main body 8 and the mist guiding member 10 of the mist generator 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 22 is a perspective sectional view of the mist generator main body 8 and the mist guiding member 10. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the mist generator main body 8 shown in a state where the mist guiding member 10 is removed. FIG. 24 is a perspective sectional view showing the internal structure of the mist generator main body 8. FIG. 25 is a perspective sectional view of the mist generator main body 8 and the mist guiding member 10 as viewed obliquely downward. FIG. 26 is a perspective sectional view showing the positional relationship between the mist guiding member 10 and the bathtub main body 6. Note that FIG. 26 shows a state where a cover 8f is attached to the mist generator main body 8.

[0096] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the mist generating device main body 8 of the mist generating device 1 is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped box shape, and water to be made into mist is stored in its lower part, and a tank 12 which is a water storage part is configured. A recess 12a is provided at the bottom of the tank 12, and an ultrasonic vibrator 18 is attached to the bottom surface of this recess 12a so as to face vertically upward. With this structure, the ultrasonic vibrator 18 irradiates ultrasonic waves toward the water surface W of the water stored in the tank 12, and a liquid column LC is formed on the water surface W vertically above the ultrasonic vibrator 18. Thus, the liquid column LC is formed on the water surface W of the tank 12 by the irradiation of ultrasonic waves, and mist is generated in the internal space of the mist generating device main body 8 around this liquid column LC.

[0097] Also, as shown in FIG. 24, five recesses 12a are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the mist generating device main body 8 at the bottom of the tank 12, and ultrasonic vibrators 18 are respectively provided at the bottoms of the respective recesses 12a. That is, five ultrasonic vibrators 18 are arranged side by side in a straight line at the bottom of the mist generating device main body 8. Further, partition walls 8b extending in the short side direction for partitioning the inside of the mist generating device main body 8 are respectively provided between the respective recesses 12a (ultrasonic vibrators 18). Furthermore, a heater 20 is arranged at the bottom of the tank 12 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the mist generating device main body 8. This heater 20 is arranged so as to extend parallel to the arrangement direction of the five ultrasonic vibrators 18. When the mist generating device 1 is in operation, the water in the tank 12 is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heater 20.

[0098] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21, an opening is provided at the upper part of one side surface of the mist generating device main body 8, and a mist guiding member 10 is attached so as to cover this opening. In the present embodiment, the mist guiding member 10 is attached to one side surface of the mist generating device main body 8 and is a duct having a substantially rectangular cross section extending vertically downward from the mist generating device main body 8. The upper end portion of the mist guiding member 10 communicates with the inside of the mist generating device main body 8 on the side surface, and a mist discharge port 10a, which is an outlet opening directed vertically downward, is provided at the lower end. Thereby, the mist generated in the internal space of the mist generating device main body 8 is guided by the mist guiding member 10 and flows into and stays in the mist retention space 4 with the upper part of the bathtub main body 6 open.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 26, the width for allowing the mist to flow out from the outlet opening 10a of the mist guiding member 10 is preferably formed shorter than the length of the side of the bathtub main body 6. In the present embodiment, the outlet opening 10a is configured to be shorter than the width within the short side portion 6e. Further, the lower end of the outlet opening 10a of the mist guiding member 10 is disposed above the overflow surface 6b of the water in the bathtub main body 6. Furthermore, the height H1 from the overflow surface 6b of the water in the bathtub main body 6 to the lower end of the outlet opening 10a is preferably set to a height of 200 mm or less. Also, as shown in FIG. 26, in the present embodiment, the outlet opening 10a is disposed vertically above the R surface connecting the inner wall surface of the bathtub main body 6 and the overflow surface 6b. For this reason, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 26, the mist discharged from the outlet opening 10a flows along the R surface toward the inside of the bathtub main body 6 and descends into the internal space of the bathtub main body 6.

[0100] On one side, an intake passage 8e is provided at the upper end of the mist generating device main body 8, which is on the side opposite to the mist guiding member 10. This intake passage 8e is formed on the upper surface of the mist generating device main body 8 and opens vertically upward. That is, the internal space of the mist generating device main body 8 communicates with the outside air through the intake passage 8e. Although the intake passage 8e is provided on the upper surface of the mist generating device main body 8, a ceiling surface 8a is formed in the portion directly above the ultrasonic vibrator 18. This ceiling surface 8a is inclined so as to be higher on the side of the mist guiding member 10 and lower on the side of the intake passage 8e of the mist generating device main body 8. That is, the ceiling surface 8a is configured to be inclined in the portion directly above the ultrasonic vibrator 18 where the liquid column LC is formed, and is generally horizontal in the vicinity of the mist guiding member 10. Due to the inclination of this ceiling surface 8a, the mist generated within the mist generating device main body 8 is guided toward the mist guiding member 10.

[0101] Also, a step is provided between the inclined portion and the generally horizontally oriented portion of the ceiling surface 8a, and this step constitutes a weir portion 8c. That is, when the liquid column LC formed on the water surface W or the liquid droplets LD separated from the liquid column LC hit the inclined ceiling surface 8a and water droplets adhere to the ceiling surface 8a, the weir portion 8c prevents the adhered water droplets from flowing toward the mist guiding member 10 (shown by imaginary lines in Fig. 21).

[0102] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 25, a guiding wall portion 8d formed in a generally dome shape is provided in the portion of the ceiling surface 8a adjacent to the weir portion 8c. This guiding wall portion 8d is configured in a dome shape with a higher central portion and is provided above each ultrasonic vibrator 18. That is, the water blocked by the weir portion 8c flows left and right along the guiding wall portion 8d and flows into the tank 12 along the inner wall surface of the mist generating device main body 8 and the partition wall 8b (Fig. 24) (shown by imaginary lines in Fig. 25). The water flowing down along the partition wall 8b from the weir portion 8c flows down between the ultrasonic vibrators 18, suppressing the water flowing down from hindering the formation of the liquid column LC.

[0103] Next, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, a water supply section 9 and a drainage section 11 are provided at one end of the mist generator main body 8. The water supply section 9 has a water supply path connection section 9a to which a water supply path 14 (FIG. 2) is connected, and a water supply chamber 9b into which the water supplied from the water supply path connection section 9a flows. The water that has flowed into the water supply chamber 9b flows into the tank 12 in the mist generator main body 8. However, as shown in FIG. 24, the water supply chamber 9b and the tank 12 communicate with each other through a communication path 9c below a partition wall 8b provided adjacent to the water supply chamber 9b.

[0104] Since the lower end of the partition wall 8b is located below the water surface W of the tank 12, during the operation of the mist generator 1, the communication path 9c is always in a submerged state. That is, the water supply chamber 9b of the water supply section 9 communicates with the inside of the tank 12 through the communication path 9c below the water surface W of the tank 12. In this way, the water supply section 9 communicates with the inside of the tank 12 via the communication path 9c below the water surface W of the tank 12. Therefore, when water flows into the water supply chamber 9b from the water supply path connection section 9a, it is possible to suppress the water surface W in the tank 12 from fluctuating.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the drainage section 11 has a drainage path connection section 11a connected to a drainage path 16 (FIG. 2), a drainage chamber 11b provided adjacent to the drainage path connection section 11a, and an overflow section 11c provided between the drainage path connection section 11a and the drainage chamber 11b. The drainage chamber 11b communicates with the inside of the tank 12 through a passage (not shown) below the water surface W. The overflow section 11c is a weir that extends horizontally so as to partition the drainage chamber 11b and the drainage path connection section 11a. When the water level in the drainage chamber 11b exceeds the height of the overflow section 11c, the water in the drainage chamber 11b is discharged to the drainage path connection section 11a. Furthermore, since the tank 12 and the drainage chamber 11b are communicated with each other by a passage below the water surface W, the maximum water level in the tank 12 is defined by the height of the overflow section 11c.

[0106] According to the mist generating device 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, since the mist generated in the mist generating device main body 8 is guided by the mist guiding member 10 so as to flow into and stay in the mist staying space 4 with an open upper part above the bathtub main body 6, the mist generated in the mist generating device main body 8 can be efficiently made to flow into the mist staying space 4. As a result, the mist can be made to stay in the mist staying space 4 without using a large-scale device.

[0107] Further, according to the mist generating device 1 of the present embodiment, the mist guiding member 10 allows the mist to flow into the mist staying space 4 along the short side portion 6e which is one side of the bathtub main body 6. Also, since the width for the mist to flow out is shorter than the length of the short side portion 6e of the bathtub main body 6, it is possible to suppress the mist generated in the mist generating device main body 8 from descending outside the bathtub main body 6, and the mist can be efficiently made to flow into the mist staying space 4 of the bathtub.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the mist generating device 1 of the present embodiment, since the lower end of the outlet opening 10a of the mist guiding member 10 composed of a duct is arranged at a height equal to or higher than the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub main body 6, it is possible to suppress the water in the bathtub from accidentally entering the outlet opening 10a of the mist guiding member 10. Also, since the lower end of the outlet opening 10a of the mist guiding member 10 is arranged at a height of 200 mm or less from the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub, it is possible to suppress the mist discharged from the outlet opening 10a from diffusing and descending outside the bathtub main body 6 or the mist vaporizing on the way of descending, and the mist can be made to flow into the mist staying space 4 more efficiently.

[0109] Further, according to the mist generating device 1 of the present embodiment, since the outlet opening 10a of the mist guiding member 10 is arranged such that the flowing-out mist descends into the internal space of the bathtub main body 6, the mist discharged from the outlet opening 10a and descending naturally enters the internal space of the bathtub main body 6, so that the mist can be efficiently made to flow into the mist staying space 4 inside the bathtub main body 6.

[0110] Next, referring to FIG. 27, the mist generating device 91 of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The mist generating device 91 of the second embodiment of the present invention has a different configuration of the mist guiding member from that of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, here, only the parts different from the first embodiment of the present invention will be described, and the description of the same configuration, operation, and effects will be omitted. FIG. 27 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the mist generating device 91 of the second embodiment of the present invention attached to the wall surface of the bathroom 3 above the bathtub main body 6.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 27, the mist generating device 91 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a mist generating device main body 8 and a mist guiding member 92. The mist guiding member 92 is attached to the upper part of the side surface of the mist generating device main body 8. In the first embodiment described above, the mist guiding member 10 was formed as a duct-shaped passage, and its mist discharge port 10a was opened vertically downward. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the mist guiding member 92 is formed as a duct-shaped passage extending in the vertical direction, but its mist discharge port 92a, which is the outlet opening at the lower end, is provided on the side surface of the mist guiding member 92.

[0112] That is, the mist discharge port 92a is provided on the lower end and side surface of the mist guiding member 92, and as shown by the arrow in FIG. 27, discharges mist toward the inside of the bathtub main body 6. Also, the side surface of the mist guiding member 92 on the side opposite to the mist discharge port 92a is inclined toward the mist discharge port 92a at the lower end, so that the mist that has descended inside the mist guiding member 92 is guided toward the inside of the bathtub main body 6. In this way, the outlet opening 92a of the mist guiding member 92 is arranged so that the outflowing mist naturally descends into the space inside the bathtub main body 6. Also, in the present embodiment as well, the lower end of the outlet opening 92a of the mist guiding member 92 is arranged above the overflow surface 6b of the water in the bathtub main body 6. Further, the height H1 from the overflow surface 6b of the water in the bathtub main body 6 to the lower end of the outlet opening 92a is preferably set to a height of 200 mm or less.

[0113] Also, as a modification, the present invention can be configured such that at least a part of the mist guiding member 92 is detachably attached. For example, as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 27, a connecting portion 92b can be provided in the middle of the mist guiding member 92, and the lower portion of the connecting portion 92b can be configured to be removable. According to this modification, since the lower part of the mist guiding member 92 is detachably attached, when the mist generating device 91 is not in use, the lower part of the mist guiding member 92 can be removed, preventing the mist guiding member 92 from interfering with the cleaning of the bathtub main body 6. Also, since the mist guiding member 92 can be removed and cleaned, the maintainability can be improved. On the other hand, when the mist generating device 91 is in use, by attaching the lower part of the mist guiding member 92, it becomes possible to discharge mist from the vicinity of the bathtub main body 6, and the mist can be efficiently made to flow into the mist retention space 4 in the bathtub.

[0114] Next, with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, the mist generating device 93 of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The mist generating device 93 of the third embodiment of the present invention has a configuration of the mist guiding member that is different from that of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, here, only the parts of the third embodiment of the present invention that are different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the same configurations, operations, and effects will be omitted. FIG. 28 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the mist generating device 93 of the third embodiment of the present invention attached to the wall surface of the bathroom 3 above the bathtub main body 6, showing the state where the mist guiding member is folded. FIG. 29 shows the state where the mist guiding member is extended.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the mist generating device 93 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a mist generating device main body 8 and a mist guiding member 94. In the present embodiment, the mist generating device main body 8 is configured to discharge the mist generated inside downward from the position closest to the wall surface of the bathroom 3 on the bottom surface. The mist guiding member 94 is attached to the bottom surface of the mist generating device main body 8 and is configured to be rotatable at the hinge portion 94a. That is, the mist guiding member 94 is configured to be deformable from the state shown in FIG. 28 when the mist is not discharged to the state shown in FIG. 29 when the mist is discharged.

[0116] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the mist guiding member was in the shape of a duct with a rectangular cross-section, whereas in the present embodiment, the mist guiding member 94 is configured in a plate shape in which both side edges 94b are bent upward. Thus, even with the mist guiding member 94 configured in a plate shape, the mist discharged from the mist generating device main body 8 generally flows along the mist guiding member 94. Therefore, the mist does not significantly diffuse, and also by the mist guiding member 94 of the present embodiment, the mist generated in the mist generating device main body 93 is guided inward of the bathtub main body 6. As a result, the mist flows into and stays in the mist retention space 4 with the upper part of the bathtub main body 6 open.

[0117] Here, when the mist is not discharged, as shown in FIG. 28, the portion of the mist guiding member 94 below the hinge portion 94a is directed substantially horizontally. On the other hand, when the mist generating device 93 is operated to discharge the mist, as shown in FIG. 29, the portion below the hinge portion 94a is rotated, and the mist guiding member 94 is deformed so as to form a slope toward the inside of the bathtub body 6. Further, as shown in FIG. 29, the portion of the mist guiding member 94 below the hinge portion 94a is configured to be stretchable, and when the mist is discharged, the mist guiding member 94 is extended. As a result, the lower end 94c of the mist guiding member 94 is moved downward when the mist is discharged as compared with when the mist is not discharged, and is disposed in the vicinity of the overflow surface 6b of the water in the bathtub body 6. In this way, the lower end 94c of the mist guiding member 94 is moved so that the discharged mist naturally descends into the internal space of the bathtub body 6. Also, in the present embodiment, the lower end 94c of the mist guiding member 94 is disposed above the overflow surface 6b of the water in the bathtub body 6. Further, the height H1 from the overflow surface 6b of the water in the bathtub body 6 to the lower end 94c of the mist guiding member 94 is preferably set to a height of 200 mm or less. Further, as a modification, the present invention can be configured such that the lower portion of the mist guiding member 94 is detachably attached.

[0118] According to the present embodiment, since the mist guiding member 94 is configured to be deformable and the lower end of the mist guiding member 94 is moved downward when the mist is discharged, the mist can be made to flow from the vicinity of the bathtub body 6 into the mist retention space 4 inside the bathtub body 6 when the mist is discharged. On the other hand, when the mist is not discharged, since the lower end of the mist guiding member 94 can be moved upward, it is possible to prevent the mist guiding member 94 from interfering with the cleaning of the bathtub body 6, and the usability can be improved.

[0119] Next, with reference to FIG. 30, the mist generating device 95 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The mist generating device 95 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has a configuration of the mist guiding member different from that of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, here, only the parts different from the first embodiment of the present invention will be described, and the description of the same configuration, operation, and effects will be omitted. FIG. 30 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a state in which the mist generating device 95 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is attached to the wall surface of the bathroom 3 above the bathtub body 6.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 30, the mist generating device 95 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a mist generating device main body 8 and a mist guiding member 96. In the present embodiment, the mist generating device main body 8 is configured to discharge the mist generated inside downward from the position closest to the wall surface of the bathroom 3 on the bottom surface. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the mist guiding member 96 is integrally formed with the wall surface of the bathroom to which the mist generating device 95 is attached. That is, in the present embodiment, a recess is formed in the wall surface to which the mist generating device main body 8 is attached, and the mist generated in the mist generating device main body 8 is discharged into this recess. That is, in the present embodiment, the recess provided on the wall surface below the mist generating device main body 8 functions as the mist guiding member 96.

[0121] Even when the mist guiding member 96 is configured as a recess formed in the wall surface in this way, the mist discharged from the mist generating device main body 8 generally flows along the mist guiding member 96. For this reason, the mist does not significantly diffuse, and also by the mist guiding member 96 of the present embodiment, the mist generated in the mist generating device main body 8 is guided downward. The mist guided downward hits the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub main body 6 and heads inward of the bathtub main body 6, and flows into and stays in the mist retention space 4 with the upper part of the bathtub main body 6 being open. As a modification, the mist guiding member 96 can be constituted not by a recess provided in the wall surface but by two ribs provided on the wall surface and extending in the vertical direction. In this modification, the mist discharged from the mist generating device main body 8 is guided to the bathtub main body 6 through between the two ribs. According to the mist generating device 95 of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the mist generating device can be integrally designed with the interior decoration of the bathroom, and the designability can be improved.

[0122] Next, a mist generation system provided with a mist generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 31. This embodiment is different from the above-described first embodiment in that the water-related device to which the mist generating device is applied is the bathroom wash floor. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a mist generation system provided with a mist generating device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] As shown in FIG. 31, a mist generation system 102 provided with a mist generating device 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is provided in a bathroom 3. The mist generation system 102 is provided with a supply device 107 for supplying water. The mist generation system 102 further includes a wash floor main body 106 that forms a mist retention space 104 for receiving the mist supplied from the mist generating device 1.

[0124] The washroom floor main body 106 forms a mist retention space 104 that is open upward toward the indoor space 5 where the mist generation system 102 is used. The washroom floor main body 106 is formed by the wall surface of the bathroom, the outer wall of the bathtub main body, the bathroom door, etc., and water can flow into the inner mist retention space 104. With such a structure, the washroom floor main body 106 is configured such that mist is retained within the mist retention space 104. The retention space 104 is formed up to, for example, the upper end of the bathtub main body 6 that defines the wall of the washroom floor main body 106.

[0125] The mist generator 1 is used in the mist generation system 102. The mist generator 1 is configured such that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied to the mist retention space 104 and the temperature of the interior of the room where the mist generation system 102 is used before the start of mist supply is 0°C or higher, and the supplied mist is retained within the mist retention space 104 of the washroom floor main body 106. In FIG. 31, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface is illustrated.

[0126] According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the heated mist is retained within the mist retention space 104 of the washroom floor main body 106. For example, the washroom floor main body 106 can be warmed by the heated mist, and the washroom floor and the mist retention space 104 can be heated. Also, the user can take a mist bath in the mist retention space 104 with the heated mist. Further, for example, by the heated mist, while warming the washroom floor main body 106, the dirt adhering to the washroom floor main body 106 can be cleaned with relatively high cleaning performance or the dirt can be easily removed.

[0127] Next, with reference to FIG. 32, a mist generation system provided with a mist generator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The mist generation system of the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in that the water-related device to which the mist generator is applied is a shower room. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a mist generation system provided with a mist generator according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 32, the mist generation system according to the sixth embodiment applies the mist generator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention to a shower room 203 which is a plumbing fixture. The shower room 203 is formed in a shape in which a semi-circular region is added to a rectangular region with a side length of about 0.8 m to 2 m in top view, forming an indoor space in a relatively narrow space. A supply device 207 for supplying water is provided in the shower room device 202 provided in the shower room 203. The shower room device 202 further includes a shower room main body 206 that forms a mist retention space 204 for receiving the mist supplied from the mist generator 1. The shower room 203 is not limited to a room where only the supply device 207 is arranged, and may be provided with a toilet, a handwashing device, a washbasin, or a combination thereof.

[0129] The shower room main body 206 forms a mist retention space 204 that is open upward toward the indoor space 205 where the shower room device 202 is used. The shower room main body 206 is formed by the wall surface of the shower room, the door of the shower room, etc., and water can flow into the inner mist retention space 204. With such a structure, the shower room main body 206 is configured such that the mist is retained in the mist retention space 204. According to the present embodiment, it is shown that the mist retention space 204 can be defined even if the boundary between the indoor space 205 of the shower room 203 and the mist retention space 204 is not clearly partitioned by the structure. The boundary between the indoor space 205 and the mist retention space 204 is set at different positions in consideration of the mist supply capacity of the mist generator 1. The mist retention space 204 can be arbitrarily set as a space for storing the mist in consideration of the mist supply capacity of the mist generator 1. Such a mist retention space 204 is a retention space that is open upward toward the indoor space 205. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the mist retention space 204 can be set in the same spirit even if the boundary between the indoor space 205 and the mist retention space 204 is not clearly partitioned by the structure. The retention space 204 is formed, for example, up to the height of the face of a sitting user (or, for example, about one-third of the total height of the inner space of the shower room).

[0130] The mist generating device 1 is configured such that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied to the mist retention space 204 and the temperature of the shower room before the start of mist supply is 0°C or higher, and the supplied mist is retained in the mist retention space 204 of the shower room main body 206. In FIG. 32, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface is illustrated.

[0131] According to the structure of the sixth embodiment configured as described above, the heated mist is retained in the mist retention space 204 of the shower room main body 206. For example, the shower room main body 206 can be warmed by the heated mist, and the floor of the shower room and the mist retention space 204 can be heated. Also, the user can take a mist bath in the mist retention space 204 with the heated mist. Further, since the heated mist is retained up to a relatively high position, the user can take a mist bath even when sitting or standing on the internal chair 208 in the mist retention space 204. Also, for example, the heated mist can warm the shower room main body 206 and can clean the dirt attached to the shower room main body 206 with relatively high cleaning performance or easily remove the dirt.

[0132] Next, with reference to FIG. 33, a mist generation system including a mist generating device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The seventh embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in that the mist generating device according to the present invention is applied to a washbasin device, which is a plumbing fixture. FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a mist generation system including a mist generating device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 33, a washbasin device 302, which is a plumbing fixture to which the mist generating device 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is applied, is provided on a counter or the like in a washroom 303. The washbasin device 302 is provided with a supply device 307 for supplying water. The washbasin device 302 further includes a washbasin main body 306 that forms a mist retention space 304 for receiving the mist supplied from the mist generating device 1.

[0134] The face-washing main body 306 forms a mist retention space 304 that is open upward toward the indoor space 305 where the face-washing device 302 is used. The face-washing main body 306 is configured such that water can be stored in the inner mist retention space 304. With such a structure, the face-washing main body 306 is configured such that mist is retained in the mist retention space 304. The retention space 304 is formed, for example, up to the upper end of the face-washing main body 306.

[0135] The mist generator 1 is used in the face-washing device 302. The mist generator 1 is configured such that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied to the mist retention space 304 and the temperature of the indoor space where the face-washing device 302 is used before the start of the mist supply is 0°C or higher, and the supplied mist is retained in the mist retention space 304 of the face-washing main body 306. In FIG. 33, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface is illustrated.

[0136] According to the structure of the seventh embodiment configured as described above, the heated mist is retained in the mist retention space 304 of the face-washing main body 306. For example, by retaining the heated mist in the mist retention space 304 of the face-washing main body 306 and having the user apply a part of the body such as the face, hands, or feet to the mist, moisturizing, improved cleaning performance, warm bath, beauty effects, etc. can be obtained. Also, with the heated mist, the user can take a mist bath for a part of the body in the mist retention space 304. Also, for example, with the heated mist, the face-washing main body 306 can be warmed and the dirt adhering to the mist retention space 304 in the face-washing main body 306 can be washed with relatively high cleaning performance or easily removed.

[0137] Next, with reference to FIG. 34, a mist generation system including a mist generator according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The eighth embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in that the mist generator according to the present invention is applied to a kitchen sink device that is a plumbing fixture. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a kitchen sink device to which the mist generator according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 34, a kitchen sink device 402, which is a plumbing fixture to which the mist generator 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is applied, is provided in a kitchen 403. The kitchen sink device 402 is provided with a supply device 407 for supplying water. The kitchen sink device 402 further includes a kitchen sink main body 406 that forms a mist retention space 404 for receiving the mist supplied from the mist generator 1. The retention space 404 is formed, for example, up to the upper end portion of the kitchen sink main body 406.

[0139] The kitchen sink main body 406 forms a mist retention space 404 that is open upward toward the indoor space 405 where the kitchen sink device 402 is used. The kitchen sink main body 406 is configured such that water can be stored in the inner mist retention space 404. With such a structure, the kitchen sink main body 406 is configured such that the mist is retained within the mist retention space 404.

[0140] The mist generator 1 is configured such that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied to the mist retention space 404 and the temperature of the indoor area where the plumbing fixture is used before the start of mist supply is 0°C or higher, and the supplied mist is retained within the mist retention space 404 of the kitchen sink main body 406. In FIG. 34, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on the upper surface is illustrated.

[0141] According to the structure of the eighth embodiment configured as described above, the heated mist stays in the mist retention space 404 of the kitchen sink body 406. For example, by retaining the heated mist in the mist retention space 404 of the kitchen sink body 406 and applying the mist to tableware, equipment to be washed, etc., the object to be washed can be warmed, and the attached dirt can be washed with relatively high cleaning performance. Also, by applying the heated mist to the object to be washed, the dirt can be made easier to fall off even if it does not reach the stage of being washed. Further, by retaining the heated mist in the mist retention space 404 of the kitchen sink body 406, the user can work while warming the fingers of the user inside the kitchen sink body 406. Also, for example, the heated mist can warm the kitchen sink body 406 and wash the dirt attached in the mist retention space 404 inside the kitchen sink body 406 with relatively high cleaning performance or make the dirt easier to fall off.

[0142] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but various changes can be made to the above-described embodiments.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0143] 1 Mist generating device 2 Bathtub device 3 Bathroom 4 Mist retention space 5 Indoor space 6 Bathtub body 6a Upper end portion 6b Overflow surface 6d Long side portion 6e Short side portion 8 Mist generating device body 8a Ceiling surface 8b Partition wall 8c Weir portion 8d Guide wall portion 8e Intake passage 9 Water supply portion 9a Water supply passage connection portion 9b Water supply chamber 9c Communication passage 10 Mist guide member 10a Mist discharge port (exit opening) 11 Drainage section 11a Drainage path connection section 11b Drainage chamber 11c Overflow section 12 Tank (water storage section) 12a Concave section 14 Water supply path 16 Drainage path 18 Ultrasonic vibrator 20 Heater 22 Water temperature measuring device 24 Indoor temperature measuring device 26 Control section 28 Operation section 30 Water supply path opening / closing valve 32 Drainage path opening / closing valve 91 Mist generating device 92 Mist guiding member 92a Mist discharge port 93 Mist generating device 94 Mist guiding member 94a Hinge section 94b Edge section 94c Lower end 95 Mist generating device 96 Mist guiding member 102 Mist generating system 203 Shower room 302 Washbasin device 402 Kitchen sink device

Claims

1. A mist generating device used in a bathtub, comprising: A mist generating device main body for generating mist; A mist guiding member provided on the mist generating device main body and configured to guide the mist generated within the mist generating device main body to flow into and stay in a mist retention space which is an internal space of the bathtub with an open upper part; and having: The mist guiding member is configured to guide the mist toward an inner wall surface of the bathtub at a position higher than the water surface of the water stored in the bathtub so that the mist collides with the inner wall surface of the bathtub at a position higher than the water surface of the water stored in the bathtub. The mist generating device is characterized in this.

2. The mist generating device according to Claim 1, wherein the mist guiding member is arranged to allow mist to flow into the mist retention space along one side of the bathtub, and the width at which the mist guiding member discharges the mist is shorter than the length of one side of the bathtub.

3. The mist generating device according to Claim 2, wherein the mist guiding member is composed of a duct for guiding the mist generated within the mist generating device main body, and a lower end of an outlet opening of the duct is arranged at a height equal to or higher than the overflow surface height of the bathtub and at a height of 200 mm or less from the overflow surface of the bathtub.

4. The mist generating device according to Claim 3, wherein the outlet opening of the duct is arranged so that the outflowing mist descends into the internal space of the bathtub.

5. The mist generating device according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the mist guiding member is configured to be deformable, and when the mist is discharged, a lower end of the mist guiding member is moved downward more than when the mist is not discharged.

6. The mist generating device according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein at least a part of the mist guiding member is detachably attached.

7. A mist generating system, comprising: The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a plumbing fixture having a mist retention space for retaining the mist discharged from the mist generating device, and a mist generation system characterized by comprising the same.

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