Sauna device

Abstract

To provide a sauna apparatus which prevents a user from feeling uncomfortable during sauna bath.SOLUTION: When a prescribed low water level is detected by a water level sensor 39 (lower float switch 40) and a feed water valve 8 is opened in the time of a stable mode, water feeding to a water storage tank 6 or / and blowing of humidification air into a sauna room 2 are restricted. Since a blowing amount from a blowout port 5 of the humidification air with a reduced temperature can be suppressed in comparison with time before water feeding to the water storage tank 6 by restricting water feeding to the water storage tank 6 or / and blowing of the humidification air into the sauna room 2 when the water storage tank 6 becomes equal to or less than the prescribed low water level, the apparatus can prevent a user from feeling uncomfortable due to touching of cool air to feet of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sauna device that supplies heated and humidified air into a room to enable a sauna bath.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in this type of device, a heating heater is installed in the water of a water storage tank that stores a fixed amount of water sent from a water supply pipe. The driving of the heating heater is controlled so that the stored water temperature and the room temperature become equal to or higher than the set temperature. Humidified air is generated by humidified air generating means installed in the water storage tank, and the humidified air is blown from the outlet by driving a blower fan to make the room in a high humidity state near the set temperature. Near the outlet of the water supply pipe connected to the water storage tank, the heating heater is installed densely compared to other locations. When water is sent from the water supply pipe to the water storage tank in response to a decrease in the water level in the water storage tank, the water sent from the water supply pipe is efficiently heated to suppress a rapid decrease in the stored water temperature, and there is a device that prevents users in the sauna room from feeling uncomfortable due to cold air being blown from the outlet (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in this conventional device, when water is supplied to the water storage tank due to a decrease in the water level of the water storage tank, a large amount of water flows into the water storage tank in a short period of time. Even if a heater is densely installed near the outlet of the water supply pipe, it takes a certain amount of time until the water temperature in the water storage tank rises. Since the temperature of the humidified air temporarily blown out from the outlet decreases, and the user present in the sauna room feels uncomfortable when touching the humidified air that has become colder compared to before the water supply into the water storage tank, there is room for improvement.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, in claim 1 of the present invention, there is provided a water storage tank for storing a certain amount of water, a water level sensor for detecting the water level of the water storage tank, a water storage temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of the water storage tank, a heater for heating the water in the water storage tank, a water supply pipe having a water supply valve in the middle that is connected to the water storage tank and can be switched between open and closed, humidified air generating means for generating humidified air by including the water in the water storage tank in the indoor air flowing into the water storage tank through a suction port, a blower fan for blowing the humidified air generated by the humidified air generating means into the room through a blowout port, a room temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the room where the humidified air is blown out by the blower fan, a control unit that opens the water supply valve until a predetermined high water level is detected when a predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor, and controls the driving of the heater based on the detection values of the water storage temperature sensor and the room temperature sensor, The control unit is characterized in that when the predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor and the water supply valve is opened, the water supply to the water storage tank and / or the blowing of the humidified air into the room is restricted.

[0006] Further, in claim 2, when the control unit opens the water supply valve when the predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor, it is characterized in that a section is provided in which the water supply valve is closed for a predetermined time until the predetermined high water level is detected by the water level sensor.

[0007] Further, in claim 3, when the control unit opens the water supply valve when the predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor, it is characterized in that the water supply valve is set to a predetermined opening degree less than the fully open state until the predetermined high water level is detected by the water level sensor.

[0008] Further, in claim 4, when the control unit opens the water supply valve when the predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor, the blower fan is driven at a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed until the detected value by the stored water temperature sensor becomes at least equal to the stored water temperature immediately before opening the water supply valve.

[0009] Further, in claim 5, the humidifying air generating means includes a rotating body that pumps up the water in the water storage tank and scatters it around, a drive motor with a variable rotation speed that drives the rotating body at a predetermined rotation speed, and a crushing means that crushes the water scattered around by the rotating body. When the control unit opens the water supply valve when the predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor, the drive motor is driven at a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed until the detected value by the stored water temperature sensor becomes at least equal to the stored water temperature immediately before opening the water supply valve.

[0010] Further, in claim 6, when the control unit opens the water supply valve when the predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor, if it is determined that the water level has reached a predetermined middle water level between the predetermined low water level and the predetermined high water level, the heater is driven regardless of the detected values of the stored water temperature sensor and the room temperature sensor.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, when a predetermined low water level is detected by a water level sensor and the water supply valve is opened, the water supply to the water storage tank and / or the blowing of humidified air into the room is restricted. Therefore, when water is supplied to the water storage tank, it is possible to suppress the blowing of humidified air at a lower temperature from the air outlet compared to before the water supply, and thus it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable by touching the low-temperature humidified air.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Next, an embodiment of the sauna apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a fine water droplet and negative ion generator provided under a bench 3 in a low-temperature sauna room 2. The air in the sauna room 2 is sucked through a suction duct 4 extending to the upper part of the sauna room 2, and after removing dust and bacteria, humidified air containing heated and warmed fine water droplets and negative ions is supplied from an air outlet 5 formed below the bench 3 to the sauna room 2, and this is sequentially repeated to circulate the air in the sauna room 2, thereby creating an atmosphere for using a low-temperature and high-humidity sauna with a use room temperature of 38 to 42° C. and a relative humidity of 90% or more in the sauna room 2.

[0014] When a user who has entered the sauna room 2 for a sauna bath sits on the bench 3, humidified air is blown from the air outlet 5 located at the user's feet, so the user can most keenly feel the temperature of the humidified air near their feet.

[0015] Next, the fine water droplet and negative ion generator 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. Reference numeral 6 denotes a water storage tank for storing a certain amount of water, 7 denotes a water supply pipe connected to one side wall of the water storage tank 6 for supplying water to the water storage tank 6, 8 denotes a water supply valve provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 7 for opening and closing the water supply pipe 7, 9 denotes a heater for heating the water stored in the water storage tank 6 and horizontally mounted in an M shape in plan view at a single-phase 200 V and 2 KW near the bottom of the water storage tank 6 below the water surface of the water storage tank 6 and having three U-shaped portions 10, 11 denotes an overflow pipe provided on one side wall of the water storage tank 6, 12 denotes a drain pipe connected to the bottom of the water storage tank 6 for draining the water stored in the water storage tank 6 or the heated water heated by the heater 9, and 13 denotes a drain valve provided in the middle of the drain pipe 12 for opening and closing the drain pipe 12.

[0016] Reference numeral 14 denotes a partition wall that divides the inside of the water storage tank 6 into two chambers, i.e., a treatment chamber 15 and a separation chamber 16. The lower end of the partition wall is bent toward the separation chamber 16 side, and the communication passage 17 between the partition wall and the water surface is lowered near the water surface, so that the partition wall also serves as a gas-liquid separator that strikes large droplets (water droplets) in the air from the treatment chamber 15 against the water surface and causes them to fall.

[0017] In the treatment chamber 15, the lower half of a mist motor 22 as a drive motor is accommodated and inserted into a recess 21 of a waterproof cover 20 through an insertion hole 19 provided in a lid 18 of the water storage tank 6. The mist motor 22 and a support shaft 23 are connected, and a rotating body 24 in the shape of a mortar, whose lower part is submerged and whose diameter expands upward, is provided so as to hang down into a U-shaped portion 10 that is farthest from a water supply pipe 7 of a heater 9. This rotating body 24 rotates by being driven by the mist motor 22, and by its centrifugal force, the warm water in the water storage tank 6 heated by the heater 9 is sucked up along the rotating body 24 and scattered around from a plurality of pores 25 formed at the upper end.

[0018] In the separation chamber 16, a first baffle plate 26 with the lower end of the partition wall 14 inclined and bent downward toward the lower part of the separation chamber 16 and a second baffle plate 27 attached to a side wall facing the partition wall 14 and inclined downward are alternately projected, and a serpentine passage 28 from the lower communication passage 17 to the upper air outlet 5 is formed in the central part.

[0019] Reference numeral 29 denotes a cylindrical porous body that is positioned at a predetermined interval on the outer periphery of the rotating body 24 and rotates together with the rotating body 24, and reference numeral 30 denotes a porous portion as a crushing means formed of a large number of slits, wire meshes, punching metals, etc. formed on the entire peripheral wall of the porous body 29. The mist motor 22, the rotating body 24, and the porous portion 30 constitute a humidifying air generating means.

[0020] The mist motor 22 that constitutes the humidified air generation means is driven to rotate the rotating body 24, and the centrifugal force generated thereby pumps up the water in the water storage tank 6 and scatters the air. The water droplets are crushed by the porous part 30, so that the water particles are refined to generate mist of nanometer (nm) size, and a large amount of negative ions are generated by the Lenard effect due to the refinement of the water particles.

[0021] Reference numeral 31 denotes an elliptical air guide cylinder that is installed at a predetermined interval on the outer periphery of the porous body 29 so as to cover the porous body 29. Between the air guide cylinder 31 and the cylindrical porous body 29, a pair of large flow channels 32, 32 and a pair of small flow channels 33, 33 are formed, and they are provided on an inner lid 34 that closes the upper part of the treatment chamber 15. By driving a variable-speed blower fan 35 composed of a cross-flow fan provided at a position in the upper part of the separation chamber 16 that communicates the separation chamber 16 and the air outlet 5, the air in the sauna room 2 sucked from the suction port 36 between the lid body 18 and the inner lid 34 through the suction duct 4 is caused to flow into an air supply chamber 37 formed in the space between the lid body 18 and the inner lid 34 and having a suction port 36 to which the suction duct 4 is connected to one side wall.

[0022] The air guide cylinder 31 is provided with a flange portion 38 that protrudes inward at its inner peripheral edge. This flange portion 38 is provided at a height position above the upper surface of the rotating body 24 in order to prevent the water that is pumped up from the water storage tank 6 by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the rotating body 24, scattered through the porous body 29, and bounced back from the air guide cylinder 31 from reaching unintended locations, for example, the vicinity of the connection portion between the mist motor 22 fixed to the lid body 18 and the support shaft 23, or scattering into the air supply chamber 37.

[0023] Reference numeral 39 denotes a water level sensor provided at the bottom of the water storage tank 6 that outputs a detection signal when there is water or warm water in the water storage tank 6. The water level sensor 39 is composed of a lower float switch 40 and an upper float switch 41.

[0024] The lower float switch 40 outputs an OFF signal at a predetermined low water level just before the heating heater 9 is exposed above the water surface, and outputs an ON signal when the water level reaches a predetermined medium water level at which the heating heater 9 is completely below the water surface. The upper float switch 41 is installed at a position higher in the vertical direction than the lower float switch 40, outputs an OFF signal in the state of the predetermined low water level and the predetermined medium water level, and the water level in the water storage tank 6 becomes higher than the predetermined medium water level. When the water level above the predetermined high water level is detected, an ON signal is output.

[0025] 42 is a protection frame in a U-shaped cross section that protects the lower float switch 40 and the upper float switch 41 from the influence of the water surface fluctuation in the water storage tank 6. The protection frame 42 is composed of a frame body that protrudes above the water surface in the front and both side directions, and the two float switches 40 and 41 are surrounded by the frame body and one side wall of the water storage tank 6, and the two float switches 40 and 41 are fixed by hanging them on the upper surface.

[0026] 43 is a U-shaped air heater attached to the suction port 36 that constitutes an air supply path together with the suction duct 4. The air heater 43 is installed in a state where it protrudes from the side wall of the suction port 36 and is inclined with the upper side lying on the rear side with respect to the side wall, and the U-shaped heater portion is in contact with the blown air from the sauna room 2 efficiently with a small surface without overlapping to heat the air from the sauna room 2. When the operation of the sauna device is started, the blower fan 35 is driven and the air heater 43 is energized to heat the air circulated in the sauna room 2, and the ambient temperature of the sauna room 2 is raised to shorten the startup time. After the operation of the sauna device is completed, the blower fan 35 is driven and the air heater 43 is energized to dry the inside of the sauna room 2 with warm air to maintain good hygiene conditions.

[0027] 44 is a water storage temperature sensor provided at a predetermined water level on the lower outer wall of the water storage tank 6 to detect the water storage temperature in the water storage tank 6, and 45 is a thermostat also provided at a predetermined water level on the lower outer wall of the water storage tank 6. When the water storage tank 6 is in an abnormal overheating state, the thermostat 45 disconnects the wiring connecting the heater 9 and the power supply to ensure safety.

[0028] Note that it is desirable that the thermostat 45 be installed at a position where it can quickly and surely detect that the water storage tank 6 is in an abnormal overheating state, and it is preferably installed near the side wall of the water storage tank 6 where the lower float switch 40 outputs an OFF signal.

[0029] 46 is a room temperature sensor attached to the upper part in the sauna room 2 to detect the indoor temperature in the sauna room 2. 47 is a ventilation fan for ventilating the sauna room 2, 48 is a door for entering and exiting the sauna room 2, 49 is a peep window provided above the door 48, and 50 is an air intake provided at the lower part of the door 48 to take in air from outside the sauna room 2 into the sauna room 2. When the ventilation fan 47 is driven, the air intake 50 opens to supply air from outside the sauna room 2 into the sauna room 2. 51 is an emergency switch. When an abnormality occurs to a user who is a bather in the sauna room 2 and this emergency switch 51 is operated by the user, an abnormality occurring in the sauna room 2 is notified outside the sauna room 2 by sounding a buzzer or the like, the drain valve 13 is opened to drain the warm water in the water storage tank 6, and the ventilation fan 47 is operated to lower the temperature and humidity in the sauna room 2 to ensure the safety of the user.

[0030] Refer to Fig. 5. 52 is a remote control for remotely operating this sauna device. The remote control 52 is provided with an indoor set temperature display unit 53 for displaying the indoor set temperature in the sauna room 2, an indoor temperature display unit 54 for displaying the temperature in the sauna room 2 detected by the room temperature sensor 46, a room temperature setting switch 55 as a room temperature setting means for setting the set temperature, which is the room temperature desired by the user in the sauna room 2, for example, from 38°C to 42°C in 1°C increments, an operation switch 56 for instructing the start and stop of the operation of the sauna device, an operation lamp 57 for displaying the ON / OFF of the operation switch 56, a ventilation switch 58 for driving the ventilation fan 47 to perform ventilation operation etc. in the sauna room 2, a ventilation lamp 59 for displaying the ON / OFF of the ventilation switch 58, a bathing lamp 60 that lights up to notify permission to enter the sauna room 2 when the temperature in the sauna room 2 reaches the set temperature set by the room temperature setting switch 55, a speaker 61 for notifying the set temperature etc. in the sauna room 2 set by the room temperature setting switch 55 by voice, a mode selection switch 62 for selecting the standard mode and the weak mode which are the normal operation modes, and a mode display lamp 63 in which a lamp corresponding to the mode selected by the mode selection switch 62 lights up.

[0031] Refer to Fig. 6. 64 is a control unit that has functions such as storage, calculation, time counting etc. and controls the sauna device. The control unit 64 is communicably connected to the remote control 52 wirelessly or by wire. On the input side of the control unit 64, a lower float switch 40, an upper float switch 41, a water storage temperature sensor 44, a thermostat 45, a room temperature sensor 46, and an emergency switch 51 are connected. On the output side, a water supply valve 8, a heating heater 9, a drain valve 13, a mist motor 22, a blower fan 35, an air heater 43, and a ventilation fan 47 are connected.

[0032] The control unit 64 is provided with a switching means 65 that appropriately switches the ON / OFF state of the power supply to the heating heater 9 according to the operating state of the sauna device. Specifically, if the water level in the water storage tank 6 is at a predetermined low water level and the lower float switch 40 outputs an OFF signal, the control unit 64 switches the heating heater 9 to the OFF state by the switching means 65. When the water level in the water storage tank 6 is low and there is a possibility that the heating heater 9 is exposed above the water surface, the heating heater 9 is prevented from being in the ON state, thereby preventing the dry burning of the heating heater 9 in advance.

[0033] Next, the operation of an embodiment of the sauna device will be described.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 7, when the set temperature (38 to 42 ° C) of the sauna room 2 is set by the room temperature setting switch 55 of the remote controller 52 provided on the side wall of the sauna room 2 and the operation switch 56 is turned ON, the operation lamp 57 lights up and the operation of the sauna device is started, and the cleaning mode, which is a preparatory operation, is started (step S100). In this cleaning mode, the drain valve 13 that opens and closes the drain pipe 12 for draining the water or warm water in the water storage tank 6 is opened, and the water supply valve 8 that opens and closes the water supply pipe 7 for supplying water into the water storage tank 6 is opened, and water is supplied into the water storage tank 6 to wash away the dust, dirt, bacteria, etc. remaining at the bottom of the water storage tank 6 before storing water in the water storage tank 6 and then drain the water.

[0035] (Description of the cleaning mode) Next, the specific operation in the above cleaning mode will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0036] The control unit 64 opens the drain valve 13 (step S101), determines whether the lower float switch 40 for detecting the low water level outputs an OFF signal (step S102), and repeats the process of step S102 while it is determined that the lower float switch 40 does not output an OFF signal. When it is determined that the lower float switch 40 outputs an OFF signal, the water supply valve 8 is opened after a certain time delay (step S103).

[0037] When the water supply valve 8 is opened in step S103 to start water supply into the water storage tank 6, subsequently, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S104). If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, the drain valve 13 is closed (step S105) to end the cleaning mode. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the determination in step S104 is repeated.

[0038] Refer to FIG. 7. When the cleaning mode in step S100 ends, subsequently, it transitions to the sterilization mode A (step S200). In this sterilization mode A, the heating heater 9 disposed near the bottom inside the water storage tank 6 is turned on by the switching means 65 to heat the water in the water storage tank 6 to a sterilizable temperature. At the same time, the mist motor 22 that rotates the rotating body 24 is driven to sterilize the water stored in the water storage tank 6. Also, the rotating body 24 that pumps up the warm water heated from the water storage tank 6, the porous body 29 installed on the outer periphery of the rotating body 24 and rotating with the rotating body 24, and the dust, dirt, bacteria, etc. adhering to the air guide cylinder 31 installed to cover the porous body 29 are washed away to keep them in a clean state, and the rotating body 24, the porous body 29, and the air guide cylinder 31 are sterilized.

[0039] (Description of sterilization mode A) Next, the specific operation in the above sterilization mode A will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 9.

[0040] The control unit 64 determines whether the lower float switch 40 for detecting the low water level outputs an ON signal (step S201). If it is determined that the lower float switch 40 outputs an ON signal, the heating heater 9 that heats the water in the water storage tank 6 is turned on by the switching means 65, and at the same time, the driving of the mist motor 22 that rotates the rotating body 24 is started (step S202). Then, it is determined whether the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 detected by the stored water temperature sensor 44 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (for example, 60°C) that can be sterilized (step S203).

[0041] If it is determined in step S203 that the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 is 60°C or higher, the control unit 64 turns off the power supply to the heater 9 by the switching means 65 and simultaneously starts counting the predetermined time for heating and sterilizing the water in the water storage tank 6, that is, the sterilization time (step S204).

[0042] After step S204, when the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 detected by the stored water temperature sensor 44 becomes 58°C or lower, the control unit 64 turns on the power supply to the heater 9, and when the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 detected by the stored water temperature sensor 44 becomes 60°C or higher, the control unit 64 turns off the power supply to the heater 9. Thus, the switching means 65 switches the ON / OFF state of the heater 9 so as to keep the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 at the sterilizable temperature (step S205), and step S205 is repeated until the count of the 1-minute sterilization time ends (step S206).

[0043] If the control unit 64 determines that the count of the sterilization time has ended (YES in step S206), it turns off the power supply to the heater 9 (step S207), ends the sterilization mode A, and ends the preparatory operation of the sauna device.

[0044] If it is determined in step S203 that the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 is lower than 60°C, the control unit 64 sends a signal to switch the power supply to the heater 9 to the ON state by the switching means 65 and then determines whether 30 minutes, which is the predetermined time, has elapsed (step S208). If it is determined that 30 minutes have elapsed since the signal to switch the power supply to the heater 9 to the ON state was sent, the drain valve 13 is opened to drain the water in the water storage tank 6, and the speaker 61 audibly notifies that the switching means 65 has a short-circuit failure and it is impossible to switch the ON / OFF state of the power supply to the heater 9 (step S209), and the preparatory operation of the sauna device is ended and the process does not proceed to the next step.

[0045] If 30 minutes have not elapsed since the power supply to the heating heater 9 was turned on in step S208 (No in step S208), the determination as to whether the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 is 60°C or higher is repeated in step S203.

[0046] Also, after the lower float switch 40 outputs an ON signal in step S201, when the water supply continues and the upper float switch 41 for high water level detection outputs an ON signal, the control unit 64 closes the water supply valve 8 to end the water supply. The control unit 64 controls the water supply valve 8 based on the detection signal from the water level sensor 39 (float switches 40, 41) to perform water supply and keep the water storage tank 6 within a predetermined water level range.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, when the disinfection mode A in step S200 ends and the preparatory operation of the sauna device ends, it then transitions to the startup mode (step S300), which is the normal operation of the sauna device. In this startup mode, the blower fan 35 is set to strong operation and the drive of the blower fan 35 is started. At the same time, the air heater 43 attached to the suction port 36 is energized. Further, the energized ON / OFF state of the heating heater 9 is switched by the switching means 65 so as to keep the stored water temperature stored in the water storage tank 6 at a temperature higher than the set temperature set by the room temperature setting switch 55. Thus, the air in the sauna room 2 is heated by the air heater 43, and the fine water droplets and the negative ions generated by crushing the warm water in the water storage tank 6 heated to a temperature higher than the set temperature by the fine water droplet and negative ion generator 1 are supplied from the blower fan 35 to the sauna room 2 through the air outlet 5, and this is sequentially repeated to circulate the air in the sauna room 2 to quickly start up the sauna room 2.

[0048] (Description of the startup mode) Next, the specific operation in the above startup mode will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 10.

[0049] The control unit 64 sets the blower fan 35 to strong operation, starts driving the blower fan 35, and energizes the air heater 43 (step S301). When the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 detected by the stored water temperature sensor 44 becomes 46°C or lower, the energization of the heating heater 9 is switched to the ON state. When the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 detected by the stored water temperature sensor 44 becomes 48°C or higher, the energization to the heating heater 9 is switched to the OFF state. In this way, the ON / OFF state of the energization to the heating heater 9 is switched by the switching means 65 so as to keep the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 at a temperature higher than the set temperature by a predetermined temperature (step S302).

[0050] After step S302, when the control unit 64 determines that the detected temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 46 provided at the upper part of the sauna room 2 has reached the set temperature (YES in step S303), the bathing lamp 60 of the remote controller 52 is lit, and the speaker 61 notifies that the sauna room 2 has become an atmosphere for using a low-temperature sauna with a set temperature and a relative humidity of 90% or more and is ready for entry (step S304), and the startup mode is terminated.

[0051] Even when the warm water in the water storage tank 6 decreases during this startup mode, the control unit 64 controls the opening and closing of the water supply valve 8 based on the detection signal from the water level sensor 39 (float switches 40 and 41) to keep the water storage tank 6 within a predetermined water level range.

[0052] Refer to FIG. 7. When the startup mode of step S300 ends, it subsequently transitions to a stable mode (step S400) as normal operation in which the user can take a bath. In this stable mode, until the detected temperature by the room temperature sensor 46 reaches the set temperature set by the room temperature setting switch 55 of the remote controller 52, the ON / OFF state of the heating heater 9 is switched based on the stored water temperature sensor 44 and the set temperature. When the detected temperature by the room temperature sensor 46 reaches the set temperature, the heating heater 9 is turned off so that a stable and comfortable sauna bath can be taken at the set temperature in the sauna room 2.

[0053] (Description of the stable mode) Next, the operation in the above stable mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11.

[0054] The control unit 64 switches the power supply to the air heater 43 to the OFF state, and starts the ON / OFF control of the heating heater 9 based on the set temperature of the sauna room 2, the stored water temperature, and the difference between the set temperature and the room temperature, and the control to drive the mist motor 22 and the blower fan 35 at a preset predetermined rotation speed (step S401). Also, counting of a preset predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) which is the continuous operation time is started.

[0055] When the processing of step S401 is completed, the control unit 64 determines whether the lower float switch 40 outputs an OFF signal and the water storage tank 6 is below a predetermined low water level (step S402). If the control unit 64 determines that the lower float switch 40 outputs an OFF signal, it opens the water supply valve 8 and starts counting the water supply time (step S403). If the heating heater 9 is in the ON state when a Yes determination is made in step S402, the control unit 64 switches the heating heater 9 to the OFF state by the switching means 65.

[0056] When the processing of step S403 is completed, the control unit 64 determines whether the opening time of the water supply valve 8 exceeds a predetermined time X (for example, 3 seconds) (step S404). If it exceeds the predetermined time X, it closes the water supply valve 8 and starts counting the closing time of the water supply valve 8 (step S405). If the control unit 64 determines in step S404 that the opening time of the water supply valve is equal to or less than the predetermined time X, it repeats the determination of step S404.

[0057] When the process of step S405 is completed, the control unit 64 determines whether the closing time of the water supply valve 8 exceeds a predetermined time Y (for example, 7 seconds) (step S406). If it exceeds the predetermined time Y, the upper float switch 41 outputs an ON signal and the control unit 64 determines whether the water storage tank 6 is at or above a predetermined high water level (step S407). If the control unit 64 determines in step S406 that the closing time of the water supply valve 8 is equal to or less than the predetermined time Y, the determination in step S406 is repeated. If the control unit 64 determines in step S407 that the water storage tank 6 is at or above the predetermined high water level, it proceeds to the next step. If it determines that the water storage tank 6 is below the predetermined high water level, the process of step S403 is repeated.

[0058] If the control unit 64 determines in step S407 that the water storage tank 6 is at or above the predetermined high water level, or determines in step S402 that the lower float switch 40 outputs an ON signal and the water storage tank 6 exceeds a predetermined low water level, it determines whether the operation end condition is satisfied (step S408). The operation end condition includes that the time counted from the start of the stable mode is equal to or more than a predetermined set time (for example, 1 hour), the operation switch 56 of the remote controller 52 is pressed, and so on. If the control unit 64 determines in step S408 that the operation end condition is satisfied, it ends the stable mode. If it determines that the operation end condition is not satisfied, the determination in step S402 is repeated.

[0059] As described above, after the water level sensor 39 (lower float switch 40) detects a predetermined low water level and opens the water supply valve 8, a section is provided in which the water supply valve 8 is closed for a predetermined time until a predetermined high water level is detected. If the water supply valve 8 is continuously opened after the water level sensor 39 (lower float switch 40) detects a predetermined low water level and opens the water supply valve 8 until a predetermined high water level is detected, a large amount of water will flow into the water storage tank 6 at once, and the water storage temperature will decrease. In this state, when the mist motor 22 and the blower fan 35 are driven, the humidified air at a lower temperature is blown from the air outlet 5 compared to before the water is sent to the water storage tank 6, so the user in the sauna room 2 will feel uncomfortable when touching the cold air at their feet. By providing a section in which the water supply valve 8 is closed for a predetermined time after the water supply valve 8 is opened until a predetermined high water level is detected, a large amount of water does not flow into the water storage tank 6 at once, the temperature drop in the water storage tank 6 is suppressed, and the temperature of the humidified air blown out from the air outlet 5 does not drop significantly compared to before the water is sent to the water storage tank 6. Since the temperature change at the feet of the user in the sauna room 2 can be minimized, it is possible to prevent the user present in the sauna room 2 from feeling uncomfortable.

[0060] Also, in this stable mode, the heating heater 9 switches the heating heater to the ON state if the room temperature value detected by the room temperature sensor 46 is less than the set temperature - 0.5°C set by the remote control 52 and the water storage temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 is less than the set temperature - 1°C. Also, the heating heater 9 switches the heating heater to the OFF state if the room temperature value detected by the room temperature sensor 46 is equal to or higher than the set temperature set by the remote control 52 and the water storage temperature detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 is equal to or higher than the set temperature + 1°C. Thereby, the inside of the sauna room 2 can be maintained near the set temperature.

[0061] However, when it is determined in step S402 that the water level in the water storage tank 6 is below a predetermined low water level, and when the heating heater 9 is switched to the OFF state and the water supply valve 8 is opened in step S403, when the lower float switch 40 outputs an ON signal and reaches a predetermined middle water level state, the heating heater 9 is switched to the ON state regardless of the difference between the current set temperature, the room temperature sensor 46, and the stored water temperature sensor 44. By switching the heating heater 9 to the ON state at the timing when water is supplied into the water storage tank 6 and the stored water temperature decreases without the heating heater 9 being exposed above the water surface, the decrease in the stored water temperature becomes gradual. The temperature drop of the humidified air blown out from the air outlet 5 can be suppressed, preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 7, when the stable mode ends and the normal operation ends in step S400, the sauna device then transitions to the sterilization mode B (step S500), which is the final operation of the sauna device. In this sterilization mode B, as a result of driving the blower fan 35 during normal operation to circulate the air in the sauna room 2, the warm water in the water storage tank 6 that has taken in bacteria and the like is heated to a temperature capable of sterilization by the heating heater 9. At the same time, by driving the mist motor 22 that rotates the rotating body 24, the warm water stored in the water storage tank 6 is sterilized, and the rotating body 24 that pumps up the warm water heated from the water storage tank 6 by the warm water, the porous body 29 installed on the outer periphery of the rotating body 24 and rotating together with the rotating body 24, and the dust, dirt, bacteria, etc. attached to the air guide cylinder 31 installed to cover the porous body 29 are washed away to keep them clean, and the rotating body 24, the porous body 29, and the air guide cylinder 31 are sterilized.

[0063] (Description of the sterilization mode B) Next, the operation of the above sterilization mode B will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 12.

[0064] When the sterilization mode B starts, if the heating heater 9 is in the OFF state, it switches to the ON state, and then determines whether the water storage temperature in the water storage tank 6 detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 is a predetermined temperature at which sterilization is possible (for example, 60°C or higher) (step S501). If it is determined that the water storage temperature in the water storage tank 6 is 60°C or higher, while switching the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the OFF state, it starts counting the predetermined time for heating and sterilizing the water (warm water) in the water storage tank 6, that is, the sterilization time (step S502). When the water storage temperature in the water storage tank 6 detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 becomes 58°C or lower, it switches the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the ON state, and when the water storage temperature in the water storage tank 6 detected by the water storage temperature sensor 44 becomes 60°C or higher, it switches the power supply to the heating heater 9 to the OFF state. In this way, the power supply ON / OFF state of the heating heater 9 is switched by the switching means 65 so as to keep the water storage temperature in the water storage tank 6 at a sterilizable temperature (step S503), and the step S503 is repeated until the count of the sterilization time, for example, 1 minute, ends (step S504).

[0065] And when it is determined that the count of the sterilization time has ended (YES in step S504), the control unit 64 switches the power supply of the heating heater 9 to the OFF state by the switching means 65 and stops the drive of the mist motor 22 (step S505), and determines whether 20 minutes, which is a predetermined time, has elapsed after stopping the drives of the heating heater 9 and the mist motor 22 (step S506). If 20 minutes have elapsed since the count of the sterilization time ended, it opens the drain valve 13 and ends the sterilization mode B (step S507). If 20 minutes have not elapsed, the determination in step S506 is repeated.

[0066] Refer to FIG. 7. When the sterilization mode B in step S500 ends, it subsequently transitions to the drying mode (step S600). In this drying mode, it starts driving the blower fan 35, energizes the air heater 43 attached to the suction port 36, and further drives the ventilation fan 47 to dry the fine water droplets, the negative ion generator 1, the suction duct 4, and the sauna room 2.

[0067] (Description of the drying mode) Next, the operation of the above drying mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 13.

[0068] The control unit 64 sets the blower fan 35 to strong operation, starts driving the blower fan 35, energizes the air heater 43, and further drives the ventilation fan 47 (step S601). The ventilation lamp 59 lights up, and it is determined whether the preset drying time, for example, 90 minutes, has elapsed (step S602). If it is determined that the drying time has elapsed, the driving of the blower fan 35 is stopped, the energization of the air heater 43 is turned off, and the driving of the ventilation fan 47 is further stopped (step S603). Then, the ventilation lamp 59 goes out, the drying mode ends, the end operation of the sauna device ends, and the sauna device enters a stopped state. Note that the sauna device enters a stopped state with the drain valve 13 remaining open.

[0069] Next, a modified example of the present invention will be described. Since the operations other than those in the stable mode are the same as those in the above embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] (Modified Example 1) Referring to FIG. 14, the processing of step S401a and the determination of step S402a are the same as those of steps S401 and S402, respectively, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. When the control unit 64 determines in step S402a that the lower float switch 40 outputs an OFF signal, the water supply valve 8 is opened at a predetermined opening less than the fully open state, that is, at a half-open state which is half of the fully open state (step S403a). After the processing of step S403a is completed, the control unit 64 determines whether an ON signal is output by the upper float switch 41 and the water storage tank 6 has reached a predetermined high water level or more (step S404a). If it is determined that the water storage tank 6 has reached a predetermined high water level or more, the process proceeds to the next step. If it is determined that the water storage tank 6 is less than the predetermined high water level, the determination of step S404a is repeated.

[0071] When the control unit 64 determines in step S404a that the water storage tank 6 has reached a predetermined high water level or determines in step S402a that the water storage tank 6 has exceeded the predetermined low water level, it determines whether the operation end condition is satisfied in the same manner as in step S408 (step S405a). Since the details of the operation end condition are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. When the control unit 64 determines in step S405a that the operation end condition is satisfied, it ends the stable mode, and when it determines that the operation end condition is not satisfied, it repeats the determination in step S402a.

[0072] As described above, when the water storage tank 6 reaches a level below the predetermined low water level and the water supply valve 8 is opened, the water supply valve 8 is opened in a semi-open state. Therefore, the amount of water flowing into the water storage tank 6 per unit time is reduced compared to the case where the water supply valve 8 is opened fully. Since a large amount of water does not flow into the water storage tank 6 at once, a decrease in the temperature inside the water storage tank 6 is suppressed, and the temperature of the humidified air blown out from the air outlet 5 does not decrease significantly compared to before the water is supplied to the water storage tank 6. Since the temperature change at the feet of the user in the sauna room 2 can be minimized, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0073] Also in this modified example, when it is determined in step S402a that the water level of the water storage tank 6 is below the predetermined low water level and the water supply valve 8 is opened in a semi-open state in step S403a, when the lower float switch 40 outputs an ON signal and reaches a predetermined middle water level state, the heater 9 is switched to the ON state regardless of the difference between the current set temperature, the room temperature sensor 46, and the water storage temperature sensor 44. By switching the heater 9 to the ON state at the timing when the heater 9 is not likely to be exposed above the water surface and water is supplied into the water storage tank 6 and the water storage temperature decreases, the decrease in the water storage temperature is moderated. A decrease in the temperature of the humidified air blown out from the air outlet 5 is suppressed, and it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0074] Also, in this modification example, when the water storage tank 6 reaches below a predetermined low water level and the water supply valve 8 is opened, the predetermined opening degree is set to a half-open state which is half of the fully open state, but it is not limited to this. For example, the water supply valve 8 may be opened at an opening degree greater than the half-open state or smaller than the half-open state from a state less than the fully open state. Since it is only necessary that the inflow rate per unit time during water supply to the water storage tank 6 is lower than when the water supply valve 8 is opened in the fully open state, the opening degree of the water supply valve 8 that is opened at a predetermined opening degree less than the fully open state is within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] (Modification Example 2) Refer to FIG. 15. The processing of step S401b and the determination of step S402b are the same as those of step S401 and step S402, so the description is omitted. When the control unit 64 determines in step S402b that the lower float switch 40 is outputting an OFF signal, it stores the current stored water temperature detected by the stored water temperature sensor 44, opens the water supply valve 8, drives the blower fan 35 at a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed, and drives the mist motor 22 at a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed (step S403b).

[0076] When the processing of step S403b is completed, the control unit 64 determines whether the upper float switch 41 outputs an ON signal and the water level of the water storage tank 6 has reached above a predetermined high water level (step S404b). When it determines that the water level of the water storage tank 6 has reached above the predetermined high water level, it closes the water supply valve 8 (step S405b). When the control unit 64 determines in step S404b that the water level of the water storage tank 6 is less than the predetermined high water level, it repeats the determination of step S404b.

[0077] When the process of step S405b is completed, the control unit 64 determines whether the stored water temperature detected by the stored water temperature sensor 44 is equal to or higher than the temperature before water supply to the water storage tank 6, which is the temperature immediately before opening the water supply valve 8 memorized in step S403b (step S406b). If it is determined that the stored water temperature is equal to or higher than the temperature before water supply, the control unit 64 returns the blower fan 35 and the mist motor 22 from a predetermined low rotation speed to a predetermined rotation speed, which is the rotation speed before water supply and is preset (step S407b). If the control unit 64 determines in step S406b that the stored water temperature is lower than the temperature before water supply, the control unit 64 repeats the determination in step S406b.

[0078] When the process of step S407b is completed, or when the control unit 64 determines in step S402b that the water level in the water storage tank 6 exceeds a predetermined low water level, the control unit 64 determines whether the operation end conditions are satisfied in the same manner as in step S408 (step S408b). Details of the operation end conditions are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. If the control unit 64 determines in step S408b that the operation end conditions are satisfied, the control unit 64 ends the stable mode. If the control unit 64 determines that the operation end conditions are not satisfied, the control unit 64 repeats the determination in step S402b.

[0079] As described above, when the water storage tank 6 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined low water level and the water supply valve 8 is opened, the blower fan 35 and the mist motor 22 are driven at a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed. The amount of humidified air generated in the water storage tank 6 where the stored water temperature has decreased due to water supply and the amount of blown air of the humidified air blown from the air outlet 5 into the sauna room 2 decrease as compared with those before the water supply valve 8 is opened. Since the amount of humidified air blown into the sauna room 2 decreases and the temperature change at the feet of the user in the sauna room 2 can be minimized, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0080] Also, in this modified example, when it is determined in step S402b that the water level in the water storage tank 6 is below a predetermined low water level, and when the water supply valve 8 is opened in step S403b, if the lower float switch 40 outputs an ON signal and reaches a predetermined medium water level state, the heater 9 is switched to the ON state regardless of the difference between the current set temperature, the room temperature sensor 46, and the stored water temperature sensor 44. By switching the heater 9 to the ON state at the timing when water is supplied into the water storage tank 6 without the risk of the heater 9 being exposed above the water surface and the stored water temperature decreases, the decrease in the stored water temperature is moderated. The temperature drop of the humidified air blown out from the air outlet 5 can be suppressed, preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0081] Also, after driving the blower fan 35 and the mist motor 22 at a predetermined low rotation speed, when the stored water temperature in the water storage tank 6 becomes equal to or higher than the stored water temperature before water supply by opening the water supply valve 8, the blower fan 35 and the mist motor 22 are returned from the predetermined low rotation speed to the original set rotation speed before water supply. Since there is no risk of low-temperature humidified air being blown from the air outlet 5, the generation amount of humidified air and the blowing amount of humidified air increase. Thus, while minimizing the temperature change at the user's feet, the inside of the sauna room 2 can be maintained near the set temperature, improving the user's satisfaction in the sauna bath.

[0082] In this modified example, when a predetermined low water level is detected and the water supply valve 8 is opened, the blower fan 35 and the mist motor 22 are set to a predetermined low rotation speed. Here, the predetermined low rotation speed may be the same value or different values for the blower fan 35 and the mist motor 22 respectively. By comparing with before water supply to the water storage tank 6, since the rotation speeds of the mist motor 22 and the blower fan 35 are decreased, it is possible to prevent low-temperature humidified air from being blown into the sauna room 2. Therefore, if the rotation speed is lower compared to the current rotation speeds of the blower fan 35 and the mist motor 22 when water is supplied to the water storage tank 6, it does not matter whether the rotation speeds of the mist motor 22 and the blower fan 35 are the same or different.

[0083] Also, in this modification example, when water is supplied to the water storage tank 6, the rotation speeds of both the blower fan 35 and the mist motor 22 are changed to a predetermined low rotation speed. However, only the blower fan 35 may be changed to the predetermined low rotation speed. When water is supplied to the water storage tank 6, if the blower fan 35 is set to the predetermined low rotation speed, the amount of humidified air blown from the air outlet 5 into the sauna room 2 decreases, so the feeling of cold air at the user's feet can be prevented.

[0084] Also, in the described embodiment and modification example, when the water storage tank 6 reaches a level below a predetermined low level in the stable mode, either a means for restricting the water supply amount to the water storage tank 6, such as providing a section where the water supply valve 8 is closed for a predetermined time after opening the water supply valve 8, or opening the water supply valve 8 in a semi-open state, or a means for restricting the air supply amount to the sauna room 2, such as setting the blower fan 35 and / or the mist motor 22 to a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed, is implemented. However, the content is not limited to this. For example, when the water storage tank 6 reaches a level below a predetermined low level in the stable mode, a control combining the restriction of the water supply amount and the restriction of the air supply amount, such as providing a section where the water supply valve 8 is closed for a predetermined time, or opening the water supply valve 8 in a semi-open state while setting the blower fan 35 and / or the mist motor 22 to a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed, may be used. When water is supplied into the water storage tank 6 and the stored water temperature decreases, by restricting the water supply amount to the water storage tank 6 and restricting the air supply amount into the sauna room 2, it is possible to more effectively suppress the blowing out of low-temperature humidified air from the air outlet 5. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the blowing out of cold air when water is supplied to the water storage tank 6 and the user feeling uncomfortable.

[0085] Next, the effects of the present invention will be described.

[0086] When a predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor 39 (lower float switch 40) in the standby mode and the water supply valve 8 is opened, the water supply to the water storage tank 6 and / or the blowing of humidified air into the sauna room 2 is restricted. If the water supply valve 8 is continuously opened after a predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor 39 (lower float switch 40) and the water supply valve 8 is opened until a predetermined high water level is detected, a large amount of water will flow into the water storage tank 6 at once, and the water storage temperature will decrease. When the mist motor 22 and the blower fan 35 are driven in this state, compared with before the water supply to the water storage tank 6, the humidified air with a lower temperature is blown out from the air outlet 5, so that the user in the sauna room 2 feels cold air at their feet and feels uncomfortable. When the water storage tank 6 becomes lower than the predetermined low water level, by restricting the water supply to the water storage tank 6 and / or the blowing of humidified air into the sauna room 2, the amount of the humidified air blown out from the air outlet 5 with a lower temperature compared with before the water supply to the water storage tank 6 can be suppressed, so that it is possible to prevent the user from feeling cold air at their feet and feeling uncomfortable.

[0087] Also, when a predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor 39 (lower float switch 40) and the water supply valve 8 is opened, a section is provided in which the water supply valve 8 is closed for a predetermined time until a predetermined high water level is detected by the water level sensor 39 (upper float switch 41). When the water supply valve 8 is opened to supply water to the water storage tank 6, a large amount of water does not flow into the water storage tank 6 at once, the temperature drop in the water storage tank 6 can be suppressed, and the temperature of the humidified air blown out from the air outlet 5 does not decrease significantly compared with before the water supply to the water storage tank 6. Since the temperature change at the feet of the user in the sauna room 2 can be minimized, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0088] Also, when a predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor 39 (lower float switch 40) and the water supply valve 8 is opened, the water supply valve 8 is set to a predetermined opening less than the fully open state until a predetermined high water level is detected by the water level sensor 39 (upper float switch 41). Comparing with the case where the water supply valve 8 is opened in the fully open state, the amount of water flowing into the water storage tank 6 per unit time decreases. Since a large amount of water does not flow into the water storage tank 6 at once, the temperature drop in the water storage tank 6 can be suppressed, and the temperature of the humidified air blown out from the air outlet 5 does not drop significantly compared to before the water is supplied to the water storage tank 6. The temperature change at the user's feet in the sauna room 2 can be minimized, thus preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0089] Also, when a predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor 39 (lower float switch 40) and the water supply valve 8 is opened, the blower fan 35 is driven at a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed until the detected value by the water storage temperature sensor 44 becomes equal to or higher than the water storage temperature immediately before the water supply valve 8 is opened. When the water is supplied to the water storage tank 6 and the blower fan 35 is set to a predetermined low rotation speed, the air volume of the humidified air blown into the sauna room 2 from the air outlet 5 decreases. The temperature change at the user's feet in the sauna room 2 can be minimized, thus preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0090] Also, the humidified air generating means includes a rotating body 24 that pumps up the water in the water storage tank 6 and scatters it around, a mist motor 22 with a variable rotation speed that drives the rotating body 24 at a predetermined rotation speed, and a porous part 30 that crushes the water scattered around by the rotating body 24. When a predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor 39 (lower float switch 40) and the water supply valve 8 is opened, the mist motor 22 is driven at a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed until the detected value by the water storage temperature sensor 44 becomes equal to or higher than the water storage temperature immediately before the water supply valve 8 is opened. The amount of humidified air generated in the water storage tank 6 whose water storage temperature has dropped due to water supply decreases compared to before the water supply valve 8 is opened. The amount of humidified air blown into the sauna room 2 decreases, and the temperature change at the user's feet in the sauna room 2 can be minimized, thus preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0091] Also, when a predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor 39 (lower float switch 40) and the water supply valve 8 is opened, if it is determined that the water level has reached a predetermined middle water level between the predetermined low water level and the predetermined high water level, the heating heater 9 is driven regardless of the detected values of the stored water temperature sensor 44 and the room temperature sensor 46. By switching the heating heater 9 to the ON state at the timing when water is supplied into the water storage tank 6 and the stored water temperature decreases, the decrease in the stored water temperature is moderated. The decrease in the temperature of the humidified air blown out from the air outlet 5 can be suppressed, preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0092] In addition, in the described embodiments and modified examples, the humidifying air generating means has been described as generating mist by atomizing water by the rotation of the rotating body 24 and blowing humidifying air containing the atomized mist into the sauna room 2, but it is not limited to this. For example, it is also applicable to a sauna device in a steam bath that enables a sauna bath by heating the water in the water storage tank 6 with the heating heater 9 and blowing high-temperature steam into the sauna room 2. In a device that can perform a sauna bath by blowing humidifying air into the room using the water in the water storage tank 6, when the water storage tank 6 reaches a predetermined low water level, the water supply to the water storage tank 6 is restricted and / or the air blowing into the room is restricted, suppressing the decrease in the temperature of the humidifying air blown into the room and preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable, which falls within the scope of the present invention.

Description of reference numerals

[0093] 2 Sauna room 5 Air outlet 6 Water storage tank 9 Heating heater 22 Mist motor (drive motor) (humidifying air generating means) 24 Rotating body (humidifying air generating means) 30 Porous part (humidifying air generating means) 35 Blower fan 39 Water level sensor 40 Lower float switch 41 Upper float switch 44 Stored water temperature sensor 46 Room temperature sensor 64 Control Unit

Claims

1. A water storage tank for storing a certain amount of water, A water level sensor for detecting the water level of the water storage tank, A water storage temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature of the water storage tank, A heater for heating the water in the water storage tank, A water supply pipe connected to the water storage tank and having a water supply valve in the middle that can be switched between open and closed, Humidifying air generating means for generating humidified air by including the water in the water storage tank in the indoor air flowing into the water storage tank through a suction port, A blower fan for blowing the humidified air generated by the humidifying air generating means into the room through an air outlet, A room temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the room into which the humidified air is blown by the blower fan, A control unit that opens the water supply valve until a predetermined high water level is detected when a predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor, and controls the driving of the heater based on the detected values of the water storage temperature sensor and the room temperature sensor, The control unit restricts the water supply to the water storage tank and / or the blowing of the humidified air into the room when the predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor and the water supply valve is opened. A sauna device characterized by this.

2. The control unit provides a section in which the water supply valve is closed for a predetermined time until the predetermined high water level is detected by the water level sensor when the predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor and the water supply valve is opened. The sauna device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

3. The control unit sets the water supply valve to a predetermined opening less than the fully open state until the predetermined high water level is detected by the water level sensor when the predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor and the water supply valve is opened. The sauna device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

4. The control unit drives the blower fan at a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed until the detected value of the water storage temperature sensor becomes at least equal to the water storage temperature immediately before opening the water supply valve when the predetermined low water level is detected by the water level sensor and the water supply valve is opened. The sauna device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

5. The humidifying air generating means is composed of a rotating body that pumps up the water in the water storage tank and scatters it around, a drive motor with a variable rotation speed that drives the rotating body at a predetermined rotation speed, and crushing means for crushing the water scattered around by the rotating body. When the control unit detects the predetermined low water level with the water level sensor and opens the water supply valve, the drive motor is driven at a predetermined low rotation speed lower than the current rotation speed until the detected value by the stored water temperature sensor becomes equal to or higher than the stored water temperature immediately before opening the water supply valve. The sauna apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. When the control unit detects the predetermined low water level with the water level sensor and opens the water supply valve, and determines that the water level has reached a predetermined middle water level between the predetermined low water level and the predetermined high water level, the heating heater is driven regardless of the detected values of the stored water temperature sensor and the room temperature sensor. The sauna apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that.

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