Mist generating device and bathtub device equipped with same

Abstract

To provide a mist generator which allows mist in a heated state to stagnate in a stagnation space in which an upper part is opened.SOLUTION: A mist generator 1 used in a bathtub body includes: a mist generation part 8 for generating mist from water which is heated and whose temperature is controlled or generating mist whose temperature is controlled by heating the mist generated from water; and a mist supply part 10 for supplying the mist generated by the mist generation part 8 into the bathtub body 6 for forming a stagnation space 4 in which an upper part is opened toward a room where the bathtub body is arranged. The mist generation part 8 and the mist supply part 10 are constituted in such a manner that the mist supplied from the mist supply part 10 stagnates in the stagnation space 4 of the bathtub body 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mist generator, and more particularly to a mist generator used in a bathtub apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, a bathtub sauna device for taking a sauna bath has been known, and such a bathtub sauna device is equipped with a bathtub lid that is attached to the top of the bathtub body to create a sauna space using mist. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-018130 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-057952 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the bathtub sauna device shown in Patent Document 1, a bathtub lid is required to create the sauna space, which restricts the user's position, reducing comfort and making it inconvenient for the user.

[0005] In response to this, as shown in Patent Document 2, an ultrasonic atomization unit has been proposed, which proposes controlling the water temperature in the atomization tank so as not to increase, so that the mist is not easily dispersed by rising air currents.

[0006] However, if such an ultrasonic atomization unit is adopted, the problem arises that the mist will diffuse if the temperature of the mist is increased, and ultimately, in order to prevent the mist from diffusing, it becomes necessary to provide a bathtub lid as shown in Patent Document 1.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a mist generating device that allows heated mist to remain in a retention space that is open at the top. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention is a mist generating device for use in a bathtub body, comprising a mist generating unit that generates mist from heated water whose temperature has been controlled, or that generates temperature-controlled mist by heating mist generated from water, and a mist supply unit that supplies the mist generated by the mist generating unit into the bathtub body, which forms a retention space with an open top, and is characterized in that the mist generating unit and the mist supply unit are configured so that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit is retained in the retention space of the bathtub body. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mist generator and the mist supply unit are configured so that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit is retained in the retention space of the bathtub body. This allows heated mist to remain in the retention space with an open top. This eliminates the need for a lid on the bathtub body, improving convenience. Furthermore, the user can warm up with the mist inside the bathtub body without a lid, improving user comfort. Furthermore, because the user can warm up with the mist inside the bathtub body, the user can enjoy a mist bath without feeling pressured and with reduced physical strain compared to immersion in water. Furthermore, the heat is transmitted to the user more slowly than when immersed in water, reducing the strain on the user's body.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the mist generating section preferably includes a water temperature detecting means for detecting the water temperature. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mist generator includes a water temperature detector that detects the water temperature, allowing for more accurate water temperature control. This allows the mist generator and mist supply unit to more reliably retain the heated mist within the retention space of the bathtub body.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the mist generating unit controls the temperature of water heated to 60°C or higher and generates mist from the temperature-controlled water, or heats mist generated from water to 60°C or higher and controls the temperature of the heated mist. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, by heating the water or mist to 60°C or higher, even if bacteria are contained in the water, the effects of at least some of the bacteria (e.g., Legionella) can be suppressed.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the retention boundary surface on the upper side of the retained mist is preferably formed below a height position obtained by adding a height equivalent to the depth of the bathtub body to the height of the overflow surface of the bathtub body. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the retention boundary surface on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below a height position obtained by adding a height equivalent to the depth of the bathtub body to the height of the overflow surface of the bathtub body, thereby preventing the retention boundary surface from being formed at a position that is too high, thereby increasing the comfort of the user.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper boundary surface of the retained mist is preferably formed above the height position of the overflow surface of the bathtub body. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the retention boundary surface on the upper side of the retained mist is formed above the height position of the overflow surface of the bathtub body, making it easier for a user sitting in the bathtub body to take a mist bath up to the upper part of their body, and it is possible to warm the user's body up to a level above the water level at which water is normally poured, thereby further increasing the user's comfort.

[0013] In the present invention, the upper retention boundary surface of the retained mist is preferably formed below a height position obtained by adding a value between 100 mm and 200 mm to the height of the overflow surface of the bathtub body. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the retention boundary surface on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below a height position obtained by adding a value between 100 mm and 200 mm to the height of the overflow surface of the bathtub body, making it easier for the retention boundary surface to be formed below the position of the face of a user sitting in the bathtub body, further increasing the comfort of the user.

[0014] In the present invention, the mist supply section is preferably disposed above the overflow section of the bathtub main body. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the mist supply section is positioned above the water overflow section within the bathtub body, thereby preventing water within the bathtub body from entering upstream from the mist supply section as a flow of sewage.

[0015] In the present invention, the overflow portion of the water in the bathtub body is preferably the overflow surface of the bathtub body. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the mist supply section is positioned above the water overflow surface in the bathtub body, thereby preventing water in the bathtub body from entering upstream from the mist supply section as sewage.

[0016] In the present invention, preferably, the mist generator further includes temperature detection means for detecting the temperature in the bathroom in which the bathtub body is placed. In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the mist generating device further includes a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature in the bathroom in which the bathtub body is placed. Therefore, the mist generating unit can generate heated mist according to the temperature in the bathroom in which the bathtub body is placed, and the mist generating unit and the mist supply unit can more reliably retain the heated mist within the retention space of the bathtub body.

[0017] In the present invention, the mist supply section preferably includes a mist supply port section that opens downward. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mist supply unit has a mist supply port that opens downward. This reduces the distance the mist needs to travel to reach the bathtub body compared to when the mist supply port opens sideways or upward. This prevents the mist from experiencing temperature changes, such as a drop in temperature, before reaching the bathtub body, making it difficult to adjust the temperature of the mist that reaches the bathtub body. This allows the heated mist to more easily stagnate in the retention space above the bathtub body. Furthermore, for example, the mist supply unit has a mist supply port that opens downward, which prevents water in the bathtub body from flowing upstream from the mist supply unit as wastewater.

[0018] In the present invention, preferably, the bathtub apparatus comprises the mist generating device and the bathtub main body that forms the retention space that receives the mist supplied from the mist supply section of the mist generating device. Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a bathtub apparatus characterized by comprising a mist generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention and the bathtub main body that forms the retention space that receives the mist supplied from the mist supply section of the mist generating device.

[0019] In the present invention, the mist generating section and the mist supply section of the mist generating device are preferably arranged on the short side of the bathtub main body. In one embodiment of the present invention, the mist generating unit and mist supply unit of the mist generator are located on the short sides of the bathtub body, so that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit is supplied relatively evenly in the left-right direction of the short sides in the retention space within the bathtub body, preventing disruption of the mist retention. Furthermore, the mist is supplied in a relatively uniform flow in the left-right direction of the short sides, and this mist travels along the long sides, making it easier to create a visual effect that gives the user a soothing effect and a luxurious feel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the mist generating device of the present invention, the heated mist can be retained in the retention space that is open at the top. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a bathtub apparatus equipped with a mist generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a bathtub apparatus equipped with a mist generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the mist supply operation from the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the mist supply operation from the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the mist supply operation from the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the mist supply operation from the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the mist supply operation from the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the mist supply operation from the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]1 is a top view of a measuring device that measures, in a virtual retention space, the temperature of mist supplied to the retention space from a mist supply unit of a mist generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a front view of a measuring device that measures, in a virtual retention space, the temperature of mist supplied to the retention space from a mist supply unit of a mist generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a side view of a measuring device that measures, in a virtual retention space, the temperature of mist supplied to the retention space from a mist supply unit of a mist generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how the mist ambient temperature changes due to mist supplied from the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the range of temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied to the retention space from the mist supply unit of the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the temperature in the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the supply of mist begins. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of a device for measuring the particle size of mist supplied from a mist supply unit of a mist generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a top view of a device for measuring the particle size of mist supplied from a mist supply unit of a mist generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of particle size distribution data obtained by measuring the particle size of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit of the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention using a particle size distribution measuring device. [Figure 17] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature and the particle size of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit of the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a perspective view of an observation device for observing a state in which mist supplied from a mist supply unit of a mist generating device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is supplied to a virtual retention space. FIG. [Figure 19]4 is a diagram comparing the state in which mist supplied from the mist supply unit of the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is supplied to a virtual retention space, according to the temperature difference and the particle size of the mist. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a transmittance measuring device for determining whether mist supplied from the mist supply unit of the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention is stagnating. [Figure 21] 1 is a diagram showing the difference between mist bathing using mist supplied from the mist supply unit of the mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a normal bathtub bath, in terms of heat flux and the passage of time. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the user's skin temperature after 10 minutes of bathing in mist bathing using mist supplied from the mist supply unit of the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and in a normal bathtub bath. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bathtub apparatus equipped with a mist generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a side view of a bathtub apparatus equipped with a mist generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The following describes in detail the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many improvements and other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. Therefore, the following description should be construed as merely illustrative and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details of the structure and / or function thereof may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0023] A bathtub apparatus, which is a plumbing fixture equipped with a mist generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bathtub apparatus equipped with a mist generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the bathtub apparatus equipped with a mist generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a bathtub apparatus 2, which is a plumbing device equipped with a mist generating device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, is installed in a bathroom 3. Plumbing devices are devices equipped with a water discharge device for use in bathrooms, bathroom washbasin floors, toilets, washrooms, kitchens, and the like. The mist generating device 1 is used in plumbing devices such as the bathtub itself, the bathroom washbasin floor, the shower room, the hand-washing bowl, the washbasin bowl, and the kitchen sink. The bathroom 3 is a box-shaped space, forming a somewhat sealed interior space 5 for use inside water. The water includes water with a temperature higher than the outside temperature (room temperature) and heated water (so-called hot water). An operating unit 28 for operating the mist generating device 1 is installed in the bathroom 3. The operating unit 28 can also operate the water storage operation for the bathtub apparatus 2 and set the temperature. The operating unit 28 may have operating functions for setting the temperature of the mist to be supplied, the particle size of the mist to be supplied, and the like. The operating unit 28 may be installed outside the bathroom 3 or may be a remote operating unit such as a remote control. The bathtub apparatus 2 is equipped with a supply device 7 that supplies water. The bathtub apparatus 2 also includes a bathtub main body 6 that forms a retention space 4 that receives mist supplied from a mist supply unit (described later) of the mist generating apparatus 1.

[0024] The bathtub body 6 forms a retention space 4 that is open upward toward the interior space 5 in which the bathtub body 6 of the bathtub apparatus 2 is placed. The bathtub body 6 is a bathtub (hot tub) and is designed to store water in the internal retention space 4. The bathtub body 6 is rectangular when viewed from above, with long side portions 6d formed on the long sides of the rectangle and short side portions 6e formed on the short sides. The short side portions 6e have a shorter width than the long side portions 6d. The retention space 4 is a space formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape inside the bathtub main body 6. As shown in FIG. 2, when user A takes a bath, water B at 34°C to 45°C is stored in the lower part of the retention space 4, allowing user A to bathe while seated. As will be described later, in FIG. 2, mist is retained above the water B in the retention space 4 (a mist retention layer C is formed). The retention space 4 extends to the upper end 6a of the bathtub main body 6 and is open on the top side. The bathtub main body 6 does not have a lid covering the top surface of the retention space 4, allowing mist to be retained in the retention space 4, as will be described later. Note that the retention space 4 may retain mist without storing water B. The shape of the bathtub main body 6 is not limited to the box-like shape described in the embodiment, and may be any shape that can form a retention space. For example, the bathtub main body 6 may be formed in a circular or elliptical shape when viewed from above, with a bowl-shaped retention space formed inside. The bottom of the bathtub body 6 may be angled to allow the user to assume a posture similar to a lying or sitting position, and may or may not have a step on the bottom. The top of the wall of the bathtub body 6 does not have to be horizontal at a constant height, but may be formed to vary in height. For example, the top of the wall of the bathtub body 6 may be shaped to extend diagonally upward or downward in side view, to have a bow-like shape with a portion concave downward, or to form an approximately right angle.

[0025] The mist generator 1 is used in a bathtub apparatus 2, which is a plumbing device. The mist generator 1 includes a mist generating unit 8 that generates mist, and a mist supply unit 10 that supplies the mist into the bathtub main body 6.

[0026] The mist generating unit 8 generates mist from water that has been heated and temperature-controlled, or generates temperature-controlled mist by heating mist generated from water. The mist generating unit 8 is located on the short side portion 6e of the bathtub body 6. A platform-like portion is formed on the top of the short side portion 6e on which the mist generating unit 8 is placed.

[0027] The mist generating unit 8 includes a tank 12 for storing water therein, a water supply channel 14 for supplying water from a water source to the tank 12, a drainage channel 16 for draining water from the tank 12 to a drain pipe, an ultrasonic vibrator 18 provided at the bottom inside the tank 12, a heater 20 provided at the bottom inside the tank 12, a water temperature measuring device 22 serving as a water temperature detection means provided inside the tank 12, an indoor temperature measuring device 24 serving as an air temperature detection means provided outside the tank 12, and a control unit 26 for controlling the ultrasonic vibrator 18 and the heater 20.

[0028] The tank 12 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A water supply channel 14 and a drain channel 16 are connected to the side wall at the bottom of the tank 12. A mist supply unit 10 is connected to the side wall near the center of the tank 12. The water supply channel 14 is provided with a water supply channel on / off valve 30 that opens and closes the water supply channel 14. The drain channel 16 is provided with a drain channel on / off valve 32 that opens and closes the drain channel 16.

[0029] The ultrasonic vibrator 18 generates ultrasonic waves in the water in the tank 12, vibrating the water on the liquid surface and breaking the water into fine particles from the liquid surface, thereby generating mist (fog) with a predetermined particle size. The ultrasonic vibrator 18 is electrically connected to the control unit 26, and the particle size of the generated mist can be changed by adjusting the ultrasonic oscillation output, frequency, etc. of the ultrasonic vibrator 18. The ultrasonic vibrator 18 may be replaced with another device that generates mist with a predetermined particle size, such as a mist generator using steam, a mist generator using pressure atomization, or a mist generator using arc discharge. In addition, although one ultrasonic vibrator 18 is provided in the tank 12 in this embodiment, multiple ultrasonic vibrators 18 may be provided in the tank 12.

[0030] The control unit 26 has a function of heating the water in the tank 12 using the heater 20 and a function of controlling the temperature of the water in the tank 12. For example, the heater 20 can heat water from the supply water temperature (e.g., room temperature, about 20°C) to 60°C or higher, which is above room temperature. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 26 can control the temperature of water once heated to 60°C or higher by the heater 20, thereby raising or lowering the temperature so that a predetermined temperature difference (described later) is 0°C or higher. Thus, the mist generation unit 8 controls the temperature of water heated to 60°C or higher and generates mist from the temperature-controlled water. The mist generation unit 8 may also generate mist from water heated to 60°C or higher in a water heater and then supplied to the mist generation unit 8. The mist generation unit 8 heats the water in the tank 12 to a temperature above room temperature and generates mist that generates an updraft at a temperature above room temperature. The mist generation unit 8 controls the mist temperature by adjusting the mist temperature according to the mist particle size and other conditions, thereby controlling the mist to easily stagnate. 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 heater 20 temporarily heating the water (or mist) to 60°C or higher may be omitted, and instead of this step, other bacteria suppression means, such as a sterilization means using UV light or a sterilization means adding a sterilizing agent, may be provided. In this case, heater 20 can heat the water (or mist) to a temperature below 60°C. The heater 20 may be provided at a position higher than the water level in the tank 12 and heat the mist generated from the water. In this case, the heater 20 can heat the mist generated from the water to 60°C or higher. For example, the control unit 26 can control the temperature by raising or lowering the temperature of the mist in the tank 12 so that the mist heated by the heater 20 to 60°C or higher has a predetermined temperature difference of 0°C or higher, as described below. In this case, the mist generating unit 8 heats the mist generated from the water to 60°C or higher and controls the temperature of the heated mist. The heater 20 may heat the mist generated from the water in a state where the heater 20 is provided at a position lower than the water level in the tank 12. In this case, a duct is provided to pass the mist from the tank 12 to the heater 20, which is provided at a position lower than the water level in the tank 12, and the mist that is supplied to the heater 20 through this duct is heated by the heater 20. The downstream side of this duct is connected to the mist supply unit 10 or the tank 12, and the mist heated by the heater 20 is returned to the mist supply unit 10 or the tank 12.

[0031] The water temperature measuring device 22 detects the temperature of the water in the tank 12. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the water temperature measuring device 22, and the control unit 26 can recognize the temperature of the water in the tank 12. The indoor temperature measuring device 24 detects the temperature of the air outside the tank 12 in the indoor space 5 in which the bathtub main body 6 is placed. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the indoor temperature measuring device 24, and the control unit 26 can recognize the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5. Note that before the mist supply starts (before the mist generating unit 8 is driven), the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5 and the temperature of the air in the retention space 4 are assumed to be approximately equal or relatively close to each other, so the control unit 26 can estimate the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5 measured by the indoor temperature measuring device 24 as the temperature of the air in the retention space 4.

[0032] The control unit 26 has a built-in CPU, memory, etc., and controls the connected devices to generate mist based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 18, heater 20, water temperature measuring device 22, indoor temperature measuring device 24, operation unit 28, etc. The control unit 26 is also electrically connected to the water supply line opening / closing valve 30 provided in the water supply line 14 and the drainage line opening / closing valve 32 provided in the drainage line, and can control these.

[0033] The mist supply unit 10 supplies the mist generated by the mist generation unit 8 into the bathtub body 6, which is a retention section that forms the retention space 4, which is open upward toward the room in which the bathtub body 6 is placed. As shown in the cross section of the flow path in Figure 2, the mist supply unit 10 forms a flow path that extends linearly from the mist generation unit 8 to the upper part of one end of the retention space 4. When viewed from the front (from the retention space 4 side), the opening of the mist supply unit 10 is formed in a horizontally elongated rectangle along the short side portion 6e of the bathtub body 6. The opening is formed to have a width that spans almost the entire short side portion 6e. The mist supply unit 10 is located above the water overflow portion 6c in the bathtub body 6. In this embodiment, this overflow portion 6c is the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6. As a variant, the overflow portion 6c may be an overflow port provided in the bathtub body 6. The mist supply unit 10 is also located on the short side portion 6e of the short side of the bathtub body 6. A platform-like portion on which the mist supply unit 10 is mounted is formed at the top of the short side portion 6e. The mist supply unit 10 supplies mist at a rate of 11 mL / min per unit time to the 330 L retention space 4 of the bathtub main body 6. The mist supply unit 10 can also supply mist at a rate of 6 mL / min per unit time to a 4.32 L retention space 4, such as a virtual retention space for measuring temperature difference or particle size, or to other plumbing equipment. The mist supply rate can be controlled by the number, output, and direction of ultrasonic wave irradiation of the ultrasonic transducers 18, the water level in the mist generation unit 8, or the shape of the flow paths in the mist generation unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10.

[0034] The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supplying unit 10 generate heated mist and control the temperature of the mist, making it easier for the mist to remain in the retention space 4. This will be described below. The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 are configured so that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 and the temperature of the room where the bathroom appliance is used before the mist supply begins is 0°C or more, so that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 is retained in the retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6. The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 of the mist generator 1 are also configured to create a temperature difference such that the force of the rising air current caused by the temperature difference to lift the mist does not exceed the weight of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10, which corresponds to the particle size of the mist. This type of mist supply may be achieved without using the room temperature measuring device 24 (i.e., without relying on the measurement results of the room temperature measuring device 24) by presetting the temperature of the water supplied to the mist generating unit 8, the heating temperature of the heater 20, or the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator 18 according to the expected temperature range of the air in the room space 5. Alternatively, this type of mist supply may be achieved by adjusting the settings at the time of supply. The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supplying unit 10 are configured so that the temperature difference is preferably 100° C. or less, more preferably 60° C. or less, and even more preferably 45° C. or less. The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supplying unit 10 generate heated mist and control the particle size of the mist, making it easier for the mist to remain in the retention space 4.

[0035] Next, the operation of the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, the mist generator 1 is incorporated into the upper part of the bathtub main body 6 of the bathtub apparatus 2 so that it appears to be nearly one with the bathtub main body 6. The basic structure of the mist generator 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 is nearly the same as the basic structure of the mist generator 1 shown in FIG. 2, so the same reference numerals as in FIG. 2 will be used in the explanation of FIGS. 3 to 8.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, in the standby state before the mist generator 1 starts operating, water at approximately 38°C is stored in the lower half of the retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6. The air temperature in the interior space 5 of the bathroom 3 and the air temperature in the retention space 4 are approximately the same temperature. The water supply channel on-off valve 30 and the drain channel on-off valve 32 are closed. There is no water in the tank 12. The ultrasonic vibrator 18 and heater 20 are stopped.

[0037] The user operates the operating unit 28 to start controlling the mist supply from the mist generator 1. Before mist supply begins, the indoor temperature measuring device 24 measures the air temperature in the indoor space 5, and the control unit 26 recognizes the air temperature in the indoor space 5. The control unit 26 opens the water supply line valve 30 to supply water from the water supply line 14 into the tank 12. The drainage line valve 32 remains closed. When a predetermined amount of water is stored in the tank 12, the water supply line valve 30 opens. Next, the control unit 26 activates the heater 20 to heat the water from the supplied water temperature to 60°C or higher. After the water 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 supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 and the temperature in the bathroom 3 where the bathtub apparatus 2 is used before mist supply begins is 0°C or higher. Next, the control unit 26 activates the ultrasonic vibrator 18 to generate mist within the tank 12 .

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a state immediately after the mist supply unit 10 starts supplying mist into the retention space 4. The mist generated in the tank 12 is supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 in the bathtub main body 6. The mist naturally overflows from the mist supply unit 10 and, as shown by arrow F1, is supplied into the retention space 4 while freely falling due to its own weight. In this way, the mist is prevented from moving in any direction other than downward. Therefore, the mist is prevented from moving, such as stirring, diffusing, or rising, within the retention space 4.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows the state after about 10 seconds have passed since the start of mist supply. The supply of mist from mist supply unit 10 to retention space 4 continues. The supplied mist begins to stagnate above the surface of water B and in a lower portion of retention space 4. Because the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied from mist supply unit 10 to retention space 4 and the temperature of indoor space 5 in which bathtub apparatus 2 is used before the mist supply begins is 0°C or more, the temperature of the mist makes it difficult for the mist to generate an updraft strong enough to overcome its own weight. Therefore, the mist stagnates in a relatively low portion of retention space 4.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows the state after about 30 seconds have passed since the start of mist supply. The supply of mist from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 continues. The amount of mist supplied into the retention space 4 gradually increases, and the mist gradually begins to accumulate in higher parts of the retention space 4.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows the state after about one minute has passed since the start of mist supply. The supply of mist from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 continues. The mist supplied into the retention space 4 gradually increases, and the mist begins to accumulate in higher parts of the retention space 4.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows the state after about 1 minute and 30 seconds have passed since the start of mist supply. The mist continues to be supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4. The mist supplied into the retention space 4 further increases, and the mist is retained up to a portion close to the top of the retention space 4 (the upper end 6a of the bathtub main body 6).

[0043] FIG. 8 shows the state after about two minutes have passed since the start of mist supply. The mist continues to be supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4. The mist supplied into the retention space 4 accumulates up to a portion close to the top of the retention space 4 (the upper end 6a of the bathtub main body 6). The mist mainly accumulates in the retention space 4 in an area above the water surface of the water B and below the top of the retention space 4. Some of the mist falls into the water B and is absorbed, or forms droplets that adhere to the wall of the bathtub main body 6, or flows over the edge of the upper end 6a of the bathtub main body 6. Although some of the mist disappears or diffuses, the majority of the mist remains in the retention space 4. In other words, the mist flows slowly within the retention space 4 but does not diffuse from the retention space 4, forming a stable retention layer C. The retention layer C is formed when mist of a certain density or higher exists within a unit space above the water surface of the water B. The retention layer appears as a white cloud. The retention layer is formed so that the mist density is relatively high at the bottom and relatively low at the top. The presence of the retention layer makes it appear as if the retention space 4 is filled with mist up to the top.

[0044] The retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below height M1, which is the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6 (height position M0) plus the height equivalent to the depth L1 of the bathtub body 6. The retention boundary surface 66 indicates the boundary region between retention layer C, where the mist is present in the air at a concentration above a certain level, and air layer J, where the mist is present in the air at a concentration below a certain level. Because the mist moves to some extent while retaining its position, retention boundary surface 66 is defined as an area that has some height in the vertical direction and also as an area that spreads horizontally. The overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6 is the lowest part of the side wall of the bathtub body 6, i.e., the part that overflows first when water accumulates up to the upper limit of the bathtub body 6.

[0045] Furthermore, the retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed above the height position M0 of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub main body 6. Furthermore, the retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below a height position (height position M2 to height position M3) 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 main body 6. When the retention boundary surface 66 is positioned higher than the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub main body 6, the user can enjoy the mist bathing effect up to a position above the bathtub, that is, the warm bathing effect up to a height higher than the bathtub. While the mist generating unit 8 is operating (in use), mist is supplied into the bathtub main body 6 and the mist continues to accumulate. The mist generation unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 are configured to specify the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature, the particle size of the mist, the amount of mist supplied, etc., so that the height position of the stagnation boundary surface 66 is at the specified height position as described above.

[0046] Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, methods for measuring the temperature of the mist supplied from mist supply unit 10 to retention space 4 and the temperature of the room in which bathtub apparatus 2 is used before the supply of mist begins will be described. The temperature of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 can be measured by a box-shaped device 35 that corresponds to the shape of the expected plumbing equipment. The box-shaped device 35 includes a virtual retention space 34 that simulates the shape of the retention space of the expected plumbing equipment, and a K-type thermocouple 36 that is placed in the center of the virtual retention space 34 and measures the temperature. The virtual retention space 34 is formed to mimic the shape of the actual retention space 4 but at a smaller size. The size and shape of the virtual retention space are determined based on the anticipated plumbing equipment, such as a bathtub in the case of a bathtub apparatus 2, a bathroom wash area floor, a shower room, a washbasin sink in the case of a washstand, or a kitchen sink in the case of a kitchen. The virtual retention space 34 is, for example, a rectangle with short sides of 120 mm and long sides of 300 mm when viewed from above, and a cuboid with a height of 120 mm and long sides of 300 mm when viewed from the front. The virtual retention space 34 of the box-shaped apparatus 35 is open, with its ceiling omitted. A temperature-sensing element of a K-type thermocouple 36 is positioned at the center of the virtual retention space 34 to measure the air temperature within the virtual retention space 34. The K thermocouple 36 is located 60 mm inward from the sidewall along the short side, 150 mm inward from the sidewall along the long side, and 60 mm above the bottom in the height direction, as viewed from above. For example, the temperature-sensing part of the K thermocouple measures φ4.5 mm x 50 mm. The K thermocouple 36 is electrically connected to a temperature logger (not shown). For example, measurement data from the K thermocouple 36 (model L-TN-4-K, manufactured by AS ONE Corporation) is measured and recorded using a temperature logger (NR-TH08, manufactured by Keyence Corporation, NR-500 series), and the temperature logger information is recorded on a computer. The water used to generate the mist is tap water, and the quality of the water used to generate the mist is based on that of tap water. Furthermore, in the room where each measurement method (measurement method) is performed, no air conditioning or other ventilation that would create airflow in the room is supplied.

[0047] As shown in Figure 12, the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 is determined by the mist ambient temperature T1 (e.g., 43°C), which is the maximum temperature when the temperature rise has almost stopped after a sufficient amount of time (e.g., 2500 seconds) has passed since the mist supply unit 10 of this embodiment started to supply mist to the virtual retention space 34 in the box-shaped device 35. In FIG. 12, the vertical axis represents the temperature (mist ambient temperature) [°C] measured by the K-type thermocouple 36 in the virtual retention space 34, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time [s] from the start of measurement. FIG. 12 shows an example of a measurement of the mist ambient temperature. In this measurement example, the room temperature at the start is T0 = -5°C, and the initial temperature of the mist generated by the mist generation unit 8 is 60°C. The temperature of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space is slightly lowered, and this temperature is measured as the mist ambient temperature. After the mist supply starts, the temperature in the virtual retention space 34 rises over time, and the temperature rise converges to a substantially constant value T1. If the mist supply from the mist supply unit 10 continues, the value to which the temperature of the mist in the virtual retention space 34 converges will be the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the virtual retention space 34. Therefore, it is assumed that the temperature of the mist actually supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 will be the temperature of the mist obtained in the virtual retention space 34 (mist ambient temperature).

[0048] Next, a method for measuring the temperature in a room where a plumbing device is used before mist supply begins will be described. The temperature in the room where the plumbing device is used before mist supply begins is measured by a room temperature K thermocouple 50 located outside the virtual retention space 34 in the room where the plumbing device is used. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 outside the virtual retention space 34 is located in the same room space as the box-shaped device 35 and simulates the room temperature measuring device 24. Therefore, the temperature measured by the room temperature K thermocouple 50 corresponds to the room temperature measured by the room temperature measuring device 24. In simulations using a virtual retention space, the temperature measured by this room temperature K thermocouple 50 is used as the room temperature. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 is located at the height of the top of the virtual retention space 34, 60 mm outward from the side wall in the direction along the short side and 150 mm inward from the side wall at one end of the virtual retention space 34 in the direction along the long side, as viewed from above. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 is fixed outside the virtual retention space 34 by a support portion 38 that extends outside the virtual retention space 34. The temperature of the room where the plumbing appliance is used is measured by the room temperature K thermocouple 50 before mist supply to the virtual retention space 34 begins. The room temperature K thermocouple is the same K thermocouple as the K thermocouple 36 in the virtual retention space. The room temperature K thermocouple 50 is not limited to this location, and can be placed in a position outside and near the mist generation unit 8. Furthermore, since the room temperature K thermocouple 50 only needs to measure the temperature of the room where the plumbing appliance is used before mist supply begins, the K thermocouple 36 placed inside the virtual retention space 34 may measure the air temperature in the virtual retention space 34 before mist supply begins.

[0049] Next, referring to Figure 13, we will explain the range of temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 and the temperature in the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the mist supply begins (shown by the dotted area in Figure 13). As described above, the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 and the room temperature where the plumbing equipment is used before the mist supply begins can be determined. Therefore, the temperature difference between these mist temperatures and the room temperature can be determined. By setting this temperature difference to 0°C or more, the temperature of the mist adjusted after heating is set to the same temperature as or higher than the room temperature before the mist supply begins. In FIG. 13, the vertical axis represents the mist temperature (°C), and the horizontal axis represents the room temperature (°C). Furthermore, a line C1 is shown where the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature is 0°C. Therefore, the range where the temperature difference is 0°C or more is shown above line C1. FIG. 13 also shows a line C2 where the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature is 100°C. The mist generation unit 8 and mist supply unit 10 of the mist generator 1 are configured to achieve a temperature difference between 0°C and 100°C. By being able to set a relatively high mist temperature, where the temperature difference is up to 100°C, the cleaning properties of the mist and its ability to easily remove dirt can be improved when using mist to clean the bathtub body 6 of a bathroom fixture. For example, relatively high cleaning performance can be achieved by using high-temperature mist close to the boiling point of water. Furthermore, when the mist reaches its boiling temperature (e.g., 100°C), it changes into water vapor and the mist droplets disappear, so the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 is kept below 100°C (shown by the area below line C5).

[0050] Furthermore, the mist generation unit 8 and mist supply unit 10 of the mist generator 1 are configured so that the temperature difference is between 0°C and 60°C. Line C3 is shown where the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature is 60°C. By limiting the use of relatively high-temperature mist that results in a temperature difference of up to 60°C, the cleaning properties of the mist can be improved while further reducing the risk of burns when using mist to clean the bathtub body 6 of the plumbing equipment.

[0051] Furthermore, the mist generation unit 8 and mist supply unit 10 of the mist generator 1 are configured to achieve the temperature difference of 0°C or higher and 45°C or lower. Line C4 is shown where the temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature is 45°C. By using a relatively low-temperature mist with a temperature difference of up to 45°C, the possibility of users of plumbing equipment being burned by the mist can be virtually eliminated.

[0052] Also, in Figure 13, if the mist temperature is set to 35 degrees or higher (shown by line D1) and 45 degrees or lower (shown by line D2), the temperature can be set to about the user's body temperature or warmer, while almost eliminating the possibility of the user being burned by the mist.

[0053] Next, with reference to FIG. 14, a device and method for measuring the particle size of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 will be described. The mist particle size measuring device 37 includes a box-shaped device 39 that sets up a virtual retention space 34 of the same size and shape as described above, and a particle size distribution measuring device 53. A square opening 52 measuring 20 mm x 20 mm is formed in the side wall of this box-shaped device 39, i.e., near the center of the side wall of the virtual retention space 34, and a lid 55 is attached to this opening 52.

[0054] 15, the particle size distribution measuring device 53 is provided with a particle size measuring laser 54 arranged so that a measurement region E of the particle size measuring laser is located near and in front of the opening 52. The particle size measuring laser 54 is arranged so that the laser light of the particle size measuring laser 54 is parallel to the long side of the virtual retention space 34 when viewed from above. The measurement region E through which the laser light emitted from the particle size measuring laser 54 passes is located in front of the opening 52. The measurement region E is located 150 mm away from the opening 52. The particle size distribution measuring device 53 further includes a measurement lens 56 so as to detect diffracted and scattered light of the laser light.

[0055] With the lid 55 attached to this opening, mist begins to be supplied into the virtual retention space 34. The mist supply port from the mist supply unit 10 is not shown. One minute after the mist supply begins, the lid 55 is opened, allowing the mist to leak toward the measurement area E of the particle size measurement laser 54. The scattered light distribution is measured using the measurement lens 56 with the particle size measurement laser 54 having a transmittance of 60% to 90%. For example, the particle size measurement laser 54 and measurement lens 56 are the LDSA-SPR1500A, an Aerotrac LDSA-SPR series spray particle size distribution measurement device manufactured by Microtrac Bell Corporation. Particle size distribution data is measured 10 times and recorded on a PC. The 10 particle size distribution data are averaged on the PC. Figure 16 shows an example of particle size distribution data measured by the particle size distribution measurement device 53. In Figure 16, the left vertical axis represents frequency [%], the right vertical axis represents cumulative [%], and the horizontal axis represents particle size [μm]. For example, the PC analyzes the particle size distribution data obtained in this way and obtains the 20th percentile particle size G and Sauter mean particle size H of this particle size distribution data as particle size data. The Sauter mean particle size indicates the particle size having the same surface area to volume ratio as the total volume of all particles relative to the total surface area of ​​all particles. By determining the average particle size using the Sauter mean particle size, the influence of a small number of large particle sizes on the measurement value can be suppressed.

[0056] The mist generation unit 8 and other components are configured so that the particle size of the majority of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 is 3.1 μm or more and 40 μm or less. To minimize the effects on measurement of a small number of large particles and small particles at the upper and lower limits of this range, the particle size of the mist is specified to satisfy the conditions that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 40 μm or less and the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 3.1 μm or more. The mist generation unit 8 and other components are configured so that the particle size of the majority of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 is 3.6 μm or more and 20 μm or less. To minimize the effects on measurement of a small number of large-diameter particles and small-diameter particles at the upper and lower limits of this range, the particle size of the mist is specified to satisfy the conditions that the average of the Sauter mean particle size and the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 3.6 μm or more and the Sauter mean particle size of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit is 20 μm or less. The mist generating unit 8 and other components are configured so that the particle size of the majority of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 is 4.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. To reduce the influence of a small number of large-diameter particles or small-diameter particles at the upper and lower limits of this range, the particle size of the mist is specified to satisfy the condition that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 4.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0057] Next, the relationship between the temperature difference and the particle size will be described with reference to FIG. In Figure 17, the vertical axis represents particle size [µm], and the horizontal axis represents temperature difference ΔT [°C]. The preferred ranges for particle size and temperature difference ΔT are indicated by dotted areas in Figure 17. The mist generation unit 8 and mist supply unit 10 can set a predetermined temperature difference between the mist temperature and the room temperature in a range of 0°C to 100°C. As described above, the temperature difference can be changed to 0°C to 60°C, 0°C to 45°C, etc.

[0058] The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supplying unit 10 are configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 40 μm or less. Therefore, the particle size of most of the mist is 40 μm or less. If the mist particle size is 40 μm, the terminal velocity v is calculated as 45.3 mm / s. The method for calculating the terminal velocity v of the water droplets can be expressed as follows: If the molecular viscosity coefficient of air is μ and the radius of the water droplet (half the mist particle size) is r, then ρ = 103 kg / m -3 , g=9.8m / s 2 , μ=1.8X10-5 N·sec / m 2 (15℃) TIFF0007802271000001.tif11150, and the terminal velocity v(∞) is proportional to the square of the radius of the water droplet. Note that this formula is applicable in the range of Re<1, i.e., r<0.1mm. If the mist particle size is 40 μm and the terminal velocity of the mist is 45.3 mm / s, it is assumed that the supplied mist reaches the bottom of the retention space in approximately 10 seconds (for example, the distance from the mist supply section 10 to the bottom of the retention space 4 is 45 cm) and then disappears. In other words, the mist will remain for at least 10 seconds from the time the mist is supplied until it disappears. If the mist remains for approximately 10 seconds in this way, new mist can be supplied during this time, making it easier to maintain the mist retention layer C. In Figure 17, when the Sauter mean particle size is larger than 40 μm, the average time until the mist disappears becomes shorter, making it less likely that a mist retention layer will form due to the disappearance of the mist.

[0059] The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 may be configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 20 μm or less. In this case, the particle size of most of the mist is 20 μm or less. If the particle size of the mist is 20 μm, the terminal velocity v is calculated to be 11.3 mm / s, and it will take at least approximately 40 seconds for the supplied mist to reach the bottom of the retention space 4, further reducing the proportion of mist that falls to the bottom of the retention space 4 relatively quickly.

[0060] The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 may be configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 10 μm or less. In this case, the particle size of most of the mist is 10 μm or less. If the particle size of the mist is 10 μm, the terminal velocity v is calculated to be 2.8 mm / s, and it will take at least approximately 160 seconds for the supplied mist to reach the bottom of the retention space 4. This allows the mist to remain in the retention space 4 for a longer period of time, and further reduces the proportion of mist that falls to the bottom of the retention space 4 relatively quickly.

[0061] The mist generation unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 may be configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 3.1 μm or more. In this case, the particle size of the majority of the mist is 3.1 μm or more. This reduces the proportion of mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 that is not retained in the retention space 4 and diffuses outside the retention space 4, while increasing the proportion of mist that is retained in the retention space 4, allowing the mist to be efficiently retained in the retention space 4.

[0062] The mist generation unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 may be configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 3.6 μm or more. In this case, the particle size of the majority of the mist is 3.6 μm or more. This can further reduce the proportion of mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 that is not retained in the retention space 4 and diffuses outside the retention space 4, and further increase the proportion of mist that is retained in the retention space 4, allowing the mist to be retained in the retention space 4 more efficiently.

[0063] The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 may be configured so that the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 4.1 μm or more. In this case, the particle size of the majority of the mist is 4.1 μm or more. This further reduces the proportion of mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 that is not retained in the retention space 4 and diffuses outside the retention space 4, and further increases the proportion of mist that is retained in the retention space 4, allowing the mist to be retained in the retention space 4 more efficiently.

[0064] Next, the relationship between the temperature difference, particle size, and the state of mist in the virtual retention space 58 will be further explained with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Figure 18 shows a box-shaped observation device for observing the state in the virtual retention space. Figure 19 shows a comparison of the state of mist in the virtual retention space 58 for nine combinations of temperature difference and Sauter mean particle size.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 19, the state of mist in a virtual retention space 58 can be measured using a box-shaped observation device 55 that corresponds to the shape of the expected plumbing equipment. The box-shaped observation device 55 is equipped with a virtual retention space 58 that simulates the shape of the retention space of the expected plumbing equipment, and a camera 62 that observes and records the state of mist in the virtual retention space 58. As shown in FIG. 18, the virtual retention space 58 of the box-shaped observation device 55 forms a rectangular parallelepiped with short sides of 120 mm, long sides of 300 mm, and a height of 240 mm in a perspective view. The virtual retention space 58 does not have a ceiling and 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 interior of the virtual retention space 58 can be observed and recorded using a camera 62 positioned diagonally above the box-shaped observation device 55. A supply port 64 having a width of 70 mm and a height of 40 mm is formed at a position 120 mm high on the side wall on the short side of the virtual retention space 58 of the box-shaped observation device 55. This supply port 64 is connected to the mist supply unit 10.

[0066] 19, mist with a predetermined particle size and temperature difference is supplied from the mist supply unit 10, and photographs of the stagnation state taken by the camera 62 are shown for comparison in nine patterns. In the photographs of each pattern, the position where the stagnation boundary surface is expected to occur is indicated by a dotted line for reference. In FIG. 19, the vertical axis indicates the Sauter mean particle diameter of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10, and the horizontal axis indicates the temperature difference ΔT between the temperature of the mist and the temperature inside the room. In pattern example A of Figure 19, when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 50 μm to 60 μm and the temperature difference is 5°C (mist temperature 20°C and room temperature before mist supply starts 15°C), the mist supplied from mist supply unit 10 falls relatively quickly to the bottom within virtual retention space 58 and disappears, resulting in the mist not remaining within virtual retention space 58. This photograph was taken two minutes after mist supply started. Therefore, no retention layer C of mist has formed within virtual retention space 58, forming retention boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

[0067] In pattern example B of Figure 19, when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 50 μm to 60 μm and the temperature difference is 25°C (mist temperature 40°C and room temperature before mist supply starts 15°C), the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 falls relatively quickly to the bottom within the virtual retention space 58 and disappears, so the mist does not remain within the virtual retention space 58. In pattern example C of Figure 19, when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 50 μm to 60 μm and the temperature difference is 45°C (mist temperature 60°C and room temperature before mist supply starts 15°C), the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 falls relatively quickly to the bottom within the virtual retention space 58 and disappears, so the mist does not remain within the virtual retention space 58.

[0068] In pattern example D of FIG. 19, when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 4 μm to 8 μm and the temperature difference is 5°C (mist temperature 20°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C), the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 forms a stagnation layer C in the virtual retention space 58, although the concentration is somewhat low. Because the mist particle size is relatively small, the terminal velocity is also relatively small, and the falling speed is slow. On the other hand, the updraft caused by the temperature difference is also small. As a result, the mist stagnates and forms a stagnation layer in the virtual retention space 58, forming a stagnation boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

[0069] In pattern example E of FIG. 19 , when the Sauter mean particle diameter of the mist is 4 μm to 8 μm and the temperature difference is 25°C (the mist temperature is 40°C and the room temperature before the mist supply starts is 15°C), the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 forms a highly concentrated stagnation layer C in the virtual retention space 58. Because the mist particle diameter is relatively small, the terminal velocity is also relatively small, and the fall speed is slow. A slight updraft is also generated due to the temperature difference. Here, the force of the updraft caused by the temperature difference to lift the mist does not exceed the weight of the mist, but the fall of the mist is suppressed, and the mist remains stagnate for a relatively long time. Therefore, a stagnation layer C of mist is formed in the virtual retention space 58, forming a stagnation boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

[0070] In pattern example F of FIG. 19 , when the mist's Sauter mean diameter is 4 μm to 8 μm and the temperature difference is 45°C (the mist temperature is 60°C and the room temperature before mist supply is 15°C), the mist supplied from the mist supply unit forms a highly concentrated stagnation layer C in the virtual retention space 58. Because the mist's particle size is relatively small, the terminal velocity is also relatively small, and the fall speed is slow. Furthermore, the updraft caused by the temperature difference is slightly stronger than when the temperature difference is 25°C. However, the force of the updraft caused by the temperature difference to lift the mist still does not exceed the weight of the mist, suppressing the fall of the mist and causing the mist to remain stagnant for a relatively long time. Because the updraft is somewhat stronger, there are areas where the mist appears to float up from the stagnation layer C, but overall the stagnation layer C of the mist continues to be maintained. Therefore, a stagnation layer of mist is formed in the virtual retention space 58, forming a stagnation boundary surface 66 on its upper surface. Even if there are areas where the mist is rising locally, if the retention boundary surface 66 is maintained in more than half of the area of ​​the virtual retention space 58, it is considered that the retention boundary surface 66 is formed.

[0071] In pattern example G of Figure 19, when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 1.2 μm and the temperature difference is 5°C (mist temperature 20°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C), the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 diffuses and floats up within the virtual retention space 58. The updraft caused by the temperature difference is relatively small. However, because the mist particle size is even smaller, the terminal velocity is even smaller and the fall speed is even slower. Therefore, the mist is light in weight and diffuses with a slight updraft. Therefore, a mist stagnation layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on its upper surface is not formed within the virtual retention space 58. In pattern example H of Figure 19, when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 1.2 μm and the temperature difference is 25°C (mist temperature 40°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C), the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 is floating and diffusing within the virtual retention space 58. Because the mist particle size is even smaller, the terminal velocity is even smaller and the falling speed is even slower. Furthermore, the updraft caused by the temperature difference is even stronger. Therefore, the mist is lighter and is diffused by the stronger updraft. Therefore, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on its upper surface is not formed within the virtual retention space 58. In pattern example I of Figure 19, when the Sauter mean particle size of the mist is 1.2 μm and the temperature difference is 45°C (mist temperature 60°C and room temperature before mist supply begins 15°C), the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 is floating and diffusing within the virtual retention space 58. Because the mist particle size is even smaller, the terminal velocity is even smaller and the falling speed is even slower. Furthermore, the updraft caused by the temperature difference is even stronger. Therefore, the mist is lighter and is diffused by the even stronger updraft. Therefore, a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface on the upper surface is not formed within the virtual retention space 58.

[0072] Next, referring to Figure 20, we will explain a device and method for determining whether mist is in a stagnant state (whether a mist stagnant layer C has formed on the upper surface such that a stagnant boundary surface 66 has been formed) in the stagnant space 4 (or virtual stagnant space, etc.) within the bathtub body 6. As shown in Figure 20, the internal transmittance measured inside the retention space 4 in the bathtub body 6 using a transmittance measuring device 68 is compared with the external transmittance measured outside the retention space 4, and if the internal transmittance is lower than the external transmittance, it can be determined that mist is retained inside the retention space 4. More specifically, if the internal transmittance / external transmittance is less than 1, it can be determined that mist is retained inside the retention space 4.

[0073] For example, as shown in pattern example E in Fig. 19, when mist is retained inside the retention space 4, the internal transmittance decreases. On the other hand, the mist is mainly retained inside the 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 is < 1, and it is determined that mist is retained inside the retention space 4. 19, when the mist is not retained inside the retention space 4 and the mist is mainly falling and disappearing, both the internal transmittance and external transmittance remain relatively high. Therefore, the internal transmittance / external transmittance = 1, and it is not determined that the mist is retained inside the retention space 4. 19, when mist diffuses from inside the retention space 4 to the outside, it is considered that the internal transmittance and external transmittance both have similar values ​​with slightly low transmittance. Therefore, internal transmittance / external transmittance = 1, and it is not determined that mist is retained inside the retention space 4.

[0074] Next, the transmittance measuring device 68 will be described with reference to FIG. The transmittance measuring device 68 includes a first laser device 70 disposed inside the retention space 4, and a first transmittance measuring device 72 that receives a laser. The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are disposed 150 mm apart in the horizontal direction at a position 150 mm below the upper end of the retention space 4 (for example, a depth position that is about 30% of the depth of the retention space 4). The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are disposed near the center of the retention space 4 when viewed from above. The intensity of the laser light measured by the first transmittance measuring device 72 is measured relative to the intensity of the laser light emitted from the first laser device 70, and the transmittance is measured. The transmittance measuring device 68 further includes a second laser device 74 disposed outside the 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 disposed 150 mm above the upper end of the retention space 4 (e.g., relative to the upper end of the retention space 4, symmetrical to the first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72), and are spaced 150 mm apart horizontally. The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are disposed near the center of the retention space 4 in a top view. The intensity of the laser light measured by the second transmittance measuring device 76 is measured relative to the intensity of the laser light emitted from the second laser device 74, and the transmittance is measured. Note that the transmittance measuring device 68 has the first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 disposed inside the retention space 4. However, these devices may be disposed in a virtual retention space such as that described above instead of the retention space 4, and a virtual predicted measurement of the transmittance may be performed. In this case, a second laser device 74 and a second transmittance measuring device 76 are placed outside the virtual retention space. More specifically, the device configuration involves oscillating laser light emitted from a Keyence digital fiber amplifier FS-N11MN through a Keyence FU-77TZ (first laser device 70 or second laser device 74) and receiving it at a Keyence FU-77TZ (first transmittance measuring device 72 or second transmittance measuring device 76). The received light is returned to the fiber amplifier FS-N11MN, which outputs a voltage of, for example, 1-5 V depending on the light intensity. The output voltage is measured using a Keyence NR-500 series NR-HA08 and scaled to a value between 0 and 100% on a PC. Transmittance data is measured, for example, at a sampling period of 100 ms. For example, within 15 minutes of starting to supply mist at a nearly constant rate, transmittance data is averaged over the first 30 seconds that can be determined to be in a steady state.

[0075] Next, the difference in how heat is transferred to the user during mist bathing and normal bathing will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. Figure 21 shows the heat flux transmitted over time from the water to the user when the user is sitting in the bathtub body 6 of the bathtub device 2 and taking a bath while standing in the normal bathing water level (a water level that is above the user's armpits and below the user's shoulders when bathing, for example, 450 mm when bathing), the heat flux transmitted to the user when the same bathtub body 6 is filled with mist at 40°C (mist atmosphere state), the heat flux transmitted to the user when the same bathtub body 6 is filled with mist at 43°C (mist atmosphere state), and the heat flux transmitted to the user when the same bathtub body 6 is filled with mist at 45°C (mist atmosphere state). The vertical axis represents the heat flux [W / m 2 ], and the horizontal axis shows the time [s] from the start of bathing. Heat flux [W / m 2 ] measures the heat flux transmitted to the user by placing the measuring unit at the center of the back of a user with an average build. The mist atmosphere state indicates a state in which the bathtub body 6 is sufficiently filled with mist. When a user bathes in 40°C water from time 0 [S], the heat flux rises sharply at the beginning. This shows that the thermal stimulus given to the user at the start of bathing is large. On the other hand, when a mist bath is taken, the initial rise in heat flux is relatively suppressed and rises gradually. This shows that the thermal stimulus given to the user at the start of bathing is smaller than when taking a bath in a bath. Furthermore, when a user bathes in 40°C water and when they take a mist bath with 40°C mist, the heat flux is lower with the 40°C mist, and the user feels a lower temperature. Bathing with 40°C mist can warm the user's body gently with low stimulation.

[0076] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, the heat flux acting on a user is similar when bathing in 40°C water and when mist bathing at 43°C. Figure 22 shows the results of measuring the user's skin temperature after 10 minutes of bathing and mist bathing. It can be seen that users experience approximately the same warmth when bathing in 40°C water and when mist bathing at 43°C. Thus, mist bathing reduces the irritation caused by heated water at the start of bathing, allowing for a gentler bathing experience. For example, bathing in 43°C water feels very hot and can only be done for a short time, whereas bathing in 43°C mist feels slightly cooler and allows for a longer soak compared to water of the same temperature. Furthermore, compared to water, mist gives the user a slightly lower temperature sensation, allowing the user's body to warm up gradually at a slightly slower rate, with less strain on the user's body. Furthermore, mist bathing places less strain on the user's body with water pressure, eliminating the pressure on the body that water exerts, making it possible to enjoy mist bathing for extended periods of time. Furthermore, mist bathing can provide the user with a visual effect similar to that of an open-air bath, with the surface of the water covered in mist, providing a luxurious and soothing effect.

[0077] Next, the effects of the configuration of this embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the mist generator 8 and mist supply unit 10 are configured so that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 is retained in the retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6. This allows the heated mist to remain in the retention space 4, which is open at the top of the bathtub body 6. This eliminates the need for a user lid, improving convenience, and also improves user comfort, as the user can warm up with the mist inside the bathtub body 6 without a lid. Furthermore, because the user can be warmed by the mist inside the bathtub body 6, the user can enjoy a mist bath without feeling any pressure or strain on the body compared to when immersed in water. Furthermore, the heat is transmitted to the user more slowly than when immersed in water, reducing the strain on the body.

[0078] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the mist generation unit 8 is equipped with a water temperature detection means for detecting the water temperature, allowing for more reliable control of the water temperature. This allows the mist generation unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 to more reliably retain the heated mist in the retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6.

[0079] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, by heating the water or mist to 60°C or higher, even if bacteria are contained in the water, the effects of at least some of the bacteria (e.g., Legionella bacteria) can be suppressed.

[0080] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below a height position obtained by adding a height equivalent to the depth of the bathtub body 6 to the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6, thereby preventing the retention boundary surface 66 from being formed at a position that is too high, thereby increasing the comfort of the user.

[0081] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed above the height position of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub main body 6, making it easier for a user sitting in the bathtub main body 6 to take a mist bath up to the upper part of their body, and also making it possible to warm the user's body up to a level above the water level at which water is normally poured, thereby further increasing the user's comfort.

[0082] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below a height position obtained by adding a value between 100 mm and 200 mm to the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub main body 6, so that the retention boundary surface 66 is more likely to be formed below the position of the face of a user sitting in the bathtub main body 6, further increasing the comfort of the user.

[0083] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the mist supply section 10 is positioned above the water overflow section in the bathtub body 6, thereby preventing the water in the bathtub body 6 from entering upstream from the mist supply section 10 as a flow of sewage.

[0084] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the mist supply section 10 is positioned above the water overflow surface 6b in the bathtub body 6, thereby preventing water in the bathtub body 6 from entering upstream from the mist supply section 10 as sewage.

[0085] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the mist generating device 1 further includes an indoor temperature measuring device 24 that detects the air temperature in the bathroom in which the bathtub body 6 is placed. Therefore, the mist generating unit 8 can generate heated mist according to the air temperature in the bathroom in which the bathtub body 6 is placed, and the mist generating unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 can more reliably retain the heated mist in the retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6.

[0086] Furthermore, the first embodiment of the present invention is a bathtub apparatus characterized by comprising a mist generating device of the first embodiment of the present invention and a bathtub main body 6 that forms a retention space 4 that receives mist supplied from the mist supply section 10 of the mist generating device 1.

[0087] In the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the mist generation unit 8 and mist supply unit 10 of the mist generator 1 are positioned on the short sides of the bathtub body 6, so the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 is supplied relatively evenly in the left-right direction of the short sides in the retention space 4 within the bathtub body 6, preventing the mist from becoming disrupted. Furthermore, a relatively even flow of mist is supplied in the left-right direction of the short sides, and this mist travels along the long sides, making it easier to create a visual effect that gives the user a soothing effect and a sense of luxury.

[0088] Next, a mist generator 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. The mist generator 101 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the mist supply unit has a mist supply port facing downward. Here, only the differences between the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be described, and similar parts will be given the same reference numerals in the drawings and will not be described again. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a bathtub apparatus equipped with a mist generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a side view of a bathtub apparatus equipped with a mist generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 24, the stagnation boundary surface 66 in the second embodiment is formed in the same manner as the stagnation boundary surface 66 in the first embodiment, but due to space limitations, reference signs M0, M1, M2, M3, L1, etc. relating to the description of the position where the stagnation boundary surface 66 is formed are omitted. In the second embodiment as well, the description of the reference signs M0, M1, M2, M3, L1, etc. relating to the description of the stagnation boundary surface 66 in the first embodiment and the description in FIG. 2, etc.

[0089] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, a bathtub apparatus 2, which is a plumbing device equipped with a mist generator 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, is installed in a bathroom 3. Plumbing devices are devices equipped with a water discharge device for use in bathrooms, bathroom wash area floors, toilets, washrooms, kitchens, etc. The mist generator 101 is a mist generator used in plumbing devices such as the bathtub itself, bathroom wash area floors, shower rooms, hand wash bowls, wash basins, and kitchen sinks.

[0090] The mist generator 101 is used in a bathtub apparatus 2, which is a plumbing device. The mist generator 101 includes a mist generating unit 108 that generates mist, and a mist supply unit 110 that supplies the mist into the bathtub main body 6.

[0091] The mist generation unit 108 is attached to the wall W of the bathroom 3, at a height higher than the bathtub main body 6. The mist generation unit 108 is located above the short side portion 6e of the upper edge of the bathtub main body 6. The mist generation unit 108 is spaced apart from the bathtub main body 6. That is, the mist generation unit 108 is not directly attached to the bathtub main body 6, and a gap space is formed between the bottom surface of the mist generation unit 108 and the short side portion 6e. Although the mist generation unit 108 is spaced apart from the bathtub main body 6, as a variant, the mist generation unit 108 may be arranged so as to contact or be attached to the bathtub main body 6. Note that the mist generation unit 108 in the second embodiment has basically the same components and functions as the mist generation unit 8 in the first embodiment, except for its location. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to designate similar parts, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or briefly described, and mainly the different parts will be described.

[0092] The mist generating unit 108 includes a water supply line 14 that supplies water from a water source to the tank 12, a drain line 16 that drains water from the tank 12 to a drain pipe, an ultrasonic vibrator 18 provided at the bottom inside the tank 12, a heater 20 provided at the bottom inside the tank 12, a water temperature measuring device 22 that is a water temperature detecting means provided inside the tank 12, an indoor temperature measuring device 24 that is an air temperature detecting means provided outside the tank 12, and a control unit 26 that controls the ultrasonic vibrator 18 and the heater 20.

[0093] The tank 12 is attached to the front side of the wall W (the interior side of the bathroom 3). A water supply channel 14 and a drain channel 16 are connected to the side wall at the bottom of the tank 12. A mist supply unit 110 is connected to the side wall near the center of the tank 12. The water supply channel 14 extends from the front side of the wall W to the back side (the exterior side of the bathroom 3). The drain channel 16 extends from the front side of the wall W to the back side. The control unit 26 is provided on the back side of the wall W.

[0094] The mist supply unit 110 supplies the mist generated by the mist generation unit 108 into the bathtub body 6, which is a retention section that forms the retention space 4, whose upward opening faces the room in which the bathtub body 6 is placed. The mist supply unit 110 is located above the short side portion 6e of the short side of the bathtub body 6. As shown in the cross section of the flow path in Figure 24, the mist supply unit 110 includes a mist supply flow path 111 that extends laterally from the mist generation unit 108 to the top of one end of the retention space 4, and a mist supply port 113 that is connected to the downstream end of the mist supply flow path 111 and opens downward.

[0095] The mist supply flow path 111 extends substantially horizontally from the vertical center of the tank 12. Alternatively, the mist supply flow path 111 may extend from the top of the tank 12. Alternatively, the mist supply flow path 111 may extend diagonally downward from the mist generating unit 108 toward the retention space 4. Furthermore, the mist supply flow path 111 may form a flow path that curves from sideways to downward in an arc, together with the downward-facing mist supply port 113. When viewed from the front (from the retention space 4 side), the mist supply flow path 111 forms a horizontally elongated rectangular flow path (e.g., flow path cross section). The bottom surface 111a of the mist supply flow path 111 extends flat and parallel to the left-right direction of the short side portion 6e of the bathtub body 6 (the depth direction of the paper in FIG. 24) and also extends flat and parallel to the front-to-back direction of the short side portion 6e. A vertical wall 111b is formed on the front surface of the mist supply flow path 111 on the retention space 4 side, and the mist passing through the mist supply part 110 is guided downward by the vertical wall 111b.

[0096] The mist supply port 113 extends downward from the downstream end of the mist supply flow path 111. The mist supply port 113 forms a duct-like flow path extending downward. The mist supply port 113 forms an opening that opens downward. When viewed from the front of the opening (when viewed from below the mist supply port 113 upward), the mist supply port 113 forms a horizontally long rectangular flow path (e.g., flow path cross section). The width of the mist supply port 113 in the left-right direction (depth direction of the paper in FIG. 24) is the same as the width of the mist supply flow path 111 in the left-right direction (depth direction of the paper in FIG. 24). The width of the mist supply port 113 in the left-right direction may be different from the width of the mist supply flow path 111. The width of the mist supply port 113 in the left-right direction is shorter than the width of the short side portion 6e in the left-right direction. The width of the mist supply port 113 in the left-right direction may be the same as the width of almost the entire short side portion 6e, for example, the width of the retention space 4 in the short side portion 6e in the left-right direction. Also, the width of the mist supply port 113 in the left-right direction may be about half the entire width of the retention space 4 in the short side portion 6e in the left-right direction.

[0097] The lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 extends parallel to the left-right direction of the short side portion 6e of the bathtub body 6 (the depth direction of the paper in Figure 24). The lower end 113a is located above the retention space 4, inside the bathtub body 6, from the short side portion 6e. The mist supply port 113 is located above the retention space 4. The mist supply port 113 extends vertically downward. The mist supply port 113 may also extend diagonally downward. An imaginary line N along the opening direction of the mist supply port 113 extends into the space inside the short side portion 6e of the bathtub body 6, for example, toward the retention space 4.

[0098] The lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 is located above the water overflow portion 6c in the bathtub body 6. This prevents water in the bathtub body 6 from flowing upstream from the mist supply port 113 as sewage. The lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 may be located below the upper end of the stagnation boundary surface 66. In this embodiment, this overflow portion 6c is the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6, and the lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 is located above the short side portion 6e of the bathtub body 6. As a variant, the overflow portion 6c may be an overflow port provided in the bathtub body 6. Therefore, the lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 may be located above the overflow port provided in the bathtub body 6 and below the short side portion 6e.

[0099] The length of the mist supply port 113, for example, the length from the bottom of the mist supply flow path 111 to the lower end 113a, is variable. The lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 is located, for example, at a position higher than 0 mm above the overflow portion 6c, or at a position higher than 50 mm above the overflow portion 6c. The lower end 113a is located, for example, at a position lower than 400 mm above the short side portion 6e, or at a position lower than 100 mm above the short side portion 6e. Therefore, the lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 is positioned at a height within a range, for example, higher than 0 mm above the overflow portion 6c and lower than 400 mm above the short side portion 6e. More preferably, the lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 is positioned at a height within a range, for example, at least 50 mm above the height of the overflow portion 6c and no more than 100 mm above the short side portion 6e. Positioning the lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 as described above allows the mist to travel a relatively short distance from the lower end 113a to the retention space 4, making it easier to control the temperature and other aspects of the mist supplied to the retention space 4. Furthermore, it also prevents the mist from diffusing before being supplied to the retention space 4. Positioning the lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 at a height greater than 0 mm above the height of the overflow portion 6c as described above prevents the water in the bathtub body 6 from entering the upstream side as sewage before overflowing from the overflow portion 6c, even when the overflow portion 6c is positioned lower than the upper edge of the bathtub body 6. Furthermore, as described above, the lower end 113a of the mist supply port 113 is preferably positioned at a height that is more than 50 mm above the height position of the overflow portion 6c, thereby further preventing water in the bathtub body 6 from entering the upstream side from the lower end 113a as a flow of sewage.

[0100] As a modified example, the mist supply port 113 may be formed as an opening formed on the lower side of the mist supply flow path 111 and open downward. Such a lower-side opening mist supply port 113 forms an opening that does not protrude downward from the mist supply flow path 111 as a duct-like flow path. When viewed from the front of the opening (when viewed from below the mist supply port 113), the lower-side opening mist supply port 113 forms a horizontally long rectangular flow path (flow path cross section). The left-right width of the lower-side opening mist supply port 113 is the same as the left-right width of the mist supply flow path 111. The left-right width of the lower-side opening mist supply port 113 is shorter than the left-right width of the short side portion 6e. Note that the left-right width of the lower-side opening mist supply port 113 may be the same as the width of almost the entire short side portion 6e, for example, the left-right width of the retention space 4 at the short side portion 6e. Furthermore, the left-right width of the mist supply port 113 of the lower opening may be approximately half the overall left-right width of the retention space 4. The left-right sides of the mist supply port 113 of the lower opening extend parallel to the left-right direction of the short side portion 6e of the bathtub body 6. The mist supply port 113 of the lower opening is located higher in the retention space 4 inside the bathtub body 6 than the short side portion 6e. The mist supply port 113 of the lower opening opens vertically downward, but may also open diagonally downward toward the retention space 4. The mist supply port 113 of the lower opening is located above the water overflow portion 6c in the bathtub body 6, and the mist supply port 113 of the lower opening is located above the short side portion 6e of the bathtub body 6.

[0101] Again, in this embodiment, the mist supply unit 110 supplies mist at a rate per unit of volume ranging from 0.03 mL / min·L to 1.5 mL / min·L, for example. The mist supply unit 110 can supply mist at a rate of 11 mL / min per unit of time to the retention space 4 of the bathtub main body 6, which has a volume of 330 L. The mist supply unit 110 can also supply mist at a rate of 6 mL / min per unit of time to a retention space 4 of 4.32 L, such as a virtual retention space for measuring temperature difference or particle size, or to other plumbing equipment. The amount of mist supplied can be controlled by the number, output, and direction of ultrasonic wave irradiation of the ultrasonic transducers 18, the water level in the mist generation unit 108, or the shape of the flow paths in the mist generation unit 108 and the mist supply unit 110.

[0102] The mist generation unit 108 and the mist supply unit 110 generate heated mist and control the temperature of the mist, making it easier for the mist to remain in the retention space 4. This will be explained below. The mist generation unit 108 and the mist supply unit 110 are configured so that the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 110 to the retention space 4 and the temperature of the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the mist supply begins is 0°C or more, so that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 110 remains in the retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6. Furthermore, the mist generation unit 108 and the mist supply unit 110 of the mist generator 101 are configured to create a temperature difference such that the force of the rising air current caused by the temperature difference, which tends to lift the mist, does not exceed the weight of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 110, which is determined by the particle size of the mist. This type of mist supply may be achieved without using the indoor temperature measuring device 24 (without relying on the measurement results of the indoor temperature measuring device 24) by presetting the temperature of the water supplied to the mist generating unit 108, the heating temperature of the heater 20, or the frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator 18 according to the expected temperature range of the air in the indoor space 5. Alternatively, this type of mist supply may be achieved by adjusting the settings at the time of supply. The mist generating unit 108 and the mist supply unit 110 are configured so that the temperature difference between them is preferably 100°C or less, more preferably 60°C or less, and even more preferably 45°C or less. The mist generating unit 108 and the mist supply unit 110 generate heated mist and control the particle size of the mist, making it easier for the mist to remain in the retention space 4.

[0103] The operation, various measurement methods, actions (effects), etc. of the mist generating device 101 of the second embodiment are basically the same as the operation, various measurement methods, actions (effects), etc. of the mist generating device 1 of the first embodiment, so for parts that overlap with the operation, various measurement methods, actions (effects), etc. of the first embodiment, please refer to the explanation of the first embodiment, and explanations of the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0104] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the mist supply unit 110 has a mist supply port 113 that opens downward. This reduces the distance the mist must travel to reach the bathtub body 6 compared to when the mist supply port 113 of the mist supply unit 110 opens sideways or upward. This prevents the mist from experiencing temperature changes such as a drop in temperature as it travels from the mist supply port 113 to the bathtub body 6, making it difficult to adjust the temperature of the mist reaching the bathtub body 6. This makes it easier for the heated mist to remain in the retention space 4, which is open above the bathtub body 6. Furthermore, for example, because the mist supply unit 110 has a mist supply port 113 that opens downward, it prevents water in the bathtub body 6 from flowing upstream from the mist supply unit 110 as sewage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1. Mist generator 2 Bathtub equipment 4 Retention space 6 Bathtub body 6b Overflowing Surface 6c Overflow 8. Mist generation unit 10 Mist supply unit 24 Indoor temperature measuring instrument 101 Mist Generator 110 Mist supply unit 113 Mist supply port A user B water C Retention layer

Claims

1. A mist generator for use in a bathtub body, a mist generating unit that generates mist; A mist supply unit supplies the mist generated by the mist generating unit into the bathtub body, which forms a retention space with an open top, The mist generating unit and the mist supply unit are configured so that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit is retained in the retention space of the bathtub body, The mist generating unit generates mist that is supplied from the mist supply unit and retained in the retention space at a temperature equal to or warmer than the user's body temperature, i.e., 35°C or higher.

2. The mist generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the mist generating unit includes a water temperature detecting means for detecting a water temperature.

3. 3. The mist generator according to claim 1, wherein the mist generating unit generates mist from water whose temperature has been controlled by heating, or controls the temperature of mist by heating mist generated from water.

4. 4. The mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the mist generating unit controls the temperature of water heated to 60°C or higher and generates mist from the temperature-controlled water, or heats mist generated from water to 60°C or higher and controls the temperature of the heated mist.

5. A mist generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper side retention boundary surface of the retained mist is formed below a height position obtained by adding a height equivalent to the depth of the bathtub body to the height of the overflow surface of the bathtub body.

6. The mist generating device according to claim 5, wherein an upper boundary surface of the retained mist is formed above the height position of the overflow surface of the bathtub body.

7. The mist generating device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the upper boundary of the retained mist is formed below a height position obtained by adding a value between 100 mm and 200 mm to the height of the overflow surface of the bathtub body.

8. The mist generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the mist supply unit is disposed above an overflow area of ​​water in the bathtub body.

9. The mist generating device according to claim 8, wherein the overflow portion of the water in the bathtub body is the overflow surface of the bathtub body.

10. 10. The mist generator according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of a bathroom in which the bathtub body is placed.

11. The mist generator according to claim 1 , wherein the mist supply unit has a mist supply port that opens downward.

12. A bathtub device, A mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11; A bathtub apparatus comprising: a bathtub body that forms the retention space that receives the mist supplied from the mist supply unit of the mist generating device.

13. The bathtub apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the mist generating unit and the mist supplying unit are arranged on a short side of the bathtub main body.

Images