Misting device and plumbing equipment equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide a mist device which can inhibit reduction of a generation amount of mist accumulated in an accumulation space.SOLUTION: A mist device 1 of the invention includes: a mist generation section 8 which generates mist from water stored; and a mist supply section 10 which supplies the mist generated by the mist generation section to an accumulation part forming an accumulation space 4 which is open at the upper side. The mist device is configured so that the mist supplied from the mist supply section accumulates in the accumulation space. The mist generation section 8 includes a mist supply flow reduction inhibiting section 40 which inhibits reduction of a generation amount of the mist.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mist device, and particularly to a mist device used for water-related equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, a bathtub sauna device for taking a sauna bath is known. Such a bathtub sauna device includes a bathtub lid provided on the upper part of the bathtub body to form a sauna space using mist.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the bathtub sauna device as shown in Patent Document 1, since a bathtub lid is required to form a sauna space, the position of the user is restricted, resulting in a loss of comfort and a lack of convenience for the user.

[0005] In contrast, the inventors of the present invention have intensively studied to omit the bathtub lid and retain mist in the bathtub body with an open upper part.

[0006] However, even if the mist can be retained in the bathtub body, a new problem has arisen that the supply amount of the mist supplied to the bathtub body decreases, making it impossible to maintain the state where the mist is retained in the bathtub body.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and aims to provide a misting device that can suppress the decrease in the amount of mist generated that remains in the retention space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention is a misting device used in plumbing equipment, comprising: a misting unit that generates mist from stored water; and a misting supply unit that supplies mist generated by the misting unit into a retention space that is open at the top, wherein the mist supplied from the misting supply unit is configured to remain in the retention space, and the misting unit is characterized by comprising a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit that suppresses a decrease in the amount of mist generated. In the embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the mist generation unit includes a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit that suppresses a decrease in the amount of mist generated. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of mist generated that remains in the retention space, and makes it easier to maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the mist generating unit comprises a water reservoir for storing water and an ultrasonic transducer for generating mist by emitting ultrasonic waves in the water reservoir, and the mist generating unit further comprises a heater that functions as a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit and suppresses a decrease in the temperature of the water in the water reservoir. In this embodiment of the present invention, the mist generation unit includes a heater that suppresses a decrease in the temperature of the water in the water reservoir, as the mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit. This suppresses a decrease in the temperature of the water in the water reservoir and prevents a decrease in the amount of mist generated from the water in the water reservoir. Therefore, by suppressing a decrease in the amount of mist generated and a decrease in the amount of mist supplied, it is possible to easily maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space. If the temperature of the water in the water reservoir decreases, the amount of mist generated from the water in the water reservoir decreases for the same output of the ultrasonic transducer, the amount of mist supplied to the retention space decreases, and it becomes difficult to maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space. The configuration of this embodiment can suppress such a state.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the mist generating section comprises a wall provided between a mist generating side section in the water storage section where the ultrasonic transducer is arranged and a water supply side section to which a water supply channel for supplying water into the water storage section is connected, wherein the wall is configured to allow water to communicate between the mist generating side section and the water supply side section, and also functions as a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression section, and is formed so that ripples caused by water supplied to the water supply side section are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generating side section. In the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the wall portion is formed such that the ripples caused by the water supplied to the water supply side are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generation side. As a result, the ripples caused by the water supplied to the water supply side are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generation side, and the disturbance of the water surface on the mist generation side and the resulting decrease in the amount of mist generated from the water on the mist generation side can be suppressed. In addition, the wall portion makes it less likely for the ripples to be transmitted to the mist generation side, and the wall portion also makes it less likely for the temperature of the water supplied to the water supply side to be transmitted to the mist generation side, thereby suppressing a decrease in the temperature of the water on the mist generation side and further suppressing a decrease in the amount of mist generated from the water in the water storage section. Therefore, the decrease in the amount of mist generated is further suppressed, the decrease in the amount of mist supplied is further suppressed, and it is easier to maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the wall portion of the mist generating unit is positioned such that the volume of water up to the specified water supply level on the mist generating side is greater than the volume of water up to the specified water supply level on the water supply side. In the embodiment of the present invention configured in this way, the volume of water up to the specified water supply level in the mist generation side is larger than the volume of water up to the specified water supply level in the water supply side. This makes it less susceptible to the effects of temperature drop in the water on the mist generation side due to cooling of the water on the mist generation side as mist is generated. Furthermore, even if water at a relatively low temperature is supplied to the water supply side during water supply, the water on the mist generation side is less likely to be cooled, and the water on the mist generation side is less susceptible to the effects of temperature drop.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the heater of the mist generating unit is provided at least on the mist generating side. In this embodiment of the present invention, the heater of the mist generating unit is provided at least on the mist generating side. This makes it easier to suppress the decrease in the temperature of the water on the mist generating side due to the cooling of the water on the mist generating side as mist is generated.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the heater of the mist generating unit extends from the mist generating side to the water supply side. In this embodiment of the present invention, the heater of the mist generating unit extends from the mist generating side to the water supply side. As a result, the water supplied to the water supply side during water supply can be heated by the heater from the water supply side. Therefore, the water on the mist generating side is less likely to be cooled by the water supplied to the water supply side during water supply, and the water on the mist generating side is less affected by temperature drops.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are provided, and the heater extends in the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers. In this embodiment of the present invention, multiple ultrasonic transducers are provided, and the heater extends in the direction of the arrangement of the multiple ultrasonic transducers. This reduces temperature unevenness in the water around the multiple ultrasonic transducers in the mist generation section. Therefore, the water in the mist generation section is heated evenly, and the mist generation efficiency can be increased.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the mist generating section comprises a wall provided between a mist generating side section in the water storage section where the ultrasonic transducer is arranged and a water supply side section where a water supply device for supplying water into the water storage section is arranged, wherein the wall is configured to allow water to communicate between the mist generating side section and the water supply side section, and also functions as a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression section, and is formed in such a way that ripples caused by water supplied to the water supply side section are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generating side section. In the embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the wall portion is formed such that the ripples caused by the water supplied to the water supply side are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generation side. As a result, the ripples caused by the water supplied to the water supply side are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generation side, and the decrease in the amount of mist generated from the water on the mist generation side due to disturbance of the water surface on the mist generation side can be suppressed. Therefore, the decrease in the amount of mist generated is further suppressed, the decrease in the amount of mist supplied is further suppressed, and it is easier to maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space.

[0016] One embodiment of the present invention is a plumbing fixture characterized by comprising a misting device according to one embodiment of the present invention and a retention section that forms a retention space for receiving the mist supplied from the misting supply section of the misting device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the mist device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of mist generated and retained in the retention space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view of a mist system provided with a mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic configuration diagram of a mist system provided with a mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mist system provided with a mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, cut along the long side direction of the bathtub body. [Figure 4] It is a schematic configuration diagram showing the internal configuration of a mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing a mist generation unit and a water supply path etc. of a mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of the internal structure on the back side of the cross-section cut along the VII-VII line of FIG. 6, viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the VII-VII line of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the IX-IX line of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the internal structure on the back side of the cross-section cut along the X-X line of FIG. 8, viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining the mist supply operation from the mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the mist supply operation from the mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining the mist supply operation from the mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining the mist supply operation from the mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This diagram illustrates the mist supply operation from a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the operation of the mist generation section of a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This diagram illustrates the operation of the mist generation section of a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This diagram illustrates the operation of the mist generation section of a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This diagram illustrates the operation of the mist generation section of a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This diagram illustrates the operation of the mist generation section of a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This diagram illustrates the operation of the mist generation section of a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This diagram illustrates the operation of the mist generation section of a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This figure shows whether or not a stagnant state is formed in the stagnant space in a mist system equipped with a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with respect to the temperature difference between the water temperature in the bathtub body and the room temperature of the bathroom, and the mist supply flow rate. [Figure 24] This figure shows whether or not a stagnant state is formed in the stagnant space in a mist system equipped with a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with respect to the temperature difference between the water temperature in the bathtub body and the room temperature of the bathroom, and the mist supply flow rate. [Figure 25] This figure illustrates a method for measuring the ambient temperature of the mist, the water temperature, and the room temperature in a bathroom in a mist system equipped with a mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This figure illustrates a device and method for measuring the flow rate of mist in a mist system equipped with a mist device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27]This is a perspective view of a device for measuring the particle size of mist in a mist system equipped with a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This is a top view of a device for measuring the particle size of mist supplied from the mist supply unit of a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] This figure shows an example of particle size distribution data, where the particle size of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit of a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is measured using a particle size distribution measuring device. [Figure 30] This figure shows a device for measuring the transmittance used to determine whether the mist supplied from the mist supply unit of a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is accumulating inside the bathtub body. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view of a washing area floor device equipped with a misting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] This is a perspective view of a shower room device equipped with a misting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This is a perspective view of a washbasin equipped with a misting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This is a perspective view of a kitchen sink device equipped with a misting device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein will be described in detail below with reference to the 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 interpreted as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the invention. The details of its structure and / or function can be substantially modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0020] Hereinafter, a mist system, which is a water receiving device equipped with a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a mist system equipped with a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mist system equipped with a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mist system equipped with a mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, cut along the long side direction of the bathtub body. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mist system 2, which is a plumbing fixture equipped with a mist device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, is installed in a bathroom 3. The mist system 2 functions as a water receiving device having a water receiving portion that receives the discharged water. The mist system 2 is also a so-called plumbing fixture used as equipment in places where water is used. Plumbing fixtures (water receiving devices) are devices that have a water receiving portion that receives the discharged water in bathrooms, bathroom floors, shower rooms, toilets, handwashing equipment, washbasins, kitchens, etc.

[0021] Mist device 1 is a mist device used in the bathtub body of the water receiving equipment, the bathroom floor, shower room, hand-washing bowl, washbasin bowl, kitchen sink, etc. Bathroom 3 is a box-shaped space that forms a sealed indoor space 5 to a certain extent because water is used inside. The water includes water that is hotter than the outside temperature (room temperature) and heated water (so-called hot water). Mist system 2 is equipped with a bathtub body 6 that forms a retention space 4 that receives mist supplied from the mist supply unit of mist device 1, which will be described later. Mist system 2 is equipped with a supply device 7 that supplies water. As will be described later, mist system 2 is configured so that a hot water layer X (see Figure 2) heated to a temperature higher than room temperature is formed inside the bathtub body 6, and a mist retention layer C formed by mist heated in the retention space 4 above the hot water layer. Bathroom 3 is not limited to a room in which only the bathtub body 6 is placed, but may also be equipped with a toilet, hand-washing equipment, washbasin, or a combination thereof.

[0022] The bathtub body 6 forms a retention space 4 that is open at the top toward the indoor space 5 where the bathtub body 6 of the mist system 2 is located. The bathtub body 6 is a bathtub, and water can be stored in the retention space 4 inside. The bathtub body 6 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, with a long side portion 6d formed on the long side of the rectangle and a short side portion 6e formed on the short side. The short side portion 6e is shorter in width than the long side portion 6d. The short side wall 6f (see Figure 3) of the bathtub body 6 facing the mist supply unit 10 is formed so that the top is sloped outwards. The bathtub body 6 has a volume in the range of, for example, 200L to 500L. For example, the bathtub body 6 has a volume of 300L, the volume of the hot water layer X of the bathtub body 6 is 130L, and the volume of the retention space 4 is 170L (for example, 300L if no water is stored).

[0023] The retention space 4 is a space formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape inside the bathtub body 6. As shown in Figure 3, when user A bathes, water B at 34°C to 45°C is stored in the lower part of the retention space 4 (forming a hot water layer X), allowing user A to bathe while seated. As will be described later, in Figure 3, mist is stored above the water B in the retention space 4 (forming a mist retention layer C). The retention space 4 is formed up to the upper end 6a of the bathtub body 6, with the top side being open. The bathtub body 6 is designed so that mist is stored in the retention space 4 as described later, without a lid covering the top surface of the retention space 4. It is also possible that mist is stored in the retention space 4 without water B being stored. The shape of the bathtub body 6 is not limited to a box shape as in the embodiment, but can be any shape that can form a retention space. For example, the bathtub 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 surface of the bathtub body 6 may be angled to allow the user to assume a reclining or sitting position, and a step may or may not be formed on the bottom surface. The top of the wall portion of the bathtub body 6 does not need to be formed horizontally at a constant height, but may be formed so that its height changes. For example, the top of the wall portion of the bathtub body 6 may have a shape that extends diagonally upward or downward when viewed from the side, a shape that extends in an arc with a part that is concave downward, or an uneven shape that forms a nearly right angle. The mist system 2 is configured such that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit remains in the retention space 4.

[0024] The supply device 7 is a supply device that supplies water to the bathtub body 6 and the faucet equipment on the washing area side. The supply device 7 is, for example, a water heater and can supply unheated water or heated water (so-called hot water) from a water source such as a water supply. The supply device 7 is connected to a water inlet 6g formed in the bathtub body 6 and is configured to supply water into the bathtub body 6 from the water inlet 6g. The supply device 7 is also connected to the mist device 1 via the water supply channel 14 and can supply water to the mist device 1 as well. The mist device 1 may be connected directly to a water source such as a water supply without going through the supply device 7. Alternatively, the mist device 1 may be connected to both the supply device 7 and a water source. Water is supplied to the supply device 7 from a water source such as a water supply. The supply device 7 is electrically connected to the water supply control unit 25. The supply device 7 in this embodiment functions as a reheating device, taking in water from the bathtub body 6 through the water inlet 6g, which is the water intake, heating this water internally, and returning it to the bathtub body 6. The reheating device reheats the water already stored in the bathtub body 6. Note that the supply device 7 does not necessarily have to function as a reheating device. In this embodiment, the supply device 7 supplies water to the bathtub body 6 from the water inlet 6g, but as a modification, the supply device 7 may be connected to a water tap device provided on the bathtub body 6 for supplying water to the bathtub body, and water may be supplied to the bathtub body 6 from this water tap device. Note that the water tap device for supplying water to the bathtub body 6 may be directly connected to the water source without going through the supply device 7. Also, both the supply device 7 and the water source may be connected to the water tap device.

[0025] Next, the misting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 1 to 5. The mist system 2 includes a mist device 1. As shown in Figure 3, the mist device 1 includes a mist generating unit 8 that generates mist from stored water, a mist supply unit 10 that supplies mist into the bathtub body 6, a bathroom air conditioner 80 (see Figure 1) capable of sending out warm or cold air to adjust the room temperature in the bathroom 3, a mist device operation unit 28 that receives user input, and a mist device control unit 26 that controls the generation of mist in the mist generating unit 8 and the supply of mist by the mist supply unit 10. The mist device 1 has the mist generating unit 8 housed in a horizontally elongated box-shaped casing 9 (see Figure 4), and the mist supply unit 10 connected to the mist generating unit 8 is formed to extend downward from the front side of the casing 9.

[0026] The mist generating unit 8 generates heated mist from heated water, or generates heated mist by heating mist generated from water. Therefore, the mist generating unit 8 generates mist that is heated to a temperature higher than the room temperature in the bathroom. The mist generating unit 8 is attached to the wall W above the short side portion 6e of the short side of the bathtub body 6. Therefore, the heated mist includes mist that has been heated after it has been generated.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the mist generating unit 8 includes a water reservoir 12 for storing water, a water supply channel 14 for supplying water from a water source to the water reservoir 12, a drainage channel 16 for draining water from the water reservoir 12 to a drainage pipe, an ultrasonic transducer 18 located at the bottom inside the water reservoir 12, a heater 20 located at the bottom inside the water reservoir 12, a water temperature measuring instrument 22 located inside the water reservoir 12 as a means for detecting water temperature, and an indoor temperature measuring instrument 24 located outside the water reservoir 12 as a means for detecting air temperature (see Figure 3). The system includes a float switch 29 that emits a water supply stop signal when the float rises on the shaft to the specified water supply level due to a rise in the water level in the water storage section 12, an overflow pipe 31 that drains the water from the upper end opening to the drain pipe when the water level in the water storage section 12 rises further beyond the specified water supply level Q1 and the water overflows above the height of the upper end opening, and a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 that suppresses a decrease in the amount of mist generated.

[0028] The water storage section 12 is formed as a water storage space inside the rectangular mist generating section 8. A water supply channel 14 is connected to the upper part of the water storage section 12, and a drainage channel 16 is connected to the lower part of the water storage section 12. A mist supply section 10 is connected to the side wall near the center of the water storage section 12. The water supply channel 14 is provided with a water supply channel solenoid valve 30 for opening and closing the water supply channel 14. The water supply channel 14 is connected to a supply device 7. The water supply channel solenoid valve 30 has the function of supplying water to the mist generating section 8 at a temperature lower than the temperature of the water in the mist generating section 8. The supply device 7 is configured to supply water to the mist generating section 8 at a temperature lower than the temperature of the water in the mist generating section 8 (for example, about 38°C) (for example, about 60°C). The drainage channel 16 is provided with a drainage channel solenoid valve 32 for opening and closing the drainage channel 16. The drainage channel 16 is also provided with a drainage pump 33 for draining water from the water storage section 12. Furthermore, the overflow pipe 31 is provided on the water supply side 12a within the water storage section 12. The upper end of the overflow pipe 31 is located slightly above the specified water supply level Q1, preventing water from overflowing from the water storage section 12. A discharge valve 41 is provided at the lower part of the water storage section 12 to discharge leaked water due to malfunction or other reasons.

[0029] The ultrasonic transducer 18 emits ultrasonic waves into the water in the water reservoir 12, causing the water on the liquid surface to vibrate, separating the water from the water column formed on the liquid surface into fine particles, and generating a mist of a predetermined particle size. The ultrasonic transducer 18 is electrically connected to the mist device 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 transducer 18. The ultrasonic transducer 18 is configured to generate mist with a Sauter mean particle size of 3.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less at a predetermined oscillation output. The ultrasonic transducer 18 may be replaced with other devices that generate mist of a predetermined particle size, such as a steam misting device, a pressure spray misting device, or an arc discharge misting device. In this embodiment, multiple ultrasonic transducers 18 are arranged in a row within the water reservoir 12. The ultrasonic transducer 18 is connected to an oscillator 19 (see Figure 4) that drives the ultrasonic transducer 18 within the casing of the misting device 1.

[0030] The water temperature sensor 22 detects the water temperature in the water storage section 12. The mist device control unit 26 is electrically connected to the water temperature sensor 22, allowing the mist device control unit 26 to recognize the water temperature in the water storage section 12. The water temperature sensor 22 is, for example, a thermistor. The room temperature sensor 24 detects the temperature of the air outside the water storage section 12 in the room space 5 where the bathtub body 6 is located. The mist device control unit 26 is electrically connected to the room temperature sensor 24, allowing the mist device control unit 26 to recognize the air temperature in the room space 5. In the state before mist supply is started (before the mist generation unit 8 is driven), it is assumed that the air temperature in the room space 5 and the air temperature in the stagnant space 4 are approximately equal or relatively close, so the mist device control unit 26 can estimate the air temperature in the stagnant space 4 to be the air temperature in the room space 5 measured by the room temperature sensor 24.

[0031] The float switch 29 has a float that can move up and down in conjunction with the water level. The float switch 29 can detect when the water level reaches the water supply specified level Q1 at the upper end of the float. The float switch 29 can also detect when the water level reaches the lower end water level at the lower end of the float. The detection of the water supply specified level and the detection of the lower end water level may be performed by separate floats. The float switch 29 is electrically connected to the mist device control unit 26.

[0032] The mist supply unit 10 supplies mist generated by the mist generation unit 8 into the bathtub body 6, which is a retention space 4 that is open at the top toward the room where the bathtub body 6 is located. The mist supply unit 10 is located above the short side portion 6e on the short side of the bathtub body 6. The mist supply unit 10 is located above the water overflow portion in the bathtub body 6. As shown by the cross-section of the flow path in Figure 3, the mist supply unit 10 includes a mist supply flow path 11 that extends laterally from the mist generation unit 8 to the top of one end of the retention space 4, and a mist supply outlet 13 that is connected to the downstream end of the mist supply flow path 11 and opens downward. When viewed from the front (from the retention space 4 side), the mist supply flow path 11 forms a horizontally elongated rectangular flow path (e.g., a flow path cross-section). The mist supply outlet 13 extends downward from the downstream end of the mist supply flow path 11. The mist supply port 13 forms a duct-like flow path extending downward. The mist supply port 13 forms an opening that opens downward. When viewed from the front of its opening (when viewed from below and above the mist supply port 113), the mist supply port 13 forms a horizontally elongated rectangular flow path (for example, a flow path cross-section). The lower end 13a of the mist supply port 13 is positioned above the overflow portion 6c of the bathtub body 6. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water in the bathtub body 6 from entering the upstream side from the mist supply port 13 as a flow of sewage. As a modified example, the overflow portion 6c may be an overflow port provided inside the bathtub body 6.

[0033] The mist supply unit 10 can supply mist at a rate per unit time ranging from 0.03 mL / min·L to 1.5 mL / min·L. For example, the mist supply unit 10 can supply mist at a rate of 11 mL / min per unit time to a 330 L volume retention space 4 in the bathtub body 6. Also, for example, the mist supply unit 10 can supply mist at a rate of 6 mL / min per unit time to a 4.32 L volume retention space 4 in other water receiving equipment, etc.

[0034] The mist device 1 of the mist system 2 supplies mist into the retention space 4, which forms a retention state within the retention space 4. The mist device 1 utilizes the force of the upward airflow from inside the bathtub body 6, with the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10, to form a rising cloud-like mass of mist having a density state close to that of the retention state (for example, an aggregate of mist of a predetermined density that rises further beyond the overflow surface 6b, which is the upper edge of the bathtub body 6, as shown in Figure 30), so that it rises above the overflow surface of the bathtub body. The supplied mist is then configured to form a retention layer C of mist within the retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6. The retention layer C does not need to be a complete layer; it is sufficient for the cloud-like mass of mist to exist at a certain height to form a layer. The mist device 1 supplies mist that can rise to the extent that it forms a rising cloud-like mass of mist, but can also return to a retention state. The mist device 1 may also form the retention layer C of mist without forming a rising cloud-like mass of mist.

[0035] The bathroom air conditioner 80 is capable of supplying warm air at a temperature higher than the temperature in the space where the bathtub body 6 is installed, cold air at a temperature higher than the temperature in the space, and air at approximately the same temperature as the temperature in the space. The bathroom air conditioner 80 is installed on the ceiling of the bathroom. The mist system 2 can control the temperature in the bathroom by controlling the bathroom air conditioner 80, and is configured to control the strength of the upward airflow from inside the bathtub body 6 based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the water stored in the bathtub body 6 and the temperature of the bathroom where the bathtub body 6 is used before the mist supply is started. The mist device 1 may adjust the upward airflow by not operating the bathroom air conditioner 80 when the temperature in the bathroom is at an appropriate temperature. In other words, the mist system 2 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the bathroom air conditioner 80.

[0036] The water supply control unit 25 controls the supply of water to the bathtub body 6 and the faucet device on the washing area side. The water supply control unit 25 has a built-in CPU and memory, and controls the connected equipment to supply water and execute predetermined modes, etc., as described later, based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. The water supply control unit 25 is electrically connected to the supply device 7, the operation unit 27, the mist device control unit 26, the bathroom air conditioner 80, etc. These electrical connections may be made by wireless communication, etc. The electrical connections between the water supply control unit 25 and the mist device control unit 26 and / or the operation unit 27, etc. may be made by wireless communication, etc. For example, the water supply control unit 25 and the mist device control unit 26 and / or the operation unit 27, etc. may be controlled by wireless communication.

[0037] The water supply control unit 25 can operate to supply water to the bathtub body 6 independently of the operation of the mist device 1. Furthermore, the water supply control unit 25 can also operate in conjunction with the operation of the mist device 1 by coordinating with the mist device control unit 26. The water supply control unit 25 and the mist device control unit 26 communicate with each other and function as a single control unit. Thus, although the water supply control unit 25 and the mist device control unit 26 are described as separate control units in this embodiment, they may be an integrated control unit, or they may exist as different control units, such as being further subdivided.

[0038] The control unit 27 comprises a bathroom control unit 27a provided on the wall surrounding the bathtub body 6 inside the bathroom, and an external control unit 27b provided on the wall outside the bathroom. The external control unit 27b is provided, for example, in the kitchen or hallway. The control unit 27 may be configured as a remote control unit that can be operated by wireless communication or the like. For example, the control unit 27 may be configured as a user's smartphone or the like by using a predetermined program.

[0039] The mist device operation unit 28 transmits user input to the mist device control unit 26. The mist device operation unit 28 comprises a bathroom operation unit 28a provided on the wall surrounding the bathtub body 6 inside the bathroom, and an external bathroom operation unit 28b provided on the wall outside the bathroom. The external bathroom operation unit 28b is provided, for example, in a room or corridor before the bathroom. The mist device operation unit 28 may be configured as an operation unit that can be remotely operated by wireless communication or the like. For example, the mist device operation unit 28 may be configured using the user's smartphone or the like by using a predetermined program, and connected to the mist device control unit 26 via the internet. The mist device operation unit 28 can also perform operations such as storing water in the mist system 2 when supplying mist, and setting the water temperature. The mist device operation unit 28 may have an operation function that can set the temperature of the supplied mist, an operation function that can set the particle size of the supplied mist, and so on.

[0040] The mist device control unit 26 incorporates a CPU and memory, and controls connected equipment to generate mist and execute predetermined modes, as described later, based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory. The mist device control unit 26 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 18, heater 20, water temperature meter 22, room temperature meter 24, mist device operation unit 28, bathroom air conditioner 80, etc. Furthermore, the mist device control unit 26 is electrically connected to the water supply channel solenoid valve 30 provided in the water supply channel 14 and the drain channel solenoid valve 32 provided in the drain channel, and can control these as well.

[0041] The mist device control unit 26, as a control unit, has the function of controlling the mist generation unit. The mist device control unit 26 includes a mist generation mode 26a that causes the mist generation unit 8 to generate mist. The mist device control unit 26 can execute the mist generation mode using a program stored in a storage device. The mist generation mode does not need to perform all of the operations of the mist generation unit 8 disclosed in this embodiment; it is sufficient if it performs at least the operation that generates mist.

[0042] Next, the mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 of the mist generation unit of the mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 3 to 10. The mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 suppresses a decrease in the amount of mist generated. As shown in Figure 23 and other figures described later, if the amount of mist generated and the mist supply flow rate decrease, the amount of mist lost from the retention space 4 may exceed the mist supply flow rate, potentially resulting in a state where retention is not formed. By suppressing the decrease in the amount of mist generated and supplied, the mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 makes it easier to form a state in which mist is retained in the retention space, and furthermore, makes it easier to maintain this state. Since the mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 can suppress a decrease in the amount of mist supplied, the mist device 1 can easily maintain a mist supply flow rate that allows retention to form in the retention space 4.

[0043] The heater 20 of the mist generation unit 8 functions as a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40, suppressing a decrease in the temperature of the water in the water storage unit 12. The mist generation unit 8 further includes a wall 42 provided between a mist generation side 12b where an ultrasonic transducer 18 is located in the water storage unit 12, and a water supply side 12a where a water supply device for supplying water into the water storage unit 12 is located.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, the heater 20 of the mist generation unit 8 is provided at least on the mist generation side 12b. The heater 20 extends from the mist generation side 12b to the water supply side 12a. The heater 20 extends in the direction I of the arrangement of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 18. The direction I of the arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers 18 is the direction in which the multiple ultrasonic transducers 18 are aligned, for example, the direction in which the line connecting the center points of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 18 extends. If it is not possible to draw a line connecting the center points of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 18, the direction I of the arrangement is the direction in which an approximation line passing near the center points of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 18 extends.

[0045] The wall portion 42 of the mist generation section 8 functions as a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression section 40, and is formed in such a way that ripples caused by water supplied to the water supply side section 12a are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generation section 12b. The wall portion 42 is configured to allow water to communicate between the mist generation section 12b and the water supply side section 12a. The wall portion 42 is a plate-shaped member. The wall portion 42 extends from the top of the water storage section 12 to a position below half the height of the water storage section 12. The lower end 42a of the wall portion 42 is located below half the height of the water storage section 12. The lower end 42a of the wall portion 42 is located below the specified water supply level Q1. Therefore, the wall portion 42 is formed in such a way that ripples caused by water supplied to the water supply side section 12a hit at least a part of the wall portion 42, making it less likely to be transmitted to the mist generation section 12b. Furthermore, it is preferable that the lower end 42a of the wall portion 42 is located below the lower end water level Q2 (see Figure 21), which is the lower end of the water level change. This makes it difficult for the ripples caused by the water supplied to the water supply side portion 12a to be transmitted by the mist generation side portion 12b. The mist generation unit 8 can function as a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 by comprising at least one of the heater 20 and the wall portion 42.

[0046] As shown in Figure 10, the wall portion 42 forms a wall surface that extends in the height direction from its upper end 42b to its lower end 42a, and in the front-rear direction from the front side wall 12c to the rear side wall 12d of the water reservoir portion 12. The wall portion 42 does not necessarily have to be formed from the front side wall 12c to the rear side wall 12d in the front-rear direction. Also, the wall portion 42 does not necessarily have to be formed from the upper end 42b to the lower end 42a at all positions in the front-rear direction. For example, a concave shape may be formed so that a part of the lower end 42a of the wall portion 42 is cut out upward. Alternatively, for example, a convex shape may be formed so that a part of the lower end 42a protrudes downward.

[0047] The wall portion 42 is positioned to partition the water supply side portion 12a and the mist generation side portion 12b when viewed from above. The wall portion 42 is positioned such that the volume of water up to the specified water supply level Q1 in the mist generation side portion 12b (the water storage volume from the bottom to the specified water supply level Q1) is greater than the volume of water up to the specified water supply level Q1 in the water supply side portion 12a (the water storage volume from the bottom to the specified water supply level Q1). As shown in Figures 8 and 10, the wall portion 42 is positioned above the heater 20. When viewed from above, the wall portion 42 extends above the heater 20, traversing the heater 20 from left to right.

[0048] Next, the operation of the mist device according to the first embodiment of the present invention described above will be explained with reference to Figures 3, 11 to 15. As shown in Figure 3, in the standby state before the misting device 1 starts operation, the lower half of the retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6 is filled with water at approximately 38°C. The temperature of the air in the indoor space 5 of the bathroom 3 is approximately equal to the temperature of the air in the retention space 4. The water supply channel solenoid valve 30 and the drain channel solenoid valve 32 are closed. There is no water in the water reservoir 12. The ultrasonic transducer 18 and the heater 20 are stopped.

[0049] The user operates the mist device control unit 28 to start the mist supply control of the mist device 1. Before the mist supply starts, the indoor temperature measuring instrument 24 measures the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5, and the mist device control unit 26 recognizes the temperature of the air in the indoor space 5. The mist device control unit 26 opens the water supply channel solenoid valve 30 and supplies water from the water supply channel 14 into the water storage section 12. The drain channel solenoid valve 32 remains closed. When a predetermined amount of water is stored in the water storage section 12, the water supply channel solenoid valve 30 is closed. Next, the mist device control unit 26 activates the heater 20 and heats the water to 60°C or higher than the temperature of the supplied water. After the water is heated to 60°C or higher, the mist device control unit 26 adjusts the mist temperature to supply mist at a predetermined temperature. Next, the mist device control unit 26 executes the mist generation mode, activating the ultrasonic transducer 18 to generate mist in the water reservoir 12.

[0050] Figure 11 shows the state immediately after the mist supply from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 begins. The mist generated in the water reservoir 12 is supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 in the bathtub body 6. As shown by arrow F1, the mist is supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 while free-falling due to its own weight. In this way, the movement of the mist in directions other than downward is suppressed. Therefore, the mist is less likely to move in directions such as agitation, diffusion, or upward within the retention space 4.

[0051] Figure 12 shows the state approximately a few seconds after the mist supply begins. The supply of mist from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 continues. The supplied mist has begun to accumulate above the surface of water B and in the lower part of the retention space 4. The mist tends to accumulate in the retention space 4 because the upward force of the rising air current does not exceed the weight of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10. Therefore, the mist accumulates in the relatively lower part of the retention space 4. The mist is gradually supplied and added from the mist supply unit 10 side and gradually moves from the mist supply unit 10 side towards the opposite short side above the water surface or bottom of the retention space 4.

[0052] Figure 13 shows the state in which the mist has reached the opposite short side of the bathtub body 6, compared to the state in Figure 12. The supply of mist from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 continues.

[0053] As shown in Figure 14, from the state in Figure 13 where the mist has reached the short side opposite the bathtub body 6, more mist is supplied and the retention space 4 is filled with mist. When the mist reaches the short side portion 6e opposite the mist supply unit, the mist temporarily rises above the overflow portion 6c so as to rise up on this short side portion 6e. Therefore, if the user's face is close to this short side portion 6e, the mist can rise up to the area near the user's face. On the other hand, even if a part of the mist temporarily rises above the overflow surface 6b, a flow is not formed in which the main stream of mist continues to diffuse and rise from the bathtub body 6. Even if it rises to a certain extent, it forms a flow that descends towards the retention space 4, and the main stream of mist remains in the retention space 4 (mainly in the area below the overflow surface 6b), forming a retention layer C within the retention space 4. During this time, the supply of mist from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 4 continues.

[0054] As shown in Figure 15, as more mist is supplied, the increased mist accumulates in the gradually higher parts of the retention space 4. 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 increases further, and the mist accumulates in the part of the retention space 4 that is close to the top (upper end 6a of the bathtub body 6). The mist mainly accumulates in the region above the water surface of water B and below the top of the retention space 4. The mist disappears by falling into the water B and being absorbed, or by adhering to the wall surface of the bathtub body 6 as water droplets, or by diffusing beyond the edge of the upper end 6a of the bathtub body 6. The time it takes for the mist to disappear varies depending on the particle size of the mist. In this way, the mist disappears or diffuses, but by supplying new mist before it disappears or diffuses, a mist retention layer can be formed in the retention space 4. In other words, the mist flows slowly within the retention space 4 but does not diffuse out of the retention space 4, forming a stable retention layer C. The retention layer C is formed above the surface of the water B when a certain density of mist exists within a unit space. The retention layer is perceived as a white cloud. The retention layer C appears as if the mist fills up to the top of the retention space 4. The retention layer C is distinct from the mist that dissipates from the retention space 4 and spreads throughout the entire room.

[0055] The retention boundary surface 66 on the upper side of the retained mist is formed below a height position M1, which is the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6 (height position M0 (see Figure 3)) plus a height corresponding to the depth L1 of the bathtub body 6. The retention boundary surface 66 represents the boundary region between the retention layer C, where the mist is concentrated above a certain level in the air, and the air layer J, where the mist is concentrated below a certain level in the air. The retention boundary surface 66 is defined as a region with some height in the vertical direction because the mist is moving to some extent while retained. The overflow surface 6b, which is the overflow part of the bathtub body 6, is the lowest part of the side wall of the bathtub body 6, that is, the part that overflows first when the water fills up to the upper limit of the bathtub body 6.

[0056] For example, the upper retention boundary surface 66 of the retained mist is formed above the height position M0 of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6. In this case, for example, the upper retention boundary surface 66 of the retained mist may be formed below a height position 200 mm above the height (height position M0) of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6, or for example, below a height position 100 mm above the height (height position M0) of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6. In this way, when the retention boundary surface 66 is at a position higher than the height of the overflow surface 6b of the bathtub body 6, the user can obtain the mist bathing effect up to a position beyond the bathtub, that is, the warm bathing effect up to a height higher than the bathtub. While the mist generation unit 8 is driven (used), mist is supplied into the bathtub body 6 and the retention of mist continues. The mist device 1 is configured to define the temperature difference between the water temperature in the bathtub body 6 and the room temperature, the mist particle size, the amount of mist supplied, etc., so that the height position of the retention boundary surface 66 is at the predetermined height position as described above.

[0057] Next, with reference to Figures 16 to 22, the mist generation operation in the mist generation section of the mist device 1 will be explained. As shown in Figure 16, in the standby state before the start of operation of the mist device 1, the water storage section 12 in the mist generation section 8 is empty and does not contain any water. When the mist supply operation of the mist device 1 starts, the mist device control unit 26 opens the water supply channel solenoid valve 30 (see Figure 5) and supplies water from the water supply channel 14 into the water storage section 12, as shown by arrow F11. The drain channel solenoid valve 32 remains closed. Next, as shown in Figure 17, the mist device control unit 26 activates the heater 20 while water is being supplied and starts heating the water. As shown in Figure 18, when the water level in the water storage section 12 reaches the specified water supply level Q1, the float switch 29 detects that the water level has reached the specified water supply level and transmits this to the mist device control unit 26. The mist device control unit 26 closes the water supply channel solenoid valve 30 and stops the water supply. Subsequently, the heater 20 continues to heat the water, and the mist device control unit 26 heats the water in the water reservoir 12 to a predetermined temperature (for example, 60°C).

[0058] As shown in Figure 19, the mist device control unit 26 operates the ultrasonic transducer 18 to generate mist in the water reservoir 12. The ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic transducer 18 generate mist from the water surface. More specifically, the ultrasonic waves intermittently form a liquid column rising from the water surface and separate the water from this liquid into fine particles, thereby generating mist. The mist thus generated is supplied from the mist generation unit 8 to the mist supply unit 10, as shown by arrow F12, and from the mist supply unit 10 to the lower retention space 4.

[0059] At this time, the mist has a relatively warm temperature of nearly 60°C, and the temperature of the water surface where the mist is generated is also relatively warm, nearly 60°C. As a result, an upward airflow is generated from the water surface, and due to the shape of the water reservoir 12, an airflow as shown by arrow F13 is created. This airflow F13 makes it easier to supply the mist from the mist generation unit 8 to the mist supply unit 10 and the retention space 4. On the other hand, the airflow F13 gradually cools the temperature of the water in the water reservoir 12. In this embodiment, since the heater 20 heats the water, the decrease in water temperature can be suppressed, and the phenomenon in which the amount of mist generated decreases due to difficulty in separating the mist from the liquid column due to the decrease in water temperature can be suppressed.

[0060] The generated mist has a predetermined temperature of approximately 60°C. Because the mist temperature is approximately 60°C, it easily generates an updraft or upward movement of itself. The mist maintains a relatively high temperature as it rises towards the top of the mist generation unit, moves from the top of the mist generation unit to the mist supply unit 10, and then descends from the mist supply unit 10 towards the retention space 4. Furthermore, the generated mist has a predetermined particle size.

[0061] As shown in Figure 20, as mist generation continues, the water in the reservoir 12 gradually decreases, and the water level drops. The float switch 29 detects that the water level has reached the lower water level Q2 (see Figure 21), and the mist device control unit 26 opens the water supply channel solenoid valve 30, starting the water supply from the water supply channel 14. Even while the water level is dropping, the ultrasonic transducer 18 is driven, and mist generation continues.

[0062] In Figure 22, as indicated by arrow F14, water from the water supply channel 14 flows into the water supply side section 12a within the water storage section 12. The water that has flowed into the water supply side section 12a within the water storage section 12 moves from below the wall section 42 to the mist generation side section 12b within the water storage section 12, as indicated by arrow F15. The water supply from the water supply channel 14 continues until the water level rises again to the specified water supply level Q1.

[0063] The mist device control unit 26 heats the water with the heater 20 even while water is being supplied. Since the water flowing into the water supply side 12a is below a predetermined temperature, it is heated by the heater 20 as it moves from below the wall 42 to the mist generation side 12b, as shown by arrow F15. The heater 20 heats the water from the vicinity of the wall 42 or from the inlet 12e of the mist generation side 12b. Therefore, the temperature drop of the water on the mist generation side 12b can be suppressed. Since the heater 20 is positioned to cross almost the entire area of ​​the mist generation side 12b, the water on the mist generation side 12b can be heated overall. Furthermore, if the water temperature decreases, the separation efficiency of mist from the water column generated on the water surface by the ultrasonic transducer 18 (mist generation efficiency) will decrease compared to the separation efficiency of mist from the water column when the water temperature is relatively high. Since the viscosity of water increases as the temperature decreases, the viscosity of the water increases in the parts where the water temperature has decreased, making it difficult to separate and generate mist. In contrast, in this embodiment, the decrease in water temperature is suppressed, so the decrease in the separation efficiency of mist from the water column is suppressed, and the decrease in the amount of mist generated and the generation efficiency can be suppressed.

[0064] Since the lower end of the majority of the wall portion 42 is submerged in water, the ripples caused by the water supplied to the water supply side portion 12a are blocked by the wall portion 42, making it difficult for them to be transmitted to the mist generation side portion 12b. If the ripples caused by the water supply are transmitted to the mist generation side section 12b, the water column generated on the water surface by the ultrasonic transducer 18 will be disturbed, resulting in the water column not forming properly, or its direction and length being disrupted, thus reducing the amount of mist generated from the water column. As a result, a decrease in the amount of mist generated occurs. In this embodiment, by making it difficult for the ripples to be transmitted to the mist generation side section 12b, the decrease in the amount of mist generated and the generation efficiency at the mist generation side section 12b can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the water level in the water storage section 12 is at the specified water supply level Q1, the ultrasonic energy emitted from the ultrasonic transducer 18 is made to act more easily on the water surface, and the amount of mist generated and the generation efficiency at which mist is generated from the water column are maximized.

[0065] When the water level in the water reservoir 12 reaches the specified water supply level Q1, the float switch 29 detects the specified water supply level Q1, and the mist device control unit 26 stops the water supply (see Figure 19). Thereafter, mist generation continues. The mist device control unit 26 controls each part to repeat the operations shown in Figures 19 to 22. When the user operates the mist device operation unit 28 to input the end of mist generation, the mist device control unit 26 stops the ultrasonic transducer 18 and heater 20, and closes the water supply channel solenoid valve 30. After that, it drives the drain channel solenoid valve 32 to drain the water in the water reservoir 12, and ends the operation of the mist device 1.

[0066] As shown in Figures 15, 23, and 24, the mist supplied by the misting device 1 of the misting system 2 can form a stagnant state within the stagnant space 4. This mechanism will now be explained. The basic mechanism is that the force attempting to raise the mist by the rising airflow generated by the temperature difference ΔT between the water temperature in the bathtub 6 and the room temperature of the bathroom does not exceed the weight of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10, thus causing the mist to remain in the retention space 4. In other words, the mist forms a retention state because the weight of the mist is greater than the force attempting to raise it. Therefore, the mist device 1 of the mist system 2 can easily form a retention state of mist in the retention space 4 by supplying mist that satisfies these conditions. The rising airflow is generated by the temperature difference ΔT between the water temperature in the bathtub 6 and the room temperature of the bathroom, but it is also generated by the temperature difference between the temperature of the mist (the ambient temperature of the mist) and the room temperature of the bathroom when the mist retention layer is formed. In addition, the weight of the mist is affected by the particle size and density of the mist. When the amount of mist supplied increases, the density of the mist increases and / or the mist particles combine with each other, increasing the particle size and thus the weight of the mist aggregate increases. Therefore, when the amount of mist supplied increases, the mist is more likely to form a retained state. On the other hand, when the amount of mist supplied decreases, the mist is less likely to form a retained state. Also, when the particle size of the supplied mist increases, the mist is more likely to form a retained state. Furthermore, in order to form a retained state of mist within the retained space 4, the larger the retained space 4, the greater the amount of mist supplied. When the retained space 4 is relatively small, even with a small amount of mist supplied, it is easier to fill the space with mist with a smaller supply, and the density of the mist tends to increase, so a retained state of mist can be formed within the retained space 4 with a smaller supply. Also, when the kinetic energy of the mist is large when it is supplied, the mist is more likely to dissipate, so it is less likely to form a retained state. When the amount of mist supplied is relatively small, the mist is more likely to vaporize, so it is less likely to form a retained state. Based on these findings, the inventors of the present invention have obtained the following findings regarding conditions under which mist is more likely to remain within the retained space 4.

[0067] Next, referring to Figure 23, we will explain the conditions under which mist is more likely to remain in the retention space 4. As shown in Figure 23, the mist supply flow rate [ml / min] was varied in relation to the temperature difference ΔT [°C] between the water temperature in the bathtub body 6 and the room temperature in the bathroom. The evaluation was conducted to determine whether the mist remained in the retention space 4 after a rising cloud-like mist formation extended above the overflow portion of the bathtub body, whether the mist remained in the retention space 4 without a rising cloud-like mist formation extending above the overflow portion of the bathtub body, or whether the mist floated outside the retention space 4 and did not remain in the retention space 4. At this time, the height of the lower end of the mist supply unit 10 from the overflow surface 6b (upper rim portion) was 50 mm, and the Sauter average particle size of the mist was 3.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. Note that if no water is stored in the bathtub body 6, the water temperature in the bathtub body 6 is evaluated as the temperature of the bathtub body 6, i.e., the room temperature.

[0068] In Figure 23, by changing the temperature difference ΔT [°C] between the water temperature in the bathtub body 6 and the room temperature in the bathroom, with respect to the mist supply flow rate [ml / min], the temperature difference ΔT [°C] at which the mist floats outside the retention space 4 and does not remain in the retention space 4, or where a rising cloud-like mass of mist is formed above the overflow part of the bathtub body before the mist remains in the retention space 4, has been found to be 0 [°C], 7.9 [°C], 11.5 [°C], 17.0 [°C], and 22.0 [°C]. The virtual boundary line P1 that passes through these multiple temperatures indicates the boundary between the region where the mist floats outside the retention space 4 and does not remain in the retention space 4, and the region where a rising cloud-like mass of mist is formed above the overflow part of the bathtub body before the mist remains in the retention space 4. Similarly, the temperature difference ΔT[°C] that marks the boundary between whether the rising cloud-like mist is formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body 6 before the mist remains in the retention space 4, or whether the rising cloud-like mist is formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body before the mist remains in the retention space 4, has been found to be 0[°C], 4.0[°C], 4.3[°C], 7.6[°C], 8.2[°C], and 7.5[°C]. The virtual boundary line P2 passing through these multiple temperatures indicates the boundary between the region where the rising cloud-like mist is formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body before the mist remains in the retention space 4, and the region where the rising cloud-like mist is formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body before the mist remains in the retention space 4.

[0069] In Figure 23, in region N1, where the mist floats outside the retention space 4 and does not remain within the retention space 4, the updraft resulting from the difference between water temperature and room temperature is relatively strong. Within the retention space 4, the weight (gravity) of the mist is less than the force exerted on the mist by the updraft, causing the mist to float and dissipate above the retention space 4 due to the updraft. In region N2, where the rising cloud-like mist does not form above the overflow area of ​​the bathtub body and the mist remains in the retention space 4, the rising airflow resulting from the difference between water temperature and room temperature is relatively weak. As a result, the weight (gravity) of the mist in the retention space 4 is greater than the force exerted by the rising airflow on the mist, making it difficult for the mist to rise due to the rising airflow. Consequently, the mist remains in the retention space 4 and below the overflow surface 6b. In region N3, where a rising cloud-like mass of mist is formed above the overflow area of ​​the bathtub body 6 and the mist is retained in the retention space 4, a certain amount of rising air current is generated due to the difference between the water temperature and the room temperature. In this region, although the weight (gravity) of the mist in the retention space 4 is greater than the force acting on the mist by the rising air current, the weight of the mist and the force acting on it by the rising air current are relatively close. Therefore, the mist rises due to the rising air current to a position above the overflow surface 6b, forming a rising cloud-like mass, and then gradually descends towards the retention space 4, forming a retained state of mist within the retention space 4 and below the overflow surface 6b.

[0070] As shown in Figure 24, the height from the overflow surface 6b (upper rim) at the lower end of the mist supply unit 10 was changed to 110 mm, and the same measurements as in Figure 23 were performed. That is, the height from the overflow surface 6b at the lower end of the mist supply unit 10 in Figure 24 is higher than the height in Figure 23. In Figure 24, parameters other than the height at the lower end of the mist supply unit 10 are set in the same way as in Figure 23.

[0071] In Figure 24, the temperature difference ΔT [°C] between the water temperature in the bathtub body 6 and the room temperature in the bathroom is varied with respect to the mist supply flow rate [ml / min], and the temperature differences ΔT [°C] at which the mist floats outside the retention space 4 and does not remain in the retention space 4, or where a rising cloud-like mass of mist is formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body 4 before the mist remains in the retention space 4, are found to be 0 [°C], 2 [°C], 7.2 [°C], 10.1 [°C], 15.5 [°C], 17.2 [°C], and 20.5 [°C]. The virtual boundary line P3 is calculated to pass through these multiple temperatures and indicates the boundary between the region where the mist floats outside the retention space 4 and does not remain in the retention space 4, and the region where a rising cloud-like mass of mist is formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body before the mist remains in the retention space 4. Furthermore, the temperature difference ΔT[°C] that marks the boundary between whether the rising cloud-like mist is formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body 6 before the mist remains in the retention space 4, or whether the rising cloud-like mist is formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body before the mist remains in the retention space 4, has been found to be 0[°C], 2.5[°C], and 3.3[°C]. The virtual boundary line P4 is calculated to pass through these multiple temperatures and indicates the boundary between the region where the rising cloud-like mist is formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body before the mist remains in the retention space 4, and the region where the rising cloud-like mist is formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body before the mist remains in the retention space 4. Therefore, in Figure 24, regions N1, N2, and N3 are shown, similar to Figure 23.

[0072] In Figure 24, the height to which the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 into the retention space 4 falls to the water surface is higher than the height to which it falls in Figure 23, causing the mist to diffuse as it descends and reducing its density. Therefore, the weight of the mist becomes lighter within the retention space 4, making it easier for the mist to float and disperse. Also, in Figure 24, the height to which the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 into the retention space 4 falls to the water surface is higher than the height to which it falls in Figure 23, resulting in a faster velocity for the mist. Consequently, compared to the case where the mist velocity is initially low, when the mist velocity is relatively high, the kinetic energy of the mist increases, making it easier for the mist to float and disperse. Furthermore, when the mist reaches the short side portion 6e opposite the mist supply side, it is more likely to rise along the wall surface. Therefore, it can be seen that even when the temperature at the virtual boundary line P3 is lower than that at the virtual boundary line P1, and the updraft resulting from the difference between water temperature and room temperature is weaker (when ΔT is small), the mist will still float and dissipate above the retention space 4 due to the updraft. Furthermore, it can be seen that even when the temperature at the virtual boundary line P4 is lower than that at the virtual boundary line P2, and the updraft resulting from the difference between water temperature and room temperature is weaker (when ΔT is small), the mist will remain in the retention space 4 after a cloud-like rising mass of mist has formed above the overflow portion of the bathtub body 6.

[0073] The relationship between the mist supply flow rate [ml / min] and the temperature difference ΔT [°C] between the water temperature inside the bathtub body 6 and the room temperature in the bathroom, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, is shown for the bathtub body 6. The inventors have confirmed that a similar relationship holds true not only for the bathtub body 6 but also for other water receiving devices with a different volume of retention space 4 than the bathtub body 6, such as the bathroom floor, shower room, handwashing bowl, washbasin bowl, kitchen sink, toilet, etc. For example, in each of these devices, the volume of the retention space 4 is relatively small compared to the volume inside the bathtub body 6. When the volume of the retention space 4 is smaller than the volume of the retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6 as shown in Figure 23, the density of the mist tends to increase, making it easier for the mist to form a retention state, so the position of the virtual boundary line P1 in Figure 23 is moved upward (for example, shown by virtual boundary line P5). The position of the virtual boundary line P2 in Figure 23 is also moved upward (for example, shown by virtual boundary line P6). Conversely, when the volume of the retention space is larger than the volume of the retention space 4 of the bathtub body 6 as shown in Figure 23, the density of the mist tends to decrease, making it difficult for the mist to form a retention state, so the position of the virtual boundary line P1 in Figure 23 is moved downward (for example, shown by virtual boundary line P7). The position of the virtual boundary line P2 in Figure 23 is also moved downward (for example, shown by virtual boundary line P8).

[0074] In Figures 23 and 24, the particle size of the mist generated by the ultrasonic transducer 18 is predetermined. However, it is possible to change the particle size of the mist by changing the means of generating the mist (such as a centrifuge) or the frequency of the ultrasonic transducer. If the particle size of the mist is larger than that used in Figure 23, the weight of the mist increases, making it easier for the mist to form a stagnant state. Therefore, the position of the virtual boundary line P1 in Figure 23 is moved upward (for example, shown by virtual boundary line P5). Also, the position of the virtual boundary line P2 in Figure 23 is moved upward (for example, shown by virtual boundary line P6). Conversely, if the particle size of the mist is smaller than that used in Figure 23, the weight of the mist decreases, making it less likely for the mist to form a stagnant state. Therefore, the position of the virtual boundary line P1 in Figure 23 is moved downward (for example, shown by virtual boundary line P7). Also, the position of the virtual boundary line P2 in Figure 23 is moved downward (for example, shown by virtual boundary line P8). In this way, even when the volume of the retention space 4 changes or the particle size of the mist changes, the relationship between the state in which the mist is retained and the state in which it is not retained can be understood based on Figures 23 and 24, etc.

[0075] Next, with reference to Figure 25, the method for measuring the ambient temperature of the mist inside the bathtub body 6 will be described. The ambient temperature [°C] of the mist inside the bathtub body 6 is measured using a temperature measuring device capable of measuring the temperature of the air, such as a thermistor 95. The thermistor 95 is placed and measured when it is desired to measure the ambient temperature of the mist inside the bathtub body 6. The temperature measuring part of the thermistor 95 is positioned in the center of the long side and the center of the short side of the bathtub body 6, and in the center of the height from the surface of the water stored in the bathtub body 6 to the overflow surface 6b, so as to measure the temperature of the mist. For example, the ambient temperature of the mist inside the bathtub body 6 is measured at the temperature after a sufficient amount of time has elapsed (e.g., 2500 [s]) after mist supply has started and the temperature rise has almost stopped. Care is taken to avoid extreme gradients in the temperature of the object being measured during measurement.

[0076] Next, with reference to Figure 25, the method for measuring the water temperature (hot water temperature) inside the bathtub body 6 will be explained. The water temperature [°C] inside the bathtub body 6 is measured using a temperature measuring device capable of measuring water temperature, such as a thermistor 99. When it is desired to measure the water temperature inside the bathtub body 6, the thermistor 99 is placed in a predetermined position inside the bathtub body to measure the water temperature. The temperature measuring part of the thermistor 99 is positioned in the center of the long side and the short side of the bathtub body 6, and in the center of the depth of the water stored inside the bathtub body 6, to measure the water temperature. Care is taken to avoid extreme gradients in the temperature of the object being measured during measurement.

[0077] Next, with reference to Figure 25, a method for measuring the room temperature in the bathroom where the bathtub body 6 is installed will be described. Since the mist generating unit 8 is equipped with an indoor temperature measuring device 24, the room temperature is basically measured by the indoor temperature measuring device 24. If the mist generating unit 8 is not equipped with an indoor temperature measuring instrument 24, or if the room temperature cannot (or is difficult to) be measured by the indoor temperature measuring instrument 24, the thermistor 86 is placed at a predetermined position near the bathtub body in the bathroom space to measure the room temperature. The temperature measuring part of this thermistor 86 is positioned, for example, 200 mm to the side of the bathtub body 6, 200 mm in front of the wall at the back of the page along the long side of the bathtub body, and 1000 mm above the floor to measure the room temperature. Care is taken to avoid extreme gradients in the temperature of the object being measured during measurement.

[0078] Next, with reference to Figure 26, a measuring device and method for measuring the flow rate of mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 will be described. The mist flow rate measuring device 90 comprises a mist generation unit 8, a mist supply unit 10, a support structure 91 that supports the mist generation unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 on a water storage tank, a water storage tank 92 for storing water, a water supply pump 94 that supplies water from the water storage tank 92 to the mist generation unit 8, a fan 96 that sends the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 outwards from the flow rate measuring device 90, and an electronic balance 98 for measuring weight. The ultrasonic transducer 18 of the mist generation unit 8 is driven by an oscillation circuit 93 attached to the support structure 91. The water supply pump 94 and the fan 96 are supported by the support structure 91. In other words, the flow rate measuring device 90 is configured with the water used for mist generation and the mist generation unit 8 used for mist generation placed on the electronic balance 98. An A&D GF-32K is used as the electronic balance 98.

[0079] In the flow rate measuring device 90, before mist generation, the weights of the mist generation unit 8, mist supply unit 10, support structure 91, water storage tank 92, water supply pump 94, and fan 96 (hereinafter referred to as the weight of the mist generation unit 8, etc.) are measured while they are placed on an electronic balance 98. Thereafter, mist generation is performed with these mist generation unit 8, etc. still on the electronic balance 98. In this flow rate measuring device 90, water is supplied to the mist generation unit 8 by the water supply pump 94, and the water level is kept almost fixed by draining water from the overflow pipe 31. Mist is generated by driving the ultrasonic transducer 18, and the mist that flows out from the mist supply unit 10 is sent to the outside of the flow rate measuring device 90 by the fan 96. One minute after the start of driving the ultrasonic transducer 18, the driving of the ultrasonic transducer 18 is stopped, and the weight of the mist generation unit 8, etc. is measured by the electronic balance 98. Therefore, the amount of weight lost during mist generation can be determined by the following formula: "Weight loss during mist generation = Weight of mist generation unit 8 etc. before mist generation - Weight of mist generation unit 8 etc. after mist generation". Then, the mist supply flow rate can be determined by the following formula: "Mist supply flow rate [ml / min] = Weight loss during mist generation - Evaporation rate". The mist supply flow rate [ml / min] obtained in this way is determined by taking the average of three similar measurements of the mist supply flow rate [ml / min]. The evaporation rate takes into account the natural evaporation rate during measurement. Therefore, in the flow rate measuring device 90, the weight loss after 1 minute is measured without driving the ultrasonic transducer 18. Three similar measurements of weight loss are taken, and the average of the measurement results is taken to determine the final weight loss as the evaporation rate, which is used in the calculation of the mist supply flow rate described above.

[0080] In the flow rate measuring device 90, measurements are taken in a manner that prevents water other than mist (for example, water droplets from the water column generated by the ultrasonic transducer) from flying out of the flow rate measuring device 90. Furthermore, the flow rate measuring device 90 is configured so that if some of the generated mist returns to water in the mist supply unit 10, this water returns to the water storage tank 92, etc. The fan 96 is set to an airflow rate and direction that allows the mist to flow outward without stagnating in the mist supply unit 10 and the mist generation unit 8.

[0081] Next, with reference to Figures 27 to 29, 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 comprises 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 20mm x 20mm square opening 52 is formed near the center of the side wall of the box-shaped device 39, that is, the side wall of the virtual retention space 34, and a lid 57 is attached to this opening 52. When measuring the mist particle size, the mist particle size measuring device 37 is placed in place of the bathtub body 6 to measure the mist particle size. The positional relationship between the lower end of the mist supply unit 10 and the measuring device 37 is approximately the same as the positional relationship between the mist supply unit 10 and the bathtub body 6, and mist is supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the measuring device 37 in the same way that mist is supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the bathtub body 6.

[0082] As shown in Figure 28, the particle size distribution analyzer 53 includes a particle size measuring laser 54 positioned such that its measurement area E is located near and in front of the aperture 52. In a top view, the particle size measuring laser 54 is positioned so that its laser beam is parallel to the long side of the virtual dwelling space 34. The measurement area E, through which the laser beam emitted from the particle size measuring laser 54 passes, is located in front of the aperture 52. The measurement area E is located at a distance of 150 mm from the aperture 52. The particle size distribution analyzer 53 further includes a measuring lens 56 to detect the diffracted and scattered light of this laser beam.

[0083] With the lid 57 attached to this opening, the supply of mist into the virtual retention space 34 is started. The mist supply port from the mist supply unit 10 is not shown in the figure. One minute after the start of mist supply, the lid 57 is opened, and the mist is released towards the measurement area E of the particle size measuring laser 54. The scattered light distribution is measured by the measuring lens 56 when the transmittance of the particle size measuring laser 54 is 60% to 90%. For example, the particle size measuring laser 54 and measuring lens 56 used are the LDSA-SPR1500A from the AeroTrac LDSA-SPR series spray particle size distribution measuring device manufactured by MicroTrac-Bell Co., Ltd. The particle size distribution data is measured 10 times, and this particle size distribution data is recorded on a PC. The 10 particle size distribution data are averaged on the PC. Figure 29 shows an example of particle size distribution data measured by the particle size distribution measuring device 53. In Figure 29, the left vertical axis shows frequency [%], the right vertical axis shows cumulative [%], and the horizontal axis shows particle size [μm]. For example, the PC may analyze the particle size distribution data obtained in this way and acquire, for example, the 20th percentile particle size G of the particle size distribution data as particle size data, or for example, the Sauter mean particle size H as particle size data. The Sauter mean particle size represents the particle size that has 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 particles on the measurement can be suppressed. In this way, the main particle size (for example, more than half) of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 can be measured. In this embodiment, the Sauter mean particle size H of the mist supplied from the mist device 1 is 3.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0084] The Sauter mean particle size H of the mist can be changed by changing the output of the ultrasonic transducer 18 of the mist generation unit 8, changing the vibration frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 18, or changing the mist generation means to a centrifugal separator or the like. For example, the Sauter mean particle size H of the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 can be changed and set within the range of 3.1 μm or more and 40 μm or less.

[0085] Next, referring to Figure 30, a device and method for determining whether or not mist is accumulating in the stagnant space 4 within the bathtub body 6 (i.e., whether or not it is forming a mist stagnant layer C) will be described. As shown in Figure 30, the internal transmittance measured inside the retention space 4 within the bathtub body 6 using the transmittance measuring device 68 is compared with the external transmittance measured outside the retention space 4. If the internal transmittance is lower than the external transmittance, it can be determined that mist is retaining inside the retention space 4. More specifically, it is determined that mist is retaining inside the retention space 4 when the internal transmittance / external transmittance < 1.

[0086] For example, as shown in Figure 15, when mist is accumulating inside the retention space 4, the internal transmittance decreases. On the other hand, the mist mainly remains inside the retention space 4, and the external transmittance measured above the retention boundary surface 66 is relatively high. Therefore, internal transmittance / external transmittance < 1, and it is determined that mist is accumulating inside the retention space 4. Alternatively, it may be determined that mist is accumulating inside the retention space 4 if the internal transmittance is within the range of 15% or less.

[0087] Next, with reference to Figure 30, the transmittance measuring device 68 will be described. Whether a stagnant state has been formed can be determined by attaching a transmittance measuring device 68 to the bathtub body 6. The transmittance measuring device 68 comprises a first laser device 70 with a measuring section located inside the stagnant space 4, and a first transmittance measuring device 72 that receives the laser. The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are positioned 150 mm apart horizontally at a position 150 mm below the upper end of the stagnant space 4 (for example, at a depth of about 30% of the depth of the stagnant space 4). The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are positioned near the center of the stagnant space 4 when viewed from above. The intensity of the laser light measured by the first transmittance measuring device 72 is measured in relation to the intensity of the laser light emitted from the first laser device 70 to measure the internal transmittance. The transmittance measuring device 68 further comprises a second laser device 74 positioned outside the stagnant 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 positioned horizontally apart at a position 150 mm above the upper end of the stagnant space 4 (for example, a position assumed to be above the stagnant boundary surface 66 at the upper end of the stagnant layer C). The first laser device 70 and the first transmittance measuring device 72 are positioned near the center of the stagnant space 4 in a top view. The intensity of the laser light measured by the second transmittance measuring device 76 is measured in relation to the intensity of the laser light emitted from the second laser device 74 to measure the external transmittance. In this way, the internal transmittance and external transmittance within the stagnant space 4 can be measured, respectively. More specifically, the measurement device 68 consists of a laser beam emitted from a Keyence FS-N11MN digital fiber amplifier, which is oscillated through a Keyence FU-77TZ (first laser device 70 or second laser device 74) and received by 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, 1-5V depending on the light intensity. The light intensity is set to, for example, 1500-4500. The output voltage is measured by a Keyence NR-500 series NR-HA08 and scaled to a value of 0-100% on a PC. The transmittance data is measured, for example, with a sampling period of 100ms. For example, the transmittance data is averaged over a period of, for example, 30 seconds after the mist supply is started at a nearly fixed rate and the retention layer C is formed. For example, when measuring the state of rising mist clouds, average calculations are not performed; the determination is made based on data obtained over time.

[0088] Next, the effects of the configuration of this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment of the present invention, the mist generation unit 8 includes a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 that suppresses a decrease in the amount of mist generated. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of mist generated that remains in the retention space 4, and makes it easier to maintain the state in which the mist remains in the retention space 4.

[0089] In this embodiment of the present invention, the mist generation unit 8 includes a heater 20 as a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40, which suppresses a decrease in the temperature of the water in the water storage unit 12. This suppresses a decrease in the temperature of the water in the water storage unit 12 and prevents a decrease in the amount of mist generated from the water in the water storage unit 12. Therefore, by suppressing a decrease in the amount of mist generated and a decrease in the amount of mist supplied, it is possible to easily maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space 4. If the temperature of the water in the water storage unit 12 decreases, the amount of mist generated from the water in the water storage unit 12 decreases for the same output of the ultrasonic transducer 18, the amount of mist supplied to the retention space 4 decreases, and it becomes difficult to maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space 4. The configuration of this embodiment can suppress such a state.

[0090] In this embodiment of the present invention, the wall portion 42 is formed such that the ripples caused by the water supplied to the water supply side portion 12a are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generation side portion 12b. As a result, the ripples caused by the water supplied to the water supply side portion 12a are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generation unit 8, and the disturbance of the water surface in the mist generation side portion 12b and the resulting decrease in the amount of mist generated from the water in the mist generation side portion 12b can be suppressed. In addition, the wall portion 42 makes it less likely for the ripples to be transmitted to the mist generation unit 8, and the wall portion 42 also makes it less likely for the temperature of the water supplied to the water supply side portion 12a to be transmitted to the mist generation unit 8, thereby suppressing the decrease in the temperature of the water in the mist generation side portion 12b and further suppressing the decrease in the amount of mist generated from the water in the water storage portion 12. Therefore, the decrease in the amount of mist generated is further suppressed, the decrease in the amount of mist supplied is further suppressed, and it is easier to maintain a state in which mist is retained in the retention space 4.

[0091] In the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the volume of water up to the specified water supply level Q1 in the mist generation side 12b is larger than the volume of water up to the specified water supply level Q1 in the water supply side 12a. This makes it less susceptible to the effects of temperature drop in the water in the mist generation side 12b due to the cooling of the water on the mist generation side 12b as mist is generated. Furthermore, even if water at a relatively low temperature is supplied to the water supply side 12a during water supply, the water on the mist generation side 12b is less likely to be cooled, and the water in the mist generation side 12b is less susceptible to temperature drop.

[0092] In this embodiment of the present invention, the heater 20 of the mist generation unit 8 is provided at least on the mist generation side portion 12b. This makes it easier to suppress the decrease in the temperature of the water on the mist generation side portion 12b, which occurs when the water on the mist generation side portion 12b is cooled as mist is generated.

[0093] In this embodiment of the present invention, the heater 20 of the mist generation unit 8 extends from the mist generation side 12b to the water supply side 12a. As a result, the water supplied to the water supply side 12a during water supply can be heated by the heater 20 from the water supply side 12a. Therefore, the water supplied to the water supply side 12a during water supply does not cool the water on the mist generation side 12b, and the water on the mist generation side 12b is less affected by temperature drops.

[0094] In this embodiment of the present invention, multiple ultrasonic transducers 18 are provided, and the heater 20 extends in the direction of the arrangement of the multiple ultrasonic transducers 18. This reduces temperature unevenness in the water around the multiple ultrasonic transducers 18 within the mist generation side section 12b. Therefore, the water within the mist generation side section 12b is heated evenly, and the mist generation efficiency can be increased.

[0095] In this embodiment of the present invention, the wall portion 42 is formed such that the ripples caused by the water supplied to the water supply side portion 12a are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generation side portion 12b. As a result, the ripples caused by the water supplied to the water supply side portion 12a are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generation portion 8, and the decrease in the amount of mist generated from the water in the mist generation side portion 12b due to disturbance of the water surface in the mist generation side portion 12b can be suppressed. Therefore, the decrease in the amount of mist generated is further suppressed, the decrease in the amount of mist supplied is further suppressed, and it is possible to maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space 4.

[0096] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a plumbing fixture characterized by comprising a misting device according to one embodiment of the present invention and a bathtub body 6 that forms a retention space 4 for receiving mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 of the misting device 1.

[0097] Next, with reference to Figure 31, a shower floor device, which is a water receiving device (water-related equipment) equipped with a mist device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, will be described. The second embodiment is an example in which the mist device according to the present invention is applied to the shower floor of a bathroom. Figure 31 is a perspective view of a shower floor device equipped with a mist device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Since the misting device according to the second embodiment has a similar basic structure to the misting device according to the first embodiment described above, only the differences between the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be explained, and similar parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings or omitted from illustration and explanation. The operation (function) and measurement methods of the washing area floor device according to the second embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the misting system according to the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0099] As shown in Figure 31, the washing area floor device 102, which is a water receiving device equipped with a mist device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, is installed in the bathroom 3. The washing area floor device 102 is provided with a water supply device 7 for supplying water. The washing area floor device 102 further includes a washing area floor body 106 that forms a retention space 104 for receiving mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 of the mist device 1, which will be described later. The washing area floor device 102 is a water receiving device having a water receiving portion for receiving discharged water. The configuration of the mist device 1 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the internal structure of the mist device 1 and the like are not shown.

[0100] The washing area floor body 106 forms a retention space 104 that is open at the top toward the indoor space 5 where the washing area floor device 102 is used. The washing area floor body 106 is formed by the bathroom wall, the outer wall of the bathtub body, the bathroom door, etc., and is designed so that water can flow into the inner retention space 104. With this structure, the washing area floor body 106 is designed so that mist is retained in the retention space 104. The volume of the washing area floor body 106 is larger than the volume of the bathtub body 6. The retention space 104 is formed up to the upper end of the bathtub body 6, for example, defining the wall of the washing area floor body 106.

[0101] The misting device 1 is used in the washing area floor device 102, which is a water receiving device. The misting device 1 comprises a mist generating unit 8 and a mist supply unit 10. In the washing area floor device 102 using the misting device 1, the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 is configured to remain in the retention space 104 of the washing area floor body 106. Figure 31 illustrates a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

[0102] According to the structure of the second embodiment configured in this way, heated mist is retained in the retention space 104 of the washing area floor body 106. For example, the heated mist can warm the washing area floor body 106, thereby heating the washing area floor and the retention space 104. In addition, the heated mist allows the user to take a mist bath in the retention space 104. Furthermore, for example, the heated mist warms the washing area floor body 106 and makes it possible to clean or remove dirt adhering to the washing area floor body 106 with relatively high cleaning performance.

[0103] The mist generation unit 8 of the mist device 1 is equipped with a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 that suppresses the decrease in the temperature of the water in the water storage unit 12. As a result, the mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 of the mist generation unit 8 can suppress a decrease in the amount of mist generated. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space 104.

[0104] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a water receiving device characterized by comprising a misting device according to one embodiment of the present invention and a washing area floor body 106 that forms a retention space 104 for receiving mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 of the misting device 1.

[0105] Next, with reference to Figure 32, a shower room device, which is a water receiving device (water-related equipment) equipped with a mist device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, will be described. The third embodiment is an example in which the mist device according to the present invention is applied to a shower room. Figure 32 is a perspective view of a shower room device equipped with a mist device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] Since the mist device according to the third embodiment has a similar basic structure to the mist device according to the first embodiment described above, only the differences between the third embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be explained, and similar parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings or omitted from illustration and explanation. The operation (function) and measurement methods of the shower room device according to the third embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the mist system according to the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0107] As shown in Figure 35, the shower room device 202, which is a water receiving device equipped with a mist device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, is installed in the shower room 203. The shower room 203 is formed in a shape in which a semicircular area is added to a rectangular area with sides of about 0.8m to 2m when viewed from above, forming a relatively narrow room space. The shower room device 202 is equipped with a water supply device 207 for supplying water. The shower room device 202 further includes a shower room body 206 that forms a retention space 204 for receiving mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 of the mist device 1, which will be described later. The shower room device 202 is a water receiving device having a water receiving portion for receiving the discharged water. The configuration of the mist device 1 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the internal structure of the mist device 1 is not shown. The shower room 203 is not limited to a room in which only the shower supply device 207 is installed, but may also include a toilet, hand washing equipment, washbasin, or a combination thereof.

[0108] The shower room body 206 forms a retention space 204 that is open at the top toward the indoor space 205 in which the shower room device 202 is used. The shower room body 206 is formed by the walls of the shower room, the door of the shower room, etc., and is designed so that water can flow into the retention space 204 inside. With this structure, the shower room body 206 is designed so that mist is retained in the retention space 204. This embodiment shows that the retention space 204 can be defined even if the boundary between the indoor space 205 and the retention space 204 of the shower room 203 is not clearly demarcated by the structure. The boundary between the indoor space 205 and the retention space 204 is set at different positions considering the mist supply capacity of the mist device 1. The retention space 204 can be arbitrarily set as a space that is intended to accumulate mist, considering the mist supply capacity of the mist device 1. Such a retention space 204 is a retention space that is open at the top toward the indoor space 205. It should be noted that, although not limited to this embodiment, even if the boundary between the indoor space 205 and the dwelling space 204 is not clearly demarcated by the structure, the dwelling space 204 can be set up in a similar manner. The dwelling space 204 is formed up to, for example, the height of a seated user's face (or, for example, a height of about one-third of the total height of the interior space of the shower room).

[0109] The mist device 1 is used in the shower room device 202. The mist device 1 comprises a mist generating unit 8 and a mist supply unit 10. The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 are configured such that the temperature difference between the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 204 and the temperature of the room where the plumbing equipment is used before the mist supply starts is 0°C or higher, so that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 remains in the retention space 204 of the shower room body 206. Figure 32 illustrates a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

[0110] According to the structure of the third embodiment configured in this way, heated mist is retained within the retention space 204 of the shower room body 206. For example, the heated mist can warm the shower room body 206, thereby heating the shower room floor and the retention space 204. The heated mist also allows the user to take a mist bath in the retention space 204. Furthermore, because the heated mist is retained at a relatively high position, the user can take a mist bath while sitting on the chair 208 inside the retention space 204 or while standing. In addition, for example, the heated mist warms the shower room body 206 and makes it easier to clean or remove dirt attached to the shower room body 206 with relatively high cleaning performance.

[0111] The mist generation unit 8 of the mist device 1 is equipped with a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 that suppresses the decrease in the temperature of the water in the water storage unit 12. As a result, the mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 of the mist generation unit 8 can suppress a decrease in the amount of mist generated. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space 204.

[0112] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a water receiving device characterized by comprising a misting device according to one embodiment of the present invention and a shower room body 206 that forms a retention space 204 for receiving mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 of the misting device 1.

[0113] Next, with reference to Figure 33, a washbasin, which is a water receiving device (water-related equipment) equipped with a mist device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, will be described. The fourth embodiment is an example in which the mist device according to the present invention is applied to a washbasin. Figure 33 is a perspective view of a washbasin equipped with a mist device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Since the mist device according to the fourth embodiment has a similar basic structure to the mist device according to the first embodiment described above, only the differences between the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be explained, and similar parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings or omitted from illustration and explanation. The operation (function) and measurement methods of the washbasin device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the mist system according to the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0115] As shown in Figure 33, a washbasin 302, which is a water receiving device equipped with a mist device 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, is installed on the counter of a washroom 303 or the like. The washbasin 302 is equipped with a water supply device 307 for supplying water. The washbasin 302 further includes a washbasin body 306 that forms a retention space 304 for receiving mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 of the mist device 1, which will be described later. The washbasin 302 is a water receiving device having a water receiving portion for receiving the discharged water. The configuration of the mist device 1 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the internal structure of the mist device 1 is not shown. Also, the water supply control unit 25 connected to the supply device 307 and the operation unit 27 connected to the water supply control unit 25 are arranged similarly and are therefore not shown. Also, the mist device control unit 26 and the mist device operation unit 28 connected to the mist device control unit 26 in the mist device 1 are arranged similarly and are therefore not shown.

[0116] The washbasin body 306 forms a retention space 304 that is open at the top toward the indoor space 305 where the washbasin device 302 is used. The washbasin body 306 is designed to store water in the inner retention space 304. With this structure, the washbasin body 306 is designed so that mist is retained in the retention space 304. The retention space 304 is formed up to the upper end of the washbasin body 306.

[0117] The mist device 1 is used in the washbasin unit 302. The mist device 1 comprises a mist generating unit 8 and a mist supply unit 10. The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 are configured such that the temperature difference between the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 304 and the temperature of the room in which the plumbing equipment is used before the mist supply begins is 0°C or higher, so that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 remains in the retention space 304 of the washbasin body 306. Figure 36 illustrates a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

[0118] According to the structure of the fourth embodiment configured in this way, the heated mist is retained in the retention space 304 of the washbasin body 306. For example, by retaining the heated mist in the retention space 304 of the washbasin body 306 and having the user expose their face or a part of their body such as their hands or feet to the mist, moisturizing, improved cleaning performance, warming, and beauty effects can be obtained. The heated mist also allows the user to take a mist bath on a part of their body in the retention space 304. Furthermore, for example, the heated mist warms the washbasin body 306 and makes it possible to clean or remove dirt adhering to the retention space 304 inside the washbasin body 306 with relatively high cleaning performance.

[0119] The mist generation unit 8 of the mist device 1 is equipped with a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 that suppresses the decrease in the temperature of the water in the water storage unit 12. As a result, the mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 of the mist generation unit 8 can suppress a decrease in the amount of mist generated. Therefore, it is easier to maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space 304.

[0120] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a water receiving device characterized by comprising a misting device according to one embodiment of the present invention and a washbasin body 306 that forms a retention space 304 for receiving mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 of the misting device 1.

[0121] Next, with reference to Figure 37, a kitchen sink device, which is a water receiving device (water-related equipment) equipped with a mist device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, will be described. The fifth embodiment is an example in which the mist device according to the present invention is applied to a kitchen sink device. Figure 37 is a perspective view of a kitchen sink device equipped with a mist device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Since the misting device according to the fifth embodiment has a similar basic structure to the misting device according to the first embodiment described above, only the differences between the fifth embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be explained, and similar parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings or omitted from illustration and explanation. The operation (function) and measurement methods of the kitchen sink device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention are the same as those of the misting system according to the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0123] As shown in Figure 37, a kitchen sink device 402, which is a water fixture equipped with a mist device 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, is installed in a washroom 403. The kitchen sink device 402 is equipped with a water supply device 407 for supplying water. The kitchen sink device 402 further includes a kitchen sink body 406 that forms a retention space 404 for receiving mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 of the mist device 1, which will be described later. The kitchen sink device 402 is a water receiving device having a water receiving part for receiving the discharged water. The configuration of the mist device 1 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the internal structure of the mist device 1 is not shown. The water supply control unit 25 connected to the supply device 407 and the operation unit 27 connected to the water supply control unit 25 are arranged similarly and are therefore not shown. Also, the mist device control unit 26 and the mist device operation unit 28 connected to the mist device control unit 26 in the mist device 1 are arranged similarly and are therefore not shown.

[0124] The kitchen sink body 406 forms a retention space 404 that is open at the top toward the interior space 405 in which the kitchen sink device 402 is used. The kitchen sink body 406 is designed to store water in the internal retention space 404. With this structure, the kitchen sink body 406 is designed to retain mist in the retention space 404. The retention space 404 extends to the upper end of the kitchen sink body 406.

[0125] The misting device 1 is used in the kitchen sink device 402. The misting device 1 comprises a mist generating unit 8 and a mist supply unit 10. The mist generating unit 8 and the mist supply unit 10 are configured such that the temperature difference between the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 to the retention space 404 and the temperature of the room in which the plumbing equipment is used before the mist supply begins is 0°C or higher, so that the mist supplied from the mist supply unit 10 remains in the retention space 404 of the kitchen sink body 406. Figure 33 illustrates a mist retention layer C that forms a retention boundary surface 66 on its upper surface.

[0126] According to the structure of the fifth embodiment configured in this way, heated mist is retained in the retention space 404 of the kitchen sink body 406. For example, by retaining heated mist in the retention space 404 of the kitchen sink body 406 and exposing dishes, equipment to be washed, etc. to the mist, the objects to be washed are warmed, and the attached dirt can be washed with relatively high cleaning performance. Also, by exposing the objects to be washed to heated mist, even if it does not result in complete washing, the dirt can be made easier to remove. Furthermore, by retaining heated mist in the retention space 404 of the kitchen sink body 406, the user's hands and fingers inside the kitchen sink body 406 can be warmed while the user works. Also, for example, the heated mist warms the kitchen sink body 406 and makes it possible to wash or make easier to remove dirt attached to the retention space 404 inside the kitchen sink body 406 with relatively high cleaning performance.

[0127] The mist generation unit 8 of the mist device 1 is equipped with a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 that suppresses the decrease in the temperature of the water in the water storage unit 12. As a result, the mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 40 of the mist generation unit 8 can suppress a decrease in the amount of mist generated. Therefore, it is easier to maintain a state in which the mist remains in the retention space 404.

[0128] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a water receiving device characterized by comprising a misting device of one embodiment of the present invention and a kitchen sink body 406 that forms a retention space 404 for receiving mist supplied from the misting supply unit 10 of the misting device 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0129] 1: Misting device 2: Mist System 4: Retention space 6: Bathtub body 8: Mist generation unit 10: Mist supply unit 12: Water storage section 12a: Water supply side 12b: Mist generation side 14: Water supply channel 18: Ultrasonic transducer 20: Heater 40: Mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit 42:Wall part 102: Washing area floor equipment 104: Retention space 106: Washing area floor main body 202: Shower room equipment 204: Retention space 206: Shower room unit 302: Washbasin 303: Washroom 304: Retention space 306: Washbasin 402: Kitchen sink device 403: Washroom 404: Retention space 406: Kitchen sink body B: Water C: Retention layer W: wall X: Warm water layer

Claims

1. A misting device used in plumbing fixtures, A mist generating unit that generates mist from the water stored in the water reservoir, The system comprises a mist supply unit that supplies mist generated by the mist generation unit into a retention area that forms a retention space with an open top, The mist supplied from the above-mentioned mist supply unit is configured to remain in the above-mentioned retention space. The above mist generation unit includes a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit that suppresses a decrease in the amount of mist generated, The mist generating section comprises a wall section provided between a mist generating side section in the water storage section where an ultrasonic transducer is arranged and a water supply side section to which a water supply channel for supplying water into the water storage section is connected, wherein the wall section is configured to allow water to communicate between the mist generating side section and the water supply side section, and also functions as a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression section, and is formed in such a way that ripples caused by water supplied to the water supply side section are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generating side section.

2. The above mist generating unit includes a water reservoir and It comprises an ultrasonic transducer that emits ultrasonic waves into the water in the reservoir to generate mist, The mist device according to claim 1, wherein the mist generating unit further includes a heater that functions as a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression unit and suppresses a decrease in the temperature of the water in the water storage unit.

3. The misting device according to claim 1, wherein the wall portion of the misting unit is positioned such that the volume of water up to the specified water supply level on the misting side is greater than the volume of water up to the specified water supply level on the water supply side.

4. The misting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the heater of the misting section is provided at least on the misting side.

5. The misting device according to claim 4, wherein the heater of the misting unit extends from the misting side to the water supply side.

6. The misting apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are provided, and the heater extends in the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers.

7. The mist generating section comprises a wall provided between a mist generating side section in a water storage section where an ultrasonic transducer is arranged and a water supply side section where a water supply device for supplying water into the water storage section is arranged, wherein the wall is configured to allow water to communicate between the mist generating side section and the water supply side section, and also functions as a mist supply flow rate reduction suppression section, and is formed in such a way that ripples caused by water supplied to the water supply side section are less likely to be transmitted to the mist generating side section, as described in claim 1.

8. Plumbing fixtures, A misting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A plumbing fixture comprising: a retention section that forms a retention space for receiving mist supplied from the mist supply section of the mist device; and

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