Liquid atomization device and sauna device

By positioning a water supply solenoid valve upstream of the heat exchanger and controlling valve operations, the device addresses scale-related water leakage and ensures stable, sterile mist generation in sauna devices.

JP7867166B2Active Publication Date: 2026-05-29PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
Filing Date
2021-03-31
Publication Date
2026-05-29

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Abstract

To provide a liquid atomizing apparatus and a sauna apparatus capable of suppressing water leakage.SOLUTION: A water supply part 28 supplies water. A water heater 29 generates hot water as a heat source. A plate heat exchanger 22 executes heat exchange between the hot water from the water heater 29 and water supplied from the water supply part 28. A micro-mist generation part 36 and a nozzle 35 for splash mist atomize the water supplied from the water supply part 28 subjected to heat exchange with hot water by the plate heat exchanger 22 to micro-mist or splash mist. An electromagnetic valve 23 for micro-mist and an electromagnetic value 25 for splash mist conduct / block supply of water on a downstream side of the plate heat exchanger 22. In the meanwhile, a water supply electromagnetic value 21 conducts / blocks supply of water on an upstream side of the plate heat exchanger 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid atomization device and a sauna device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, sauna devices installed on the ceiling surface of a household bathroom or the like are known (for example, Patent Document 1). In this sauna device, for example, the air in the bathroom is sucked into the main body through the intake port and heated by the primary heating means. The heated air is mixed with water (mist) atomized by the liquid atomization device to be humidified, and after being further heated by the secondary humidification means, it is blown into the bathroom from the air outlet.

[0003] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a conventional water circuit (water flow) formed to generate atomized water in the liquid atomization device 100 used in such a sauna device.

[0004] In the example shown in FIG. 5, two liquid atomization parts are shown. That is, the liquid atomization device 100 has a first liquid atomization part 105 that generates micro mist, which is small water particles with a particle size of about 1 μm that are invisible to the naked eye, and a second liquid atomization part 106 that generates splash mist, which is relatively large water particles with a particle size of about 100 μm.

[0005] The first liquid atomization part 105 breaks water by colliding it with a wall and sprays it as mist. The second liquid atomization part 106 sprays water from one or more nozzles (splash nozzles). Thereby, the liquid atomization device 100 can supply two types of mist to the user.

[0006] The liquid atomization device 100 also has a water supply part 107, a water heater 108, a plate heat exchanger 101, a solenoid valve 102 for micro mist, a constant flow valve 103, and a solenoid valve 104 for splash mist.

[0007] Water supplied into the main unit from the water supply unit 107 is supplied to the plate heat exchanger 101. A water heater 108 is connected to the plate heat exchanger 101, and hot water generated in the water heater 108 as a heat source is supplied to the plate heat exchanger 101. Heat exchange takes place in the plate heat exchanger 101 between the supplied water and the hot water.

[0008] Water supplied from the water supply section 107, which has undergone heat exchange with hot water via the plate heat exchanger 101, is supplied to the solenoid valve 102 for micro-mist and the solenoid valve 104 for splash mist. When the liquid atomization device 100 is stopped, both the solenoid valve 102 for micro-mist and the solenoid valve 104 for splash mist are closed, and the supply of water to the first liquid atomization section 105 and the second liquid atomization section 106, which are located downstream of each solenoid valve 102 and 104, is cut off.

[0009] When the liquid atomization device 100 is in micro-mist operation mode to supply micro-mist, the solenoid valve 102 for micro-mist is opened, and a constant flow rate of water is supplied to the first liquid atomization unit 105 by the constant flow valve 103, causing micro-mist to be sprayed by the first liquid atomization unit 105.

[0010] On the other hand, when the liquid atomization device 100 is in splash mist operation mode to supply splash mist, the splash mist solenoid valve 104 is opened, water is supplied to one or more second liquid atomization units 106, and splash mist is sprayed from each second liquid atomization unit 106. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-188023 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] In the liquid atomization device 100 configured in this way, there was a problem in that scale tended to accumulate on the diaphragms of the solenoid valve 102 for micro-mist and the solenoid valve 104 for splash mist. As a result, the solenoid valve 102 for micro-mist and the solenoid valve 104 for splash mist in the liquid atomization device 100 did not close completely, causing water leakage.

[0013] This invention was made to solve the above problems and aims to provide a liquid atomization device and a sauna device that can suppress water leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] To achieve this objective, the liquid atomization apparatus of the present invention comprises a water supply unit, a heat exchanger, a liquid atomization unit, a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, and a control unit. The water supply unit supplies water. The heat exchanger performs heat exchange between hot water as a heat source and the water supplied from the water supply unit. The liquid atomization unit atomizes the water supplied from the water supply unit, which has undergone heat exchange with the hot water by the heat exchanger, into predetermined water droplets. The first solenoid valve is located upstream of the heat exchanger and, when open, allows water to be supplied from the water supply unit, and when closed, blocks the water supply from the water supply unit. The second solenoid valve is located downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the liquid atomization unit and, when open, allows water to be supplied to the liquid atomization unit, and when closed, blocks the water supply to the liquid atomization unit. The control unit controls the operation of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve.

[0015] Furthermore, the sauna apparatus of the present invention is one in which the liquid atomization device of the present invention is installed on the ceiling surface of the sauna room. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The liquid atomization device and sauna device of the present invention have the effect of suppressing water leakage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sauna device 1 including a liquid atomization device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid atomization device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a water circuit of the liquid atomization device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(a) is a timing chart showing control in a control unit when the liquid atomization device operates in splash mist mode, and FIG. 4(b) is a timing chart showing control in the control unit when the liquid atomization device operates in micro mist mode. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a water circuit of a conventional liquid atomization device. Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions of components, connection forms, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional components. Also, in each figure, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0019] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a schematic configuration of a sauna device 1 and a liquid atomization device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sauna device 1 including the liquid atomization device 10. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid atomization device 10. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a water circuit of the liquid atomization device 10.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid atomization device 10 has a main body 11 and a remote controller 42. The sauna device 1 is configured such that the main body 11 of the liquid atomization device 10 is installed on the ceiling surface in the sauna room B.

[0021] Hot water from a water heater 29 (see FIG. 3) that generates hot water as a heat source is supplied to the main body 11 through a circulation supply pipe 12a, and returns to the water heater 29 through a circulation return pipe 12b. This water heater 29 corresponds to a heat source machine. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the water heater 29 is not included in the sauna device 1 and the liquid atomization device 10.

[0022] The main body 11 also has a water supply section 28 (see FIG. 3) for supplying water. The water supply section 28 is connected to a water supply pipe 12c and supplies water (e.g., tap water, well water, etc.) to the main body 11.

[0023] Although details will be described later, the liquid atomization device 10 heats the water supplied from the water supply section 28 by heat exchange with the hot water supplied from the water heater 29, and atomizes the water supplied from the water supply section 28 after heat exchange to generate mist. Here, the liquid atomization device 10 is configured to be capable of a micro mist operation for generating micro mist, which is small water particles with a particle size of about 1 μm that are invisible to the naked eye, and a splash mist operation for generating splash mist, which is relatively large water particles with a particle size of about 100 μm. The liquid atomization device 10 can supply two types of mist to the user. Here, the micro mist corresponds to the predetermined water particles of the present invention and also corresponds to the first water particles of the present invention. Also, the splash mist corresponds to the predetermined water particles of the present invention and also corresponds to the second water particles of the present invention.

[0024] The remote controller 42 has an indoor remote controller 42a provided in the sauna room and an outdoor remote controller 42b provided outside the sauna room, such as in a dressing room or a kitchen.

[0025] The indoor remote controller 42a and the outdoor remote controller 42b allow the user to control the start and stop of mist generation by the micro-mist generation unit 36 ​​or the splash mist nozzle 35 (described later), the mist temperature, the mist operation time, and the operation type of the liquid atomization device 10 using the buttons.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the main body 11 has a front panel 13 attached to the bottom of a rectangular box-shaped main body case 12. The main body 11 is installed in the ceiling space of sauna room B with the front panel 13 exposed inside the sauna room B.

[0027] The front panel 13 has an intake port 13a for drawing in air from inside the sauna room and an outlet port 13b for blowing out the mist generated inside the sauna room. The outlet port 13b is provided with two splash mist nozzles 35. The splash mist nozzles 35 atomize the water supplied from the water supply unit 28 into predetermined water droplets to form a splash mist. When the liquid atomization device 10 is in splash mist operation mode, splash mist is generated and sprayed by these two splash mist nozzles 35. The splash mist nozzles 35 correspond to the liquid atomization unit of the present invention, and also to the second liquid atomization unit.

[0028] Furthermore, a micro-mist generating unit 36 ​​is provided inside the main body case 12. The micro-mist generating unit 36 ​​uses, for example, a known humidification unit as described in Patent Document 1.

[0029] The following is an overview of this humidification unit. Note that a detailed diagram of the humidification unit's configuration is described in Patent Document 1, and is therefore omitted here.

[0030] First, water supplied from the water supply unit 28 is stored in the water reservoir of the humidification unit. When the water pump rotates while the water level in the reservoir is above the lower end of the water pump of the humidification unit, the water stored in the reservoir is lifted upward along the inner surface of the water pump by centrifugal force. The water lifted upward along the inner surface of the water pump then spreads out as a thin film on the upper surface of the centrifugal crushing disc provided in the water pump through multiple openings in the water pump. The water that has spread out as a thin film on the upper surface of the centrifugal crushing disc then scatters as fine droplets from the periphery to the outer edge of the centrifugal crushing disc.

[0031] Around the pumping pipe and centrifugal crushing disc, a crushing wall is formed in a curved, screen-like shape that surrounds the pumping pipe and centrifugal crushing disc. When fine water droplets scattered from the centrifugal crushing disc collide with the crushing wall, the impact of the collision causes the droplets to break down into even finer water droplets, resulting in micromist. These water droplets (water particles) that have been micronized by colliding with the crushing wall are called micromist.

[0032] The above is an overview of the known humidification unit described in Patent Document 1.

[0033] When the liquid atomization device 10 is operating in micro-mist mode, the micro-mist generated by the micro-mist generation unit 36 ​​is guided to the outlet 13b and sprayed from the outlet 13b.

[0034] Furthermore, the micro-mist generation section 36 corresponds to the liquid atomization section of the present invention, and also corresponds to the first liquid atomization section.

[0035] Furthermore, a control unit 31 is provided in the main body case 12. The control unit 31 controls each part of the liquid atomization device 10 according to instructions from the remote controller 42.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the liquid atomization device 10 is configured with a water circuit (water flow) to supply the water necessary to generate micromist or splash mist to the micromist generation unit 36 ​​or the splash mist nozzle 35.

[0037] In other words, this water circuit is composed of a water supply unit 28, a water supply solenoid valve 21, a plate heat exchanger 22, a solenoid valve 23 for micro-mist, a constant flow valve 24, and a solenoid valve 25 for splash mist.

[0038] Water supplied from the water supply unit 28 to the main body 11 of the liquid atomization device 10 via the water supply pipe 12c (see Figure 1) is supplied to the plate heat exchanger 22 via the water supply solenoid valve 21. The water supply solenoid valve 21 is located upstream of the plate heat exchanger 22, and when open, it allows water to be supplied from the water supply unit 28, and when closed, it blocks the water supply from the water supply unit 28. The opening and closing of the water supply solenoid valve 21 is controlled by the control unit 31 based on instructions from the remote controller 42. This water supply solenoid valve 21 corresponds to the first solenoid valve of the present invention.

[0039] Furthermore, hot water is supplied to the plate heat exchanger 22 from the water heater 29 via the circulation supply pipe 12a. The plate heat exchanger 22 performs heat exchange between the hot water supplied from the water heater 29 and the water supplied from the water supply unit 28 via the water supply solenoid valve 21. As a result, the water supplied from the water supply unit 28 is heated by the hot water. This plate heat exchanger 22 corresponds to the heat exchanger of the present invention.

[0040] After heat exchange is performed by the plate heat exchanger 22, the hot water returns to the water heater 29 via the circulation return pipe 12b, is heated again in the water heater 29, and is supplied back to the main unit 11 via the circulation forward pipe 12a for use in heat exchange, etc. In other words, the hot water, as a heat source, circulates between the liquid atomization device 10 and the water heater 29.

[0041] Meanwhile, in the plate heat exchanger 22, the water supplied from the water supply section 28, which has been heated by heat exchange with hot water (heat source), is divided into two paths and supplied to the solenoid valve 23 for micro-mist and the solenoid valve 25 for splash mist.

[0042] The solenoid valve 23 for micro-mist is located downstream of the plate heat exchanger 22 and upstream of the micro-mist generation unit 36. When open, it allows the supply of heated water to the micro-mist generation unit 36, and when closed, it blocks the supply of heated water to the micro-mist generation unit 36.

[0043] The splash mist solenoid valve 25 is located downstream of the plate heat exchanger 22 and upstream of the two splash mist nozzles 35. When the splash mist solenoid valve 25 is open, it allows heated water to be supplied to all of the splash mist nozzles 35, and when it is closed, it shuts off the supply of heated water to all of the splash mist nozzles 35.

[0044] The solenoid valve 23 for micro-mist corresponds to the second solenoid valve of the present invention, and also to the 2-1 solenoid valve of the present invention. Similarly, the solenoid valve 25 for splash mist corresponds to the second solenoid valve of the present invention, and also to the 2-2 solenoid valve of the present invention. The opening and closing of the solenoid valve 23 for micro-mist and the solenoid valve 25 for splash mist are controlled by the control unit 31 based on instructions from the remote controller 42.

[0045] Here, referring to Figure 4, the control of the water supply solenoid valve 21, the micro-mist solenoid valve 23, and the splash mist solenoid valve 25 by the control unit 31 during splash mist operation and micro-mist operation of the liquid atomization device 10 will be explained. Figure 4(a) is a timing chart showing the control of the control unit 31 when the liquid atomization device 10 is in splash mist operation. Figure 4(b) is a timing chart showing the control of the control unit 31 when the liquid atomization device 10 is in micro-mist operation.

[0046] First, with reference to Figure 4(a), let's explain the case where the liquid atomization device 10 is operating in splash mist mode. For example, if the liquid atomization device 10 is stopped and the mist sauna switch on the remote controller 42 is pressed once by the user, the remote controller 42 instructs the control unit 31 to start generating splash mist using the splash mist nozzle 35.

[0047] The control unit 31 receives an instruction from the remote controller 42 to start splash mist generation, sets the operating state of the liquid atomization device 10 to the splash mist operation state, and opens the water supply solenoid valve 21 after a first predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the instruction to start splash mist generation. This first predetermined time T1 is set to prevent chattering of the diaphragm of the water supply solenoid valve 21.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 31 opens the splash mist solenoid valve 25 after a second predetermined time X (X > T1) has elapsed since the instruction to start splash mist generation, that is, after opening the water supply solenoid valve 21. At this time, the micro mist solenoid valve 23 remains closed. As a result, water supplied from the water supply unit 28 and heated by the plate heat exchanger 22 is supplied to the splash mist nozzle 35, where splash mist is generated and sprayed.

[0049] Furthermore, if the liquid atomization device 10 is operating in splash mist operation mode and the stop switch on the remote controller 42 is pressed by the user, the remote controller 42 instructs the control unit 31 to stop generating splash mist using the splash mist nozzle 35.

[0050] Upon receiving an instruction from the remote controller 42 to stop splash mist generation, the control unit 31 stops the operation of the liquid atomization device 10 and first closes the splash mist solenoid valve 25. This cuts off the water supply to the splash mist nozzle 35. Furthermore, after a third predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the instruction to stop splash mist generation, the control unit 31 closes the water supply solenoid valve 21.

[0051] In this example, the user pressed a switch on the remote controller 42 to send a command to the control unit 31 to start / stop the splash mist generation, but this is not the only option. For example, if the liquid atomization device 10 has a timer function, the timing for instructing the start / stop of splash mist generation may be set by time.

[0052] Next, with reference to Figure 4(b), the case in which the liquid atomization device 10 operates in micro-mist mode will be described. For example, if the liquid atomization device 10 is in a stopped state and the mist sauna switch on the remote controller 42 is pressed twice in a row by the user, the remote controller 42 instructs the control unit 31 to start generating micro-mist using the micro-mist generation unit 36.

[0053] The control unit 31 receives an instruction from the remote controller 42 to start micro-mist generation, sets the operating state of the liquid atomization device 10 to the micro-mist operation state, and opens the water supply solenoid valve 21 after a first predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the instruction to start micro-mist generation. This first predetermined time T1 is set to prevent chattering of the diaphragm of the water supply solenoid valve 21, similar to the time during splash mist operation.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 31 opens the micro-mist solenoid valve 23 after a fourth predetermined time Y (Y>T1) has elapsed since the instruction to start micro-mist generation, that is, after opening the water supply solenoid valve 21. At this time, the splash mist solenoid valve 25 remains closed. As a result, water supplied from the water supply unit 28 and heated by the plate heat exchanger 22 is supplied to the micro-mist generation unit 36 ​​via the constant flow valve 24, where micro-mist is generated and sprayed.

[0055] Furthermore, if the liquid atomization device 10 is operating in the micro-mist operation state and the stop switch on the remote controller 42 is pressed by the user, the remote controller 42 instructs the control unit 31 to stop the micro-mist generation by the micro-mist generation unit 36.

[0056] Upon receiving an instruction from the remote controller 42 to stop micro-mist generation, the control unit 31 stops the operation of the liquid atomization device 10 and first closes the micro-mist solenoid valve 23. This cuts off the supply of water to the micro-mist generation unit 36. Furthermore, after a third predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the instruction to stop micro-mist generation, the control unit 31 closes the water supply solenoid valve 21.

[0057] In this example, the user pressed a switch on the remote controller 42 to send an instruction to the control unit 31 to start / stop micro-mist generation, but this is not the only option. For example, if the liquid atomization device 10 has a timer function, the timing for instructing the start / stop of micro-mist generation may be set by time.

[0058] The liquid atomization device 10 configured as described above, and the sauna device 1 in which the liquid atomization device 10 is installed, will produce the following effects.

[0059] (1) If scale adheres to the diaphragms of the solenoid valve 23 for micro-mist and the solenoid valve 25 for splash mist, preventing the valves from closing properly, water leakage may occur from the splash mist nozzle 35 and the micro-mist generation unit 36, increasing the likelihood of causing discomfort to the user. Furthermore, it is believed that scale tends to precipitate more easily at higher water temperatures. Therefore, the liquid atomization device 10 of this invention has the water supply solenoid valve 21 installed on the upstream side of the plate heat exchanger 22. As a result, scale deposition and adhesion are suppressed in the water supply solenoid valve 21 compared to the solenoid valve 23 for micro-mist and the solenoid valve 25 for splash mist, which are installed on the downstream side of the plate heat exchanger 22. Therefore, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is less likely to fail to close properly compared to the solenoid valve 23 for micro-mist and the solenoid valve 25 for splash mist, thus reducing the amount of water leakage and the likelihood of causing discomfort to the user.

[0060] (2) When the remote controller 42 instructs the start of splash mist or micro mist generation, the control unit 31 first opens the water supply solenoid valve 21, and then opens the splash mist solenoid valve 25 or the micro mist solenoid valve 23. If the splash mist solenoid valve 25 or the micro mist solenoid valve 23 is opened first, and then the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened, the following phenomenon occurs. That is, if there is residual water between the water supply solenoid valve 21 and the splash mist solenoid valve 25 and the micro mist solenoid valve 23, a phenomenon occurs where mist is sprayed for just a moment (brief spray) before the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened. As a result, stable mist spraying (main spraying) cannot be performed until the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened, which may cause discomfort to the user. In contrast, by opening the water supply solenoid valve 21 first, when the splash mist solenoid valve 25 or the micro-mist solenoid valve 23 is opened, water can be stably supplied to the splash mist nozzle 35 or the micro-mist generation unit 36. Therefore, the liquid atomization device 10 can produce a stable mist spray from the beginning, thus reducing the possibility of causing discomfort to the user.

[0061] (3) When the remote controller 42 instructs the start of splash mist generation, a time difference of (X-T1) minutes is provided between opening the water supply solenoid valve 21 and opening the splash mist solenoid valve 25. Also, when the remote controller 42 instructs the start of micro-mist generation, a time difference of (Y-T1) minutes is provided between opening the water supply solenoid valve 21 and opening the micro-mist solenoid valve 23. As a result, water from the water supply section 28 heated by the plate heat exchanger 22 can be added to any remaining water (residual water) before opening the splash mist solenoid valve 25 or the micro-mist solenoid valve 23, thereby sterilizing the residual water. Therefore, even if residual water is used to generate the mist, the liquid atomization device 10 can spray the mist in a sterilized and clean state, thus reducing the possibility of harming the user's health.

[0062] (4) When the remote controller 42 instructs the stopping of splash mist or micro mist generation, first the splash mist solenoid valve 25 or the micro mist solenoid valve 23 is closed, and then the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed. Scale is more likely to precipitate when air comes into contact with moisture. If the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed first, and then the splash mist solenoid valve 25 or the micro mist solenoid valve 23 is closed, water will drain out of the splash mist solenoid valve 25 or the micro mist solenoid valve 23. Therefore, in this case, when the liquid atomization device 10 is stopped, air will accumulate between the water supply solenoid valve 21 and the splash mist solenoid valve 25 and the micro mist solenoid valve 23. ,vinegar Kale may precipitate and cause water leakage. When the liquid atomization device 10 stops generating splash mist or micro-mist, the control unit 31 first closes the splash mist solenoid valve 25 or the micro-mist solenoid valve 23, and then closes the water supply solenoid valve 21, so that the space between the water supply solenoid valve 21 and the splash mist solenoid valve 25 and micro-mist solenoid valve 23 can be filled with water. Therefore, Solenoid valve 25 for splash mist and solenoid valve 23 for micro mistThis suppresses scale deposition, thereby preventing water leaks.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, it is easy to infer that the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiments, and that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each embodiment may be configured by modifying the embodiment by adding some or more parts of the configuration of another embodiment to that embodiment, or by replacing some or more parts of the configuration of that embodiment. Also, the numerical values ​​given in each of the above embodiments are just examples, and it is of course possible to use other numerical values.

[0064] Furthermore, it goes without saying that additional measures to prevent water leakage may be taken in the above embodiment. For example, at least one of the following water leakage prevention measures (a) to (c) may be taken.

[0065] (a) At least one of the solenoid valves, the water supply solenoid valve 21, the micro-mist solenoid valve 23, and the splash mist solenoid valve 25, is equipped with a filter to remove scale-causing components from the water supplied from the water supply section 28.

[0066] (b) The filter mesh of the filter built into at least one of the solenoid valves, the water supply solenoid valve 21, the micro-mist solenoid valve 23, and the splash mist solenoid valve 25, is made finer, for example, 180 mesh, instead of the conventional 100-120 mesh. This makes it possible to more actively remove components that cause scale in the water supplied from the water supply section 28.

[0067] (c) Reduce the valve seat diameter of at least one of the solenoid valves: the water supply solenoid valve 21, the micro-mist solenoid valve 23, and the splash mist solenoid valve 25. For example, instead of using a solenoid valve with a valve seat diameter of 9 mm as in the conventional method, use a solenoid valve with a valve seat diameter of 7 mm. By reducing the valve seat diameter, the amount of diaphragm lift is increased when trying to flow the same amount of water. As a result, the flow velocity of the water flowing through the diaphragm increases, which can suppress the buildup of scale on the diaphragm. [Industrial applicability]

[0068] The liquid atomization device according to the present invention can be used in sauna devices that can suppress water leakage, and can also be applied to devices that atomize liquids and mix them with gases. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] B Bathroom 1. Sauna equipment 10 Liquid atomization device 11 Main body 12 Main unit case 12a Circulation supply pipe 12b Circulatory return tube 12c water supply pipe 13 Front Panel 13a Inlet 13b Air outlet 21 Water supply solenoid valve 22 Plate heat exchanger 23. Solenoid valve for micro-mist 24 Constant flow valve 25 Solenoid valve for splash mist 28 Water supply section 29 Water heater 31 Control Unit 35 Splash Mist Nozzle 36 Micro-mist generation unit 42 Remote Controllers 42a Indoor remote controller 42b Indoor Remote Controller

Claims

1. The water supply unit that supplies water, A heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between hot water as a heat source and water supplied from the water supply section, A liquid atomization unit that atomizes the water supplied from the water supply unit, which has undergone heat exchange with the hot water by the heat exchanger, into predetermined water droplets, A first solenoid valve is located upstream of the heat exchanger, which, when open, allows water to be supplied from the water supply unit, and when closed, blocks the water supply from the water supply unit. A second solenoid valve is provided downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the liquid atomization section, which, when open, allows the supply of water to the liquid atomization section and when closed, shuts off the supply of water to the liquid atomization section. The system comprises a control unit that controls the operation of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve, The liquid atomization apparatus is characterized in that, when the control unit is instructed to stop the atomization of water, it first controls the second solenoid valve from an open state to a closed state, and then controls the first solenoid valve from an open state to a closed state.

2. The liquid atomization apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the control unit is instructed to start atomization of water, it first controls the first solenoid valve to open from a closed state, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, controls the second solenoid valve to open from a closed state.

3. The liquid atomization section is A first liquid atomization unit atomizes the water supplied from the water supply unit, which has undergone heat exchange with the hot water by the heat exchanger, into first water droplets. The system includes a second liquid atomization unit that atomizes the water supplied from the water supply unit, which has undergone heat exchange with the hot water by the heat exchanger, into second water droplets with a larger particle size than the first water droplets, The second solenoid valve is, A second-first solenoid valve is provided downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the first liquid atomization section, which, when open, allows the supply of water to the first liquid atomization section and when closed, blocks the supply of water to the first liquid atomization section. The heat exchanger includes a second-second solenoid valve provided downstream of the heat exchanger and upstream of the second liquid atomization section, which, when open, allows the supply of water to the second liquid atomization section and when closed, blocks the supply of water to the second liquid atomization section. The control unit, When the start of water atomization by the first water droplet is instructed, the 2-2 solenoid valve is kept closed, the 1 solenoid valve is first opened from the closed state, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the 2-1 solenoid valve is controlled to open from the closed state. When it is instructed to stop the atomization of water by the first water droplet, the second-first solenoid valve is first controlled to close from the open state, and then the first solenoid valve is controlled to close from the open state. When the start of water atomization by the second water droplet is instructed, the 2-1 solenoid valve is kept closed, the 1 solenoid valve is first opened from the closed state, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the 2-2 solenoid valve is opened from the closed state. The liquid atomization apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, when instructed to stop the atomization of water by the second water droplet, the second-2 solenoid valve is first controlled to close from an open state, and then the first solenoid valve is controlled to close from an open state.

4. A sauna apparatus characterized in that a liquid atomization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is installed on the ceiling surface of the sauna room.