JPH044751Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improvements in the heating and air conditioning of hot air baths, so-called sauna rooms.

In other words, a sauna room is generally a nearly sealed space that can accommodate one to several people, or in some cases about 20 or 30 people at the same time, and is equipped with a large-capacity heat source device using electricity, gas, or oil combustion heat. This is done by storing hot air through heating.

Conventionally, electric stove type heat source devices were used as the first and second
As shown in the plan view and vertical cross-sectional view in both figures, the hollow chamber is arranged inside the hollow chamber body and heated by air heating by a heat source and radiation of heat rays (infrared rays) from the heat source.
As shown in the plan view and longitudinal sectional view in Figure 6, a far-infrared radiation type heat source device using a gas combustion (or electric heating) radiator is used in the hollow chamber.

In either method, the heating from the heat source to the body of the bather is <1> Conduction using air as a heat transfer medium <2> The infrared rays transmitted through the air are synchronized with the natural frequency of the irradiated object. There are two paths in parallel: radiation, which transfers energy by absorbing infrared rays in the wavelength range on the body surface and converting them into thermal energy; in the stove method, <1> has a large proportion; In the infrared radiation method, the ratio of <2> is large.

When air is heated, it expands, reduces its specific gravity, and according to the temperature difference with the surrounding air, it creates buoyancy and rises, radiating heat from the shakui wall, etc., reducing its temperature, increasing its specific gravity, and descending, creating a convection phenomenon. It has the characteristics of

Regardless of the heating method, a large amount of thermal energy is given, so the influence of the air is large.
It is of great significance to distribute the heat effectively for heating purposes through appropriate induction without wastefully escaping it outside.

On the other hand, regarding the effects of hot air bathing on the human body, (a) Overheating is dangerous because the head is the center of the cranial nerves, equivalent to the human body's computer.

(b) Heat is transmitted to the whole body in a short time by concentrating heat on areas such as the back, lower back, and lower limbs where the subcutaneous fat layer that impedes heat transfer into the body is thin and large meridian veins are located close to the skin surface. .

(c) When heat enters the body, it utilizes the functions of the constituent cells of each organ and tissue in the body, increasing metabolic activity.
As a result, the generation (production) of metabolic heat increases within the body, disrupting the balance of heat radiation that is naturally lost from the body surface, and causing a tendency for the internal temperature to rise. As a result, the human body's autonomous body temperature regulation function works, and water is released from the body to the skin surface through the sweat glands, evaporates on the skin surface, and the evaporated heat is used to remove heat from the body. In other words, body temperature regulation is carried out autonomously through sweat evaporation. In general, sweat that evaporates as it should do is called insensible sweat, and sweat that cannot evaporate due to bad environmental conditions and visibly remains on the skin or flows down the skin is called sensible sweat. There are an extremely large number of people who rate this highly, mistakenly thinking that it's ``sweating.'' However, the latter does not contribute in any way to the human body's important autonomous thermoregulatory function.

Since sauna bathing is essentially aimed at recovering from fatigue and activating organs and tissues due to increased metabolism in the human body, it is naturally necessary to proactively process metabolic heat, that is, smooth the evaporation of sweat.

An environment that promotes sweat evaporation is created by the flow of dry air over the skin surface. Above 3
In recent years, some far-sighted experts have discovered that these are the requirements that must be met for a sauna room. However, most general manufacturers and sauna facility operators still do not understand it.

In the stove method shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat rays radiated from the heat source and the stone above it give a thermal effect to the bather sitting on the stool as shown by the dotted line arrow, but the heat given to the air is transferred to the bather by convection. Depending on the phenomenon a,
It moves very slowly from b to c to d.

Also, in the far infrared method shown in Figures 5 and 6, in addition to heat radiation as shown by the dotted line arrows, thermal energy is consumed to heat the air, and the hot air is similarly e, f, g, h arrows. Exhibits a convection phenomenon.

As mentioned above, the energy used to heat the air flows to the ceiling without directly contributing to heating the human body due to the convection phenomenon, and heat is transferred from the ceiling to the outside in direct proportion to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the ceiling. At first glance, it is clear that heat is far from being used effectively because the cycle of emitting heat and then descending to the vicinity of the human body is repeated.

Therefore, in the field of small home saunas that can be easily implemented, the idea of circulating and heating the indoor air to average the indoor temperature distribution has been put into practice, but there are some problems that the sauna room should have. Of the three requirements
The reality is that there are many cases where the degree of satisfaction of (b) and (c) is low. On the other hand, in the field of so-called built saunas for commercial use, the indoor volume is large, the heat source temperature is high and the generated thermal calories are large, and the air blower motor installed in the air heating circulation mechanism has a large amount of conduction heat directly transferred from the heating element. This has not been implemented due to the high wear and tear rate, high failure rate, and the frequent movement of people in and out, which increases initial facility costs.

The present invention not only devises an effective circulation method that can be implemented according to the construction conditions specific to the field of commercial saunas, but also fulfills the three requirements (a), (b), and (b) that saunas should have. Increase the number of users by increasing the satisfaction of all (c), especially (b) and (c), increasing the comfort of use, making it safe, and providing sufficient thermal health effects to a large number of users at the same time and economically. It is intended to contribute to the

Since the forced air circulation mechanism of the present invention does not have a direct relationship with the heat source device of a hot air bathroom, that is, a sauna room, it can be used regardless of whether the sauna room itself is newly installed or an existing one. Of course, it can be operated independently at any time, including when using residual heat after the operation has stopped, to provide bathing users with the effect of excellent heat distribution adjustment and creating an atmosphere that promotes sweat evaporation. It is.

Examples thereof will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The stove-type sauna room shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a hollow chamber surrounded by a ceiling 1A, four side walls 2A, and a floor 4A.A stove 7A and a fragrant stone 8A placed on top of the stove 7A are installed in a retaining wall 9A to generate heat. In addition to radiating heat rays as shown by dotted lines, it also heats the indoor air and causes convection phenomena as shown by solid arrows a, b, c, and d.

An example of an improved heating method according to the present invention is shown in plan and cross-sectional views in Figures 3 and 4.

That is, a vertical forced air circulation mechanism 10B is provided at one end of the upper surface plate 5B of a seat (sometimes referred to as a seat in the text) on which multiple people can sit, and an electrically operated fan 11
B and a circulating air inlet 20B, and an electric fan 12B and a circulating air inlet 21B are arranged in the space below the seat body at the lower end of the duct-like cylinder. As explained in FIG. 10, two guided air passages 13B communicate with the air supply port 21B and divide the lower space inside the seat body into two by a partition wall 17B provided along the seat top plate;
14B, and the air passage 13B communicates with the hot air opening 15B in the gap of the backrest 6B that opens above the seat board, and communicates with the space corresponding to the waist and back of the bather sitting on the seat board. is disposed so as to communicate with the gap hot air opening 16B of the seat front plate 24B which opens at the lower front of the seat plate, and communicates with the lower front of the seat plate, that is, the space corresponding to the legs of a sitting bather.

When this sauna room is heated with electricity, the energy irradiated in the form of hot rays is the same as in the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, but the transmission of thermal energy using air as a heat transfer medium is significantly improved.

That is, the heated air gathers near the ceiling as indicated by arrow a' due to buoyancy. This air is transferred to the upper electric fan 11 of the vertical forced air circulation mechanism 10B.
At B, suction is taken from the intake port 20B, and the air is forced downward through the duct as shown by arrows b' and c', and the air is fed to the lower electric fan 12B.
From the air supply port 21B, a white arrow d' and a black arrow are drawn into the air supply channels 13B and 14B on both sides of the partition wall 17B.
Hot air is sent as shown in e′.

The hot air sent to the air supply flow path 13B is guided through the guide 18.
Hot air is sent out from the gap hot air opening 15B of the backrest 6B to the space above the seat board 5B, that is, the space where the back and hips of the sitting bather are located, as shown by white arrows f ₁ and f ₂ . In addition, the hot air sent to the air supply flow path 14B is directed from the gap hot air opening 16B of the seat front board 24B to the space below the front of the seat board, that is, the space where the legs of the sitting bather are located, as indicated by the black arrows g ₁ and g ₂ by means of a guide 19 or the like. It will be sent out as usual. In other words, a vertical downward forced air circulation mechanism, two guided air channels under the seat, and two hot air vents on the upper and lower sides are combined as a system to create a series of circulation mechanisms that improve heat distribution, save energy, and improve body temperature. It has an excellent effect on promoting adjustment.

In this way, in the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hot air that remains near the ceiling and is not involved in heating the human body is forcibly guided to the back, waist, legs, etc., which are the optimal heating points for seated bathers. It improves effective heating by force-feeding, and flows at an appropriate speed over the bather's body surface to smoothly promote sweat evaporation, greatly contributing to making the hot air bath effect safe and sufficient.

In hot air circulation, which has been attempted in home saunas, there are cases where the hot air near the ceiling is simply pumped downward either as is or after being heated. There is no example of increasing usage efficiency and comfort by simultaneously heating the water and promoting sweat evaporation.Of course, in commercial saunas that use a lot of energy and have a large number of bathers, the electric motor for the fan that operates the circulation mechanism is subject to wear and tear. is extremely radical, and there is no example of this in practical use yet. Furthermore, the irradiation intensity, which is inversely proportional to the distance from the heat source, can eliminate defects that vary depending on the sitting position of the bather sitting on the stool. By properly directing the air, it can be modified and adjusted to improve indoor hot air distribution.

In other words, this invention was developed for the first time through research on the three requirements necessary for pre-heating sauna baths and the pursuit of countermeasures, and although it has not yet been put into actual use, it is possible to compare actual temperature rises. The results of the test are shown in Figure 11, which fully proves its effectiveness.

Curve 1 in Figure 11 is approximately 100 cm above the floor, which corresponds to the head position of the person sitting in the sauna bath in the example of Figures 1 and 2.
Curve 2 shows the radial change in the difference in air temperature at both positions approximately 30 cm above the floor, which corresponds to the position of the legs.
This figure shows the change over time in the temperature difference between the two positions of a sitting person taking a sauna bath in the example shown in Figure 4. (1)
When the temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius, your head and face become abnormally hot, making it impossible to enjoy a hot bath or relax, which negatively affects your physical condition and makes it difficult to take a safe bath. On the other hand, as shown in (2), if the temperature remains at around 13 to 14 degrees Celsius, it is possible to have a comfortable, safe and sufficient hot air bath. There is also a great economic effect in terms of energy consumption, as the operating and maintenance costs are reduced by saving heat energy, and the amount of heat supplied, that is, the rated calorific value of the stove, can be reduced by 20%.

Reference numerals 18B and 18B' shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 are thermosensors for controlling the ON/OFF or strength of operation of the power fan of the forced air circulation mechanism based on the temperature difference between the upper and lower air. That is, when the temperature difference between the upper and lower sensors is greater than a certain set limit, the forced air circulation mechanism of the present invention is automatically activated to extend the life of the electric fan.

Next, let us consider an example of a gas combustion far-infrared irradiation type sauna whose plan view and cross section are shown in Figures 5 and 6.
Heat irradiation is another issue, and it is true that a significant portion of the thermal energy provided to the sauna room is used to heat the air, and this hot air is directed upwards towards the ceiling as shown by the solid arrow e. It loses heat and descends to g and h, creating natural convection.

Although bathers are heated by the heat rays, the influence of the temperature of the air around their bodies cannot be ignored, and especially in the cold winter months, when the air temperature is low, it is impossible to bathe naked. In addition, the sweat evaporates poorly due to only apparent sweat, and the autonomic action of body temperature regulation cannot be satisfied, resulting in a lack of comfort.

An improved version of this is the sauna shown in Figures 7 and 8, in which vertical downward forced air circulation mechanisms 10D and 10D' are installed at both ends of the seat board.The effect of this is that the two air channels under the seat board 13D, 14D, etc., the hot air rising near the ceiling is indicated by the arrow h ₁ → as explained in the previous figures 3 and 4 and figures 9 and 10.
The flow further descends in the duct as shown by arrow j, and is guided from the air supply channels 13D and 14D under the seat board to the hot air opening 15D in the gap of the backrest 6D to the seat board as shown by arrows K ₁ , K ₂ , and K ₃ . One of the hot air is sent upward and downward from the front of the seat board as shown by arrows ₁ and ₂ from the hot air opening 16D in the opening of the seat front board 24D, filling the effective heating area of the seated bather with hot air to achieve the hot air bath effect. A relatively average amount is provided to all indoor bathers.

In addition, the patent application No. 54-66847 related to the invention of this applicant
(Public Notice 1999-26700) In a "circulation heated hot air bathroom", heated air is supplied into the sauna room from the air outlet in the backrest that communicates with the hot air outlet of the air circulation heating device installed under the seat, mainly for small saunas such as home use. However, as explained in Paragraph 5, Line 14 of this specification, it is difficult to use in a large sauna, and a vertical type that is installed separately from the heat source device of the present invention is difficult to use in a large sauna. This was filed as a separate application because it would have to rely on a series of air circulation and pressure feeding systems, including a downward air flow forced room air circulation mechanism.

As described above in detail, the present invention provides a simple vertical downward forced air circulation mechanism, a plurality of air channels below the seat body, and a seat. By setting up a series of air circulation and pressure feeding systems that are a combination of multi-directional hot air outlets above the body and below the front of the body, and activating this system at any time, indoor air can be converted to indoor air using a separate heat source device installed in the same room. Effective heating and body temperature regulation of bathers are achieved through the necessary improvement and adjustment of the indoor distribution of the supplied heat energy and the appropriate passage of dry air over the skin of important areas such as the back, waist, and legs of the bather. By functioning as a mechanism for adjusting the atmosphere when promoting sweat evaporation and increasing comfort, it is required to be equipped as a sauna room, regardless of whether it is a newly constructed sauna room or a sauna room currently in use. 3 conditions'' (a) prevention of head overheating, (b) intensive supply of hot air to the waist, back, and lower limbs, and (c) environment setting suitable for promoting sweat evaporation of the body temperature regulating function. It is a great idea that contributes to society by improving the effectiveness of hot air bath facilities with advanced health promotion functions.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figures 1 and 2 are a plan view and a vertical sectional view of a sauna room that uses a stove as a heat source. Figures 3 and 4 are plan and longitudinal sectional views of an example of the sauna room improved by implementing the present invention. Figures 5 and 6 are a plan view and a vertical cross-sectional view of a far-infrared irradiation type sauna room. Figures 7 and 8 are a plan view and a vertical cross-sectional view of an example of the sauna room improved by implementing the present invention.
9 and 10 are partial slopes and longitudinal sections of the example shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 11 is a time-temperature difference increase curve diagram of the sauna of FIG. 1 and the sauna of FIG. 3. The symbols used for each part are as follows: 1A, B, C,
D...Ceiling, 2A, B, C, D...Side wall, 3A,
B, C, D... Entrance door, 4A, B, C, D...
Floor, 5A, B, C, D... Seat or seat top plate, 6A, B, C, D... Backrest, 7A, B
...Stove, 8A, B...Koka stone, 9A, B...
... Retaining wall, 10B, D, D'... Vertical downward forced air circulation mechanism, 11B, D... Upper electric fan, 12B, D... Lower electric fan, 13B, D
...Air supply flow path (rear), 14B, D... (front), 15B, D... Backrest gap hot air port, 16
B, D...Seat front plate gap hot air opening, 17B, D...
...Bulkhead under seat board, 18B, B'...Thermo sensor, 19B, B'...Air supply channel guide, 20B,
D... Circulating air inlet, 21B, D... Circulating air inlet, 22C, D... Gas combustion far-infrared radiation mechanism radiator, 23C, D... Protective fence as above, 24B,
D... Front seat plate.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] In a hot air bath consisting of a combination of a sealed or nearly sealed hollow chamber body and a heat source device using electricity, gas, or other energy, an opening into the space above the chamber body may be opened at an arbitrary position within the hollow chamber body, separate from the heat source device. Vertical downward forced air circulation consisting of a circulating air inlet, a circulating air inlet opening into a space below the seat on which the bather sits, a blower with a power fan, and a duct-like cylinder. A mechanism is provided, and in addition, a necessary guiding partition or the like is constructed in the space below the seat connected to the circulating air inlet of this mechanism to guide the circulating air supplied from the air inlet. In addition, hot air vents are provided in the upper backrest portion, etc. of the seat body, and in the front lower front plate portion, to communicate with these air supply flow paths and guide and send out circulating air in multiple directions at the same time to each necessary space within the hollow chamber body. A series of openings are provided at appropriate locations such as the vertical downward forced air circulation mechanism, a plurality of air passages below the seat body, and multidirectional hot air vents above the seat body and below the front of the seat body. By setting an air circulation pressure feeding system inside the hollow chamber and activating it at any time, the indoor distribution of thermal energy supplied to the air inside the hollow chamber from a heat source device using arbitrary energy separately provided inside the hollow chamber can be adjusted. and a hot air bath device, characterized in that it is provided as an atmosphere adjustment mechanism that provides a function of setting an environment suitable for promoting appropriate perspiration evaporation of the bathing user's body.