JP2008302364A - Electrostatic atomizing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bactericidal effect with a simple construction at present as well as a bactericidal effect after a certain time lapses from the present and further, a higher level-bactericidal effect. <P>SOLUTION: A metal ion eluting means B that elutes Zn ions with a bactericidal activity into liquid W that is supplied for electrostatic atomization is provided in an electrostatic atomizing system A that performs electrostatic atomization on the liquid W by applying high voltage thereto. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrostatic atomizer for generating charged fine particle mist having sterilizing power.

  For example, Patent Document 1 is known as an electrostatic atomizer. In the conventional example shown in Patent Document 1, the liquid in the liquid reservoir is transported to the tip of the discharge electrode by a capillary phenomenon, and the liquid supplied to the tip of the discharge electrode by the capillary phenomenon is discharged. Nanometer-sized charged fine particles containing active species (radicals) by electrostatic atomization by applying a high voltage to the liquid held by the surface tension at the tip of the discharge electrode. Mist is generated.

  The mechanism of generation of nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist by this electrostatic atomizer is that a liquid such as water W supplied to the tip of the discharge electrode is charged by a voltage applied between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. The Coulomb force acts on the charged liquid, and the liquid level of the liquid supplied to the tip of the discharge electrode rises locally in a cone shape with a sharp tip (Taylor cone). Nanometer-size with radicals, with charges concentrated at the tip of the Taylor cone and densified by repeated atomization and scattering (Rayleigh fission) of the liquid by the repulsive force of the dense charge The charged fine particle mist (negative ion mist) is generated.

  Since this nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist contains active species (radicals), if this nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist with extremely small particle size is released, it will scatter to every corner of the discharge space and disinfect the discharge space. In addition to performing deodorization, it is possible to effectively disinfect and deodorize by adhering to and penetrating objects existing in the discharge space.

As described above, since the charged fine particle mist contains active species, sterilization and deodorizing effects can be expected. However, the active fine particles (radicals) contained in the charged fine particle mist can be sterilized during the flight of the charged fine particle mist or charged fine particles. Wrapped in charged fine particle water W when mist adheres and sterilized with radicals, and has a sterilization effect only against bacteria that exist during the flight of charged fine particle mist or when it adheres. Even if it is a spot where charged fine particle mist flies and adheres, it will remain after the current time, that is, after the time has passed since the charged fine particle mist adhered. There is a problem that the sterilization effect cannot be expected for newly generated or attached bacteria, and in addition, only the sterilization effect due to the active species contained in the charged fine particle mist is used at the place of use. There may not be sufficient, at present, sterilization effect is sought at a higher level.
Japanese Patent No. 3260150

  The present invention was invented in view of the above-described conventional problems, and can be expected to have a current sterilization effect with a simple configuration, and can also be expected to have a sterilization effect after a lapse of time from the present, It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic atomizer that can be expected to have a higher level of sterilization effect.

  In order to solve the above problems, an electrostatic atomizing apparatus according to the present invention is a liquid supplied for electrostatic atomization in an electrostatic atomizing apparatus A that applies a high voltage to the liquid W to electrostatically atomize. Metal ion elution means B for eluting Zn ions having sterilizing power is provided in W.

  By adopting such a configuration, a charged fine particle mist having active species is generated by applying a high voltage to the liquid W and electrostatic atomization. At this time, the charged fine particle mist has a sterilizing power. A certain Zn ion is contained, and the sterilization effect due to the active species contained in the charged fine particle mist and the Zn ion having the sterilizing power is further improved. In addition, the sterilization of the charged fine particle mist during or after the adhering is not only effectively performed by both the active species and the sterilizing Zn ions, but also after the charged fine particles have adhered and the time has elapsed. Even if it exists, since Zn ion adheres and remains in the adhesion location, the bacteria which newly generate | occur | produced or newly adhered to the applicable location can be sterilized by Zn ion after that.

  Since the present invention can generate charged fine particle misses containing Zn ions having sterilizing power, the active species contained in the charged fine particle mist and Zn ions having sterilizing power can be used during charging and charging of the charged fine particle mist. Bacteria in the location where the fine particle mist has adhered can be effectively sterilized, and even after the time has elapsed since the charged fine particles have adhered, newly generated Zn ions are generated in the applicable location due to the remaining Zn ions. Alternatively, newly attached bacteria can be sterilized with Zn ions, and a long-term sterilization effect can be exhibited.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 show one embodiment of the electrostatic atomizer A of the present invention, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show another embodiment of another electrostatic atomizer A. 5 and 6 show still another embodiment of the electrostatic atomizer A. The electrostatic atomizer A includes a cylindrical atomizing nozzle 4 whose tip is a discharge electrode 4a, a liquid reservoir 1 communicating with the rear end of the cylindrical atomizing nozzle 4, and a liquid reservoir. 1 includes a liquid replenishing unit 7 for replenishing the liquid W, a counter electrode 14 facing the tip of the discharge electrode 4a, and a voltage applying unit 5 for applying a high voltage between the discharge electrode 4a and the counter electrode 14. Furthermore, the discharge electrode 4a and the counter electrode 14 are provided with metal ion elution means B for eluting Zn ions having sterilizing power in the liquid W supplied for electrostatic atomization at the tip of the discharge electrode 4a. The liquid W containing Zn ions supplied to the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 is electrostatically atomized by applying a high voltage between the two.

  In the following description, the liquid W is described as an example of water. Therefore, the following description will be made as liquid W or water W.

  In each embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, a cylindrical atomizing nozzle 4 whose tip is a discharge electrode 4a is disposed sideways, and a hole 13 portion inside the cylindrical atomizing nozzle 4 is formed. The inner diameter of the hole 13a is such that no capillary action occurs except for the tip. The tip of the hole 13 is gradually narrowed so that the tip has a small diameter. Even when pressure is applied to the water W to be described later, the water W is in a liquid ball W1 state due to surface tension at the tip of the hole 13. The diameter of the hole 13 is such that the diameter of the hole 13 is maintained so that water does not flow down from the tip of the hole 13.

  A liquid reservoir 1 communicates with the rear end portion of the atomizing nozzle 4, and the liquid reservoir 1 protrudes upward from the level of the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 whose upper side is horizontally oriented. In the present embodiment, the cylindrical atomizing nozzle 4 constitutes the liquid transport unit 2 for transporting the liquid W from the liquid reservoir 1 to the discharge electrode 4a at the tip.

  In the liquid W stored in the liquid reservoir 1, Zn ions are eluted from the metal 3 having sterilizing power in the liquid reservoir 1 by the metal ion elution means B described later.

  The metal ion elution means B in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 includes two kinds of metals 3 (3a and 3b) arranged in the liquid reservoir 1, and the liquid reservoir. 1 is configured to apply a voltage to both the metals 3a and 3b from the voltage application unit 8 disposed outside, and by applying a voltage, a potential difference is generated between both the metals 3a and 3b, and Zn ions are liquidated. It elutes in W (that is, Zn ions are eluted in the liquid W in the same system as electrolysis).

  Further, the metal ion elution means B in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 arranges two kinds of metals 3 (3a, 3b) in the liquid reservoir 1, and short-circuits the two kinds of metals 3a, 3b. The two kinds of metals 3a and 3b are Zn, and one of them is Zn, and only a short circuit occurs due to a difference in ionization tendency, thereby causing a potential difference between the two metals 3 and eluting Zn ions into the liquid W. (That is, Zn ions are eluted in the liquid W in the same system as the battery).

  As the metal 3 used, Zn is used as the metal 3 having sterilization properties, and Zn ions are eluted by applying a voltage.

  5 and 6 show examples using Zn and Cu as the two types of metals 3a and 3b, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this.

  In addition, the electrostatic atomizer A in the present embodiment includes a first operation mode for generating nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist containing active species, a nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist containing active species, and a micron-sized charged particle. A second operation mode for generating fine particle mist is provided, and a switching means 9 is provided for selecting and operating the first operation mode and the second operation mode.

  In the figure, reference numeral 7 denotes a tank constituting the liquid replenishment unit, and the water W accumulated in the liquid replenishment unit 7 by the pump 15 such as a micropump is liquid in the first operation mode and the second operation mode. The reservoir 1 is replenished to keep the water level (liquid level) of the liquid reservoir 1 at the set water level in the first operation mode or the set water level in the second operation mode.

  The liquid reservoir 1 is provided with a liquid level detecting means 16. The liquid level detection means 16 includes a first liquid level detection means 16a for detecting a set water level (liquid level) in the first operation mode, and a set water level (liquid level) in the second operation mode. Second liquid level detecting means 16b.

  The set water level (liquid level) in the liquid reservoir 1 during the first operation mode detected by the first liquid level detection means 16a is set to the same level as the level of the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4. Therefore, when the electrostatic atomizer A is set to the first operation mode by the switching means 9 and is operated in the first operation mode, the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 is detected by the first liquid level detection means 16a. When the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 falls below the set water level, the water W accumulated in the liquid replenishment unit 7 is replenished to the liquid reservoir 1 by the pump 15, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5. Further, the water level (liquid level) of the liquid reservoir 1 is maintained at the set water level in the first operation mode (that is, the same water level as the tip of the liquid reservoir 1).

  In this way, the first liquid level detection means 16a detects the water level, the first liquid level detection means 16a is input to the control unit 17, and the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 is the same as the tip of the liquid reservoir 1. By controlling the pump 15 by the control unit 17 so as to be held, the set water level in the first operation mode is held, and the water head pressure does not act on the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4, so The water W in the hole 13 communicating with the liquid reservoir 1 is supplied by the capillary phenomenon at the portion where the capillary phenomenon having the smallest diameter at the tip is generated.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the liquid level of the liquid reservoir 1 is set to the level of the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 when the first operation mode is set by the first liquid level detection means 16a, the pump 15, and the control unit 17. Means for supplying the liquid W from the liquid replenishing unit 7 so as to maintain the substantially same position.

  Further, the set water level (liquid level) in the liquid reservoir 1 in the second operation mode detected by the second liquid level detecting means 16b is set to a water level that is a predetermined height higher than the level of the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4. It is. Therefore, when the electrostatic atomizer A is set to the second operation mode by the switching means 9 and is operated in the second operation mode, the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 is detected by the second liquid level detection means 16b. Then, when the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 falls below the set water level, the water W accumulated in the liquid replenisher 7 is replenished to the liquid reservoir 1 by the pump 15, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6. In addition, the water level (liquid level) of the liquid reservoir 1 is maintained at the set water level in the second operation mode.

  In this way, the water level is detected by the second liquid level detection means 16b, and this second liquid level detection means 16b is input to the control unit 17, so that the water level of the liquid reservoir 1 is more predetermined than the tip of the liquid reservoir 1. By controlling the pump 15 by the control unit 17 so as to be held at a high water level, the set water level in the second operation mode is held, and the tip of the discharge electrode 4a at the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 is held. A constant water head pressure determined at all times acts on the liquid ball W1 formed by the surface tension. This water head pressure (that is, the set water level in the second operation mode for generating the water head pressure) forms a liquid ball W1 due to surface tension at the forefront of the discharge electrode 4a provided at the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4. The water head pressure is set so that it does not impede.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the liquid level of the liquid reservoir 1 is set to the level of the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 when the second operation mode is set by the second liquid level detection unit 16b, the pump 15, and the control unit 17. Means for supplying the liquid W from the liquid replenishing unit 7 to the liquid reservoir 1 is configured to maintain a position higher than the predetermined height.

  As the first liquid level detection means 16a and the second liquid level detection means 16b, for example, a float such as a foam material with a magnet is floated in the liquid reservoir 1, and the magnetic field applied to the two liquid level detection parts at the top and bottom. As the first liquid level detecting means 16a and the second liquid level detecting means 16b, the foam material is detected by detecting the set liquid positions in the first operation mode and the second operation mode by detecting the change of A float such as the above is floated in the liquid reservoir 1, and the set liquid positions in the first operation mode and the second operation mode are detected by detecting the reflectance of light in the two upper and lower detectors. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and various conventionally known water level sensors can be employed.

  And the detection signal in each detection part is input into the control part 17, and supply control of the liquid W and control of the application state of a high voltage are performed.

  The upper limit liquid level sensor 31 may be provided at a position above the detection unit of the second liquid level detection means 16b. In this case, when the liquid W is excessively supplied from the liquid replenishment unit 7 to the liquid reservoir 1 for some reason, it is detected by the upper limit liquid level sensor 31 and controlled to stop the pump 15 by the control unit 17. This prevents excessive water head pressure from acting on the liquid ball W1 formed at the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 and prevents the water W from dripping downward from the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4. It is possible to ensure the safety when applying.

  The electrostatic atomizer A described above is operated by selecting either the first operation mode or the second operation mode by the switching means 9.

  When operating in the first operation mode, the liquid level of the liquid reservoir 1 containing Zn ions eluted by the metal ion elution means B is controlled so as to maintain the same level as the level of the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4. The water head pressure is not applied to the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4, and water W containing Zn ions is supplied to the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 by capillary action at the tip of the hole 13 of the atomizing nozzle 4. In this state, a high voltage (about 8 kV) is applied between the discharge electrode 4a at the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 and the counter electrode 14, and the liquid ball is caused by surface tension at the tip of the discharge electrode 4a. The water W held in the shape of W1 is charged, the Coulomb force acts on the charged water W, the liquid ball W1 locally rises into a conical shape (Taylor cone), and is charged at the forefront of the conical water W. Concentration of charge It becomes Density performs electrostatic atomization state-of-the-art water W as burst repulsive force of the high density of the charge is repeated division and scattering (Rayleigh division), and generates a large amount of charged fine mist of nanometer size. The nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist generated by electrostatic atomization of the water W containing Zn ions in this manner contains active species (radicals) and also contains Zn ions.

  And when the water W containing the state-of-the-art Zn ions of Taylor corn is electrostatically atomized and consumed as described above, the water W containing the same amount of Zn ions as consumed. Is supplied to the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 by capillary action, and the operation of stably generating nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist containing Zn ions is continued.

  Thus, the nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist generated during the operation in the first operation mode moves toward the counter electrode 14 positioned opposite to the discharge electrode 4a and is discharged into the discharge space. The nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist released into the release space is scattered to every corner of the release space, and the active species (radicals) contained in the nanometer-size charged fine particle mist disinfect, deodorize, and decompose harmful substances in the release space. Or nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist adheres and penetrates into the inside of the release space to disinfect, deodorize, decompose harmful substances, etc. Since Zn ions are contained, the bacteria present in the release space and attached objects will be sterilized during the scattering and permeation, and the sterilization effect will be further enhanced. Since the Zn ions attached to the inside remain attached, the bacteria that are newly generated or newly attached to the corresponding location can be sterilized by this Zn ion. It made.

  On the other hand, when operating in the second operation mode, the liquid level of the liquid reservoir 1 containing Zn ions eluted by the metal ion elution means B is maintained at a predetermined height higher than the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4. Controlled. For this reason, a constant water head pressure that is always determined acts on the liquid ball W1 containing Zn ions formed by surface tension at the tip of the discharge electrode 4a at the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4. By applying a high voltage from the voltage application unit 5 in this state, the water W held in the shape of the liquid ball W1 by the surface tension is charged at the tip of the discharge electrode 4a, and the Coulomb force acts on the charged water W, and the liquid The ball W1 locally swells into a cone shape (Taylor cone), the charge concentrates at the tip of the conical water W, the charge density becomes high, and the repulsive force of the high density charge repels it. The most advanced water W is repeatedly atomized and sprayed (Raleigh splitting) to generate electrostatic mist, generating a large amount of nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist. Therefore, the surface of the liquid ball W1 is in an unstable state where the liquid ball W1 maintained by the surface tension can be broken even with a slight force. Where it concentrates Even on the surface part of the liquid ball W1 other than the most advanced part, the surface of the liquid ball W1 is shredded and split and scattered by the application of a high voltage. Since the energy for splitting the water W is small, it is thought that charged micron mist of micron size is mainly generated. When nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist containing Zn ions and micron-sized charged fine particle mist containing Zn ions are generated as described above, and water W containing Zn ions is consumed in this way, discharge is generated. Since the water W is supplied by the water head pressure so that the liquid ball W1 is constantly formed by the surface tension at the tip of the electrode 4a, the nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist and the micron-sized charged fine particle mist are continuously generated. It will be. The nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist and the micron-sized charged fine particle mist generated as described above contain active species (radicals).

  Thus, the nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist and the micron-sized charged fine particle mist simultaneously generated during the operation in the second operation mode move toward the counter electrode 14 positioned opposite to the discharge electrode 4a. To be released into the release space. The nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist released into the release space is scattered to every corner of the release space, and the active species (radicals) contained in the nanometer-size charged fine particle mist disinfect, deodorize, and decompose harmful substances in the release space. , Or nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist adheres and penetrates inside objects in the release space to disinfect, deodorize, decompose harmful substances, etc. Since the charged fine particle mist further contains Zn ions, the bacteria that exist in the release space and attached objects are disinfected when scattered or adhering, and the sterilization effect is further enhanced. In addition, since the Zn ions attached to the objects in the release space remain attached, the bacteria that are newly generated or newly attached to the corresponding place are So that it is sterilization by the Zn ion. In particular, since micron-sized charged fine particle mist contains a large amount of Zn ions, the sterilization effect by the Zn ions is improved.

  Here, since the particle size is extremely small only by the nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist, it is not sufficient for humidifying the discharge space or humidifying an object in the discharge space. , Which can sufficiently humidify the discharge space or humidify objects in the discharge space, and charge a large amount of liquid at a low energy cost compared to the case of humidifying only with nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist. Can be generated as a mist.

  In addition, when pressurizing and supplying the water W in which Zn ions are dissolved to the tip portion of the atomizing nozzle 4, a pressurizing adjusting unit that adjusts the pressurizing force may be provided. In the above embodiment, the water level to be measured by the second liquid level detection means 16b is variable, so that the water head that acts on the liquid ball W1 formed at the tip of the discharge electrode 4a at the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 is used. The pressure can be changed, and thereby the pressure applied to the liquid ball W1 formed at the tip of the discharge electrode 4a at the tip of the atomizing nozzle 4 can be adjusted. As a result, the particle size distribution of nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist containing Zn ions and micron-sized charged fine particle mist, the generation amount of nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist containing Zn ions, and the generation of micron-sized charged fine particle mist The ratio of the amount generated can be adjusted, and it is possible to use properly according to the purpose, such as when sterilization, deodorization, decomposition of agricultural chemicals, etc. are more important, and when humidification is more important.

  In the above embodiment, as the electrostatic atomizer A, the first operation mode that generates only micron-sized charged fine particle mist containing Zn ions having sterilizing power, the nanometer-sized charged fine particle mist containing Zn ions, and micron As shown in the example in which the second operation mode for generating the charged fine particle mist of the size can be switched and selected, the electrostatic atomizer A of the present invention contains Zn ions having a sterilizing power. It may be an electrostatic atomizer A that generates only micron-sized charged fine particle mist, or an electrostatic atomizer A that generates only micron-sized charged fine particle mist containing Zn ions having sterilizing power. It may be.

  In any of the above cases, when eluting Zn ions into the liquid W for electrostatic atomization, a means for adjusting the elution amount of Zn ions is provided, so that it is included in the charged fine particle mist. The amount of Zn ions to be released may be adjusted to adjust the sterilization ability.

  As means for adjusting the elution amount of Zn ions, for example, the voltage adjustment operation unit 10 is provided, the voltage applied between the two types of metals 3 is adjusted by the voltage adjustment operation unit 10, and the control unit 17 is based on the adjustment signal. Thus, the amount of Zn ions eluted can be controlled by variably controlling the voltage. In this case, since the elution amount of Zn ions is controlled by varying the applied voltage, the elution amount of Zn ions can be adjusted easily and accurately, and the sterilization ability can be adjusted.

  In addition, since the elution amount of Zn ions depends on the conductivity of the liquid W, in adjusting the elution amount of Zn ions, the conductivity sensor 20 is provided as shown in FIGS. The conductivity information of the liquid W measured by the conductivity line sensor 20 is input to the control unit 17, and the distance between the two types of metals 3a and 3b is determined according to the conductivity of the liquid W measured in this way. By varying the voltage applied to, and controlling the voltage so that the set amount of Zn ions is eluted, the amount can be adjusted to an accurate amount. In this case as well, by adjusting with the voltage adjusting operation unit 10, the voltage can be controlled so that the target elution amount of Zn ions can be further adjusted according to the conductivity of the liquid W, and the elution amount can be adjusted. .

1 shows an embodiment of an electrostatic atomizer of the present invention and is a schematic configuration diagram of a first mode. FIG. It is one example of the same as above and is a schematic configuration diagram of a second mode. The other embodiment of the electrostatic atomizer of this invention is shown, and it is a schematic block diagram of a 1st mode. It is a schematic block diagram of 2nd mode which shows other embodiment same as the above. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first mode showing still another embodiment of the electrostatic atomizer of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of 2nd mode which shows other embodiment same as the above.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Liquid reservoir part 2 Liquid conveyance part 3 Metal A Electrostatic atomizer B Metal ion elution means W Liquid

Claims (1)

  In an electrostatic atomization apparatus that applies high voltage to a liquid to form an electrostatic atomization, metal ion elution means for eluting Zn ions having a sterilizing power to a liquid supplied for electrostatic atomization is provided. An electrostatic atomizer characterized by.

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