JP2020065944A - Electrostatic atomization device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electrostatic atomization device capable of supplying a proper liquid amount to each of a plurality of nozzles.SOLUTION: An electrostatic atomization device 100 comprises: a container 10 on which a storage part 11 for storing a liquid 200 is formed; a plurality of nozzles 26 being connected to the storage part 11, and having a first opening part where the liquid 200 flows in from the storage part 11, a first flow passage which is connected to the first opening part and in which the liquid 200 flows and a second opening part 29 which is connected to the first flow passage and from which the liquid 200 is discharged; a first electrode 30 arranged opposing to the plurality of nozzles 26; a second electrode 50 being paired with the first electrode 30, and for atomizing the liquid 200 by applying a voltage to the liquid 200 discharged from the second opening part 29; and a pressure loss part 400 for causing a pressure loss in the liquid 200, and for guiding the liquid 200 in which the pressure loss occurred to the second opening part 29 of any of the plurality of nozzles 26. The pressure loss part 400 is located at least at one side out of the storage part 11 and the first flow passage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrostatic atomizer.

  BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an electrostatic atomizer that atomizes and sprays a liquid by utilizing an electrostatic force generated in the liquid by applying a voltage to the liquid has been known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 discloses an electrostatic atomizer that controls the amount of liquid supplied to a container that stores liquid to be sent to a nozzle that discharges liquid to be atomized. According to the electrostatic atomizer disclosed in Patent Document 1, the liquid amount of the liquid can be stably supplied to the nozzle that sprays the mist that atomizes the liquid. Therefore, according to the electrostatic atomizer disclosed in Patent Document 1, a desired amount of mist can be stably sprayed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2009-022891

  However, in a conventional electrostatic atomizer that controls the amount of liquid supplied to a container that can store a large amount of liquid as compared with the amount of liquid that flows through the flow path formed in the nozzle, the electrostatic atomizer does not use multiple nozzles. In the case where the nozzles are provided, there arises a problem that the amount of liquid supplied to each of the plurality of nozzles is not uniform due to a difference in the shape of each nozzle, dirt attached to the nozzles, and the like.

  The present invention provides an electrostatic atomizer capable of supplying an appropriate amount of liquid to each of a plurality of nozzles.

  An electrostatic atomizer according to an aspect of the present invention is a container in which a storage unit for storing a liquid is formed, a first opening that is connected to the storage unit and into which the liquid flows from the storage unit, A plurality of nozzles having a first flow path that is connected to the first opening and through which the liquid flows, and a second opening that is connected to the first flow path and through which the liquid is discharged, and facing the plurality of nozzles. A second electrode that forms a pair with the disposed first electrode and the first electrode, and atomizes the liquid by applying a voltage to the liquid discharged from the second opening, and causes a pressure loss to the liquid. And a pressure loss portion that guides the liquid that has caused the pressure loss to the second openings of the plurality of nozzles, the pressure loss portion being at least one of the storage portion and the first flow path. Located in.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrostatic atomizer that can supply an appropriate amount of liquid to each of a plurality of nozzles.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 1 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to the first embodiment in an enlarged manner. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 3 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 4 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 5 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 6 of the pressure loss portion provided in the electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 7 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 8 of the pressure loss portion provided in the electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 9 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 1 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer according to the second embodiment in an enlarged manner.

  Hereinafter, an electrostatic atomizer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement and connection form of constituent elements, steps, order of steps, and the like shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, the constituent elements which are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention are described as arbitrary constituent elements.

  In addition, each drawing is a schematic view, and is not necessarily strictly illustrated. Therefore, for example, the scales and the like do not necessarily match in each drawing. Further, in each drawing, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted or simplified.

  In the present specification, sterilization means, for example, fungi such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli. (E. coli), Pseudomonas sp. (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Klebsiella sp. (Bacillus pneumoniae) and the like, Cladosporium. sp. Fungi including molds such as (black mold) and Aspergillus (black mold), and / or decomposing viruses such as norovirus to reduce the total number of bacteria, etc. Including. The fungi, bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. to be sterilized are examples and are not limited.

  In addition, in the present specification and the drawings, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis indicate the three axes of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In each of the embodiments, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis (the direction parallel to the XY plane) is the horizontal direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis is vertically upward.

(Embodiment 1)
[Overview of configuration]
First, an electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged pressure loss portion 400 included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The electrostatic atomizer 100 is a spray device that atomizes the liquid 200 and ejects the mist 210. Specifically, the electrostatic atomizer 100 applies a high voltage to the liquid 200 to generate an electrostatic force, and atomizes and atomizes the liquid 200 by the generated electrostatic force, thereby sterilizing or disinfecting the liquid 200. Is a device for generating a mist 210 having The electrostatic atomizer 100 is used, for example, in a sterilizer or a sterilizer.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to the first embodiment includes a container (first liquid tank) 10, a container (second liquid tank) 300, a plurality of nozzles 26, The first electrode 30, the second electrode 50, the voltage applying unit 40, the controller 70, the liquid sending unit 80, and the pressure loss unit 400 are provided.

  In the embodiments below, the controller 70 is represented as a functional block. The controller 70 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer (microcontroller) or the like, and is arranged inside an outer shell casing (not shown) of the electrostatic atomizer 100. The controller 70 may be attached to the outside of the container 10.

  The electrostatic atomizer 100 guides the liquid 200 to each tip of the plurality of nozzles 26 by feeding the liquid 200 contained in the vessel 300 to the vessel 10 by the liquid feeding unit 80, and is provided at the tip. The mist 210 that atomizes the liquid 200 is ejected from the second opening 29. Specifically, the voltage application unit 40 applies a high voltage between the first electrode 30 and the second electrode 50, so that the atomized spray is generated from the second opening 29 of each of the plurality of nozzles 26. The liquid 200 (that is, the mist 210) is ejected. Here, the high voltage is, for example, about 5 kV with reference to the ground potential (0 V), but is not particularly limited. The voltage of the first electrode 30 may be positive or negative with respect to the ground potential.

  Inside the nozzle 26, a first flow path 28 for guiding the liquid 200 in the container 10 to the second opening 29 is formed, and the liquid 200 flowing out from the second opening 29 through the first flow path 28. Changes its shape by the electric field and forms a Taylor cone. The mist 210 is generated by atomizing the liquid 200 at the tip of the Taylor cone.

  Although five nozzles 26 are shown in FIG. 1, the number of nozzles 26 included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 is not particularly limited as long as it is plural, and may be four or less. It may be 6 or more.

  The mist 210 generated at the tip of each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is emitted toward the first electrode 30. In order to emit the mist 210 to the front (upper side) of the first electrode 30, the flat plate portion 31 of the first electrode 30 is provided with a through hole 32 at a position corresponding to the front surface of the nozzle 26. As a result, the mist 210 passes through the through hole 32 and is emitted in front of the first electrode 30. The “front” is a direction in which the mist 210 is emitted, and is a direction opposite to the nozzle 26 with respect to the first electrode 30.

  The mist 210 is, for example, a collection of fine liquid particles having a diameter of nanometer order or micrometer order. For example, the diameter of the liquid particles forming the mist 210 is 10 nm or more and 1 μm or less.

  Below, the detail of each component with which the electrostatic atomizer 100 is equipped is demonstrated.

[container]
The container (first liquid tank) 10 is a container in which a storage portion (first storage portion) 11 that stores the liquid 200 is formed. The container 11 is a space provided in the container 10 for containing the liquid 200. The liquid 200 is, for example, water, but may be an aqueous solution containing an electrolyte. Here, the electrolyte is, for example, chloride ion (Cl ⁻ ), and the aqueous solution containing the electrolyte is water containing chloride ion. For example, the liquid 200 may be water containing chlorine ions as an electrolyte by dissolving sodium chloride (NaCl) in water.

  The container 10 is made of, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel, but may be made of a resin material. Further, the container 10 may be formed using a material having acid resistance, alkali resistance, or both of these properties.

  The shape of the container 10 is, for example, a cylindrical shape whose upper surface can be opened, but is not limited to this. The shape of the container 10 may be a cubic shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a flat tray shape.

  The container (second liquid tank) 300 is a container in which a container (second container) 310 that stores the liquid 200 to be transferred to the container 10 by the liquid transfer unit 80 is formed. The storage section 310 is a space provided in the container 300 for storing the liquid 200. The liquid 200 is movably connected to the container 10 and the container 300 via a pipe or the like. In addition, in this Embodiment, the 2nd electrode 50 which becomes a pair with the 1st electrode 30 is formed in the said piping.

  The container 300 is formed using a metal material such as stainless steel, but may be formed using a resin material. Further, the container 300 may be formed by using a material having acid resistance, alkali resistance, or both of these properties.

  The shape of the container 300 is, for example, a cylinder whose upper surface can be opened, but is not limited to this. The shape of the container 300 may be a cubic shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a flat tray shape.

[nozzle]
Each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is a nozzle that is connected to the container 11 of the container 10 and discharges the liquid 200 contained in the container 11 to the outside of the container 10. Specifically, each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is connected to the housing portion 11, the first opening 27 into which the liquid 200 flows from the housing portion 11, and the first flow path connected to the first opening portion 27 and in which the liquid 200 flows. 28, and a second opening 29 that is connected to the first flow path 28 and through which the liquid 200 is discharged.

  The plurality of nozzles 26 are supported by the wall portion of the container 10 and partially housed in the container 10, and discharge the liquid 200 in the container 10 to the outside of the container 10. In the present embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 26 are long and are arranged on the upper surface of the container 10, respectively, and the longitudinal direction is the vertical direction. Each of the plurality of nozzles 26 projects from the wall surface of the container 10 toward the first electrode 30. The plurality of nozzles 26 may be arranged in the container 10 with the longitudinal direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

  Further, each of the plurality of nozzles 26 has a second opening 29 at the tip. Further, each of the plurality of nozzles 26 has a first opening 27 at the rear end (that is, the container 10 side) as shown in FIG. 3, and extends from the first opening 27 to the second opening 29. It has a first flow path 28. The plurality of nozzles 26 are fixed, for example, by being pressed into through holes formed in the container 10.

  Further, the plurality of nozzles 26 have the same configuration as each other. The shape of the nozzle 26 is a cylindrical shape in which the inner diameter, that is, the diameter and the outer diameter of the first flow path 28 are uniform. The inner diameter is the diameter of the first flow path 28 and is, for example, 0.5 mm, but is not limited to this. Further, the shape of the first flow path 28 formed in the nozzle 26 is a column shape having a substantially uniform flow path area.

  At least one of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the nozzle 26 may be gradually reduced from the rear end toward the front end. For example, the second opening 29 on the tip side of the first opening 27 may be smaller, and the shape of the first flow path 28 connecting the first opening 27 and the second opening 29 is a truncated cone shape. May be. In this case, the diameter of the first channel 28 is the smallest diameter.

  The first opening 27 of the nozzle 26 is located at a position where the liquid 200 flowing through the pressure loss portion 400 flows in. As a result, the liquid 200 passes from the container 10 via the pressure loss portion 400, the first opening 27 on the rear end side of the nozzle 26, the first flow path 28 in the nozzle 26, and the second opening on the front end side. You are led up to 29.

  Each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is erected perpendicularly to the outer surface of the container 10. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is erected perpendicularly to the upper surface of the container 10. The nozzle 26 preferably has a height to outer diameter ratio (hereinafter referred to as an aspect ratio) of 4 or more. Here, the height of the nozzle 26 is represented by the distance from the tip of the nozzle 26 to the outer surface (the upper surface in the present embodiment) of the container 10. The height is, for example, 2 mm or more. The larger the aspect ratio of the nozzle 26, the easier the electric field is concentrated at the tip of the nozzle 26. Therefore, the aspect ratio of the nozzle 26 may be 6 or more, for example.

  The material of the nozzle 26 is not particularly limited, but may be formed of, for example, a conductive metal material such as stainless steel. Further, the nozzle 26 may be formed using a material having acid resistance, alkali resistance, or both of these properties. Further, the nozzle 26 may be formed of a material such as a resin having an insulating property.

[First electrode]
The first electrode 30 is an electrode arranged to face the plurality of nozzles 26. Specifically, the first electrode 30 is disposed outside the container 10, and the plurality of through holes 32 are arranged to face the plurality of nozzles 26, specifically, the plurality of second openings 29. It is a counter electrode. Specifically, the first electrode 30 is arranged outside the container 10 so as to face the nozzle 26. When a voltage is applied between the first electrode 30 and the second electrode 50, the liquid 200 is discharged from the tip of the nozzle 26 and atomized. In the present embodiment, the first electrode 30 is arranged so as to be parallel to the upper surface of the container 10. Specifically, the rear surface of the first electrode 30 is parallel to the upper surface of the container 10. Further, in the present embodiment, one first electrode 30 is provided for the plurality of nozzles 26.

  The first electrode 30 has conductivity and is formed using, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel. The first electrode 30 may be formed using a material having acid resistance, alkali resistance, or both of these properties.

  The first electrode 30 has a flat plate portion 31 and a plurality of through holes 32. The flat plate portion 31 has conductivity and is electrically connected to the voltage applying portion 40. The plate portion 31 has a substantially uniform plate thickness.

  All of the plurality of through holes 32 penetrate the flat plate portion 31 in the plate thickness direction (that is, the front-back direction). In addition, the plurality of through holes 32 are all provided to pass the atomized liquid 200 ejected from the plurality of second openings 29, that is, the mist 210. The shape of each of the plurality of through holes 32 is a flat cylindrical shape. In FIG. 1, the plurality of through holes 32 are illustrated to have the same size and the same shape as each other, but at least one of the size and the shape may be different, and there is no limitation. The shape of the opening of the through hole 32 does not have to be circular, and may be square, rectangular, elliptical, or the like.

  The plurality of through holes 32 are formed in the flat plate portion 31 in the same number as the plurality of nozzles 26, for example. The opening diameter of the through hole 32 is not particularly limited, but is in the range of 1 mm or more and 2.25 mm or less, for example. Further, for example, the opening diameter of the through hole 32 may be formed to be 5 times or more and 10 times or less the outer diameter of the nozzle 26. The mist 210 spreads in a cone shape from the tip of the Taylor cone and is discharged. Therefore, the larger the opening diameter of the through hole 32, the easier it is for the mist 210 to pass through.

[Second electrode]
The second electrode 50 is an electrode for forming a pair with the first electrode 30 and atomizing the liquid 200 by applying a voltage to the liquid 200 discharged from the second opening 29. Specifically, the liquid 200 is atomized by the voltage applied between the first electrode 30 and the second electrode 50 by the voltage application unit 40. The second electrode 50 is arranged in the container 10, for example.

  The second electrode 50 has conductivity and is formed using, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel. The second electrode 50 may be formed using a material having acid resistance, alkali resistance, or both of these properties. In addition, in this Embodiment, the 2nd electrode 50 is integrally formed in the piping which connects the container 10 and the container 300, but the position where the 2nd electrode 50 is arrange | positioned is not limited to the said piping. The second electrode 50 may be arranged at a position where a voltage can be applied to the liquid 200 discharged from the plurality of nozzles 26 together with the first electrode 30. The second electrode 50 may be arranged in the container 10, for example. Further, for example, the second electrode 50 may be located in the first flow path 28 of each of the plurality of nozzles 26. Further, each of the plurality of nozzles 26 may be formed integrally with the second electrode 50. In this case, the nozzle 26 is formed by using a conductive metal material such as stainless steel.

[Voltage application part]
The voltage application unit 40 applies a predetermined voltage, in other words, a potential, between the liquid 200 and the first electrode 30. Specifically, the voltage application unit 40 is electrically connected to the first electrode 30 and the second electrode 50, and applies a potential so that a predetermined potential difference is created between the first electrode 30 and the second electrode 50. Apply. For example, the second electrode 50 is grounded and gives the liquid 200 a ground potential. The voltage application unit 40 applies a potential to the first electrode 30 to apply a predetermined voltage between the first electrode 30 and the liquid 200. The first electrode 30 may be at the ground potential.

  The predetermined voltage applied by the voltage applying unit 40 is, for example, a DC voltage of 3.5 kV or more and 10 kV or less. Alternatively, the predetermined voltage may be 4.5 kV or more and 8.5 kV or less. The predetermined voltage may be a pulse voltage, a pulsating current voltage, or an AC voltage.

  The voltage application unit 40 is specifically realized by a power supply circuit including a converter and the like. For example, the voltage application unit 40 generates a predetermined voltage based on electric power received from an external power source such as a commercial power source, and applies the generated voltage between the first electrode 30 and the second electrode, A voltage is applied to 200.

[controller]
The controller 70 is a control device that controls the overall operation of the electrostatic atomizer 100. Specifically, the controller 70 controls the operations of the voltage applying unit 40 and the liquid sending unit 80. For example, the controller 70 controls the voltage application unit 40 to control the timing of applying a voltage between the first electrode 30 and the second electrode 50, the magnitude of the voltage, and the like.

  The controller 70 is realized by, for example, a microcontroller. Specifically, the controller 70 is realized by a non-volatile memory in which a program is stored, a volatile memory that is a temporary storage area for executing the program, an input / output port, a processor that executes the program, and the like. The controller 70 may be realized by a dedicated electronic circuit that executes each operation.

  The controller 70 only needs to be able to control the voltage applying unit 40 and the liquid sending unit 80, and may control the voltage applying unit 40 and the liquid sending unit 80 by transmitting a wireless signal, or the voltage applying unit. It may be connected to 40 and the liquid feeding unit 80 by a control line or the like.

[Liquid transfer part]
The liquid sending unit 80 sends the liquid 200 from the outside of the container 10 to the container 10. In the present embodiment, the liquid delivery unit 80 is a pump that delivers the liquid 200 contained in the container 300 to the container 10. By doing so, the liquid feeding unit 80 feeds the liquid 200 contained in the container 10 to the nozzle 26.

  It should be noted that the liquid sending unit 80 may be any device that can send the liquid 200 to the container 10, and may include, for example, an electromagnetic valve.

[Pressure loss part]
The pressure loss portion 400 causes a pressure loss in the liquid 200 and guides the liquid 200 having the pressure loss to the second openings 29 of the plurality of nozzles 26. The pressure loss portion 400 is provided so as to guide the liquid 200 to each of the plurality of nozzles 26 substantially uniformly. More specifically, the pressure loss portion 400 supplies the liquid 200 by reducing the water pressure of the liquid 200 supplied from the liquid feeding portion 80 so that substantially the same water pressure is applied to each of the plurality of nozzles 26. It is provided to do so. For example, the liquid 200 that has passed through the pressure loss portion 400 is guided to one of the plurality of nozzles 26. The pressure loss portion 400 is located in at least one of the housing portion 11 and the first flow path 28.

  The pressure loss portion 400 is, for example, a mesh structure having a mesh smaller than the diameter of the first flow path 28. The mesh structure is, for example, a sheet-shaped or three-dimensional structure, and the liquid 200 passes through the inside, that is, flows to cause a pressure loss in the liquid 200 flowing inside, and is supplied from the liquid sending unit 80. The water pressure of the liquid 200 is reduced. Regarding the size of the mesh of the mesh structure, for example, the average value of the sizes of the mesh is preferably 1/10 or less of the diameter of the first flow path 28 of the nozzle 26. Further, for example, the mesh size of the mesh structure is preferably such that the average size of the mesh is 1/100 or less of the diameter of the first flow path 28 included in the nozzle 26.

  The mesh structure is, for example, a lattice structure having a mesh-like and continuous passageway for the liquid 200, or a sponge-like porous body having a continuous passageway for the liquid 200. Note that the mesh structure may be formed by stacking a plurality of sheet-shaped structures on which a mesh is formed. The material used for the mesh structure is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include metal fibers and chemical fibers.

For example, the flow path resistance value R [m ⁻³ ] of the pressure loss portion 400 is formed so as to satisfy the following expression (1).

  R = ΔP / ηq Equation (1)

Note that ΔP is the pressure loss [N · m ⁻² ] that the pressure loss portion 400 causes the liquid 200 flowing inside, and η is the viscosity [N · s · m ⁻² ] of the liquid 200, and q Is the flow rate [m ³ · s ⁻¹ ] of the liquid flowing through the pressure loss portion 400.

  Since the pressure loss portion 400 has a flow path resistance value that satisfies the above formula (1), it reduces the water pressure applied to the liquid 200 introduced to the second openings 29 of each of the plurality of nozzles 26, and makes it substantially uniform. can do. Therefore, the pressure loss unit 400 can supply an appropriate amount of liquid to each of the plurality of nozzles 26.

Further, for example, bubbles may be generated in the first flow path 28 of the nozzle 26. When the bubbles are generated, the liquid 200 may not flow to the second opening 29 of the nozzle 26 due to the generated bubbles. Further, the bubbles burst when a water pressure equal to or higher than a predetermined water pressure is applied. Therefore, if the pressure loss generated in the liquid 200 by the pressure loss portion 400 is too large, the bubbles do not burst due to water pressure. For example, the flow path resistance value R [m ⁻³ ] of the pressure loss portion 400 is ^calculated by the following equation. It may be formed so as to satisfy (2).

  R <(P / ηq) − (4σ / dqη) Formula (2)

Note that P is the water pressure [N · m ⁻² ] applied to the first flow path 28 when the pressure loss portion 400 is not present, and η is the viscosity [N · s · m ⁻² ] of the liquid 200, q is the flow rate [m ³ · s ⁻¹ ] of the liquid 200 flowing through the pressure loss portion 400, σ is the surface tension [N · m ⁻¹ ] of the liquid 200, and d is the first flow path 28. Is the diameter [m] of.

  Since the pressure loss portion 400 has a flow path resistance value that satisfies the above formula (2), even when a bubble is generated in the first flow path 28 of the nozzle 26, the liquid 200 causes the bubble to burst. be able to. Therefore, according to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the problem that the mist 210 is not generated due to the bubbles generated in the first flow path 28 of the nozzle 26.

  The mesh of the mesh structure is formed, for example, in a size that satisfies the above formulas (1) and (2).

  The method of fixing the pressure loss portion 400 at a predetermined position is not particularly limited. For example, the pressure loss portion 400 may be fixed to the inner surface of the container 10 with an adhesive or the like.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the pressure loss portion 400 is arranged in contact with the first openings 27 of all of the plurality of nozzles 26, but it is sufficient if the water pressure applied to each of the plurality of nozzles 26 can be made substantially constant. There may be a plurality of nozzles 26 to which the liquid 200 is supplied without passing through the pressure loss portion 400.

  Subsequently, modified examples of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The partially enlarged sectional views shown in FIGS. 4 to 10 correspond to the positions shown in the partially enlarged sectional view shown in FIG. Further, the partially enlarged sectional views shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are enlarged sectional views showing one nozzle 26 of the plurality of nozzles 26.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to the first embodiment in an enlarged manner.

  Unlike the pressure loss portion 400, the pressure loss portion 401 is provided in a plurality corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26, that is, at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26 in a one-to-one correspondence. As described above, the electrostatic atomizer 100 may include the plurality of pressure loss portions 401 corresponding to the plurality of nozzles 26. In the first modification, each of the pressure loss parts 401 is arranged in the housing part 11 so as to come into contact with the first opening part 27 of each of the plurality of nozzles 26. As a result, pressure loss may occur in the liquid 200 guided to each of the plurality of nozzles 26 due to the pressure loss portion 401. The flow path resistance values of the plurality of pressure loss portions 401 may be the same or different.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to the first embodiment in an enlarged manner.

  Unlike the pressure loss portion 400, the pressure loss portion 402 is arranged in the housing portion 11 so as to cover the entire inner upper surface of the container 10. As described above, the side where the plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged in the container 10, that is, the pressure loss part 402 is arranged in the housing part 11 so as to cover the entire inner upper surface of the container 10, so that the liquid 200 is formed. It is possible to easily prevent the pressure loss portion 402 from being guided to the nozzle 26 without receiving pressure loss.

<Modification 3>
FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 3 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to Embodiment 1.

  Different from the pressure loss part 400, a plurality of pressure loss parts 403 are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26. Further, the pressure loss portion 403 is provided not in the housing portion 11 but in a part of the first flow path 28 of the nozzle 26. As a result, the pressure loss portion 403 may cause a pressure loss in the liquid 200 supplied to the first flow paths 28 of the plurality of nozzles 26. Therefore, pressure loss can be generated in the liquid 200 before the liquid 200 is discharged from the second opening 29. The flow path resistance values of the plurality of pressure loss portions 403 may be the same or different.

<Modification 4>
FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a fourth modification of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to the first embodiment in an enlarged manner.

  Different from the pressure loss portion 400, a plurality of pressure loss portions 404 are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26. Further, the pressure loss portion 404 is provided so as to fill not only the housing portion 11 but the entire first flow path 28 of the nozzle 26. As a result, in the liquid 200 guided to each of the plurality of nozzles 26, a pressure loss can be generated in the liquid 200 before the liquid 200 is discharged from the second opening 29. The flow path resistance values of the plurality of pressure loss portions 404 may be the same or different.

<Modification 5>
FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 5 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to Embodiment 1.

  The pressure loss portion 405 has a shape and arrangement in which the pressure loss portion 402 according to Modification 2 and the pressure loss portion 404 according to Modification 4 are combined.

  The pressure loss portion 405 is arranged on the side where the plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged in the container 10, that is, the pressure loss portion 405 is arranged in the housing portion 11 so as to cover the entire inner upper surface of the container 10, and the plurality of nozzles are arranged. By arranging so as to completely fill the respective first flow paths 28 of the nozzles 26, it is possible to prevent the liquid 200 from being discharged from the second opening portion 29 of the nozzle 26 without receiving pressure loss at the pressure loss portion 402. It can be more easily suppressed.

<Modification 6>
FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 6 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to Embodiment 1.

  Unlike the pressure loss portion 400, the pressure loss portion 406 is not a mesh structure but a flow passage body having a second flow passage 420 that causes a pressure loss in the liquid 200. As described above, the pressure loss portion 406 may be a flow path body having the second flow path 420 that causes pressure loss in the liquid 200 when the liquid 200 flows inside. The second flow path 420 included in the pressure loss portion 406 has a smaller diameter than the first flow path 28 included in the plurality of nozzles 26. By doing so, the pressure loss portion 406 can reduce the water pressure applied to the nozzle 26 to less than the water pressure applied to the nozzle 26 when there is no pressure loss portion 406.

  The diameter of the second flow path 420 may be, for example, 1/10 or less of the diameter of the first flow path 28 included in the nozzle 26. Further, for example, the diameter of the second flow path 420 is preferably 1/100 or less of the diameter of the first flow path 28 included in the nozzle 26. For example, when the diameter of the first flow path 28 included in the plurality of nozzles 26 is 0.5 mm, the diameter of the second flow path 420 may be 0.05 mm. The flow path length of the second flow path 420 is not particularly limited.

  The pressure loss portion 406 includes, for example, an opening (third opening) into which the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 11 flows, and the liquid 200 flowing from the opening flows. A second flow path 420 that causes a pressure loss in the second flow path, and a plurality of openings (fourth openings) provided corresponding to the plurality of nozzles 26 that discharge the liquid 200 flowing through the second flow path 420. And a micro-channel chip including:

  The material used for the flow channel body is not particularly limited. The material used for the flow path body may be a resin material, a glass material, or a metal material.

  Note that, in FIG. 9, one third opening into which the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 11 flows and a plurality of fourth openings from which the liquid 200 that has passed through the second flow path 420 is discharged. The channel body provided with the 2nd channel 420 which has a branch structure which connects one 3rd opening and a plurality of 4th openings is shown. However, the structure of the channel body is not limited to this. For example, the flow path body includes one third opening, one fourth opening, and a non-branching second flow path 420 that connects the third opening and the fourth opening. A plurality of flow path structures may be provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26. Further, the electrostatic atomizer 100 may include a plurality of flow path bodies having the flow path structure corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26.

<Modification 7>
FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 7 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to Embodiment 1.

  The pressure loss portion according to Modification 7 is formed in the container (first liquid tank) 12. Specifically, the container 12 is provided with a second flow path 421 that causes a pressure loss in the liquid 200 contained in the container 11 and guides the liquid 200 to each of the plurality of nozzles 26. For example, the pressure loss portion according to Modification 7 has a configuration in which the pressure loss portion 406 according to Modification 6 and the container 10 are integrally formed. That is, the second flow channel 421 and the second flow channel 420 according to the modified example 6 have the same function.

  With such a configuration, the positional relationship between the plurality of nozzles 26 and the position of the second flow path 421 provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is unlikely to shift. Therefore, the liquid 200 discharged through the second flow channel 421 can be prevented from returning to the storage unit 11 without being guided to the plurality of nozzles 26.

<Modification 8>
FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing in enlarged scale a modification 8 of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to Embodiment 1.

  The pressure loss portion 407 is a protruding portion formed on the inner wall of the nozzle 26 so as to protrude. The plurality of pressure loss portions 407 thus formed in a protrusion form a second flow path 422 in the nozzle 26, which causes a pressure loss in the liquid 200. In this way, the pressure loss portion 407 may be formed integrally with the nozzle 26.

  Note that although five protrusions are shown as the pressure loss portion 407 in FIG. 11, the number, shape, etc. of the protrusions are not particularly limited, and the pressure loss portion 407 is not limited as long as the second flow path 422 is formed. Good.

<Modification 9>
FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, Modification 9 of the pressure loss portion provided in the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to Embodiment 1.

  The pressure loss portion 408 is a protruding portion formed on the inner wall of the nozzle 26, which divides the first flow path 28 of the nozzle 26 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle 26. A plurality of second flow passages 423 for causing a pressure loss to the liquid 200 are formed in the nozzle 26 by the plurality of pressure loss portions 408 formed so as to divide the liquid 200 flowing in the first flow passage 28 in this way. It

  Although FIG. 12 shows an example in which the pressure loss portion 408 divides the first flow passage 28 into three, the number of pressure loss portions 408, that is, a part of the first flow passage 28 is The number of divided second channels 423 is not particularly limited.

  As shown in the first embodiment and the first to ninth modifications, the pressure loss portions 400 to 408 and the second flow path 421, which is the pressure loss portion, allow the liquid 200 to the second opening 29 of the nozzle 26. The arrangement and shape may be arbitrary as long as pressure loss can be generated in the liquid 200 before being discharged from the.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to Embodiment 1 is connected to the container 10 in which the container 11 for containing the liquid 200 is formed and the container 11, and the liquid 200 is removed from the container 11. A plurality of inflowing first openings 27, a first flow path 28 connected to the first opening 27 and through which the liquid 200 flows, and a second opening 29 connected to the first flow path 28 and through which the liquid 200 is discharged. The nozzles 26, a first electrode 30 arranged to face the plurality of nozzles 26, and a pair with the first electrode 30, are applied to the liquid 200 discharged from the second opening 29, and a voltage is applied to the liquid 200 to atomize the liquid 200. The second electrode 50 that causes the liquid 200 to generate a pressure loss, and the pressure loss portion 400 that causes the pressure loss of the liquid 200 and guides the pressure-induced liquid 200 to the second openings 29 of the plurality of nozzles 26. The pressure loss portion 400 is located in at least one of the housing portion 11 and the first flow path 28.

  According to such a configuration, the pressure loss unit 400 reduces the water pressure applied to the liquid 200 when the liquid 200 is supplied from the outside of the container 10 to the storage unit 11 by the liquid feeding unit 80, for example, and reduces the reduced water pressure. The liquid 200 can be guided to the plurality of nozzles 26, specifically, the second openings 29 of the nozzles 26. Conventionally, for example, when the liquid amount of the liquid 200 flowing through the first flow path 28 of the nozzle 26 is much smaller than the liquid amount stored in the storage unit 11, the storage unit is driven by a pump included in the liquid transfer unit 80 or the like. When the liquid 200 stored in the nozzle 11 is supplied to the nozzle 26, there is a problem that the amount of the liquid to be supplied is likely to be excessive. In order for the electrostatic atomizer 100 to generate the mist 210 having a very small particle size such as nanomist, it is necessary to reduce the inner diameter of the nozzle 26, that is, the diameter of the first flow path 28. It is difficult to control the liquid supply amount of the pump included in the liquid supply unit 80 and the like to an appropriate amount according to the diameter of the first flow path 28. Therefore, the electrostatic atomizer 100 causes a pressure loss in the liquid 200 to be supplied to the nozzle 26, and guides the pressure-reduced liquid 200 to the second opening 29 from which the liquid 200 is discharged. Equipped with. As a result, the water pressure of the liquid 200 supplied to the nozzle 26 can be reduced by the pressure loss portion 400, and an appropriate water pressure can be obtained. Therefore, according to the electrostatic atomizer 100, an appropriate amount of liquid can be supplied to each of the plurality of nozzles 26.

  For example, the pressure loss section 400 is a flow channel body having second flow channels 420 to 423 that cause a pressure loss in the liquid 200 when the liquid 200 flows inside. The second flow paths 420 to 423 have a smaller diameter than the first flow path 28.

  With such a configuration, the hydraulic pressure of the liquid 200 is reduced before the liquid 200 is guided to the second opening 29 with a simple configuration without performing difficult control of the liquid delivery amount of the liquid delivery unit 80 and the like. Can be made. Further, as compared with the mesh of the mesh structure, the second flow paths 420 to 423 can be easily formed to have a desired diameter in manufacturing. Therefore, the flow path body is more likely to have a desired flow path resistance value than the mesh structure, so that a desired pressure loss can be generated in the liquid 200 with high accuracy.

  In addition, for example, the pressure loss portion 400 is a mesh structure having a mesh smaller than the diameter of the first flow path 28.

  With such a configuration, the hydraulic pressure of the liquid 200 is reduced before the liquid 200 is guided to the second opening 29 with a simple configuration without performing difficult control of the liquid delivery amount of the liquid delivery unit 80 and the like. Can be made. In addition, the mesh structure can be manufactured more easily than the channel body. Therefore, according to the mesh structure, a pressure loss can be generated in the liquid 200 with a simple structure.

  Further, for example, the electrostatic atomizer 100 has a plurality of pressure loss parts (for example, the pressure loss part 401 shown in FIG. 4). Further, for example, each of the plurality of pressure loss portions (for example, the pressure loss portion 401 shown in FIG. 4) is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26.

  With such a configuration, the hydraulic pressure of the liquid 200 is reduced before the liquid 200 is guided to the second opening 29 with a simple configuration without performing difficult control of the liquid delivery amount of the liquid delivery unit 80 and the like. Can be made. In addition, for example, even when the diameters of the first flow paths 28 of the plurality of nozzles 26 are different due to manufacturing errors or the like, the flow path resistance values of the plurality of pressure loss portions are adjusted to the plurality of nozzles 26. By changing the above, it is possible to make the water pressure of the liquid 200 guided to each of the second openings 29 of each of the plurality of nozzles 26 more uniform. Therefore, with such a configuration, it is possible to further easily supply an appropriate amount of liquid to each of the plurality of nozzles 26.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17. In the description of the electrostatic atomizer according to the second embodiment, the description will focus on the differences from the electrostatic atomizer according to the first embodiment, and the electrostatic atomizer according to the first embodiment. In the same configuration as the above, the same reference numerals are given and the description may be simplified or omitted.

[Constitution]
The electrostatic atomizer according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer 101 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the electrostatic atomizer 101 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an enlarged pressure loss portion 409 provided in the electrostatic atomizer 101 according to the second embodiment.

  The electrostatic atomizer 101 is a spray device that atomizes the liquid 200 and ejects the mist 210. Specifically, the electrostatic atomizer 101 applies a high voltage to the liquid 200 to generate an electrostatic force, and atomizes the liquid 200 by the generated electrostatic force to atomize the liquid 200, thereby sterilizing or disinfecting the liquid 200. Is a device for generating a mist 210 having The electrostatic atomizer 101 is used, for example, in a sterilizer or a sterilizer.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the electrostatic atomizer 101 according to the second embodiment includes a container (first liquid tank) 13, a container (second liquid tank) 300, a plurality of nozzles 26, A first electrode 30, a second electrode 50, a voltage application unit (first voltage application unit) 40, a controller 70, a liquid delivery unit 80, and a pressure loss unit 409 are provided.

  The electrostatic atomizer 101 guides the liquid 200 to the tip of each of the plurality of nozzles 26 by sending the liquid 200 contained in the container 300 to the container 13 by the liquid feeding unit 80, and is provided at the tip. The mist 210 that atomizes the liquid 200 is ejected from the second opening 29.

  Here, the electrostatic atomizer 101 according to the second exemplary embodiment is different from the electrostatic atomizer 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment in that a plurality of nozzles 26 are provided on the side wall of the container 13.

  The mist 210 generated at the tip of each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is emitted toward the first electrode 30. In order to discharge the mist 210 to the front (side) of the first electrode 30, the flat plate portion 31 of the first electrode 30 is provided with a through hole 32 at a position corresponding to the front surface of the nozzle 26.

  Below, the detail of each component with which the electrostatic atomizer 101 is equipped is demonstrated.

  The container (first liquid tank) 13 is a container in which a storage portion (first storage portion) 14 that stores the liquid 200 is formed.

  Like the container 10, the container 13 is formed using a metal material such as stainless steel, but may be formed using a resin material. Further, the container 13 may be formed by using a material having acid resistance, alkali resistance, or both of these properties.

  The shape of the container 13 is, for example, a column, but is not limited to this. The shape of the container 13 may be a cubic shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or a flat tray shape.

  The container (second liquid tank) 300 is a container in which a container (second container) 310 that stores the liquid 200 to be transferred to the container 13 by the liquid transfer unit 80 is formed. The liquid 200 is movably connected to the container 13 and the container 300 via a pipe or the like. The position of the pipe connected to the container 13 and the container 300 is not particularly limited. Like the container 10 and the container 300 according to the first embodiment, piping may be connected to the bottom surface, or like the container 13 and the container 300 according to the second embodiment, piping may be connected to the side surface. Good. Of course, the pipe may be connected to the upper surfaces of the container 13 and the container 300.

  Each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is a nozzle that is connected to the container 14 of the container 13 and discharges the liquid 200 contained in the container 14 to the outside of the container 13.

  The plurality of nozzles 26 are supported by the wall portion of the container 13 and partially housed in the container 13, and discharge the liquid 200 in the container 13 to the outside of the container 13. In the present embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 26 are long and are arranged on the side surfaces of the container 13, respectively, and the longitudinal direction intersects with the vertical direction, more specifically, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Has become. Each of the plurality of nozzles 26 projects from the wall surface of the container 13 toward the first electrode 30. The plurality of nozzles 26 are fixed, for example, by being press-fitted into through holes formed in the side wall of the container 13.

  Each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is erected perpendicularly to the outer surface of the container 13. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is erected vertically to the side surface of the container 13.

  The first electrode 30 is an electrode arranged to face the plurality of nozzles 26. Further, in the present embodiment, the first electrode 30 is arranged so as to be parallel to the side surface of the container 13. Specifically, the rear surface of the first electrode 30 is parallel to the side surface of the container 13.

[Pressure loss part]
Next, details of the pressure loss unit 409 included in the electrostatic atomizer 101 according to the second embodiment will be described.

  The pressure loss portion 409 causes a pressure loss in the liquid 200, and guides the liquid 200 having the pressure loss to the second openings 29 of the plurality of nozzles 26. The pressure loss portion 409 is provided so as to guide the liquid 200 to each of the plurality of nozzles 26 substantially uniformly. More specifically, the pressure loss part 409 reduces the water pressure of the liquid 200 supplied from the liquid feeding part 80, so that the liquid 200 is supplied so that substantially the same water pressure is applied to each of the plurality of nozzles 26. It is provided to do so. For example, the liquid 200 that has passed through the pressure loss portion 409 is guided to any of the plurality of nozzles 26. The pressure loss portion 409 is located in at least one of the housing portion 11 and the first flow path 28.

  Here, unlike the plurality of nozzles 26 according to the first embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 26 according to the second embodiment are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Further, the opening surfaces 20 of the second openings 29 included in the plurality of nozzles 26 according to the second embodiment are provided so as to be parallel to the vertical direction. Thereby, the electrostatic atomizer 101 can discharge the mist 210 to the side with a simple structure.

  In addition, since the plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the water pressure due to the own weight of the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 14 is positioned on the vertically upper side of the nozzle 26 and on the vertically lower side thereof. The nozzle 26 is different. Therefore, the electrostatic atomization device 101 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of pressure loss parts having different flow path resistance values. More specifically, the electrostatic atomizer 101 has a plurality of pressure loss parts, and each of the plurality of pressure loss parts is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26. Further, among the plurality of pressure loss portions, the second pressure loss portion provided on the vertically lower side has a larger flow path resistance value than the first pressure loss portion provided on the vertically upper side.

  14 and 15, as an example of the plurality of nozzles 26 arranged side by side in the vertical direction, a first nozzle 26a, a second nozzle 26b, and a third nozzle 26c are shown in order from the vertically upper side. . In addition, in FIGS. 14 and 15, as an example of the pressure loss portion arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first nozzle 26a, the second nozzle 26b, and the third nozzle 26c, the pressure loss portion is sequentially arranged from the vertically upper side. The first pressure loss portion 409a, the second pressure loss portion 409b, and the third pressure loss portion 409c are shown. In the example shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the flow path resistance value of the second pressure loss portion 409b is larger than that of the first pressure loss portion 409a. The flow path resistance value of the third pressure loss portion 409c is larger than that of the second pressure loss portion 409b. In this way, by changing the flow path resistance value of the pressure loss portion 409 arranged corresponding to the nozzle 26 according to the height of the nozzle 26 arranged in the container 13, each of the plurality of nozzles 26 is changed. The water pressure of the liquid 200 guided to the second opening 29 of the liquid crystal is substantially equalized.

  In addition, the electrostatic atomizer 101 includes, for example, at least three or more nozzles 26, and at least three or more pressure loss portions 409 arranged corresponding to each of the three or more nozzles 26.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, among the three or more nozzles 26, the first nozzle 26a, the second nozzle 26b, and the third nozzle 26c are sequentially arranged from the nozzle arranged at the uppermost position, and the first nozzle 26a and the second nozzle 26a. 26b and the third nozzle 26c and the uppermost liquid level 201 of the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 14 are h1, h2, and h3, respectively, and the first nozzle 26a, the second nozzle 26b, and the third nozzle 26c, the flow path resistance value of each of the three or more pressure loss portions (first pressure loss portion 409a, second pressure loss portion 409b, and third pressure loss portion 409c) is set to R1. , R2 and R3, for example, the distance h1, the distance h2, the distance h3, the flow path resistance value R1, the flow path resistance value R2, and the flow path resistance value R3 are expressed by the following equation (3) and ( ) Meet.

(H2 / h1) / (R2 / R1) = 1.0 ± 0.1 Formula (3)
(H3 / h1) / (R3 / R1) = 1.0 ± 0.1 Formula (4)

  By doing so, it becomes easier to apply water pressure more uniformly to the liquid 200 guided to the second opening 29 of each of the plurality of nozzles 26. Therefore, by satisfying the above formulas (3) and (4), even when the plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, a more appropriate liquid amount is supplied to each of the plurality of nozzles 26. it can.

  The distance between the nozzle 26 and the liquid surface 201 is, for example, the length in the direction parallel to the vertical direction of the liquid surface 201 and the center of the second opening 29 of the nozzle 26 in the vertical direction.

  Further, even when the electrostatic atomizer 101 continues to generate the mist 210, it is assumed that the liquid 200 is continuously filled by the liquid feeding unit 80 in the housing unit 14. Therefore, the nozzle 26 and the liquid The distance to the surface 201 may be the distance between the nozzle 26 and the inner upper surface of the container 13.

  The pressure loss portion 409 is, for example, a mesh structure having a mesh smaller than the diameter of the first flow path 28. Further, among the plurality of mesh structures, the second mesh structure provided on the vertically lower side has a smaller mesh than the first mesh structure provided on the vertically upper side. For example, in the first pressure loss portion 409a and the second pressure loss portion 409b that are mesh structures, provided on the vertically lower side than the first pressure loss portion 409a that is the first mesh structure that is provided on the vertically upper side. The mesh of the second pressure loss portion 409b, which is the formed second mesh structure, is smaller. As a result, the flow path resistance value of the second pressure loss portion 409b becomes larger than that of the first pressure loss portion 409a.

  Further, for example, similarly to the pressure loss portion 409, the pressure loss portion 400 according to the first embodiment, etc., it is preferable to satisfy the above formulas (1) and (2). The mesh of the mesh structure is formed, for example, in a size that satisfies the above formulas (1) and (2).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the pressure loss portion 409 is arranged in contact with all the first openings 27 of the plurality of nozzles 26, but it is sufficient if the water pressure applied to each of the plurality of nozzles 26 can be made substantially constant, There may be a plurality of nozzles 26 to which the liquid 200 is supplied without passing through the pressure loss portion 400. For example, the electrostatic atomizer 101 includes the second pressure loss portion 409b and the third pressure loss portion 409c, and the first pressure loss portion in which the water pressure due to the weight of the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 14 is the least. 409a may not be provided.

[Pressure loss part]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, a modified example of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizing device 101 according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that the partially enlarged sectional views shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are views corresponding to the positions shown in the partially enlarged sectional view shown in FIG. 15.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 101 according to the second embodiment in an enlarged manner.

  The pressure loss portion 410 according to the first modification, like the pressure loss portion 409 according to the second embodiment, corresponds to each of the plurality of nozzles 26 in a one-to-one relationship. The pressure loss portion 410b and the third pressure loss portion 410c are provided. The first pressure loss portion 410a, the second pressure loss portion 410b, and the third pressure loss portion 410c are similar to the first pressure loss portion 409a, the second pressure loss portion 409b, and the third pressure loss portion 409c. The pressure loss portion located vertically below has a larger flow path resistance value than the pressure loss portion located vertically above.

  In addition, the first pressure loss portion 410a, the second pressure loss portion 410b, and the third pressure loss portion 410c are different from the first pressure loss portion 409a, the second pressure loss portion 409b, and the third pressure loss portion 409c. Differently, the nozzles 26 are not arranged in contact with the first openings 27 of the nozzles 26, respectively, and are positioned in the accommodation portion 14 at a position apart from the first openings 27 by the support body 450.

  The support body 450 is a fixing member for fixing each of the first pressure loss portion 410a, the second pressure loss portion 410b, and the third pressure loss portion 410c at a fixed position in the housing portion 14. . The support body 450 is, for example, a tubular body, and the first pressure loss portion 410a, the second pressure loss portion 410b, or the third pressure loss portion 410c is arranged in one opening of the tubular body. The other opening is arranged so as to be connected to the first opening 27 of the nozzle 26. The support body 450 is formed so as to guide only the liquid 200 flowing through the first pressure loss portion 410a, the second pressure loss portion 410b, or the third pressure loss portion 410c to the nozzle 26. As described above, the pressure loss portion 410 may be configured to guide only the liquid 200 that has passed through the pressure loss portion 400 to the nozzle 26.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the pressure loss portion included in the electrostatic atomizer 101 according to the second embodiment in an enlarged manner.

  Similar to the pressure loss portion 406 according to the modification 6 of the first embodiment, the pressure loss portion 411 is not a mesh structure but a second flow path that causes a pressure loss in the liquid 200 by flowing the liquid 200 inside. It is a flow path body which has 424-426. In addition, the second flow paths 424 to 426 included in the pressure loss portion 411 are larger in diameter than the first flow path 28 included in each of the plurality of nozzles 26 (first nozzle 26a, second nozzle 26b, and third nozzle 26c). Is small.

  Here, for example, when the pressure loss portion 411 is a flow path body, it has a plurality of second flow paths 424 to 426 having different diameters. For example, each of the plurality of second flow paths 424 to 426 guides the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 14 to different nozzles of the first nozzle 26a, the second nozzle 26b, and the third nozzle 26c. . Further, for example, among the plurality of second flow paths 424 to 246, the second flow path provided on the vertically lower side has a smaller diameter than the second flow path provided on the vertically upper side.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, the second flow path 424 guides the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 14 to the first nozzle 26a. In addition, the second flow path 425 guides the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 14 to the second nozzle 26b. Further, the second flow path 426 guides the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 14 to the third nozzle 26c. Further, the diameter of the second flow passage 425 is smaller than that of the second flow passage 424. The diameter of the second flow passage 426 is smaller than that of the second flow passage 425.

  The diameter of the second flow paths 424 to 426 may be, for example, 1/10 or less of the diameter of the first flow path 28 included in the nozzle 26. Further, for example, the diameters of the second flow paths 424 to 426 are each preferably 1/100 or less of the diameter of the first flow path 28 included in the nozzle 26. The flow channel length of the second flow channels 424 to 426 is not particularly limited.

  The pressure loss portion 411 is, for example, a third opening portion 430 into which the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 14 flows, and a liquid 200 flowing from the third opening portion 430 flows into the flowing liquid 200. Corresponding to each of the second flow paths 424 to 426 that generate a pressure loss and the first nozzle 26a, the second nozzle 26b, and the third nozzle 26c that discharge the liquid 200 that has flowed through the second flow paths 424 to 426. And the fourth openings 440 to 442 provided by the above.

  Note that, for example, the flow path body includes one third opening, one fourth opening, and a non-branching second flow path that connects the third opening and the fourth opening. A plurality of flow path structures may be provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26 (for example, the first nozzle 26a, the second nozzle 26b, and the third nozzle 26c). Further, in the electrostatic atomizer 101, the flow passage body having the flow passage structure is provided for each of the plurality of nozzles 26 (for example, the first nozzle 26a, the second nozzle 26b, and the third nozzle 26c). You may prepare a plurality.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the electrostatic atomizer 101 according to the second embodiment is connected to the container 13 in which the container 14 for containing the liquid 200 is formed and the container 14, and the liquid 200 is discharged from the container 14 to the container 13. A plurality of inflowing first openings 27, a first flow path 28 connected to the first opening 27 and through which the liquid 200 flows, and a second opening 29 connected to the first flow path 28 and through which the liquid 200 is discharged. The nozzles 26, a first electrode 30 arranged to face the plurality of nozzles 26, and a pair with the first electrode 30, are applied to the liquid 200 discharged from the second opening 29, and a voltage is applied to the liquid 200 to atomize the liquid 200. The second electrode 50 that causes the liquid 200 to generate a pressure loss and the pressure loss portion 406 that causes the pressure loss of the liquid 200 and guides the pressure-induced liquid 200 to the second openings 29 of the plurality of nozzles 26. The pressure loss portion 406 is located in at least one of the housing portion 14 and the first flow path 28. The plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and the opening surface 20 of the second opening 29 is provided so as to be parallel to the vertical direction.

  According to such a configuration, in the electrostatic atomizer 101, the pressure loss portion 409 is configured such that the water pressure applied to the liquid 200 when the liquid 200 is supplied from the outside of the container 10 to the storage portion 11 by the liquid feeding portion 80, for example. And the liquid 200 can be guided to the plurality of nozzles 26, specifically, the second openings 29 of the nozzles 26 by the reduced water pressure. Therefore, according to the electrostatic atomizer 101, an appropriate amount of liquid can be supplied to each of the plurality of nozzles 26. Moreover, according to the electrostatic atomizer 101, the mist 210 can be discharged laterally with a simple structure. For example, when it is assumed that the electrostatic atomizer 101 is arranged near the ceiling in the building, the electrostatic atomizer 101 can be generated by generating the mist 210 laterally instead of upward. The mist 210 can be blown over a wide range of the space inside the building.

  Further, for example, the electrostatic atomizer 101 has a plurality of pressure loss parts. Each of the plurality of pressure loss portions is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles 26, and is provided on the vertically lower side of the first pressure loss portion provided on the vertically upper side of the plurality of pressure loss portions. Also, the second pressure loss portion has a larger flow path resistance value.

  According to such a configuration, the water pressure due to the own weight of the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 14 is different between the nozzle 26 located on the vertically upper side and the nozzle 26 located on the vertically lower side. By appropriately setting the flow path resistance value of the pressure loss portion 409 arranged corresponding to the nozzle 26 in accordance with the height of the arranged nozzle 26, the second loss of each of the plurality of nozzles 26 can be improved. The water pressure of the liquid 200 guided to the opening 29 is substantially equalized. Therefore, according to the electrostatic atomizer 101, even when the plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, an appropriate amount of liquid can be supplied to each of the plurality of nozzles 26.

  Further, for example, the pressure loss portion 409 is, for example, a mesh structure having a mesh smaller than the diameter of the first flow path 28. Further, among the plurality of mesh structures, the second mesh structure provided on the vertically lower side has a smaller mesh than the first mesh structure provided on the vertically upper side.

  According to such a configuration, even when the plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the liquid 200 can be provided with a simple configuration without difficult control of the liquid delivery amount of the liquid delivery unit 80 and the like. The water pressure of the liquid 200 can be reduced before the water is guided to the second opening 29. In addition, the mesh structure can be manufactured more easily than the channel body. Therefore, according to the mesh structure, a pressure loss can be generated in the liquid 200 with a simple structure.

  In addition, for example, the pressure loss portion 411 is a flow path body having second flow paths 424 to 426 that cause a pressure loss in the liquid 200 when the liquid 200 flows inside. The second flow paths 424 to 426 included in the pressure loss portion 411 are smaller in diameter than the first flow paths 28 included in the plurality of nozzles 26.

  With such a configuration, the hydraulic pressure of the liquid 200 is reduced before the liquid 200 is guided to the second opening 29 with a simple configuration without performing difficult control of the liquid delivery amount of the liquid delivery unit 80 and the like. Can be made. Moreover, compared with the mesh of the mesh structure, the second flow paths 424 to 426 can be easily formed to have a desired diameter in manufacturing. Therefore, the flow path body is more likely to have a desired flow path resistance value than the mesh structure, so that a desired pressure loss can be generated in the liquid 200 with high accuracy.

  Further, for example, the flow path body has a plurality of second flow paths 424 to 426 having different diameters, and each of the plurality of second flow paths 424 to 246 stores the liquid 200 stored in the storage portion 14. A second nozzle that is guided to different nozzles 26 (for example, one of the first nozzle 26a, the second nozzle 26b, and the third nozzle 26c) and is provided on the vertically upper side of the plurality of second flow paths 424 to 426. The diameter of the flow passage, for example, the second flow passage 425 provided vertically below the second flow passage 424, for example, is smaller than that of the second flow passage 424.

  With such a configuration, even when the plurality of nozzles 26 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the water pressure of the liquid 200 is reduced before the liquid 200 is guided to the second opening 29 by the flow path body. Can be made.

(Other embodiments)
Although the electrostatic atomizer according to the present invention has been described above based on the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

  Further, for example, the first electrode 30 does not have to be a flat plate-shaped electrode, and may be, for example, a smoothly curved electrode plate. The through hole 32 may penetrate the electrode plate in the thickness direction or may penetrate the electrode plate in the protruding direction of the nozzle 26.

  Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, all or some of the constituent elements of the controller 70 may be configured by dedicated hardware, or realized by executing a software program suitable for each constituent element. May be. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded in a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory. Good.

  Further, the constituent elements of the controller 70 may be configured by one or a plurality of electronic circuits. Each of the one or more electronic circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

  The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an IC (Integrated Circuit), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), or the like. The IC or LSI may be integrated on one chip or may be integrated on a plurality of chips. Although referred to as an IC or an LSI here, it may be called a system LSI, a VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or a ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) depending on the degree of integration. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that is programmed after manufacturing the LSI can also be used for the same purpose.

  In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be implemented by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, or a computer program. Alternatively, it may be realized by a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disk, an HDD, or a semiconductor memory in which the computer program is stored. Further, the system, the device, the method, the integrated circuit, the computer program, and the recording medium may be implemented in any combination.

  In addition, it is realized by making various modifications to those skilled in the art by those skilled in the art, and by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The form is also included in the present invention.

10, 12, 13 containers (first liquid tank)
11, 14 accommodation section (first accommodation section)
20 Opening Surface 26 Nozzle 26a First Nozzle 26b Second Nozzle 26c Third Nozzle 27 First Opening 28 First Flow Path 29 Second Opening 30 First Electrode 40 Voltage Applying 50 Second Electrode 100, 101 Electrostatic Fog Device 200 liquid 201 liquid level 210 mist 300 container (second liquid tank)
310 accommodation section (second accommodation section)
400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411 Pressure loss portion 409a, 410a First pressure loss portion 409b, 410b Second pressure loss portion 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426 Second flow path

Claims (12)

A container formed with a container for containing a liquid,
A first opening that is connected to the housing and into which the liquid flows from the housing, a first flow path that is connected to the first opening and flows the liquid, and a liquid that is connected to the first flow path and is discharged from the liquid. A plurality of nozzles having a second opening,
A first electrode arranged to face the plurality of nozzles,
A second electrode which is paired with the first electrode and which atomizes the liquid by applying a voltage to the liquid discharged from the second opening;
A pressure loss portion that causes pressure loss in the liquid, and guides the liquid having the pressure loss to the second openings of the plurality of nozzles,
The said pressure loss part is an electrostatic atomizer located in at least one of the said accommodating part and the said 1st flow path. The pressure loss portion is a flow path body having a second flow path that causes a pressure loss in the liquid by flowing the liquid inside,
The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the second flow path has a smaller diameter than the first flow path. The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the pressure loss portion is a mesh structure having a mesh smaller than the diameter of the first flow path. The electrostatic atomizer has a plurality of the pressure loss portion,
The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pressure loss portions is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles. The plurality of nozzles are arranged side by side in the vertical direction,
The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the opening surface of the second opening is provided so as to be parallel to the vertical direction. The electrostatic atomizer has a plurality of the pressure loss portion,
Each of the plurality of pressure loss portions is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles,
The flow path resistance value of the second pressure loss portion provided on the vertically lower side is larger than that of the first pressure loss portion provided on the vertically upper side among the plurality of pressure loss portions. Electrostatic atomizer. The electrostatic atomizer is
At least three or more of the nozzles are provided,
At least three or more of the pressure loss portions arranged corresponding to each of the three or more nozzles,
Of the three or more nozzles, the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle are sequentially arranged from the uppermost nozzle, and the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle, and the accommodating portion. The distances from the uppermost liquid level of the liquid stored in the above are set to h1, h2, and h3, respectively, and three or more are arranged corresponding to each of the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle. When the respective flow path resistance values of the pressure loss portion are R1, R2, and R3, respectively, the distance h1, the distance h2, the distance h3, the flow path resistance value R1, the flow path resistance value R2, and the flow path resistance value R3 satisfies the following formulas (1) and (2) (h2 / h1) / (R2 / R1) = 1.0 ± 0.1 (1)
(H3 / h1) / (R3 / R1) = 1.0 ± 0.1 (2)
The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 5. The pressure loss portion is a mesh structure having a mesh smaller than the inner diameter of the first flow path,
The static mesh according to claim 6, wherein among the plurality of mesh structures, the second mesh structure provided on the vertically lower side has a smaller mesh than the first mesh structure provided on the vertically upper side. Electric atomizer. The pressure loss portion is a flow path body having a second flow path that causes a pressure loss in the liquid by flowing the liquid inside,
The electrostatic atomizer according to claim 5, wherein the second flow path has a smaller diameter than the first flow path. The flow channel body has a plurality of the second flow channels having different diameters,
Each of the plurality of second flow paths guides the liquid stored in the storage portion to the different nozzles,
The static flow according to claim 9, wherein among the plurality of second flow paths, the second flow path provided on the vertically lower side has a smaller diameter than the second flow path provided on the vertically upper side. Electric atomizer. The flow path resistance value R [m ⁻³ ] of the pressure loss portion satisfies the following expression (3),
R = ΔP / ηq (3)
In addition, ΔP is a pressure loss [N · m ⁻² ], η is a viscosity of the liquid [N · s · m ⁻² ], and q is a flow rate [m] of the liquid flowing through the pressure loss portion. ³ · s ⁻¹ ]. The electrostatic atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The flow path resistance value R [m ⁻³ ] of the pressure loss portion satisfies the following expression (4),
R <(P / ηq)-(4σ / dqη) (4)
Note that P is the water pressure [N · m ⁻² ] applied to the first flow path when there is no pressure loss portion, and η is the viscosity of the liquid [N · s · m ⁻² ], q is a flow rate [m ³ · s ⁻¹ ] of the liquid flowing through the pressure loss portion, σ is a surface tension [N · m ⁻¹ ] of the liquid, and d is the first flow path. The diameter is [m] of the electrostatic atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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