JP4527483B2 - Nebulizer, environmental adjustment device equipped with nebulizer, and nebulizer sterilization method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a nebulizer for performing aerosol inhalation therapy and the like, and relates to a nebulizer capable of easily sterilizing a chemical liquid supplied by spraying, an environmental control apparatus equipped with the nebulizer, and a nebulizer sterilization method.

  The nebulizer is used as a device that mechanically atomizes a therapeutic drug solution and inhales the atomized drug solution from a mouth or nose to a patient with bronchial disease.

  Generally, there are two types of nebulizers, a compressor type and an ultrasonic type, as means for atomizing a chemical solution. A compressor type nebulizer is equipped with a motor and a spray hole with fine holes, and mainly has a structure that sucks aerosol generated in the manner of spraying on the air current when air compressed by the compressor is ejected. It is. On the other hand, the ultrasonic nebulizer has a three-stage structure in which a device has an action tank directly below a chemical solution tank and an ultrasonic transducer below. This is the principle of promoting atomization by receiving ultrasonic vibration through the working tank while keeping the chemical tank clean.

  Normally, in any of the above-described nebulizers, it is necessary to introduce air in order to spray the atomized chemical liquid from the spray port. Therefore, by driving the air source, air (or oxygen) is sucked from the air introduction port, and is supplied to the spray port through the air flow passage. The atomized chemical liquid is mixed with the air, and the chemical liquid is discharged from the spray port by air pressure.

  The chemicals sprayed from the spray port are required to be clean at all times, but it is easy for bacteria to propagate due to the introduction of outside air, damage to the chemical tank, and the difficulty of maintenance due to the structural complexity of the nebulizer. There is a problem.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a technique for preventing the propagation of germs and the like by making it possible to remove and disassemble a part of the nebulizer mechanism so that it can be easily cleaned and disinfected. Has been.

  Further, as a sterilization method for sterilizing airborne bacteria floating in the air, Patent Document 3 uses an ion generating element that generates both positive and negative ions in the atmosphere by discharge, and the active species is generated by a chemical reaction with the generated ions. Techniques have been disclosed that can be produced and surrounded by active species to remove airborne bacteria.

JP-A-5-123400 (see paragraph 0048) JP 2004-121605 A (see paragraph 0035) JP 2002-95731 A (see paragraph 0007)

  However, according to the conventional nebulizer disinfection and sterilization methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, frequent maintenance work such as device cleaning and disinfection is indispensable and troublesome. In addition, the maintenance varies depending on the person who performs the maintenance, and it is difficult to maintain a sanitary sufficient state. Furthermore, even if the nebulizer body is kept clean, if the chemical solution itself and the air introduced to spray the chemical solution are contaminated with bacteria etc., it is not possible to spray and release the clean chemical solution. Can not.

  Further, sterilization by ions described in Patent Document 3 is different from the technical field of the present invention, and when a liquid such as a water droplet adheres to the discharge electrode of the ion generating element, the discharge is inhibited and sufficient positive and negative ions are generated. Can not do it.

  An object of this invention is to provide the nebulizer which can perform the disinfection of the chemical | medical solution supplied by spraying easily and simply in view of the said subject, and a user can use it in a clean state.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises an air flow path from an air inlet to a spray outlet, and a chemical tank for atomizing a stored chemical, and the air introduced from the air inlet and the chemical tank A nebulizer that mixes the chemical solution and releases the mixed air from the spraying port, and is characterized in that an ion generating element is provided in the air flow passage.

  Positive ions and / or negative ions supplied by the discharge of the ion generating element have a bactericidal action to remove airborne bacteria and the like. If an ion generating element is provided in the air flow path, positive ions and / or negative ions generated from the ion generating element can be mixed with a fluid such as air passing through the air flow path. Therefore, the sterilizing power of ions acts on the fluid that passes through the air flow passage, that is, the air introduced from the air inlet (introduced air) and the atomized chemical liquid, and in the introduced air and the atomized chemical liquid Can be sterilized and sprayed from the spray port in a clean state. In addition, it is possible to prevent the propagation of germs in the nebulizer, which has been a problem in the past, and it is possible to easily keep the nebulizer clean without disassembling the nebulizer itself, thereby reducing maintenance. Further, the introduced air can be sterilized and used in a cleaner state. The chemical tank may be provided so that its internal space communicates with the air flow passage.

  The ion generating element may be provided anywhere in the air flow passage. The ion generating element is provided downstream of the chemical liquid layer, and after mixing the introduced air and the atomized chemical liquid, the ions are mixed. However, it is preferable that an ion generating element is provided on the upstream side (air inlet side) of the chemical solution layer, and the introduced air and ions are first mixed and then mixed with the atomized chemical solution. By disposing the ion generating element upstream from the chemical tank, the atomized chemical can be sufficiently exposed to both positive and negative ions to enhance the sterilization effect, and to the atomized chemical discharge electrode Is prevented and stable discharge is possible.

  It is preferable to provide a heat exchanger for dehumidification in the air flow passage. By installing a heat exchanger for dehumidification, the air introduced from the inlet can be dried to prevent the inflow of moisture that is a breeding source of germs.

  The dehumidifying heat exchanger may be provided at any position within the air flow path, but is preferably provided upstream of the ion generating element. By removing moisture in the introduced air, it is possible to prevent moisture from adhering to the discharge electrode of the ion generating element.

  A part of the air flow passage is preferably formed in a nozzle shape having a smaller diameter toward the downstream side. By forming the nozzle, the air flux passing through the air flow passage is accelerated by the nozzle, so that the chemical liquid can be effectively delivered from the spray port. The formation position of the nozzle may be provided at any position of the air flow passage, but it is preferably provided at the connecting portion between the upstream side of the air flow passage and the chemical tank. Contamination of the ion generating element located on the upstream side of the nozzle forming position can be prevented.

  It is preferable to provide the atomizing means in the chemical tank. As the atomizing means, ultrasonic waves and a compressor are preferable, but the atomizing means is not limited thereto, and other means such as evaporation by heating may be used. By being atomized, it becomes possible to maintain a state of a chemical solution having a particle diameter sufficient for both positive and negative ions to act effectively.

  The ion generation element may be either positive ions or negative ions, but it is preferable to generate both positive ions and negative ions at the same time. Positive ions and negative ions not only sterilize the atomized chemical solution and the introduced air, but also supply both positive and negative ions at the same time to eliminate static electricity generated in the air passage. By preventing the attached chemical solution from adhering, it is possible to spray and supply effectively.

  This nebulizer may be used alone, or may be mounted on an environmental adjustment device such as an aromatherapy device or an air purification device.

  According to the present invention, the floating bacteria in the mixed air can be sterilized by the sterilizing action of positive ions and / or negative ions supplied by the discharge of the ion generating element. Therefore, the nebulizer can be easily kept clean without being disassembled, so that maintenance can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a nebulizer according to a first embodiment, and FIG. In FIG. 1, plus sign A indicates plus ions, minus sign B indicates minus ions, and arrows indicate the flow of air in the air flow passage.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the nebulizer includes a chemical tank 2 for storing a chemical liquid 1 to be sprayed, and two pipes provided on the upper part of the chemical liquid tank 2 so as to communicate with the inside of the chemical liquid tank 2. 3 and 4 and an ion generating element 5 provided in one tube 3.

  The chemical tank 2 includes an ultrasonic transducer 6 a for atomizing the chemical liquid 1 to be stored in the lower part thereof. The atomization of the chemical liquid 1 is promoted by the ultrasonic vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 6a.

  One of the two pipes 3, 4 provided in the upper part of the chemical tank 2 is an air introduction pipe 3 whose tip opening is an air introduction port 7, and the other pipe 4 is a tip opening having a spray opening 8. An air discharge pipe 4 is obtained. The air introduction pipe 3 and the air discharge pipe 4 are bent in an L shape in a direction away from each other. A passage from the air introduction port 7 through the air introduction tube 3, the chemical solution tank 2, the air discharge tube 4 to the spray port 8 is an air flow passage 9.

  A blower 10 is provided in the vicinity of the air introduction port 7 in the air introduction tube 3, and air is sucked from the air introduction port 7 and supplied toward the spray port 8. A filter 11 is installed at the air introduction port 7, and dust, dust, and the like in the introduction air introduced from the air introduction port 7 are removed.

  Further, an ion generating element 5 is provided on the inner wall of the horizontal portion of the air introduction pipe 3 downstream of the blower 10 and the filter 11 to generate positive ions and negative ions. In the ion generating element 5, as shown in FIG. 4, an ionization phenomenon due to discharge or the like occurs in the atmosphere by applying a high-voltage alternating voltage between the metal electrodes 13 facing each other across the dielectric 12, and positive and negative ions are generated. To do.

  Moreover, the nozzle part 14 formed in the nozzle shape used as the diameter becomes small toward the chemical | medical solution tank 2 side is provided in the edge part by the side of the chemical | medical solution tank 2 of the air introduction tube 3. As shown in FIG. The air introduction pipe 3 itself may be formed in a nozzle shape, but by providing another nozzle-like member inside the air introduction pipe 3, the air flow passage 9 has a smaller diameter toward the downstream. Also good. The shape of the nozzle portion 14 accelerates the introduced air, prevents backflow of the atomized chemical liquid 1, and prevents contamination of the discharge electrode of the ion generating element 5.

  According to the above configuration, both positive and negative ions generated by the ion generating element 5 are mixed with air (introduced air) introduced from the air inlet 7 by the blower 10. At this time, suspended bacteria and the like in the introduced air are sterilized by the action of both positive and negative ions. The positive and negative ions ride on the flow of the introduced air, pass through the air flow passage 9, pass through the nozzle portion 14, and join and mix with the atomized chemical liquid 1 in the chemical tank 2. At this time, suspended bacteria and the like in the atomized chemical liquid 1 are sterilized by the action of both positive and negative ions. Further, the sterilized and atomized chemical liquid 1 rides on the flow of the introduced air, passes through the air flow passage 9 on the air discharge pipe 4 side, and is sent out from the spray port 8.

  Thus, the positive and negative ions generated from the ion generating element 5 can sterilize all of the inside of the nebulizer, the chemical solution 1 and the introduced air easily and simply, and stably deliver the clean chemical solution 1 from the spray port 8. It becomes possible.

  Further, both positive and negative ions are simultaneously supplied to the mixed air containing the atomized chemical liquid 1 to prevent static charge on the inner wall of the air flow passage 9, and the chemical liquid 1 adheres to the wall surface of the air flow passage 9. Can be reduced.

  Further, by forming the nozzle portion 14 at the end portion on the side of the chemical liquid tank 2 of the air introduction pipe 3 that is a connecting portion between the upstream side of the air flow passage 9 and the chemical liquid tank 2, ions positioned on the upstream side thereof are formed. A liquid such as moisture does not adhere to the discharge electrode of the generating element 5, and stable positive and negative ions can be generated. Further, the flow velocity of air in the air flow passage 9 can be increased.

  Moreover, since the chemical | medical solution 1 is atomized and cleaned by ion, the management, labor, and maintenance cost for preventing contamination of the nebulizer device, the filter 11, and the chemical | medical solution 1 are attained.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the nebulizer according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the ion generating element 5 is provided in the air flow passage 9, the shape of the tube forming the air flow passage 9 is simplified, and heat exchange for dehumidification is performed in the air flow passage 9. The other basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, a part of the air flow passage 9 is not formed into a nozzle shape, and the first embodiment is that the compressor 6b is used as the atomizing means for the chemical solution 1 instead of the ultrasonic vibrator. And different. For convenience of explanation, the same parts as those in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the present nebulizer includes a chemical liquid tank 2 for storing the chemical liquid 1 to be sprayed, an air introduction pipe 3 and an air discharge pipe 4 communicating with the inside of the chemical liquid tank 2, and an air introduction pipe 3. It comprises an ion generating element 5 and a heat exchanger 15 for dehumidification provided inside.

  The chemical tank 2 is provided with a compressor 6b below it, and the chemical liquid 1 in the chemical tank 2 is atomized in the manner of spraying with the air compressed by the compressor 6b.

  End portions of the air introduction pipe 3 and the air discharge pipe 4 are linearly connected to each other, and a connection pipe 16 branched from the connection portion communicates with the inside of the chemical solution tank 2 and is formed in a T shape. A passage from the air introduction port 7 through the air introduction tube 3 and the air discharge tube 4 to the spray port 8 is an air flow passage 9.

  The air introduction pipe 3 is bent toward the lower side on the air introduction port 7 side. A blower 10 is provided in the vicinity of the air introduction port 7 in the air introduction tube 3, and air is sucked from the air introduction port 7 and supplied toward the spray port 8. A filter 11 is attached to the air inlet 7.

  In addition, an ion generating element 5 is provided on the inner wall of the air introduction pipe 3 on the horizontal portion downstream of the blower 10 and the filter 11 to generate positive ions and negative ions. In addition, a dehumidifying heat exchanger 15 is provided at a bent portion of the air introduction pipe 3 on the inner wall of the air introduction pipe 3 on the downstream side of the blower 10 and on the upstream side of the ion generating element 5. The introduced air blown to the ion generating element 5 can be dried.

  According to the above configuration, the introduced air introduced from the air introduction port 7 by the blower 10 is dried by the dehumidifying heat exchanger 15 and reaches the ion generating element 5. The dried introduced air is sterilized by the action of both positive and negative ions generated by the ion generating element 5. The positive and negative ions ride on the flow of the introduced air and reach the connecting portion with the connecting pipe 16. At this connecting portion, the chemical liquid 1 atomized in the chemical liquid tank 2 joins, and the atomized chemical liquid 1 is sterilized by the action of both positive and negative ions. The sterilized and atomized chemical liquid 1 rides on the introduced air, passes through the air flow passage 9, and is sprayed from the spray port 8.

  Thus, the positive and negative ions generated from the ion generating element 5 can sterilize all of the inside of the nebulizer, the chemical solution 1 and the introduced air easily and simply, and stably deliver the clean chemical solution 1 from the spray port 8. It becomes possible.

  Further, since the air flow passage 9 has a T-shaped structure, the mechanism is simpler, and the generated positive and negative ions can be effectively operated.

  Also, by providing the heat exchanger 15 for dehumidification, the dried air can be sent to the ion generating element 5, so that the ion generating element 5 generates stable positive and negative ions without adhering liquid such as moisture. can do.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an aromatherapy device equipped with a nebulizer according to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the nebulizer mounted on the aromatherapy device of this embodiment combines the advantages of the first embodiment and the second embodiment. That is, the ion generating element 5 is provided in the air flow passage 9, the nozzle portion 14 is provided in a part of the air flow passage 9, the shape of the tube forming the air flow passage 9 is simplified, and dehumidification is performed in the air flow passage 9. The heat exchanger 15 is provided, and other basic configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. For convenience of explanation, the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a nebulizer is provided in the casing 17 of the aromatherapy device, and the nebulizer is a chemical tank 2 for storing the chemical liquid 1 to be sprayed, and air communicating with the inside of the chemical tank 2. The inlet pipe 3 and the air discharge pipe 4 are composed of an ion generating element 5 and a dehumidifying heat exchanger 15 provided in the air inlet pipe 3.

  Although it is not limited to this as the chemical | medical solution 1 accommodated in the chemical | medical solution tank 2, The liquid containing the component which has relaxation effects, such as aroma oil, is accommodated. When this chemical solution 1 is atomized and sprayed from the spraying port 8, the room is filled with mist-like aroma oil, and an aroma effect such as relaxation can be obtained.

  The air introduction pipe 3 and the air discharge pipe 4 are formed in a T shape so that end portions thereof are linearly connected to each other and a connection pipe 16 branched from the connection portion communicates with the inside of the chemical solution tank 2. . An air introduction port 7 is formed by opening an end of the air introduction tube 3 on one surface of the casing of the aromatherapy apparatus. Moreover, the spray port 8 is formed when the edge part of the air discharge pipe 4 opens to the other surface of the housing | casing 17 of an aromatherapy apparatus. A passage from the air introduction port 7 through the air introduction tube 3 and the air discharge tube 4 to the spray port 8 is an air flow passage 9.

  A blower 10 is provided in the vicinity of the air introduction port 7 in the air introduction tube 3, and air is sucked from the air introduction port 7 and supplied toward the spray port 8. A filter 11 is attached to the air inlet 7.

  Further, the ion generating element 5 is provided on the inner wall of the air introduction pipe 3 on the downstream side of the blower 10 and the filter 11. Further, a dehumidifying heat exchanger 15 is provided on the inner wall of the air introduction pipe 11 on the downstream side of the blower 10 and on the upstream side of the ion generating element 5.

  According to the above configuration, the introduced air introduced from the air introduction port 7 by the blower 10 is dried by the dehumidifying heat exchanger 15 and reaches the ion generating element 5. The dried introduced air is sterilized by the action of both positive and negative ions generated by the ion generating element 5. The positive and negative ions ride on the flow of the introduced air, pass through the nozzle portion 14, and reach the coupling portion with the connecting pipe 16. At this connecting portion, the chemical liquid 1 atomized in the chemical liquid tank 2 joins, and the atomized chemical liquid 1 is sterilized by the action of both positive and negative ions. The sterilized and atomized chemical liquid 1 rides on the introduced air, passes through the air flow passage 9, and is sprayed from the spray port 8.

  According to the aromatherapy device equipped with the nebulizer configured as described above, the clean and safe chemical solution 1 can be dispersed in the space even during long-term use, and at the same time, the discharge of positive and negative ions into the space and the air inlet 7 can provide an aromatherapy device that also has an air purification function.

  Further, by forming the nozzle portion 14 at the end portion on the side of the chemical liquid tank 2 of the air introduction pipe 3 that is a connecting portion between the upstream side of the air flow passage 9 and the chemical liquid tank 2, ions positioned on the upstream side thereof are formed. A liquid such as moisture does not adhere to the discharge electrode of the generating element 5, and stable positive and negative ions can be generated. Further, the flow velocity of air in the air flow passage 9 can be increased.

  Further, since the air flow passage 9 has a T-shaped structure, the mechanism is simpler, and the generated positive and negative ions can be effectively operated.

  Furthermore, by providing the heat exchanger 15 for dehumidification, dry air can be sent to the ion generating element 5, so that the ion generating element 5 generates stable positive and negative ions without adhering liquid such as moisture. Can be generated.

Side surface sectional drawing of the nebulizer which concerns on 1st embodiment Structure of the discharge part of the ion generator mounted on the nebulizer Side sectional view of the nebulizer according to the second embodiment Side surface sectional drawing of the aromatherapy apparatus carrying the nebulizer which concerns on a 3rd embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Chemical solution 2 Chemical solution tank 3 Air introduction tube 4 Air discharge tube 5 Ion generating element 6a Ultrasonic vibrator 6b Compressor 7 Air introduction port 8 Spray port 9 Air flow path 10 Blower 11 Filter 12 Dielectric 13 Metal electrode 14 Nozzle part 15 Dehumidification Heat exchanger 16 Connecting pipe 17 Housing A Positive ion B Negative ion

Claims (7)

An air flow path extending from the air inlet to the spray port and a chemical tank provided with an atomizing means for atomizing the stored chemical liquid are atomized by the air introduced from the air inlet and the chemical tank. A nebulizer that mixes with a chemical solution and discharges the mixed air from the spray port, wherein an ion generating element is provided in the air flow passage, and the ion generating element generates positive ions and negative ions. Nebulizer characterized by sterilizing and releasing atomized chemicals . The nebulizer according to claim 1, wherein the ion generating element is provided upstream of the chemical tank. The nebulizer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a heat exchanger for dehumidification is provided in the air flow passage. The nebulizer according to claim 3, wherein the dehumidifying heat exchanger is provided upstream of the ion generating element. 5. The air flow passage according to claim 1, wherein the air flow passage is formed in a nozzle shape having a smaller diameter as the connecting portion between the upstream side of the air flow passage and the chemical solution tank is directed toward the downstream side. Nebulizer as described in. An environmental control device such as an aromatherapy device or an air purification device equipped with the nebulizer according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . An air flow passage from the air inlet to the spray nozzle, the liquid medicine accommodating a chemical tank with atomizing means for atomizing, positive air introduced from the air inlet was generated from the ion generating element A nebulizer sterilization method comprising: sterilizing with ions and negative ions, mixing the air and a chemical liquid atomized in the chemical liquid tank, sterilizing the chemical liquid, and simultaneously discharging the mixed air from the spraying port.

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