JP4560277B2 - Humidified air output device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device that outputs moisture-containing air for a beautiful face or humidification.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Humidified air output devices that generate steam and output it to the outside, such as humidifiers and facial devices, are known, and these devices incorporate a device or unit for generating steam. As a method for generating steam, a heater method or a steam method for generating steam by heating stored water, and an ultrasonic method for generating fine particles by ultrasonic vibration are known.
[0003]
In the steam system, since it takes time until the entire stored water is heated and sufficient steam is obtained, there is a problem that the rise time until steam can be generated, that is, the response is poor. On the other hand, the ultrasonic method mechanically vibrates the water in the tank and releases water particles from the water surface, so if the vibrator is vibrated, the water particles immediately drift into the air. The humidified air can be generated by mixing the mist and the outside air supplied by the fan. For this reason, the ultrasonic method is desirable in consideration of responsiveness.
[0004]
If the water in the tank contains germs, the low-temperature humidified air may be released into the air as it is, and depending on the application, it needs to be as hot as steam. For example, when spraying on the face for a beautiful face, it is desirable that the temperature is such that it does not feel cold. However, since the steam is rapidly cooled when it is output to the outside air, for example, 70 at the outlet to the outside air. It is required to hold at about 80 ° C. or around 150 ° C. or more immediately after generation of steam inside the apparatus. For this reason, the ultrasonic steam generation method employs a method in which low-temperature humidified air is heated to a high temperature or appropriate temperature by a heater, or steam is mixed with low-temperature humidified air and heated.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-119685
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a health care device such as a facial device that outputs steam or a humidifier, when the steam is output in contact with the outside air, it becomes white and foggy, so that the user can easily confirm that the steam is being output. In particular, in a facial device or beauty product that sprays steam on the skin or the like, the steam can be applied to the skin by using steam that is mist-like and white. For this reason, the fact that steam is white and visually perceived is one factor that affects product value. Humidifiers and facial instruments that output steam are excellent in terms of color, but steam is saturated at high temperatures, so when cooled at room temperature, a huge drain is generated and steam containing a large amount of water droplets is output. Is done.
Therefore, if it is a humidifier, the surroundings are wetted, and if it is a facial device, the face is not moistened with steam but wet with water droplets, which is not desirable. In order to prevent the liquefied water from becoming polka dots, the method of charging is called ionization, but if you try to release a large amount of steam, you can't prevent the inclusion of polka dots and you need hardware to charge it. Power consumption increases.
[0007]
In the case of low-temperature humidified air generated by ultrasonic vibration, when the air is blown out in the same manner as steam, the supersaturated moisture becomes mist-like, so that it is colored. However, when low-temperature humidified air is heated by a heater, the high-temperature humidified air is not in a supersaturated state unlike steam, or even in a supersaturated state, the steam pressure and the saturated vapor pressure at room temperature are changed to steam. Since the difference is not so large, it is extremely unstable whether fog is generated at the outlet by the high-temperature humidified air, that is, whether or not the color is given when the high-temperature humidified air is blown out. At least, according to the experiment by the inventors of the present application, when high-temperature humidified air is output through a discharge pipe of about several tens of centimeters, fog is hardly visible when discharge is started. It is observed that the outlet of the discharge pipe becomes light white when output is continued for several minutes to about 10 and several minutes. Although detailed analysis of this phenomenon has not been carried out, the discharge pipe is cold even when the hot humidified air is supersaturated at room temperature and becomes colored when it is rapidly cooled to room temperature. Then, since it is gradually cooled in the discharge pipe, it is considered that the outlet of the discharge pipe is not rapidly cooled to room temperature or does not satisfy the condition for generating fog.
[0008]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-119685 describes atomizing with ultrasonic waves and supplying water from a water to a heating coil (heater) by a humidifying belt to evaporate. Therefore, it can be sterilized by the hot steam generated by the heating coil, and the low-temperature mist generated by the ultrasonic wave and the steam generated by the heater are mixed, so that high-temperature humidified air can be output. However, in the configuration disclosed in this humidifier, since high-temperature steam is mixed with low-temperature humidified air, the steam is rapidly cooled and drainage is generated, and moisture in the low-temperature humidified air is also generated. Also drains, so a very large amount of drain is generated. For this reason, drainage that has become polka dots accumulates in the steam generator, or steam that contains a large amount of polka dots is output, and if it is a humidifier, it wets the surroundings of the humidifier, and if it is a facial instrument, wets the face with water droplets. That is why the commercial value is reduced.
[0009]
Therefore, in the present invention, a mist state that indicates that steam or humidified high-temperature air is being output is stably maintained from the beginning of supply in a system that does not generate a large amount of drainage. It is an object of the present invention to provide a humidified air output device capable of performing the above. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a humidified air output device that can output sufficient moisture without wetting the surroundings or wetting the face.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
For this reason, in the present invention, rather than mixing steam with low-temperature humidified air to increase the temperature, the low-temperature humidified air is heated by a heater to form high-temperature humidified air, and then generated separately in the humidified air. A small amount of steam is mixed. That is, the humidified air output device of the present invention mixes moisture mist-generated by ultrasonic vibration with the outside air supplied by a fan and outputs a low-temperature humidified air, and heats the low-temperature humidified air. A heater that outputs high-temperature humidified air, a steam generator that heats the stored water and outputs steam, Heated by a heater Mix a small amount of steam with hot humidified air. White, colored Means for outputting the mixed air.
[0011]
In the humidified air output device of the present invention, a small amount of saturated steam generated by the steam generator is generated in the humidified air that is heated to a high temperature by the heater and is not saturated but is in a somewhat dry state (with a dryness). Is mixed to generate mixed air. According to the experiment of the present inventor, when this mixed air is output from the discharge pipe to the outside air, fog or white smoke can be confirmed from the beginning, and there are almost no water droplets or polka dots output together with the mixed air. Therefore, a large amount of moisture can be supplied to the air or the target skin without getting the surroundings wet or almost wetting the target such as the skin to which the mixed air is supplied with water droplets.
[0012]
Even when saturated steam is supplied to the humidified air that has become hot, the steam is suddenly cooled to a low temperature in a short time, and there is almost no drainage. Further, even if steam is supplied to heated humidified air that seems to be in a dry state, draining is not promoted. On the other hand, humidified air that has become hot has a sufficiently high humidity (vapor pressure) so that the white smoke state of steam is maintained or the state close to saturation is maintained. It is thought that humid air will appear white. Alternatively, even if mixed air mixed with a small amount of steam in high-temperature humidified air is passed through the discharge pipe, even if the temperature of the mixed air gradually decreases during transmission through the discharge pipe, it is saturated or slightly supersaturated. Is maintained, and it is difficult to form water droplets from the discharge pipe, but it is considered that air in a mist state is output.
[0013]
In this humidified air output device, since steam is mixed with high-temperature humidified air, neither the humidified air nor the steam is easily drained, and a large amount of drain does not occur in the device. In addition, the moisture applied to the air by ultrasonic vibration is sufficient for humidification, and the moisture from steam is hardly expected for room humidification and skin humidification, and the amount of steam to mix is small. good. Even in this respect, drain is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the drain process in the apparatus is simplified and operation for a long time is possible. Also, the drain that has become water droplets or polka dots is not output with the air and wets the skin. And since the state which humidified air is output from the beginning can be visually recognized, the humidified air output device which is safe and reliable can be provided.
[0014]
The heater that heats the low-temperature humidified air preferably includes a heating pipe through which the low-temperature humidified air flows downward, and a heater installed inside and / or outside the heating pipe. In many cases, the low-temperature humidified air is supersaturated, and some water droplets may be generated while being heated to become high-temperature humidified air. By adopting a path through which the low-temperature humidified air flows downward, the generated water droplets return to the low-temperature humidified air generation side, that is, return to the water storage tank to roughen or destabilize the water surface, and ultrasonically mist the water. It is possible to prevent the generation of sound by preventing water drops from falling on the water surface. By wrapping the heater wiring around the bellows-like pipe along the bellows, the humidified air can be efficiently heated while preventing the heater and the humidified air from coming into direct contact. Further, by disposing the coil heater inside the pipe, the heater and the humidified air can be brought into contact without separating the wall of the pipe, and the humidified air can be heated in a short time in a short time.
[0015]
When a heater in which humidified air flows downward is employed, an arrangement in which high-temperature humidified air is generated below the main body that houses the humidifying mechanism, the heater, and the steam generator is efficient. For this reason, the first discharge pipe that discharges the mixed air in which a small amount of steam is mixed with the high-temperature humidified air is disposed so as to extend upward from the lower part of the main body, so that the mixed air is supplied from the upper part of the main body. It is possible to provide a humidified air output device that can output and is suitable for a humidifier or a facial device.
[0016]
Since the humidified air output device also generates low-temperature humidified air, it is possible to supply low-temperature humidified air by providing a second discharge pipe that outputs the low-temperature humidified air to the outside. For example, by repeatedly supplying high-temperature and low-temperature humidified air to the skin, an effect of activating the skin by warm and cold stimulation can be obtained. The low-temperature humidified air is preferably passed through a low-temperature heater that is sterilized and heated, and is preferably sterilized and heated while flowing downward. Therefore, it is desirable that the second discharge pipe also extends from the lower part of the main body to the upper part like the first discharge pipe, and the first and second discharge pipes extend upward from the lower parts on both sides of the main body. Can be arranged to extend. Furthermore, when these first and second discharge pipes expand and contract, high-temperature humidified air and low-temperature humidified air can be supplied at a position that is at the height of the face.
[0017]
As described above, the humidified air output device of the present invention mixes the moisture generated by ultrasonic vibration with the external air supplied by the fan to generate low-temperature humidified air, and heats the low-temperature humidified air. And generating high-temperature humidified air, heating the stored water to generate steam, and generating high-temperature humidified air mixed air with a small amount of steam. High-temperature humidified air is generated by a generation method that hardly generates drainage, and further, high-temperature humidified air that is visible from the discharge pipe but has almost no water droplets or polka dots is output. Therefore, it is possible to care by spraying on the skin while visually confirming that the high-temperature humidified air is output. For this reason, the humidified air output device of the present invention is suitable for cosmetic applications such as a facial device.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a humidified air output device of the present invention. The humidified air output device 1 is used as a facial device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the facial device 1. This facial device 1 has a substantially vertically long housing (main body) 10 in a state where two discharge pipes 11 and 12 from which steam is jetted extend upward from below on both sides of a front surface 10a of the housing 10. It is attached. These discharge pipes 11 and 12 are attached to the main body 10 so that the lower part thereof is pivotable. Both of the discharge pipes 11 and 12 can extend and contract, extend from the main body 10 like an arm, and supply the fluid supplied from the main body 10 to the upper discharge port 17 and 18 is output. Warm or high-temperature humidified air 3 is output from one pipe (first discharge pipe) 11, and cold or unheated humidified air 5 is output from the other discharge pipe 12.
[0019]
Each discharge pipe 11 and 12 can be fixed at an appropriate angle by turning the knobs 13 and 14 for angle adjustment. Further, it can be fixed at an appropriate length by turning the knobs 15 and 16 for adjusting the length. Nozzles 17 and 18 to which the humidified air 3 and 5 are respectively output are provided at the tips of the discharge pipes 11 and 12, and the directions of the nozzles 17 and 18 rotate the nozzle heads 19 and 20. Can be adjusted. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 1, one discharge pipe 11 is turned to the front to adjust the length of the discharge pipe 11, and the nozzle head 19 is rotated to adjust the direction in which the humidified air is output. By doing so, the humidified air can be sprayed on the part which the user 2 desires, for example, a face etc.
[0020]
This facial device 1 mists water by ultrasonic vibration inside the housing 10 and outputs it, a humidifying mechanism 22 that generates and outputs low-temperature humidified air 5, and heats the stored water to output steam 6. A steam generator 23 for heating, a heater 36 for heating the low-temperature humidified air 5, and a water supply bottle 24 for supplying water to the humidifying mechanism 22 and the steam generator 23. This water supply bottle (water supply tank) 24 can be removed by opening the cover 10c on the front surface of the housing 10, and water can be replaced or replenished.
[0021]
FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the facial device 1. The humidification mechanism 22 is a water supply provided with an atomization unit 32 having an electrostrictive vibrator 31 disposed at the bottom, and a pump 33 capable of supplying water from the water supply tank 24 to the atomization unit 32 and the steam generator (steam generation unit) 23. A mechanism 34 and a blower 35 that sends air (outside air) into the atomization unit 32 and outputs low-temperature humidified air 5 containing water misted by the atomization unit 32 are provided. The output pipe 37 that outputs the low-temperature humidified air 5 from the atomizing unit 32 is switched to the pipes 38 and 39 via the automatic switching valve 40 to supply the humidified air 5. The pipe 38 is connected to the heater 36, and the low-temperature humidified air 5 is output as the high-temperature humidified air 3. The other pipe 39 is connected to the sterilizer 41, and is output after the low-temperature humidified air 5 is thermally sterilized.
[0022]
The heater 36 includes a heating pipe 28 connected to a pipe 38 and a heater 42 installed outside the pipe 28. The pipe 28 extends downward and is connected to the lower end of the first discharge pipe 11, and the low-temperature humidified air 5 supplied to the heater 36 flows downward in the pipe 28 and is heated to heat the high-temperature humidified air 4. Is output.
The heating pipe 28 has a bellows-like surface with irregularities, and a heater wiring 42 is wound along the bellows outside the pipe 28. With the configuration in which the wiring 42 is wound around the bellows tube 28, the humidified air 5 can be efficiently heated and the hot humidified air 4 can be safely generated without the heater 42 and the humidified air 5 being in direct contact. In order to increase the contact efficiency, it is further desirable to bend the accordion-shaped heating pipe 28 once or twice, and to generate a heating path that is meandered by bending more if there is enough space.
[0023]
The low-temperature humidified air 5 is supersaturated, and water droplets may be generated due to factors such as contact with the piping while passing through the heating piping 28. When the water droplets fall on the water surface of the atomizing unit 32, the water surface becomes unstable, which causes an adverse effect of mist formation by ultrasonic waves.
Moreover, there is a possibility that noise is generated when water drops fall on the water surface. On the other hand, the heater 36 of this example employs a piping path that heats the low-temperature humidified air 5 once output above the main body 10 by the humidifying mechanism 22 while flowing downward. Therefore, even if water droplets are generated when the humidified air 5 passes through the piping path, the water droplets only fall below the heater 36 and do not fall into the atomization unit 32. Therefore, the occurrence of these harmful effects can be prevented. For this reason, since the generation | occurrence | production of noise and the fall of vibration efficiency can be prevented, the beautiful face device 1 is quiet and the generation efficiency of the mist 5 is high. Furthermore, even if water droplets are generated above the heater 36, they are heated in the process of dropping the heating pipe 28, so that they are less likely to re-evaporate and drain. For this reason, the heater 36 having the configuration of this example can efficiently heat the supersaturated low-temperature humidified air 5 while suppressing the generation of drainage.
[0024]
The steam generating unit 23 is provided with a PCT heater 23b that can be temperature-controlled by itself. When the water stored in the water storage tank 23c is heated by the heater 23b and boiled, steam 6 is generated. By adopting the sealed water storage tank 23c and increasing the internal pressure, high-temperature steam can be obtained. The output pipe 23 a of the steam generating unit 23 is connected to the lower end or output portion of the heater 36, and the high-temperature humidified air 4 generated by the heater 36 and the steam 6 generated by the steam generating unit 23 are connected to the discharge pipe 11. Mixed at the inlet. The output pipe 23a of the steam generating unit 23 is constituted by a small-diameter pipe, maintains the water tank 23c of the steam generating unit 23 at an appropriate pressure, and limits the amount of steam 6 supplied to the high-temperature humidified air 4. In addition, air 3 in which a small amount of steam 6 is mixed with high-temperature humidified air 4 is supplied to the first discharge pipe 11. Therefore, in the facial device 1, the connection portion 45 between the discharge pipe 11 and the heater 36 is a portion where the steam 6 is supplied to the high-temperature humidified air 4 and the mixed air 3 is generated.
[0025]
On the other hand, the sterilizer 41 includes a sterilization heating pipe 29 that communicates with the pipe 39 and a heater 46 that is installed outside the pipe 29 and heats the low-temperature humidified air 5 for sterilization. The pipe 29 extends downward and communicates with the lower end of the second discharge pipe 12, and the low-temperature humidified air 5 supplied to the sterilizer 41 through the pipe 39 flows downward in the pipe 29 and is thermally disinfected. The For this reason, even if water droplets may be generated by sterilizing and heating the low-temperature humidified air 5, the generated water droplets do not fall into the atomization unit 32 as in the case of the heater 36. The hindrance to efficiency and the generation of noise are prevented.
[0026]
Each of the heater 36 and the sterilizer 41 employs a form in which each low-temperature humidified air 5 is flowed downward and heated, and the humidifying mechanism 22 once outputs the low-temperature humidified air 5 upward. The air 3 and the sterilized low-temperature humidified air 5 are guided to the lower side of the apparatus. Therefore, in the facial device 1, a small amount of steam 6 is mixed with the high-temperature humidified air 3 at the lower part of the apparatus and supplied to the first discharge pipe 11 extending upward, and the sterilized low-temperature humidified air is supplied. 5 is used to supply the second discharge pipe 12 extending downward from above, and the discharge pipes 11 and 12 output humidified air from above the main body 10. Furthermore, since the discharge pipes 11 and 12 are laid out on both sides of the main body 10, the overall balance of the facial device has an excellent design. Further, since the discharge pipes 11 and 12 have a design with the discharge port on the upper side, the drain generated in the discharge pipes 11 and 12 is also collected in the main body 10, and the drain is not easily discharged from the discharge ports of the discharge pipes 11 and 12. Designed. For this reason, it is rare that drain is output together with humidified air and the surroundings and skin are wetted with water droplets.
[0027]
In addition, the facial device 1 is provided with a heater 36 and a sterilizer 41, and further, a drain tank 44 for collecting drain generated in the discharge pipes 11 and 12 is installed on the lower side of the main body 10, and each pipe 28 and Drain tubes 43 a and 43 b are connected to the drain tank 44 from the lower end of 29.
[0028]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process in which the humidified air 3 output from the discharge pipe 11 to the outside is generated in the facial device 1. In step 101, the water mist generated by the atomization unit 32 is included in the outside air by the blower 35 and is output to the output pipe 37 as the low-temperature humidified air 5 to generate the low-temperature humidified air 5. In step 102, when the low-temperature humidified air 5 is guided to the heater 36 and heated by the automatic switching valve 40, the high-temperature humidified air 4 is generated in a dry state rather than a saturated state. In step 103, only a small amount of the supersaturated steam 6 generated in the steam generating unit 23 is mixed in the step 103, and the humidified air 4 is mixed as the mixed air 3 through the first discharge pipe 11. Is output. It has been confirmed by the present inventor that the mixed air 3 is discharged with fog or white smoke from the beginning of the supply of the mixed air 3 when it comes out and touches the outside air. On the other hand, the mixed air 3 to be discharged is not saturated in moisture, is in a slightly dry state, or a small amount of steam 6 is mixed with high-temperature humidified air 4 that is not at least significantly oversaturated. Water droplets and polka dots are hardly mixed, and even if they are output to the outside air, they are rarely generated. Therefore, the discharged mixed air 3 can also moisturize the skin with a dry feel by spraying a large amount of moisture directly onto the skin without wetting the skin and surroundings with polka dots or water droplets. Confirmed by the inventor.
[0029]
As described above, when only the high-temperature humidified air 4 is supplied, it is transparent at the beginning of supply and is not accompanied by white smoke, whereas it is the mixed air 3 of this example in which some steam 3 is mixed from the beginning of supply. The reason for the fog and white smoke is not clear yet. However, like when mixing high temperature steam with low temperature humidified air, a large amount of drain does not occur, the output air does not contain a lot of water droplets and polka dots, In addition, the mixed air 3 of this example is output in a state where the white color can be confirmed.
[0030]
The discharge pipe 11 of the facial device 1 of this example is a discharge pipe even when only the fan 35 is operated while the mist generator 32 is not operated and warm air is produced by the heater 36 and humid air is not output by the warm air. 11 is heated so that a large amount of drainage is not generated in the discharge pipe 11 when humidified air is output. However, the discharge pipe 11 cannot be heated to such an extent that it is heated by steam. Therefore, when the humidified air 4 that has been heated to a high temperature by the heater 36 is output from the discharge pipe 11, the humidified air 4 is gradually cooled inside the discharge pipe 11 and becomes supersaturated. And is not atomized because it is in a state where no mist is generated at the outlet of the discharge pipe 11 or is gradually cooled inside the discharge pipe 11 and is not rapidly cooled at the outlet of the discharge pipe 11. It is thought that it is in such a state. When high-temperature humidified air is output to some extent, for example, for about 10 minutes, and the discharge pipe 11 is warmed, it is considered that mist is generated due to rapid cooling at the outlet of the discharge pipe 11.
[0031]
On the other hand, when the mixed air 3 in which the steam 6 is mixed with the high-temperature humidified air 4 is supplied to the discharge pipe 11, the situation of the discharge pipe 11 should not be changed. In addition, even if the temperature difference at the outlet of the discharge pipe 11 is small, it is easy to atomize, or the steam 6 becomes white smoke at the mixed stage and is output through the discharge pipe 11. The reason can be considered. In any case, by mixing the steam 6 with the high-temperature humidified air 4, the steam 6 is not drained in a large amount, becomes appropriately white at the outlet of the discharge pipe 11, and gets wet with moderate humidity. Humid air without feeling can be obtained. For this reason, the facial device 1 of this example can obtain the humidified air colored in white from the outlet of the discharge pipe 11 as soon as the humidified air supply switch is turned on. Can be used for beauty or health care.
[0032]
The reason why high-humidity air that does not feel wet is obtained is that the saturated steam 6 is supplied to the humidified air that has become hot and slightly dry. In addition, the amount of steam 6 is limited to the original coloring level, and the moisture for humidification is the moisture that is mechanically evaporated by the ultrasonic vibration of the atomizing unit 32. Therefore, even when atomized, it seems that the water particles do not feel fine and wet.
[0033]
Therefore, in the facial device 1 of this example, the humidified air 3 that appears white from the beginning is obtained, and since the generated drain is small, the drainage tank 44 can be replaced less frequently, and the operation of the facial device 1 is troublesome. There is also an effect that there is little and easy.
[0034]
Further, in the facial device 1, the automatic switching valve 40 outputs from the second discharge pipe 12 the low-temperature humidified air 5 containing the water mist generated by the atomizing unit 32 in a state of being thermally disinfected by the sterilizer 41. it can. Therefore, it is possible to repeatedly spray low-temperature humidified air 5 and high-temperature humidified air 3 on the skin with a single facial device 1, and it is possible to employ a care method that activates the skin by stimulation of heat and cold. is there.
[0035]
Further, in the facial device 1, a small amount of steam 6 is mixed with the high-temperature humidified air 4, and the main moisture is obtained by the atomizing unit 32. Humidification by ultrasonic waves is small and easy to increase in capacity, and is more economical than generating steam. Further, there is no problem that the high temperature water that generated steam when the operation is finished remains and it is difficult to perform the post-treatment. For this reason, according to the present invention, a small-sized and low power consumption steam generator can be provided.
[0036]
In addition, the face device 1 changes the temperature of the discharged mixed air 3 to “high” (about 63 ° C.) or “medium” (about 60 ° C.) by changing the amount of heat generated by the heater 42 or intermittently generating heat. ), “Low” (about 57 ° C.). Further, the temperature of the mixed air 3 is adjusted by the output of the temperature sensor S1 for detecting the room temperature or the outside air temperature, and the humidified air 3 having a temperature corresponding to the room temperature can be generated. Further, the face beauty device 1 is provided with temperature sensors S2 and S3 in the heater 42 of the heater 36 and the heater 46 of the sterilizer 41, respectively, so that the output or temperature of the heaters 42 and 46 can be managed. . Furthermore, a temperature sensor S6 for detecting the temperature of the air passing through the lower end 11a of the discharge pipe 11 or the portion 45 where the steam 6 is mixed with the high-temperature humidified air 3 and output is disposed. It is also possible to detect the temperature of the humidified air output from, and control the output of the heater 42 accordingly. In addition, temperature fuses F1 and F2 are also provided as devices for preventing the overheated temperature of the heaters 42 and 46, and a temperature fuse F3 is also provided in the steam generating unit 23 as a device for preventing the overheated temperature.
[0037]
Further, the facial beauty device 1 is provided with several sensors in addition to the above. First, an atomization unit water level sensor (flow and switch) S4 is provided, and this sensor S4 can detect whether the water in the atomization unit 32 is at an appropriate water level. An atomization unit set sensor (contact type switch) SW1 is provided, and it can be detected whether the atomization unit 32 is securely installed. Furthermore, a drain tank water level sensor (electrode type) S5 is provided, and it can be detected whether or not the drain water collected in the drain tank 44 needs to be drained. A drain tank set sensor (micro switch) SW2 is also provided, and it can detect whether the drain tank is set securely.
[0038]
The function of the facial device 1 will be further described with reference to the operation display panel 50 provided on the front surface 10a of the facial device 1 in FIG. The operation display panel 50 is provided with various switches and lamps. First, when the power switch 51 is pressed, the power supply is turned on and off, and when the power supply is turned on, the power lamp 51a is turned on. When the sterilization switch 52 is pressed, sterilization inside the facial device 1 is performed, and the sterilization lamp 52a is turned on during sterilization. When the hot switch 53 is pressed, humidified air mixed with high-temperature steam from the discharge pipe 11 (hereinafter, high-temperature humidified air output from the first discharge pipe 11 may be referred to as hot mist) 3. The hot lamp 53a is turned on. When the cool switch 54 is pressed, low-temperature humidified air (hereinafter, low-temperature humidified air output from the second discharge pipe 12 may be referred to as “cool mist”) 5 is output from the discharge pipe 12, and the cool lamp 54a lights up. Therefore, by pressing the hot switch 53 and the cool switch 54, the hot mist and the cool mist can be selected and output.
[0039]
A display portion 57 provided at the center of the panel 50 is a portion representing the operation time, and the operation time can be set by pressing the up switch 55 and the down switch 56 below the display portion 57. Further, when the temperature setting switch 58 is pressed, the temperature setting of the hot mist can be selected in three stages of “high”, “medium”, and “low”, and the set temperature lamps 58a, 58b or 58 58c lights up.
[0040]
Further, on the panel 50, a unit water supply lamp 59a that is turned on when the atomizing unit 32 needs to be supplied with water, and a unit set lamp 59b that is turned on when the atomizing unit 32 is not connected to or mounted on the facial device 1. The tank drain lamp 59c that lights up when it is necessary to drain the water in the drain tank 44, the tank set lamp 59d that lights up when the drain tank 44 is not attached to the face device 1, and the face device 1 exceeds a predetermined angle. A main body inclination lamp 59e that is turned on when installed in an inclined state is provided. There are also provided three overhaul lamps 60a, 60b and 60c which are turned on when the total atomization time of the atomization unit 32 exceeds a predetermined time. In addition, a preparation lamp 61 that is turned on during a preparation operation performed immediately after the operation is started is provided.
[0041]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the beauty device 1. When the power switch 51 is pressed in step 71 while the power is turned on, the facial beauty device 1 operates. In step 72, the heater 42 and the PCT heater 23b are energized, and the power lamp 51a and the ready lamp 61 are turned on. Further, the remaining time of the preparation operation is displayed on the display unit 57. In step 73, when the preparation operation is completed, the preparation lamp 61 is turned off, and the time display 57 displays a mist operation, that is, a set time for supplying humidified air.
[0042]
In step 75, the mist operation time can be set by pressing the up switch 55 and the down switch 56. In step 76, the cool switch 54 is pressed in step 77 in order to select the cool mist. Thereby, in step 78, the cool mist operation is started, the cool lamp 54a blinks, and the remaining time of the mist operation is displayed on the time display 57. In step 79, when the supply of cool mist is started, the cool lamp 54a is switched on, low temperature humidified air 5 is generated by the atomizing unit 32, and is output from the discharge pipe 12 to the outside. When the cool mist operation is continued for the set time, in step 80, the supply of the cool mist is terminated, the cool lamp 54a is switched to blinking, and the time display 57 becomes “00”. In step 81, when the cool mist operation is completed, the cool lamp 54a is turned off and the process returns to the standby state (step 74).
[0043]
If the hot mist is selected in step 76, the temperature setting switch 58 is pressed in step 82 to set the temperature of the hot mist. When the hot switch 53 is pressed in step 83, the hot lamp 53a blinks in step 84, and the remaining time of the mist operation is displayed on the time display 57, indicating that the hot mist operation start processing is being performed. In step 85, when the hot mist supply is started, the hot lamp 53a is switched on.
At this stage, the low-temperature humidified air 5 generated by the atomization unit 32 is converted into the high-temperature humidified air 4 by the heater 36, and a small amount of the high-temperature humidified air 4 generated by the steam generating unit 23 is also converted. The mixed air 3 to which the steam 6 is added is output from the discharge pipe 11. When the hot mist is supplied for the set time, in step 86, the hot lamp 53a is turned off, the time display 57 becomes “00”, and the hot mist supply is completed.
[0044]
It is important that the steam 6 is mixed with the high-temperature humidified air 4 when starting the supply of hot mist. After the discharge pipe 11 is sufficiently warmed up, the contribution of the steam 6 in the facial device 1 of this example is It is thought that there is little. However, there is no problem even if the steam 6 is continuously mixed, and it is desirable to continuously mix the steam 6 in terms of simplifying the control.
[0045]
While waiting for step 74, the sterilization switch 52 can be pressed in step 90 to end the day's processing. When the sterilization switch 52 is pressed, in step 91, as a sterilization operation start process, the sterilization lamp 52a is turned on and the remaining time of the sterilization process is displayed on the time display 57. In step 92, when the sterilization process is completed, the sterilization lamp 52a is turned off. In step 93, the power supply to the heater 42 and the like is automatically terminated, and the power lamp 51a is turned off. In step 94, the power to the facial device 1 is cut off by turning off the power switch. In step 95, the atomization unit 23, the drainage tank 44, and the water supply tank 24 are removed from the facial device 1 as necessary, and operations such as cleaning, maintenance, wastewater treatment, and water supply are performed.
[0046]
It is also possible to terminate the operation of the facial beauty apparatus 1 by pressing the power switch 51 in step 87, cut off the power to the heater 42 and the like in step 88, and turn off the power switch in step 89. is there.
[0047]
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the coil heater 47 installed in the pipe 28 of the heater 36. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the bellows tube 28 is adopted as the heater 36 and the heater 42 is attached to the outside thereof. However, by installing the coil-type heater 47 shown in FIG. The heating efficiency of 36 can be increased and the heater 36 can be further reduced in size. However, since the heater 47 is in direct contact with the humidified air, the heat exchange efficiency is high, but maintenance and the like are somewhat troublesome. The heater 47 has an elongated heater plate 47a having a cross-shaped cross section, and a heating wire 47b wound in a substantially coil shape using grooves 47d formed at the upper and lower and left and right ends of the heater plate 47a, And a thermistor 47c for detecting the temperature of the heating wire 47b. By installing the heater 47 inside the pipe 28 so that the heater plate 47a extends in the direction in which the pipe 28 extends, the inside of the pipe 28 of the heater 36 is divided into four substantially equally by the heater plate 47a. The humidified air 5 passing through the four divided sections is evenly heated by the single heating wire 47b. Therefore, the low-temperature humidified air 5 flowing through the pipe 28 is directly and uniformly heated by the heater 47, and the high-temperature humidified air 4 having a uniform temperature distribution can be generated. Moreover, compared with the system which heats the low temperature humidified air 5 across a pipe, the heating efficiency is high, and humidified air having a target temperature can be generated at a short distance. Therefore, it is suitable as a configuration in which the facial instruments are gathered in a compact manner.
[0048]
Although a facial device has been described as the humidified air output device of the present invention, the method of mixing steam with high-temperature humidified air and outputting it is applicable to any device that outputs humidified air, and in particular, humidified air. This is suitable for applications where it is desired to visually recognize the situation in which, for example, beauty products such as facial instruments.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the humidified air output device of the present invention, low-temperature humidified air generated by ultrasonic vibration is heated to generate high-temperature humidified air, and a small amount of steam is mixed with the high-temperature humidified air. And output it. As a result, humidified air colored like mist or white smoke can be output stably from the beginning of supply, and by applying the humidified air to the skin, moisture can be replenished without wetting the skin with water droplets. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing a state in which a facial device according to the present invention is used.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a facial device according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the facial device shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which high-temperature humidified air output to the outside is generated in the facial device of this example.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation display panel of a facial device.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of a facial device.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a coil-type heater.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Facial device (humidified air output device)
11 First discharge pipe
12 Second discharge pipe
22 Humidification mechanism
23 Steam generation unit
32 Atomization unit
36 Heater
28, 29 Piping
42, 46, 47 Heater

Claims (10)

A humidifying mechanism that mixes the moisture supplied by the ultrasonic vibration with the outside air supplied by the fan and outputs low-temperature humidified air;
A heater for heating the low-temperature humidified air and outputting the high-temperature humidified air;
A steam generator for heating the stored water and outputting steam;
A humidified air output device comprising: means for mixing a small amount of the steam with the high-temperature humidified air heated by the heater and outputting white mixed air.   2. The humidified air output device according to claim 1, wherein the heater includes a heating pipe through which the low-temperature humidified air flows downward, and a heater installed inside and / or outside the heating pipe.   The humidified air output device according to claim 2, wherein the heater is a coil-type heater disposed inside the pipe.   3. The humidified air output device according to claim 2, wherein the pipe has a bellows shape, and a heater wiring is wound around the outside of the pipe along the bellows.   The humidified air output device according to claim 1, further comprising a first discharge pipe that outputs the mixed air to the outside. In Claim 5, it has a main body which stored the humidification mechanism, a heater, and a steam generator,
The humidified air output device, wherein the first discharge pipe extends upward from a lower portion of the main body.   6. The humidified air output device according to claim 5, further comprising a low-temperature heater that sterilizes and heats the low-temperature humidified air while flowing downward, and a second discharge pipe that outputs the sterilized low-temperature humidified air to the outside. In claim 7, having a body containing the humidification mechanism, a heater and a steam generator,
The humidified air output device, wherein the first and second discharge pipes extend upward from lower portions on both sides of the main body.   9. The humidified air output device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second discharge pipes are extendable. A step of generating low-temperature humidified air by mixing the moisture supplied by the ultrasonic vibration with the outside air supplied by the fan;
Heating the low-temperature humidified air with a heater to generate high-temperature humidified air in a dry state ;
Heating the stored water to produce steam;
A method of outputting high-temperature humidified air, comprising: mixing a small amount of the steam with the high-temperature humidified air heated by the heater, and outputting white colored mixed air.

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