JP5287937B2 - Ultrasonic humidifier - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic humidifier.

  As an ultrasonic humidifier, one having a heating means in a water supply path communicating with an atomized water tank has been proposed. According to this ultrasonic humidifier, when water supplied to the atomized water tank passes through the water supply channel, it is sterilized (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  However, the ultrasonic humidifier cannot sterilize the water stored in the atomized water tank at the start of operation.

  On the other hand, an ultrasonic humidifier having a heating means in an atomized water tank has been proposed. According to this ultrasonic humidifier, sterilization can be started with respect to the water stored in the atomized water tank at the start of operation (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent No. 2589922 Japanese Patent No. 4155487 JP-A-2-238237

  However, even in the ultrasonic humidifier, atomized air containing bacteria can be released to the outside before sterilization is completed.

  This invention was made in order to solve the above-mentioned subject, The objective is to provide the ultrasonic humidifier which can prevent the atomization air containing a microbe being discharge | released outside.

The ultrasonic humidifier according to the present invention includes a water supply tank for storing water, an atomization water tank for storing water to be atomized, and the water supply tank and the water so that water in the water supply tank is supplied to the atomization water tank. When the water in the atomized water tank is atomized by the water supply channel that communicates with the atomized water tank, the ultrasonic element provided in the atomized water tank, and the ultrasonic element, the atomized water An atomization chamber for retaining the contained air, a blower for generating wind for conveying the atomized air retained in the atomization water tank to the atomization chamber, and a first heating means provided in the atomization water tank, A second heating means provided in the water supply path; a temperature detection means provided in the atomized water tank; a heating means for heating the atomized water tank and the water supply path; and the first heating at the start of operation. controls said a means second heating means, before detected by said temperature detecting means Temperature of the atomizing aquarium predetermined time or longer at a predetermined temperature or higher, after the water temperature of the water supply passage which is detected by correcting the temperature of the atomized water tank that is detected is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature by the temperature detecting means And a control device for operating the blower.

  According to this invention, it can prevent that the atomization air containing a microbe is discharge | released outside.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic humidifier in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the bactericidal effect by the ultrasonic humidifier in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the ultrasonic humidifier in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating transition of the water temperature of the atomization water tank of the ultrasonic humidifier in Embodiment 1 of this invention, and the water temperature of a piping inlet_port | entrance. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic humidifier in Embodiment 2 of this invention.

  A mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ultrasonic humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In addition, the arrow direction of the upper part of FIG. 1 is the front of an ultrasonic humidifier.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body case 1. A lid 1 a is provided on the upper part of the main body case 1. Below the lid 1 a, a water supply unit 2 is provided in the main body case 1. Below the lid 1 a, a water supply tank 3 is detachably attached above the water supply unit 2. A water supply valve 3 a is provided at the lower part of the water supply tank 3.

  An atomized water tank 4 is provided in the lower center of the main body case 1. A metal pipe 4 a is provided on one side of the outer peripheral surface at the center of the atomized water tank 4. The pipe 4 a may be integrally formed with the atomized water tank 4. The pipe 4 a may be welded to the atomized water tank 4 as a separate part from the atomized water tank 4. The pipe 4 a communicates with the water supply unit 2 through the water supply path 5.

  The upper end of the first drainage path 6 is connected to the lower center of the water supply path 5. Below the water supply channel 5, one end of the second drainage channel 7 is connected to the side surface of the atomized water tank 4. The lower end of the first drainage path 6 and the other end of the second drainage path 7 are connected to an electrical or manual drainage valve 8.

  An ultrasonic element 9 is attached to the bottom surface of the atomized water tank 4. An atomizing air flow path 10 is provided above the atomizing water tank 4. An atomizing chamber 11 is provided at the front end of the atomizing air flow path 10. The rear part of the atomization chamber 11 consists of a rear case 11a. An arbitrary-shaped air valve (not shown) is formed at an arbitrary position of the rear case 11a. The front part of the atomization chamber 11 consists of a front cover 11b. At least one vortex ring forming port 11c is formed in the front portion of the front cover 11b.

  In the space in the atomization chamber 11, a vibration exciter 12 is provided as air pressurizing means. The vibration exciter 12 maintains confidentiality with the front cover 11b. The vibrator 12 has the same structure as a general speaker. That is, the vibrator 12 is provided with a voice coil (not shown). The diaphragm 12a is fixed to a fixed position of the voice coil by an adhesive layer. The diaphragm 12a is formed of a material having a heat resistant function. A material having a large vibration damping ability such as rubber may be disposed so as to be in contact with the diaphragm 12a. A magnet (not shown) is disposed in the vicinity of the diaphragm 12a.

  An air path 13 is formed in the lower front part inside the main body case 1. The front end of the air path 13 opens toward the outside. The rear end of the air path 13 faces the rear end of the atomizing air flow path 10. A blower 14 is provided in the middle of the air path 13.

  A first heating means 15 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the atomized water tank 4. A thermistor 16 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower part of the atomizer as a first temperature detecting means. A thermistor 17 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 4a as a second temperature detecting means. A control device 18 is provided at the lower front part inside the main body case 1. The control device 18 is connected to the ultrasonic element 9, the voice coil, the first heating means 15, and the thermistors 16 and 17.

Next, the test result regarding the bactericidal effect of water is demonstrated using FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the sterilizing effect of water by the ultrasonic humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The horizontal axis in FIG. 2 is the heating time. The vertical axis in FIG. 2 is the number of bacteria in water.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the water quality standard value regarding the number of bacteria is 1. E + 02 / ml. If the sterilization temperature is 65 degrees Celsius, the number of bacteria in the water will be reduced below the water quality standard value if heated for 5 minutes or longer. On the other hand, when the sterilization temperature is 80 degrees Celsius, the number of bacteria in the water decreases below the water quality reference value by heating for 1 minute or more. That is, as the sterilization temperature is higher, water can be sterilized in a shorter time.

  The sterilizing effect affects the setting of the pipe 4a. For example, when the humidification temperature (water supply temperature) is 50 cc / h and the inner diameter of the pipe 4a is 10 mm, the speed of water passing through the pipe 4a is about 6.4 mm / min. In this case, in order to heat the water passing through the pipe 4a at 65 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes, the length of the pipe 4a needs to be about 32 mm.

Next, the operation of the ultrasonic humidifier will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the ultrasonic humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  Water is supplied to the water supply tank 3 from the outside. The water supply tank 3 is installed in the main body case 1 along a tank insertion portion (not shown). A certain amount of water in the water supply tank 3 flows into the atomized water tank 4 through the water supply unit 2, the water supply channel 5, and the pipe 4a. At this time, the amount of water supplied to the atomized water tank 4 is adjusted by the water supply valve 3a.

  Thereafter, when the power SW (not shown) is pressed in step S1, the ultrasonic humidifier is turned on. Thereby, the operation of the ultrasonic humidifier is started. Then, it progresses to step S2 and the control apparatus 18 makes the 1st heating means 15 an ON state. Thereby, a current flows through the first heating means 15. Due to this current, the first heating means 15 generates heat. The atomized water tank 4 is heated by the heat. The heat at this time is also transmitted to the pipe 4a. For this reason, the water temperature in the atomization water tank 4 and the water temperature in the piping 4a rise.

  Then, it progresses to step S3 and the control apparatus 18 judges whether the water temperature of the atomization water tank 4 is higher than 80 degreeC based on the detected temperature of the thermistor 16. FIG.

  When the water temperature of the atomized water tank 4 is 80 degrees Celsius or less, the process returns to Step S2. When the state where the water temperature of the atomized water tank 4 is higher than 80 degrees Celsius continues for 1 minute, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, the control device 18 turns the first heating means 15 to the OFF state. Then, it progresses to step S5 and the control apparatus 18 makes the ultrasonic element 9 an ON state.

  Thereby, the water in the atomization water tank 4 is refined | miniaturized by an interface. That is, the water in the atomized water tank 4 is atomized. Highly humid air containing atomized water fills the upper part of the atomized water tank 4. At this time, the water in the atomized water tank 4 is stirred. For this reason, the water temperature near the inlet of the pipe 4a further rises.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S6, and the control device 18 determines whether the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a is 65 degrees Celsius or more based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 17. If the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a is lower than 65 degrees Celsius, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the control device 18 turns the first heating means 15 on. By this heating and stirring, the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a rises again.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S8, and the controller 18 determines whether the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a is 65 ± 5 degrees Celsius or more based on the temperature detected by the thermistor 17. If the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a is lower than 65 ± 5 degrees Celsius, the process returns to step S7. When the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a is 65 ± 5 degrees Celsius or more, the process proceeds to Step S9. In step S9, the control device 18 turns the first heating means 15 to the OFF state.

  When the temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a is 65 degrees Celsius or higher in Step S6 or when the first heating means 15 is turned off in Step S9, the process proceeds to Step S10. At this time, the water passing through the pipe 4 a is heated for 5 minutes before entering the atomized water tank 4. For this reason, the water which passes the piping 4a is sterilized reliably.

  In step S10, the control device 18 turns the blower 14 on. Thereby, air is taken in from the outside via the air path 13. As the air flows, the atomized air filled in the atomized water tank 4 is transferred to the atomization chamber 11 via the atomized air flow path 10.

  At the same time, the control device 18 turns the vibrator 12 on. As a result, a drive signal is input to the voice coil. The voice coil is electromagnetically driven with the magnet. As a result, the diaphragm 12a vibrates. Due to this vibration, the volume in the atomization chamber 11 varies. Due to this variation, the atomizing air in the atomizing chamber 11 is pressurized. At this time, amplification due to resonance of abnormal noise generated in the atomization chamber 11 is prevented by rubber or the like.

  The atomized air is pushed out from the vortex ring forming port 11c. At this time, the vicinity of the vortex ring forming port 11c of the atomized air is decelerated due to friction with the vortex ring forming port 11c. For this reason, a wind speed distribution is formed between the vicinity of the vortex ring forming port 11c of the atomized air and the vortex ring forming port 11c. Due to this distribution, a vortex is generated in the vicinity of the vortex ring forming port 11c. As a result, vortex ring-shaped atomized air is generated as a whole. In the atomized air, the outer periphery of the vortex ring gradually diffuses. Thereafter, the atomized air translates until the shape of the vortex ring cannot be maintained.

  Then, it progresses to step S11 and the control apparatus 18 judges whether the power supply SW is in the OFF state, whether the timer set time has elapsed, or whether the amount of water in the water supply tank 3 has become zero. . If not, the process returns to step S6. In either case, the process proceeds to step S12 and the operation ends.

  When the operation of the ultrasonic humidifier is completed, the user can open the drain valve 8 to discharge the water remaining in the water supply tank 3 and the water supply path 5 out of the main body case 1. Thereby, when the ultrasonic humidifier is not used, it is possible to prevent bacteria from breeding in the water remaining in the water supply tank 3 and the water supply channel 5 and the generation of bad odor.

  In addition, the user can remove the front case (not shown) of the main body case 1, the front cover 11 b, and the cover (not shown) of the water supply tank 3 in order, so that the inside of the atomized water tank 4, the diaphragm 12 a, etc. The portion where water remains can be wiped off reliably. In this case, it is possible to suppress the bacteria from breeding in the portion where water remains or the generation of malodor.

Next, an example of transition of the water temperature of the atomized water tank 4 and the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the water temperature of the atomizing water tank and the water temperature of the pipe inlet of the ultrasonic humidifier according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that the timings S1 to S10 in FIG. 4 correspond to the timings S1 to S10 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the water temperature of the atomized water tank 4 rises faster than the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a. For this reason, even if the water temperature of the atomized water tank 4 is continued at 80 degrees Celsius or higher for 1 minute, the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a does not reach 65 degrees Celsius. For this reason, humidification is not started at this time. Thereafter, humidification is started when the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a reaches 65 degrees Celsius. Thereafter, the water temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a is maintained at 65 ± 5 degrees Celsius or higher.

  According to Embodiment 1 demonstrated above, after the water temperature of the atomization water tank 4 is more than predetermined temperature and continues more than predetermined time and the water temperature of the water supply path 5 becomes more than predetermined temperature, the air blower 14 operate | moves. For this reason, immediately after the start of operation, water supplied to the atomized water tank 4 or water remaining in the atomized water tank 4 when used last time can be sterilized. Further, water supplied from the water supply tank 3 or the like during operation can be sterilized. That is, atomization air containing bacteria can be prevented from being released to the outside at the start of operation and during operation. In addition, the timing which operates the air blower 14 may be controlled only by time with a timer or the like.

  During the heating time, the atomized air is not released outside the main body case 1. That is, for the user, the heating time becomes a waiting time. For this reason, it is preferable to set the heating time to 2 or 3 minutes or less if possible. For example, when the amount of water stored in the atomized water tank 4 is 50 cc, the input of the first heating means 15 may be 100 to 200 W.

  Moreover, the atomization water tank 4 side of the water supply path 5 is formed in the atomization water tank 4 as the piping 4a. For this reason, the number of parts can also be reduced. Moreover, the atomization water tank 4 and the water supply path 5 can be heated efficiently.

  The pipe 4a is made of metal. For this reason, the piping 4a can be efficiently heated.

  Moreover, after the water temperature of the atomization water tank 4 is more than predetermined temperature and continues for a predetermined time, the ultrasonic element 9 operate | moves. For this reason, it can prevent that the water in the atomization water tank 4 atomizes in the state which is not sterilized.

  Note that the ultrasonic element 9 may be operated before the water temperature in the atomized water tank 4 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and continues for a predetermined time. In this case, the water temperature in the atomized water tank 4 can be increased quickly by the operation of the ultrasonic element 9.

  Moreover, the 1st heating means 15 operate | moves so that the water temperature of the atomization water tank 4 and the water temperature of the piping 4a may continue for a required time at predetermined temperature. For this reason, sterilization with respect to water is maintained even during operation.

  Further, if the relationship between the predetermined temperature and the predetermined time is set to 65 degrees Celsius or more and 5 minutes, or 80 degrees Celsius or more and 1 minute, the sterilization can be surely performed as shown in the experimental result of FIG.

  Further, if the length of the water supply channel 5 is set so that the water temperature of the water supply channel 5 is equal to or higher than the sterilization temperature and the sterilization time is continued, the water can be sterilized before entering the atomized water tank 4. For this reason, it can prevent that a microbe mixes in atomization air.

  Moreover, if the length of the water supply path 5 is 50 mm or less, it can sterilize before entering the atomized water tank 4 with a small space and low input. For this reason, it can sterilize during normal operation and enables continuous humidification. That is, it is not necessary to repeat humidification after storing water in the atomized water tank 4 and sterilizing it.

  The atomized air is swirled and pushed out. The atomized air is sent locally. For this reason, the amount of humidified water can be reduced. As a result, the length of the pipe 4a can be shortened. That is, the ultrasonic humidifier can be made small. Moreover, the input of the 1st heating means 15 can be made small. That is, the power consumption of the first heating means 15 can be reduced.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of an ultrasonic humidifier according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same as that of Embodiment 1, or an equivalent, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

The ultrasonic humidifier of Embodiment 2 is obtained by adding the second heating means 19 to the ultrasonic humidifier of Embodiment 1. The 2nd heating means 19 is provided in the outer peripheral surface of the piping 4a.

  According to Embodiment 2 demonstrated above, the water temperature of the atomization water tank 4 and the water temperature of the piping 4a can be controlled more finely. Moreover, the 2nd heating means 19 should just heat only the newly supplied water. For this reason, the 2nd heating means 19 with a low heating capability can be utilized. That is, the second heating means 19 with low power consumption can be used.

  Note that the temperature at the inlet of the pipe 4a may be detected by correcting the measured value of the thermistor 16 based on the model of the atomized water tank 4, the pipe 4a, and the like. Thereby, the thermistor 17 can be made unnecessary. For this reason, the number of parts can be reduced.

  Further, the air path 13 may pass through the vicinity of the atomized water tank 4 and the first heating means 15. In this case, the 1st heating means 15 which finished initial sterilization is cooled. By this cooling, the temperature in the atomized water tank 4 is lowered. As a result, the temperature of the atomized air released to the outside decreases. Moreover, hot water does not flow out when the ultrasonic humidifier falls.

  Further, the sterilized atomized air may be discharged out of the main body case 1 as it is without using a vortex ring formed by the fluid conveyance device. Even in this case, atomized air containing bacteria can be prevented from being released to the outside.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body case 1a Cover 2 Water supply part 3 Water supply tank 3a Water supply valve 4 Atomization water tank 4a Piping 5 Water supply path 6 1st drainage path 7 2nd drainage path 8 Drainage valve 9 Ultrasonic element 10 Atomization air flow path 11 Atomization chamber 11a Rear case 11b Front cover 11c Vortex ring forming port 12 Exciter 12a Diaphragm 13 Air path 14 Blower 15 First heating means 16, 17 Thermistor 18 Controller 19 Second heating means

Claims (11)

A water supply tank for storing water,
An atomized water tank for storing water to be atomized;
A water supply path that connects the water supply tank and the atomized water tank so that water in the water supply tank is supplied to the atomized water tank;
An ultrasonic element provided in the atomized water tank;
When the water in the atomized water tank is atomized by the ultrasonic element, an atomization chamber that retains the air containing the atomized water; and
A blower for generating wind for conveying the atomized air retained in the atomized water tank to the atomization chamber;
First heating means provided in the atomized water tank;
A second heating means provided in the water supply channel;
Temperature detecting means provided in the atomized water tank;
At the start of operation, the first controls the heating means and the second heating means, the water temperature of the atomized water tank detected by the temperature detection means continues for a predetermined time or longer at a predetermined temperature or more by the temperature detecting means A controller for operating the blower after the water temperature of the water supply channel detected by correcting the detected water temperature of the atomized water tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature;
Ultrasonic humidifier equipped with.   The ultrasonic humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the atomizing water tank side of the water supply channel is formed in the atomizing water tank.   The ultrasonic humidifier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water supply channel is made of metal. The ultrasonic humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the control device operates the ultrasonic element after a water temperature of the atomized water tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and continues for a predetermined time. The ultrasonic humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the control device operates the ultrasonic element before the water temperature of the atomized water tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and continues for a predetermined time. The said control apparatus controls the said 1st heating means and the said 2nd heating means so that the water temperature of the said atomization water tank and the water temperature of the said water supply channel may continue for a required time at predetermined temperature. The ultrasonic humidifier according to any one of 5 . The ultrasonic humidifier according to claim 6 , wherein the relationship between the predetermined temperature and the predetermined time is a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius or more and 5 minutes or a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius or more and 1 minute. The ultrasonic humidifier according to claim 7 , wherein the length of the water supply channel is set so that the water temperature of the water supply channel is equal to or higher than the sterilization temperature and the sterilization time is continued. The ultrasonic humidifier according to claim 8 , wherein the length of the water supply channel is set to be 50 mm or less. An air path provided so as to pass through the vicinity of the atomized water tank and the heating means so that the wind generated by the blower passes through;
Ultrasonic humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 9 having a. Pressurizing means provided in the atomizing chamber;
A vortex ring forming port formed on the pressure direction side of the atomization chamber from the pressurizing means so that the air pressurized by the pressurizing means is pushed out to the outside in a vortex ring shape;
The ultrasonic humidifier according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , comprising:

Images