JP7369903B2 - Liquid atomization device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid atomization device that atomizes water and blows out the atomized water so that it is included in sucked air.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been a liquid atomization device that atomizes water and blows out the atomized water so that the air it sucks in is impregnated with the atomized water (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a liquid atomization device, a liquid atomization chamber for atomizing water is provided in an air path between an inlet that sucks in air and an outlet that blows out the sucked air. The liquid atomization chamber is equipped with a lift pipe fixed to the rotating shaft of a rotary motor, and when the lift pipe is rotated by the rotary motor, the water stored in the water storage section is pumped up by the lift pipe, and the water is pumped up. water is emitted in the centrifugal direction. This radiated water passes through the pores and becomes fine. In conventional liquid atomization devices, after the operation is stopped, a cleaning operation (drying operation) is performed for a certain period of time to remove water droplets adhering to porous parts, etc., thereby suppressing the growth of mold or other bacteria.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-089676

However, with conventional liquid atomization equipment, if left unattended for a long time after stopping operation, dust will accumulate in the air passages within the equipment, so if you start water atomization operation as is, dust will accumulate in the air passages. There is a concern that dust and other particles may enter the porous portions due to water pumping, causing the porous portions to become clogged.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a liquid atomization device that can suppress the occurrence of clogging in porous portions when starting the operation of the device. be.

In order to achieve this object, the liquid atomization device according to the present invention is a liquid atomization device that impregnates air sucked in through a suction port with atomized water and blows the air out of an outlet. The liquid atomization device has a water pumping port vertically downward, a cylindrical pumping pipe that discharges water pumped from the pumping port in a centrifugal direction in accordance with the rotation of a rotating shaft, and a cylindrical pumping pipe that discharges water pumped from the pumping pipe in a centrifugal direction. A porous section that atomizes the water by passing through it, a water storage section that is provided vertically below the pumping pipe and stores the water pumped from the pumping port, and a water atomization device that performs the atomization operation of the water. A control unit for controlling. Further, the suction port is communicated with an air blower having a humidity recovery section. Then, if the state in which the water in the water storage section is drained continues for a first period, the control section stores water in the water storage section and performs the atomization operation with the air blowing device stopped. , execute the first process of draining water from the water storage section. Furthermore, before the first process, the control unit stores water in the water storage part, blows air from the blower with the atomization operation stopped, and then performs a second process of draining the water in the water storage part. Let it run.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid atomization device that can suppress the occurrence of clogging in porous portions when starting the operation of the device.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the front side of a liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is connected to an air blower. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the humidification control section in the liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (drying mode) by the liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (cleaning mode) by the liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

The liquid atomization device according to the present invention is a liquid atomization device that impregnates air sucked in through a suction port with atomized water and blows the air out of an outlet. The liquid atomization device has a water pumping port vertically downward, a cylindrical pumping pipe that discharges water pumped from the pumping port in a centrifugal direction in accordance with the rotation of a rotating shaft, and a cylindrical pumping pipe that discharges water pumped from the pumping pipe in a centrifugal direction. A porous section that atomizes the water by passing through it, a water storage section that is provided vertically below the pumping pipe and stores the water pumped from the pumping port, and a water atomization device that performs the atomization operation of the water. A control unit for controlling. Further, the suction port is communicated with an air blower having a humidity recovery section. Then, if the state in which the water in the water storage section is drained continues for a first period, the control section stores water in the water storage section and performs the atomization operation with the air blowing device stopped. , execute the first process of draining water from the water storage section.

According to this configuration, when the state in which the water in the water storage section is drained continues for the first period, the dust adhering to the inside of the device is removed by being included in the water in the water storage section by executing the first process. I can do it. Therefore, when the water atomization operation is started, it is possible to reduce the possibility that dust adhering to the inside of the device will enter the porous portion through the water pumping pipe. In other words, the liquid atomization device can suppress the occurrence of clogging in the porous portion when the device starts operating.

Furthermore, in the liquid atomization device of the present invention, the control unit stores water in the water storage portion before the first treatment, blows air from the air blower with the atomization operation stopped, and then controls the water storage portion to It is preferable to carry out a second process of draining the water. By doing so, dust in the device can be removed by spraying the water in the water storage section before water is passed through the liquid atomization device (particularly in the porous section). This prevents dust from entering the pores during the subsequent first treatment, and ensures that dust will not enter the pores and cause clogging when the water atomization operation starts. can be reduced to

Further, in the liquid atomization device of the present invention, after the first process is completed, the control unit blows air from the blower and causes the third process to perform the atomization operation in a state where there is no water in the water storage part. You can do it like this. By doing so, when the liquid atomization device is kept in a stopped state for a long period of time after the first treatment is completed, it is possible to suppress the growth of mold or other germs within the device.

Further, in the liquid atomization device of the present invention, the control section stores water in the water storage section, blows air from the air blower, and performs a humidification process that performs an atomization operation while water is stored in the water storage section. If the humidification process continues for a second period, the water in the water storage section may be replaced. By doing so, dust and the like accumulated in the water in the water storage section by continuing the humidification process for the second period can be removed by replacing the water in the water storage section. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the occurrence of clogging caused by penetrating into the porous portion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are examples of embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, throughout all the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. Further, in order to avoid duplication of details of each part that is not directly related to the present invention, explanations for each drawing are omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
First, the configuration of a liquid atomization device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the front side of a liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid atomization device 1 is configured as a cylindrical container. The liquid atomization device 1 also includes a suction port 2 , a blowout port 3 , an inner cylinder 4 , an outer cylinder 8 , and a water receiver 11 .

The suction port 2 is an opening for sucking air into the liquid atomization device 1, and is provided on the side surface of the liquid atomization device 1. Further, the suction port 2 has a shape (for example, a cylindrical shape) to which a duct can be connected.

The blowout port 3 is an opening for blowing out air that has passed through the inside of the liquid atomization device 1, and is provided on the upper surface of the liquid atomization device 1. Further, the air outlet 3 is formed in an area partitioned by the inner cylinder 4 and the outer cylinder 8 (the area between the inner cylinder 4 and the outer cylinder 8). The outlet 3 is provided around the inner cylinder 4 on the upper surface of the liquid atomization device 1 . Furthermore, the blower outlet 3 is provided so as to be located above the suction port 2. Moreover, the air outlet 3 has a shape to which a cylindrical duct can be connected.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the air sucked in from the suction port 2 becomes humidified air by a liquid atomization means 17, which will be described later, and is blown out from the blow-off port 3.

The inner cylinder 4 is arranged near the center inside the liquid atomization device 1, as shown in FIG. Further, the inner cylinder 4 has a ventilation hole 7 that opens downward in a substantially vertical direction, and is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape.

The outer cylinder 8 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is arranged to enclose the inner cylinder 4. Further, a water supply port 12 for supplying water to a water storage section 10, which will be described later, is provided on the side wall of the outer cylinder 8. Note that the water supply port 12 is provided at a position vertically above the upper surface of the water storage section 10 (the surface of the maximum water level that can be stored in the water storage section 10: the water surface 40).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the water receiving portion 11 is provided over the entire bottom of the liquid atomization device 1. Thereby, even if water is supplied excessively or a problem occurs in the drain port 13, etc., it is possible to suppress water from overflowing into the house or the air blower 30, which will be described later. Note that the shape of the water receiving portion 11 may be any shape that can store water overflowing from the water storage portion 10, and is not limited to the shape illustrated in FIG. 1 or the like. Further, the liquid atomization device 1 does not need to include the water receiver 11.

Next, the internal structure of the liquid atomization device 1 will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid atomization device 1 includes a suction communication air passage 5, an inner cylinder air passage 6, an outer cylinder air passage 9, a water storage section 10, and a liquid atomization means 17. , and a water receiving portion 11.

The suction communication air passage 5 is a duct-shaped air passage that communicates the suction port 2 and the inner cylinder 4 (inner cylinder air passage 6), and the air sucked from the suction port 2 passes through the suction communication air passage 5. The structure is such that it reaches the inside of the inner cylinder 4.

The inner cylinder air passage 6 is an air passage provided inside the inner cylinder 4, and the inner cylinder air passage 6 is an air passage provided inside the inner cylinder 4. It communicates with the tube air passage 9 (the air passage indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 2). In the inner tube air passage 6, a liquid atomization means 17 is arranged within the air passage.

The outer cylinder air passage 9 is an air passage formed between the inner cylinder 4 and the outer cylinder 8, and communicates with the air outlet 3.

The water storage section 10 is provided at the lower part of the liquid atomization device 1 (lower part of the inner cylinder 4) and stores water. The water storage part 10 is formed in a substantially mortar shape, and the side wall of the water storage part 10 is connected to and integrated with the lower end of the outer cylinder 8. The water storage section 10 has a structure in which water is supplied from a water supply port 12 provided on the side wall of the outer cylinder 8, and water is discharged from a drain port 13 provided on the bottom surface of the water storage section 10.

The water supply port 12 is provided on the side wall of the outer cylinder 8 and is connected to an external water supply pipe (not shown) via a water supply pipe 18. The water supply pipe 18 is provided with an opening/closing means (water supply valve 18a (see FIG. 4)) such as a solenoid valve in the middle of the water supply pipe 18. The water supply pipe 18 is connected, for example, to water supply equipment such as a water supply or a water supply pump of a residence or facility via a water supply valve 18a.

The drain port 13 is provided at the lowest position on the bottom surface of the water storage section 10, and is connected to an external drain pipe (not shown) via a drain pipe 19. The drain pipe 19 is provided with an opening/closing means such as a solenoid valve (drain valve 19a (see FIG. 4)) in the middle of the drain pipe 19. The drain pipe 19 is connected to a drainage facility such as an external drain provided in a house or facility, for example, via a drain valve 19a.

The liquid atomization means 17 is a main part of the liquid atomization device 1 and is a part that atomizes water. Specifically, the liquid atomization means 17 includes a pumping pipe (suction pipe) 14 , a porous section 15 , and a motor 16 . Further, the liquid atomization means 17 is provided inside the inner cylinder 4 , that is, at a position covered by the inner cylinder 4 .

The pumping pipe 14 is formed into a hollow truncated cone shape, and has a smaller diameter tip (pumping port 14a) of the truncated cone vertically downward. The pumping pipe 14 is provided so that the water pumping port 14a is below the water level 40 of the water stored in the water storage section 10, and the water is pumped from the water storage section 10 through the pumping port 14a in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft interlocked with the motor 16. suck up water. On the other hand, the water lift pipe 14 is provided with a plurality of openings (not shown) in the side wall of the larger diameter side of the truncated cone, so that the sucked up water passes through the openings and is discharged in the centrifugal direction. In other words, the water pump 14 is configured to supply water pumped from the water storage section 10 to the porous section 15 .

The porous portion 15 is located at a predetermined interval around the outer periphery of the lift pipe 14 on the larger diameter side of the lift pipe 14, and is arranged around a cylindrical porous body that rotates together with the lift pipe 14 and the entire periphery of the porous body. and a wire mesh. Then, the porous portion 15 releases the water sucked up by the water pump 14 in the direction of the rotating surface. At this time, in the porous portion 15, the water is atomized in the process of flowing inside the porous portion 15.

The motor 16 rotates the water pump 14 and the porous portion 15 around the rotation axis.

The water receiving portion 11 is provided vertically below the water storage portion 10 over the entire bottom of the liquid atomization device 1 . As described above, the water receiver 11 can temporarily store water leaking from the device when an abnormality occurs in the device and water leaks.

Further, the liquid atomization device 1 includes a humidification control section 21 (see FIG. 3) on the side surface of the liquid atomization device 1. The humidification control unit 21 controls the humidification operation (for example, the amount of humidification) in the humidification process (humidification mode) by controlling the operation of the liquid atomization device 1, particularly the liquid atomization means 17. Further, the humidification control unit 21 controls the drying operation in the drying process (drying mode) performed when the operation of the liquid atomization means 17 is stopped. Further, the humidification control unit 21 controls a cleaning operation in a cleaning process (cleaning mode) that is performed when the water in the water storage unit 10 continues to be drained for a predetermined period (first period). Note that even if the liquid atomization device 1 does not include the humidification control unit 21 and has a configuration in which the humidification operation, drying operation, and cleaning operation are controlled by the control unit 30a (see FIG. 4) that controls the air blower 30, good.

Next, the blower device 30 connected to the liquid atomization device 1 will be explained using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is connected to an air blower.

As shown in FIG. 3, the blower device 30 is provided upstream of the liquid atomization device 1, and is configured to collect outside air sucked in from the outside air suction port 33 (air whose humidity has been recovered after passing through the humidity recovery section 32). ) to the suction port 2 of the liquid atomization device 1 through the duct 38.

Specifically, the blower device 30 has a box-shaped main body case 31, and is used, for example, while placed on the floor. The top surface of the main body case 31 (the surface on which the liquid atomization device 1 is mounted) is provided with an outside air intake port 33, an air supply port 34, an indoor air intake port 35, and an exhaust port (not shown). It is being The main body case 31 includes a humidity recovery section 32, a blower 36, and an air supply path 37 inside the main body case 31.

The outside air suction port 33 is a suction port that sucks air outside the building (outside air) into the inside of the blower device 30 . Specifically, the outside air suction port 33 is connected in communication with an outdoor air supply port that sucks outside air through a duct (not shown) that extends to the outer wall surface of the building.

The air supply port 34 is a discharge port that blows outside air from the blower device 30 to the suction port 2 of the liquid atomization device 1 . Specifically, the air supply port 34 is connected to the suction port 2 of the liquid atomization device 1 via a duct 38 .

The indoor air suction port 35 is a suction port that sucks air (interior air) inside the building into the inside of the blower device 30 . Specifically, the indoor air intake port 35 is connected in communication with an indoor exhaust port that sucks inside air through a duct (not shown) that extends to the ceiling or wall of each space in the building.

The exhaust port is a discharge port that blows the inside air from the blower device 30 to the outdoors. Specifically, the exhaust port is connected in communication with an outdoor exhaust port that blows out indoor air via a duct (not shown) that extends to the outer wall surface of the building.

The humidity recovery section 32 is provided upstream of the blower 36. The humidity recovery unit 32 has a humidity recovery (humidity exchange) function of recovering (exchanging) the humidity of the air sucked in by the blower 36 and passing through the inside of the blower 30 (in particular, the air supply air path 37). The humidity recovery unit 32 is, for example, a desiccant type heat exchanger or a heat pump type heat exchanger.

The air supply path 37 is an air path that sucks fresh outdoor air (outside air) from the outside air suction port 33, passes through the humidity recovery unit 32, and supplies it indoors from the air supply port 34 via the liquid atomization device 1. .

The blower 36 is a device for blowing outside air from the outside air suction port 33 to the air supply port 34. Examples of the blower 36 include a cross flow fan or a blower fan.

Further, the blower 30 includes a control section 30a (see FIG. 4) that controls the blowing operation of the blower 30. The control section 30a controls the operation of the blower 36 or the humidity recovery section 32 as control of the blowing operation. Further, the control unit 30a of the air blower 30 is electrically connected to the humidification control unit 21 of the liquid atomization device 1, and upon receiving a control signal from the humidification control unit 21, the control unit 30a of the air blower 30 and the liquid atomization device 1 are connected. can be operated and controlled in conjunction with each other.

The liquid atomization device 1 is installed on the top surface of the blower device 30 configured as described above with a support base 39 interposed therebetween. Furthermore, external water supply and drainage pipes (not shown) are connected to the water supply pipe 18 (see FIG. 1) and the drain pipe 19 (see FIG. 1) of the liquid atomization device 1, respectively. As a result, a ventilation device with a humidifying function including the blower device 30 and the liquid atomization device 1 is configured.

Next, the humidification control section 21 of the liquid atomization device 1 will be explained using FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the humidification control section in the liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the humidification control section 21 includes an input section 21a, a storage section 21b, a clock section 21c, a processing section 21d, and an output section 21e.

The input unit 21a receives first information regarding the operation start instruction or operation stop instruction from the operation panel 22, second information regarding the indoor air temperature and humidity from the temperature/humidity sensor 23, and outdoor air temperature from the temperature sensor 24. We accept third-party information regarding. The input unit 21a outputs the received first information to third information to the processing unit 21d.

Here, the operation panel 22 is a terminal through which the user inputs user input information (for example, air volume, humidification amount, blowout temperature, etc.) regarding the liquid atomization device 1 and the air blower 30, and the humidification control unit 21 and is communicably connected. Further, the temperature and humidity sensor 23 is a sensor that senses the temperature and humidity of the indoor air immediately after it is taken in from the indoor air intake port 35. Further, the temperature sensor 24 is a sensor that senses the temperature of the outdoor air immediately after it is taken in from the outside air suction port 33.

The storage unit 21b stores fourth information regarding humidification settings in humidification mode, fifth information regarding drying settings in drying mode, sixth information regarding cleaning settings in cleaning mode, and seventh information regarding setting information corresponding to user input information. to remember. The storage unit 21b outputs the stored fourth information to seventh information to the processing unit 21d.

The clock section 21c outputs eighth information regarding the current time to the processing section 21d.

The processing section 21d receives first information to third information from the input section 21a, fourth information to seventh information from the storage section 21b, and eighth information from the timekeeping section 21c. The processing unit 21d uses the received first information to eighth information to specify control information regarding the humidifying operation in the humidifying mode, the drying operation in the drying mode, and the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode. The processing unit 21d outputs the specified control information to the output unit 21e.

The output unit 21e receives control information from the processing unit 21d. The output section 21e is electrically connected to the blower 30 (control section 30a), the liquid atomization means 17, the water supply valve 18a of the water supply pipe 18, and the drain valve 19a of the drain pipe 19. Based on the received control information, the output unit 21e controls the blowing operation of the blower 30, the atomization operation of the liquid atomization means 17, the opening/closing operation of the water supply valve 18a, and the opening/closing operation of the drain valve 19a. Outputs a control signal (control signal).

Each device (air blower 30, liquid atomization means 17, water supply valve 18a, drain valve 19a) receives a signal from the output section 21e, and executes control based on the received signal.

As described above, the humidification control unit 21 controls the humidification operation in the humidification mode, the drying operation in the drying mode, and the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode.

Next, the humidification operation in the humidification mode of the liquid atomization device 1 will be explained using FIG. 2. Note that the liquid atomization device 1 executes the following process when a control signal related to the humidification operation is input from the humidification control unit 21. However, the explanation will be given assuming that the blower device 30 performs the blowing operation in accordance with the same control signal from the humidification control section 21.

In the liquid atomization device 1, water is first supplied from a water supply facility (not shown) to the water storage section 10 through the water supply port 12, and the water is stored in the water storage section 10. The air sucked into the liquid atomization device 1 from the suction port 2 (the air blown from the blower 30) is sent to the suction communication air path 5, the inner tube air path 6, the liquid atomization means 17, and the outer tube. The air passes through the air path 9 in this order and is blown out from the air outlet 3 toward the outside (for example, indoors). At this time, the water droplets generated by the liquid atomization means 17 come into contact with the air passing through the inner tube air passage 6, and the water droplets are vaporized, thereby humidifying the air. Further, the water stored in the water storage section 10 is discharged from the drain port 13 to the outside of the apparatus through the drain pipe 19 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

This will be explained in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air that passes through the suction communication air passage 5 from the suction port 2 and is taken into the inner cylinder of the inner cylinder air passage 6 passes through the liquid atomization means 17. When the water pump 14 and the porous section 15 are rotated by the operation of the motor 16, the water stored in the water storage section 10 rises along the inner wall surface of the water pump 14 due to the rotation. The rising water passes through the inside of the porous portion 15, becomes fine, and is discharged as fine water droplets from the outer peripheral surface of the porous portion 15 toward the rotating surface. Furthermore, the ejected water droplets collide with the inner wall surface of the inner cylinder 4 and are broken into even finer water droplets. The water droplets discharged from the porous portion 15 and the water droplets that collide with the inner wall surface of the inner cylinder 4 and are broken come into contact with the air passing through the inner cylinder 4, and the water droplets are vaporized to humidify the air. Note that some of the generated water droplets do not vaporize, but since the liquid atomization means 17 is arranged so as to be covered by the inner cylinder 4, the water droplets that are not vaporized adhere to the inner surface of the inner cylinder 4. It falls into the water storage section 10.

The air containing water droplets (humidified air) is blown out from the ventilation hole 7 provided at the lower end of the inner cylinder 4 toward the water storage section 10 provided below. The air then flows toward an outer cylinder air passage 9 formed between the inner cylinder 4 and the outer cylinder 8. Here, since the air passing through the outer cylinder air passage 9 is blown upward in the vertical direction, the air blowing direction changes to be opposite to the air flowing downward within the inner cylinder air passage 6.

At this time, the water droplets blown out along with the air from the ventilation port 7 cannot follow the flow of air due to their inertia, and adhere to the water surface 40 of the water storage section 10 or the inner wall surface of the outer cylinder 8. This effect is stronger as the weight of the water droplet is larger, that is, the larger the diameter of the water droplet that is difficult to vaporize, the stronger the effect is, so that large water droplets can be separated from the flowing air.

The air flowing from the inner cylinder air passage 6 into the outer cylinder air passage 9 through the ventilation opening 7 flows upward through the outer cylinder air passage 9. Then, it is blown out from the air outlet 3 to the outside. At this time, some of the water droplets fall into the water storage section 10 due to gravity or adhere to the outer wall of the inner tube 4 or the inner wall of the outer tube 8. Water droplets adhering to the outer wall of the inner tube 4 and the inner wall of the outer tube 8 travel along the outer wall surface of the inner tube 4 and the inner wall surface of the outer tube 8 and fall into the water storage section 10.

As described above, the liquid atomization device 1 can humidify the sucked air by the liquid atomization means 17. Then, the liquid atomization device 1 executes the humidification operation (water atomization operation) by the liquid atomization means 17 based on the control signal regarding the humidification operation from the humidification control unit 21 . Furthermore, when the humidification operation by the liquid atomization means 17 continues for a predetermined period (second period), the liquid atomization device 1 temporarily stops the humidification operation by the liquid atomization means 17 and removes the water in the water storage section 10. The humidification control unit 21 controls the humidification operation to restart after the replacement of the humidification. In this case, the second period is, for example, 24 hours.

On the other hand, when the liquid atomization device 1 according to the present embodiment stops the humidifying operation of the liquid atomization means 17, the liquid atomization device 1 executes the drying operation in the dry mode. The drying operation in the drying mode of the liquid atomization device 1 will be explained using FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (drying mode) by the liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Here, the drying mode is executed when instruction information regarding stopping the operation of the liquid atomization device 1 is input to the humidification control unit 21 as first information.

As shown in FIG. 5, when a control signal related to the operation stop of the liquid atomization device 1 is input to the humidification control unit 21 (step S01), the humidification control unit 21 stops the air blowing from the air blower 30, and The water supply to the section 10 is stopped, and the water storage section 10 is drained (step S02). Here, the air blowing from the air blower 30 is stopped by stopping the operation of the air blower 36. Furthermore, water supply is stopped by closing the water supply valve 18a, and drainage is performed by opening the drain valve 19a. As a result, the humidification mode is stopped, and then the humidification control unit 21 executes the drying mode (processing related to drying operation).

Specifically, the humidification control unit 21 starts blowing air from the air blower 30 after the water storage unit 10 is drained (step S11). Thereby, air comes to circulate within the liquid atomization device 1 (liquid atomization means 17).

Next, the humidification control section 21 operates the liquid atomization means 17 to start a drying operation (a micronization operation in a state where there is no water in the water storage section 10) (step S12). If the predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the start of the drying operation (Yes in step S13), the humidification control unit 21 stops the liquid atomization means 17 (step S14). Then, the air blowing from the air blower 30 is stopped, and the drying operation is ended (step S15). On the other hand, if the predetermined time T1 has not elapsed since the start of the drying operation (No in step S13), the drying operation is continued (return to step S13). Here, the series of operations from step S11 to step S15 or only the drying operation is defined as a third process by the liquid atomization means 17. In the third process, the inside of the device including the liquid atomization means 17 is dried (moisture removed). Note that the first processing and the second processing will be described later.

After the above processing steps are completed, the drying operation in the drying mode is completed, and the humidification control unit 21 stops the operation of the liquid atomization device 1. Thereby, the liquid atomization device 1 enters a state of waiting for an instruction to start operation from the operation panel 22.

Next, in the liquid atomization device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the operation stop state of the liquid atomization device 1 (the state in which the water in the water storage unit 10 is drained) continues for a predetermined period (first period), To do this, perform a cleaning operation in cleaning mode. The cleaning operation in the cleaning mode of the liquid atomization device 1 will be explained using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (cleaning mode) by the liquid atomization device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Here, the cleaning mode is executed when the shutdown state continues for a first period. The first period in this case is, for example, 24 hours.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the cleaning mode is started, the humidification control unit 21 stops draining water from the water storage unit 10 (closes the drain valve 19a) and directs water to the water storage unit 10. water supply is executed (step S21). Then, after the water supply to the water storage section 10 is completed, the air blowing device 30 starts blowing air (step S22). As a result, while the atomization operation by the liquid atomization means 17 is stopped, air circulates within the device, and the dust within the device is blown onto the water in the water storage section 10. If the predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the blower device 30 started the blower operation (Yes in step S23), the humidification control unit 21 stops blowing air from the blower device 30 (step S24). Then, the humidification control unit 21 stops the water supply to the water storage unit 10 and causes the water storage unit 10 to be drained (step S25). As a result, the water containing dust that has been blown onto the water storage section 10 is drained. On the other hand, if the predetermined time T2 has not elapsed since the blower 30 started the blower operation (No in step S23), the blower 30 continues the blower operation (returns to step S23). Here, the series of operations from step S21 to step S25 or the operation of only the ventilation operation is defined as the second process. In the second process, while the atomization operation by the liquid atomization means 17 is stopped, the inside of the apparatus including the liquid atomization means 17 is cleaned by air (removal of dust and the like by ventilation).

Next, the humidification control unit 21 stops draining water from the water storage unit 10 and causes water to be supplied to the water storage unit 10 (step S31). As a result, new water is supplied to the water storage section 10. After the water supply to the water storage section 10 is completed, the liquid atomization means 17 is activated to start washing the inside of the device with water (step S32). If the predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the start of water washing (Yes in step S33), the humidification control unit 21 stops the liquid atomization means 17 and ends the water washing (step S34). Then, the humidification control unit 21 stops the water supply to the water storage unit 10 and causes the water storage unit 10 to be drained (step S35). Thereby, water containing dust is drained by water washing. On the other hand, if the predetermined time T3 has not elapsed since the start of water washing (No in step S33), water washing is continued (return to step S33). Here, the series of operations from step S31 to step S35 or the operation of only water washing is defined as the first process. In the first process, the inside of the apparatus including the liquid atomization means 17 is washed with water (removal of dust and the like by water flow) while the air blowing from the air blower 30 is stopped.

After the above processing steps are completed, the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode is completed.

When the liquid atomization device 1 is in a state of waiting for an instruction to start the atomization operation, the humidification control unit 21 executes the drying operation (third process) in the drying mode shown in FIG. 5. Thereafter, the liquid atomization device 1 repeats the cleaning operation (first treatment, second treatment) in the cleaning mode and the drying operation (third treatment) in the drying mode every time a predetermined period (first period) passes. Execute.

On the other hand, in the liquid atomization device 1, when the instruction information regarding the start of the atomization operation is input, the humidification control unit 21 causes the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode to be executed once, regardless of the elapsed time. Afterwards, a humidifying operation in the humidifying mode is executed. Thereby, after removing the dust inside the device, the liquid atomization device 1 starts humidifying the air blown from the blower device 30 .

As described above, according to the liquid atomization device 1 according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be enjoyed.

(1) If the state in which the water in the water storage unit 10 is drained continues for a first period, the humidification control unit 21 stores water in the water storage unit 10 and controls the humidification control unit 21 to store the water in the water storage unit 10 and keep the water in a state where the air blowing from the air blower 30 is stopped. After the water atomization operation (water washing operation) is performed by the atomization means 17, a first process (a series of operations from step S31 to step S35) of draining the water from the water storage section 10 is executed. By doing this, when the operation of the liquid atomization device 1 is stopped (the state in which the water in the water storage section 10 is drained) continues for the first period, the amount of water that has adhered to the inside of the device due to the execution of the first process is Dust can be removed by being included in the water in the water storage section 10. For this reason, when the water atomization operation by the liquid atomization means 17 is started, it is possible to reduce the possibility that dust adhering to the inside of the device will enter into the porous portion 15 via the water pumping pipe 14. In other words, the liquid atomization device 1 can suppress the occurrence of clogging in the porous portion 15 when starting the operation of the device.

(2) Before the first treatment, the humidification control unit 21 stores water in the water storage unit 10 and blows air from the air blower 30 while stopping the water atomization operation by the liquid atomization means 17. Afterwards, a second process (a series of operations from step S21 to step S25) of draining water from the water storage section 10 is executed. By doing so, before water is passed through the liquid atomization device 1 (particularly the porous portion 15 of the liquid atomization means 17), dust in the device can be removed by spraying the water in the water storage section 10. Therefore, dust is suppressed from entering into the porous portion 15 during the first process executed subsequently, and when the water atomization operation by the liquid atomization means 17 is started, the dust is prevented from entering the porous portion 15. It is possible to more reliably reduce the occurrence of clogging caused by the intrusion.

(3) After the first process is completed, the humidification control unit 21 blows air from the air blower 30, and also performs water atomization operation (drying operation) by the liquid atomization means 17 when there is no water in the water storage unit 10. A third process (a series of operations from step S11 to step S15) is executed. By doing this, water droplets etc. adhering to the inside of the device are removed, so when the liquid atomization device 1 is left in a stopped state for a long period of time after the first treatment, mold inside the device can be removed. Alternatively, it is possible to suppress the propagation of various germs and the like.

(4) The humidification control unit 21 stores water in the water storage unit 10, blows air from the air blower 30, and operates the water atomization unit 17 to atomize the water while the water is stored in the water storage unit 10. When the humidification process continues for a second period, the water in the water storage section is replaced. By doing so, dust or mold that accumulates in the water in the water storage section 10 by continuing the humidification process for the second period can be removed by replacing the water in the water storage section 10. For this reason, it is possible to further reduce the possibility of the particles entering into the porous portions 15 and causing clogging.

(5) The air blower 30 is provided upstream of the liquid atomizer 1 in the flow of air passing through the liquid atomizer 1 and the air blower 30. In other words, the liquid atomization device 1 is provided downstream of the blower device 30. At this time, since the air whose humidity has been recovered by the humidity recovery unit 32 flows into the liquid atomization device 1, it is possible to control the humidity more appropriately. In addition, by controlling the humidity at two locations, the humidity recovery unit 32 and the liquid atomization device 1, a sufficient amount of humidification can be ensured even if a heater or the like is not installed in the humidity recovery unit 32 or the liquid atomization device 1. can do. Additionally, energy savings can be achieved by eliminating the need for a heater to ensure the amount of humidification.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. This can be easily inferred. For example, the numerical values listed in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it is of course possible to employ other numerical values.

In the liquid atomization device 1 according to the present embodiment, the humidification control unit 21 performs the second treatment after performing the first treatment as a cleaning operation in the cleaning mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the first process may be performed as the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode. Thereby, the processing time of the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode can be shortened.

Further, before the second process, the humidification control unit 21 performs water atomization operation by the liquid atomization means 17 (same operation as steps S12 to S14) while the air blowing from the air blower 30 is stopped. may be executed. Thereby, the liquid atomization device 1 can shake off dust attached to the inside of the device (in particular, the inner tube 4, the outer tube 8, and the liquid atomization means 17) and cause the dust to fall into the water storage section 10. Then, the liquid atomization device 1 can reliably include dust in the water when water is supplied to the water storage unit 10 in the second process performed thereafter (step S21).

Further, in this embodiment, a heater is provided in the air supply air path 37 to heat the air blown from the blower 30, and the heated air is blown in the drying mode (processing related to drying operation). Good too. Thereby, the liquid atomization device 1 can be reliably dried by eliminating moisture inside the device. Therefore, the effect of (3) above can be significantly enjoyed.

Further, in the air blower 30 connected to the liquid atomization device 1 according to the present embodiment, the humidity recovery unit 32 may be configured to have a function of recovering (exchanging) not only humidity but also temperature. Specifically, the humidity recovery section 32 is used as a total heat exchange element, and an exhaust blower is provided inside the main body case 31 to form an exhaust air path. The exhaust air path is an air path that sucks indoor air from the indoor air suction port 35 using an exhaust blower, passes through the humidity recovery section 32, and exhausts it to the outside from the exhaust port. At this time, the humidity recovery section 32 is arranged at a position where the exhaust air passage and the supply air passage 37 intersect. The humidity recovery unit 32 performs heat exchange and humidity exchange between the air passing through the exhaust air passage and the air passing through the supply air passage 37. This makes it possible to supply more comfortable air indoors.

In addition, in the air blower 30 connected to the liquid atomization device 1 according to the present embodiment, the liquid atomization device 1 is It may also be configured such that the air is supplied indoors by bypassing the air. Thereby, when the liquid atomization device 1 is not operated and only the air blower 30 is operated, the air after humidity recovery can be efficiently supplied indoors. Moreover, since the increase in pressure loss caused by the liquid atomization device 1 is suppressed, energy-saving operation throughout the year can be realized.

Further, in the first embodiment, the air blowing from the air blower 30 is stopped by stopping the operation of the air blower 36, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, air may not be blown to the liquid atomization device 1 by switching to the bypass described above. Thereby, the drying operation in the drying mode and the cleaning operation in the cleaning mode can be performed independently while supplying air into the room.

The liquid atomization device according to the present invention can be applied to devices that vaporize liquid, such as a water vaporization device for humidification purposes or a hypochlorous acid vaporization device for sterilization or deodorization purposes. Furthermore, the liquid atomization device according to the present invention can be applied to a water vaporization device or a hypochlorous acid vaporization device that is incorporated as one of the functions in a heat exchange device, an air purifier, or an air conditioner. be.

1 Liquid atomization device 2 Suction port 3 Outlet port 4 Inner cylinder 5 Suction communication air path 6 Inner cylinder air path 7 Ventilation port 8 Outer cylinder 9 Outer cylinder air path 10 Water storage portion 11 Water receiving portion 12 Water supply port 13 Drain port 14 Pumping water Pipe 15 Porous section 16 Motor 17 Liquid atomization means 18 Water supply pipe 18a Water supply valve 19 Drain pipe 19a Drain valve 21 Humidification control section 21a Input section 21b Storage section 21c Timing section 21d Processing section 21e Output section 22 Operation panel 23 Temperature/humidity sensor 24 Temperature sensor 30 Air blower 30a Control unit 31 Main body case 32 Humidity recovery unit 33 Outside air intake port 34 Air supply port 35 Indoor air intake port 36 Air blower 37 Air supply air path 38 Duct 39 Support stand 40 Water surface

Claims (3)

A liquid atomization device that impregnates air sucked in through a suction port with finely divided water and blows it out from an outlet,
a cylindrical water pumping pipe having a water pumping port vertically downward and discharging water pumped from the pumping port in a centrifugal direction in accordance with the rotation of a rotating shaft;
a porous portion through which the water discharged by the water pump passes and atomizes the water;
a water storage section that is provided vertically below the water pumping pipe and stores water pumped from the water pumping port;
a control unit that controls water atomization operation in the liquid atomization device;
Equipped with
The suction port is in communication with a blower device having a humidity recovery section,
The control unit stores water in the water storage unit and performs the atomization operation while stopping air blowing from the air blower when the water in the water storage unit continues to be drained for a first period. After that, perform a first process of draining the water in the water storage section,
The control unit stores water in the water storage unit before the first treatment, blows air from the air blower with the atomization operation stopped, and then drains the water in the water storage unit. A liquid atomization device characterized by performing a second process . A claim characterized in that, after the first process is completed, the control unit blows air from the air blower and executes a third process in which the atomization operation is performed in a state where there is no water in the water storage unit. Item 1. The liquid atomization device according to item 1 . The control unit stores water in the water storage unit, blows air from the air blower, and causes the water storage unit to execute a humidification process in which the atomization operation is performed in a state where water is stored in the water storage unit, and performs the humidification process. The liquid atomization device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the water in the water storage section is replaced when the second period continues.

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