JPH02238237A - Ultrasonic moistening device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To sterilize moistening water at required lowest water temperature for minimum time by actuating a heater provided in a water tank by a heating control section for heating the moistening water. CONSTITUTION:A moistening device body 1 includes a water supply tank 10 detachably placed thereon and communicating to a water tank 2 via a water supply valve 11, and an annular heater 12, in which a heater is encapsulated at the bottom of the water tank 2, disposed therein so as to surround an ultrasonic vibrator 3 for the purpose of heating the moistening water for sterilization. In case where the heater is set at the upper portion of the water tank 2, a temperature difference between the upper and lower portions in the water tank becomes larger provided there is no stirring of water. The annular heater 12 is connected to a heating control section 15 provided in a wind ventilation passage 8 of lower partitioning means of the water tank 2 for controlling heating time, which section includes a timer T therein, which timer operates for the heating time for which there is taken into consideration a time any microorganism in the water tank proliferates to a given number, i.e., for 30 minutes at temperature from initial water temperature to 60-70 deg.C. Hereby, there is assured heating at lowest water temperature required for the sterilization for minimum time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention relates to an ultrasonic humidifier with antimicrobial measures.

Conventional technology In recent years, as social interest in health and hygiene has increased,
There is a growing demand to prevent microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi from propagating in the humidifying water of ultrasonic humidifiers.

In conventional ultrasonic humidifiers, in order to prevent microbial contamination of the humidifying water, chemicals are injected into the humidifying tank (for example, see JP-A-63-34433), or the inside of the atomizing tank is plated with sterilizing metal. (For example, Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-574'44).

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the conventional ultrasonic humidifier, chemical damage occurs when a chemical is injected to prevent microbial contamination of the humidifying water, and the same occurs when plating a carcincidal metal. Safety has not yet been completely proven, and proving it is extremely difficult.

The present invention has been made with the above-mentioned problems in mind, and a first object thereof is to prevent microbial contamination of humidifying water without fear of chemical damage. The second purpose is to sterilize humidifying water at the minimum necessary water temperature and in the minimum amount of time. The third purpose is to improve efficiency by thoroughly sterilizing the humidifying water in the aquarium.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the first object, the first means of the present invention includes a humidifier main body having a water tank for storing humidifying water, and an ultrasonic vibrator disposed at the bottom of the water tank. an ultrasonic vibration circuit unit for driving the ultrasonic vibrator, a water tank removably mounted on the humidifier body for supplying water to the water tank, and located above the water tank, and an atomization chamber provided in contact with the water tank, an air inlet and an air outlet provided in the humidifier main body, an air blower that sucks air from the inlet, and the humidifier provided in the water tank. water heater,
The ultrasonic humidifier includes a heating control unit that operates the heater.

A second means for achieving the second purpose is to provide a water temperature detector for humidifying water in the water tank, determine the heating time based on the signal from the water temperature detector, and determine the heating time based on the heating time. This ultrasonic humidifier has a water temperature control section that outputs signals to open and close the humidifier.

A third means for achieving the third object is an ultrasonic humidifier having a humidifying water stirring means provided in the water tank.

According to the configuration of the first means, even if microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi breed in the humidifying water in the aquarium, the heater provided in the aquarium is operated by the heating control unit to heat the humidifying water. By doing so, microorganisms can be killed (hereinafter referred to as sterilization).

With the configuration of the second means, the water temperature detector sends the humidifying water temperature as a signal to the water temperature control unit, the water temperature control unit determines the heating time, and outputs a signal to open and close the heating circuit based on the heating time. , the water should be heated for the minimum amount of time at the minimum water temperature necessary for sterilization.

According to the configuration of the third means, the humidifying water in the water tank is stirred throughout, heated uniformly, and the sterilization effect is improved.

Embodiment First, an embodiment according to the first means of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 and 2.

In FIG. 1, a water tank 2 is installed in a humidifier main body 1 and has an ultrasonic vibrator 3 disposed at the bottom for exciting humidifying water and atomizing the water. Immediately below the ultrasonic vibrator 3, there is an ultrasonic oscillation circuit section 4, which is a driving power source for vibrating the ultrasonic vibrator 3, and directly above the water tank 2, there is a mist adjacent to the water tank 2. There is a chemical room 6.

Further, the humidifier main body 1 is provided with an air inlet 6 and an air outlet 7, and a ventilation passage 8 communicates with the air so that the air sucked in from the inlet 6 is blown out from the outlet 7 via the atomization chamber 6. A blower 9 is provided in the communication path 8.

The humidifier main body 1 includes a water tank 1o that is removably mounted and connected to a water tank 2 via a water valve 11. Furthermore, an annular heater 12 containing a heating element is disposed at the bottom of the water tank 2 so as to surround the ultrasonic vibrator 3 for the purpose of heating and sterilizing the humidifying water.

When the heater is installed at the top of the water tank 2, the difference in temperature between the top and bottom becomes large unless the water is stirred.

The annular heater 12 is connected to a heating control unit 16 provided in the ventilation passage s at the bottom of the water tank 2 and controlling the heating time.

The heating control unit 16 has a timer T, and the timer T starts sterilization after the ultrasonic humidifier has stopped, taking into account the time for microorganisms in the aquarium to proliferate to a certain number. The time when the annular heater 12 is energized is set, and the heating time, that is, the water temperature rises from the initial temperature to 70°C.
The operation time of the annular heater 12 is set to continue for 30 minutes.

In addition, a thermostat 12b is connected in series within the annular heater 12 to prevent excessive temperature rise of the heater 12a, and has a function of opening a circuit when the water temperature reaches about 70°C while underwater and closing the circuit at about 60°C. have.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram mainly showing the connection between the heating control section 16 and the annular heater 12. There is a power switch S1 connected to the power source D to open and close all the circuits, and water enters the water tank 2 in series with the power source D. A float switch F, which is closed if the water is running dry, is connected.

The oscillation circuit section 4, the blower 9, the heating control section 15, and the annular heater 12 are connected in parallel to the power supply via the power switch S1 and the float switch F, and these also have dedicated Switch S2, S
There are 3.

A timer contact Ta is connected in series to the annular heater 12 so that the operating time is controlled by a timer T of the heating control section 15.

In the above configuration, when the water tank 1o is filled with sufficient water and the float switch FB is turned on, the switch S1
, S2 are turned on and the system is operated, the ultrasonic vibrator 3 is ultrasonically vibrated by the ultrasonic oscillation circuit section 4, and the humidifying water is atomized and the atomization chamber 6 is filled.

On the other hand, air is taken into the humidifier body 1 through the suction port 6 by the blower 9, passes through the ventilation path 8, and is blown out through the air outlet 7. Therefore, the atomized humidifying water filling the atomizing chamber 5 is simultaneously blown out as humidified air from the outlet 7 by the air, and is used as an ultrasonic humidifier.

The ultrasonic humidifier stops when humidification is not necessary, but at this time, microorganisms are actively breeding in the humidified water in the water tank 2.

At this time, when the set time of the timer T in the heating control section 16 comes, the contact Ta of the timer is turned on, and current flows through the annular heater 12 to raise the water temperature to 60 to 70 DEG C. and kill the microorganisms. Water temperature is controlled by thermostat 1 to prevent excessive temperature rise.
2b.

Note that the annular heater 12 may be energized immediately before using the humidifier. Furthermore, it is effective to install the heater at a distance from the ultrasonic vibrator at the bottom of the water tank, since the entire heated water can be heated without heat by the convection generated during heating.

(1: death, +: survival) By the way, the reproduction speed in humidified water tank 2 is about 103 to 105 times in 24 hours, and this trend is the same regardless of whether tank 2 is new or old or the cleaning conditions. Met.

Here, since the annular heater 12 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 2, there is an effect of uniformizing the temperature distribution due to water convection.

Next, an embodiment according to the second means of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1, 3, and 4.

Note that the same parts as described in the embodiment by the first means are given the same numbers and the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIG. 1, in order to ensure the safety and energy saving of water heating by an annular heater 12 and to accurately sterilize water, a water temperature sensor 13 is installed in the water tank 2 to detect the average water temperature and output a temperature signal. receives the temperature signal from the sensor,
A water temperature controller 14 that determines the heating time and accurately controls the temperature to sterilize based on the heating time is provided in the ventilation passage, and the input to the annular heater 12 is turned on and off.

The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment of the invention, and will therefore be omitted.

FIG. 4 shows the water temperature sensor 13 and water temperature control section 14 mentioned above.
2 is a circuit diagram showing a continuation of FIG. 2. FIG.

In FIG. 4, a water temperature sensor 13 is connected to a water temperature control section 14 connected in parallel to a power source D, and a contact point 14 of the water temperature control section is connected in series to an annular heater 12.
A is provided so as to be controlled on/off based on the temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 13.

Next, the operation in an embodiment of the second invention will be described.

The operation of the heating control section 16 is the same as that described in connection with the operation in the embodiment of the first invention, so a description thereof will be omitted.

At the time of starting sterilization of the humidifying water in the water tank 2, the heating control unit 16
The timer T operates and its contact Ta closes. At this time, the temperature signal from the water temperature detection sensor 13 indicates a low water temperature, so the water temperature controller 14 does not operate and the contact 14a of the water temperature control section
is closed and the annular heater 12 is energized. The water temperature rises over time, and when it reaches the set temperature (70° C.), the water temperature control section 14 operates, opening the contact 14a of the water temperature control section to cut off the current. When the water temperature drops to 60℃, contact 14 will be turned on again.
A is closed and current flows. 'As shown in FIG.
After repeating this for several minutes, the contact Ta is opened in response to a signal from the water temperature control section 14, and the sterilization of the humidifying water is completed and the operation of the annular heater 12 is stopped.

Therefore, if you set the timer T to heat sterilize twice a day, you can prevent microbial contamination of humidifying water.Since no chemicals or metals are used, there is no problem of secondary contamination, making it practical. The effect is great.

Note that heat sterilization was performed here at 60° C. for 30 minutes, but it is widely known that sterilization can be performed in less than 30 minutes if the temperature is 60° C. or higher.

An embodiment according to the third means will be explained based on FIGS. 1 and 4.

In FIG. 1, a small motor 1e is located in the ventilation passage 8 adjacent to the atomization chamber 6, and is connected to the rotating shaft of a stirrer 18 that stirs the humidifying water in the water tank 2 through a through hole 17 provided in the atomization chamber 6. ing. The rotary blades of this stirrer 18 are of a so-called screw type. As shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 4, the small motor 16 of this stirrer 18 is connected in parallel to the power source like the annular heater 12, and is energized and operated in the same way when the annular heater 12 is energized.

The other parts are the same as those in the embodiment of the second invention, so their explanation will be omitted.

Next, the operation in the above configuration will be explained.

Due to the action of the timer T of the heating control section 16, when the sterilization start time is reached and the annular heater 12 is energized, the small motor 16 is also energized at the same time and the agitator 18 is operated. By operating this stirrer 16, the humidifying water in the water tank 2 is stirred and the temperature of the water is averaged, allowing the water temperature sensor 13 to detect a more accurate water temperature, contributing to more accurate sterilization and energy saving. I will do it. Therefore, the third aspect of the present invention is used for sterilization only when humidifying and spraying the humidifier main body is not performed.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above embodiments, according to the present invention, even if the humidifying water stored in the water tank is contaminated with microorganisms by the annular heater and the heating control unit that controls the annular heater, Since it is sterilized by approximately 10% by heat treatment for 30 minutes, it is safe and has no hygienic side effects such as chemical damage, and does not cause boiling water burns.

Furthermore, the temperature of the humidifying water is detected by the water temperature sensor and adjusted to the required water temperature by the action of the water temperature controller based on the detection signal from the water temperature sensor, so that energy saving and accurate sterilization can be achieved.

Furthermore, stirring in the water tank by the stirring means further increases the effect of equalizing the water temperature, and provides a sanitary ultrasonic humidifier that further increases energy saving and sterilization certainty.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic humidifier according to the first means of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the connection of the heating control section of the ultrasonic humidifier, and FIG. 3 is a diagram of the ultrasonic humidifier. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing the connection of the water temperature sensor, the water temperature control section, and the stirrer motor in the second and third means. 1...humidifier body, 2...water tank, 3.
... Ultrasonic transducer, 4... Oscillation circuit section,
5...Atomization chamber, 6...Suction port, a...
...Air outlet, 8...Ventilation duct, 9...
・Blower, 1o...Water tank, 12...
...Annular heater, 13...Water temperature sensor, 14.
...Water temperature control section, 16...Heating control section,
18... Stirrer. Name of agent: Patent attorney Shigetaka Awano and one other person

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A humidifier main body having a water tank for storing humidifying water, an ultrasonic vibrator disposed at the bottom of the water tank, an ultrasonic vibration circuit unit for driving the ultrasonic vibrator, and a humidifier body having a water tank for storing humidifying water. a water supply tank removably mounted on the humidifier body for supplying water, an atomization chamber provided above the water tank and adjacent to the water tank, and an atomization chamber provided on the humidifier main body. an air inlet and an air outlet, a ventilation passage that communicates with each other so as to draw in air from the suction opening and blow out air from the air outlet through the atomization chamber, and a blower provided in the ventilation passage; An ultrasonic humidifier comprising: a heater for the humidifying water provided in the water tank; and a heating controller that operates the heater. (2) A water temperature control unit that installs a water temperature sensor for humidifying water in the water tank, determines the heating time based on the signal from the water temperature sensor, and outputs a signal to open and close the heating circuit based on the heating time. The ultrasonic humidifier according to claim (1), comprising: (3) A claim comprising stirring means for humidifying water in the aquarium (
The ultrasonic humidifier described in 1) or (2).