JPH03251625A - Humidifying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To sterilize water for humidifying to bring it into a sanitary state and to prevent adhesion of an inorganic component by a method wherein electrolysis is carried out by means of one or more pairs of insoluble or high corrosion resisting electrode arranged in a water tank in a manner to make contact with water, and chlorine is continuously supplied in water in the water tank and caused to reside therein. CONSTITUTION:When water is fed in a water tank 2 and a moistening device is connected to an AC 100 V power source to drive the device, an ultrasonic vibrator 5 is vibrated, water in the water tank 2 produces aerosol with a gain size of a few microns, which is diffused through a spray nozzle 13. Meanwhile, electrodes 9 and 9 in the water tank 2 are charged with a direct current from a source circuit for electrolysis, and electrolysis of water in the water tank is carried out. In which case, since trace chlorine ion Cl<-> is present in water in the water tank 2, the chlorine ion is oxidized by means of an anode to produce chlorine gas Cl2. The produced chlorine gas Cl2 is dissolved in water to produce hydrochlorous acid HClO, which effects a sterilizing action in the shape of free residual chlorine. Thereby, micro- organisms in water in the water tank 2 is prevented from contamination, and minerals dissolved in water can be deposited for removal.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (a) Industrial Application Field The present invention is a humidifier that uses an atomization method such as an ultrasonic type, a centrifugal atomization type, or a pressure atomization type to emit steam into a room and prevent dryness. Regarding.

(B) Conventional technology The problem with this type of humidifier in the past is that mold and germs can grow in the water for squirting in the heater, that is, the water stored in the water tank or water supply tank.

This is unhygienic and causes microorganisms in the water to be dispersed during earthquakes and humidification, causing infections. This point is described in the book titled: Antibacterial and Antifungal (Vol. 16.Nα91988.P2O3). In addition, the inside of the humidifier tank becomes dirty due to the proliferation of microorganisms, and there are also negative effects such as dust scattering due to the eruption of inorganic substances such as calcium and magnesium contained in the water. Therefore,
As in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-33457, measures were taken to dissolve silver ion electrodes etc. with electric current so that silver ions having a sterilizing effect were contained in the water;
It has been proposed, as in Publication No. 6, to sterilize germs by mixing or applying a bactericide or an anti-inflammatory agent to the constituent materials of a humidifier. However, these methods have not yet been put into practical use, and it is difficult to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability, and even if they are effective, they may deteriorate or deteriorate over time.
There are problems such as wear and tear. In addition, for dust and dirt, the use of ion exchange resins has been proposed as shown in Utility Model Publications No. 143-1982 and Publication No. 5553-1983, but these are expensive, have complicated structures, and There are many problems such as difficulty in obtaining sufficient effects.

(c) Problems to be Solved by the Invention As mentioned above, in ultrasonic humidifiers, the water stored in the water supply tank and water tank is easily contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria. Therefore, in order to prevent this, clean processing such as washing must be performed at all times. Additionally, if water is left standing, microorganisms will breed, so it is necessary to drain the water when the equipment is stopped. However, in reality, cleaning, draining, and other maintenance are often not done.

In addition, these aquariums and water supply tanks that are contaminated with microorganisms are difficult to clean, requiring a great deal of effort, and because they are structurally complex, some parts are difficult to clean with a brush or the like. In addition, water contains inorganic substances such as calcium and magnesium, which become white powder and adhere to the interior of the container as scales, or scatter as dust during humidification.

The present invention solves these problems from a viewpoint that is significantly different from the conventional technology described above, and ensures that the humidifying water is sterilized, is sanitary without the scattering of microorganisms, and also prevents inorganic components from adhering to the inner surface of the aquarium. It is an object of the present invention to provide a humidifier that prevents such problems as much as possible and is easy to clean and remove.

(d) Means for Solving the Problems In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a water tank equipped with an atomizing means such as an ultrasonic vibrator, a water supply tank for supplying water to this water tank, and a water tank and a water supply tank. In a humidifier consisting of a humidifier body equipped with a tank, one or more pairs of insoluble or highly corrosion-resistant electrodes are placed in the water supply tank or water tank so as to be in contact with water, and a DC component is applied to the electrodes to generate electricity. It decomposes chlorine ions in the water and converts them into chlorine, so that chlorine is continuously generated and replenished in the water.

(e) Function When electrolysis is performed using a titanium electrode coated with a precious metal, oxygen and chlorine are generated at the anode, and hydrogen is generated at the cathode. By the way, water generally contains soluble substances such as sulfate ions, nitrate ions, chloride ions, sodium ions, magnesium ions, and calcium ions.

Therefore, the chlorine generated here is the result of conversion of chlorine ions in the water by electrolysis, and this chlorine immediately dissolves in the water and acts as a strong oxidizing agent in the form of hypochlorite ions (CIO'-), which removes organic substances. It causes decomposition, precipitation, bactericidal action, etc.

In addition, scale components consisting of inorganic substances such as magnesium and calcium are deposited and precipitated on the cathode. Therefore, the sterilizing effect of chlorine suppresses the proliferation of microorganisms, eliminating the scattering of microorganisms and solving problems such as infections. Substances are oxidized due to the strong oxidizing power of chlorine.

It decomposes and floats in water and does not stick to it. Furthermore, since scale deposits near the electrodes, removing it here will prevent it from being scattered as dust and will help prevent whitening of areas exposed to humidified steam.

(f) Example An embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view schematically showing the structure of an ultrasonic humidifier according to the present invention. 1 is the humidifier body, and there is a water tank 2 inside.
The humidifier body 1 is provided with a water supply tank 4 which is detachably attached to the humidifier body 1.

At the bottom of the water tank 2 is an ultrasonic vibrator 5 which is an atomizing means.
is attached. 6 is a valve body installed on the lower part of the water supply tank 4, and when the water supply tank 4 is set in the humidifier body l,
The valve body 6 is pushed up by the protrusion 8 on the side of the main body 1, opening the water supply lower and making it possible to supply water to the water tank 2. 9,9
are a pair of insoluble or highly corrosion-resistant electrodes attached to the water supply tank 4 side of the water tank 2; for example, a ferrite electrode or a titanium electrode coated with a noble metal is used. Although it is provided in the water tank 2 in the embodiment, the water supply tank 4
may be provided. Moreover, there is no problem in providing one or more pairs. A power source section consisting of a power transformer (see FIG. 2) and a rectifier circuit (not shown) arranged in the active device chamber 10 on the right side of the main body 1 is connected to the electrodes 9, 9.
A direct current flows between the picture electrodes 9, 9. As a result, aquarium 2
The water inside is electrolyzed. That is, oxygen is generated at the anode and hydrogen is generated at the cathode, and these are released into the atmosphere. In addition, chlorine (C12) is generated at the anode. This is because natural water generally always contains some chlorine ions.
Furthermore, since the chlorine agent injected for disinfection and sterilization is reduced in drinking water, chlorine ions usually exist in the range of several ppm to several tens of ppm. Therefore, by flowing a direct current between the anode and the cathode immersed in water, chlorine ions are oxidized at the anode and chlorine gas (C1,) is generated.

The generated chlorine gas then dissolves in water to produce chlorine chlorous acid (HCIO), which has a bactericidal effect. Reference numeral 11 denotes a power cord for connecting the power supply section to an external power source. Then, the power supply section has the number of V~ necessary for the electrolysis described above.
In addition to supplying several dozen direct currents (rectifier circuit), switching the polarity of the electrodes (preventing scale from adhering to the electrodes), setting the desired chlorine generation time (controlling the appropriate chlorine concentration), and energizing at certain time intervals. It includes circuits related to (replenishment according to the degree of chlorine consumption over time), detection of abnormalities such as overcurrent and overvoltage (safety measures). Each of these circuits will be described later.

Reference numeral 12 denotes an atomization chamber cover which is provided with a jet nozzle 13 on the upper part, covers the upper part of the water tank 2, and constitutes the atomization chamber 14, and its negative side lower wall 15 has a small gap between it and the inner bottom surface 2a of the water tank. The S-hole blocker 14 is advanced to a position where the electrodes 9, 9 are kept in the electrode housing chamber 16, and the electrode storage chamber 16 has a partitioning effect. , 17
is a filter disposed near the gap along this hanging wall 15, and this filter 17 is caused by electrolytic action.
This is for removing scale generated near the electrodes 9, 9. As a result, the scale formed by the precipitation of inorganic substances such as calcium ions and magnesium ions contained in the water does not go to the atomization chamber 14 side where the vibrator 5 is located, thereby preventing the generation of dust. Instead of filter 17,
On the electrode storage chamber 16 side of the water tank 2, that is, the electrodes 9, 9
By recessing the inner bottom surface 2a of the aquarium near the aquarium, scale can be collected there and removed, or scale can be removed by bank-like objects, protrusions, etc. raised from the inner bottom surface 2a of the aquarium in the same vicinity. It is also possible to prevent the signal from going to the vibrator 5. Furthermore, by providing a separate tank with a removable structure for removing accumulated scale, cleaning of scale becomes easier.

In addition to scale removal means such as the filter 17, recesses, bank-like protrusions, etc., the shape of the electrodes 9, 9 themselves to which scale adheres may be made into a net-like bunch hole shape, etc. to increase the contact area with water. One method is to increase the volume to make it easier to collect scale, etc. in the water, which makes scale removal more effective.

Next, Fig. 2 shows a basic block diagram of a power supply circuit for electrolysis. 20 is a power transformer, 21 is an adjustment of energization time (energization time timer) and an adjustment of energization time interval (energization time interval timer). It's a timer.

22 is a DC constant current power supply for keeping the current value flowing through the electrodes 9, 9 constant, and 23 is a polarity switching circuit for switching the polarity of the electrodes at predetermined time intervals to prevent scale from adhering to the electrodes due to continuous energization. 2 indicates a water tank in which a pair of electrodes 9, 9 are arranged. Here, the DC constant current power supply 22 is for supplying a current of more than a certain value necessary for stable generation of chlorine, and outputs a constant current. However, since the amount of chlorine generated varies depending on the water quality, the current value can be increased or decreased accordingly. In order to prevent scale from adhering to the electrodes, the polarity switching circuit 23 needs to switch the polarity within the shortest time set in advance in the case of continuous energization. This is handled by switching over a considerably longer period of time. Regarding timer 21, the energization time timer is set to 1 depending on the chlorine ion concentration of the water quality.
This adjusts the energization time, and the amount of chlorine generated is naturally proportional to the amount of electricity (current x time), so in order to obtain a stable chlorine amount, it is necessary to control the energization for a predetermined period of time.
Furthermore, due to variations in water quality (chlorine ion concentration), it is necessary to adjust and set the appropriate energization time. Note that by changing the current value, it is also possible to control the amount of electricity and adjust the amount of chlorine.

The following energization time interval timer replenishes the generated chlorine as it is consumed by reducing substances and atmospheric dissipation over time.
Set so that the power is turned on again. In addition, safety devices should be installed to prevent overcurrent, overvoltage, and abnormal energization, so that abnormalities in the circuit can be confirmed, and in the event of a failure, the energization to the electrodes should be cut off. to ensure safety. In this case, when the water tank 2 runs out of water, the water level is determined by detecting the change in resistance value between the electrodes 9, 9 so that the current is not turned on. Similarly, the electrode 9.9 can be used to construct a circuit that cuts off the water in the water tank 2, or to construct a notification circuit that notifies replenishment when the water in the water tank 2 becomes low. In this way, the water level is detected from the resistance value to water level changes of the electrodes 9, 9 provided for electrolysis, which eliminates the need for water level detection with a proximity switch using a float, etc., and simplifies the configuration and increases the reliability of the detection operation. You can improve your sexuality.

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

A water supply tank 4 is set in a humidifier main body 1, and water is supplied to a water tank 2 through a water supply port 4 that is opened when the humidifier body 1 is set.

When the humidifier is connected to an AC 100V power source and driven, the ultrasonic vibrator 5 vibrates, and the water in the water tank 2 becomes an aerosol with a particle size of several microns and is dispersed from the spray nozzle 13. On the other hand, a direct current is passed through the electrodes 9, 9 in the water tank 2 by the electrolysis power supply circuit shown in FIG. 2, and the water therein is electrolyzed.

Then, the water in tank 2 contains chlorine ions (c
i) is present, the chlorine ions are oxidized at the anode to generate chlorine gas (C12).

2C1→C1□+2e −(1) At the same time, oxygen gas is generated from the anode and hydrogen gas is generated from the cathode, but these gases are released into the atmosphere.

By the way, the generated chlorine gas (ciz) dissolves in water to produce hypochlorous acid (ucao), which provides a sterilizing effect in the form of free residual chlorine.

C1□+H20→HCl0+HC Ein...(2
) This hypochlorous acid (HClO) further undergoes the following change,
HCl0→H"+C10-... (3) The state becomes hypochlorite ion (cio). This hypochlorite ion (C
tO) has a very strong oxidizing power, so it quickly destroys bacteria in the water.
Alternatively, it oxidizes dirt and other substances and converts itself into chlorine ions.

This oxidation has a bactericidal effect and a scale precipitation effect. This prevents microbial contamination of the water in the water tank 2, and also allows inorganic substances dissolved in the water to be precipitated and removed. After oxidation, this free residual chlorine is converted into chlorine ions.

Therefore, chlorine ions in water are converted to chlorine by electrolysis, and chlorine can be continuously generated to replenish the amount consumed by sterilization, etc., and chlorine is always left in the water in the aquarium 2. This prevents the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, the dispersion of bacteria contained in the aerosol is prevented, which prevents infections and the like, resulting in a humidifier that can be used in a sanitary manner.

The sterilizing effect of this residual chlorine can be seen in the humidifier tank 2 in Figure 3.
This will be better understood through experimental results showing the relationship between the residual chlorine in the atmosphere and the number of bacteria in the atmosphere at the time of the eruption. In the diagram, "start" and "replacement" are written immediately after the power is turned on.
Or, it indicates immediately after replacing the water. In other words, this measurement method collects and measures general bacteria that are sprayed for 1 minute in a humidified state, and the water used has been stagnant in the water tank for more than 1 day. When we actually checked this water using the device of the present invention, we found that if no chlorine was detected, a large amount of bacteria was being released, but when chlorine was present, the number of bacteria decreased drastically and disappeared. It was found that the method was effective, and as long as 0.2 ppm of residual chlorine was present, no general bacteria were detected.

When adjusting the chlorine concentration, use the timer 21 and DC constant current power supply 2.
It goes without saying that step 2 should be done properly. In addition to the above-mentioned effect of preventing microbial contamination, the following advantages are also produced. Namely: 1) Removal of calcium compounds by electrolysis.

Due to its strong oxidizing power, free residual chlorine causes inorganic substances (calcium, magnesium, etc.) dissolved in water to be deposited on or near the cathode electrode. Therefore, by removing these, inorganic substances are no longer contained in the aerosol and dissipated, and the problem of dust can be solved.

2) It becomes easier to clean and wash the humidifier.

Due to its structure, there are many parts that are difficult to clean, and if water stagnates without chlorine due to adhesion of algae, the interior is likely to get dirty, but the presence of chlorine suppresses the growth of algae. In addition, there is no stubborn adhesion to the aquarium wall due to oxidation of organic substances such as dirt.
It can be easily cleaned. The polarity switching circuit 23 is operated in order to prevent scale from depositing on the electrodes due to the action of 1), which would cause a loss of good current conduction and conversely impair chlorine generation.

In addition, the scale that has been electrolyzed, precipitated, and deposited can be removed from the filter 1.
Since it can be detected at mag. 7, it can be removed from there. Furthermore, if the filter 17 is made easily removable, it becomes easier to remove scale and to clean it. By making the electrode shape mesh-like, punch-hole-like, etc., the contact area with water becomes larger, making it possible to precipitate a larger amount of scale, thereby further enhancing the dust prevention effect. The present invention employs effective means to achieve the above 1.
), 2) can be further improved.

(G) Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, by arranging one or more pairs of insoluble or highly corrosion-resistant electrodes in contact with water in a water supply tank or water tank, and applying a DC component to the electrodes, Chlorine ions in the water are converted to chlorine through electrolysis, and the water in the water supply tank or aquarium is continuously replenished with chlorine and remains there.

Therefore, the sterilizing and oxidizing effects of chlorine prevent the growth of microorganisms, precipitate inorganic substances in the water, and further decompose and suspend organic substances in the water, eliminating the scattering of microorganisms, which was a common problem with conventional humidifiers. It can solve problems such as infectious diseases caused by bacteria, dust scattering, and dirt inside the humidifier tank all at once.

Furthermore, the humidifier can be constructed by incorporating a simple means called electrolysis into the humidifier, and it is possible to provide a humidifier that is more advantageous in terms of cost and structure than conventional devices.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of essential parts of a humidifier according to the present invention equipped with an electrolytic chlorine generating device, and FIG. 2 is a basic block diagram of an electric circuit for performing electrolysis. FIG. 3 is a graph of measurement results showing the relationship between chlorine concentration and the number of bacteria. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Humidifier body, 2... Water tank, 4... Water supply tank, 5... Atomization means, 9, 9... Electrode, 17...
Filter, 20...Transformer, 21...Timer, 22...DC constant current power supply, 23...Polarity switching circuit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A humidifier comprising a water tank equipped with an atomizing means such as an ultrasonic vibrator, a water tank for supplying water to the water tank, and a humidifier body in which the water tank and the water tank are installed. , A pair or more of insoluble or highly corrosion-resistant electrodes are arranged in the water supply tank or aquarium so as to be in contact with water, and a direct current component is applied to the electrodes to perform electrolysis and convert chlorine ions in the water into chlorine. A humidifier characterized in that chlorine is continuously generated and replenished in water. 2. A current control means is provided which adjusts the duration of energization to the electrodes and the energization interval during humidification and when the humidification is stopped so as to obtain a desired chlorine concentration. humidifier. 3. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a polarity switching circuit that switches the conductivity of the electrode at certain time intervals. 4. An electrode formed in a shape such as a mesh shape or a punched hole shape;
2. The humidifier according to claim 1, further comprising a scale trapping means such as a filter for trapping the scale deposited on, attached to, and precipitated on the electrode before being led to the atomizing means.