TW201829069A - Electrostatic spray device, information processing terminal, abnormality notification method, and computer-readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an electrostatic spray device having a function of detecting an abnormality and notifying the abnormality to the outside. The electrostatic spray device (100) includes a calculation unit (243) for calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of a current value at the reference electrode (2), a threshold setting unit (244) for setting a first threshold value of the current value, a judgment unit (245) for judging that the current value at the reference electrode (2) is abnormal (i) when a statistical average current value is equal to or less than the first threshold value or (ii) when the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, and an informing instruction unit (246) for informing the outside that the current value is abnormal when the judgment unit (245) judges that the current value at the reference electrode (2) is abnormal.

Description

Electrostatic spray device, information processing terminal, abnormal notification method, and computer readable recording medium

The present invention relates to an electrostatic spray device.

In the past, a spray device that sprays a liquid in a container from a nozzle has been applied to a wide range of fields. As such a spray device, there is known an electrostatic spray device which atomizes and sprays a liquid by electrohydrodynamics (EHD: Electro Hydrodynamics). This electrostatic spray device is a device that forms an electric field in the vicinity of the tip end of the nozzle and atomizes and ejects the liquid at the tip end of the nozzle by the electric field. Patent Document 1 is known as a document for revealing such an electrostatic spray device.

The electrostatic spray device of Patent Document 1 includes a current feedback circuit that measures a current value of a reference electrode. Since the electrostatic spray device of Patent Document 1 is charge-balanced, the current at the spray electrode can be accurately grasped by measuring and referring to the current value. Furthermore, the electrostatic spray device of Patent Document 1 improves the spray stability by using feedback control that maintains the current value at the spray electrode to a constant value.

[PRIOR ART DOCUMENT] [Patent Document] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013/018477 (published on February 7, 2013)

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] When the electrostatic spray device of Patent Document 1 is used for a long period of time, foreign matter adheres to the reference electrode (for example, dust in the air, contaminants from the spray liquid, and reference electrode (second electrode). The product generated by the corrosion and the rust generated on the reference electrode may have a lower current value of the reference electrode. In this case, it is conceivable that the spray performance of the above electrostatic spray device is lowered.

Further, when the electrostatic spray device is used for a long period of time, for example, the wettability of the surface of the casing of the electrostatic spray device may become large, and the current value at the reference electrode may increase. In this case, it is also conceivable that the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device is lowered.

However, the electrostatic spray device of Patent Document 1 does not provide an abnormality in detecting the current value at the reference electrode and notifies the external function (mechanism).

One aspect of the present invention provides an electrostatic spray device having a function of detecting an abnormality and notifying the outside of the abnormality.

An electrostatic spray device according to an aspect of the present invention is an electrostatic spray device that sprays a liquid from a front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and includes: a calculation unit that calculates the above a statistical current value of a statistical value of the current value at the two electrodes; a determining unit, (i) when the statistical current value is less than or equal to a first threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, or (ii) when the statistical current value is When the second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode is greater than or equal to, the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and the notification indicating unit notifies the outside when the determining unit determines that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal. The current value at the second electrode is abnormal.

Further, an information processing terminal according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing terminal communicably connected to an electrostatic spray device, the electrostatic spray device being from the front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode Spraying the liquid, the information processing terminal includes: a calculating unit, calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; and a determining unit, (i) when the statistical current value is less than or equal to the second electrode When the first threshold value of the current value is used, or (ii) when the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, determining that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and notifying the indication portion when When the determination unit determines that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal, it notifies the outside that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal.

Further, the abnormality notification method according to one aspect of the present invention is applied to an abnormality notification method of an electrostatic spray device which is sprayed from the front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. a liquid, the abnormality notification method includes: a calculating step of calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; a determining step, (i) when the statistical current value is less than or equal to a current value at the second electrode When the first threshold value is used, or (ii) when the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, determining that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and notifying the indicating step, when the determining When it is determined in the step that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal, the external current value at the second electrode is notified to be abnormal.

[Effect of the Invention] According to the electrostatic spray device of one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrostatic spray device having a function of detecting an abnormality and notifying the outside of the abnormality.

Further, the same effect can be obtained by the information processing terminal and the abnormality notification method according to one aspect of the present invention.

[Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an electrostatic spray device 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8 . In the following description, the same components and constituent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions about them will not be repeated.

[Electrostatic Spray Device 100] The electrostatic spray device 100 is a device for spraying an aromatic oil, a chemical for agricultural products, a pharmaceutical, a pesticide, an insecticide, an air purifying agent, etc., and includes a spray electrode (first electrode) 1 A reference electrode (second electrode) 2, a power supply device 3, and a light-emitting element (notification unit) 26.

First, the appearance of the electrostatic spray device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the appearance of the electrostatic spray device 100.

As shown, the electrostatic spray device 100 has a rectangular shape. Spray electrode 1 The reference electrode 2 is disposed on one side of its device. The spray electrode 1 is located in the vicinity of the reference electrode 2. Further, an annular opening 11 is formed to surround the spray electrode 1, and an annular opening 12 is formed so as to surround the reference electrode 2, and these are formed separately.

A voltage is applied between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2, whereby an electric field is formed between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2. The positively charged droplets are sprayed from the spray electrode 1. The reference electrode 2 ionizes and negatively charges the air in the vicinity of the electrode. Then, the negatively charged air moves away from the reference electrode 2 by the repulsive force between the electric field formed between the electrodes and the negatively charged air particles. This movement creates an air flow (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an ion current) by which the positively charged droplets of the ion stream are sprayed away from the electrostatic spray device 100.

The electrostatic spray device 100 may not have a rectangular shape but other shapes. In addition, the opening 11 and the opening 12 may be different from the annular shape, and the opening size thereof may be appropriately adjusted.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the light-emitting element 26 may be disposed on the surface of the housing of the electrostatic spray device 100. As an example, the light-emitting element 26 may be a multi-color LED (Light Emitting Diode) capable of selectively emitting light of a predetermined plurality of colors. An example of the operation of the light-emitting element 26 will be described later.

[Spray Electrode 1 and Reference Electrode 2] The spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 . FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2.

The spray electrode 1 has a conductive conduit such as a metal capillary (for example, 304 stainless steel or the like) and a front end portion 5 as a distal end portion. The spray electrode 1 is electrically connected to the reference electrode 2 by the power supply device 3. The spray material (hereinafter, referred to as "liquid") is sprayed from the front end portion 5. The spray electrode 1 has an inclined surface 9 that is inclined with respect to the axial center of the spray electrode 1, and the tip end portion 5 is tapered toward the tip end portion 5 to have a sharp shape.

The reference electrode 2 is composed of a conductive rod such as a metal pin (for example, a 304 steel pin or the like). The spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2 are spaced apart at a predetermined interval and disposed in parallel with each other. The spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2 are provided, for example, at intervals of 8 mm.

The power supply device 3 applies a high voltage between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2. For example, the power supply device 3 applies a high voltage (for example, 3 to 7 kV) between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2 between 1 and 30 kV. Once a high voltage is applied, an electric field is formed between the electrodes, creating an electric dipole inside the dielectric 10. At this time, the spray electrode 1 is positively charged, and the reference electrode 2 is negatively charged (or vice versa). Then, a negative dipole is generated on the surface of the dielectric 10 closest to the positive spray electrode 1, and a positive dipole is generated on the surface of the dielectric 10 closest to the negative reference electrode 2, and the charged gas and species are released by the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2. . Here, as described above, the electric charge generated in the reference electrode 2 has a charge having a polarity opposite to the polarity of the liquid. Therefore, the charge of the liquid is balanced by the charge generated in the reference electrode 2. Therefore, the electrostatic spray device 100 can achieve spray stability based on the principle of charge balance.

As described above, the electrostatic atomizer 100 is configured such that a liquid can be sprayed from the front end (front end portion 5) of the spray electrode 1 by applying a voltage between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2.

The dielectric 10 is made of, for example, a dielectric material such as nylon 6, nylon 11, nylon 12, polypropylene, nylon 66, or a polyethylene-polytetrafluoroethylene mixture. In the dielectric 10, the spray electrode 1 is supported by the spray electrode mounting portion 6, and the reference electrode 2 is supported by the reference electrode mounting portion 7.

[Power Supply Device 3] The power supply device 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 . Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of the electrostatic spray device 100.

The power supply device 3 includes a power supply 21, a high voltage generating device 22, a control circuit (control unit) 24, and a storage unit 29a.

The power source 21 provides the power source required for the electrostatic spray device 100 to operate. The power source 21 can be a known power source, including a main power source or more than one battery. The power source 21 is preferably a low voltage power source or a direct current (DC) power source, for example, by combining one or more dry batteries. The number of batteries depends on the required voltage level and the power consumption of the power supply. The power source 21 supplies DC power (in other words, DC current and DC voltage) to the oscillator 221 of the high voltage generating device 22.

The high voltage generating device 22 includes an oscillator 221, a transformer 222, and a converter circuit 223. The oscillator 221 converts DC power (in other words, DC current and DC voltage) into AC power (in other words, AC current and AC voltage). Transformer 222 is coupled to oscillator 221. Transformer 222 converts the magnitude of the alternating current current (or the magnitude of the alternating current). Converter circuit 223 is coupled to transformer 222. The converter circuit 223 generates a desired voltage and converts the alternating current power (in other words, the alternating current and the alternating current voltage) into direct current power (in other words, direct current and direct current voltage). Typically, converter circuit 223 includes a supply pump and a rectifier circuit. A typical converter circuit is a Cockroft-Walton circuit.

Control circuit 24 provides overall control of various portions of electrostatic spray device 100. The function of the control circuit 24 can be realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 29a by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 29a stores various programs executed by the control circuit 24 and data used by the program.

The control circuit 24 outputs a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal set to a constant value to the oscillator 221. The PWM system controls the current and voltage by changing the time (pulse width) of the output pulse signal. The pulse signal is an electrical signal that is repeatedly turned "ON" or OFF (OFF), for example, represented by a rectangular wave, and the horizontal axis of the rectangular wave indicates the pulse width as a voltage output time.

In the PWM mode, a timer that operates at a certain period is used. The pulse width is controlled by setting the position at which the pulse signal is turned on in this timer. The ratio that is turned on within a certain period is called the "duty cycle" (also called "work ratio").

Control circuit 24 includes a microprocessor 241 for various purposes. The microprocessor 241 can also be designed as follows. Based on the feedback information (ambient information) 25, the duty ratio of the PWM signal can be further adjusted.

The feedback information 25 includes environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, and/or atmospheric pressure), amount of liquid, arbitrary settings of the user, and the like. This information is provided as analog information or digital information and is processed by microprocessor 241. The microprocessor 241 can also be designed to change any of the spray interval, the spray on time, or the applied voltage based on the input information, thereby enabling compensation to improve spray quality and stability.

As an example, the feedback information 25 is obtained by a temperature detecting element such as a thermistor for compensating for temperature. At this time, the microprocessor 241 changes the spray interval in accordance with the temperature change detected by the temperature detecting element. The spray interval is the time during which the electrostatic spray device 100 is sprayed out of the liquid and the time at which the spray is stopped is a one-cycle spray interval. For example, assume a spray (ON) for 35 seconds (during which time, the power supply applies a high voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode), and stop spraying (OFF) for 145 seconds (during this period, the power supply is not at the first electrode and the first A periodic spray interval in which a high voltage is applied between the two electrodes. In this case, the spray interval is 35 seconds + 145 seconds = 180 seconds.

The spray interval can be changed by the software of the microprocessor 241 built in the power source, and can be controlled to increase from the set point when the temperature rises, and decrease from the set point when the temperature drops. It is preferable to follow the established index to increase and shorten the spray interval, and determine the established index according to the characteristics of the liquid to be sprayed. For the sake of convenience, the amount of compensation variation of the spray interval can be limited as follows, and the spray interval varies only between 0 and 60 ° C (for example, 10 to 45 ° C). Therefore, the extreme temperature recorded by the temperature sensing element is considered to be erroneous and is not considered. For high and low temperatures, an acceptable spray interval is set, if not optimal.

As shown in FIG. 1, as the feedback information 25, the measurement result of the temperature sensor 251, the measurement result of the humidity sensor 252, the measurement result of the pressure sensor 253, and the information 254 about the liquid content can be cited (for example, the measurement using the liquid level meter) The result of the result of the liquid storage), the measurement result of the voltage/current sensor 255, and the like. In addition, the information 254 about the liquid contents may also contain information indicative of the viscosity of the liquid (e.g., information indicative of the result of measuring the viscosity of the liquid using a viscosity sensor (not shown)).

Here, the information indicating the surrounding environment of the electrostatic spray device 100 is referred to as surrounding environment information. As information about the surrounding environment, feedback information 25 can be used.

As an example, the surrounding environment information may include information on at least one of temperature (temperature), humidity, and atmospheric pressure around the electrostatic spray device 100. In the first embodiment, the surrounding environment information includes (i) information indicating the temperature of the surroundings of the electrostatic spray device 100 (temperature information) and (ii) information indicating the humidity around the electrostatic spray device 100 (humidity information). Case.

Typically, control circuit 24 is the output port of microprocessor 241 and outputs a PWM signal to oscillator 221. The spray duty cycle and spray interval can also be controlled by the same PWM output port. When the electrostatic spray device 100 sprays liquid, the PWM signal is output to the oscillator 221.

The control circuit 24 can also control the output voltage of the high voltage generating device 22 by controlling the magnitude, frequency or duty ratio of the alternating current of the oscillator 221, and the ON/OFF time of the voltage (or combinations thereof).

[Microprocessor 241] As shown in FIG. 1, the microprocessor 241 includes a current measuring unit 242, a calculating unit 243, a threshold setting unit 244, a determining unit 245, and a notification instructing unit 246. Hereinafter, each part of the microprocessor 241 will be described.

The current measuring section 242 measures the value of the current at the reference electrode 2 (hereinafter, referred to as current I). The current measuring unit 242 may also include any current measuring device (eg, a current transformer). In the first embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the configuration in which the current measuring unit 242 is provided inside the microprocessor 241 is exemplified. However, the current measuring unit 242 may be provided outside the microprocessor 241.

The calculation unit 243 calculates an average value (an example of a statistical value) of the current I measured by the current measurement unit 242. Hereinafter, the average value of the current I is referred to as an average current value (statistical current value) Im. A specific example of the calculation method of the average current value Im in the current measuring section 242 will be described later. Furthermore, the average current value Im is an example of a statistical current value described later.

In the first embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the case where the current measuring unit 242 supplies the value of the measured current I to the calculation unit 243 is exemplified. However, the current measuring unit 242 may store the value of the measured current I in the storage unit 29a. In this case, the calculation unit 243 can also acquire the value of the current I stored in the storage unit 29a, and calculate the average current value Im.

The threshold setting unit 244 sets a first threshold TH1 to be described later. The threshold setting unit 244 can set the first threshold TH1 according to an input operation of the user of the electrostatic spray device 100. Alternatively, the first threshold TH1 set in advance by the manufacturer of the electrostatic spray device 100 may be stored in the storage unit 29a. In this case, the threshold setting unit 244 may acquire the first threshold TH1 from the storage unit 29a.

The threshold setting unit 244 may also set (change) the first threshold TH1 based on the surrounding environment information (that is, according to the surrounding environment of the electrostatic spray device 100). A specific example regarding the first threshold TH1 will be described later.

The threshold setting unit 244 may further set a second threshold TH2 to be described later. The second threshold TH2 is set to be greater than the value of the first threshold TH1. A specific example regarding the second threshold TH2 will be described later.

The determination unit 245 determines whether or not the value of the current I is normal by using the first threshold TH1. Specifically, when the average current value Im is larger than the first threshold TH1 (Im>TH1), the determination unit 245 determines that the value of the current I is normal.

When the average current value Im is equal to or smaller than the first threshold TH1 (Im ≤ TH1), the determination unit 245 determines that the value of the current I is abnormal. For convenience of explanation, the case of Im ≤ TH1 is also referred to as the first abnormal condition.

The determination unit 245 can also determine whether the value of the current I is normal by using the second threshold TH2. Specifically, when the average current value Im is smaller than the second threshold TH2 (Im < TH2), the determination unit 245 determines that the value of the current I is normal.

When the average current value Im is equal to or larger than the second threshold TH2 (Im ≥ TH2), the determination unit 245 determines that the value of the current I is abnormal. For convenience of explanation, the case of Im ≥ TH2 is also referred to as a second abnormal condition.

The determination unit 245 supplies the determination result information (information indicating whether or not the value of the current I is normal) indicating the determination result of the self to the notification instructing unit 246.

The notification instructing unit 246 controls the operation of the light-emitting element 26 based on the above-described determination result information. As an example, when the value of the current I is normal, the notification instructing portion 246 may also cause the light-emitting element 26 to be in an OFF state (non-lighting state).

When the value of the current I is abnormal, the notification instructing portion 246 may also cause the light-emitting element 26 to emit light of a predetermined color (for example, red light). Based on the light-emitting state of the light-emitting element 26, it is notified to the outside of the electrostatic spray device 100 whether or not the value of the current I is normal.

When the first abnormality (in the case of Im ≤ TH1) and the second abnormality (in the case of Im ≥ TH2) occur, the notification instructing unit 246 can also change the notification mode to the outside.

As an example, when the first abnormal condition occurs, the notification instructing portion 246 can cause the light-emitting element 26 to emit red light. On the other hand, when the second abnormality occurs, the notification instructing portion 246 can cause the light-emitting element 26 to emit light of a color different from red light (for example, yellow light). Alternatively, the notification instructing portion 246 may also cause the light-emitting element 26 to blink when a second abnormality occurs. According to the above configuration, the notification mode distinguishes whether the first abnormal condition or the second abnormal situation has occurred.

As described above, the light-emitting element 26 functions as a "notification unit" and notifies the user that the value of the current I is abnormal. In particular, when the notification portion is the light-emitting element 26, the light-emitting element 26 visually notifies the user by light.

However, the method of notifying the occurrence of the first abnormal condition or the second abnormal condition (notification mode) is not limited to the method of using light. For example, a speaker (sound output unit) may be provided in the electrostatic spray device 100, and the speaker may be used as a notification unit. In this case, when the value of the current I is abnormal, the notification instructing portion 246 can cause the speaker to output a predetermined sound (for example, an alarm sound). In this way, the notification unit can also be audibly notified to the user by sound.

Alternatively, a vibrator (vibration portion) may be provided in the electrostatic spray device 100, and the vibrator may be used as a notification portion. In this case, when the value of the current I is abnormal, the notification indicating portion 246 can vibrate the vibrator.

Further, as described in the second embodiment, the notification unit can also notify by a text message. Further, each of the above notification modes (light, sound, vibration, and text message) may be combined. Thus, the notification mode includes at least one of sound, light, vibration, and text message.

The notification instructing unit 246 may provide the above-described determination result information to the outside of the notification unit. That is, when the value of the current I becomes abnormal, the notification instructing portion 246 can also cause the electrostatic spray device 100 to perform any operation other than the notification.

For example, when the value of the current I becomes abnormal, the notification instructing portion 246 can suspend the spray operation of the electrostatic spray device 100 until the value of the current I returns to normal.

[Relationship of Surrounding Environment with First Threshold TH1] Referring to FIG. 4, the first threshold TH1 is specifically described. 4(a) to 4(c) are views for explaining the relationship between the surrounding environment of the electrostatic spray device 100 and the first threshold TH1.

Specifically, FIGS. 4( a ) to 4 ( c ) are graphs showing the measurement results of the current I when the electrostatic spray device 100 is sprayed under different ambient environments (air temperature and humidity). In the graph, the vertical axis represents current I (unit: μA), and the horizontal axis represents time (arbitrary unit).

Figures 4(a) to (c) show (i) "air temperature 25 ° C, relative humidity (RH) 55%", (ii) "temperature 35 ° C, relative humidity 75%" and iii) "temperature 15 °C, relative humidity 35%" measurement of current I.

As shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), when the electrostatic spray device 100 was operated, it was confirmed that the current I tends to decrease as the operation time elapses. The main reason for this decrease in current I is as follows.

As the operation time of the electrostatic spray device 100 elapses, foreign matter (for example, dust in the air, contaminants from the spray liquid, products generated by corrosion of the reference electrode 2, and rust generated on the reference electrode 2) gradually adhere to the reference. On the electrode 2. Therefore, the resistance of the reference electrode 2 increases as the amount of foreign matter adheres. As a result, the current I decreases.

In addition, when the current I is significantly lowered as compared with the case of the normal operation state, the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device 100 is lowered, and a suitable spray operation cannot be performed. Therefore, when the current I drops to some extent, it is judged and notified that the value of the current I is abnormally good. By using this notification, the user can maintain the electrostatic spray device 100 (for example, cleaning the reference electrode 2 to remove foreign matter), because the state in which the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device 100 is lowered can be eliminated.

However, when the electrostatic spray device 100 performs one spray (a one-cycle spray interval), a pulse-like voltage is applied between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2. Therefore, the waveform of the current I flowing through the reference electrode 2 is also pulsed at the time of one spray.

However, as shown in Figs. 4(a) to (c), the current I is not necessarily the same each time the spray is applied. Therefore, even if the operation period of the electrostatic spray device 100 is not too long, there is a case where the current I becomes small at the time of one spray.

In view of this situation, it is also considered that it is not preferable to use the instantaneous value of the voltage I to judge that the value of the current I is abnormal. This is because the amount of foreign matter adhering to the reference electrode 2 is not too large, and when the current I is temporarily decreased, it may be erroneously determined that an abnormality due to adhesion of foreign matter has occurred.

In view of this, the inventors of the present application (hereinafter, the inventors) have thought of a configuration for judging whether or not the value of the current I is abnormal by using the above-described average current value Im. The average current value Im is an index indicating a history of the temporal change of the current I in a predetermined time. The above-described configuration thought by the inventors is as follows. The abnormality is judged based on the history of the temporal change of the current I, thereby reducing the possibility of occurrence of the above-described judgment error.

According to FIG. 4(a), as follows, as the operation time of the electrostatic spray device 100 elapses, the current I is reduced to about 2.5 μA. Furthermore, the inventors confirmed the following results, and in the surroundings of FIG. 4(a), the electrostatic spray device 100 was operated for a longer period of time, and when the current I was lowered to about 2.0 μA, the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device 100 was as follows. reduce.

Based on this confirmation result, in the case of FIG. 4(a), the first threshold TH1 is set to 2.0 μA. However, 2.0 μA is only an example of the value of TH1, and the value of the first threshold TH1 is not limited to this.

For example, an abnormality determination is made at a time point before the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device 100 is lowered, which is also a solution. In this case, the user is notified of the abnormality of the electrostatic spray device 100 by receiving a notification indicating the abnormality determination result. Therefore, for example, in the surrounding environment of FIG. 4(a), the first threshold TH1 can also be set to a value greater than 2.0 μA. For example, TH1 can be set to 2.5μA.

However, in a normal natural environment, the humidity will increase as the temperature rises. Furthermore, when the humidity is increased, the moisture in the air affects the charged charge around the spray electrode 1. As a result, a leak current easily occurs between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2. When a leak current occurs, the electric resistance of the spray electrode 1 is reduced, and it is difficult to form an electric field suitable for electrostatic spraying between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2. Therefore, the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device 100 is lowered.

Therefore, compared with the case where the temperature is low, in the case where the temperature is high, it is considered that the current I flowing through the reference electrode 2 tends to increase. Fig. 4(b) is a measurement result of the current I when the temperature and humidity are increased as compared with the case of Fig. 4(a). The trend of increasing current I is also confirmed from the graph of Fig. 4(b).

Therefore, it is preferable that the threshold setting unit 244 sets the first threshold TH1 based on the surrounding environment information described above. As an example, the threshold setting unit 244 may change the value of the first threshold TH1 using the temperature information included in the surrounding environment information.

For example, the threshold setting unit 244 may increase the first threshold TH1 according to an increase in temperature. As an example, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), when the temperature is increased from "25 ° C to 35 ° C", the threshold setting unit 244 increases the first threshold TH1 from "2.0 μA to 3.0 μA".

On the other hand, in the case where the temperature is high, the current I flowing through the reference electrode 2 tends to decrease as compared with the case where the temperature is high. Fig. 4(c) is a measurement result of the current I when the temperature and humidity are lowered as compared with the case of Fig. 4(a). The trend of the decrease in current I is also confirmed from the graph of Fig. 4(c).

Therefore, the threshold setting unit 244 can also reduce the first threshold TH1 according to the temperature drop. As an example, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(c), when the temperature is lowered from "25 ° C to 15 ° C", the threshold setting unit 244 reduces the first threshold TH1 from "2.0 μA to 1.5 μA".

As can be seen from the above, (i) when the temperature around the electrostatic spray device 100 rises, the current I tends to increase, and (ii) when the temperature is low, the current I tends to decrease.

Therefore, the threshold setting unit 244 can (i) increase the first threshold TH1 according to the temperature rise, and (i i) decrease the first threshold TH1 according to the temperature drop. According to this configuration, the first threshold TH1 can be increased or decreased according to the temperature rise and fall, and the abnormality of the electrostatic spray device 100 can be detected more appropriately.

Further, a predetermined table or conversion formula indicating the correspondence relationship between the temperature and the first threshold TH1 may be previously stored in the storage unit 29a by the manufacturer of the electrostatic spray device 100. The threshold setting unit 244 can use the table or conversion formula and set the first threshold TH1 according to the temperature.

Further, the threshold setting unit 244 may use the humidity (humidity information) instead of the temperature (air temperature information) and set the first threshold TH1 as described above. Alternatively, the threshold setting unit 244 can set the first threshold TH1 using both the temperature and the humidity.

Furthermore, the surrounding environment information may also include information (barometric information) indicating the air pressure around the electrostatic spray device 100. In this case, the threshold setting unit 244 may set the first threshold TH1 using the air pressure information.

Further, regarding the second threshold TH2 as described below, the threshold setting unit 244 may set the surrounding environment information as the first threshold TH1. For example, the threshold setting unit 244 may (i) increase the second threshold TH2 according to the temperature rise, and (i i) decrease the second threshold TH2 according to the temperature drop. The threshold setting unit 244 may set at least one of the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2.

[Relationship Between the Degree of Wetting of the Surface of the Case and the Second Threshold TH2] Next, the second threshold TH2 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. 5(a) to 5(d) are views showing the degree of wetting of the surface of the casing of the electrostatic spray device 100, respectively. 6 is a view for explaining the relationship between the wetting degree range shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(d) and the second threshold value TH2.

As described above, when the humidity is increased, a leak current easily occurs between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2. Therefore, when the casing of the electrostatic spray device 100 is attached with moisture, the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device 100 is also lowered by the same mechanism. In this case, it is also considered that the current I flowing through the reference electrode 2 tends to increase.

Based on this, the inventors changed the degree of wetting of the surface of the casing of the electrostatic spray device 100, and measured the current I in each case. Figures 5(a) to (d) show the following four cases: (i) the case where the surface of the casing is not wetted (case A, no wetting); (ii) the case where the surface of the casing is slightly wetted (condition) B, mild wetting); (iii) a slightly larger wetting of the surface of the casing (case C, proper wetting); and (iv) a particularly large wetting of the surface of the casing (case D, very wet) ).

Fig. 6 is a graph schematically showing measurement results of the above average current value Im in various cases A to D. As shown in Fig. 6, it was confirmed that the current I tends to increase as the degree of wetting of the surface of the casing of the electrostatic spray device 100 becomes larger.

Thus, when the degree of wetting of the surface of the casing of the electrostatic spray device 100 is large, the current I is increased, and the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device 100 is lowered. As an example of the case where the degree of wetting of the surface of the casing of the electrostatic spray device 100 is large, a case where the liquid sprayed from the front end of the spray electrode 1 is largely adhered to the surface due to the influence of the wind.

In addition, since a short-circuit failure occurs between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2 due to some mistakes, the current I also increases, and the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device 100 is lowered. Therefore, it can be said that when the current I is excessively large, it is preferable to judge and notify that the value of the current I is abnormal.

Therefore, as described above, when Im ≥ TH2 (when the second abnormality occurs), the determination unit 245 determines that the value of the current I is abnormal. As an example, in the case of Fig. 6, the second threshold TH2 is set to 6.0 μA.

The second threshold TH2 is set, and the intention is to judge that the value of the current I is abnormal when the degree of wetting reaches "Case C" or higher. However, 6.0 μA is only an example of the value of TH2, and the value of the second threshold TH2 is not limited to this. The second threshold TH2 may be set to a value greater than the first threshold TH1.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the second abnormality has occurred. This notification is used as an opportunity for the user to maintain the electrostatic spray device 100 (for example, wiping the surface of the casing to remove moisture), whereby the state in which the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device 100 is lowered can be eliminated.

[Example of Calculation Method of Average Current Value Im] Next, a specific example of a method of calculating the average current value Im by the calculation section 243 will be described with reference to FIG. 7(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the calculation method, respectively.

Fig. 7(a) is a diagram for explaining a first example (first method) of the calculation method of the average current value Im. The first method is a method of calculating the average value of the current I at the time of one spray and using the calculated result as the average current value Im. The first method is a method of calculating the average current value Im in a shorter time range than the second method below.

That is, in the first method, the calculation unit 243 calculates the average current value Im based on the average value of the current I during the period in which the electrostatic spray device 100 sprays the liquid once. The sampling of the current I can be performed every predetermined time interval (for example, 10 ms).

Fig. 7(a) shows the waveform (pulse waveform) of the current I when it is sprayed once. In Fig. 7(a), the time ta indicates the pulse rising start time, the time tb indicates the pulse rising end time, the time tc indicates the pulse falling start time, and the time td indicates the pulse falling end time.

As an example, the calculation unit 243 can calculate the average value of the current I at the time t1 in Fig. 7(a) (method A1). Here, t1 = tc-tb. That is, the current measuring unit 242 can exclude (i) the time from the time ta to the time tb (pulse rise time) and (ii) the time from the time tc to the time td (pulse fall time) and calculate the average value of the current I. . According to this calculation method, the average current value Im can be used as a more accurate indicator indicating the peak value of the pulse.

Alternatively, the calculation unit 243 may further exclude the time t2 and the time t3 of FIG. 7(a) from the time t1 and calculate the average value of the current I (method A2). That is, the current measuring unit 242 can calculate the average value of the current I at the time t4 in Fig. 7(a). Here, t4 = t1-t2-t3. Furthermore, the values of t2 and t3 can be appropriately set.

Generally, the time near the completion of the pulse rise and the time near the start of the pulse drop, for example, due to overshoot or undershoot, the value of the current I may fluctuate greatly with time. Therefore, the time t2 and the time t3 are further excluded and the average value of the current I is calculated, whereby the average current value Im can be used as a more accurate index indicating the peak value of the pulse.

As described above, in the method A2, it is also possible to exclude (i) the pulse rising start time ta as a reference for a predetermined time range (time t2) and (ii) the pulse period from the period in which the electrostatic spray device 100 sprays the liquid once (time t1). The average time value Im is calculated by using the start time tc as a reference time range (time t3).

Fig. 7(b) is a diagram for explaining a second example (second method) of the calculation method of the average current value Im. In the second method, the calculation unit 243 calculates the average current value Im based on the average value of the current I during the spraying of the electrostatic spray device 100 for a predetermined number of times.

Specifically, in the second method, after calculating the average value (first average value) of the current I in each spray, the average value (second average value) of the first average value is further calculated. The second average is the value averaged over the time interval corresponding to the predetermined number of sprays. In the second method, the second average value is used as the above average current value Im.

Furthermore, the above first method (Method A1 or Method A2) can be used to calculate the first average value in the second method. Alternatively, a statistical value (first statistical value) in place of the first average value may be calculated by performing statistical processing (for example, calculating a median value or a mode value) as shown in a modified example to be described later. Similarly, a statistical value (second statistical value) in place of the second average value can also be calculated.

In Fig. 7(b), the case where the total spray is 11 times is exemplified. The vertical axis of Figure 7(b) represents the first average value in each spray. In Fig. 7(b), the time Ta indicates the time at which the first (first) spray is performed, and the time Tb indicates the time at which the 11th (last) spray is performed. In the second method, the calculation unit 243 can calculate the second average value of the time T1 in Fig. 7(b). Here, T1 = Ta-Tb.

Thus, the second method is a method of calculating the average current value Im over a longer time range than the first method described above. Which of the first method or the second method is employed may be selected by the manufacturer of the electrostatic spray device 100.

[Processing Flow from the Start of Operation of Electrostatic Spray Device 100 to Notification of Abnormality] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processes S1 to S10 from the start of the operation of the electrostatic spray device 100 until the notification of the abnormality. Hereinafter, the processing flow will be described.

First, once the power of the electrostatic spray device 100 is turned "ON", the electrostatic spray device 100 starts to operate (S1). The voltage is applied between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2 by the power supply device 3 (S2), and the electrostatic spray device 100 starts the spraying operation.

The current measuring unit 242 measures the above-described current I (current in the reference electrode 2) (S3). Next, the calculation unit 243 calculates an average value (average current value Im) of the current I (S4, calculation step). Then, as described above, the threshold setting unit 244 sets the first threshold TH1 based on the surrounding environment information (S5). The threshold setting unit 244 further sets the second threshold TH2 based on the surrounding environment information (S6).

However, the threshold setting unit 244 does not need to set the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 based on the surrounding environment information. For example, the threshold setting unit 244 may not set the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 according to the surrounding environment information.

The determination unit 245 compares the magnitude relationship between the average current value Im and the first threshold TH1 (S7, determination step). As described above, when the first abnormality occurs (in the case of Im ≤ TH1) (YES in S7), the notification instructing unit 246 operates the light-emitting element 26 so that the first abnormality occurs (that is, the current I is abnormal (too small). )) Notifying the outside world (S8, notification instruction step).

In the first embodiment, when the first abnormality does not occur (Im>TH1) (NO in S7), the case returns to S7. However, when the first abnormality does not occur, it is also possible to enter S9 as described below.

That is, in the first embodiment, it is also possible to detect only the occurrence of the second abnormality using only the second threshold TH2. In the first embodiment, at least one of (i) detecting the first abnormality by the first threshold TH1 and (i i) detecting the second abnormality by the second threshold TH1 may be performed.

Next, the determination unit 245 compares the magnitude relationship between the average current value Im and the second threshold TH2 (S9, determination step). As described above, when the second abnormality occurs (in the case of Im ≥ TH2) (YES in S9), the notification instructing unit 246 operates the light-emitting element 26 so that the second abnormality occurs (that is, the current I is abnormal (too large). )) Notifying the outside world (S10, notification instruction step).

In the first embodiment, when the second abnormality does not occur (in the case of Im<TH2) (NO in S9), the case returns to S9. However, if the second abnormality does not occur, you can return to the above S7.

[Effect of Electrostatic Spray Device 100] As described above, the electrostatic spray device 100 includes: (i) when the average current value Im is equal to or smaller than the first threshold TH1, or (ii) when the average current value Im is equal to or greater than the second threshold TH2, The determination unit 245 determines that the current I is abnormal, and notifies the instruction unit 246 that the external current I is abnormal.

According to this configuration, in the electrostatic spray device 100, it is also possible to detect and notify that the current I (the current value in the reference electrode 2) is abnormal. For example, when foreign matter adheres to the reference electrode 2 and the current I drops significantly (when the first abnormal condition occurs), the user can be prompted to clean the reference electrode 2 (maintaining the electrostatic spray device 100) by the above notification. In addition, for example, when the degree of wetting of the surface of the casing of the electrostatic spray device 100 is large and the current I is significantly increased (when the second abnormal condition occurs), the user can also be prompted to clean the casing (maintaining the electrostatic spray device 100) by the above notification. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device 100 from being lowered.

As described above, according to the electrostatic spray device 100, it is possible to provide an electrostatic spray device having a function of detecting an abnormality and notifying the external one of the abnormality.

[Supplementary Items] As confirmed by the inventors, foreign matter adheres to the reference electrode 2, and the current I decreases, and as a result, the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device may be lowered. Further, it has been confirmed by the inventors that when the degree of wetting of the surface of the casing of the electrostatic spray device is large, the current I increases, and as a result, the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device may be lowered.

Based on these confirmation results, the inventors have come up with the following technical idea, as described above, based at least on (i) the magnitude relationship between the average current value Im and the first threshold TH1 and (ii) the average current value Im and the second threshold TH2 Any of the size relationships between the two to detect an abnormality in the electrostatic spray device.

[Modification] The liquid to be sprayed as the electrostatic spray device 100 is stored in a bottle (not shown) inside the electrostatic spray device 100. The inventors have further found that based on the average current value Im, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the above liquid in the bottle.

Specifically, the inventors have found that when there is no liquid in the bottle, the average current value Im is reduced as compared with the case where the liquid is present in the bottle. Thus, for example, the occurrence of the first abnormal mode described above can also serve as an indicator of fluid depletion in the bottle.

According to this configuration, when the liquid in the bottle is exhausted (that is, when the electrostatic spray device 100 is in a state in which the liquid cannot be sprayed), the user can be prompted to replenish the liquid in the bottle (or, using a pre-filled liquid) Replace the bottle with a bottle).

[Embodiment 2] Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11 . Further, in order to distinguish from the first embodiment, the electrostatic spray device of the second embodiment is referred to as an electrostatic spray device 100v. In the second embodiment, an example in which the electrostatic spray device 100v and the smart phone (information processing terminal) 200 are combined will be described.

Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of the electrostatic spray device 100v and the smart phone 200 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the electrostatic spray device 100v is configured as follows: (i) the calculation unit 243, the threshold value setting unit 244, the determination unit 245, and the notification instruction unit 246 are removed from the electrostatic spray device 100 of the first embodiment, and (ii) added. Communication unit 248a.

Further, in order to distinguish from the first embodiment, the power supply device, the control circuit, and the microprocessor of the electrostatic spray device 100v are referred to as a power supply device 3v, a control circuit 24v, and a microprocessor 241v, respectively. In the second embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the following configuration is exemplified, and the current measuring unit 242 of the power supply device 3v is provided outside the microprocessor 241v.

The smartphone 200 includes a display unit (notification unit) 27, a control unit 290, a storage unit 29b, and a communication unit 248b. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 290 includes the calculation unit 243, the threshold value setting unit 244, the determination unit 245, and the notification instruction unit 246 of the first embodiment. As described above, in the second embodiment, each of the portions for determining and notifying that the current I is abnormal is provided in the smartphone 200.

Further, in the second embodiment, as an example of the information processing terminal, although the mobile phone (smartphone 200) is exemplified, the information processing terminal is not limited to the mobile phone. For example, the information processing terminal may be a remote controller for the user to remotely control the electrostatic spray device 100v, or may be a portable information processing device such as a notebook PC (personal computer) or a tablet computer.

The control unit 290 generally controls various parts of the smartphone 200. The function of the control unit 290 can be realized by the CPU executing the program stored in the storage unit 29b. The storage unit 29b stores various programs executed by the control unit 290 and data used by the programs.

The display unit 27 is a component that displays an image, and may be, for example, a liquid crystal display. As described below, in the second embodiment, the display unit 27 functions as a notification unit.

The communication units 248a and 248b are communication interfaces for communicating between the electrostatic spray device 100v and the smartphone 200. In the second embodiment, the case where the electrostatic spray device 100v and the smart phone body 200 perform wireless communication will be exemplified. However, the communication between the electrostatic spray device 100v and the smart phone 200 can also be performed by a wired line.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining an operation example of the electrostatic spray device 100v and the smart phone 200. In the second embodiment, the predetermined character message is displayed on the display unit 27, and the notification unit 246 is notified of the abnormality.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 10, the notification instructing unit 246 can cause the display unit 27 to display the text message MSG of "please clean the needle". The abnormality notification is performed by the text message, whereby the user can be prompted to clean the reference electrode 2.

In addition, when the smart phone 200 can be connected to a predetermined communication network (for example, a wireless LAN network), the notification instructing portion 246 can cause other devices to make an abnormal notification by the communication network. For example, the notification instructing unit 246 can transmit the information indicating the abnormality notification (email or the like) to the information terminal device (smartphone or the like) owned by the seller of the electrostatic spray device 100v, and cause the information terminal device to notify the abnormality.

[Processing flow from the start of the operation to the notification of the abnormality in the second embodiment] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow S21 to S27 from the start of the operation to the notification of the abnormality in the second embodiment. First, when the power of the electrostatic spray device 100v is turned on, the electrostatic spray device 100v performs S21 to S23 (the same processing as the above S1 to S3).

After S23, the electrostatic atomizer 100v supplies the value of the current I measured by the current measuring unit 242 to the calculation unit 243 of the smartphone 200 via the communication units 248a and 248b. Then, the calculation unit 243 calculates the average current value Im in S24 (the same processing as that in the above S4).

Next, the smartphone 200 performs S25 (the same processing as S4 and S5 described above), S26 (the same processing as S7 and S9 described above), and S27 (the same processing as S8 and S10 described above). As described above, each processing for determining and notifying the abnormality of the current I can be performed by the information processing terminal that can be communicably connected to the electrostatic spray device 100v and applied to the electrostatic spray device 100v.

[Modification] In the first and second embodiments, the configuration in which the abnormality is determined by the average current value Im (the average value of the current I) is exemplified for simplification of the description. However, as an index indicating the history of the change in the current I in a predetermined time, a statistical value other than the average current value Im can be used.

As an example, the calculation unit 243 may calculate the mode (or the median value) of the current I for a predetermined period of time as the above index. The statistical value is the above-described index calculated by the calculation unit 243, and may be referred to as a current statistical value. As long as the configuration is as follows, the determination unit 245 performs abnormality determination using the current statistical value.

[Modifications] In the first and second embodiments, for the sake of simplification of description, an electrostatic spray which does not use conventional feedback control (for example, current feedback control, voltage feedback control, current/voltage feedback control, output power feedback control) is exemplified. The composition of the device. However, in the electrostatic spray device of one embodiment of the present invention, conventional feedback control is also applied, and the spray stability is further improved.

[Supplementary Items] In the first and second embodiments described above, the respective functional units for determining and notifying that the current I is abnormal are provided only in any one of the electrostatic spray device and the information processing terminal. However, in one aspect of the present invention, one of the functional units may be separately provided to the electrostatic spray device and the information processing terminal, and a complete abnormality notification device (abnormality notification system) may be formed as a whole. The abnormality notification device of one aspect of the present invention (that is, the device for executing the abnormality notification method according to one aspect of the present invention) can be expressed as follows.

That is, the abnormality notification device of one embodiment of the present invention is applied to an abnormality notification device of an electrostatic spray device that is from the front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. Spraying the liquid, the abnormality notification device includes: a calculating unit, calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; and a determining unit, (i) when the statistical current value is less than or equal to the second electrode When the first threshold value of the current value is used, or (ii) when the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, determining that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and notifying the indication portion when When the determination unit determines that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal, it notifies the outside that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal.

[Supplementary Items] Further, the information processing terminal of one embodiment of the present invention can be expressed as follows.

The information processing terminal according to one aspect of the present invention further includes a threshold setting unit that sets at least one of the first threshold and the second threshold, and the threshold setting unit can be set based on surrounding environment information indicating an environment surrounding the electrostatic spraying device. At least one of the first threshold and the second threshold.

In the information processing terminal according to an aspect of the present invention, the surrounding environment information may include information on at least one of temperature, humidity, and air pressure around the electrostatic spray device.

In the information processing terminal according to the aspect of the present invention, when the surrounding environment information includes information on the temperature around the electrostatic spraying device, the threshold setting unit may cause the first threshold and the second threshold to be based on the temperature rise. At least one of the increase causes at least one of the first threshold and the second threshold to decrease according to the temperature drop.

In the information processing terminal according to the aspect of the invention, the calculating unit may calculate the statistical current value based on a statistical value of a current value at the second electrode during a period in which the liquid is sprayed once.

In the information processing terminal according to the aspect of the invention, the calculating unit may calculate the statistical current value based on a statistical value of a current value at the second electrode during a period in which the liquid is sprayed for a predetermined number of times.

In the information processing terminal according to the aspect of the present invention, when the statistical current value is less than or equal to the first threshold and the statistical current value is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the notification instructing unit may change the notification mode to the outside.

In the information processing terminal of one aspect of the present invention, the notification mode may include at least one of sound, light, vibration, and text message.

[Supplementary Item] The electrostatic spray device according to one aspect of the present invention is an electrostatic spray device that sprays a liquid from a front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and may include: calculating a calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; and a determining unit, when the statistical current value is less than or equal to a first threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, determining the second electrode The current value is abnormal; and the notification instructing unit notifies the outside that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal when the determination unit determines that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal.

Further, an information processing terminal according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing terminal communicably coupled to an electrostatic spray device, the electrostatic spray device being from a front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode The information processing terminal may include: a calculating unit that calculates a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; and a determining unit, when the statistical current value is less than or equal to a current value at the second electrode The first threshold value determines that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and the notification instructing unit notifies the outside that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal when the determination unit determines that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal.

Further, the abnormality notification method according to one aspect of the present invention is applied to an abnormality notification method of an electrostatic spray device which is sprayed from the front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. a liquid, the abnormality notification method may include: a calculating step of calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; and a determining step, when the statistical current value is less than or equal to a current value of the second electrode When a threshold value is reached, determining that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and a notification indicating step of notifying that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal when the current value at the second electrode is abnormal in the determining step.

Further, an electrostatic coating apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an electrostatic spray device that sprays a liquid from a front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and may include: a calculation unit that calculates a representation a statistical current value of the statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; and a determining unit, when the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, determining that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal And the notification instructing unit notifying the outside that the current value of the second electrode is abnormal when the determining unit determines that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal.

Further, an information processing terminal according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing terminal communicably coupled to an electrostatic spray device, the electrostatic spray device being from a front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode The information processing terminal may include: a calculating unit that calculates a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; and a determining unit, when the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a current value at the second electrode When the second threshold is used, it is determined that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and the notification instructing unit notifies the outside that the current value of the second electrode is abnormal when the determining unit determines that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal.

Further, the abnormality notification method according to one aspect of the present invention is applied to an abnormality notification method of an electrostatic spray device which is sprayed from the front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. The liquid, the abnormality notification method may include: a calculating step of calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; and a determining step, when the statistical current value is greater than or equal to the current value of the second electrode The second threshold value is used to determine that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and the notification indicating step is to notify the outside world that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal when the current value at the second electrode is abnormal in the determining step.

[Modification] In the above-described first and second embodiments, a configuration has been described in which it is determined whether or not the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device is abnormal based on the current I flowing through the reference electrode 2. However, in one aspect of the present invention, the abnormality of the electrostatic spray device may be determined based on the voltage value applied between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2.

As described above, when the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device is lowered, it is difficult to form an electric field suitable for electrostatic spray. Therefore, it is conceivable that the voltage value applied between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2 also fluctuates according to the change of the electric field.

Therefore, instead of the current measuring unit 242, a voltage measuring unit that measures the voltage applied between the spray electrode 1 and the reference electrode 2 may be provided. In this case, the abnormality of the electrostatic spray device can also be judged based on the measurement result of the voltage measuring portion.

[Example by Software] The control blocks (especially the microprocessors 241, 241v and the control unit 290) of the electrostatic spray devices 100, 100v and the smart phone 200 can be formed by logic formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like. The circuit (hardware) is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) by software.

In the latter case, the electrostatic spray devices 100, 100v and the smart phone 200 include: a CPU for executing program instructions, the program is a software for implementing each function; a ROM (read only memory) or a storage device (referred to as these It is a "recording medium" for recording the above program and various data, and is recorded as being readable by a computer (or CPU); a RAM (random access memory) for developing the above program. Then, the program is read and executed from the recording medium by a computer (or a CPU), thereby achieving the object of the present invention. As the recording medium, a "non-transitory tangible medium" such as a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit or the like can be used. In addition, the above program can also be provided to the computer by any transmission medium (communication network, broadcast wave, etc.) capable of transmitting the program. Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention can also be implemented in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, and the above program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary] The electrostatic spray device of the first aspect of the present invention is an electrostatic spray device that sprays a liquid from a front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and includes: a calculation unit that calculates a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; a determining unit, (i) when the statistical current value is less than or equal to a first threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, or (ii) when When the statistical current value is greater than or equal to the second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, determining that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and notifying the instruction unit that when the determining unit determines that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal , notifying the outside world that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal.

As described above, for example, when foreign matter adheres to the second electrode, the current value (the above current I) at the second electrode is lowered. Further, for example, when the wetness of the surface of the casing of the electrostatic spray device is large, the current value at the second electrode is increased. When such a decrease or increase in current value occurs, the spray performance of the electrostatic spray device may be lowered.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, at least one of the following can be detected and notified, (i) the current value at the second electrode is lowered and (i i) the current value at the second electrode is increased. That is to say, the abnormality of the electrostatic spray device can be detected. Further, when an abnormality occurs in the electrostatic spray device, for example, the user may be prompted to maintain the electrostatic spray device (for example, cleaning the second electrode and cleaning the casing) by the above notification.

As described above, according to the electrostatic spray device of one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrostatic spray device having a function of detecting an abnormality and notifying the outside of the abnormality.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the electrostatic spray device according to the first aspect of the invention, further includes a threshold value setting unit that sets at least one of the first threshold value and the second threshold value, wherein the threshold value setting unit is based on an environment indicating the electrostatic spray device The surrounding environment information sets at least one of the first threshold and the second threshold.

According to the above configuration, at least one of the first threshold and the second threshold can be set in accordance with the surrounding environment of the electrostatic spray device.

In the electrostatic spray device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the ambient environment information may include information on at least one of temperature, humidity, and air pressure around the electrostatic spray device.

According to the above configuration, at least one of the first threshold and the second threshold can be set based on at least one of temperature, humidity, and air pressure around the electrostatic spray device.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in the electrostatic spray device of the fourth aspect, when the ambient environment information includes information on the temperature around the electrostatic spray device, the threshold value setting unit increases the first threshold value according to an increase in the temperature. And at least one of the second threshold values, and reducing at least one of the first threshold value and the second threshold value according to the decrease in the temperature.

As described above, when the temperature around the electrostatic spray device rises, the current value at the second electrode tends to increase. On the other hand, when the above temperature is lowered, the current value at the second electrode tends to decrease.

Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to more appropriately detect the abnormality of the electrostatic spray device by increasing or decreasing at least one of the first threshold value and the second threshold value in accordance with the rise and fall of the temperature.

In the electrostatic spray device of the fifth aspect of the invention, the calculation unit may calculate the statistical current based on a statistical value of a current value at the second electrode during a period in which the liquid is sprayed once, according to any one of the above aspects 1 to 4. value.

According to the above configuration, the abnormality of the current value can be detected in a short time range.

In the electrostatic spray device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the calculation unit may calculate the statistical value based on a statistical value of a current value at the second electrode during a predetermined number of times the liquid is sprayed for a predetermined period of time. Current value.

According to the above configuration, the downward trend of the current value can be detected over a long period of time.

In any one of the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the electrostatic spraying device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the statistical current value is equal to or less than the first threshold value, and the statistical current value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the notification instructing unit Change the notification mode to the outside world.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to distinguish between the first abnormal condition (the statistical current value is less than or equal to the first threshold) or the second abnormal situation (the statistical current value is greater than or equal to the second threshold) according to different notification modes. which one.

In the electrostatic spray device according to Aspect 8 of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the notification mode may include at least one of sound, light, vibration, and a text message.

According to the above configuration, notification can be performed using various notification modes.

The information processing terminal of the aspect 9 of the present invention is an information processing terminal communicably connected to the electrostatic spray device, and the electrostatic spray device is sprayed from the front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. a liquid, the information processing terminal includes: a calculating unit, calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; and a determining unit, (i) when the statistical current value is less than or equal to a current value at the second electrode When the first threshold value is used, or (ii) when the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, determining that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and notifying the instruction unit when the determining unit When it is determined that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal, the external current value at the second electrode is notified to be abnormal.

According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the electrostatic spray device of one embodiment of the present invention are achieved.

The abnormality notification method of the aspect 10 of the present invention is applicable to an abnormality notification method of an electrostatic spray device that sprays a liquid from a front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, The abnormality notification method includes: a calculating step of calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; and a determining step, (i) when the statistical current value is less than or equal to the current value of the second electrode a threshold value, or (ii) when the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, determining that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and notifying the indicating step, when determining in the determining step When the current value at the second electrode is abnormal, the external current value at the second electrode is notified to be abnormal.

According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the electrostatic spray device of one embodiment of the present invention are achieved.

The information processing terminal of each aspect of the present invention can also be realized by a computer. In this case, the information processing terminal is operated by causing a computer to operate as a part (software element) included in the information processing terminal. The control program of the information processing terminal implemented by the computer and the computer readable recording medium for recording these are also within the scope of the present invention.

[Additional Description of the Invention] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments are also included in the present invention. Within the technical scope.

1‧‧‧ spray electrode (first electrode)

2‧‧‧ reference electrode (second electrode)

3,3V‧‧‧Power supply unit

5‧‧‧ front end

6‧‧‧ Spray electrode installation

7‧‧‧ reference electrode mounting

9‧‧‧ sloped surface

10‧‧‧ dielectric

11,12‧‧ openings

21‧‧‧Power supply

22‧‧‧High voltage generator

24, 24V‧‧‧ control circuit (control department)

25‧‧‧Feedback information (environmental information)

26‧‧‧Lighting elements (notification department)

27‧‧‧Display Department (Notice Department)

29a, 29b‧‧‧Storage Department

100,100v‧‧‧Electrostatic spray device

200‧‧‧Smart mobile phone

221‧‧‧Oscillator

222‧‧‧Transformers

223‧‧‧ converter circuit

241,241v‧‧‧Microprocessor

242‧‧‧ Current Measurement Department

243‧‧‧ Calculation Department

244‧‧‧ threshold setting unit

245‧‧‧Determining Department

246‧‧ Notice Notice Department

248a, 248b‧‧‧Communication Department

251‧‧‧ Temperature sensor

252‧‧‧ Humidity sensor

253‧‧‧ Pressure sensor

254‧‧‧Information on liquid contents

255‧‧‧Voltage/Current Sensor

290‧‧‧Control Department

I‧‧‧current

Im‧‧‧Average current value (statistical current value)

TH1‧‧‧ first threshold

TH2‧‧‧ second threshold

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a main portion of an electrostatic spray device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 is a view for explaining the appearance of the electrostatic spray device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a view for explaining a spray electrode and a reference electrode. Figure 4 (a) - (c) are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the surrounding environment of the electrostatic spray device of Figure 1 and a first threshold; (a) - (d) of Figure 5 are respectively shown Figure 6 is a graph showing the degree of wetting of the surface of the casing of the electrostatic spray device of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a view for explaining the relationship between the degree of wetting indicated by (a) to (d) of Figure 5 and the second threshold; Fig. 7 (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining a method of calculating the average current value Im, respectively. Fig. 8 is a view showing a flow of processing from the start of operation to the notification of abnormality of the electrostatic spray device of Fig. 1; FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the electrostatic spray device and the smart phone of FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is a view for explaining an operation example of the electrostatic spray device and the smart phone of FIG. 9; Figure 9 electrostatic spray device and smart phone from To start operation of the processing flow until notice abnormal.

Claims (11)

An electrostatic spray device for spraying a liquid from a front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, comprising: a calculating portion calculating a statistical value of a current value at the second electrode a statistical current value; a determining unit, (i) when the statistical current value is less than or equal to a first threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, or (ii) when the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a current value at the second electrode When the second threshold is used, it is determined that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and the notification instructing unit notifies the outside that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal when the determining unit determines that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal. The electrostatic spray device according to claim 1, further comprising: a threshold value setting unit configured to set at least one of the first threshold value and the second threshold value, wherein the threshold value setting unit is based on the electrostatic spray device At least one of the first threshold and the second threshold is set in the surrounding environment information of the surrounding environment. The electrostatic spray device according to claim 2, wherein the ambient environment information includes at least one of temperature, humidity, and air pressure around the electrostatic spray device. The electrostatic spray device according to claim 3, wherein the threshold setting unit increases the first temperature based on the increase in the temperature when the ambient environment information includes information on the temperature around the electrostatic spray device. At least one of the threshold value and the second threshold value reduces at least one of the first threshold value and the second threshold value in accordance with the decrease in the temperature. The electrostatic spraying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the calculating unit calculates the statistical current based on a statistical value of a current value at the second electrode during a period in which the liquid is sprayed once value. The electrostatic spraying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the calculating unit calculates the statistics based on a statistical value of a current value at the second electrode during a period in which the liquid is sprayed for a predetermined number of times Current value. The electrostatic spray device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the statistical current value is less than or equal to the first threshold, and the statistical current value is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the notification indication The department changed the notification mode to the outside world. The electrostatic spray device of claim 7, wherein the notification mode comprises at least one of sound, light, vibration, and text message. An information processing terminal capable of communicating with an electrostatic spray device that sprays liquid from a front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, the information processing terminal comprising: a calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; a determining unit, (i) when the statistical current value is less than or equal to a first threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, or (ii) When the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, determining that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and notifying the indication portion, when the determining portion determines the current at the second electrode When the value is abnormal, the external current value at the second electrode is notified to be abnormal. An abnormality notification method is applicable to an electrostatic spray device that sprays liquid from a front end of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, the abnormality notification method comprising: a calculation step, Calculating a statistical current value indicating a statistical value of the current value at the second electrode; a determining step, (i) when the statistical current value is less than or equal to a first threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, or (ii) When the statistical current value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value of the current value at the second electrode, determining that the current value at the second electrode is abnormal; and notifying the indicating step, determining the current at the second electrode in the determining step When the value is abnormal, the external current value at the second electrode is notified to be abnormal. A computer readable recording medium recording a control program for causing a computer to function as an information processing terminal according to claim 9 of the patent application, wherein the control program is used to cause a computer to function as the calculation unit The function of the determination unit and the notification instruction unit.