WO2010087490A1

WO2010087490A1 - Mist generation device

Info

Publication number: WO2010087490A1
Application number: PCT/JP2010/051378
Authority: WO
Inventors: 弓月岡本; 茂立田
Original assignee: パナソニック電工株式会社
Priority date: 2009-02-02
Filing date: 2010-02-02
Publication date: 2010-08-05
Also published as: JP4971378B2; JP2010172874A

Abstract

A mist generation device is provided with a mist generation section (24) for generating mist (M1) from water (W) in a water tank (22), a mist discharge opening (26) for discharging the generated mist (M1), a liquid agent spray mechanism (13) for spraying a liquid agent (M2) from the tip opening (31a) of a spray nozzle (31), and a cleaning mechanism (41) having a branch mist path (42) branched from a mist transfer route (25) located between the mist generation section (24) and the mist discharge opening (26). The cleaning mechanism cleans the spray nozzle (31) using the mist (M1) discharged through the branch mist path (42).

Description

Mist generator

The present invention relates to a mist generator for spraying mist such as steam.

One of the mist generators such as a humidifier and a facial device that sprays mist such as steam to moisturize the skin and throat of the human body is a large-diameter mist that generates micrometer-sized mist from water. And a small-diameter mist generating section that generates a nanometer-size small-diameter mist using an electrostatic atomization mechanism has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a mist generator, a composite effect can be obtained by spraying various types of mist.

JP 2004-361909 A

By the way, it replaces with said small diameter mist generation | occurrence | production part, and includes the liquid agent spray mechanism which sprays liquid agents, such as a moisturizer and a whitening agent, from the spray nozzle (the front-end opening part), and the mist generated from water and liquid agent (liquid agent vapor Alternatively, a mist generating device that sprays simultaneously or sequentially with a liquid agent mist) may be considered. However, depending on the frequency of use of such a mist generating device, the inventor of the present application may cause the components constituting the liquid agent to adhere to the spray nozzle during an unused period of the mist generating device and clog the spray nozzle, for example. Noticed. The spray nozzle is clogged, and it becomes difficult to spray the liquid agent at the next use of the mist generating device, which causes a spray failure.

The objective of this invention is providing the mist generator which can spray a liquid agent stably while being able to spray a mist and a liquid agent simultaneously or sequentially.
A mist generating apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a mist generating unit that generates mist from water in a water storage tank, a mist discharge port for discharging the generated mist, and spraying a liquid agent from a tip opening of a spray nozzle. A liquid spraying mechanism for cleaning, and a cleaning means for cleaning the spray nozzle.

According to this configuration, the mist and the liquid agent can be sprayed simultaneously or sequentially. In addition, since the spray nozzle through which the liquid agent passes can be cleaned by the cleaning means, for example, the component of the liquid agent fixed to the inside of the spray nozzle or the tip opening is removed, or the component of the liquid agent is fixed to the spray nozzle. (Clogging of the spray nozzle) can be prevented. Therefore, a liquid agent can be sprayed stably.

In one example, the cleaning means is a cleaning mechanism having a mist branch passage branched from a mist transfer path between the mist generating section and the mist discharge port, and the cleaning mechanism discharges through the mist branch passage. The spray nozzle is washed with the mist.

According to this configuration, since the cleaning mechanism cleans the spray nozzle with the mist discharged through the mist branch passage, the component of the liquid agent fixed to the inside of the spray nozzle or the tip opening is particularly removed while melting. The spray nozzle can be cleaned well. Since the mist generated in the existing mist generating part is used without adopting an additional mechanism for removing the fixed liquid agent and preventing the sticking, the mist generating device does not become large-scale.

In one example, the mist branch passage communicates with a position upstream from the tip opening of the spray nozzle.
According to this configuration, since the mist branch passage supplies mist to a position upstream from the tip opening of the spray nozzle, the downstream from the position can be washed well.

In one example, the mist branch passage has a tip portion that discharges the mist toward the tip opening of the spray nozzle.
According to this configuration, since the mist is discharged from the tip portion of the mist branch passage toward the tip opening portion of the spray nozzle, the tip opening portion that is particularly easily exposed to air and to which the constituents of the liquid agent are easily fixed is excellent. Can be washed. Moreover, it is possible to clean the constituents of the liquid agent that adheres around the tip opening regardless of the clogging of the spray nozzle.

An example mist generator further includes a branch opening / closing valve provided in the mist branch passage.
According to this configuration, since the branch opening / closing valve is provided in the mist branch passage, the spray nozzle can be appropriately cleaned manually or automatically. In other words, unnecessary cleaning can be avoided when cleaning is unnecessary.

An example mist generating apparatus further includes a timer and a control unit that operates the branch on-off valve based on a measurement time of the timer.
According to this configuration, the branch on / off valve is operated by the control unit based on the measurement time of the timer.For example, the elapsed time from the spraying end point of the liquid agent is measured by the timer, and the elapsed time is preset. When the control unit detects that the execution of spraying of the liquid agent has been operated with the operation switch after the reference time has elapsed, it is possible to automatically clean the spray nozzle first. In other words, the spray nozzle is cleaned when a preset reference time has elapsed since the end of spraying of the previous liquid agent and there is a high possibility that the constituents of the liquid agent are stuck inside the spray nozzle, etc. Can not do. Also, for example, when the total spray time of the liquid is measured with a timer and the control unit detects that the total spray time exceeds a preset reference time, the spray nozzle can be automatically cleaned. Become. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to automatically prevent the constituent components of the liquid agent from adhering to the spray nozzle and clogging the spray nozzle.

An example mist generator further includes a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the spray nozzle, and a control unit for operating the branch on-off valve based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

According to this configuration, since the branch on / off valve is operated by the control unit based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor, for example, the control unit determines that the detected pressure is outside the preset reference pressure range. When detected, the spray nozzle can be automatically cleaned. That is, the component of the liquid agent adheres on the downstream side (tip opening side) from the pressure sensor, and when the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure range, or the component of the liquid agent adheres at a position upstream from the pressure sensor, When the control unit detects that the detected pressure is less than the reference pressure range, the spray nozzle can be automatically cleaned.

An example mist generating device further includes a concentration sensor for detecting the concentration of the liquid agent in the spray nozzle, and a control unit for operating the branch on-off valve based on the concentration detected by the concentration sensor.

According to this configuration, the branch on / off valve is operated by the control unit based on the concentration of the liquid agent detected by the concentration sensor. For example, it is controlled that the detected concentration is outside the preset reference concentration range. When the unit detects, the spray nozzle can be automatically cleaned. That is, the component of the liquid agent is fixed on the downstream side (tip opening side) from the concentration sensor, and when the detected concentration exceeds the reference concentration range, or the component of the liquid agent is fixed on the position upstream of the concentration sensor, When the control unit detects that the detected concentration is less than the reference concentration range, the spray nozzle can be automatically cleaned.

An example mist generator further includes a counter that counts the number of times the liquid spray mechanism is used, and a controller that operates the branch on-off valve based on the count value of the counter.

According to this configuration, since the branch on / off valve is operated based on the count value of the counter (the number of times the liquid spray mechanism is used), for example, the count value (the number of times the liquid spray mechanism is used) is set in advance. When the control unit detects that the execution of spraying of the liquid agent has been operated with the operation switch after the number of times has exceeded, it is possible to automatically clean the spray nozzle first. In other words, the spray nozzle is cleaned when the number of times the liquid spray mechanism is used exceeds the preset number of times and there is a high possibility that the constituents of the liquid agent are stuck inside the spray nozzle, etc. Can be avoided.

In one example, a main path opening / closing valve that is closed when the branch opening / closing valve is open is provided on the mist discharge opening side of the mist discharge opening or the mist branch passage in the mist transfer path.

According to this configuration, the mist discharge port or the mist discharge passage side (downstream side) of the mist branch passage in the mist transfer path is closed when the branch on-off valve is open (when the spray nozzle is washed). Since the main path opening / closing valve is provided, the spray nozzle can be washed well with high-pressure mist.

The schematic diagram of the mist generator according to one Embodiment of this invention The schematic diagram of the mist generator of another example. The schematic diagram of the mist generator of another example. The schematic diagram of the mist generator of another example. The schematic diagram of the mist generator of another example.

Hereinafter, a mist generator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the mist generating apparatus of this embodiment includes a case 11, a mist generating / discharging mechanism 12 accommodated in the case 11, a liquid spray mechanism 13, a control unit 14, and a timer 15. The mist generating / discharging mechanism 12 and the liquid spray mechanism 13 may be at least partially housed in the case 11.

The case 11 has an upper (top) opening, that is, a mist opening 11a, and a side (horizontal) opening, that is, a liquid agent opening 11b. The case 11 includes, for example, a bottomed rectangular tube-shaped case main body that is open at the top, and a lid member that covers the upper end opening of the case main body. In FIG. 1, the case main body and the lid member are illustrated integrally. ing. In the illustrated example, the liquid agent opening portion 11 b is provided by a cylindrical portion 11 c that protrudes outward (in the horizontal direction, leftward in FIG. 1) from the side surface of the case 11 and communicates with the inside and outside of the case 11.

The mist generating / discharging mechanism 12 is connected to the water storage tank 22 for storing the water W supplied from the tank 21 detachable from the case 11 and the water storage tank 22 through the communication pipe 23, and the mist is generated from the water W in the water storage tank 22. A mist generating unit 24 that generates M1 and a mist discharge port 26 that communicates with the mist generating unit 24 through a mist transfer path 25 and has a discharge opening 26a for discharging the generated mist M1.

In the illustrated example, the mist generating unit 24 is a heating type, and includes a heater 24a that heats the water W to generate the mist M1. The mist discharge port 26 protrudes outward from the case 11 through the mist opening 11a and bends at a substantially right angle outside the case 11, whereby the discharge opening 26a becomes the liquid solution opening 11b. The direction is parallel to the horizontal direction (horizontal direction, left direction in FIG. 1). The positional relationship between the mist discharge port 26 (discharge opening 26a) and the liquid agent opening 11b is not limited to the illustrated example, and may be directed in directions that are not parallel to each other.

The liquid spray mechanism 13 is configured to spray a liquid M2 such as a moisturizing agent or a whitening agent from the tip opening 31a of the spray nozzle 31. The atomized liquid M2 may be referred to as liquid vapor or liquid mist, and the mist M1 may be referred to as water mist. Specifically, the liquid spray mechanism 13 generates a mist liquid M2 by atomizing the liquid storage 32 for storing liquids such as a moisturizer and a whitening agent and the liquid from the liquid storage 32 by the Venturi effect. An air pump 33 and the spray nozzle 31 for spraying the mist-like liquid M2 supplied from the air pump 33 to the outside of the mist generating device from the tip opening 31a are provided. The tip opening 31a of the spray nozzle 31 is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 11c of the case 11 and faces in a direction parallel to the liquid agent opening 11b (that is, in the horizontal direction, leftward in FIG. 1). It is provided as follows.

The control unit 14 is connected to the mist generating / discharging mechanism 12, the liquid spraying mechanism 13, and the timer 15, and performs various controls including the generation and spraying of the mist M1 and the liquid M2 in response to operations of operation switches (not shown). . For example, the normal operation sequence or the normal operation mode for spraying the mist M1 and the liquid agent M2 alternately for 3 minutes each time by repeating them twice (total 12 minutes) with the operation switch (for example, normal operation) When the control unit 14 detects that the mode button has been pressed, the control unit 14 alternately energizes the heater 24a and drives the air pump 33, thereby performing the desired operation selected.

The mist generator is provided with a cleaning means for cleaning the spray nozzle 31. In the illustrated example, the cleaning means is a cleaning mechanism 41 having a mist branch passage 42 branched from the mist transfer path 25 between the mist generating section 24 and the mist discharge port 26. The cleaning mechanism 41 cleans the spray nozzle 31 with the mist M <b> 1 (part thereof) discharged through the mist branch passage 42.

In the illustrated example, the mist branch passage 42 communicates with a position upstream from the tip opening 31 a of the spray nozzle 31. The mist branch passage 42 is provided with a branch opening / closing valve 43 that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. When the branch opening / closing valve 43 is open, the mist transfer path 25 and the spray nozzle 31 are communicated, and when the branch opening / closing valve 43 is closed, the mist transfer path 25 and the spray nozzle 31 are blocked.

The control unit 14 operates the branch on-off valve 43 based on the measurement time of the timer 15. In the illustrated example, the control unit 14 measures the elapsed time from the end of spraying of the liquid M2 with the timer 15, and executes the spraying of the liquid M2 with the operation switch after the elapsed time exceeds a preset reference time. When it is detected that the operation (including execution of the normal operation mode) is detected, the heater 24a is energized and the branch on-off valve 43 is opened, and the spray nozzle 31 is first automatically washed with the mist M1. The reference time is set as a time when the component of the liquid M2 is likely to be in a fixed state in the passage of the liquid M2 (for example, in the spray nozzle 31), and is 72 hours, for example. The reference time may be variable according to the surrounding environment (temperature, humidity, etc.).

Next, characteristic effects of the above embodiment will be described below.
(1) The mist M1 and the liquid M2 can be sprayed simultaneously or sequentially (alternately). In addition, since the spray nozzle 31 through which the liquid agent M2 passes can be cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 41 as a cleaning means, for example, the component of the liquid agent M2 that has adhered to the inside of the spray nozzle 31 or the tip opening 31a. It is possible to prevent the removal or the constituent components of the liquid M2 from adhering to the spray nozzle 31 (the spray nozzle 31 is clogged). Therefore, the liquid M2 can be stably sprayed.

(2) In order for the cleaning mechanism 41 to clean the spray nozzle 31 with the mist M1 discharged through the mist branch passage 42, particularly the components of the liquid M2 fixed inside the spray nozzle 31 and the tip opening 31a are dissolved. The spray nozzle 31 can be cleaned well. Since the mist M1 (part thereof) generated in the existing mist generating part is used without adopting an additional mechanism for removing the fixed liquid agent and preventing sticking, the mist generating device becomes large-scale. There is nothing. Further, the mist M1 flowing through the mist branch passage 42 is generated at the heating type mist generating section 24 (so-called steam), and therefore has a temperature higher than room temperature. Such high-temperature mist is removed, for example, by dissolving the constituent components of the fixed liquid M2 more efficiently than when using a mist generated by an ultrasonic or vaporization mist generator. Can do.

(3) Since the mist branch passage 42 communicates with a position upstream from the tip opening 31a of the spray nozzle 31, the downstream side from the position can be washed well.
(4) A branch opening / closing valve 43 is provided in the mist branch passage 42. The spray nozzle 31 can be appropriately cleaned by activating the branch on-off valve 43 manually or automatically (automatically in the present embodiment). That is, unnecessary cleaning can be avoided when cleaning is unnecessary.

(5) The control unit 14 operates the branch opening / closing valve 43 based on the measurement time of the timer 15. Therefore, for example, the elapsed time from the end of spraying of the liquid M2 measured by the timer 15 is measured, and after the elapsed time exceeds a preset reference time (for example, 72 hours), the operation switch switches the liquid M2 When the control unit 14 detects that the spray execution has been operated, the control unit 14 opens the branch on-off valve 43 and can automatically clean the spray nozzle 31 first. That is, when the reference time (for example, 72 hours) set in advance from the end of the previous spraying of the liquid M2 elapses and the component of the liquid M2 is highly likely to be fixed in the spray nozzle 31 or the like, the spray nozzle 31 can be washed, otherwise no washing can be performed.

The above embodiment may be modified as follows.
In the mist generating device of FIG. 1, the control unit 14 operates the branch opening / closing valve 43 based on the measurement time of the timer 15, but is not limited thereto, and operates the branch opening / closing valve 43 based on other conditions. It may be.

For example, the mist generating device of FIG. 2 includes a pressure sensor 51 for detecting the pressure in the spray nozzle 31 instead of the timer 15 of FIG. 1, and the control unit 14 is based on the detected pressure supplied from the pressure sensor 51. The branch on / off valve 43 is operated. The detected pressure of the pressure sensor 51 is related to the degree of clogging in the spray nozzle 31. In this way, for example, when the detected pressure falls outside the preset reference pressure range, the spray nozzle 31 can be automatically cleaned. That is, the component of the liquid agent M2 is fixed on the downstream side (the tip opening 31a side) of the pressure sensor 51 and the detected pressure exceeds the reference pressure range, or the component of the liquid agent M2 is upstream of the pressure sensor 51. When the detected pressure falls below the reference pressure range, the spray nozzle 31 can be automatically cleaned.

Further, the pressure sensor 51 shown in FIG. 2 is changed to a concentration sensor 52 for detecting the concentration of the liquid M2 in the spray nozzle 31, and the control unit 14 branches based on the concentration detected by the concentration sensor 52. May be operated. In this way, for example, when the detected concentration falls outside the preset reference concentration range, the spray nozzle 31 can be automatically cleaned. That is, when the component of the liquid agent M2 is fixed on the downstream side (on the side of the opening 31a) from the concentration sensor 52 and the detected concentration exceeds the reference concentration range, or the component of the liquid agent M2 is upstream of the concentration sensor 52. Is fixed, and the spray nozzle 31 can be automatically cleaned when the detected concentration falls below the reference concentration range. As the density sensor 52, for example, an optical sensor that detects the density from the light transmittance may be used. If the density can be detected, the sensor other than the optical system may be used. May be used.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the number of times the liquid spray mechanism 13 is used in place of the timer 15 of the above embodiment (for example, the number of times that the normal operation mode is selected (the normal operation mode button is pressed)). The control unit 14 may operate the branch opening / closing valve 43 based on the count value of the counter 53. In this case, for example, after the count value (number of times the liquid spray mechanism 13 is used) exceeds a preset number (for example, 10 times), the liquid M2 is sprayed by the operation switch (the execution of the normal operation mode is performed). When the operation is performed, the spray nozzle 31 can be automatically cleaned first. That is, the spray nozzle 31 is washed when the number of times that the liquid spray mechanism 13 is used exceeds the preset number of times and there is a high possibility that the component of the liquid M2 is fixed in the spray nozzle 31 or the like. Unnecessary cleaning can be avoided.

Further, for example, in the mist generating apparatus of FIG. 1, the operation time is measured after the elapsed time from the end of spraying of the liquid M2 is measured by the timer 15 and the elapsed time exceeds a preset reference time (for example, 72 hours). When the execution of spraying the liquid M2 is operated, the spray nozzle 31 is cleaned. However, the conditions for starting the cleaning of the spray nozzle 31 (starting the operation of the branch on-off valve 43) are not limited thereto. For example, the total spray time of the liquid M2 is measured by the timer 15, and when the total spray time exceeds a preset reference time, the branch opening / closing valve 43 is activated so as to automatically clean the spray nozzle 31. Also good. In this way, for example, it is possible to automatically prevent the constituent components of the liquid M2 from adhering to the spray nozzle 31 and clogging the spray nozzle 31.

Further, the control unit 14 may activate the branch opening / closing valve 43 so as to clean the spray nozzle 31 when conditions other than those described above (for example, pressing a cleaning button of the operation switch) are satisfied, You may make it wash | clean the spray nozzle 31 based on the conditions which combined two or more of the above-mentioned conditions.

In the mist generator of FIG. 1, the mist generator 24, the mist transfer path 25, and the mist discharge port 26 are always in communication with the outside of the mist generator, but as shown in FIG. The main path opening / closing valve 54 may be provided on the mist discharge port 26 side, and the control unit 14 may link the main path opening / closing valve 54 with the branch opening / closing valve 43. For example, the controller 14 may close the main path opening / closing valve 54 when opening the branch opening / closing valve 43 (that is, washing the spray nozzle 31).

In this way, the flow of the mist M1 generated in the mist generating unit 24 is concentrated on the mist branch passage 42 and eventually on the spray nozzle 31 side, and the spray nozzle 31 can be cleaned well by the high-pressure mist M1.

In the mist generating device of FIG. 1, the mist branch passage 42 communicates with a position upstream from the tip opening 31a of the spray nozzle 31 as long as at least a part of the spray nozzle 31 can be cleaned (cleaned). It is not limited to the example of FIG. For example, the cleaning mechanism 56 of FIG. 5 includes a mist branch passage 55 having a proximal end connected to the mist transfer path 25 and a distal end portion disposed outside the spray nozzle 31. The tip of the mist branch passage 55 discharges the mist M1 toward the tip opening 31a of the spray nozzle 31. With such a cleaning mechanism 56, it is possible to clean the tip opening 31a that is particularly easily exposed to air and to which the constituent components of the liquid M2 are easily fixed. In addition, regardless of the clogging of the spray nozzle 31, the components of the liquid M2 that adheres around the tip opening 31a can also be washed. Of course, the configuration in which the mist branch passage 55 is provided so as to discharge the mist M1 toward the tip opening 31a (see FIG. 5) may be combined with the above-described another example (see FIGS. 2 to 4).

In the mist generator of FIG. 1, the cleaning means includes a cleaning mechanism 41 that cleans the spray nozzle 31 with the mist M1 discharged through the mist branch passage 42. If the spray nozzle 31 can be cleaned, the cleaning means The mechanism 41 may be changed to other cleaning means. For example, the cleaning mechanism 41 may be changed to an air blower that cleans the spray nozzle 31 only with air (flow of air).

The branch opening / closing valve 43 provided in the mist branch passage 42 may be deleted.
The mist generating / discharging mechanism 12 of the mist generating apparatus of FIG. 1 includes a heating type mist generating unit 24 and cleans the spray nozzle 31 with mist M1 (so-called steam) generated by the mist generating unit 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an ultrasonic type or vaporization type mist generating unit may be provided, and the spray nozzle 31 may be washed with the mist generated by them.

1 is not limited to the venturi effect type, and may be changed to, for example, an electrostatic atomization type that electrostatically atomizes the liquid agent.

Claims

A mist generating section for generating mist from the water in the reservoir,
A mist discharge port for discharging the generated mist;
A liquid agent spray mechanism for spraying the liquid agent from the tip opening of the spray nozzle;
A mist generating apparatus comprising: a cleaning unit for cleaning the spray nozzle.
The mist generating apparatus according to claim 1,
The cleaning means includes
A cleaning mechanism having a mist branch passage branched from a mist transfer path between the mist generating section and the mist discharge port, wherein the cleaning mechanism is configured to spray the spray on the mist discharged through the mist branch passage. A mist generating device for cleaning a nozzle.
The mist generator according to claim 2,
The mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the mist branch passage communicates with a position upstream from a tip opening of the spray nozzle.
The mist generator according to claim 2,
The said mist branch channel | path has the front-end | tip part which discharges the said mist toward the said front-end | tip opening part of the said spray nozzle, The mist generator characterized by the above-mentioned.
The mist generator according to claim 2,
A mist generating device, wherein a branch opening / closing valve is provided in the mist branch passage.
The mist generator according to claim 5, wherein
Timer,
A mist generating apparatus comprising: a control unit that operates the branch on-off valve based on a measurement time of the timer.
The mist generator according to claim 5, wherein
A pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the spray nozzle;
A mist generating apparatus comprising: a control unit that operates the branch on-off valve based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.
The mist generator according to claim 5, wherein
A concentration sensor for detecting the concentration of the liquid agent in the spray nozzle;
A mist generating apparatus, comprising: a control unit that operates the branch on-off valve based on the concentration detected by the concentration sensor.
The mist generator according to claim 5, wherein
A counter for counting the number of times the liquid spray mechanism is used;
And a control unit that operates the branch on-off valve based on a count value of the counter.
The mist generator according to claim 5, wherein
A main path opening / closing valve that is closed when the branch opening / closing valve is open is provided on the mist discharge opening side of the mist discharge opening or the mist branch passage in the mist transfer path. A mist generator.