JP2011208844A - Mist generator - Google Patents

Abstract

A mist generator capable of detecting drought in the vicinity of an atomization unit without adding a new drought detection device in the vicinity of the atomization unit.
A mist generator according to the present invention includes a water storage tank, an atomization unit that atomizes a liquid, a drive control unit that controls driving of the atomization unit, and a conveyance unit that conveys the liquid to the atomization unit. Is provided. In addition, a liquid detection unit that detects liquid by applying a voltage to the electrode inside the water storage tank is provided. In addition, a main control unit that controls the drive control unit and the liquid detection unit is provided. The main control unit is electrically connected to the atomization unit. Thereby, the voltage which the liquid detection part applied to the electrode is detected via the liquid and atomization part which exist in a conveyance part. When the voltage is detected, the main control unit instructs the drive control unit to drive the atomization unit. When the voltage is not detected, the main control unit instructs the drive control unit to stop driving the atomizing unit.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a mist generator mounted on a vehicle or the like for spraying, and more particularly to a mist generator for detecting drought in an aqueous solution tank using an electrode.

  In recent years, mist generators having various forms and features have been developed. For example, a mist generator for a moving body that cleans air in a vehicle by generating mist (= mist) from a liquid such as water or electrolyzed water and spraying the liquid is put into practical use.

  Moreover, a mist generator having a plurality of electrodes (hereinafter referred to as “drought electrodes”) for detecting the water level of an aqueous solution has been put into practical use inside the aqueous solution tank. The lower end of the drought electrode is provided so as to be higher by a predetermined distance from the bottom of the aqueous solution tank. That is, when the aqueous solution decreases, the drought is detected by the lower end of the drought electrode not contacting the aqueous solution.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a portable spray device (= mist generator). This spraying device is provided with a liquid storage means for storing a humidifying liquid and a liquid supply means for supplying the stored liquid upward. Moreover, it is provided in the upper part in a housing, The mist production | generation means which receives supply from a liquid supply means and produces mist from a liquid is provided.

  In addition, the spray device includes an opening for passing the mist generated by the mist generating means above the mist generating means. In addition, a lid is provided at the upper end of the housing so as to be rotatable between an on position and an off position, and a discharge port communicating with the opening when the lid is pivoted to the on position. Thereby, mist is discharged through the opening and the discharge port.

JP 2009-168328 A

  However, when the atomization part of the mist generator and the aqueous solution tank are separated from each other, drought in the aqueous solution tank can be detected, but drought in the vicinity of the atomization part cannot be detected. For this reason, it cannot be determined whether or not the aqueous solution is normally supplied to the atomization unit, and in some cases, the atomization unit operates without the aqueous solution, and normal mist generation may not be performed.

  In order to solve this problem, a method of providing a drought detection device such as a drought electrode in the vicinity of the atomization unit has been devised. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a method of providing the liquid detection sensor 190 in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102 has been devised. FIG. 9 is a top view and a sectional side view showing a configuration of a conventional mist generator. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an electric circuit included in the conventional mist generator 100.

  In this device, a liquid detection sensor 190 and a drought detection circuit 205 are provided as a device for detecting whether the aqueous solution has reached the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibrator 102 (= the atomizing portion). The drought detection circuit 205 transmits detection information indicating whether or not drought has occurred in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102 to the microcomputer 201 based on the presence or absence of an electrical signal output from the liquid detection sensor 190. Based on this detection information, the microcomputer 201 controls the ultrasonic transducer 102 or the air pressure delivery device drive circuit 203.

  However, in the above configuration, since it is necessary to add the liquid detection sensor 190 and the drought detection circuit 205 as new members, there is a problem that the cost is increased and the device configuration is complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a mist generator capable of detecting drought in the vicinity of the atomization unit without adding a new drought detection device in the vicinity of the atomization unit. It is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, a mist generator according to the present invention includes a water storage tank that stores liquid therein, an atomization unit that atomizes the liquid, a drive control unit that controls driving of the atomization unit, A transfer unit that forms part of a flow path for transferring the liquid stored in the water storage tank to the atomization unit; and an electrode provided in the water storage tank, and applies a voltage to the electrode. A mist generator comprising: a liquid detection unit that detects the liquid stored in the water storage tank; and a main control unit that controls the drive control unit and the liquid detection unit. A voltage applied to the electrode by the liquid detection unit is detected via the liquid present in the transport unit and the atomization unit, and the voltage is detected. Drive the atomizing section when It controls the drive controller so, when the voltage is not detected, and controls the drive control unit to stop driving the atomization unit.

  According to this configuration, the mist generator of the present invention includes a water storage tank, an atomizing unit that atomizes the liquid, a drive control unit that controls the driving of the atomizing unit, and the liquid stored in the water storage tank. A transport unit for transporting to the conversion unit. Moreover, the liquid detection part which detects the liquid stored in the water storage tank by applying a voltage to an electrode inside the water storage tank is provided. In addition, a main control unit that controls the drive control unit and the liquid detection unit is provided. The main control unit is electrically connected to the atomization unit. Thereby, the voltage which the liquid detection part applied to the electrode is detected via the liquid and atomization part which exist in a conveyance part. When the voltage is detected, the main control unit instructs the drive control unit to drive the atomization unit. When the voltage is not detected, the main control unit instructs the drive control unit to stop driving the atomizing unit. In this way, the presence or absence of liquid near the atomizing unit is determined using the voltage applied to the atomizing unit, and the control content of the atomizing unit is changed based on the determination result.

  In order to achieve the above object, the mist generator of the present invention connects an electric circuit connecting the atomization unit and the drive control unit, and the atomization unit and the main control unit by switching an electric circuit. The main control unit controls the switching unit so as to perform the switching at a predetermined cycle.

  According to this configuration, the mist generator of the present invention includes the switching unit that switches the electric circuit. The switching unit switches the electric circuit so as to form one of an electric circuit connecting the atomizing unit and the drive control unit and an electric circuit connecting the atomizing unit and the main control unit. The main control unit controls the switching unit so as to execute the switching described above at a predetermined cycle.

  In order to achieve the above object, the main controller provided in the mist generator of the present invention is configured such that an electric circuit connecting the atomizing unit and the main controller is formed by the switching unit, and the voltage is detected. If not, the switching unit is prohibited from switching.

  According to this configuration, the main control unit is configured such that an electric circuit connecting the atomization unit and the main control unit is formed by the switching unit, and the voltage applied to the electrode is not detected via the liquid and the atomization unit. The switching of the electric circuit is prohibited for the switching unit. This prevents the atomization unit from being driven when there is no liquid in the vicinity of the atomization unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, the mist generator of the present invention pressurizes the liquid stored in the water storage tank so that the liquid reaches the atomization section via the transport section. The main control unit stops driving the pressurizing unit when the voltage is detected, and drives the pressurizing unit when the voltage is not detected. It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, the mist generator of the present invention includes the pressurizing unit that pressurizes the liquid stored in the water storage tank so as to reach the liquid atomizing unit. The main control unit drives the pressurizing unit in a state where the voltage applied by the liquid detection unit is detected by the atomization unit. Further, in a state where the voltage is not detected by the atomizing unit, the driving of the pressurizing unit is stopped.

  Further, in order to achieve the above object, the pressurization unit provided in the mist generator of the present invention increases the air pressure in the water storage tank by sending air from the outside of the water storage tank to the inside of the water storage tank. The liquid in the water storage tank is pressurized.

  According to this structure, a pressurization part pressurizes the liquid in a water storage tank by sending air into the inside of a water storage tank from the exterior of a water storage tank, and increasing the air pressure in a water storage tank.

  In order to achieve the above object, the transport unit provided in the mist generator of the present invention absorbs the liquid stored in the water storage part from one end and discharges the liquid from one end opposite to the one end. It is characterized by including.

  According to this structure, a conveyance part contains the water absorption rod which absorbs the liquid stored in the water storage part from one end, discharges it from the other end, and supplies the liquid to the atomization part.

  In order to achieve the above object, the mist generator included in the mist generator of the present invention includes an ultrasonic vibrator and is provided above the water storage tank, and the drive control unit includes the ultrasonic wave A voltage is applied to the vibrator, and the transport unit forms the flow path vertically upward.

  According to this configuration, the atomizing section includes the ultrasonic vibrator and is provided above the water storage tank. The drive control unit atomizes the liquid by applying a voltage to the ultrasonic transducer. Moreover, the conveyance part forms the flow path vertically upward.

  According to the present invention, drought near the atomization part is detected by using the atomization part as an electrode for drought detection. That is, the atomization unit is used as an alternative to the liquid detection sensor. For this reason, compared with the case where a liquid detection sensor is newly provided and a liquid is detected, cost reduction and simplification of an apparatus structure can be achieved.

It is the upper side figure and sectional side view which show the structure of the mist generator of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the atomization part of the mist generator of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric circuit structure of the mist generator which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional side view which shows the internal structure at the time of the pneumatic pressure generation of the mist generator of this invention. It is a cross-sectional side view which shows the internal structure at the time of the mist production | generation of the mist generator of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric circuit structure of the mist generator which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric circuit structure of the mist generator which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric circuit structure of the mist generator which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is the upper side figure and cross-sectional side view which show the structure of the conventional mist generator. It is a block diagram which shows the electric circuit structure of the conventional mist generator.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment shown here is an example and this invention is not limited to embodiment shown here.
[Embodiment 1]
<1-1. Internal configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of a mist generator 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The mist generator 100 is a device for generating and spraying mist on the inside of the vehicle 10 in which the mist generator 100 is mounted. The mist generator 100 has a structure that can be attached to and detached from the vehicle 10. Each part of the mist generator 100 is formed, for example, as a plastic molded product unless otherwise specified.

  FIG. 1A is a top view of the mist generator 100 as viewed from above. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the mist generator 100 as viewed from the side. The mist generator 100 operates using a rechargeable battery (not shown) or the like as a power source, and has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 10 cm and a height of about 20 cm. In FIG. 1B, the downward direction in the figure indicates the lower direction of the mist generator 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the mist generator 100 includes a discharge plate 101, an ultrasonic vibrator 102 (= atomization unit), an aqueous solution tank 103 (= water storage tank), a water conduit 104 (= conveyance unit), and a pneumatic delivery device 105. (= Pressurization unit), drought electrode 106 (= liquid detection unit), and control board 200 are provided.

  The discharge plate 101 is a plate-like member in which a fine hole is provided in the center for discharging mist. The ultrasonic vibrator 102 is a disk-shaped member that mists the aqueous solution that has been sucked up by the water guide tube 104 and has reached the lower side of the discharge plate 101 by a vibrating operation.

  Then, the mist-like aqueous solution, that is, the mist is sprayed to the outside of the mist generator 100 through the discharge plate 101. This achieves the main purpose of the mist generator 100 that generates and discharges mist to the outside.

  The aqueous solution tank 103 stores the aqueous solution used by the ultrasonic transducer 102 for generating mist. The water guide pipe 104 is fixed to the housing of the mist generator 100 as a substantially tubular member extending in the vertical direction (vertical direction). The upper end and the lower end of the water conduit 104 are opened, and the aqueous solution entering from the lower end of the water conduit 104 flows through the inside and can exit from the upper end.

  The lower end of the water conduit 104 is designed to protrude into the aqueous solution tank 103. On the other hand, a discharge plate 101 and an ultrasonic transducer 102 are disposed in the vicinity of the upper end of the water conduit 104. Thereby, the water conduit 104 forms a flow path of the aqueous solution so as to go from the inside of the aqueous solution tank 103 toward the discharge plate 101 and the ultrasonic vibrator 102.

  Note that the lower end of the water conduit 104 is set to be separated from the bottom of the aqueous solution tank 103 by a predetermined distance. As the shape of the water conduit 104, a substantially tubular shape is suitable as described above, but various shapes can be adopted as long as the flow path of the aqueous solution is formed.

  The air pressure delivery device 105 has an air suction port and an air outlet, and performs an operation of blowing out air sucked from the air inlet (hereinafter, referred to as “air blowing operation”). The pneumatic delivery device 105 is installed such that the suction port is opened to the outside (in the atmosphere) of the mist generator 100. Further, the air outlet is installed so as to face the lower part of the mist generator 100.

  The drought electrode 106 is an electrode group including the electrode plate 106a and the electrode plate 106b (= electrode provided inside the water storage tank) shown in FIG. The drought electrode 106 detects the aqueous solution present in the aqueous solution tank 103 using the plurality of electrode plates. The electrode plate 106 a and the electrode plate 106 b are provided such that the lower ends thereof are located above the bottom of the aqueous solution tank 103 by a predetermined distance (height T in the drawing).

  The drought electrode 106 intermittently applies a voltage based on an instruction from the microcomputer 201 described later so that a weak current flows through the electrode plate 106a. At this time, if both the electrode plates are in contact with the aqueous solution, a voltage is applied to the electrode plate 106b via the aqueous solution. Thus, the continuity between the two electrode plates is checked by monitoring the voltage applied to the electrode plate 106b.

  If there is conduction between the electrode plates, the microcomputer 201 determines that the water level of the aqueous solution exceeds the height T. When there is no conduction between the electrode plates, the microcomputer 201 determines that the water level of the aqueous solution is below the height T.

  The electrode plate 106a and the electrode plate 106b are formed, for example, by coating platinum on a titanium or ruthenium-based material and coating iridium on the outside thereof. Both electrode plates are connected to the control board 200 by lead wires or the like. A voltage is applied to the electrode plate 106a by this lead wire.

The control board 200 is a board including a control circuit that controls each part of the mist generator 100, a microcomputer, or the like. The control board 200 is housed in a space provided in the housing of the mist generator 100 (above the water supply tank 103 in the example of FIG. 1). The control board 200 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 102 and the like by lead wires and the like.
<1-2. About the structure of ultrasonic transducers>
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration around the ultrasonic transducer 102 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a state in which the ultrasonic transducer 102 is viewed obliquely from above. FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view when the plane including the line segment AA ′ is taken as a cross section (however, the portion of the control board 200 is not a cross-sectional view).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic transducer 102 has a donut shape (the cross section is substantially rectangular), and is bonded to the upper surface of the discharge plate 101 whose outer edge is circular. The discharge plate 101 is a substantially plate-like member made of, for example, stainless steel, and a mesh portion 101a is provided in a predetermined region at the center (a part of a region surrounded by the ultrasonic transducer 102).

The mesh portion 101a is formed in a mesh shape provided with a large number of micropores having a size enough to allow mist to pass through. The ultrasonic vibrator 102 is made of piezoelectric ceramic. When a predetermined voltage is applied between an electrode film formed on the surface of the ultrasonic transducer 102 and the emission plate 101 by a transducer drive circuit 202 (described later) included in the control substrate 200, high frequency (ultrasonic) Vibration occurs. As a result, the aqueous solution is atomized to generate mist.
<1-3. Control board configuration>
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control board 200 and the configuration of members connected to the control board 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the control board 200 includes at least a microcomputer 201 (= main control unit), a vibrator drive circuit 202 (= drive control unit), an air pressure delivery device drive circuit 203 (= pressurization unit), and a switching circuit. 204 (= switching unit). In addition to the members illustrated in FIG. 1, a start switch 301 and a power supply unit 302 exist as members connected to the control board 200.

  The microcomputer 201 organically controls the driving of each member of the mist generator 100 and controls the generation of mist in an integrated manner. Further, the microcomputer 201 has a function of performing drive control on each of the above circuits, voltage control on the power supply unit 302, and the like.

  The vibrator driving circuit 202 generates an alternating voltage in order to operate the ultrasonic vibrator 102. The vibrator driving circuit 202 can be operated continuously or intermittently by being controlled by the microcomputer 201. The vibrator driving circuit 202 can also adjust the amount of mist generated by changing the magnitude of the driving voltage applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 102.

  The air pressure delivery device drive circuit 203 is a circuit that selectively performs application / non-execution of the drive voltage to the air pressure delivery device 105. The air pressure delivery device drive circuit 203 has a function of adjusting the amount of air pressure generated by the air pressure delivery device 105 by changing the magnitude of the applied drive voltage.

  The switching circuit 204 is a circuit for selectively switching a device electrically connected to the emission plate 101. The switching circuit 204 of the present embodiment performs a switching process so as to form only one of an electric circuit connecting the emission plate 101 and the vibrator driving circuit 202 and an electric circuit connecting the emission plate 101 and the microcomputer 201. . Details of the switching process will be described later.

  The start switch 301 is a limit switch for switching ON / OFF of the operating state of the mist generator 100. However, even when the start switch is OFF, the start switch 301 allows a minute current to flow to the microcomputer 201. Thereby, the microcomputer 201 can maintain the standby state.

  The power supply unit 302 is supplied with electric power from an external power supply (not shown), performs DC / AC conversion and the like, and supplies a power supply voltage to each unit of the mist generator 100. The power supply unit 302 includes, for example, a connection terminal (not shown) for connecting a power cord for receiving power supply from an external power supply.

Alternatively, the power supply unit 302 may be configured such that the mist generator 100 can be driven while being disconnected from the external power supply by using a dry battery or a secondary battery as a power supply. As the secondary battery, for example, a rechargeable alkaline battery or a lithium ion battery can be used.
<1-4. About transport processing>
Next, the aqueous solution carrying process performed by the mist generator 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the mist generator 100 as viewed from the side, and shows a state immediately after the air blowing operation is started. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the aqueous solution is transported to the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibrator 102 by the air blowing operation, and the aqueous solution stored in the aqueous solution tank 103 is decreased.

  The microcomputer 201 controls the pneumatic delivery device 105 via the pneumatic delivery device drive circuit 203 so as to perform an operation of applying pressure to the aqueous solution tank 103 when the power source is activated by the activation switch 301. Thus, the aqueous solution is sucked up from the aqueous solution tank 103 by the water conduit 104 using the air pressure generated by the air pressure delivery device 105 (gray portion of the water conduit 104 in FIG. 4).

  In the state where the air pressure delivery device 105 is not performing the air blowing operation, the pressure of the air existing in the aqueous solution tank 103 and the air existing in the water conduit 104 is substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, in this state, the aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 103 is not supplied to the ultrasonic vibrator 102 installed at a position higher than the water surface.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the air pressure delivery device 105 performs a blowing operation to send air from the outside to the air layer of the aqueous solution tank 103 (arrow α1 in the figure). As a result, the air pressure in the aqueous solution tank 103 is increased by the amount of the pressure P (pressure newly added by the blowing operation) to the atmospheric pressure. The air pressure in the aqueous solution tank 103 is maintained in this state while the air blowing operation is continued.

  In FIG. 4, since the air pressure has just been generated, the sucked aqueous solution has not reached the upper end of the water conduit 104, that is, the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102. When the air pressure delivery device 105 is controlled and the air pressure is increased in this state, the aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 103 is pressurized.

  As the water pressure of the aqueous solution increases, the aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 103 is pushed up inside the water conduit 104 (arrow α2 in the figure). As a result, the state shown in FIG. 5 is obtained, and mist β is generated. In FIG. 5, the aqueous solution reaches the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102 via the upper end portion of the conduit 104 due to the increased air pressure.

  Note that the air existing in the water conduit 104 is discharged to the outside of the mist generator 100 by a ventilation filter (not shown). The ventilation filter has a structure including a water blocking film that allows air to pass but does not allow aqueous solution to pass. Thereby, when the aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 103 is pushed up by the air blowing operation, air present in the water conduit 104 or the like is prevented from obstructing the pushing up of the aqueous solution.

Further, the water stop film prevents the aqueous solution from leaking out of the mist generator 100. As described above, the aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 103 is urged to reach the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102 by being pressurized, and is continuously supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 102.
<1-5. About drought detection processing>
Next, a drought detection process near the ultrasonic transducer 102 will be described. In the above configuration, since the ultrasonic vibrator 102 and the aqueous solution tank 103 are separated from each other, drought in the aqueous solution tank 103 can be detected by the drought electrode 106, but drought in the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibrator 102 cannot be detected. A configuration for solving this problem will be described with reference to FIGS.

  6 and 7 are schematic views showing a part of the electric circuit included in the mist generator 100 of the present invention. The microcomputer 201 controls the switching circuit 204 to perform an operation of periodically repeating the mist spray state of FIG. 6 and the stop state of FIG.

  In the state shown in FIG. 6, since the water level of the aqueous solution does not fall below the lower end of the drought electrode 106, there is conduction between the electrode plates included in the drought electrode 106 (broken line arrow α1 in the figure). In this state, the switching circuit 204 forms an electric circuit that connects the emission plate 101 and the vibrator driving circuit 202. As a result, a voltage is applied to the ultrasonic transducer 102 to generate mist.

  When the above state continues for a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds, the microcomputer 201 instructs the switching circuit 204 to perform the switching process. As a result, the microcomputer 201 and the discharge plate 101 are connected as shown in FIG.

  In this state, the vibrator driving circuit 202 and the emission plate 101 are not connected, and therefore no voltage can be applied to the ultrasonic vibrator 102, so that mist generation is not performed. In this state, when an aqueous solution exists in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102, that is, when the aqueous solution is in contact with the emission plate 101, conduction occurs between the electrode plate 106a and the emission plate 101 (FIG. Middle dashed arrow α2).

  For this reason, the microcomputer 201 determines that the aqueous solution exists in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102 when the above-described conduction is present. When there is no continuity, it is determined that no aqueous solution exists in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102.

  The vibrator driving circuit 202 applies a voltage so that the ultrasonic vibrator 102 becomes a positive electrode, and uses a line extending downward from the emission plate 101 as a ground (GND). Further, the microcomputer 201 performs control so that the electrode plate 106a becomes a positive electrode. For this reason, in the state of FIG. 7, no current flows to the transducer drive circuit 202 via the ultrasonic transducer 102, and a current flows only to the microcomputer 201.

  When an aqueous solution exists in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102, the microcomputer 201 instructs the switching circuit 204 to perform the switching process when the state of FIG. 7 continues for a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds. . Thereby, it will be in the state shown in FIG. 6 again, and mist production | generation will be restarted.

  When the aqueous solution does not exist in the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibrator 102, the microcomputer 201 determines whether or not the drought in the aqueous solution tank 103 is detected by the drought electrode 106. If drought is not detected, the microcomputer 201 instructs the pneumatic pressure delivery device drive circuit 203 to apply a drive voltage.

  In this case, the microcomputer 201 does not instruct the switching circuit 204 to perform the switching process even after the predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, no voltage is applied to the ultrasonic transducer 102 and mist generation is stopped. Instead, when conduction between the electrode plate 106a and the discharge plate 101 is detected, an instruction to perform the switching process is given. This restarts mist generation.

  When the aqueous solution does not exist in the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibrator 102 and the drought of the aqueous solution tank 103 is detected, the microcomputer 201 instructs the air pressure delivery device drive circuit 203 to stop applying the drive voltage. As a result, the driving of the pneumatic delivery device 105 is stopped.

  Further, the microcomputer 201 performs a drought detection notification indicating that drought has occurred. Specifically, for example, a drought detection notification is performed by turning on a drought notification lamp (not shown) provided in the housing of the mist generator 100. Alternatively, a display device such as a liquid crystal panel may be provided in the housing, and a drought detection notification may be performed by displaying a predetermined image on the display device.

According to the present embodiment described above, it is determined whether or not an aqueous solution exists in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102 by using the discharge plate 101 as an electrode for drought detection. That is, the discharge plate 101 is used as an alternative to the liquid detection sensor 190 of FIG. For this reason, compared with the case where the liquid detection sensor 190 is used, cost reduction and simplification of an apparatus structure can be achieved.
[Embodiment 2]
<2-1. Internal configuration>
Since it is the same content as Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted here.
<2-2. About the structure of ultrasonic transducers>
Since it is the same content as Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted here.
<2-3. Control board configuration>
The control board 200 of the present embodiment does not include the switching circuit 204 shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.
<2-4. About transport processing>
Since it is the same content as Embodiment 1, description is abbreviate | omitted here.
<2-5. About drought detection processing>
Next, the configuration of the mist generator 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a part of an electric circuit included in the mist generator 100 according to the second embodiment.

  A difference from the first embodiment is that the switching circuit 204 does not exist. For this reason, both the microcomputer 201 and the vibrator drive circuit 202 are connected to the emission plate 101 by lead wires.

  The vibrator drive circuit 202 according to the present embodiment generates mist by applying a voltage to the ultrasonic vibrator 102 based on the timing instructed from the microcomputer 201. Further, the microcomputer 201 determines whether there is an aqueous solution in the vicinity of the ultrasonic transducer 102, that is, the aqueous solution contacts the emission plate 101, and conducts between the electrode plate 106a and the emission plate 101 (broken arrow α2 in the figure). ) Is always monitored.

  When the continuity is detected, the microcomputer 201 instructs the vibrator driving circuit 202 to generate mist. If continuity is not detected, the microcomputer 201 instructs the vibrator drive circuit 202 to stop mist generation.

  Further, when the energization is not detected, the microcomputer 201 determines whether or not the drought of the aqueous solution tank 103 is detected by the drought electrode 106. When the drought in the aqueous solution tank 103 is not detected, the microcomputer 201 instructs the air pressure delivery device drive circuit 203 to increase the drive voltage. As a result, the aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 103 is conveyed to the ultrasonic transducer 102 more quickly.

  When drought in the aqueous solution tank 103 is detected, the microcomputer 201 instructs the pneumatic delivery device drive circuit 203 to stop applying the drive voltage, and also stops the mist generation to the vibrator drive circuit 202. Instruct them to do so.

According to the present embodiment described above, the cost can be reduced and the device configuration can be simplified as compared with the case where the switching circuit 204 of the first embodiment is used.
[Other embodiments]
The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments and examples. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical idea. be able to.

  Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to the following embodiments.

  (A) In the above-described embodiment, the in-vehicle mist generator 100 is described as an example of a device that implements the configuration of the present invention. However, the embodiment may be implemented in other mist generators. For example, the present invention may be implemented in a mist generator that is mounted on a passenger aircraft, a ship, or the like. Moreover, the form which implements this invention may be sufficient in the portable mist generator to carry and use.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the pneumatic delivery device 105 is used as a pressurizing device for pressurizing the aqueous solution stored in the aqueous solution tank 103. However, the aqueous solution may be pressurized by other methods. For example, the aqueous solution in the aqueous solution tank 103 may be pressurized by gradually deforming the aqueous solution tank 103 and reducing the space in the aqueous solution tank 103.

  (C) In relation to the above, by providing a water absorption rod (not shown) at the position of the water guide tube 104 without using the pressurizing unit, the aqueous solution is conveyed from the aqueous solution tank 103 to the ultrasonic transducer 102 by a capillary phenomenon. Form may be sufficient.

  (D) In the above-described embodiment, the conduit 104 is described as an example of a substantially tubular member extending in the vertical direction in the housing of the mist generator 100. However, other configurations or compositions may be used. Good. For example, the water conduit 104 may have a streamline shape, and a flow path of the aqueous solution may be formed via the outside of the housing. Alternatively, for example, the water conduit 104 and the housing of the mist generator may be integrally formed.

  (E) In the above embodiment, the switching circuit 204 and the emission plate 101 are connected. However, by connecting the switching circuit 204 and the ultrasonic transducer 102, voltage application to the ultrasonic transducer 102, and A form of detecting drought using the ultrasonic vibrator 102 may be used.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the mechanism for preventing the aqueous solution conveyed to the vicinity of the ultrasonic vibrator 102 from flowing back to the aqueous solution tank 103 in a state where the pneumatic delivery device 105 is stopped is not particularly specified. For example, the backflow of the aqueous solution may be prevented by providing a member such as an on-off valve or a filter in a part of the flow path.

  (G) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the ultrasonic transducer 102 is positioned above the aqueous solution tank 103 is described as an example. However, the ultrasonic transducer 102 and the aqueous solution tank 103 are provided at positions separated from each other. If it is the structure which has, it can implement this invention and can acquire the effect. For example, the embodiment of the present invention is implemented in the mist generator 100 having a structure in which the ultrasonic vibrator 102 and the aqueous solution tank 103 are positioned at the same height in the horizontal direction and separated by a space for storing the control board 200 and the like. But you can.

  (H) In the above embodiment, the switching circuit 204 has been described as an example of means for switching the electric circuit. However, the electric circuit may be switched using other members. For example, an electric circuit may be switched using a transistor (not shown) or the like provided on the control board 200.

  (I) In the above embodiment, the aqueous solution transport process and the drought detection process are performed in parallel. However, the drought detection process may be started after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the transport process.

10 vehicle 100 mist generator 101 discharge plate (atomization part)
102 Ultrasonic vibrator (Atomization part)
103 Aqueous solution tank (water storage tank)
104 Water conduit (conveyance unit)
105 Pneumatic delivery device (pressure unit)
106 Drought electrode (liquid detector)
200 Control board 201 Microcomputer (main control unit)
202 vibrator drive circuit (drive control unit)
203 Pneumatic delivery device drive circuit (pressure unit)
204 Switching circuit (switching unit)

Claims (7)

A water storage tank for storing liquid inside,
An atomizing section for atomizing a liquid;
A drive control unit for controlling the drive of the atomizing unit;
A transport unit that forms part of a flow path for transporting the liquid stored in the water storage tank to the atomization unit;
A liquid detection unit that includes an electrode provided inside the water storage tank, and detects a liquid stored in the water storage tank by applying a voltage to the electrode;
In a mist generator comprising a main control unit that controls the drive control unit and the liquid detection unit,
The main control unit is electrically connected to the atomization unit, and detects a voltage applied to the electrode by the liquid detection unit via the liquid present in the transport unit and the atomization unit. The drive control unit controls the drive control unit to drive the atomization unit when the voltage is detected, and stops driving the atomization unit when the voltage is not detected. A mist generator characterized by controlling. By switching the electric circuit, the electric circuit that connects the atomization unit and the drive control unit, and a switching unit that forms one of the electric circuit that connects the atomization unit and the main control unit,
The mist generator according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit controls the switching unit to perform the switching at a predetermined cycle. The main control unit prohibits the switching unit from switching when an electric circuit connecting the atomization unit and the main control unit is formed by the switching unit and the voltage is not detected. The mist generator according to claim 2. The mist generator includes a pressurization unit that pressurizes the liquid stored in the water storage tank to urge the liquid to reach the atomization unit via the transport unit,
The main control unit stops driving the pressurizing unit when the voltage is detected, and drives the pressurizing unit when the voltage is not detected. Item 4. The mist generator according to any one of Items 3. The said pressurization part pressurizes the liquid in the said storage tank by sending air into the inside of the said storage tank from the outside of the said storage tank, and increasing the air pressure in the said storage tank. The mist generator described in 1. The said conveyance part contains the water absorption stick | rod which absorbs the liquid stored in the said water storage part from one end, and discharges | emits this liquid from one end opposite to this one end. The mist generator described in 1. The atomizing section includes an ultrasonic vibrator and is provided above the water storage tank,
The drive control unit applies a voltage to the ultrasonic transducer,
The mist generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transport unit forms the flow path vertically upward.