A nebulizer with multiple safety protections

Abstract

This invention discloses a nebulizer with multiple safety protections, comprising a nebulizer main unit and a mask. The nebulizer main unit includes a shell, a liquid container with an upper opening, a cap, an electric heating device, and a control circuit board. The electric heating device is vertically installed in the bottom cavity of the liquid container and includes a shell with a lower opening, an electric heating element, an NTC temperature sensor, a snap-action temperature controller, and a fuse. The electric heating element, NTC temperature sensor, snap-action temperature controller, and fuse are respectively housed within the shell and connected in series via wires. The NTC temperature sensor is connected to the control circuit board via wires. Due to this structure, the circuit control of the electric heating device has triple safety protection, making the nebulizer very safe to use. Simultaneously, a mist flow control valve is installed in the steam channel between the cap and the mask, allowing for flexible adjustment of the steam flow rate according to user needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of atomizers, and in particular to an atomizer with multiple safety protections. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, nebulizers primarily use ultrasonic atomizing pads to agitate medication into 1-5μm microparticles, which are then blown into a mist by a fan. This mist is inhaled through the respiratory tract and acts directly on the throat and lungs for highly effective local treatment. However, in autumn and winter, the mist from these nebulizers is cold, which can be uncomfortable for users. Therefore, there is a desire to develop a nebulizer with a heating function.

[0003] Recently, Chinese utility model patent ZL202320754086.1 disclosed a nebulizer, including a nebulizer body and a mask. The mask is disposed on one side of the nebulizer body. A heating mechanism is provided on the surface of the nebulizer body. The heating mechanism includes a heating component and a mounting component. The mounting component is disposed at the bottom of the heating component. A guide component is disposed between one side of the nebulizer body and the mask. The heating component includes an outer sleeve, a heat insulation pad, a heating side plate, and a heating base plate. The outer sleeve is fitted onto the surface of the nebulizer body. Through the designed outer sleeve, heat insulation pad, heating side plate, heating base plate, base block, mounting groove, and connecting block, the device can heat the solution inside the device through the heating base plate and multiple heating side plates when used in winter. The problem is that the heating component lacks a safety protection mechanism, posing a potential safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a nebulizer with multiple safety protections to solve the problems mentioned in the background art. This nebulizer is very safe to use, with a triple safety protection structure set in the circuit control of the electric heating device. At the same time, it can flexibly adjust the steam flow and control the smooth flow of steam according to user needs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A nebulizer with multiple safety protections includes a nebulizer main unit and a mask connected to the top of the nebulizer main unit. The nebulizer main unit includes a housing, a liquid container with an upper opening, a cap, an electric heating device, and a control circuit board. The electric heating device is vertically installed in the center of the bottom cavity of the liquid container. The electric heating device includes a housing with a lower opening, an electric heating element, an NTC temperature sensor, a snap-action temperature controller, and a fuse. The electric heating element, NTC temperature sensor, snap-action temperature controller, and fuse are respectively installed inside the housing and are connected in series by wires. The NTC temperature sensor is connected to the control circuit board by wires.

[0007] When the temperature of the electric heating device reaches the threshold set by the NTC temperature sensor, the NTC temperature sensor sends a signal to the microcontroller on the control circuit board. The microcontroller program then controls the circuit of the heating element to disconnect, stopping the heating element from heating and preventing all the water in the container from evaporating, thus achieving the first layer of safety protection for the electric heating device. If the NTC temperature sensor fails, the heating element continues to heat and begins to dry-burn. When the temperature of the electric heating device reaches the threshold set by the snap-action thermostat, the snap-action thermostat disconnects the circuit of the heating element, stopping the heating element from heating, thus achieving the second layer of safety protection for the electric heating device. If both the NTC temperature sensor and the snap-action thermostat fail, the heating element will continue to heat, resulting in severe dry-burning. When the temperature of the electric heating device reaches the melting point of the fuse, the fuse melts, cutting off the circuit of the heating element, thus achieving the third layer of safety protection for the electric heating device.

[0008] Preferably, the threshold value of the NTC temperature sensor is set to 115°C, the threshold value of the snap-action temperature controller 34 is set to 130°C, and the melting point temperature of the fuse is 150°C.

[0009] Specifically, the heating element is a PTC heating device, which is in the shape of a flat cuboid. The outer shell of the heating device has a rectangular cavity, and the PTC heating element is fitted into the rectangular cavity of the outer shell. The surface of the PTC heating element is in close contact with the inner wall of the cavity of the outer shell.

[0010] Furthermore, a top post is provided on the top surface of the cavity of the outer shell. The top post supports the top surface of the PTC heating element. The top post provides a gap between the top surface of the PTC heating element and the top surface of the cavity of the outer shell. The gap is used to prevent the top surface of the PTC heating element from fitting together with the top surface of the cavity of the outer shell.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a mist control valve, which comprises a valve body and a lever. The valve body cavity contains a valve chip with fan-shaped orifices. The lever includes a gate plate with fan-shaped orifices and a handle. The gate plate is horizontally inserted into the valve body and tightly fitted against the valve chip. The handle extends from a movable hole on the valve body's tube. Horizontal rotation of the handle aligns the fan-shaped orifices on the gate plate with those on the valve chip, thereby controlling the steam flow rate. The mist control valve is located in the steam passage between the cylinder cover and the mask.

[0012] Furthermore, the cap covers the upper opening of the liquid container, and a vertically downward-extending guide pipe is provided at the center of the top plate of the cap. The guide pipe smoothly guides the water vapor through the pipe and into the mask, effectively preventing the turbulently ejected water vapor from choking the user.

[0013] This invention provides a nebulizer with multiple safety protections. By incorporating an NTC temperature sensor, a snap-action thermostat, and a fuse into the electrical heating device's circuitry, a triple safety protection structure is achieved, making the nebulizer extremely safe to use and effectively preventing fire accidents. Furthermore, a mist control valve is installed in the steam channel between the cylinder cap and the mask, allowing for flexible adjustment of the steam flow according to user needs. A guide tube is located at the center of the top plate of the cylinder cap, further smoothing the steam flow and enhancing user comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is the front view of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 AA sectional view.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the electric heating device of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of the control circuit of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the technical solutions and effects of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0021] The terms "connection," "setting," and "installation" used in this invention should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a movable connection, or a detachable connection; it can also be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; and it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the aforementioned terms in this invention based on the actual situation. The terms "inner," "outer," "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., describe the orientation or positional relationship of the device / component indicated in the drawings, and do not emphasize that the indicated component / device must have a specific orientation structure and operation, and should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish similar technical features, and should not be construed as indicating the relative importance or sequential relationship of the technical features.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a nebulizer with multiple safety protections includes a nebulizer main unit 1 and a face mask 2 detachably connected to the top of the nebulizer main unit. The nebulizer main unit 1 includes a housing 11, a liquid container 12 with an upper opening, a cap 13, an electric heating device 3, and a control circuit board 4. The electric heating device 13 extends upward from the bottom of the liquid container 12 and is vertically installed in the center of the bottom cavity of the liquid container 12. The electric heating device 3 includes a housing 31 made of cast aluminum iron with a lower opening, an electric heating element 32, an NTC temperature sensor 33, a snap-action temperature controller 34, and a fuse 35. The electric heating element 32, the NTC temperature sensor 33, the snap-action temperature controller 34, and the fuse 35 are respectively installed in the housing 31 and connected in series by wires. The NTC temperature sensor 33 is connected to the control circuit board 4 by wires.

[0023] The rated heating power of this nebulizer is approximately 66 watts. During use, 40ml of water is added to the liquid container 12. After heating for about 4 minutes, the water in the container 12 begins to boil and emit steam. Heating continues for about 30 minutes, until almost all 40ml of water has evaporated. When only 2-3ml remains, the temperature inside the electric heating device 3 gradually rises to 115℃. The NTC temperature sensor 33 detects the temperature change inside the electric heating device 3 in real time and sends a signal to the control circuit board 4. When the temperature of the electric heating device 3 reaches the threshold of 115℃ set by the NTC temperature sensor 33, the NTC temperature sensor 33 sends a signal to the microcontroller 5 on the control circuit board 4. The microcontroller 5 then programs the circuit on the heating element 32 to disconnect, executing a power-off operation. This effectively prevents dry burning after the water in the liquid container has completely evaporated, achieving the first layer of safety protection for the electric heating device. If the NTC temperature sensor 33 is damaged or fails, the heating element 32 will continue to heat, and after the remaining water boils away, it will begin to dry-burn. Since the temperature threshold of the snap-action thermostat 34 is set to 130℃, when the temperature inside the heating device 3 reaches 130℃, the snap-action thermostat 34 controls the circuit on the heating device 3 to disconnect, and the heating element 32 stops heating, achieving the second layer of safety protection for the heating device. In extreme cases, if both the NTC temperature sensor 33 and the snap-action thermostat 34 fail, and the nebulizer has a major quality problem, the heating element 32 will continue to heat, and the heating device 3 will continue to dry-burn. When the temperature inside the heating device 3 reaches the melting point of the fuse (150 degrees Celsius), the fuse will directly melt to cut off the circuit of the heating element 32, preventing a fire caused by prolonged dry-burning, thus achieving the third layer of safety protection for the heating device. Its circuit control structure is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0024] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the electric heating element 32 is a PTC heating device. The PTC heating element is in the shape of a flat cuboid. The outer shell 31 of the heating device has a rectangular cavity. The PTC heating element 32 is fitted into the rectangular cavity of the outer shell 31. The surface of the PTC heating element 32 is in close contact with the inner wall of the cavity of the outer shell 31, which can better conduct heat for heating.

[0025] Furthermore, a top post 311 is provided on the top surface of the cavity of the outer shell 31. The top post 311 provides a gap between the top surface of the PTC heating element 32 and the top surface of the cavity of the outer shell 31, which is used to prevent the top surface of the PTC heating element 32 from sticking to the top surface of the cavity of the outer shell 31. When the water level in the liquid container 12 is lower than the top surface of the outer shell 31, the top of the electric heating device 3 begins to dry burn, causing the NTC temperature sensor 33 to detect the temperature inside the electric heating device 3 inaccurately, thus triggering the first layer of safety protection in advance.

[0026] Furthermore, it also includes a mist control valve 6, which comprises a valve body 61 and a lever 62. The valve body 61 has a valve chip 611 with fan-shaped holes inside its cavity. The lever 62 includes a gate 621 with fan-shaped holes and a handle 622. The gate 621 is horizontally inserted into the valve body 61 and tightly fitted against the valve chip 611. The handle 622 extends from the movable hole 612 on the valve body 61. Rotating the handle 622 horizontally left and right adjusts the fan-shaped holes on the gate 621 and the valve chip 611 to control the steam flow rate, allowing for flexible adjustment of the steam flow rate according to different user needs. The mist control valve 6 is located in the steam channel between the cylinder cover 12 and the mask 2.

[0027] The cap 13 covers the upper opening of the liquid container 12. A vertically downward extending guide pipe 131 is provided at the center of the top plate of the cap 13. The high-temperature water vapor generated by the liquid container 12 rises and accumulates in the top cavity of the cap 13. Under the guidance of the pipe opening suspended by the guide pipe 131, the water vapor flows evenly and smoothly from the guide pipe 131 into the mask, effectively preventing the user from being choked by the turbulently sprayed water vapor.

[0028] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nebulizer with multiple safety protections, comprising a nebulizer main unit and a mask connected to the top of the nebulizer main unit, characterized in that: The atomizing unit includes a housing, a liquid container with an upper opening, a cap, an electric heating device, and a control circuit board. The electric heating device is vertically installed in the center of the bottom cavity of the liquid container. The electric heating device includes a housing with a lower opening, an electric heating element, an NTC temperature sensor, a snap-action temperature controller, and a fuse. The electric heating element, NTC temperature sensor, snap-action temperature controller, and fuse are respectively installed inside the housing and are connected in series by wires. The NTC temperature sensor is connected to the control circuit board by wires.

2. The nebulizer with multiple safety protections according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the temperature of the electric heating device reaches the threshold set by the NTC temperature sensor, the NTC temperature sensor sends a signal to the microcontroller on the control circuit board. The microcontroller program then controls the circuit of the heating element to disconnect, and the heating element stops heating, achieving the first layer of safety protection for the electric heating device. If the NTC temperature sensor fails, the heating element continues to heat and begins to dry-burn. When the temperature of the electric heating device reaches the threshold set by the snap-on thermostat, the snap-on thermostat disconnects the circuit of the heating element, and the heating element stops heating, achieving the second layer of safety protection for the electric heating device. If both the NTC temperature sensor and the snap-on thermostat fail, the heating element will continue to heat, resulting in severe dry-burning. When the temperature of the electric heating device reaches the melting point of the fuse, the fuse melts, cutting off the circuit of the heating element, achieving the third layer of safety protection for the electric heating device.

3. The nebulizer with multiple safety protections according to claim 3, characterized in that: The threshold value set for the NTC temperature sensor is 115°C, the threshold value set for the snap-on temperature controller 34 is 130°C, and the melting point temperature of the fuse is 150°C.

4. A nebulizer with multiple safety protections according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that: The heating element is a PTC heating device, which is in the shape of a flat cuboid. The outer shell of the heating device has a rectangular cavity, and the PTC heating element is fitted into the rectangular cavity of the outer shell. The surface of the PTC heating element is in close contact with the inner wall of the cavity of the outer shell.

5. A nebulizer with multiple safety protections according to claim 4, characterized in that: A top post is provided on the top surface of the cavity of the outer shell, and the top post supports the top surface of the PTC heating element.

6. A nebulizer with multiple safety protections according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a mist flow control valve, which includes a valve body and a lever. The valve body cavity is provided with a valve chip with a fan-shaped hole. The lever includes a gate plate with a fan-shaped hole and a lever. The gate plate is horizontally inserted into the valve body and closely attached to the valve chip. The lever extends out from the movable hole on the valve body tube. Horizontally rotating the lever to make the fan-shaped hole on the gate plate coincide with the fan-shaped hole on the valve chip realizes the control of the steam flow rate.

7. A nebulizer with multiple safety protections according to claim 6, characterized in that: The mist control valve is installed in the steam passage between the cylinder cover and the mask.

8. A nebulizer with multiple safety protections according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cap covers the upper opening of the liquid container, and a vertically downward-extending guide pipe is provided at the center of the top plate of the cap.

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