Sterilization system

Abstract

To provide a sterilization system capable of creating purified water of a sufficient purification degree only by supplying normal water to spraying means, and spraying purified water by supplying it to an atomization tank without stagnating.SOLUTION: In a sterilization system, spraying means comprises: a tank unit which is equipped with water treatment means for performing water treatment to normal water to be stored and creating purified water inside the unit; an atomization tank capable of storing purified water supplied from the tank unit; and an atomization device in which an ultrasonic vibrator that atomizes purified water inside the atomization tank to create fine particles is disposed. The water treatment means is formed of a water treatment unit in which water treatment agent is filled in a cylindrical member having a prescribed height which has a normal water inlet on an upper surface and a purified water outlet on a lower surface. In an inner peripheral surface of the tank unit, a fitting member which installs the water treatment unit in a fitted manner is provided along the inner peripheral surface, an upper space on a normal water inlet side and a lower space on a purified water outlet side are partitioned by the fitting member, and the water treatment means is equipped with a communication pipe communicating between the upper space and the lower space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sterilization system, and more particularly to a technique for inactivating or sterilizing airborne viruses and bacteria without using alcohol or chlorine-based chemicals. [Background technology]

[0002] Various viruses and bacteria float in the air, and since they can cause various diseases if taken into the human body, it is desirable to remove them. In addition, since various viruses and bacteria are brought into places where a large number of people come and go, such as schools, hospitals, stations, commercial facilities, and office buildings, it is particularly desirable to effectively inactivate or disinfect various places within the facilities in order to prevent the spread of infection.

[0003] One possible method of disinfection is to use alcohol or chlorine-based liquid agents, which have the effect of inactivating viruses and reducing bacteria, to wipe down areas that people touch, floors, etc. However, this method requires frequent wiping of various areas that people are likely to touch, which is very time-consuming and therefore not practical.

[0004] It has also been proposed that alcohol or chlorine-based liquid agents can be atomized and sprayed into space to bring them into contact with airborne bacteria and reduce their numbers (Patent Document 1).

[0005] This method described in Patent Document 1 is used in a variety of locations because it is possible to effectively disinfect without the need for human intervention by simply spraying the disinfectant solution automatically from a spraying means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6473910 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, when liquid is widely sprayed into a space, it not only inactivates viruses and reduces bacteria, but can also be taken into the human body through the nose and mouth, so many people are wary of spraying liquid that could have an adverse effect on human health.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide a sterilization system that is capable of inactivating viruses and reducing bacteria present in a space without using liquid agents that may affect human health. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterilization system that can obtain purified water with a sufficient degree of purity simply by supplying ordinary water, and can spray a mist with a sterilizing effect using a spraying means.

[0010] The inventors of the present invention discovered that viruses, bacteria and fungi present in a space can be effectively inactivated or reduced in number by spraying purified water, which is made by removing impurities from ordinary water, and then atomizing it using ultrasonic vibrations and sorting it using a separator to a level that allows the particles to undergo Brownian motion, and the resulting solution, leading to the invention of the present application.

[0011] The present invention provides the following solutions.

[0012] A sterilization system according to a first feature is a sterilization system comprising a water treatment means for treating normal water to produce purified water, and a spraying means for converting the purified water produced by the water treatment means into fine particles by ultrasonic vibration and spraying the fine particles. The spraying means comprises a tank unit having therein the water treatment means for treating stored normal water to produce purified water, an atomization tank capable of storing purified water supplied from the tank unit, and an atomization device in which an ultrasonic vibrator is disposed for atomizing the purified water in the atomization tank to produce fine particles. The water treatment means is formed by a water treatment unit in a cylindrical member of a predetermined height having a normal water inlet on its upper surface and a purified water outlet on its lower surface, the cylindrical member being filled with a water treatment agent. A fitting member for fitting and attaching the water treatment unit is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the tank unit, the fitting member partitioning an upper space on the normal water inlet side from a lower space on the purified water outlet side, and the tank unit is provided with a communicating pipe connecting the upper space and the lower space.

[0013] According to the sterilization system of the first feature, the tank unit includes a water treatment means for treating stored ordinary water to generate purified water, so that purified water can be generated simply by supplying ordinary water to the tank unit. Here, the water treatment means is formed by a water treatment unit in which a water treatment agent is filled in a substantially cylindrical member of a predetermined height having an ordinary water inlet on the upper surface and a purified water outlet on the lower surface, so that ordinary water supplied from above can be gradually treated in the water treatment unit while being discharged from below as purified water. In addition, a fitting member for fitting and attaching the water treatment unit is provided along the inner circumferential surface of the tank unit, and an upper space on the ordinary water inlet side and a lower space on the purified water outlet side are partitioned by the fitting member, so that almost all of the ordinary water supplied to the tank unit passes through the water treatment unit to perform water treatment. At that time, since the tank unit includes a communication pipe that communicates between the upper space and the lower space, the communication pipe serves to maintain the pressure in the lower space at the same atmospheric pressure as the upper space, and the flow of purified water from the tank unit to the atomization tank can be properly maintained. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, a sterilization system can be provided that can produce purified water with a sufficient degree of purity simply by supplying ordinary water to a spraying means, and can supply purified water to a spraying tank without stagnation and spray it. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a sterilization system according to the present invention. In Figure 1(a), the water treatment means and the spray means are separate, and in Figure 1(b), the water treatment means is built into the spray means. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the spray means 2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a front view of the spray means 2 according to the first embodiment with the cover member 80 removed. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a right side view of the spray means 2 according to the first embodiment with the cover member 80 removed. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a rear view of the spray means 2 according to the first embodiment with the cover member 80 removed. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a front view of the spray means 2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2E. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a partially enlarged perspective view of the atomization unit 10 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of the pulverization unit 10 according to the first embodiment in a state during use. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the blowing unit 30 of the spraying means 2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a plan view of the blowing unit 30 of the spraying means 2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a front view of the blowing unit 30 of the spraying means 2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a bottom view of the blowing unit 30 of the spraying means 2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a front view of the installation unit 60 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a bottom view of the base member 61 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a plan view of the top member 63 according to the first embodiment with a top member cover 63g removed. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the top member 63 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is a plan view of the top member cover 63g according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6E] FIG. 6E is a perspective view of the top member 63 and the blowing unit 30 when purified water is being replenished. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a front view of the tank unit 20. FIG. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the upper tank 21. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7D is a perspective view of the upper tank 21 as viewed from a different angle. [Figure 7E] FIG. 7E is a perspective view of the water treatment unit 90. [Figure 7F] FIG. 7F is a plan view of the water treatment unit 90. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a sterilization method using the sterilization system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the spray means 3 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view of the spray means 3 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the spray means 3 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a schematic exploded view showing the internal structure of the spray means 3 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an exploded state of the atomization tank 110 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front cross-sectional view showing an exploded state of the atomization tank 110 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing an exploded state of the atomization tank 110 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 is a schematic diagram showing details of the first mist tank member 111 according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view seen from above, (b) is a perspective view seen from below, (c) is a plan view, (d) is a bottom view, (e) is a side cross-sectional view, and (f) is a front cross-sectional view. [Figure 17] 17 is a schematic diagram showing details of the second mist tank member 112 according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view seen from above, (b) is a perspective view seen from below, (c) is an elevational view, and (d) is a plan view. [Figure 18] 18A to 18C are schematic diagrams showing details of the third mist tank member 113 according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side cross-sectional view, and (c) is a front cross-sectional view. [Figure 19] 19 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a separator 140 according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the atomization tank 110 as viewed from the bottom side, and (b) is a front cross-sectional view of the separator 140. [Figure 20] 20 is a schematic diagram showing details of the first lower separator member 114 according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view seen from above, (b) is a perspective view seen from below, and (c) is a bottom view. [Figure 21] 21 is a schematic diagram showing details of the second lower separator member 115 according to the second embodiment, in which (a) is a perspective view seen from above, (b) is a perspective view seen from below, and (c) is a bottom view. [Figure 22]22 is a schematic diagram showing details of a tank unit 200 according to a second embodiment, in which (a) is a side cross-sectional view of the tank unit 200, (b) is a perspective view of the tank unit 200, (c) is a rear view of the tank unit 200, and (d) is a perspective view of the tank main body 210 as viewed from below. [Figure 23] 23 is a schematic diagram showing details of the cap member 220 constituting the tank unit 200. (a) is a perspective view of the cap member 220, (b) is a perspective view showing the cap member 220 in an exploded state, (c) is a front cross-sectional view of the cap main body 221, (d) is a perspective view of the shaft body 222, (e) is a front view of the valve member 223, (f) is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cap member 220 when the valve member 223 is in a closed state, and (g) is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cap member 2230 when the valve member 223 is in an open state. [Figure 24] 24 is a schematic diagram showing a water treatment unit 600. (a) is a perspective view showing the water treatment unit 600 disposed inside the tank unit 200, and (b) is a perspective view of the water treatment unit. [Diagram 25] 25 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the valve control member 500. (a) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration around the valve control member 500, (b) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the valve control member 500 is not pushing up the valve member 223, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the valve control member 500 is pushing up the valve member 223. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows an example of a test result regarding the number of airborne viruses using the sterilization system according to the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows an example of test results relating to the logarithmic virus reduction value and the logarithmic virus reduction rate using the sterilization system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0017] [Overall configuration of the sterilization system] The overall configuration of the sterilization system according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the sterilization system according to the present invention. Fig. 1(a) shows a system in which the water treatment means and the spray means are separate, and Fig. 1(b) shows a system in which the water treatment means is built into the spray means.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the sterilization system of the present invention is composed of a water treatment means 1 that removes impurities from ordinary water to produce purified water, and a spraying means 2 that atomizes the purified water by ultrasonic vibration and sprays it.

[0019] The water treatment means 1 is for producing purified water by removing impurities from ordinary water. The removal of impurities by the water treatment means 1 is performed by any one of or a combination of the following: treatment with a reverse osmosis membrane, ion exchange treatment using an ion exchange resin to remove cations and anions in ordinary water, adsorption treatment in which impurities are adsorbed onto activated carbon, ultraviolet treatment in which impurities are removed by irradiating ultraviolet light, ultrafiltration membrane treatment in which ultrafiltration is performed using an ultrafiltration membrane, and distillation in which impurities are separated by utilizing the difference in boiling points between water and impurities.

[0020] The spraying means 2 atomizes the purified water from which impurities have been removed by the water treatment means 1 to a level where Brownian motion can be caused by ultrasonic vibration, and sprays the atomized water. A level where Brownian motion can be caused specifically refers to fine particles having an average particle size of about 0.1 to 1.0 μm. Although details will be described later, in the present invention, the spraying means 2 selects particles atomized using an ultrasonic vibrator using a separator, and extracts and sprays only fine particles having a particle size where Brownian motion can be caused.

[0021] First Embodiment Next, the spraying means 2 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 7. In the following, the water treatment means 1 is built into the spraying means 2 as shown in Fig. 1(b). Fig. 2A shows a perspective view of the overall configuration of the spraying means 2, Fig. 2B shows a front view with the cover member 80 removed, Fig. 2C shows a right side view with the cover member 80 removed, Fig. 2D shows a rear view with the cover member 80 removed, Fig. 2E shows a front view of the spraying means 2, and Fig. 2F shows an AA cross-sectional view of Fig. 2E. Fig. 3A shows a partially enlarged perspective view of the atomization unit 10, and Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram showing the state of the atomization unit 10 when in use. Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of the blowing unit 30, Fig. 4B shows a plan view of the blowing unit 30, Fig. 4C shows a front view of the blowing unit 30, and Fig. 4D shows a bottom view of the blowing unit 30. Also, Fig. 5A shows a front view of the installation unit 60, Fig. 5B shows an AA cross-sectional view of Fig. 5A, and Fig. 5C shows a bottom view of the lower base 61. Also, Fig. 6A shows a plan view of the top member 63 with the top member cover 63g removed, Fig. 6B shows an AA cross-sectional view of Fig. 6A, Fig. 6C shows a bottom view of the top member 63, Fig. 6D shows a plan view of the top member cover 63g, and Fig. 6E shows a perspective view of the top member 63 and the blowing unit 30 during liquid agent supply. Also, Fig. 7A shows a front view of the tank unit 20, Fig. 7B shows a BB cross-sectional view of Fig. 7A, Fig. 7C shows a perspective view of the upper tank 21, Fig. 7D shows a perspective view of the upper tank 21 from a different angle, Fig. 7E shows a perspective view of the water treatment unit 90, and Fig. 7F shows a plan view of the water treatment unit 90. In addition, the liquid level sensor 15, the control unit 50, and the power supply unit 70 are omitted in FIG. 2B, and the power supply unit 70 is omitted in FIG. 2C.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2A to 2D, the spraying means 2 of the first embodiment is composed of an atomization unit 10 that atomizes purified water to generate and transport fine particles, a tank unit 20 that has therein a water treatment means 1 that treats stored ordinary water to generate purified water and supplies the generated purified water to the atomization unit 10, a blowing unit 30 that blows out the fine particles generated in the atomization unit 10, a supply unit 40 that sends out the fine particles generated in the atomization unit 10 and supplies purified water to the atomization unit 10, a control unit 50 that controls the devices that constitute each unit, an installation unit 60 that fixes each unit together, a power supply unit 70 that supplies power to each device, a cover member 80 that covers each unit, and a water treatment unit 90 that functions as the water treatment means 1.

[0023] [Configuration of the microparticulation unit 10] The atomization unit 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Fig. 3A shows a partially enlarged perspective view of the atomization unit 10, and Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram showing the atomization unit 10 during use. Note that the blower 13 and the HEPA filter 13f are omitted in Fig. 3A.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3A, the atomization unit 10 includes an atomization tank 11 having a predetermined width and capable of storing purified water, an atomization device 12 having a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 12a, 12b, 12c, etc. arranged in the width and depth directions within the atomization tank 11 to atomize the purified water and generate fine particles, a blower 13 having an air blowing member (not shown) capable of maintaining a predetermined rotation speed and ejecting transport air for transporting the fine particles of the purified water from an air blower port 11b provided in the atomization tank 11 into the atomization tank 11, two separators 14a, 14b arranged to receive a liquid column of purified water generated by the ultrasonic vibrators 12a, 12b, 12c, etc., and a liquid level sensor 15 for detecting the liquid level within the atomization tank 11.

[0025] The atomizing tank 11 is for storing and atomizing the purified water supplied from the tank unit 20, and has a shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped having a predetermined width. A supply port 11a is formed on a top surface 11d of the atomizing tank 11, and the purified water supplied from the tank unit 20 via a purified water supply pump 41 of a supply unit 40 described later flows into the atomizing tank 11 through the supply port 11a. In addition, an air outlet 11b is formed on the top surface 11d of the atomizing tank 11, and the conveying air from the blower 13 flows into the atomizing tank 11 through the air outlet 11b. In addition, a delivery port 11c is formed on the top surface 11d of the atomizing tank 11, and the fine particles atomized in the atomizing tank 11 are delivered from the delivery port 11c together with the conveying air. The atomizing tank 11 is fixed to a lower base 61 of an installation unit 60 described later by a known means such as screwing. At this time, the atomization tank 11 is disposed inside the area defined by the six columnar members 62 of the installation unit 60. The atomization tank 11 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In the first embodiment, the top surface 11d of the atomization tank 11 is formed by a top surface member attached to the main body of the atomization tank 11.

[0026] The atomizing device 12 is a device including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers 12a, 12b, 12c, etc., arranged at the bottom of the atomizing tank 11, and is operated by power supplied from the power supply unit 70 to emit ultrasonic waves. The atomizing device 12 according to the first embodiment has ultrasonic transducers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f arranged in two rows in the depth direction and three rows in the width direction of the atomizing tank 11 in a planar manner, and generates fine particles by atomizing purified water over a wide range in the atomizing tank 11. When the atomizing device 12 is operated, a liquid column is generated from the liquid surface toward the upper side of each of the arranged ultrasonic transducers 12a, 12b, 12c, etc.

[0027] The blower 13 includes a blowing member (not shown) capable of controlling the number of revolutions in response to a signal from the control unit 50, and supplies the carrier air for transporting the atomized purified water into the atomization tank 11 through the air outlet 11b. An outlet (not shown) for discharging the carrier air is connected to the air outlet 11b of the atomization tank 11 and is disposed so as to be able to blow air downward. In the first embodiment, the blower 13 is driven by power supplied from the power supply unit 70, and the number of revolutions is controlled by changing the applied voltage in response to a signal from the control unit 50.

[0028] 3B, the blower 13 has a discharge port facing substantially vertically downward and a suction port perpendicular to the discharge port, and is formed as a centrifugal fan that blows air drawn in from the axial direction of the rotating shaft in a radial direction. That is, air is drawn in horizontally from the axial direction of the rotating shaft of a blower member (not shown) arranged substantially horizontally, and pressure is applied by the blower member to push the air out radially from the discharge port facing substantially vertically downward and supplied into the atomization tank 11.

[0029] The blower 13 in the first embodiment has an intake port perpendicular to the rotation axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction, sucks in the conveying air from the horizontal direction, and discharges the conveying air downward displaced in a substantially perpendicular direction from the intake port, so that the suction pressure to the blower can be maintained strong. Therefore, it is possible to cause a large pressure loss while maintaining the air volume, generate conveying air with low pressure and large flow rate, and generate a large amount of fine particles that can perform Brownian motion.

[0030] In addition, since the HEPA filter 13f is attached to the suction port that has a suction surface perpendicular to the rotation axis of the blower member and draws in air in a substantially horizontal direction, the installation area of ​​the HEPA filter 13f can be made large, making it possible to effectively capture bacteria and germs in the air. Moreover, the blower 13 in the first embodiment has a centrifugal fan type that discharges air from the suction radial direction from the axial direction of the rotation axis of the blower member, and has a strong suction force, so that bacteria contained in the sucked air can be reliably captured by the HEPA filter.

[0031] In addition, even if the same bacteria removal efficiency is achieved, the HEPA filter 13f can be installed over a wide area, so that the effect can be achieved with little pressure loss, and therefore an excessively large blower does not need to be installed. In particular, in the spraying means of the present invention, as described below, the transport air blown into the atomization tank 11 is collided with the separators 14a and 14b to cause a pressure loss in the atomization tank 11, and only small particles capable of Brownian motion are transported, so it is necessary to avoid a large pressure loss occurring before the particles are supplied into the atomization tank 11.

[0032] It is preferable that the HEPA filter 13f attached to the suction port is made removable so that it can be washed periodically.

[0033] Next, the two separators 14a and 14b will be described. The separators 14a and 14b are flat members made of stainless steel, and their basic function is to separate the droplets generated by the ultrasonic vibration of the atomizing device 12 into large droplets and small fine particles. In other words, when a liquid column is generated above each ultrasonic vibrator 12a, 12b, 12c, etc., the large droplets contained in the liquid column collide with the separators 14a and 14b, flow downward, and return to the liquid layer stored in the atomizing tank 11. On the other hand, the small mist droplets contained in the liquid column are suspended near the separators 14a and 14b, and are transported to the outlet 11c along with the transport air supplied by the blower 13. In this way, the separators 14a and 14b function to separate the large droplets generated by the ultrasonic vibration from the small mist droplets.

[0034] In addition to these basic functions, the separators 14a and 14b according to the first embodiment are arranged as follows so as to achieve the functions described below.

[0035] The separator 14a according to the first embodiment (the first separator in the present invention) is disposed below the air outlet 11b and above the ultrasonic transducers 12a and 12d disposed at one end of the atomization tank 11 in the width direction.

[0036] In addition, the separator 14a has one end which is a connection portion 14ac (first connection portion in the present invention) connected to the top surface 11d of the atomization tank 11, and the other end which is an edge portion 14ae (first edge portion in the present invention) arranged at a predetermined distance from the side surface of the one widthwise end of the atomization tank 11, and is arranged so as to be inclined obliquely downward toward the one widthwise end of the atomization tank 11.

[0037] The separator 14b (second separator in the present invention) is disposed below the supply port 11a and the delivery port 11c and above the ultrasonic vibrators 12c and 12f disposed on the other end side of the atomization tank 11 in the width direction among the ultrasonic vibrators.

[0038] In addition, the separator 14b has a connection portion 14bc (a second connection portion in the present invention) at one end connected to the top surface of the atomization tank 11, and the other end has an edge portion 14be (a second edge portion in the present invention) arranged at a predetermined distance from the other end side of the atomization tank 11 in the width direction, i.e., the side opposite to the side on which the separator 14a is arranged, so that the separator 14b is arranged in the opposite direction to the separator 14a, i.e., inclined diagonally downward toward the other end side of the atomization tank 11 in the width direction.

[0039] In other words, the end of separator 14a is disposed so as to be spaced a predetermined distance from the side surface of one width end of the atomization tank 11, and the end of separator 14b is disposed so as to be spaced a predetermined distance from the side surface of the other width end of the atomization tank 11.

[0040] The air outlet 11b is provided closer to one end in the width direction than the connecting portion 14ac of the separator 14a and closer to the other end in the width direction of the atomization tank 11 than the edge portion 14ae, and the air outlet 11c is provided closer to the other end in the width direction than the connecting portion 14bc of the separator 14b.

[0041] The liquid level sensor 15 is for detecting the liquid level of the purified water stored in the atomization tank 11, and in the first embodiment, a float type sensor arranged outside the atomization tank 11 is used. In this case, the atomization tank 11 is provided with a circulation hole (not shown) at an appropriate height, and the purified water flows into the liquid level sensor 15 through the circulation hole. Since the atomization tank 11 and the liquid level sensor 15 connected through the circulation hole are under the same pressure, the liquid level in the liquid level sensor 15 and the liquid level in the atomization tank 11 have the same value. In this way, the liquid level of the atomization tank 11 is detected by the external liquid level sensor 15, but it is not limited to this as long as it can measure the liquid level. The liquid level sensor 15 in the first embodiment is used to detect a predetermined first liquid level h1 and a second liquid level h2 higher than the first liquid level h1.

[0042] The stop sensor 16, like the liquid level sensor 15, is intended to detect the liquid level of the purified water stored in the atomization tank 11, but as will be described later, it detects the liquid level to determine whether to forcibly stop the operation of the spraying means 2.

[0043] As described above, the atomization tank 11 is disposed inside the area defined by the six columnar members 62 of the installation unit 60, and similarly, each device constituting the atomization unit 10 is disposed inside the area defined by the six columnar members 62. In other words, when viewed in a plane, the multiple columnar members 62 are positioned on the outermost side, and each device is disposed inside the area surrounded by the multiple columnar members 62.

[0044] [Configuration of blowing unit 30] The blowing unit 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of the blowing unit 30, Fig. 4B shows a plan view of the blowing unit 30, Fig. 4C shows a front view of the blowing unit 30, and Fig. 4D shows a bottom view of the blowing unit 30.

[0045] The blowing unit 30 is for blowing out the fine particles generated in the atomization unit 10 together with the transport air, and is installed so as to protrude upward from the top member 63 disposed at the top of the installation unit 60. The blowing unit 30 is formed of a bottomless, substantially cylindrical blowing member 31 having a predetermined width, depth and height, and has a spray nozzle 32 at its upper end that is inclined obliquely upward and formed in a slit shape in the width direction. The lower end of the blowing member 31 is formed with a plurality of locking claws (not shown) that can be inserted into locking recesses 63b of the top member 63 described later.

[0046] Inside the blowing member 31, a partition wall 33 is provided protruding from the inside of the top surface, and by connecting the supply pipe 43 of the supply unit 40 to the area surrounded by the partition wall 33, the fine particles and the conveying air from the atomization unit 10 flow into the blowing unit 30. In this regard, referring to the plan view of the top member 63 shown in FIG. 6A with the top member cover 63g removed, a connection port 63a connected to the supply pipe 43 of the supply unit 40 is opened on the top surface of the top member 63. At the same time, a locking recess 63b is formed on the top surface of the top member 63 to lock a locking claw portion (not shown) formed on the lower end of the blowing unit 30. Then, when the locking claw portion of the blowing unit 30 is locked to the locking recess 63b of the top member 63, the lower end of the partition wall 33 is sealed and tightly attached around the connection port 63a in the top member 63, and the inner area of ​​the partition wall 33 and the supply pipe 43 of the supply unit 40 are connected via the connection port 63a.

[0047] A slit-shaped spray nozzle 32 inclined diagonally upward is formed at the upper end of the inner region of the partition wall 33, and the fine particles and transport air that flow into the inner region of the partition wall 33 from the connection port 63a are sprayed from the spray nozzle 32.

[0048] [Configuration of supply unit 40] Returning to FIG. 2, the configuration of the supply unit 40 will be described.

[0049] 2B to 2D, the supply unit 40 is composed of a purified water supply pump 41 for supplying purified water stored in the tank unit 20 to the atomization unit 10, a purified water supply pipe 42 connected to the purified water supply pump 41 and circulating purified water between the tank unit 20 and the atomization unit 10, and a supply pipe 43 for supplying the fine particles generated in the atomization unit 10 and the carrier air to the blowing unit. In the first embodiment, the supply unit 40 functions as the supply means in the present invention.

[0050] The purified water supply pipe 42 connects a connection port (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the tank unit 20 to the inlet of the purified water supply pump 41, and also connects the outlet of the purified water supply pump 41 to a supply port 11a formed on the top surface of the atomization tank 11.

[0051] That is, by using the purified water supply pump 41 and the purified water supply pipe 42, the purified water stored in the tank unit 20 can be supplied into the atomization tank 11 from the supply port 11a as needed.

[0052] In the first embodiment, a tube pump is used as the purified water supply pump 41, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0053] The supply pipe 43 connects the delivery port 11c formed on the top surface of the atomization tank 11 to the connection port 63a of the top member 63.

[0054] In other words, the fine particles generated in the atomization tank 11 are discharged from the delivery port 11c together with the conveying air, flow through the supply pipe 43, and enter the inner area of ​​the partition wall 32 formed in the blowing unit 30 through the connection port 63a of the top member 63, and then are sprayed from the spray port 31.

[0055] In the first embodiment, the supply pipe 43 is configured by a bellows-shaped flexible tube, but is not limited to this. The supply pipe 43 passes through a vertical recess formed in the approximate center of the tank unit 20, and connects the delivery port 11c and the connection port 63a.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the purified water supply pipe 42 is provided with a solenoid valve (not shown) that switches the purified water supply pipe 42 between a closed state and an open state, and the solenoid valve is controlled by a control unit 50 (described later).

[0057] In the first embodiment, a liquid level sensor 15 that detects the liquid level in the atomization tank 11, an electromagnetic valve that switches between a closed and an open state of the purified water supply pipe 42 connecting the atomization tank 11 and the tank unit 20, a purified water supply pump 41 that supplies purified water in the tank unit 20 to the atomization unit 10 via the purified water supply pipe 42, and a control unit 50 that controls the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve depending on the liquid level function as the supply adjustment means in the present invention.

[0058] That is, when the liquid level sensor 15 detects that the liquid level in the atomization tank 11 has dropped to a predetermined level, the control unit 50 opens the solenoid valve and drives the purified water supply pump 41 to supply purified water from the tank unit 20 to the atomization tank 11. When purified water is supplied until the liquid level in the atomization tank 11 reaches a predetermined level, the control unit 50 stops driving the purified water supply pump 41 and closes the solenoid valve to stop the supply of purified water from the tank unit 20 to the atomization tank 11. By this mechanism, purified water is replenished from the tank unit 20 by the amount of purified water that has decreased due to the atomization of purified water by the ultrasonic vibrator, so that purified water is supplied little by little from the tank unit 20, and the purified water can be passed through the water treatment means 1 in the tank unit 20 over a sufficient period of time to increase the degree of purification of the purified water.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the purified water supply pump 41 is not essential, and the purified water in the tank unit 20 may be supplied to the atomization unit 10 by gravity via the purified water supply pipe 42. In this case, the supply adjustment means is composed of the liquid level sensor 15, the solenoid valve, and the control unit 50, and the control unit 50 adjusts the supply of purified water to the atomization unit by controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve disposed in the purified water supply pipe 42.

[0060] [Configuration of control unit 50] The control unit 50 controls the operation of the blower 13 and the purified water supply pump 41, and is composed of well-known circuits, switches, and the like.

[0061] [Configuration of installation unit 60] The installation unit 60 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5A is a front view of the installation unit 60, Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 5A, and Fig. 5C is a bottom view of the base member 61.

[0062] The installation unit 60 is for fixing the above-mentioned units and members, and is composed of a lower base 61, a plurality of columnar members 62, a top member 63, and a plurality of legs 64.

[0063] The lower base 61 is a flat rectangular plate-like member located at the lower end of the installation unit 60, and fixes the atomization tank 11 and the lower ends of the multiple columnar members 62. In the first embodiment, the lower base 61 has four sides with upwardly protruding rising portions 61a, and the lower ends of the multiple columnar members 62 are fixed to each rising portion 61a by screws (not shown). In addition, the four corners of the lower base 61 are provided with connection ports 61b for connecting legs 64 for installing the spray means 2 on the floor surface. A female screw is formed in the connection port 61b, and a male screw formed in the leg 64 is rotatably connected to the connection port 61b.

[0064] The columnar members 62 are a plurality of columnar members arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and are members that define the inner region of the region defined by the plurality of columnar members as the region in which each unit is arranged and fix each unit. As shown in FIG. 5B, in the first embodiment, six columnar members 62 are used to define the inner region in which each unit is arranged. The lower end of each columnar member 62 is fixed to the rising portion 61a of the lower base 61, and the upper end is fixed to the top member 63 by a screw (not shown). That is, the six columnar members 62 connect the lower base 61 and the top member 63. In FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the thickness of the rising portion 61a and the columnar members 62 is drawn large to aid understanding.

[0065] Furthermore, in the middle portion of the columnar member 62, a fixing portion (not shown) for fixing the tank unit 20, the control unit 50, etc. is disposed.

[0066] In particular, above the columnar member 62, multiple insertion holes (not shown) are arranged at the same height, through which bolts that function as one of the fixing parts for fixing the tank unit 20 can be inserted, and the tank unit 20 can be fixed to the columnar member 62 by screwing the bolts into female threaded parts arranged at a predetermined height of the tank unit 20.

[0067] In this way, by arranging each device in an area surrounded by a plurality of vertically arranged columnar members 62, the devices are arranged so as to be stacked vertically. Since the columnar members 62 are the members arranged on the outermost side when viewed in a plane, it is possible to arrange the cover member 80, which will be described later, so as to be wrapped around the columnar members 62. In this case, since the cover member 80 has a shape without any irregularities, the spray means 2 fitted with the cover member 80 can obtain an appearance that gives a neat impression suitable for various environments.

[0068] Next, the top member 63 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6A shows a plan view of the top member 63 with the top member cover 63g removed, Fig. 6B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 6A, Fig. 6C shows a bottom view of the top member 63, Fig. 6D shows a plan view of the top member cover 63g, and Fig. 6E shows a perspective view of the top member 63 and the blowing unit 30 during normal water supply.

[0069] The top member 63 is a member located at the top of the installation unit 60, and is fixed to the upper ends of the columnar members 62, and is a member that fixes the blowing unit 30 at the top of the entire spraying means 2. As shown in Figures 6B and 6E, the top member 63 is made of a cylindrical member that has a sidewall, is flat and approximately rectangular in shape, has rounded corners, and has no bottom.

[0070] 6A and 6C, a connection port 63a connected to the supply pipe 43 of the supply unit 40 is opened on the top surface of the top member 63. At the same time, a locking recess 63b is formed on the top surface of the top member 63 to lock a locking claw portion (not shown) formed on the lower end of the blowing member 31.

[0071] Furthermore, the top surface of the top member 63 is provided with a top surface recess 63c that is locally lowered in height downward and an openable and closable door portion 63d that covers the top surface recess 63c, and the top surface recess 63c is provided with a supply port 63e that is connected to an inlet (not shown) formed on the upper surface of the tank unit 20. A female thread is formed on the inner surface of the supply port 63e, and it is configured so that a cap member (not shown) having a male thread portion is screwed into it.

[0072] The top member 63 and the plurality of columnar members 62 are connected by inserting bolts (not shown) through the plurality of screw holes 63f provided on the top surface and screwing the bolts into female threads (not shown) provided on the upper ends of the columnar members 62. Alternatively, instead of providing female threads on the columnar members 62, the connection may be made using bolts and nuts. After the top member 63 and the columnar members 62 are connected, the top surface of the top member 63 is covered with a top member cover 63g shown in FIG. 6D as shown in FIG. 6E.

[0073] [Power supply unit 70 configuration] The power supply unit 70 is a unit that connects to a home or commercial power source and supplies power to each device. Specifically, the power supply unit 70 includes a cable that connects to a power tap, a power switch 71 of the spray means 2 itself, and the like.

[0074] [Configuration of cover member 80] The cover member 80 is disposed around the multiple columnar members 62 and covers each device.

[0075] 2A, the cover member 80 is disposed by being wrapped around the periphery of the plurality of columnar members 62 so as to cover the height from below the top member 63 to the lower base 61. The cover member 80 is formed by bending an elastic stainless steel plate member through bending processing.

[0076] Here, in constructing the spraying means 2, the various devices such as the atomization unit 10 and the tank unit 20 are disposed in an area surrounded by a plurality of columnar members 62 arranged in the vertical direction, so that the columnar members 62 are disposed on the outermost side when viewed in a plan view. Therefore, it is possible to dispose the cover member 80 so as to wrap it around the columnar members 62. In this case, since the cover member 80 has a shape without any irregularities, the spraying means 2 fitted with the cover member 80 can obtain an appearance that gives a neat impression and is suitable for various environments.

[0077] [Configuration of tank unit 20 and water treatment unit 90] Next, the tank unit 20 and the water treatment unit 90 functioning as a water treatment means will be described with reference to FIG.

[0078] As shown in Figs. 7A to 7D, the tank unit 20 temporarily stores normal water supplied to the atomization tank 11 and generates purified water, and is composed of an upper tank 21 and a lower tank 22 disposed above the atomization unit 10. The tank unit 20 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an inlet 21a communicating with the supply port 63e of the top member 63 is opened on the upper surface of the upper tank 21. A connection port 22a connected to the purified water supply pipe 42 of the supply unit 40 is opened on the bottom surface of the lower tank 22. The lower surface of the upper tank 21 and the upper surface of the lower tank 22 have an opening communicating with each other, and a water treatment means 1 described later is inserted and disposed in the opening. With the water treatment means 1 fitted in the opening of the upper tank 21, the upper tank 21 and the lower tank 22 are connected by means such as screws to form the tank unit 20. The tank unit 20 is fixed to the columnar members 62 by known means such as screws so as to be disposed inside the area defined by the six columnar members 62 of the installation unit 60. At this time, a flange portion may be provided on the outer surface of the tank unit 20, and the flange portion may be connected to the columnar members 62. A recess 20a is formed in the vertical direction at the approximate center of the tank unit 20, and is configured so that a supply pipe 43 for supplying fine particles and carrier air from the atomization tank 11 to the blowing unit 30 can pass through the recess 20a. The capacity of the tank unit 20 is larger than that of the atomization tank 11, and a single supply of purified water to the tank unit 20 allows the supply of purified water to the atomization tank 11 multiple times, making it possible to continue operation for a long period of time. The tank unit 20 is formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) like the atomization tank 11.

[0079] Next, the water treatment unit 90 built into the tank unit 20 and functioning as the water treatment means 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 7E and 7F.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7E and FIG. 7F, the water treatment means 1 according to the first embodiment is formed by a water treatment unit 90 in which a cylindrical member 93 having a generally elliptical shape in a plan view of a predetermined height and having a normal water inlet 91 on the upper surface and a purified water outlet 92 on the lower surface is filled with a water treatment agent such as an ion exchange resin (not shown). The water treatment unit 90 is incorporated in the tank unit 20 by fitting its upper surface into an opening provided on the bottom surface of the upper tank 21 constituting the tank unit 20, and the cylindrical member 93 protruding into the lower tank 22. The bottom surface of the water treatment unit 90 is set to be separated from the bottom surface of the lower tank 22 by a small distance. The normal water inlet 91 and the purified water outlet 92 may be provided with mesh-like covers so that the water treatment agent filled therein does not flow out of the water treatment unit 90. In addition, a handle 94 is provided on the upper surface of the water treatment unit 90 to be held when mounting or removing the unit.

[0081] In the water treatment unit 90 configured in this manner, when ordinary water is supplied to the ordinary water inlet 91 formed on the upper surface, the ordinary water is gradually purified by the water treatment agent filled inside the tubular member 93, and flows out as purified water from the purified water outlet 92 formed on the lower surface.

[0082] When the water treatment unit 90 is fitted into the opening provided on the bottom surface of the upper tank 21, the tank unit 20 is divided into an upper space 20A on the regular water inlet 91 side and a lower space 20B on the purified water outlet 92 side, with the bottom surface of the upper tank 21 and the top surface of the lower tank 22 as the boundaries.

[0083] At this time, through holes (not shown) that communicate between the upper space 20A and the lower space 20B are formed in a part of the bottom surface of the upper tank 21 and the top surface of the lower tank 22, and a communication pipe 23 that communicates between the upper space 20A and the lower space 20B is inserted into the through holes as shown in Figures 7C and 7D. The communication pipe 23 communicates between the upper space 20A and the lower space 20B.

[0084] [Sterilization method using a sterilization system] Next, a sterilization method using the sterilization system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the sterilization method using the sterilization system according to the first embodiment.

[0085] [Step S100: Supply of regular water] First, prior to atomization and spraying in the spraying means 2, normal water is replenished into the tank unit 20 of the spraying means 2 (step S100).

[0086] When refilling the tank unit 20 with regular water, the user opens the openable door 63d provided on the top surface of the top member 63, removes the cap (not shown) attached to the refill port 63e, and pours regular water into the refill port 63e formed in the top surface recess 63c. After refilling with regular water, the user tightens the cap and closes the door 63d.

[0087] In this way, since the supply port 63e is covered by the openable and closable door portion 63d, when not in use the supply port 63e can be covered by the door portion 63, thereby maintaining a neat appearance. In particular, since the supply port 63e is formed in the top surface recess 63c, when the door portion 63d is closed the top surface of the top member 63 has the same plane except for the blowing unit 30, thereby achieving a particularly excellent appearance.

[0088] [Step S110: Treatment of tap water] When normal water is supplied to the tank unit 20, impurities in the normal water are removed by the water treatment unit 90 (water treatment means 1) provided in the tank unit 20 to produce purified water (step S110). At this time, the normal water supplied to the upper tank 21 flows into the cylindrical member 93 from the normal water inlet 91 on the top surface of the water treatment unit 90, and is purified by the water treatment agent filled in the cylindrical member 93. When purification is complete, the normal water becomes purified water and flows out from the purified water outlet 92 on the bottom surface of the water treatment unit 90.

[0089] At this time, the tank unit 20 is partitioned by the bottom surface of the upper tank 21 and the top surface of the lower tank 22 into an upper space 20A on the normal water inlet 91 side and a lower space 20B on the purified water outlet 92 side, and even if purified water attempts to flow out from the lower space 20B, the pressure in the upper space 20A becomes negative and the purified water may stagnate. In the sterilization system according to the first embodiment, since the communication pipe 23 that communicates the upper space 20A and the lower space 20B is provided, even if the water treatment unit 90 is filled with a water treatment agent, the pressure difference between the upper space 20A and the lower space 20B is eliminated, and the purified water can be flowed out of the tank unit 20 without stagnation.

[0090] By treating tap water in the water treatment means 1, inorganic matter such as calcium, organic matter such as lignin and tannin, fine particles such as colloids, and microorganisms such as algae and bacteria present in the tap water are removed, producing purified water with an extremely low impurity content.

[0091] The removal of impurities by the water treatment means 1 according to the present invention is carried out by any one or a combination of the following: treatment with a reverse osmosis membrane, ion exchange treatment using an ion exchange resin to remove cations and anions in ordinary water, adsorption treatment in which impurities are adsorbed onto activated carbon, ultraviolet treatment in which impurities are removed by irradiating ultraviolet rays, and ultrafiltration membrane treatment in which ultrafiltration is performed using an ultrafiltration membrane. The required degree of purification can be obtained by changing the content of the water treatment depending on the ordinary water used and the type of impurities contained therein.

[0092] The water treatment by the water treatment means 1 may be only a primary water treatment, or may be a secondary water treatment in addition to the primary water treatment to obtain purified water of higher purity. The fewer impurities there are in the purified water and the higher the purity, the more effective it is at capturing viruses when atomized and sprayed.

[0093] [Step S120: Supply of purified water] When purified water is produced in the tank unit 20 in step S110, the user connects a power cord (not shown) constituting the power supply unit 70 to a general household or commercial power source, and then turns on the power switch 71 also constituting the power supply unit 70. When the power switch 71 is turned on, the control unit 50 operates the purified water supply pump 41, and starts supplying the purified water put into the tank unit 20 to the atomization tank 11 (step S120).

[0094] The purified water stored in the tank unit 20 is supplied to the atomization tank 11 as follows. That is, the purified water supply pump 41 is driven by a signal from the control unit 50, and an electromagnetic valve provided in the purified water supply pipe 42 is opened, whereby the purified water flows out from a connection port (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the tank unit 20, passes through the purified water supply pipe 42 and the purified water supply pump 41, and flows into the atomization tank 11 from a supply port 11a formed on the top surface of the atomization tank 11. The supply of purified water to the atomization tank 11 continues until the liquid level in the atomization tank 11 reaches a predetermined level, and is stopped by the control unit 50 when the liquid level is reached.

[0095] [Step S130: Atomization of purified water] When the supply of purified water is stopped in step S120, the control unit 50 starts atomization of the purified water in the atomization unit 10 (step S130).

[0096] When the purified water is atomized in the atomization unit 10, the control unit 50 starts blowing the conveying air by the blower 13 and starts atomization of the purified water by the atomization device 12.

[0097] 3B, liquid columns rise above the ultrasonic transducers 12a, 12b, 12c, etc. The liquid columns contain particles of various sizes, but larger droplets contained in the liquid columns come into contact with the separators 14a, 14b arranged above the ultrasonic transducers at an incline downward so that the liquid columns come into contact with them, flow downward, and return to the stored liquid layer, while only mist droplets with smaller diameters float in the air.

[0098] Furthermore, as the blower 13 operates, the conveying air is supplied downward from the blowing port 11b, conveying the small droplets suspended in the air and blowing them out from the blowing port 11c.

[0099] At this time, the separator 14a provided at one end of the width direction of the atomizing tank 11 is disposed below the air outlet 11b and above the ultrasonic vibrators 12a and 12d at one end of the width direction, so that the conveying air supplied from the blower 13 is prevented from directly reaching the liquid surface or liquid column, and the liquid column or liquid droplets rising from the liquid surface are prevented from flowing in from the air outlet 11b and directly reaching the blower 13. Therefore, the atomization of the purified water and the supply of the conveying air function without interfering with each other, thereby ensuring the performance of sorting the particle size of the particles.

[0100] In addition, the conveying air supplied from the blower 13 collides with one side surface of the separator 14a and flows along the one side surface of the separator 14a, causing a pressure loss and reducing the pressure for conveying the particles. Because the pressure of the conveying air is reduced, only fine particles smaller than the particles that can be normally conveyed are conveyed by the conveying air from the purified water that has been separated into droplets and small particles by collision with the separators 14a and 14b.

[0101] In addition, when the conveying air that flows along one side of the separator 14a flows out from between the edge portion 14ae and the surface on one end of the atomizing tank 11, a negative pressure area is formed on the other side of the separator 14a, i.e., the area where the liquid column contacts, but since the pressure of the conveying air is further reduced in this negative pressure area, only fine particles with very small diameters can be conveyed, and they fall to the liquid surface below. Therefore, only fine particles with a diameter small enough to cause Brownian motion are conveyed downstream by the conveying air.

[0102] This mechanism makes it possible to transport finer particles using the transport air than would be possible if a liquid column were simply received by a separator, providing a spraying means capable of selectively spraying only fine particles that are small enough to cause Brownian motion.

[0103] The separator 14a is disposed at an incline downward so that one end has a connection portion 14ac (first connection portion) connected to the top surface 11d of the atomization tank 11, and the other end has an edge portion 14ae (first edge portion) spaced a predetermined distance from the side surface of the one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 11. The separator 14a is disposed so as to protrude from the inside to the outside in order to pass the conveying air supplied from the blower 13 through the outer periphery of the atomization tank 11.

[0104] Due to such a structure of the separator 14a, the conveying air supplied downward from the air outlet 11b changes its flow direction obliquely downward according to the arrangement direction of the separator 14a, passes through the gap formed between the side surface of one end of the atomizing tank 11 and the edge portion 14ae of the separator 14a, and reaches the bottom near the liquid layer of the atomizing tank 11. The conveying air that reaches the bottom changes direction toward the side surface of the other end, and flows near the liquid surface toward the side surface of the other end of the atomizing tank 11. Then, it changes direction upward near the side surface of the other end of the atomizing tank 11, and flows toward the delivery port 11c formed in the top surface 11d. In addition, a part of the conveying air passes through the gap formed between the side surface of one end of the atomizing tank 11 and the other end of the separator 14a, and then turns around the surface of the separator 14a that receives the liquid column, forms a swirling flow in the atomizing tank 11, and flows out from the delivery port 11c.

[0105] In this way, the conveying air supplied downward from the air outlet 11b forms a gentle swirling flow inside the atomization tank 11 in the direction of the separator 14a, and part of it flows around to the surface receiving the liquid column, and part of it passes through the outer periphery of the atomization tank 11 before being discharged from the delivery outlet 11c.

[0106] Then, the conveying air supplied from the air outlet 11b passes through the outer periphery of the atomization tank 11, forming a gentle swirling flow, and due to the centrifugal force generated by the swirling flow, the particles are separated into fine particles and even finer fine particles, and only the fine particles are conveyed by the conveying air.

[0107] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the blowing port 11b and the blowing port 11c are provided on the top surface 11d of the atomization tank 11 at positions on opposite sides to each other with the separator 14a interposed therebetween.

[0108] Therefore, a swirling flow can be formed with the separator 14a in between, and the effect of centrifugal separation due to the swirling flow can be enhanced.

[0109] In this manner, the atomization unit 10 in the first embodiment can selectively generate and send out only fine particles that are small enough to cause Brownian motion, by cooperation between the blower 13 and the separator 14a.

[0110] In addition, in the first embodiment, the separator 14b has one end which has a connection portion 14bc (second connection portion) which is connected to the top surface of the atomization tank 11, and the other end which has an edge portion 14be (second edge portion) which is spaced a predetermined distance from the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 11, i.e., the side opposite to the side on which the separator 14a is arranged, is arranged diagonally downward in the opposite direction to the separator 14a.

[0111] Separator 14b is disposed below outlet 11c and above ultrasonic transducers 12c and 12f at the other end in the width direction. As a result, large droplets contained in the liquid column generated by ultrasonic transducers 12c and 12f come into contact with the lower surface of separator 14b and flow downward, returning to the stored liquid layer, while only small mist droplets float in the air.

[0112] At this time, the pressure of the conveying air is reduced by contact with the separator 14a, so only fine particles smaller than the size of particles that can be normally conveyed are conveyed by the conveying air. In this way, even with respect to particles generated near the separator 14b, only fine particles with small diameters can be selected and conveyed.

[0113] In addition, the blower port 11b is provided on the top surface 11d of the atomizing tank 11 closer to one end in the width direction than the connecting portion 14ac of the separator 14a and closer to the other end in the width direction than the edge portion 14ae, and the delivery port 11c is provided on the other end in the width direction than the connecting portion 14bc of the separator 14b, so that the swirling flow formed in the atomizing tank 11 is large and formed throughout the entire inside of the atomizing tank 11 between the separators 14a and 14b. Therefore, the selection of fine particles by the centrifugal force of the conveying air is strengthened, and only fine particles that can cause Brownian motion can be reliably selected and sent out.

[0114] In particular, in the first embodiment, purified water obtained by removing impurities from ordinary water is atomized in the atomization unit 10, so that it is possible to obtain fine particles small enough to cause Brownian motion, i.e., fine particles with an average particle size of about 0.1 to 1.0 μm, without being affected by minute impurities.

[0115] In Fig. 3B, the air outlet 11b is provided on the top surface of the atomizing tank 11 closer to one end in the width direction than the connection part 14ac of the separator 14a and closer to the other end in the width direction than the edge part 14ae, but although not shown, the air outlet 11b may be provided on the side surface of the one end in the width direction of the atomizing tank 11, above the edge part 14ae of the separator 14a. Even in this case, the effect of pressure loss caused by the conveying air contacting the separator 14a and the effect of forming a large swirling flow in the atomizing tank 11 through the edge part 14ae are obtained, so that only fine particles small enough to cause Brownian motion can be conveyed.

[0116] [Step S140: Spraying purified water] The purified water that has been converted in step S130 into fine particles small enough to cause Brownian motion in the atomization unit 10 is sprayed from the blowing unit 30 (step S140).

[0117] At this time, the purified water is in the form of fine particles that can cause Brownian motion, so it can reach every corner of the space where it is sprayed, inactivating viruses floating in the space and reducing bacteria and fungi. In particular, the purified water, which has been made by removing impurities from ordinary water, is in the form of fine particles, so it can float evenly in the space without being affected by impurities. Therefore, the fine particles of the purified water can capture viruses and bacteria scattered in various places in the space and reliably inactivate or reduce them.

[0118] Although the mechanism by which fine particles of highly purified water inactivate viruses or reduce bacteria or fungi has not been elucidated, since the higher the purity of the purified water, the greater the inactivation effect on viruses and bacteria, it is believed that when fine particles of purified water with extremely few impurities come into contact with viruses or bacteria, the water molecules steal electrons from the cells that form the viruses or bacteria, resulting in the inactivation of the cells that form the viruses or bacteria. Even if ordinary water that contains a lot of impurities, such as tap water, is atomized with an ultrasonic vibrator, a stable mass of water particles is formed with the impurities as nuclei, so it is believed that the water molecules do not have a strong ability to steal electrons.

[0119] Although not shown in the drawings, when the liquid level in the atomization tank 11 drops, purified water is supplied from the tank unit 20.

[0120] When the liquid level sensor 15 detects that the liquid level in the atomization tank 11 has dropped to a predetermined level, the control unit 50 opens the solenoid valve and operates the purified water supply pump 41 to supply purified water from the tank unit 20 to the atomization tank 11. When purified water is supplied until the liquid level in the atomization tank 11 reaches a predetermined level, the control unit 50 closes the solenoid valve and stops the purified water supply pump 41 to stop the supply of purified water from the tank unit 20 to the atomization tank 11. With this mechanism, purified water is replenished from the tank unit 20 to the amount of purified water that has decreased due to the atomization of purified water by the ultrasonic vibrator, so that purified water is supplied little by little from the tank unit 20, and the purified water can be passed through the water treatment means 1 in the tank unit 20 over a sufficient period of time to increase the degree of purification of the purified water.

[0121] Furthermore, when atomization is performed by ultrasonic vibration, the particle size of the sprayed particles is largely dependent on the liquid level in the mist tank 11; however, by adjusting the supply adjustment means to supply only the amount of purified water consumed in the mist tank 11, the liquid level in the mist tank 11 can be kept within a specified range, thereby reducing variation in particle size when atomized by ultrasonic vibration and achieving the desired particle size, and allowing only a fine mist that has a virus removal effect to be sprayed.

[0122] Second Embodiment Next, the spray means 3 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0123] [Overall configuration of spray means 3] First, the overall configuration of the spraying means 3 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the spraying means 3 according to the second embodiment, Figure 10 is a front sectional view of the spraying means 3, Figure 11 is a side sectional view of the spraying means 3, and Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an exploded internal structure of the spraying means 3.

[0124] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the spraying means 3 of the second embodiment is composed of an atomization unit 100 that atomizes purified water to generate and transport fine particles, a tank unit 200 that has therein a water treatment means 1 that treats stored ordinary water to generate purified water, a blowing unit 300 that blows out the fine particles generated by the atomization unit 100, a control unit (not shown) that controls each device, a cover member 400 that covers each unit, a supply means that supplies purified water from the tank unit 200 to the atomization unit 100, and a water treatment unit 600 that is disposed within the tank unit 200 and functions as the water treatment means 1.

[0125] In the second embodiment, it is assumed that ordinary water is used as the liquid, and the spraying means 3 is used as a humidifier or a sterilization device that reduces viruses and bacteria suspended in the air.

[0126] In the spraying means 3 configured in this manner, ordinary water supplied to the tank unit 200 is purified in the water treatment unit 600 arranged in the tank unit 200 to become purified water, and the purified water is supplied to the atomization unit 100 by the supplying means, atomized in the atomization unit 100, and sprayed from the blowing unit 300.

[0127] [Configuration of the Microparticulation Unit 100] The atomization unit 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 10 to 18. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled state of the atomization tank 110, Fig. 14 is a front cross-sectional view showing the disassembled state of the atomization tank 110, and Fig. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the disassembled state of the atomization tank 110. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing details of the first atomization tank member 111, Fig. 16(a) is a perspective view seen from above, Fig. 16(b) is a perspective view seen from below, Fig. 16(c) is a plan view, Fig. 16(d) is a bottom view, Fig. 16(e) is a side cross-sectional view, and Fig. 16(f) is a front cross-sectional view. Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing details of the second atomization tank member 112, Fig. 17(a) is a perspective view seen from above, Fig. 17(b) is a perspective view seen from below, Fig. 17(c) is an elevation view, and Fig. 17(d) is a plan view. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the details of the third atomization tank member 113, in which Fig. 18(a) is a plan view, Fig. 18(b) is a side cross-sectional view, and Fig. 18(c) is a front cross-sectional view. Note that in Fig. 13 and Fig. 18, the lower protruding wall 113b is partially omitted for ease of understanding.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 10, the atomization unit 100 includes an atomization tank 110 that can store liquid and has a generally rectangular shape in plan view and is surrounded by walls, an ultrasonic vibrator 120 that is disposed at the bottom of the atomization tank 110 and atomizes the liquid to generate fine particles, a blower 130 that has a blower member (not shown) that can maintain a predetermined rotation speed and discharges conveying air for conveying fine particles of the liquid into the atomization tank 110, a separator 140 (first separator 141 and second separator 142) that has an inclined surface that inclines toward at least one of the wall surfaces above the atomization device 120 in the atomization tank 110, and a visor member 150. In the present invention, the left-right direction in Fig. 9 is referred to as the width direction of the atomization tank 110, the left side is referred to as one end side in the width direction, and the right side is referred to as the other end side in the width direction.

[0129] The atomization tank 110 is for storing and atomizing the purified water supplied from the tank unit 200, and has a generally rectangular and cuboid shape in a plan view.

[0130] As shown in Fig. 12 to Fig. 15, the atomizing tank 110 of the spraying means 3 according to the second embodiment is configured by combining three members. Among the members configuring the atomizing tank 110, the first atomizing tank member 111 is an intermediate member forming the top surface, the upper part of the front surface, and the upper part of the side wall surface at the width direction end side of the atomizing tank 110, the second tank member 112 is a lid member forming the top surface and the upper part of the rear wall surface at the width direction center side, and the third atomizing tank member 113 is a base forming the bottom surface, the lower part of the front surface, the lower part of the side wall surface, and the lower part of the rear wall surface of the atomizing tank 110. In addition, inside the atomizing tank 110, the first atomizing tank member 111 is attached with a first lower separator member 114 and a second lower separator member 115 that function as the separator 140 in the present invention.

[0131] As described later, the first mist tank member 111, which is the intermediate member, is fitted into the third mist tank member 113, which is the base, from above so that the lower protruding wall portion 113b and the upper protruding wall portion 111b, which form the wall portion of the mist tank 110, are aligned, and the first mist tank member 111 is connected by a fastening member (not shown).

[0132] The second mist tank member 112, which is a cover member, is configured to be connected by being fitted into the first mist tank member 111 from above, and is detachable from the first mist tank member 111. That is, as shown in Fig. 16, the first mist tank member 111 has a flange portion 111a having a substantially circular shape in a plan view that defines the top surface on the width direction end side, and a mounting hole 111d into which the second mist tank member 112 is inserted from above is formed in the substantially center of the flange portion 111a.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 16, the first mist tank member 111 is an intermediate member that forms the top surface, the upper part of the front wall surface, and the upper part of the side wall surface at the width direction end side of the mist tank 110, and includes a flange portion 111a that is approximately circular in plan view, and an upper protruding wall 111b that protrudes approximately vertically downward from the flange portion 111a and forms the upper part of the front wall, the upper part of the side wall, and the upper part of the rear wall of the mist tank 110. The upper protruding wall 111b includes an upper bulging wall portion 111c in which a part of the upper part of the rear wall bulges backward. In addition, a mounting hole 111d into which the second mist tank member 112 is inserted from above is formed in the approximate center of the flange portion 111a. In addition, a blower port 111e is formed on one end side of the width direction of the flange portion 111a, and the conveying air discharged from the blower 130 arranged above the blower port 111e flows into the mist tank 110 through the blower port 111e. Further, a delivery port 111f is formed on the other end side in the width direction of the flange portion 111a, and the fine particles atomized in the atomization tank 110 are delivered from the delivery port 111f together with the conveying air.

[0134] The lower edge of the upper bulging wall portion 111c and the upper protruding wall 111b is formed to fit into the upper edge of the lower bulging wall portion 112c and the lower protruding wall portion 112b of the third mist tank member 113 described later, and the first mist tank member 111 and the third mist tank member 113 are combined to form the mist tank 110 except for a part of the rear wall. The first mist tank member 111 and the third mist tank member 113 are connected by fastening with a fastener (not shown) after fitting the upper protruding wall 111b and the upper bulging wall portion 111c with the lower protruding wall 113b and the lower bulging wall portion 113c.

[0135] 16(b) and 16(f), a separator installation portion 111g is formed on the lower surface of the flange portion 111a at a position corresponding to the lower side of the air outlet 111e and the air outlet 111f, that is, at both ends of the width direction of the atomization tank 110, where a first lower separator member 114 and a second lower separator member 115 described later can be installed. The separator installation portion 111g is made of a plurality of rod-shaped members having male threads formed at the lower end, and the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 can be installed on the first atomization tank member 111 from below by screwing the rod-shaped members through the installation holes 114g and 115g formed in the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115.

[0136] As shown in Fig. 17, the second mist tank member 112 is a member that becomes a lid member that forms the top surface and the upper part of the rear wall surface at the width direction center side, and includes an upper lid part 112a formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view that covers the mounting hole 111d of the first mist tank member 111, a flat lower lid part 112b formed in a planar shape substantially the same as the bulging part formed by the bulging wall part 111c at the rear lower part adjacent to the upper lid part 112a, and a vertical wall 112c that connects the upper lid part 112a and the lower lid part 112b. The vertical wall 112c forms the upper part of the rear wall surface of the mist tank 110. The lower surface of the upper lid part 112a is provided with a first upper separator member 112d and a second upper separator member 112e that become parts of the first separator 141 and the second separator 142, respectively. The first upper separator member 112d and the second upper separator member 112e are inclined downward in the width direction starting from the approximate center in the width direction. The lower surfaces of the first upper separator member 112d and the second upper separator member 112e function as the first inclined surface portion and the second inclined surface portion in the present invention, respectively. The upper surface of the upper lid portion 112a is provided with a protruding portion 112f protruding upward in the approximate center in the width direction. In addition, the lower lid portion 112b is provided with an insertion hole 112g through which the cap member 220 of the tank unit 200 is inserted in the approximate center in the width direction. The second mist tank member 112 is detachably connected to the first mist tank member 111 only by fitting into the mounting hole 111d from above without using a fastener such as a screw.

[0137] As shown in Fig. 18, the third atomization tank member 113 is a base member forming the bottom surface, the lower part of the front wall surface, the lower part of the side wall surface, and the lower part of the rear wall surface of the atomization tank 110, and includes a base portion 113a having a substantially circular shape in a plan view, and a lower protruding wall portion 113b protruding substantially vertically upward from the base portion and forming the lower part of the front wall, the lower part of the side wall, and the lower part of the rear wall of the atomization tank 110. As shown in Fig. 18(b), the lower protruding wall portion 113b includes a lower protruding wall portion 113c which is a part of the lower part of the rear wall that protrudes. A protruding portion 212 of the tank unit 200 described later is inserted into the area formed by the lower protruding wall portion 113c. In addition, the third mist tank member 113 is provided with a valve control member 500 (described later) rotatably around a horizontal axis, and in the area formed by the lower protruding wall portion 113c, a push-up portion 520 is provided, which is brought into contact with the valve member 223 of the cap member 220 located at the lower end of the tank unit 200 from below to supply liquid from the tank unit 200 into the mist tank 110. In addition, a drain pipe 113e is provided at the bottom of the lower protruding wall 113b to communicate with the inside of the mist tank 110 and drain the liquid in the mist tank 110. Furthermore, a space for disposing the ultrasonic vibrator 120 is provided at the bottom of the third mist tank member 113.

[0138] The ultrasonic vibrators 120 are arranged at the bottom of the mist tank 110, specifically at the bottom of the third mist tank member 113, and are operated by power supplied from a power supply unit (not shown) to emit ultrasonic waves. In the second embodiment, two ultrasonic vibrators 120 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the mist tank 110, and atomize the liquid over a wide range in the mist tank 110 to generate fine particles. When the ultrasonic vibrators 120 are operated, liquid columns are generated above each ultrasonic vibrator 120.

[0139] The blower 130 includes a blowing member (not shown) capable of controlling the number of revolutions in response to a signal from a control unit (not shown), and supplies the carrier air for transporting the atomized liquid into the atomization tank 110 through the air outlet 111e, and an outlet (not shown) for discharging the carrier air is connected to the air outlet 111e of the atomization tank 110 and is disposed so as to be able to blow air downward. In the second embodiment, the blower 130 is driven by power supplied from a power supply unit (not shown), and the number of revolutions is controlled by changing the applied voltage in response to a signal from a control unit (not shown).

[0140] Next, the two first lower separator members 114 and the second lower separator member 115 functioning as the separator 140 in the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 19 to 21. Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the separator 140, Fig. 19(a) is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the atomization tank 110 from the bottom side, and Fig. 19(b) is a front cross-sectional view of the separator 140. Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing details of the first lower separator member 114, Fig. 20(a) is a perspective view seen from above, Fig. 20(b) is a perspective view seen from below, and Fig. 20(c) is a bottom view. Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing details of the second lower separator member 115, Fig. 21(a) is a perspective view seen from above, Fig. 21(b) is a perspective view seen from below, and Fig. 20(c) is a bottom view.

[0141] The separator 140 includes a first separator 141 and a second separator 142 which are inclined in opposite directions to each other in the width direction of the atomization tank 110. The first separator 141 is composed of a first upper separator member 113d which is an upper member and a first lower separator member 114 which is a lower member, and the second separator 142 is composed of a second upper separator member 113e which is an upper member and a second lower separator member 115 which is a lower member.

[0142] The first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are flat plate members formed of a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, and their basic function is to cooperate with the first upper separator member 112d and the second upper separator member 112e in the second mist tank member 112 to function as a separator 140, thereby separating the droplets generated by the ultrasonic transducer 120 into large droplets and small fine particles. In other words, when a liquid column is generated above each ultrasonic transducer 120, the large droplets contained in the liquid column collide with the separator 140, flow downward, and return to the liquid layer stored in the mist tank 110. On the other hand, the small mist droplets contained in the liquid column are suspended near the separator 140 and are transported to the delivery port 112f along with the transport air supplied by the blower 130. In this manner, the separator 140 functions to separate the large droplets generated by the ultrasonic vibration from the small mist droplets.

[0143] The first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are disposed in the separator mounting portion 111g of the first atomization tank member 111 so that no gap is formed between them and the lower edges of the first upper separator member 112d and the second upper separator member 112e, respectively, in order to function as a separator 140 in cooperation with the first upper separator member 112d and the second upper separator member 112e.

[0144] 20(a) and 20(b), a first lower inclined surface portion 114a and a second lower inclined surface portion 115a that form an inclined surface with respect to the horizontal direction when the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are installed in the separator installation portion 112g are formed on the lower surfaces of the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115. The first lower inclined surface portion 114a and the second lower inclined surface portion 115a function as the first inclined surface portion and the second inclined surface portion in the present invention, respectively.

[0145] In the second embodiment, the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are provided with abutment portions 114b, 115b where parts of the lower edge portions of the inclined surface portions 114a, 115a abut against the side wall of the atomization tank 110. As shown in FIG. 20(a), the abutment portions 114b, 115b are formed at both ends of the lower edge portions of the inclined surface portions 114a, 115a. Between the abutment portions 114b, 115b provided at both ends, cutout portions 114c, 115c are provided by cutting out parts of the inclined surface portions 114a, 115a, and the cutout portions 114c, 115c become the first gap portion and the second gap portion formed between the wall surface and the end portion of the inclined surface portions 114a, 115a when the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are installed in the separator installation portion 111g. In this manner, by forming the cutout portions 114c, 115c, the lower edge portions of the inclined surface portions 114a, 115a, which are between the pair of abutment portions 114b, 115b, become edge portions 114e, 115e that are spaced a predetermined distance from the side wall of the atomization tank 110 when the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are installed in the first atomization tank member 111.

[0146] In particular, the first lower separator member 114 installed at one widthwise end of the atomization tank 110 is disposed so as to be located below the blower 130, and the cutout portion 114c (first gap portion in the present invention) in the first lower separator member 114 is located directly below the air outlet 111e of the atomization tank 110 when the first lower separator member 114 is installed in the separator installation portion 111g, and serves as an inlet for the flow of conveying air.

[0147] In addition, the second lower separator member 115 installed on the other widthwise end side of the atomization tank 110 is arranged so as to be located below the delivery port 111f, and when the second lower separator member 115 is installed in the separator installation section 111g, the notch 115c (second gap portion in the present invention) in the second lower separator member 115 is located directly below the delivery port 111f of the atomization tank 110 and serves as an outlet for the flow-out of the conveying air and atomized fine particles.

[0148] In addition, the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are provided with guide portions 114d, 115d which protrude downward from their respective inclined surface portions 114a, 115a by a predetermined height and extend from above the abutment portions 114b, 115b toward the abutment portions 114b, 115b.

[0149] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 20(c) and 21(c), guide portions 114d, 115d are arranged on inclined surface portions 114a, 115a at predetermined angles θa, θb with respect to axes 114p, 115p parallel to the center lines of inclined surface portions 114a, 115a, respectively.

[0150] Further, the ends of the guide portions 114d and 115d reach the contact portions 114b and 115b, respectively.

[0151] In particular, the guide portions 114d, 115d in the second embodiment are formed so as to have an approximately V-shape when viewed from the normal direction of the inclined surface portions 114a, 115a, as shown in Figures 20(c) and 21(c), and the lower ends of the guide portions 114d, 115d abut against both of the two abutment portions 114b, 115b.

[0152] In addition, the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are formed with installation holes 114g and 115g that engage with the separator installation part 111g of the first atomization tank member 111. The first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 can be installed in the first atomization tank member 111 by engaging the separator installation part 111g with the installation holes 114g and 115g and fastening them with a fastener (not shown).

[0153] The first lower separator member 114 thus formed cooperates with the first upper separator member 112d of the second atomization tank member 112 to form a first separator 141 constituting the separator 140 of the present invention.

[0154] Similarly, the second lower separator member 115 cooperates with the second inclined upper separator member 112e of the second mist tank member 112 to form a second separator 142 which constitutes the separator 140 of the present invention.

[0155] The first separator 141 and the second separator 142 according to the second embodiment are further disposed as follows so as to perform the functions described below.

[0156] The first separator 141 according to the second embodiment is disposed below the air outlet 111e and above the ultrasonic transducer 120 that is disposed on one end side of the atomization tank 110 in the width direction.

[0157] As shown in Figures 19(a) and 19(b), the first separator 141 has one end, a base end 141a (first connection portion in the present invention) connected to the top surface of the atomization tank 110, and the other end, an edge portion 114e (first edge portion in the present invention) arranged at a predetermined interval to form a first gap between the side surface of the one width end of the atomization tank 110 and the side surface of the one width end of the atomization tank 110, is disposed obliquely downward toward the one width end of the atomization tank 110.

[0158] The second separator 142 is disposed below the delivery port 111f and above the ultrasonic transducer 120 that is disposed on the other end side of the atomization tank 110 in the width direction of the ultrasonic transducer 120.

[0159] As shown in Figures 19(a) and 19(b), the second separator 142 has one end, a base end 142a (second connection portion in the present invention) connected to the top surface of the atomization tank 110, and the other end has an edge portion 115e (second edge portion in the present invention) arranged at a predetermined interval so as to form a second gap between the side surface of the other width end of the atomization tank and the side surface of the other width end of the atomization tank. The second separator 142 is disposed in the opposite direction to the first separator 141, i.e., inclined diagonally downward toward the other width end of the atomization tank 110.

[0160] In other words, a portion of the end of the first separator 141 (first edge portion) is disposed at a predetermined distance from the side surface at one end in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 so as to form a first gap portion between it and the side surface at one end in the width direction of the atomization tank 110, and a portion of the end of the second separator 142 (second edge portion) is disposed at a predetermined distance from the side surface at the other end in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 so as to form a second gap portion between it and the side surface at the other end in the width direction of the atomization tank 110.

[0161] The air blowing port 111e is provided on one width end side of the base end portion 141a (first connecting portion in the present invention) of the first separator 141, and the air blowing port 111f is provided on the other width end side of the base end portion 142a (first connecting portion in the present invention) of the second separator 142.

[0162] 10, in the second embodiment, a meandering path MP is formed between the second gap formed between the end of the second separator 142 and the side surface of the other widthwise end of the atomizing tank 110 and the delivery port 111f. The meandering path MP is formed by the eaves member 150 disposed approximately horizontally above the second gap and below the delivery port 111f from the other widthwise end of the atomizing tank toward the one widthwise end. Furthermore, the end of the eaves member 150 is located closer to the one widthwise end of the atomizing tank 110 than the edge portion 115e (second edge portion) of the second separator 142, and the delivery port 111f is located closer to the other widthwise end of the atomizing tank 110 than the end of the eaves member 150. In this way, a meandering path is formed between the second gap and the delivery port 111f.

[0163] In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19(a), the atomization tank 110 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above, and the first separator 141 and the second separator 142 are both formed to have a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above, and the atomization tank 110 is covered by the first separator 141 and the second separator 142 from above, except for the first gap and the second gap.

[0164] [Configuration of tank unit 200 and water treatment unit 600] The tank unit 200 and the water treatment unit 600 will be described with reference to Figures 22 to 24. Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing details of the tank unit 200, where Figure 22(a) is a side cross-sectional view of the tank unit 200, Figure 22(b) is a perspective view of the tank unit 200, Figure 22(c) is a rear view of the tank unit 200, and Figure 22(d) is a perspective view of the tank body 210 as viewed from below. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a cap member 220 constituting the tank unit 200, where Fig. 23(a) is a perspective view of the cap member 220, Fig. 23(b) is a perspective view showing the disassembled state of the cap member 220, Fig. 23(c) is a front cross-sectional view of the cap body 221, Fig. 23(d) is a perspective view of the shaft body 222, Fig. 23(e) is a front view of the valve member 223, Fig. 23(f) is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cap member 220 when the valve member 223 is in a closed state, and Fig. 23(g) is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the cap member 220 when the valve member 223 is in an open state. Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a water treatment unit 600 according to a second embodiment, where Fig. 24(a) is a see-through view showing the water treatment unit 600 disposed inside the tank unit 200, and Fig. 24(b) is a perspective view of the water treatment unit.

[0165] The tank unit 200 includes a water treatment means 1 for treating stored ordinary water to generate purified water and supplies the generated purified water to the atomization tank 110. The tank unit 200 is disposed above the atomization unit 100. In the second embodiment, the tank unit 200 includes a tank body 210 and a cap member 220.

[0166] 22(a) to 22(d), tank body 210 has storage section 211, which is open at the top and has a cylindrical shape tapering downward, for storing liquid, protruding section 212 protruding downward a predetermined length from a part of the bottom end of storage section 211, and opening 213, which is substantially cylindrical and serves as an inlet and outlet for liquid, formed at the bottom end of protruding section 212. Opening 213 has male threads 213a on its outer periphery, onto which cap member 220, which has female threads 221b, can be screwed.

[0167] 23(a) to 23(e), the cap member 220 includes a cap body 221 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and having a liquid outlet 221a at the center of the cylinder, a shaft 222 attached to the cap body 221 so as to be capable of reciprocating in the longitudinal direction, and a valve member 223 integrally connected to the shaft 222 and capable of opening and closing the outlet 221a. The valve member 223 capable of opening and closing the outlet 221a functions as a supply means in the second embodiment.

[0168] 23(c), the upper half of the cap body 221 is formed into a double cylinder, and a liquid outlet 221a is formed in the center of the inner cylinder. Also, a female screw portion 221b that can be screwed into a male screw portion 213a formed in the opening 213 of the tank body 210 is formed on the inside of the outer cylinder.

[0169] 23(d), the shaft body 222 is a generally rod-shaped member that is inserted into the outlet 221a of the cap body 221, and is provided at its lower end with an expanded diameter section 222a that has a function of preventing the shaft body 222 from slipping out of the outlet 221a and a function of abutting against the push-up section 520. In addition, a step section 222b with which the valve member 223 engages is formed at the upper section of the shaft body 222. The valve member 223 fits into the step section 222b, whereby the shaft body 222 and the valve member 223 operate as a unit.

[0170] 23(e), the valve member 223 has an abutment portion 223a formed in a generally conical shape. A step portion 222b of the shaft body 222 engages with an insertion hole (not shown) formed in the center of the valve member 223. In order to engage the step portion 222b with the insertion hole, the valve member 223 may be formed from a resin having flexibility that allows it to expand and contract, or the valve member 223 may be formed from two halves of a member.

[0171] With the cap member 220 configured in this manner, when the cap member 220 is screwed onto the tank body 210 , the shaft body 222 and the valve member 223 are capable of reciprocating in the axial direction of the shaft body 222 .

[0172] 23(g), when the valve member 223 is located on the inner side (first position) of the tank body 210, the abutment portion 223a opens the outlet 221a, allowing the liquid stored in the tank body 210 to flow out, and when the valve member 223 is located on the outer side (second position) of the tank body 210, the abutment portion 223a closes the outlet 221a, preventing the liquid from flowing out. In this way, the valve member 223 slides vertically relative to the outlet 221a provided at the bottom of the tank unit 200, thereby switching between a closed state and an open state of the outlet 221a.

[0173] In other words, even if liquid is stored in the tank body 210 and the cap member 220 is screwed on and the opening 213 of the tank body 210 is faced downward, the shaft 222 and the valve member 223 move to the second position and the abutment portion 223a blocks the outlet 221a, so that the liquid will not leak out of the tank unit 200.

[0174] When assembling the tank unit 200 thus formed to the spray means 3, the tank unit is installed in a state in which the second atomization tank member 112 is fitted into the first atomization tank member 111 to assemble the atomization unit 100. At that time, the protruding portion 212 of the tank body 210 is inserted into the region formed by the upper bulging wall portion 111c and the lower bulging wall portion 113c, and the cap member 220 is inserted into the insertion hole 112g of the second atomization tank member 112.

[0175] Next, a water treatment unit 600 that functions as the water treatment means 1 built into the tank unit 200 will be described with reference to Figs. 22(a) and 24.

[0176] The water treatment means 1 according to the second embodiment is formed by a cartridge-type water treatment unit 600 in which a cylindrical member 630 of a predetermined height having a normal water inlet 610 on the upper surface and a purified water outlet 620 on the lower surface is filled with a water treatment agent such as an ion exchange resin (not shown). The water treatment unit 600 is incorporated in the tank unit 200. Note that the normal water inlet 610 and the purified water outlet 620 may be provided with a mesh cover so that the water treatment agent filled inside does not flow out of the water treatment unit 600. In addition, a handle 640 is provided on the upper surface of the water treatment unit 600 to be held when mounting or removing it. Note that the height of the cylindrical member 630 is set so that the purified water outlet 620 is located slightly above the bottom of the storage section 211 of the tank body 210.

[0177] In the water treatment unit 600 configured in this manner, when ordinary water is supplied to the ordinary water inlet 610 formed on the upper surface, the ordinary water is gradually purified by the water treatment agent filled inside the tubular member 630, and flows out as purified water from the purified water outlet 620 formed on the lower surface.

[0178] A fitting member 230 formed in a substantially ring shape having a predetermined width for fitting and attaching the water treatment unit 600 is provided along the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface at a predetermined height of the storage portion 211 in the tank body 210 of the tank unit 200. The outer diameter of the water treatment unit 600 is formed slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the storage portion 211, and the outer circumferential surface of the water treatment unit 600 fits into the inner circumference of the substantially ring-shaped fitting member 230, so that the water treatment unit 600 is incorporated into the storage portion 211 of the tank body 210 with almost no gaps.

[0179] When the water treatment unit 600 is fitted to the fitting member 230, the tank body 210 is divided by the fitting member 230 into an upper space 210A on the plain water inlet 610 side and a lower space 210B on the purified water outlet 620 side, as shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0180] Here, a through hole (not shown) that communicates between upper space 210A and lower space 210B is formed in a part of fitting member 230, and a communication pipe 240 that communicates between upper space 210A and lower space 210B is inserted into the through hole. Communication pipe 240 communicates between upper space 210A, specifically, approximately the upper end of tank unit 200, and lower space 210B, specifically, a gap formed between the inner circumferential surface of tank unit 200 and the outer circumferential surface of water treatment unit 600.

[0181] [Configuration of blowing unit 300] Returning to FIG. 10, the blowing unit 300 will be described.

[0182] The blowing unit 300 is for blowing out the fine particles generated in the atomization unit 100 together with the transporting air, and is composed of a spray nozzle 310 formed on the top surface of the spraying means 3 and a delivery pipe 320 connecting the delivery outlet 111f of the atomization tank 110 to the spray nozzle 310.

[0183] The delivery pipe 320 is connected to the delivery port 111f formed in a generally rectangular shape in plan view on the flange portion 111a of the first atomization tank member 111, and is a pipe formed with a flat cross section so that it can pass through the narrow space inside the housing.

[0184] The fine particles and carrier air sent out from the delivery port 111f pass through a delivery pipe 320 and are sprayed from a spray nozzle 310 into a space.

[0185] [Configuration of cover member 400] As shown in Figure 9, the cover member 400 is composed of a peripheral wall 410 which covers the side of the spraying means 3 which is formed into an approximately cylindrical shape overall, a lid member 420 which is an approximately circular flat plate member which is removably arranged in the center of the top surface of the spraying means 3, and a top wall 430 which covers the outer periphery of the lid member 420.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 9, the peripheral wall 410 is provided with a handle portion 411 which is used to hold the spraying means 3 when carrying it, a power switch 412 which switches the spraying means 3 between an operating state and a stopped state, a DC jack 413 into which the plug of an AC adapter (not shown) is inserted, and a drain cap 414 which opens and closes the drain pipe 113e which communicates with the inside of the atomization tank 110.

[0187] The lid member 420 is a substantially circular flat plate member, and is detachably placed inside the top wall 430 that covers the outer periphery of the top surface of the spray means 3. By removing the lid member 420 from the top surface, the open end at the upper end of the tank main body 210 is exposed, and it becomes possible to replenish the tank unit 200 with tap water.

[0188] The top wall 430 is formed with a spray nozzle 310 that functions as the blowing unit 300 .

[0189] [Control unit configuration] The control unit controls the driving of the blower 130 and the operation of the ultrasonic transducer 120, and is composed of known circuits, switches, and the like.

[0190] [Configuration of valve control member 500] The valve control member 500 will be described with reference to Figure 25. Figure 25 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the valve control member 500, with Figure 25(a) being a schematic diagram showing the configuration around the valve control member 500, Figure 25(b) being a schematic diagram showing a state in which the valve control member 500 is not pushing up the valve member 223, and Figure 25(c) being a schematic diagram showing a state in which the valve control member 500 is pushing up the valve member 223. To facilitate understanding, Figures 25(b) and 25(c) show cross sections of only the cap member 220.

[0191] The valve control member 500 is for starting supply by the supply means in response to a drop in the liquid level in the atomization tank 110 and for stopping supply by the supply means in response to a rise in the liquid level in the atomization tank 110, and as shown in FIG. 25(a) has a push-up portion 520 capable of pushing up the valve member 223 from below to above at one end separated by a pivot shaft 510 installed in a substantially horizontal direction, and a float portion 530 at the other end which is immersed in the purified water stored in the atomization tank 110.

[0192] The valve control member 500 configured in this manner functions as the supply adjustment means in the second embodiment, and starts supply by the supply means in response to a drop in the liquid level in the atomization tank 110, and stops supply by the supply means in response to a rise in the liquid level in the atomization tank 110.

[0193] That is, when the liquid level in the atomization tank 110 is sufficient, as shown in FIG. 25(b), the float part 530 is lifted up due to the upward buoyancy applied to it. In this state, the push-up part 520 provided on the opposite side of the float part 530 across the rotation shaft 510 is located downward. Then, when the purified water in the atomization tank 110 is consumed and the liquid level drops, as shown in FIG. 25(c), the buoyancy applied to the float part 530 decreases and the float part 530 tilts downward. When the float part 530 tilts downward, the push-up part 520 provided on the opposite side of the float part 530 across the rotation shaft 510 tilts upward and pushes up the valve member 223 via the shaft body 222. When the valve member 223 is pushed up, the outlet 221a at the bottom of the tank unit 200 is opened, and purified water is supplied from the tank unit 200 to the atomization tank 110. When a certain amount of purified water is supplied, buoyancy is applied to float portion 530, causing float portion 530 to tilt upward. When float portion 530 tilts upward, the pushing portion tilts downward and separates from valve member 223, and valve member 223 slides downward to close outlet 221a. With this mechanism, purified water is replenished from tank unit 200 to replace the amount of purified water lost as a result of the atomization of purified water by ultrasonic vibrator 120, so that purified water is supplied little by little from tank unit 200, and the purified water can be passed through water treatment unit 600 in tank unit 200 over a sufficient period of time, thereby increasing the degree of purification of the purified water.

[0194] [Operation method of spray means 3] A method of operating the spray means 3 thus configured will be described.

[0195] First, before atomization and spraying are performed by the spraying means 3, ordinary water is replenished into the tank unit 200 of the spraying means 3. When replenishing ordinary water, the lid member 420 is removed from the top surface of the spraying means 3 to expose the open end at the top end of the tank unit 200. In this state, ordinary water is filled into the tank body 210 from the exposed open end. Once filling with ordinary water is complete, the lid member 420 is attached again.

[0196] When ordinary water is supplied to the tank unit 200, impurities in the ordinary water are removed by the water treatment unit 600 (water treatment means 1) provided in the tank unit 200, and purified water is generated. At this time, ordinary water supplied to the tank unit 200 flows into the cylindrical member 630 from the ordinary water inlet 610 on the upper surface of the water treatment unit 600, and the ordinary water is purified by the water treatment agent filled in the cylindrical member 630, and the purification is completed and the ordinary water flows out from the purified water outlet 620 on the lower surface of the water treatment unit 600. Here, since the water treatment agent is filled in the cylindrical member 630, the ordinary water that flows in from the ordinary water inlet 610 arranged on the upper surface of the water treatment unit 600 is purified by the water treatment agent over time, and the ordinary water flows out from the purified water outlet 620 provided on the lower surface of the water treatment unit 600 as purified water with a sufficient degree of purification.

[0197] When no purified water is stored in the atomization tank 110 or the liquid level is sufficiently low, the buoyancy applied to the float part 530 of the valve control member 500 is small, so that the float part 530 is inclined downward. Therefore, the push-up part 520 located on the opposite side of the float part 530 across the rotation shaft 510 is inclined upward, and the push-up part 520 pushes up the valve member 223 of the tank unit 200. When the valve member 223 is pushed up, the outlet 221a at the bottom of the tank unit 200 is opened as shown in FIG. 23(c), and purified water is supplied from the tank unit 200 into the atomization tank 110.

[0198] At this time, the enlarged diameter portion 222a of the shaft 222 of the cap member 220 provided at the bottom of the tank unit 200 abuts against the pushing portion, and the shaft 222 and the valve member 223 are pushed up to the first position, and the outlet 221a is opened. As a result, the liquid stored in the tank body 210 is supplied into the atomization tank 110 through the outlet 221a.

[0199] 10 and 11, the tank body 210 is partitioned into an upper space 210A on the normal water inlet 610 side and a lower space 210B on the purified water outlet 620 side by a fitting member 230 to which the water treatment unit is fitted, and even if purified water tries to flow out from the lower space 210B, the pressure in the upper space 210A becomes negative and the purified water may stagnate. In the sterilization system according to the second embodiment, a communication pipe 240 is provided to communicate the upper space 210A and the lower space 210B, so that even if the water treatment unit 600 is filled with a water treatment agent, the pressure difference between the upper space 210A and the lower space 210B is eliminated, and the purified water can be discharged from the tank unit 200 without stagnation.

[0200] When purified water is supplied to the atomization tank 110 from the tank unit 200 to a certain extent, the float part 530 tilts upward due to the buoyant force applied to the float part 530. When the float part 530 tilts upward, the pushing part 520 tilts downward and releases the pushing up of the valve member 223, and the valve member 223 slides downward to close the outlet 221a, and the supply of purified water from the tank unit 200 to the atomization tank 110 stops (FIG. 23(b)).

[0201] In this way, by treating tap water in the water treatment means 1, inorganic matter such as calcium, organic matter such as lignin and tannin, fine particles such as colloids, and microorganisms such as algae and bacteria present in the tap water are removed, producing purified water with an extremely low impurity content.

[0202] When purified water is stored in the atomization tank 110, the power switch 412 is operated to set the device in operation, and the ultrasonic vibrator 120 and the blower 130 are activated.

[0203] As the ultrasonic transducers 120 operate, a liquid column rises above each ultrasonic transducer 120. The liquid column contains particles of various sizes, but larger droplets contained in the liquid column come into contact with separator 140, which is disposed above ultrasonic transducers 120 at an angle downward so that the liquid column comes into contact with it and flows downward, returning to the stored liquid layer, while only small mist droplets float in the air.

[0204] Furthermore, as the blower 130 operates, the conveying air is supplied downward from the blowing port 111e, conveying the small droplets suspended in the air and blowing them out from the blowing port 111f.

[0205] At this time, the first separator 141 provided at one end side of the width direction of the atomizing tank 110 is disposed below the air outlet 111e and above the ultrasonic vibrator 120 at one end side of the width direction, so that the conveying air supplied from the blower 130 is prevented from directly reaching the liquid surface or liquid column, and the liquid column or liquid droplets rising from the liquid surface are prevented from flowing in from the air outlet 111e and directly reaching the blower 130. Therefore, the atomization of the liquid agent and the supply of the conveying air function without interfering with each other, thereby ensuring the performance of sorting the particle size of the particles.

[0206] In addition, the conveying air supplied from the blower 130 collides with one side surface of the first separator 141 and flows along the one side surface of the first separator 141, causing a pressure loss at that time and reducing the pressure for conveying the particles. Because the pressure of the conveying air is reduced, only fine particles smaller than the particles that can be normally conveyed are conveyed by the conveying air from the liquid agent separated into droplets and small particles by collision with the first separator 141 and the second separator 142.

[0207] In addition, when the conveying air that has flowed along one side of the first separator 141 flows out of the first gap between the edge portion 114e and the side surface of one end of the atomizing tank 110, a negative pressure area is formed on the other side of the first separator 141, that is, the area where the liquid column contacts, but since the pressure of the conveying air is further reduced in this negative pressure area, only fine particles with very small diameters can be conveyed, and they fall to the liquid surface below. Therefore, only fine particles with a diameter small enough to cause Brownian motion are conveyed downstream by the conveying air.

[0208] This mechanism makes it possible to transport finer particles using the transport air than when a separator simply receives a liquid column, and provides a spraying means 3 that can selectively spray only fine particles that are small enough to cause Brownian motion.

[0209] The first separator 141 is disposed at an angle downward so that one end of the first separator 141 has a base end 141a (first connection portion in the present invention) connected to the top surface of the atomization tank 110, and the other end has an edge portion 114e (first edge portion) disposed at a predetermined interval to form a first gap portion between the side surface of the one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110. The first separator 141 is disposed so as to protrude from the inside to the outside in order to pass the conveying air supplied from the blower 130 through the outer periphery of the atomization tank 110.

[0210] Due to such a structure of the first separator 141, the conveying air supplied downward from the air outlet 111e changes its flow direction obliquely downward according to the arrangement direction of the first separator 141, passes through the first gap formed between the side surface of one end of the width direction of the atomizing tank 110 and the edge portion 114e of the first separator 141, and reaches the bottom near the liquid layer of the atomizing tank 110. The conveying air that reaches the bottom changes direction toward the side surface of the other end, and flows near the liquid surface toward the side surface of the other end of the atomizing tank 110. Then, the direction changes upward near the side surface of the other end of the atomizing tank 110, and flows toward the delivery port 111f formed on the top surface. In addition, a portion of the conveying air passes through a first gap formed between one end side of the atomization tank 110 and the other end of the first separator 141, and then flows around to the surface of the first separator 141 that receives the liquid column, before forming a swirling flow within the atomization tank 110 and flowing out from the delivery port 111f.

[0211] In this way, the conveying air supplied downward from the air outlet 111e forms a gentle swirling flow inside the atomization tank 110 in the direction in which the first separator 141 is arranged, and part of it flows around to the surface receiving the liquid column, and part of it passes through the outer periphery of the atomization tank 110 before being discharged from the delivery outlet 111f.

[0212] Then, the conveying air supplied from the air outlet 111e passes through the outer periphery of the atomization tank 110, forming a gentle swirling flow, and due to the centrifugal force generated by the swirling flow, the particles are separated into fine particles and even finer fine particles, and only the fine particles are conveyed by the conveying air.

[0213] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the blowing port 111e and the air outlet 111f are provided on the top surface 110a of the atomization tank 110, at positions on opposite sides of the first separator 141 between them.

[0214] Therefore, a swirling flow can be formed with the first separator 141 in between, and the effect of centrifugal separation due to the swirling flow can be enhanced.

[0215] In this way, the atomization unit 100 in the second embodiment can selectively generate and send out only fine particles that are small enough to cause Brownian motion, by using the cooperation of the blower 130 and the first separator 141.

[0216] In the second embodiment, the second separator 142 has one end, a base end 141a (second connection portion) connected to the top surface of the atomization tank 110, and the other end has an edge portion 115e (second edge portion) arranged at a predetermined interval so as to form a second gap between the other end side of the atomization tank 110 in the width direction, i.e., the side opposite the side on which the first separator 141 is arranged, and is arranged diagonally downward in the opposite direction to the first separator 141.

[0217] The second separator 142 is disposed below the delivery port 111f and above the ultrasonic transducer 120 on the other end side in the width direction. Therefore, large droplets contained in the liquid column generated by the ultrasonic transducer 120 come into contact with the lower surface of the second separator 142 and flow downward, returning to the stored liquid layer, while only small mist droplets float in the air.

[0218] At this time, the pressure of the transport air is reduced by contact with the first separator 141, so only fine particles smaller than the size of particles that can be normally transported are transported by the transport air. In this way, even with regard to particles generated near the second separator 142, only fine particles with small diameters can be selected and transported.

[0219] In addition, the blower port 111e is provided on the top surface 110a of the atomizing tank 110 closer to one end in the width direction than the base end 141a of the first separator 141, and the delivery port 111f is provided on the other end in the width direction than the base end 142a of the second separator 142, so that the swirling flow formed in the atomizing tank 110 is large and is formed from one end in the width direction to the other end throughout the entire inside of the atomizing tank 110, sandwiching the first separator 141 and the second separator 142, and reaches the delivery port 111f through the second gap. Therefore, the selection of fine particles by the centrifugal force of the conveying air is further strengthened, and only fine particles that can cause Brownian motion can be reliably selected and sprayed.

[0220] In addition, according to the spraying means 3 of the second embodiment, a serpentine path MP is formed between the second gap and the delivery port 111f, so that the particles that could not be completely separated by the separation ability of the separator 140 itself and the swirling flow formed in the atomization tank 110 can be further selected on the serpentine path MP, and the proportion of fine particles that can cause Brownian motion among the particles delivered can be increased.

[0221] Furthermore, the serpentine path MP is formed by the eaves member 150 arranged approximately horizontally from the other widthwise end of the atomization tank 110 toward the one widthwise end above the second gap portion and below the delivery port 111f, so that a serpentine path MP capable of increasing the proportion of fine particles can be formed without making any changes to the structure of the flow path itself.

[0222] Furthermore, since the end of the eaves member 150 is located closer to the one end of the width direction of the atomizing tank 110 than the second edge portion, the fine particles and the conveying air that have passed through the second gap flow along the lower surface of the eaves member 150 toward the one end of the width direction of the atomizing tank 110. Therefore, the large swirling flow formed toward the other end of the width direction at the bottom of the atomizing tank 110 can be reversed, and the particles that could not be separated by the separator 140 and the swirling flow can be separated. Furthermore, since the delivery port 112f is located closer to the other end of the width direction of the atomizing tank 110 than the end of the eaves member 150, the fine particles and the conveying air that have passed through the end of the eaves member 150 flow again toward the other end of the width direction of the atomizing tank 110 and are delivered from the delivery port 111f. Therefore, by simply devising the position of the end, it is possible to cause the flow to reverse twice, and a meandering path MP that can enhance the separation function and increase the proportion of fine fine particles even with a simple configuration can be formed.

[0223] In addition, the atomization tank 110 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view, the first separator 141 and the second separator 142 are both formed in a generally rectangular shape in plan view, and the atomization tank 110 is covered from above by the first separator 141 and the second separator 142 except for the first gap and the second gap, so that the particles atomized by the ultrasonic vibrator 120 are almost without exception separated into large particles and fine particles by the first separator 141 and the second separator 142. In addition, the conveying air flows from the first gap into the lower region of the first separator 141 and flows from the second gap into the upper region of the second separator 142, and a short path is not formed, so that the strength of the swirling flow formed in the atomization tank 110 can be maintained, and the fine particle separation function can be enhanced.

[0224] In addition, according to the spraying means 3 of the second embodiment, there are provided an ultrasonic vibrator 120 that atomizes the liquid at the bottom of the mist tank 110 to generate fine particles, a blower 130 that has an air blowing member capable of maintaining a predetermined rotation speed and discharges conveying air for conveying the fine particles of the liquid from an air blowing port 111e provided in the mist tank into the mist tank 110, an outlet 111f provided in the mist tank 110 to send out the fine particles together with the conveying air, and a separator 140 above the ultrasonic vibrator 120 inside the mist tank 110 and having inclined surfaces 113d, 113e, 114a, and 115a that incline toward at least one of the wall surfaces, so that fine particles having a particle size that can cause Brownian motion can be generated.

[0225] In addition, the separator 140 includes contact parts 114b, 115b that contact parts of the inclined surfaces 114a, 115a with either of the wall surfaces, and guide parts 114d, 115d that protrude downward from the inclined surfaces 114a, 115a by a predetermined height and extend from the upper side of the contact parts 114b, 115b toward the contact parts 114b, 115b, so that particles that collide with the lower surface of the separator 140 flow toward the contact parts 114b, 115b along the guide parts 114d, 115d, and then flow down the wall surfaces from the contact parts 114b, 115b and are returned to the liquid pool. Therefore, the liquid that is not separated by the separator 140 is prevented from falling directly into the liquid pool, and the noise generated when the liquid falls into the liquid pool can be suppressed.

[0226] Furthermore, since the guide portions 114d, 115d are arranged on the inclined surfaces 114a, 115a at a predetermined angle θa, θb with respect to the inclined axes 114p, 115p of the inclined surfaces 114a, 115a, liquid adhering over a wide area of ​​the inclined surfaces 114a, 115a can be made to flow along the guide surfaces toward the abutment portions compared to when the guide portions are arranged parallel to the inclined axes 114p, 115p.

[0227] Furthermore, since the ends of guide portions 114d, 115d reach contact portions 114b, 115b, the liquid running down guide portions 114d, 115d can flow from the ends of guide portions 114d, 115d to the wall surface via contact portions 114b, 115b, thereby reliably preventing the liquid from falling from inclined surfaces 114a, 115a into the liquid pool.

[0228] Furthermore, since the contact portions 114b, 115b are provided on the lower edges of the inclined surfaces 114a, 115a, the guide portions 114d, 115d are extended to the lower edges along the inclination of the inclined surfaces 114a, 115a. Therefore, most of the liquid flowing along the inclination of the inclined surfaces 114a, 115a can be guided to the contact portions 114b, 115b by the guide portions 114d, 115d.

[0229] In addition, the contact portions 114b, 115b are formed at both ends of the lower edge of the inclined surface, and a gap is formed between the two contact portions 114b, 115b, so that the conveying air and fine particles can pass through the gap. Therefore, there is no need to provide a flow path through which the conveying air and fine particles can pass in another location, and the inclined surfaces 114a, 115a of the separator can be arranged over almost the entire surface in a plan view, so that noise caused by the falling of droplets can be prevented without impairing the sorting function of the atomized particles.

[0230] Furthermore, guide portions 114d, 115d are formed so as to have an approximately V-shape when viewed from the normal direction of inclined surfaces 114a, 115a, and the lower ends of guide portions 114d, 115d abut against both of the two abutment portions 114b, 115b. This allows liquid adhering to almost the entire surface of inclined surfaces 114a, 115a to flow down to the abutment portions, thereby almost certainly preventing noise associated with liquid falling.

[0231] And, since the top surface of the first mist tank member 111 is provided with a mounting hole 111d into which the second mist tank member 112 is fitted, the second mist tank member 112 can be easily attached and detached from the first mist tank member 111. At this time, the mist tank 110 includes the first mist tank member 111 having the lower separator members 114, 115 that define a part of the top surface of the mist tank 110 and are the lower members of the separator 140, and the second mist tank 112 having the upper separator members 112d, 112e that define the other part of the top surface of the mist tank 110 and cooperate with the lower separator members 114, 115 to form the separator 140, by removing the second mist tank member 112 from the first mist tank member 111, a part of the mist tank 110 is opened, and the area around the opened lower separator members 114, 115 can be easily cleaned. In addition, since the second mist tank member 112 can be removed, the upper separator members 112d and 112e formed on the second mist tank member 112 can also be easily cleaned.

[0232] In addition, since the third mist tank member 113, which serves as the base including the bottom surface of the mist tank 110, is connected to the first mist tank member 111 using a fastening means, the lower part of the mist tank 110 is kept airtight, while the second mist tank member 112 can be easily attached and detached from the first mist tank member 111 on the top surface, thereby achieving both airtightness and ease of cleaning.

[0233] In particular, the lower edge of the upper protruding wall 111b of the first mist tank member 111 and the upper edge of the lower protruding wall 113b of the third mist tank member 113 are fitted together and then connected by fastening means, so that the wall surface of the mist tank 110 can be kept airtight.

[0234] In addition, as the atomization in the atomization unit 100 progresses, the liquid level of the purified water in the atomization tank 110 drops. Then, the buoyancy applied to the float part 530 of the valve control member 500 decreases, and the float part 530 tilts downward as shown in FIG. 25(c). When the float part 530 tilts downward, the push part 520 provided on the opposite side of the float part 530 across the rotating shaft 510 tilts upward and pushes up the valve member 223 via the shaft body 222. When the valve member 223 is pushed up, the outlet 221a at the bottom of the tank unit 200 opens, and purified water is supplied from the tank unit 200 into the atomization tank 110. When purified water is supplied to a certain extent, buoyancy is applied to the float part 530, and the float part 530 tilts upward as shown in FIG. 25(b). When float portion 530 tilts upward, push-up portion 520 tilts downward to release the push-up of valve member 223, and valve member 223 slides downward to close outlet 221a. With this mechanism, purified water is replenished from tank unit 200 to make up for the amount of purified water lost as a result of the atomization of purified water by ultrasonic vibrator 120, so that purified water is supplied little by little from tank unit 200, and the purified water can be passed through the water treatment means in tank unit 200 over a sufficient period of time, thereby increasing the degree of purification of the purified water.

[0235] In addition, when atomization is performed by ultrasonic vibration, the particle size of the sprayed particles is largely dependent on the liquid level in the mist generation tank 110; however, by adjusting the supply adjustment means to supply only the amount of purified water consumed in the mist generation tank 110, the liquid level in the mist generation tank 110 can be kept within a specified range, thereby reducing the variation in particle size when atomized by ultrasonic vibration and achieving the desired particle size, and allowing only a fine mist that has a virus removal effect to be sprayed.

[0236] <Example 1> In a test chamber having a predetermined volume into which a virus test liquid had been sprayed, purified water from which impurities had been removed by the sterilization system according to the present invention was atomized and sprayed, and the reduction rate of airborne viruses was measured (the test method was based on the standards of JEMA (Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association)). The virus test liquid was sprayed into the chamber over 10 minutes, and then the chamber was stirred for 2 minutes using a stirring fan. Then, 200 mL of purified water was sprayed over 10 minutes, and the reduction rate of airborne viruses was measured in chronological order for 120 minutes from the start of spraying the purified water. In this example, deionized water was used as the purified water. As a comparative example, tap water from which impurities had not been removed was atomized by ultrasonic vibration using the same equipment as used in Example 1, and sprayed into the same chamber (Table 1). [Table 1]

[0237] When purified water (deionized water) from which impurities have been removed using the sterilization system of the present invention is atomized using ultrasonic vibration to an average particle size of 0.1 to 1.0 μm and then sprayed, it was confirmed that 99.9% of viruses in the chamber can be removed after 120 minutes (Figures 26 and 27).

[0238] On the other hand, when tap water was atomized and sprayed, the virus count was reduced by 95% after 120 minutes, but this was not significantly different from the natural reduction that occurred when only the virus test solution was sprayed and left to stand, and the conclusion was that even if tap water was atomized and sprayed, it had no effect on removing viruses.This result is thought to be due to the fact that tap water contains many impurities other than water, such as chlorine-based disinfectants, and the water particles form stably around the impurities, so the water molecules do not have a strong ability to steal electrons (Figures 26 and 27).

[0239] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0240] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail in order to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations described. [Industrial Applicability]

[0241] The sterilization system of the present invention can be applied to a variety of facilities where viruses and bacteria are airborne, including inside buildings such as train stations, commercial facilities, and office buildings where a large number of people pass through, as well as outdoor facilities such as stadiums and livestock barns. [Explanation of symbols]

[0242] 1. Water treatment methods 2. Spraying Means According to the First Embodiment 10 Microparticulation unit 11 Misting tank 11a Inlet 11b Air outlet 11c outlet 11d Top 12 Atomization device 12a, b... Ultrasonic transducer 13 Blower 14a, b Separator 15 Liquid level sensor 16 Stop Sensor 20 Tank Unit 20A Headroom 20B Lower space 21 Upper Tank 21a Inlet 22 Lower Tank 22a Connection port 23 Connecting pipe 30 Blowing unit 31 Blowout material 32 Spray nozzle 40 Supply Units 41 Purified water supply pump 41 42 Purified water supply pipe 50 Control Unit 60 Installation Unit 61 Lower Base 62 Columnar member 63 Top member 64 Legs 70 Power supply unit 80 Cover member 90 Water treatment unit (water treatment means) 91 Constant water entrance 92 Purified water outlet 93 Cylindrical member 94 Handle 3. Spraying Means According to the Second Embodiment 100 Microparticulation Unit 110 Misting tank 111 First atomizing tank component 112 Second atomizing tank component 113 Third atomizing tank component 114 First lower separator member 114a First downward slope part (first slope part) 114b Contact part 114c Cutout 114d Information Department 114d Information Department 114e Edge section 114g installation hole 115 second lower separator member 115a Second downward slope part (second slope part) 115b Contact part 115c Cutout 115d Information Department 115e Edge section 115g installation hole 120 Ultrasonic transducer 130 Blower 140 Separator 150 Eave parts 200 Tank Unit 210 Tank body 210A Upper space 210B Lower space 211 Storage section 212 Protrusion 213 Opening 220 Cap member 221 Cap body 221a Outlet 222 Shaft body 222a Expanded diameter part 223 Valve members 230 Fittings 240 Connecting Pipe 300 blowing unit 310 Spray nozzle 320 Delivery pipe 400 Cover material 410 Lower Base 420 Lid member 500 Valve control member (supply adjustment means) 510 Rotating shaft 520 Push-up part 530 Float section 600 Water treatment unit (water treatment means) 610 Constant water entrance 620 Purified water outlet 630 Cylindrical member 640 Handle

Claims

[Claim 1] A sterilization system comprising: a water treatment means for treating ordinary water to produce purified water; and a spray means for atomizing the purified water produced by the water treatment means by ultrasonic vibration and spraying the atomized water, The spraying means is A tank unit including the water treatment means for treating stored ordinary water to produce the purified water; an atomization tank capable of storing the purified water supplied from the tank unit; an atomization device provided with an ultrasonic vibrator for atomizing the purified water in the atomization tank to generate fine particles; the water treatment means is formed by a water treatment unit in which a substantially cylindrical member of a predetermined height having a normal water inlet on an upper surface and a purified water outlet on a lower surface is filled with a water treatment agent; A fitting member for fitting and attaching the water treatment unit is provided along an inner circumferential surface of the tank unit, and the fitting member divides an upper space on the normal water inlet side and a lower space on the purified water outlet side, A communication pipe is provided to communicate between the upper space and the lower space. Disinfection system.

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