Spray device

Abstract

To provide a spray device that can enhance performance in separating particles in an atomizing unit and spray a large number of fine particles having a minute particle size that is wide enough to cause Brownian motion.SOLUTION: A spray device is provided with: an atomization tank which can store liquid and whose circumference is covered with wall surfaces; an ultrasonic vibrator that atomizes liquid to generate fine particles; an air blower that discharges conveying air for conveying fine particles into the atomization tank; a feed-out port which feeds out the fine particles together with the conveying air; a first separator having a first inclining surface inclining downward; and a second separator having a second inclining surface inclining downward. The first separator comprises a first edge part and a first connection part. A blowing port is arranged closer to one end in a width direction of the atomization tank than the first connection part. The second separator comprises a second edge part forming a second gap part and a second connection part. The feed-out port is arranged closer to the other end in the width direction of the atomization tank, and a meandering path is formed between the second gap part and the feed-out port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for enhancing the separation function of particles atomized by ultrasonic vibration in a spraying device that atomizes a liquid using an ultrasonic vibrator and sprays it into a space.

Background Art

[0002] Various spraying devices have been developed that atomize water or an aqueous solution having a predetermined effect using an ultrasonic vibrator and spray it into a space by riding on carrier air generated by a blower.

[0003] In such a spraying device, in order to evenly disperse fine particles over a wide range in a space, it is required to stably generate fine particles having a desired particle size, particularly a particle size small enough for the fine particles to exhibit Brownian motion in the air.

[0004] As an example of such a spraying device, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, droplets generated using an ultrasonic vibrator are separated by a separator, and only fine particles small enough to exhibit Brownian motion are taken out and sprayed together with air (Patent Document 1). According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, even in a large space such as a hall in an elderly facility or a livestock house such as a cowshed, a pigsty, or a chicken coop, a large amount of fine particles having a particle size small enough to exhibit Brownian motion can be generated, and a liquid having a sterilizing effect can be spread to every corner without falling on the floor or ground.

[0005] By the way, as shown in Patent Document 1, even when droplets are generated using an ultrasonic vibrator and the droplets are separated by a separator provided above the ultrasonic vibrator to take out only fine particles, only the separation by the separator cannot completely separate relatively large particles, and they may remain in the sprayed particles.

[0006] When considering the particle size distribution of the sprayed particles, it is desirable to remove as many large-sized particles as possible and spray only fine particles with a fine particle size.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a spraying device that enhances the separation performance of particles in an atomization unit and can spray a large amount of fine particles having a fine particle size capable of causing Brownian motion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The present invention provides the following solutions.

[0010] The invention according to the first feature includes an atomization tank capable of storing a liquid and covered with a wall surface around it, an ultrasonic vibrator that atomizes the liquid at the bottom of the atomization tank to generate fine particles, a blower member capable of maintaining a predetermined rotational speed, a blower that discharges conveying air for conveying the fine particles of the liquid into the atomization tank, a discharge port provided in the atomization tank for sending out the fine particles together with the conveying air, a first separator having a first inclined surface portion that inclines downward toward one side surface in the width direction of the atomization tank, and a second separator having a second inclined surface portion that inclines downward toward the other side surface in the width direction of the atomization tank. The first separator includes a first edge portion arranged at a predetermined interval so as to form a first gap portion between the side surface on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank, and a first connection portion connected to the top surface of the atomization tank. The air outlet is arranged closer to one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank than the first connection portion. The second separator includes a second edge portion arranged at a predetermined interval so as to form a second gap portion between the side surface on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank, and a second connection portion connected to the top surface of the atomization tank. The discharge port is arranged closer to the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank than the second connection portion, and a meandering path is formed between the second gap portion and the discharge port, and a spraying device is provided.

[0011] According to the invention according to the first feature, since it includes an ultrasonic vibrator that atomizes the liquid at the bottom of the atomization tank to generate fine particles, a blower member capable of maintaining a predetermined rotational speed, a blower that discharges conveying air for conveying the fine particles of the liquid into the atomization tank from an air outlet provided in the atomization tank, a discharge port provided in the atomization tank for sending out the fine particles together with the conveying air, and a flat separator provided above the atomization device in the atomization tank and having an inclined surface that inclines toward at least one of the wall surfaces, it is possible to generate fine particles having a fine particle size to the extent that Brownian motion can occur.

[0012] At this time, the first separator includes a first edge portion disposed at a predetermined interval so as to form a first gap portion between the side surface on one end side in the width direction in the atomization tank, and a first connection portion connected to the top surface of the atomization tank. The air outlet is disposed closer to one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank than the first connection portion. The second separator includes a second edge portion disposed at a predetermined interval so as to form a second gap portion between the side surface on the other end side in the width direction in the atomization tank, and a second connection portion connected to the top surface of the atomization tank. The air outlet is disposed closer to the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank than the second connection portion. As a result, in the atomization tank, a large swirling flow is formed from one end side to the other end side in the width direction across the entire inside of the atomization tank with the first separator and the second separator interposed therebetween. Therefore, due to the effect of the centrifugal force accompanying the generation of the swirling flow, it is separated into fine particles and even finer ultrafine particles, and it is possible to provide a spraying device capable of selecting and spraying ultrafine particles fine enough to cause Brownian motion.

[0013] In addition, since a meandering path is formed between the second gap portion and the air outlet, it is possible to further select particles that could not be completely separated by the separation ability of the separator itself and the swirling flow formed in the atomization tank on the meandering path, and increase the proportion of ultrafine particles fine enough to cause Brownian motion among the particles to be sent out.

[0014] The invention according to the second feature is the invention according to the first feature, wherein the meandering path is formed by a shielding member disposed substantially horizontally from the other end portion in the width direction of the atomization tank toward the one end side in the width direction above the second gap portion and below the air outlet.

[0015] According to the invention according to the second feature, since the meandering path is formed by the shielding member disposed substantially horizontally from the other end portion in the width direction of the atomization tank toward the one end side in the width direction above the second gap portion and below the air outlet, it is possible to form a meandering path capable of increasing the proportion of ultrafine particles without changing the structure of the flow path itself.

[0016] The invention according to the third feature is the invention according to the second feature, wherein the end of the shielding member is located on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank with respect to the second edge portion, and the outlet is located on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank with respect to the end of the shielding member.

[0017] According to the invention according to the third feature, since the end of the shielding member is located on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank with respect to the second edge portion, the fine particles and the conveying air that have passed through the second gap portion flow along the lower surface of the shielding member toward one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank. Therefore, it is possible to reverse the large swirling flow formed toward the other end side in the width direction at the lower part of the atomization tank, and separate the particles that could not be completely separated by the separator and the swirling flow. Furthermore, since the outlet is located on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank with respect to the end of the shielding member, the fine particles and the conveying air that have passed through the end of the shielding member flow again toward the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank and are sent out from the outlet. Therefore, by simply devising the position of the end, it is possible to cause two reversals in the flow, and form a meandering path that can enhance the separation function with a simple configuration and increase the proportion of fine fine particles.

[0018] The invention according to the fourth feature is the invention according to any one of the first to third features, wherein the atomization tank has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and both the first separator and the second separator are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and the atomization tank is covered by the first separator and the second separator from above except for the first gap portion and the second gap portion.

[0019] According to the invention related to the fourth feature, the atomization tank has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and both the first separator and the second separator are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. Since the atomization tank is covered by the first separator and the second separator from above except for the first gap portion and the second gap portion, the particles atomized by the ultrasonic vibrator are almost invariably separated into large particles and fine particles by the first separator and the second separator. In addition, the conveying air flows into the lower region of the first separator from the first gap portion and flows out from the second gap portion to the upper region of the second separator. Moreover, since no short circuit is formed, the strength of the swirling flow formed in the atomization tank can be maintained, and the separation function of the fine particles can be enhanced.

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a spraying device that can improve the separation performance of particles in the atomization unit and spray a large number of fine particles having a fine particle size capable of causing Brownian motion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out 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 thereto.

[0023] [Overall Configuration of Spray Device 1] Using FIGS. 1 to 4, the overall configuration of the spray device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the spray device 1 according to this embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the spray device 1, FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the spray device 1, and FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the spray device 1 disassembled.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the spray device 1 of this embodiment includes an atomization unit 100 that atomizes a liquid to generate and transport fine particles, a tank unit 200 that stores the liquid to be supplied to the atomization unit 100, 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, and a cover member 400 that covers each unit.

[0025] Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that water or an aqueous chlorous acid solution having a sterilizing effect is used as the liquid, and the spray device 1 is used as a humidifier or a sterilizing device that reduces viruses and bacteria floating in the air.

[0026] In the spray device 1 configured as described above, the liquid supplied from the tank unit 200 is atomized in the atomization unit 100 and sprayed from the blowing unit 300.

[0027] [Configuration of Atomization Unit 100] Using FIGS. 2 to 10, the atomization unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the disassembled state of the atomization tank 110, FIG. 6 is a front sectional view showing the disassembled state of the atomization tank 110, and FIG. 7 is a side longitudinal sectional view showing the disassembled state of the atomization tank 110. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing details of the first atomization tank member 111, FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view seen from above, FIG. 8(b) is a perspective view seen from below, FIG. 8(c) is a plan view, FIG. 8(d) is a bottom view, FIG. 8(e) is a side sectional view, and FIG. 8(f) is a front sectional view. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing details of the second atomization tank member 112, FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view seen from above, FIG. 9(b) is a perspective view seen from below, FIG. 9(c) is an elevation view, and FIG. 9(d) is a plan view. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing details of the third atomization tank member 113, FIG. 10(a) is a plan view, FIG. 10(b) is a side sectional view, and FIG. 10(c) is a front sectional view.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the atomization unit 100 includes an atomization tank 110 that is substantially rectangular in plan view and can store a liquid and is covered by a wall surface around it, an ultrasonic vibrator 120 disposed at the bottom of the atomization tank 110 that atomizes the liquid to generate fine particles, a blower 130 that includes a blower member (not shown) capable of maintaining a predetermined rotation speed and discharges conveying air for conveying the fine particles of the liquid into the atomization tank 110, a separator 140 (a first separator 141 and a second separator 142) having 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 roof member 150. In the present invention, the left-right direction in FIG. 2 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.

[0029] The atomization tank 110 is for storing and atomizing the liquid supplied from the tank unit 200, and has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the atomization tank 110 of the spraying device according to the present embodiment is configured by combining three members. Among the members constituting the atomization tank 110, the first atomization tank member 111 serves as an intermediate member that forms the top surface, the upper part of the front surface, and the upper part of the side wall surface on the end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110. The second tank member 112 serves as a lid member that forms the top surface and the upper part of the rear wall surface on the center side in the width direction. The third atomization tank member 113 serves as a base that forms 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 atomization tank 110. Further, inside the atomization tank 110, a first lower separator member 114 and a second lower separator member 115 that function as the separator 140 in the present invention are attached to the first atomization tank member 111.

[0031] As will be described later, the first atomization tank member 111 serving as the intermediate member is fitted into the third atomization tank member 113 serving as the base so that the lower protruding wall portion 113b and the upper protruding wall portion 111b that form the wall portion of the atomization tank 110 are joined together from above the third atomization tank member 113, and are connected by a fastening member (not shown).

[0032] The second atomization tank member 112 serving as the lid member is configured to be connected by being fitted into the first atomization tank member 111 from above the first atomization tank member 111, and is detachable from the first atomization tank member 111. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the first atomization tank member 111 has a flange portion 111a having a substantially circular shape in plan view that defines the top surface on the end side in the width direction, and a mounting hole 111d into which the second atomization tank member 112 is inserted from above is formed substantially at the center of the flange portion 111a.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 8, the first atomization tank member 111 is a member that serves as an intermediate member forming the top surface, the upper part of the front wall surface, and the upper part of the side wall surface on the widthwise end side of the atomization tank 110. It includes a flange portion 111a having a substantially circular shape in plan view, and an upper protruding wall 111b that protrudes substantially vertically downward from the flange portion 111a and constitutes the upper part of the front wall, the upper part of the side wall, and the upper part of the rear wall of the atomization tank 110. The upper protruding wall 111b includes an upper bulging wall portion 111c where a part of the upper part of the rear wall bulges rearward. Also, a mounting hole 111d into which the second atomization tank member 112 is inserted from above is formed at substantially the center of the flange portion 111a. Further, an air outlet 111e is formed on one end side in the width direction of the flange portion 111a, and the conveyance air discharged from a blower 130 disposed above the air outlet 111e flows into the atomization tank 110 through the air outlet 111e. Also, 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 sent out from the delivery port 111f together with the conveyance air.

[0034] The lower edges of the upper bulging wall portion 111c and the upper protruding wall 111b are formed to fit with the upper edges of the lower bulging wall portion 112c and the lower protruding wall 112b of the third atomization tank member 113 described later. By combining the first atomization tank member 111 and the third atomization tank member 113, the atomization tank 110 excluding a part of the rear wall is formed. Note that the first atomization tank member 111 and the third atomization tank member 113 are connected by fastening them 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.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 8(b) and 8(f), on the lower surface of the flange portion 111a, at positions corresponding to the lower sides of the air inlet 111e and the air outlet 111f, that is, at both end portions in the width direction of the atomization tank 110, separator installation portions 111g where first and second lower separator members 114 and 115 described later can be installed are formed. The separator installation portion 111g is composed of a plurality of rod-shaped members having male threads formed at their lower ends. By screwing the installation holes 114g and 115g formed in the first and second lower separator members 114 and 115 through the rod-shaped members, the first and second lower separator members 114 and 115 can be installed on the first atomization tank member 111 from below.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 9, the second atomization tank member 112 is a member that serves as a lid member forming the top surface and the upper part of the rear wall surface on the center side in the width direction. It includes an upper lid portion 112a formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view that covers the mounting hole 111d of the first atomization tank member 111, a flat lower lid portion 112b formed in substantially the same planar shape as the bulging portion formed by the bulging wall portion 111c at the lower rear adjacent to the upper lid portion 112a, and a vertical wall 112c connecting the upper lid portion 112a and the lower lid portion 112b. The vertical wall 112c constitutes the upper part of the rear wall surface in the atomization tank 110. On the lower surface of the upper lid portion 112a, there are provided a first upper separator member 112d and a second upper separator member 112e that are part of the first separator 141 and the second separator 142, respectively. The first upper separator member 112d and the second upper separator member 112e incline downward in the width direction starting from substantially the central part 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. At substantially the central part in the width direction on the upper surface of the upper lid portion 112a, there is provided a protruding portion 112f protruding upward. Also, at substantially the central part in the width direction of the lower lid portion 112b, there is provided an insertion hole 112g through which the cap member 220 of the tank unit 200 is inserted. The second atomization tank member 112 is detachably connected to the first atomization tank member 111 only by fitting into the mounting hole 111d from above without using a fastening tool such as a screw.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 10, the third atomization tank member 113 is a member serving as a base that forms 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. It includes a base portion 113a having a substantially circular shape in plan view, and a lower protruding wall 113b that protrudes substantially vertically upward from the base portion and constitutes 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. 10(a), the lower protruding wall 113b includes a lower bulging wall portion 113c where a part of the lower part of the rear wall bulges. In the region formed by the lower bulging wall portion 113c, a protruding portion 212 of the tank unit 200 described later is inserted. Further, in the region formed by the lower bulging wall portion 113c, a substantially rod-shaped pressing portion 113d that supplies liquid from the tank unit 200 into the atomization tank 110 by abutting against a valve body 221 provided in a cap member 220 located at the lower end of the tank unit 200 from below protrudes vertically upward. Also, at the lower part of the lower protruding wall 113b, a drain pipe 113e that communicates with the inside of the atomization tank 110 and discharges the liquid in the atomization tank 110 is provided. Furthermore, a space for disposing the ultrasonic vibrator 120 is provided at the bottom of the third atomization tank member 113.

[0038] A plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 120 are arranged at the bottom of the atomization tank 110, specifically at the bottom of the third atomization tank member 113, and operate by the electric power supplied from a power supply unit (not shown) to emit ultrasonic waves. In the ultrasonic vibrator 120 according to the present embodiment, two ultrasonic vibrators 120 are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 to atomize the liquid over a wide range in the atomization tank 110 and generate fine particles. When the ultrasonic vibrator 120 is operated, a liquid column is generated upward toward each ultrasonic vibrator 120.

[0039] The blower 130 includes a blower member (not shown) whose rotation speed can be controlled according to a signal from a control unit (not shown), and supplies conveyance air for conveying the atomized liquid into the atomization tank 110 through the air outlet 111e. An air outlet (not shown) for discharging the conveyance 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 present embodiment, the blower 130 is driven by electric power supplied from a power supply unit (not shown), and controls the rotation speed by changing the applied voltage according to a signal from a control unit (not shown).

[0040] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, two first lower separator members 114 and second lower separator members 115 that function as the separator 140 in the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the separator 140, FIG. 11(a) is a schematic diagram of the inside of the atomization tank 110 viewed from the bottom side, and FIG. 11(b) is a front sectional view of the separator 140. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing details of the first lower separator member 114, FIG. 12(a) is a perspective view viewed from above, FIG. 12(b) is a perspective view viewed from below, and FIG. 12(c) is a bottom view. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing details of the second lower separator member 115, FIG. 13(a) is a perspective view viewed from above, FIG. 13(b) is a perspective view viewed from below, and FIG. 13(c) is a bottom view.

[0041] The separator 140 includes a first separator 141 and a second separator 142 that 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 that serves as an upper member and a first lower separator member 114 that serves as a lower member, and the second separator 142 is composed of a second upper separator member 113e that serves as an upper member and a second lower separator member 115 that serves as a lower member.

[0042] The first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are flat members formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and made of a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Their basic function is to function as a separator 140 in cooperation with the first upper separator member 112d and the second upper separator member 112e in the second atomization tank member 112, and to divide the droplets generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 120 into large droplets and small fine particles. That is, when a liquid column is generated above each ultrasonic vibrator 120, the large droplets with a large particle size contained in the liquid column collide with the separator 140 and flow downward to reflux to the liquid layer stored in the atomization tank 110. On the other hand, the small droplets with a small particle size contained in the liquid column float near the separator 140 and are conveyed to the air outlet 112f along with the conveying air supplied by the blower 130. In this way, by the action of the separator 140, the large droplets with a large particle size and the small droplets with a small particle size generated by ultrasonic vibration can be separated.

[0043] And the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are arranged in the separator installation portion 111g of the first atomization tank member 111 so that no gap is formed with the lower edges of the first upper separator member 112d and the second upper separator member 112e, respectively, in order to function as the separator 140 in cooperation with the first upper separator member 112d and the second upper separator member 112e.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), on the lower surfaces of the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115, first lower inclined surface portions 114a and second lower inclined surface portions 115a are formed which form inclined surfaces 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. The first lower inclined surface portion 114a and the second lower inclined surface portion 115a each function as the first inclined surface portion and the second inclined surface portion in the present invention.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 include contact portions 114b and 115b where a part of the lower edges of the inclined surface portions 114a and 115a contact the side wall of the atomization tank 110. As shown in FIG. 11(a), the contact portions 114b and 115b are formed at both ends of the lower edges of the inclined surface portions 114a and 115a. Notch portions 114c and 115c, which notch a part of the inclined surface portions 114a and 115a, are provided between the contact portions 114b and 115b provided at both ends. The notch portions 114c and 115c respectively become a first gap portion and a second gap portion formed between the wall surface and the ends of the inclined surface portions 114a and 115a when the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are installed in the separator installation portion 111g. Thus, by forming the notch portions 114c and 115c, the portion of the lower edges of the inclined surface portions 114a and 115a between the pair of contact portions 114b and 115b becomes edge portions 114e and 115e that are spaced apart from the side wall of the atomization tank 110 by a predetermined distance when the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 are installed on the first atomization tank member 111.

[0046] In particular, the first lower separator member 114 installed on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 is arranged to be located below the blower 130. The notch portion 114c (the 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 when the conveying air flows in.

[0047] Also, the second lower separator member 115 installed on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 is arranged to be located below the outlet 111f. The notch 115c (the second gap portion in the present invention) in the second lower separator member 115 is located directly below the outlet 111f of the atomization tank 110 when the second lower separator member 115 is installed in the separator installation portion 111g, and serves as an outlet when the conveying air and the atomized fine particles flow out.

[0048] Further, the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 each have a guide portion 114d, 115d that protrudes downward from the respective inclined surface portions 114a, 115a by a predetermined height and extends from above the contact portions 114b, 115b toward the contact portions 114b, 115b.

[0049] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12(c) and 13(c), the guide portions 114d, 115d are disposed on the inclined surface portions 114a, 115a at a predetermined angle θa, θb with respect to the axes 114p, 115p parallel to the respective center lines of the inclined surface portions 114a, 115a.

[0050] Further, the ends of the guide portions 114d, 115d reach the respective contact portions 114b, 115b.

[0051] In particular, the guide portions 114d, 115d in the present embodiment are formed to have a substantially V-shaped shape as viewed from the normal direction of the inclined surface portions 114a, 115a, as shown in FIGS. 11(c) and 12(c), and the lower ends of the guide portions 114d, 115d contact both of the two contact portions 114b, 115b.

[0052] Note that installation holes 114g, 115g for engaging with the separator installation portion 111g of the first atomization tank member 111 are formed in the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115. By engaging the separator installation portion 111g with the installation holes 114g, 115g and fastening them with a fastener (not shown), the first lower separator member 114 and the second lower separator member 115 can be installed on the first atomization tank member 111.

[0053] The first lower separator member 114 formed in this way, in cooperation with the first upper separator member 112d of the second atomization tank member 112, becomes the first separator 141 that constitutes the separator 140 in the present invention.

[0054] Similarly, the second lower separator member 115 cooperates with the second inclined upper separator member 112e of the second atomization tank member 112 to form a second separator 142 that constitutes the separator 140 in the present invention.

[0055] The first separator 141 and the second separator 142 according to the present embodiment are arranged as follows so as to further exhibit functions described later.

[0056] The first separator 141 according to the present embodiment is disposed below the air outlet 111e and above the ultrasonic vibrator 120 disposed at one end in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 among the ultrasonic vibrators 120.

[0057] Also, as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), the first separator 141 has a base end portion 141a (the first connection portion in the present invention) whose one end is connected to the top surface of the atomization tank 110, and the other end forms a first gap with the side surface on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110. It is disposed so as to be inclined obliquely downward toward one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 so as to have an edge portion 114e (the first edge portion in the present invention) disposed at a predetermined interval.

[0058] The second separator 142 is disposed below the air outlet 111f and above the ultrasonic vibrator 120 disposed at the other end in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 among the ultrasonic vibrators 120.

[0059] Also, as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), the second separator 142 has a base end portion 142a (the second connection portion in the present invention) whose one end is connected to the top surface of the atomization tank 110, and the other end forms a second gap with the side surface on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank. It is disposed so as to be inclined obliquely downward in the direction opposite to the first separator 141, that is, toward the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 so as to have an edge portion 115e (the second edge portion in the present invention) disposed at a predetermined interval.

[0060] That is, a part of the end of the first separator 141 (first edge portion) is disposed at a predetermined interval from the side surface on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 so as to form a first gap between the side surface on one end side, and a part of the end of the second separator 142 (second edge portion) is disposed at a predetermined interval from the side surface on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 so as to form a second gap between the side surface on the other end side.

[0061] And the air inlet 111e is provided on the one end side in the width direction rather than the base end portion 141a (first connection portion in the present invention) of the first separator 141, and the air outlet 111f is provided on the other end side in the width direction rather than the base end portion 142a (first connection portion in the present invention) of the second separator 142.

[0062] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, a meandering path MP is formed between the second gap formed between the end of the second separator 142 and the side surface on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 and the air outlet 111f. The meandering path MP is formed by a shielding member 150 disposed substantially horizontally from the other end portion in the width direction of the atomization tank toward the one end side in the width direction above the second gap and below the air outlet 111f. Further, the end of the shielding member 150 is located on the one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 rather than the edge portion 115e (second edge portion) of the second separator 142, and the air outlet 111f is located on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 rather than the end of the shielding member 150. In this way, a meandering path is formed between the second gap and the air outlet 111f.

[0063] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the atomization tank 110 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and both the first separator 141 and the second separator 142 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, 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.

[0064] [Configuration of the tank unit 200] Referring to FIG. 14, the tank unit 200 will be described. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the details of the tank unit 200. FIG. 14(a) is a side view of the tank body 210, FIG. 14(b) is a perspective view of the tank body 210 seen from below, FIG. 14(c) is a perspective view showing the cap member 220 in a disassembled state, FIG. 14(d) is a front sectional view of the cap body 221, FIG. 14(e) is a perspective view of the shaft member 222, FIG. 14(f) is a front view of the valve member 223, FIG. 14(g) is a perspective view of the valve member 223, and FIG. 14(h) is a sectional view showing the opening 213 of the tank body 210 and the internal mechanism of the cap member 220.

[0065] The tank unit 200 is for temporarily storing the liquid to be supplied to the atomization tank 110 and supplying the liquid to the atomization unit 110, and is disposed above the atomization unit 100. In the present embodiment, the tank unit 200 includes a tank body 210 and a cap member 220.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b), the tank body 210 has a cylindrical shape with a reduced diameter downward, a storage portion 211 for storing the liquid, a protruding portion 212 protruding downward by a predetermined length from a part of the lower end of the storage portion 211, and a substantially cylindrical opening 213 formed at the lower end of the protruding portion 212 and serving as an inlet / outlet for the liquid. A male thread 213a is provided on the outer periphery of the opening 213, and the cap member 220 provided with a female thread 221b can be screwed thereon.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 14(c) and 14(d), the cap member 220 includes a cap body 221 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and having a liquid outflow inlet 221a at the center of the cylinder, a shaft body 222 attached to the cap body 221 so as to be reciprocally movable in the longitudinal direction, and a valve body 223 integrally connected to the shaft body 222 and capable of opening and closing the outflow inlet 221a.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 14(d), the upper half of the cap body 221 is formed in a double cylinder shape, and a liquid outlet inlet 221a is formed at the central portion inside the inner cylinder. Further, on the inner side of the outer cylinder, a female screw portion 221b that can be screwed onto a male screw portion 213a formed at the opening 213 of the tank body 210 is formed.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 14(e), the shaft body 222 is a substantially rod-shaped member inserted into the outlet inlet 221a of the cap body 221, and at the lower end, it is provided with an enlarged diameter portion 222a having a function of preventing detachment from the outlet inlet 221a and a function of abutting against the pressing portion. Further, on the upper portion of the shaft body 222, a stepped portion 222b for engaging the valve body 223 is formed. When the valve body 223 is fitted into the stepped portion 222b, the shaft body 222 and the valve body 223 operate integrally.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 14(f) and 14(g), the valve body 223 includes a valve seat portion 223a formed in a substantially conical shape. Further, a stepped portion 222b of the shaft body 222 is engaged with an insertion hole 223b formed in the central portion of the valve body 223. In order to engage the stepped portion 222b with the insertion hole 223b, the valve body 223 may be formed of a resin having flexibility that can be expanded and contracted, or the valve body 223 may be formed of two half-split members.

[0071] With the cap member 220 configured as described above, in a state where the cap member 220 is screwed onto the tank body 210, the shaft body 222 and the valve body 223 can reciprocate in the axial direction of the shaft body 222.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 14(h), when the valve body 223 is located on the inner side (first position) of the tank body 210, the valve seat portion 223a opens the outlet inlet 221a, so that the liquid stored in the tank body 210 can flow out. When the valve body 223 is located on the outer side (second position) of the tank body 210, the valve seat portion 223a closes the outlet inlet 221a, so that the liquid cannot flow out.

[0073] That is, even when the opening 213 of the tank body 210 is directed downward with the liquid stored in the tank body 210 and the cap member 220 screwed thereon, the shaft body 222 and the valve body 223 move to the second position to close the outflow inlet 221a, so that the liquid does not leak from the tank unit 200. On the other hand, when the tank unit 200 is installed in the spraying device 1 with the liquid stored in the tank body 210 and the cap member 220 screwed thereon, as shown in FIG. 14(h), the enlarged diameter portion 222a of the shaft body 222 abuts against the pressing portion 113d of the third atomizing tank member 113, and the shaft body 222 and the valve body 223 are pushed up to the first position, and the liquid stored in the tank body 210 is supplied into the atomizing tank 110 through the outflow inlet 221a.

[0074] When the tank unit 200 formed in this way is assembled to the spraying device 1, the tank unit is installed with the second atomizing tank member 112 fitted to the first atomizing tank member 111 and the atomizing unit 100 assembled. 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 through the insertion hole 112g of the second atomizing tank member 112. Then, the enlarged diameter portion 222a of the shaft body 222 abuts against the pressing portion 113d of the third atomizing tank member 113, and as described above, the shaft body 222 and the valve body 223 are pushed up to the first position, and the liquid stored in the tank body 210 is supplied into the atomizing tank 110 through the outflow inlet 221a.

[0075] [Configuration of the blowing unit 300] The blowing unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0076] The blowing unit 300 is for blowing out the fine particles generated by the atomizing unit 100 together with the conveying air, and is composed of a spraying port 310 formed on the top surface of the spraying device 1 and a communication pipe 320 that communicates the delivery port 111f of the atomizing tank 110 and the spraying port 310.

[0077] The communication pipe 320 is connected to a delivery port 111f formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view on a flange portion 111a of the first atomization tank member 111, and is a pipe having a flat cross-section so as to be able to pass through a narrow space in the housing.

[0078] The fine particles and the conveyance air sent out from the delivery port 111f are sprayed into the space from the spray port 310 through the communication pipe 320.

[0079] [Configuration of the cover member 400] As shown in FIG. 1, the cover member 400 includes a peripheral wall 410 that covers the side surface of the spray device 1 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, a lid member 420 that is a substantially circular flat plate member detachably disposed at the center of the top surface of the spray device 1, and a top surface wall 430 that covers the outer peripheral portion of the lid member 420.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral wall 410 is provided with a handle portion 411 that is a portion to hold the material for carrying the spray device 1, a power switch 412 for switching between the operating state and the stop state of the spray device 1, a DC jack 413 into which a plug of an AC adapter (not shown) is inserted, and a drain cap 414 for opening and closing a drain pipe 113e that communicates with the inside of the atomization tank 110.

[0081] The lid member 420 is a substantially circular flat plate member and is detachably placed inside a top surface wall 430 that covers the outer peripheral portion of the top surface of the spray device 1. By removing the lid member 420 from the top surface, the tank unit 200 can be attached and detached.

[0082] A spray port 310 that functions as a blowing unit 300 is formed in the top surface wall 430.

[0083] [Configuration of the control unit] The control unit controls the drive of the blower 130 and the operation of the ultrasonic vibrator 120, and is composed of well-known circuits, switches, etc.

[0084] [Operating method of the spray device 1] A method for operating the spraying device 1 configured as described above will be described.

[0085] First, remove the lid member 420 from the top surface of the spraying device 1 and take out the tank unit 200 from inside the main body of the spraying device 1. Next, remove the cap member 420 provided at the bottom of the tank unit 200 and fill the liquid into the tank main body 410. After the filling of the liquid is completed, attach the cap member 420 again and install the tank unit 200 inside the main body of the spraying device 1.

[0086] At this time, the enlarged diameter portion 222a of the shaft body 222 of the cap member 220 provided at the bottom of the tank unit 200 abuts against the pressing portion 113d of the third atomizing tank member 113, and the shaft body 222 and the valve body 223 are pushed up to the first position, and the outflow inlet 221a is in an open state. As a result, the liquid stored in the tank main body 210 is supplied into the atomizing tank 110 through the outflow inlet 221a. Note that the amount of the liquid supplied into the atomizing tank 110 is adjusted by a liquid level adjusting means such as a float type so as to maintain a predetermined liquid level.

[0087] When the power switch 412 is operated to be in an operating state with the liquid supplied into the atomizing tank 110, the ultrasonic vibrator 120 and the blower 130 operate.

[0088] With the operation of the ultrasonic vibrator 120, a liquid column rises above each ultrasonic vibrator 120. Although the liquid column contains particles having various particle sizes, with respect to the separator 140 disposed obliquely downward above the ultrasonic vibrator 120 so as to contact the liquid column, the liquid droplets having a large particle size contained in the liquid column contact and flow downward, and reflux to the stored liquid layer, and only the mist droplets having a small particle size float in the air.

[0089] Also, with the operation of the blower 130, the conveying air is supplied downward from the air outlet 111e, conveys the mist droplets having a small particle size floating in the air, and discharges them from the discharge port 111f.

[0090] At this time, since the first separator 141 provided on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 is disposed below the air outlet 111e and above the ultrasonic vibrator 120 on one end side in the width direction, the conveyance air supplied from the blower 130 is prevented from directly reaching the liquid surface or the liquid column, and the liquid column or 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 conveyance air function without interfering with each other, thereby ensuring the performance of sorting the particle sizes of the particles.

[0091] In addition, the conveyance air supplied from the blower 130 collides with one side surface of the first separator 141 and flows along one side surface of the first separator 141. At this time, a pressure loss occurs, and the pressure for conveying the particles decreases. Since the pressure of the conveyance air decreases, only the fine particles smaller than the particles of a size that can be normally conveyed are conveyed by the conveyance air from the liquid agent separated into droplets and small particles by colliding with the first separator 141 and the second separator 142.

[0092] In addition, when the conveyance air flowing along one side surface of the first separator 141 flows out from the first gap between the edge portion 114e and the side surface of one end of the atomization tank 110, a negative pressure region is formed on the other side surface of the first separator 141, that is, the region where the liquid column contacts. However, in this negative pressure region, since the pressure of the conveyance air further decreases, particles other than the very fine particles with a very small particle size cannot be conveyed and will fall to the lower liquid surface. Therefore, only the fine particles with a particle size small enough to cause Brownian motion are conveyed downstream by the conveyance air.

[0093] By such a mechanism, it is possible to provide a spraying device that can convey finer particles by the conveyance air than simply receiving the liquid column with a separator and can selectively spray only the fine particles small enough to cause Brownian motion.

[0094] Further, the first separator 141 has a base end portion 141a (the first connection portion in the present invention) with one end connected to the top surface of the atomization tank 110, and is disposed obliquely downward so as to have an edge portion 114e (the first edge portion) that forms a first gap with the side surface on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 at a predetermined interval. And it is disposed to protrude from the inside toward the outside so as to allow the conveying air supplied from the blower 130 to pass through the outer peripheral side in the atomization tank 110.

[0095] Due to such a structure of the first separator 141, the conveying air supplied downward from the air outlet 111e changes the flow direction obliquely downward according to the arrangement direction of the first separator 141, and passes through the first gap formed between the side surface on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 and the edge portion 114e of the first separator 141 to reach the bottom near the liquid layer of the atomization tank 110. The conveying air that has reached the bottom changes its direction toward the side surface on the other end side and circulates near the liquid surface toward the side surface on the other end side of the atomization tank 110. Then, the direction is changed upward near the side surface on the other end side of the atomization tank 110 and flows toward the air outlet 111f formed on the top surface. Also, a part of the conveying air passes through the first gap formed between the side surface on one end side of the atomization tank 110 and the other end of the first separator 141, then wraps around the surface of the first separator 141 on the side receiving the liquid column, forms a swirling flow in the atomization tank 110, and flows out from the air outlet 111f.

[0096] In this way, the conveying air supplied downward from the air outlet 111e forms a gentle swirling flow inside the atomization tank 110 according to the arrangement direction of the first separator 141. A part of it wraps around the surface on the side receiving the liquid column, and a part passes through the outer peripheral side in the atomization tank 110 and then is sent out from the air outlet 111f.

[0097] And since the conveying air supplied from the air outlet 111e passes through the outer peripheral side in the atomization tank 110 and forms a gentle swirling flow, due to the effect of the centrifugal force accompanying the generation of the swirling flow, it is separated into fine particles and even finer microparticles, and only the microparticles are conveyed by the conveying air.

[0098] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the air outlet 111e and the air outlet 111f are provided at positions on the top surface 110a of the atomization tank 110 that are on opposite sides of each other with the first separator 141 interposed therebetween.

[0099] Therefore, a swirling flow can be formed across the first separator 141, and the effect of centrifugal separation by the swirling flow can be enhanced.

[0100] In this way, the atomization unit 100 in the present embodiment can selectively generate and send out only fine particles small enough to cause Brownian motion by the cooperation of the blower 130 and the first separator 141.

[0101] Also, in the present embodiment, the second separator 142 has a base end portion 141a (second connection portion) with one end connected to the top surface of the atomization tank 110, and is disposed at a predetermined interval so as to form a second gap portion between the other end and the side surface on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110, that is, the side opposite to the side where the first separator 141 is disposed, and is disposed obliquely downward in a direction opposite to that of the first separator 141 so as to include an edge portion 115e (second edge portion).

[0102] The second separator 142 is disposed below the air outlet 111f and above the ultrasonic vibrator 120 on the other end side in the width direction. Therefore, droplets having a large particle size contained in the liquid column generated by the ultrasonic vibrator 120 come into contact with the lower surface of the second separator 142 and flow downward, and reflux to the stored liquid layer, while only fine droplets having a small particle size float in the air.

[0103] At this time, since the pressure of the conveying air is reduced by contact with the first separator 141, only fine particles smaller than particles of a size that can be normally conveyed are conveyed by the conveying air. In this way, also with respect to the particles generated near the second separator 142, only fine particles having a small particle size can be sorted and conveyed.

[0104] In addition, the air outlet 111e is provided on one end side in the width direction from the base end portion 141a of the first separator 141 on the top surface 110a of the atomization tank 110, and the air outlet 111f is provided on the other end side in the width direction from the base end portion 142a of the second separator 142. As a result, the swirling flow formed in the atomization tank 110 becomes a large one formed from one end side to the other end side in the width direction across the first separator 141 and the second separator 142 in the entire atomization tank 110, and reaches the air outlet 111f through the second gap portion. Therefore, the selection of fine particles by the centrifugal force of the conveying air is further enhanced, and only fine particles that can cause Brownian motion can be surely sorted and sprayed.

[0105] In particular, according to the present invention, since the meandering path MP is formed between the second gap portion and the air outlet 111f, 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 sorted on the meandering path MP, and the ratio of fine particles that can cause Brownian motion among the particles to be sent out can be increased.

[0106] And since the meandering path MP is formed by the shielding member 150 disposed substantially horizontally from the other end portion in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 toward one end side in the width direction above the second gap portion and below the air outlet 111f, it is possible to form the meandering path MP capable of increasing the ratio of fine particles without changing the structure of the flow path itself.

[0107] Furthermore, since the end of the shielding member 150 is located on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 rather than on 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 shielding member 150 toward one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110. Therefore, it is possible to reverse the large swirling flow formed toward the other end side in the width direction at the lower part of the atomization tank 110, and separate the particles that could not be completely separated by the separator 140 and the swirling flow. Furthermore, since the outlet 112f is located on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 rather than at the end of the shielding member 150, the fine particles and the conveying air that have passed through the end of the shielding member 150 flow again toward the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank 110 and are sent out from the outlet 111f. Therefore, by simply devising the position of the end, it is possible to cause two reversals in the flow, and it is possible to form a meandering path MP that can enhance the separation function with a simple configuration and increase the proportion of fine fine particles.

[0108] In addition, the atomization tank 110 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and both the first separator 141 and the second separator 142 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. Since 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, the particles atomized by the ultrasonic vibrator 120 are almost invariably separated into large particles and fine particles by the first separator 141 and the second separator 142. In addition, the conveying air flows into the lower region of the first separator 141 from the first gap and flows out from the upper region of the second separator 142 through the second gap. Since no short path is formed, the strength of the swirling flow formed in the atomization tank 110 can be maintained, and the separation function of the fine particles can be enhanced.

[0109] Further, according to the present invention, an ultrasonic vibrator 120 that atomizes a liquid at the bottom of the atomization tank 110 to generate fine particles, and a blower member capable of maintaining a predetermined rotational speed are provided, and conveyance air for conveying the fine particles of the liquid is discharged into the atomization tank 110 from a blower port 111e provided in the atomization tank. A blower 130, a discharge port 111f provided in the atomization tank 110 for sending out the fine particles together with the conveyance air, and an inclined surface 113d, 113e, 114a, 115a that inclines toward at least one of the wall surfaces above the ultrasonic vibrator 120 in the atomization tank 110. Since a separator 140 is provided, fine particles having a fine particle size capable of causing Brownian motion can be generated.

[0110] Further, the separator 140 includes contact portions 114b and 115b that bring a part of the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a into contact with any of the wall surfaces, and protrude downward from the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a by a predetermined height, and are extended from above the contact portions 114b and 115b toward the contact portions 114b and 115b. Since guide portions 114d and 115d are provided, the particles that have collided with the lower surface of the separator 140 flow along the guide portions 114d and 115d toward the contact portions 114b and 115b, and flow down the wall surface from the contact portions 114b and 115b and are refluxed to the liquid reservoir. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the liquid that has not been separated by the separator 140 from directly falling into the liquid reservoir, and it is possible to suppress the noise when falling into the liquid reservoir.

[0111] Further, since the guide portions 114d and 115d are disposed at a predetermined angle θa and θb on the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a with respect to the inclination axes 114p and 115p of the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a, compared with the case where they are disposed parallel to the inclination axes 114p and 115p, the liquid adhering to a wide area of the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a can be guided along the guide surface toward the contact portion.

[0112] In addition, since the ends of the guide portions 114d and 115d reach the contact portions 114b and 115b, the liquid flowing through the guide portions 114d and 115d can flow from the ends of the guide portions 114d and 115d to the wall surface via the contact portions 114b and 115b, and it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid from falling from the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a to the liquid pool.

[0113] In addition, since the contact portions 114b and 115b are provided at the lower edge portions of the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a, the guide portions 114d and 115d extend to the lower edge portions along the inclinations of the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a. Therefore, most of the liquid flowing along the inclinations of the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a can be made to reach the contact portions 114b and 115b by using the guide portions 114d and 115d.

[0114] In addition, since the contact portions 114b and 115b are formed at both end portions of the lower edge of the inclined surface and a gap is formed between the two contact portions 114b and 115b, the conveying air and fine particles can pass through the gap. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a flow path through which the conveying air and fine particles can pass at other locations, and the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a of the separator can be arranged in substantially the entire surface in plan view, and it is possible to prevent the noise associated with the dripping of the liquid droplets without impairing the sorting function of the atomized particles.

[0115] In addition, the guide portions 114d and 115d are formed to have a substantially V-shaped shape when viewed from the normal direction of the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a, and the lower ends of the guide portions 114d and 115d contact both of the two contact portions 114b and 115b. Therefore, the liquid adhering to substantially the entire area of the inclined surfaces 114a and 115a can be made to flow down to the contact portions, and the noise associated with the liquid dripping can be almost surely prevented.

[0116] And, since the mounting hole 111d into which the second atomizing tank member 112 is fitted is provided on the top surface of the first atomizing tank member 111, the second atomizing tank member 112 can be easily attached to and detached from the first atomizing tank member 111. At this time, the atomizing tank 110 includes a first atomizing tank member 111 that defines a part of the top surface of the atomizing tank 110 and includes lower separator members 114 and 115 that serve as a lower member of the separator 140, and a second atomizing tank 112 that defines the other part of the top surface of the atomizing tank 110 and includes upper separator members 112d and 112e that cooperate with the lower separator members 114 and 115 to form the separator 140. Therefore, by removing the second atomizing tank member 112 from the first atomizing tank member 111, a part of the atomizing tank 110 is opened, and the area around the opened lower separator members 114 and 115 can be easily cleaned. Further, since the second atomizing tank member 112 can be removed, the upper separator members 112d and 112e formed on the second atomizing tank member 112 can also be easily cleaned.

[0117] In addition, since the third atomizing tank member 113 that serves as a base including the bottom surface of the atomizing tank 110 is connected to the first atomizing tank member 111 using fastening means, airtightness can be maintained at the lower part of the atomizing tank 110, and the second atomizing tank member 112 can be easily attached to and detached from the first atomizing tank member 111 at the top surface, achieving both airtightness and ease of cleaning.

[0118] In particular, since the lower edge of the upper protruding wall 111b of the first atomizing tank member 111 is fitted with the upper edge of the lower protruding wall 113b of the third atomizing tank member 113 and then connected by fastening means, airtightness of the wall surface of the atomizing tank 110 can be maintained.

[0119] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these described embodiments. Also, 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 according to the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0120] In addition, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described.

Industrial Applicability

[0121] The spraying device of this invention can be applied to various types of spraying devices that spray various types of liquids.

Explanation of Signs

[0122] 1 Spraying device 100 Atomization unit 110 Atomization tank 111 First atomization tank member 112 Second atomization tank member 113 Third atomization tank member 114 First lower separator member 114a First lower inclined surface portion (first inclined surface portion) 114b Contact portion 114c Notch portion 114d Guide portion 114d Guide portion 114e Edge portion 114g Installation hole 115 Second lower separator member 115a Second lower inclined surface portion (second inclined surface portion) 115b Contact portion 115c Notch portion 115d Guide portion 115e Edge portion 115g Installation hole 120 Ultrasonic vibrator 130 Blower 140 Separator 150 Eaves member 200 Tank unit 300 Blowout unit 310 Blowout member 320 Spray port 400 Cover member 410 Lower base

Claims

1. An atomization tank capable of storing a liquid and covered with a wall surface all around, An ultrasonic vibrator that atomizes the liquid at the bottom of the atomization tank to generate fine particles, A blower equipped with a blower member capable of maintaining a predetermined rotational speed, and discharging conveying air for conveying the fine particles of the liquid into the atomization tank, An outlet provided in the atomization tank for sending out the fine particles together with the conveying air, A first separator having a first inclined surface portion that inclines downward toward one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank, A second separator having a second inclined surface portion that inclines downward toward the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank, The first separator includes a first edge portion arranged at a predetermined interval so as to form a first gap portion between the side surface of the atomization tank at one end side in the width direction, and a first connection portion connected to the top surface of the atomization tank, The air outlet is arranged closer to one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank than the first connection portion, The second separator includes a second edge portion arranged at a predetermined interval so as to form a second gap portion between the side surface of the atomization tank at the other end side in the width direction, and a second connection portion connected to the top surface of the atomization tank, The outlet is arranged closer to the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank than the second connection portion, and A meandering path is formed between the second gap portion and the outlet, A spraying device characterized by the above.

2. The meandering path is formed by a cover member disposed substantially horizontally from the other end in the width direction to one end in the width direction of the atomization tank above the second gap portion and below the outlet, The spraying device according to Claim 1.

3. An end portion of the cover member is located on one end side in the width direction of the atomization tank rather than the second edge portion, and The outlet is located on the other end side in the width direction of the atomization tank rather than the end portion of the cover member, The spraying device according to Claim 2.

4. The atomization tank has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, the first separator and the second separator are both formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and the atomization tank is covered by the first separator and the second separator from above except for the first gap portion and the second gap portion, The spraying device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

Images