Atomizer and control unit

Abstract

The present invention provides an atomizing device and control unit that can suppress dry-firing. [Solution] The atomizing unit 10 includes a vibrating member 13, which atomizes the liquid by vibrating the vibrating member 13. If the vibrating member 13 continues to vibrate when there is no liquid on its surface, it will result in a dry-firing state. The control unit 30 detects electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing unit 10. Furthermore, if the detected electrical information falls outside a predetermined threshold band, the control unit 30 performs avoidance control to avoid the dry-firing state. In this way, the control unit 30 can easily avoid the dry-firing state by using the electrical information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an atomizing device and a control unit.

Background Art

[0002] An atomizing device including an atomizing unit is known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The atomizing unit includes a vibrating member. The atomizing unit atomizes a liquid by vibration of the vibrating member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described atomizing device, a so-called dry burning state may occur in which the vibrating member continues to vibrate in a state where no liquid is present. When the dry burning state occurs, the vibrating member may be damaged. Therefore, in the atomizing device, it is required to suppress the occurrence of the dry burning state.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an atomizing device and a control unit that can suppress the occurrence of a dry burning state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An atomizing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an atomizing unit that includes a vibrating member and atomizes a liquid by vibration of the vibrating member, and a control unit that controls the vibration of the vibrating member. The control unit detects electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing unit, and when the detected electrical information deviates from a predetermined threshold range, performs avoidance control for avoiding a dry burning state of the atomizing unit.

[0007] In this atomizing device, the atomizing section includes a vibrating member, which atomizes the liquid by vibrating. However, if the vibrating member continues to vibrate when there is no liquid on its surface, a dry-firing state occurs. The inventors have found that when the atomizing section is dry-firing, electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing section fluctuates. Therefore, the control unit detects the electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing section, and if the detected electrical information falls outside a predetermined threshold band, it performs avoidance control to avoid the dry-firing state. As a result, the control unit can easily avoid the dry-firing state by using the electrical information. Thus, the dry-firing state can be suppressed.

[0008] Here, the inventors have found that when the atomizing unit is dry-firing, the electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing unit decreases and then increases. Therefore, the control unit may perform avoidance control when the detected electrical information falls below the lower limit of the threshold band. In this case, the control unit can quickly detect that the unit is dry-firing.

[0009] The control unit may perform avoidance control if the detected electrical information exceeds the upper limit of the threshold band. In this case, even if the control unit was unable to detect a decrease in electrical information, it can still detect that the unit is in a dry-heating state based on the subsequent increase in electrical information.

[0010] The control unit may perform avoidance control by stopping the operation signal to the vibrating member. In this case, the dry-firing state of the atomizing unit can be quickly stopped.

[0011] The period during which the control unit determines whether the electrical information falls outside the threshold band can be shorter than the period for adjusting the operating frequency of the vibrating member. In this case, the control unit can monitor for dry-running conditions at a high frequency and quickly detect dry-running conditions.

[0012] The control unit may count the number of times avoidance control is performed, and may notify the user when the count reaches a predetermined set number. In this case, the control unit may prompt the user to replace the vibrating member based on the fact that damage has accumulated to the vibrating member due to repeated dry-running.

[0013] The control unit may include a control circuit, which comprises a semiconductor element for driving a vibrating member, a microcomputer that outputs an electrical signal of the operating frequency of the vibrating member to the semiconductor element via a first line, a gate driver provided on the first line that drives the semiconductor element according to the command of the microcomputer, a switch that outputs a set value of electrical information corresponding to the operating frequency to the microcomputer, and an electrical information detection unit that detects electrical information, including a second line different from the first line that connects the microcomputer and the semiconductor element. In this case, the control unit can use such a control circuit to perform the above-mentioned electrical information detection and operations for preventing dry-firing.

[0014] A control unit in one aspect of the present invention controls an atomizing device that atomizes a liquid by vibration of a vibrating member, and controls the vibration of the vibrating member, detects electrical information of the atomizing unit, and performs avoidance control to avoid dry-firing when the detected electrical information falls outside a predetermined threshold band.

[0015] This control unit allows for similar operation and effects to those of the atomizing device described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, an atomizing device and control unit can be provided that can suppress dry-firing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the atomizing device in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the atomizing unit. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the atomization unit. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a part of the circuit in the control unit. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the atomization amount and the operating frequency. [Figure 7] It is a graph for explaining the behavior of the operating current. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of the atomization method. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the processing content of the dry-run determination process.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0019] First, referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the configuration of the atomization device in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the atomization device in the present embodiment.

[0020] The atomization device 1 atomizes a liquid by vibration. For example, the atomization device 1 atomizes a liquid by ultrasonic vibration. For example, the atomization device 1 can adjust the atomization amount. For example, the atomization device 1 is automatically adjusted to maintain the set atomization amount. In the example shown in the present embodiment, the atomization device 1 includes a separately excited drive circuit. The atomization device 1 includes an atomization unit 10 and a control unit 30.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the atomization unit 10 as an example in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the atomization unit 10 as an example in the present embodiment. The atomization unit 10 includes a housing portion 11, a vibration member 13, and terminals 15 and 17. The atomization unit 10 atomizes a liquid by the vibration of the vibration member 13.

[0022] The housing portion 11 holds the vibrating member 13. The housing portion 11 includes an exposed portion 11a that exposes the vibrating member 13. The housing portion 11 is configured to bring the atomizing liquid and the vibrating member 13 into contact at the exposed portion 11a.

[0023] The vibrating member 13 vibrates in response to the application of electrical energy. In other words, the vibrating member 13 vibrates in response to an input electrical signal. For example, the vibrating member 13 vibrates in response to the application of voltage to the vibrating member 13. The vibrating member 13 is, for example, a piezoelectric element.

[0024] Terminals 15 and 17 are connected to the vibrating member 13. Terminals 15 and 17 electrically connect the vibrating member 13 to the control unit 30. The vibrating member 13 vibrates in response to the electrical signals applied through terminals 15 and 17.

[0025] The control unit 30 controls the vibration of the vibrating member 13. The control unit 30, which outputs an electrical signal to be input to the vibrating member 13, includes, for example, a control circuit 31. Figure 4 shows an example of a control circuit 31 in this embodiment. The control circuit 31 provides feedback control of the drive signal that vibrates the vibrating member 13. The control circuit 31 includes a power input 41, voltage converters 42 and 43, a microcomputer 44, a switch 45, a gate driver 46, and an electrical information detection unit 48.

[0026] A voltage is input to the power input 41 from outside the control unit 30. The power input 41 is connected to the voltage converters 42 and 43. For example, a DC power supply is supplied to the power input 41. For example, a voltage of 24V is supplied to the power input 41.

[0027] The voltage converter 42 converts the voltage applied to the power input and supplies the converted voltage to the microcomputer 44. For example, the microcomputer 44 is supplied with a voltage of 5V. The voltage converter 43 converts the voltage applied to the power input and supplies the converted voltage to the gate driver 46. For example, the gate driver 46 is supplied with a voltage of 8V.

[0028] The microcomputer 44 outputs an electrical signal of the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13 and inputs it to the gate driver 46. The microcomputer 44 is connected to the switch 45 and obtains the set value set in the switch 45 from the switch 45. The microcomputer 44 is connected to the electrical information detection unit 48 and obtains the detected value detected in the electrical information detection unit 48 from the electrical information detection unit 48.

[0029] Switch 45 transmits the set value to the microcomputer 44. For example, switch 45 includes a DIP switch. Switch 45 transmits a set value selected from a plurality of pre-set electrical information values ​​to the microcomputer 44. The microcomputer 44 sets the value as the set value according to the state of switch 45. The microcomputer 44 may determine the set value based on information obtained from a storage unit (not shown), or it may determine the set value based on values ​​sequentially set by the user.

[0030] The gate driver 46 operates the FET 47 (semiconductor element) with an operating signal corresponding to the operating frequency set by the microcomputer 44. The gate driver 46 drives the FET 47 according to the command of the microcomputer 44. The FET 47 drives the vibrating member 13 based on the electrical signal input from the gate driver 46. In a modified example of this embodiment, the FET 47 may drive the vibrating member 13 based on the electrical signal input from the microcomputer 44 without going through the gate driver 46. The vibration frequency of the vibrating member 13 depends on the operating frequency of the operating signal output from the gate driver 46 or the microcomputer 44. The microcomputer 44 outputs an electrical signal to the FET 47 via line L1. The gate driver 46 is provided on line L1 (the first line). In Figure 4, the area shown by the dashed line corresponds to the externally excited excitation module 60.

[0031] The electrical information detection unit 48 detects electrical information corresponding to the operation signal output from the microcomputer 44. The electrical information detection unit 48 detects electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing unit 10. In Figure 4, the area shown by the dashed line corresponds to the electrical information detection unit 48. For example, the electrical information detection unit 48 detects the operating current of the FET 47 of the externally excited excitation module 60, which corresponds to the operation signal output from the microcomputer 44, converted into a voltage, as a detected value. Here, the electrical information detection unit 48 includes a line L2 (second line) different from line L1, which connects the microcomputer 44 and the FET 47. A filter unit 49, which is composed of an operational amplifier CR filter or the like, is provided on line L2.

[0032] The processing performed by the control unit 30 will be described in detail below. The control unit 30 includes, for example, a sampling unit 51, a set value acquisition unit 52, a monitoring unit 53, a frequency determination unit 54, and a storage unit 55. For example, the sampling unit 51, the set value acquisition unit 52, the monitoring unit 53, the frequency determination unit 54, and the storage unit 55 are all controlled by a microcomputer 44.

[0033] The sampling unit 51 samples electrical information corresponding to multiple operating frequencies within a predetermined range for the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. The sampling unit 51 acquires electrical information detected by the electrical information detection unit 48 for each of the multiple operating frequencies within the predetermined range. For example, for operating frequencies within the predetermined range, the sampling unit 51 samples a detected voltage that changes according to the operating frequency as electrical information.

[0034] The sampling unit 51 stores the acquired electrical information in the storage unit 55, associating it with the operating frequency at which the electrical information was acquired. For example, the sampling unit 51 creates a table of acquired electrical information and the operating frequency at which the electrical information was acquired, and stores the created table in the storage unit 55.

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the amount of atomization in the vibrating member 13 and the operating frequency. Data D1 represents the amount of atomization as a function of the operating frequency. In the example shown in this embodiment, the sampling unit 51 samples electrical information in range R1. As a modification of this embodiment, the sampling unit 51 may sample electrical information in range R2. Range R2 is a frequency range near the resonant frequency of the vibrating member 13. In range R2, the change in the amount of atomization is relatively small with respect to the change in the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. For example, the rate of change of the amount of atomization with respect to the operating frequency in range R2 is smaller than the rate of change of the amount of atomization with respect to the operating frequency in range R1.

[0036] The setting value acquisition unit 52 acquires a setting value of electrical information corresponding to the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. The setting value acquisition unit 52 determines the setting value from a plurality of values ​​pre-stored in the storage unit 55, for example, based on the information from the switch 45. In a modified example of this embodiment, the setting value acquisition unit 52 may acquire the operating frequency that operates the vibrating member 13 and acquire electrical information corresponding to the acquired operating frequency as a setting value based on the sampling results acquired by the sampling unit 51.

[0037] The monitoring unit 53 monitors electrical information during the operation of the atomizing unit 10. The monitoring unit 53 sequentially acquires the detected values ​​detected by the electrical information detection unit 48.

[0038] The frequency determination unit 54 sets the operating frequency for vibrating the vibrating member 13 based on the sample information sampled by the sampling unit 51 and the set value acquired by the set value acquisition unit 52. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 sets the operating frequency corresponding to the set value acquired by the set value acquisition unit 52 in the sampling information as the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13.

[0039] The frequency determination unit 54 resets the operating frequency for vibrating the vibrating member 13 based on the detected electrical information obtained by the monitoring unit 53 and the set value obtained by the set value acquisition unit 52. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 compares the detected electrical information obtained by the monitoring unit 53 with the set value obtained by the set value acquisition unit 52 and decides whether or not to reset the operating frequency based on the comparison result. The frequency determination unit 54 resets the operating frequency for vibrating the vibrating member 13 based on the comparison result between the detected value and the set value.

[0040] For example, if the detected value is lower than the set value, the frequency determination unit 54 lowers the operating frequency by the first value. If the detected value is higher than the set value, the frequency determination unit 54 raises the operating frequency by the second value. The first and second values ​​are smaller than the difference between a pair of operating frequency values ​​corresponding to adjacent pairs of values ​​in a plurality of electrical information values ​​pre-set in the switch 45. For example, the first and second values ​​are the minimum frequency sampling interval performed when acquiring electrical information in the sampling unit 51.

[0041] The storage unit 55 stores, for example, input information to the control unit 30, information calculated by the control unit 30, and information pre-stored in the control unit 30. For example, the storage unit 55 stores various types of information acquired by the sampling unit 51, the set value acquisition unit 52, and the monitoring unit 53.

[0042] In this embodiment, the atomizing device 1 has a function to avoid dry-firing. Dry-firing is a state in which the vibrating member 13 continues to vibrate even though there is no liquid on the upper surface of the vibrating member 13. If dry-firing continues, the vibrating member 13 will be damaged, leading to premature deterioration or failure of the parts. The atomizing device 1 automatically detects such dry-firing and performs avoidance control to prevent dry-firing.

[0043] Specifically, the control unit 30 performs avoidance control to avoid dry-firing when the detected electrical information falls outside a predetermined threshold band. In this embodiment, the control unit 30 determines whether the operating current of the FET 47 of the externally excited excitation module 60 falls outside a predetermined threshold band. The control unit 30 includes a dry-firing processing unit 56 that performs control to avoid dry-firing (see Figure 5). The dry-firing processing unit 56 determines whether the atomizing unit 10 is in a dry-firing state. The dry-firing processing unit 56 also performs avoidance control to prevent the dry-firing state from continuing. The dry-firing processing unit 56 acquires the current detected by the electrical information detection unit 48 and determines the dry-firing state based on the current. In practice, the dry-firing processing unit 56 uses the current converted to voltage and output by the electrical information detection unit 48.

[0044] The behavior of the operating current will be explained with reference to Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, a constant current setting value SV is set as the operating current of the FET 47. This setting value is the same as the setting value used when determining the operating frequency. In addition, a predetermined threshold band TE is set for this current setting value SV. The threshold band TE has a lower limit value LT and an upper limit value UT. Graph GL shows the relationship between the passage of time during operation and the operating current of the FET 47. Note that the graph GL shown in Figure 7 is shown as a smooth curve with noise omitted. As shown in the graph GL of Figure 7, when liquid is present in the housing 11, the operating current of the FET 47 fluctuates slightly with respect to the current setting value SV so as to stay within the range of the threshold band TE. When a dry-heating state occurs (or approaches a dry-heating state), the current drops sharply (see "A" in Figure 7). As a result, the current falls below the lower limit value LT of the threshold band TE. Next, the dropped current continues to rise. As a result, the current exceeds the upper limit value UT of the threshold band TE.

[0045] Based on the above, the dry-running processing unit 56 of the control unit 30 performs avoidance control when the detected electrical current falls below the lower limit LT of the threshold band TE. As shown in "A" of Figure 7, the dry-running processing unit 56 performs avoidance control at the timing when the current falls below the lower limit LT. The dry-running processing unit 56 of the control unit 30 performs avoidance control when the detected electrical current exceeds the upper limit UT of the threshold band TE. As shown in "B" of Figure 7, the dry-running processing unit 56 performs avoidance control at the timing when the current exceeds the upper limit UT. The upper limit UT and lower limit LT of the threshold band TE are set to arbitrary values ​​based on prior experiments, etc., and stored in the storage unit 55. If the current setting value SV changes, the upper limit UT and lower limit LT of the threshold band TE may also change. Therefore, multiple current setting values ​​SV may be stored in the storage unit 55, and the upper limit UT and lower limit LT of the threshold band TE may be set to correspond to each of the multiple current setting values ​​SV.

[0046] Next, we will explain the control to avoid dry boiling. The control to avoid dry boiling includes control to prevent the dry boiling condition from continuing once it has actually occurred. In addition, the control to avoid dry boiling includes control to prevent the dry boiling condition from occurring in the stage prior to when it actually occurs.

[0047] The dry-running processing unit 56 of the control unit 30 performs control to stop the operation signal to the vibrating member 13 as an avoidance control. As a result, the vibrating member 13 stops, and the atomizing unit 10 avoids a dry-running state. Alternatively, the dry-running processing unit 56 may also avoid a dry-running state by changing the operating frequency of the operation signal of the vibrating member 13 to weaken the vibration. The dry-running processing unit 56 may also issue a warning to the user as an avoidance control. This allows the user to notice that the unit is in a dry-running state (or is approaching a dry-running state) and replenish the liquid. The dry-running processing unit 56 may issue a warning by displaying characters or images on the display unit, by lighting or flashing a lamp, or by using voice or a buzzer. The dry-running processing unit 56 may also combine the above processes as an avoidance control.

[0048] For example, by setting multiple lower limit values ​​LT, the dry-heating processing unit 56 may determine that there is a possibility of dry-heating before the current clearly drops. If the dry-heating processing unit 56 determines that there is a possibility of dry-heating, it may reduce the vibration of the vibrating member 13 to slow down the progression of dry-heating and observe the situation. If the current returns to the current setting value SV, the dry-heating processing unit 56 may determine that it was a false detection and return the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13 to its original value. On the other hand, if the current drops further and falls below the next lower limit value LT, the dry-heating processing unit 56 may stop the vibrating member 13. Once the dry-heating processing unit 56 stops operation, it may issue a warning.

[0049] The period during which the dry-running processing unit 56 of the control unit 30 determines whether or not the electrical information falls outside the threshold band TE may be shorter than the period for adjusting the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. The period for adjusting the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13 is the period during which the frequency determination unit 54 resets the operating frequency that vibrates the vibrating member 13. Although not particularly limited, for example, if the period for adjusting the operating frequency of the frequency determination unit 54 is 10 seconds, the period during which the dry-running processing unit 56 makes the above determination may be set to 0.1 seconds.

[0050] The dry-running processing unit 56 of the control unit 30 counts the number of times avoidance control is performed, and may notify the user when the count reaches a predetermined set number of times. For example, the dry-running processing unit 56 may notify the user that damage to the vibrating member 13 has accumulated due to dry-running and prompt the user to replace the vibrating member 13. The dry-running processing unit 56 may notify the user by displaying characters or pictures on the display unit, by lighting or flashing a lamp, or by using voice or a buzzer.

[0051] Next, with reference to Figure 8, the atomization method in this embodiment will be described in detail. First, the atomization device is prepared (process S1). For example, the vibrating member 13 and the control unit 30 are electrically connected, and the liquid to be atomized is placed on the exposed part 11a.

[0052] Next, sampling is performed (process S2). For example, the sampling unit 51 samples electrical information corresponding to multiple operating frequencies within a predetermined range for the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. For example, the sampling unit 51 samples detected values ​​that change according to the operating frequency as electrical information for operating frequencies within a predetermined range.

[0053] Next, the set value of the electrical information is acquired (process S3). For example, the set value acquisition unit 52 acquires the set value of the electrical information corresponding to the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. The set value acquisition unit 52 determines the set value from pre-prepared values ​​based on information from the switch 45, for example.

[0054] Next, the operating frequency is set (process S4). For example, the frequency determination unit 54 sets the operating frequency corresponding to the set value acquired by the set value acquisition unit 52 in the sampling information as the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13.

[0055] Next, the atomization operation is started (process S5). For example, the vibrating member 13 is vibrated according to the operating frequency set in process S4.

[0056] Next, monitoring is performed (process S6). For example, the monitoring unit 53 sequentially acquires the detected values ​​detected by the electrical information detection unit 48.

[0057] Next, the dry-boil processing unit 56 performs a dry-boil determination process (process S10). Details of the dry-boil determination process will be described later. Next, it is determined whether or not the set time has elapsed (process S11). For example, if it is determined that the set time has elapsed (YES in process S11), the process proceeds to process S7. If it is not determined that the set time has not elapsed (NO in process S11), the process returns to process S6. For example, if it is not determined that the set time has not elapsed (NO in process S11), the monitoring unit 53 performs the monitoring process again.

[0058] Next, it is determined whether or not to reset the operating frequency (process S7). For example, the frequency determination unit 54 determines whether or not to reset the operating frequency. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 compares the detected value of the electrical information acquired by the monitoring unit 53 with the set value acquired by the set value acquisition unit 52, and determines whether or not to reset the operating frequency based on the comparison result. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 resets the operating frequency that vibrates the vibrating member 13 if the difference between the detected value and the set value exceeds a predetermined value. For example, if it is determined that the operating frequency should be reset (YES in process S7), the process proceeds to process S8. If it is not determined that the operating frequency should be reset (NO in process S7), the process returns to process S6. For example, if it is not determined that the operating frequency should be reset (NO in process S7), the monitoring unit 53 performs the monitoring process again.

[0059] If it is determined that the operating frequency should be reset, the operating frequency is reset (process S8). For example, the frequency determination unit 54 resets the operating frequency based on the detected value and the set value. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 resets the operating frequency based on the comparison result between the detected value and the set value. For example, if the detected value is lower than the set value, the frequency determination unit 54 lowers the operating frequency. If the detected value is higher than the set value, the frequency determination unit 54 raises the operating frequency.

[0060] Next, it is determined whether or not to terminate atomization (process S9). If it is determined to terminate atomization (YES in process S9), the series of processes in the atomization method is terminated. If it is not determined to terminate atomization (NO in process S9), the process returns to process S6. For example, if it is not determined to terminate atomization (NO in process S9), the monitoring unit 53 performs the monitoring process again.

[0061] The dry-boil detection process will be explained with reference to Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, the dry-boil processing unit 56 acquires the detected value detected in process S6 (process S20). Next, the dry-boil processing unit 56 determines whether the detected value acquired in process S20 is outside the threshold band TE (process S21). If it is determined in process S21 that the detected value is not outside the threshold band TE, the process shown in Figure 9 is terminated without any further processing. On the other hand, if it is determined in process S21 that the detected value is outside the threshold band TE, the dry-boil processing unit 56 performs avoidance control to avoid the dry-boil state (process S22). If the operation of the vibrating member 13 is stopped as an avoidance control, the operation will remain stopped until liquid is replenished, and once replenished, the process shown in Figure 9 may be terminated and the process may be returned to Figure 8.

[0062] Furthermore, the cycle for processing S21 and S20 may be shorter than the cycle for processing S7 and S8. Therefore, even after the processing in Figure 9 is completed, the process may be repeated starting from processing S20 without proceeding to processing S7 in Figure 8 until a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0063] Next, the operation and effects of the atomizing device 1 and the control unit 30 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0064] In the atomizing device 1 according to this embodiment, the atomizing unit 10 includes a vibrating member 13, which atomizes the liquid by vibrating the vibrating member 13. If the vibrating member 13 continues to vibrate when there is no liquid on its surface, it will enter a dry-firing state. The inventors have found that when the atomizing unit 10 is dry-firing, electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing unit 10 fluctuates. Therefore, the control unit 30 detects the electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing unit 10, and if the detected electrical information falls outside a predetermined threshold band, it performs avoidance control to avoid the dry-firing state. As a result, the control unit 30 can easily avoid the dry-firing state by using the electrical information. Thus, the dry-firing state can be suppressed.

[0065] Here, the inventors have found that when the atomizing unit 10 is dry-firing, the electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing unit 10 decreases and then increases. Therefore, the control unit 30 may perform avoidance control if the detected electrical information falls below the lower limit of the threshold band. In this case, the control unit 30 can quickly detect that the unit is dry-firing.

[0066] The control unit 30 may perform avoidance control if the detected electrical information exceeds the upper limit of the threshold band. In this case, even if the control unit 30 was unable to detect a decrease in electrical information, it can still detect that the unit is in a dry-heating state based on the subsequent increase in electrical information.

[0067] The control unit 30 may perform control to stop the operation signal to the vibrating member 13 as an avoidance control. In this case, the dry-firing state of the atomizing unit 10 can be quickly stopped.

[0068] The period during which the control unit 30 determines whether or not the electrical information falls outside the threshold band can be shorter than the period for adjusting the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. In this case, the control unit 30 can monitor for dry-running conditions at a high frequency and quickly detect dry-running conditions.

[0069] The control unit 30 counts the number of times avoidance control is performed, and may notify the user when the count reaches a predetermined set number of times. In this case, the control unit 30 can prompt the user to replace the vibrating member 13 based on the fact that damage has accumulated to the vibrating member 13 due to repeated dry-running.

[0070] The control unit 30 includes a control circuit 31, which may comprise an FET 47 (semiconductor element) for driving the vibrating member 13, a microcomputer 44 that outputs an electrical signal of the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13 to the FET 47 via line L1 (first line), a gate driver 46 provided on line L1 that drives the FET 47 according to the command of the microcomputer 44, a switch 45 that outputs a set value of electrical information corresponding to the operating frequency to the microcomputer 44, and an electrical information detection unit 48 that includes a line L2 different from line L1 that connects the microcomputer 44 and the FET 47, and detects electrical information including the operating current. In this case, the control unit 30 can use such a control circuit 31 to perform the above-mentioned electrical information detection and operations for avoiding dry-burning conditions.

[0071] The control unit 30 according to this embodiment controls the atomizing device 1 that atomizes liquid by the vibration of a vibrating member 13. The control unit 30 controls the vibration of the vibrating member 13, detects electrical information of the atomizing unit 10, and performs avoidance control to avoid dry-firing when the detected electrical information falls outside a predetermined threshold band.

[0072] This control unit 30 allows for the same operation and effects as the atomizing device 1 described above to be obtained.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0074] For example, Figure 1 is merely one example of the configuration of an atomizing device and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Similarly, Figure 4 is merely one example of the configuration of a control unit and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0075] As can be seen from the descriptions of the embodiments described above, this specification includes disclosures of the following embodiments. (Note 1) It includes a vibrating member, and an atomizing unit that atomizes the liquid by the vibration of the vibrating member, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the vibration of the vibrating member, The control unit, The electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing unit is detected, A atomizing device that, when the detected electrical information falls outside a predetermined threshold range, performs avoidance control to prevent the atomizing unit from running dry. (Note 2) The atomizing device according to Appendix 1, wherein the control unit performs the avoidance control when the detected electrical information falls below the lower limit of the threshold band. (Note 3) The atomizing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the control unit performs the avoidance control when the detected electrical information exceeds the upper limit of the threshold band. (Note 4) The atomizing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, wherein the control unit performs control to stop the operation signal to the vibrating member as the avoidance control. (Note 5) The atomizing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 4, wherein the period for determining whether the electrical information falls outside the threshold band by the control unit is shorter than the period for adjusting the operating frequency of the vibrating member. (Note 6) The atomizing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the control unit counts the number of times the avoidance control is performed and notifies the user when the count reaches a predetermined set number of times. (Note 7) The control unit includes a control circuit, The aforementioned control circuit is A semiconductor element that drives the vibrating member, A microcomputer that outputs an electrical signal of the operating frequency of the vibrating member to the semiconductor element via a first line, A gate driver provided in the first line for driving the semiconductor element according to the command of the microcomputer, A switch that outputs a set value of electrical information corresponding to the operating frequency to the microcomputer, The atomizing apparatus according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, comprising an electrical information detection unit that detects the electrical information, including a second line different from the first line that connects the microcomputer and the semiconductor element. (Note 8) A control unit for controlling an atomizing device that atomizes liquid by vibration of a vibrating member, Controlling the vibration of the vibrating member, The electrical information of the atomizing unit is detected, A control unit that, when the detected electrical information falls outside a predetermined threshold range, performs avoidance control to prevent the atomizing unit from running dry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1...Atomizer, 10...Atomizing unit, 13...Vibrating member, 30...Control unit, 31...Control circuit, 44...Microcomputer, 46...Gate driver, 47...FET (Fault-Enhanced Microconductor).

Claims

1. It includes a vibrating member, and an atomizing unit that atomizes the liquid by the vibration of the vibrating member, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the vibration of the vibrating member, The control unit, The electrical information related to the operation of the atomizing unit is detected, A atomizing device that, when the detected electrical information falls outside a predetermined threshold range, performs avoidance control to prevent the atomizing unit from running dry.

2. The atomizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the avoidance control when the detected electrical information falls below the lower limit of the threshold band.

3. The atomizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs the avoidance control when the detected electrical information exceeds the upper limit of the threshold band.

4. The atomizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to stop the operation signal to the vibrating member as the avoidance control.

5. The atomizing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the period for the control unit to determine whether or not the electrical information falls outside the threshold band is shorter than the period for adjusting the operating frequency of the vibrating member.

6. The atomizing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit counts the number of times the avoidance control is performed, and when the count reaches a predetermined set number, it provides a notification to that effect.

7. The control unit includes a control circuit, The aforementioned control circuit is A semiconductor element that drives the vibrating member, A microcomputer that outputs an electrical signal of the operating frequency of the vibrating member to the semiconductor element via a first line, A gate driver provided in the first line for driving the semiconductor element according to the command of the microcomputer, A switch that outputs a set value of electrical information corresponding to the operating frequency to the microcomputer, The atomizing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an electrical information detection unit that detects the electrical information, including a second line different from the first line that connects the microcomputer and the semiconductor element.

8. A control unit for controlling an atomizing device that atomizes liquid by vibration of a vibrating member, Controlling the vibration of the vibrating member, The electrical information of the atomizing unit is detected, A control unit that, when the detected electrical information falls outside a predetermined threshold range, performs avoidance control to prevent the atomizing unit from running dry.

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