JP2000312849A - Ultrasonic atomizer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] A liquid for atomization can be atomized efficiently.
Provided is an ultrasonic atomizing device that does not have a risk of contamination of an atomizing liquid, can be easily cleaned, and can be used in a sanitary manner. SOLUTION: Atomizing liquid 7 such as water, chemical solution, chemical solution, etc.
A liquid tank 26 for accommodating the same, the ultrasonic vibrator 3 for generating atomized fine particles of the atomizing liquid 7, and the ultrasonic vibrator 3
And a drive circuit 27 for driving the liquid crystal device. The ultrasonic atomizer 20 generates and atomizes the liquid atomized fine particles, and the ultrasonic oscillator 3 is disposed below the liquid tank bottom. The contact area of the ultrasonic transducer 3 with the bottom of the liquid tank is substantially equal to the area of the bottom of the liquid tank. Also,
The liquid tank 26 has a bottom part 29, a wall part 30 inclined outward, and a connection part 31 for smoothly connecting the bottom part 29 and the wall part 30. The liquid tank 26 is made of any one of a stainless steel sheet, a titanium sheet, and a ceramic. Further, the ultrasonic vibrator 3 includes:
It is fastened to the bottom of the liquid tank under pressure.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic atomizer (humidifier) for atomizing a liquid such as water, a chemical solution or a chemical solution by an ultrasonic vibrator and spraying the liquid indoors, or atomized fine particles sucked by a patient. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an ultrasonic atomizer which is applied to an ultrasonic inhaler or the like which generates a liquid, and is particularly excellent in hygiene.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional ultrasonic atomizing apparatus, an ultrasonic vibrator is exposed and attached to the bottom of a liquid tank, and the ultrasonic vibrator atomizes the liquid for atomization filled in the liquid tank. Things have been suggested. However, in the above ultrasonic atomizer, since the ultrasonic vibrator is sandwiched by an elastic body and further liquid-tightly joined to the liquid tank by a seal member,
When generating liquid particles, the vibration and heat generated by the ultrasonic vibrator, which vibrates at a very high frequency, breaks the elastic body and the seal member, causing fragments to enter the liquid and contaminating the atomizing liquid. was there. In addition, since the atomizing liquid and the ultrasonic vibrator are in direct contact with each other, if the atomizing liquid dislikes other foreign substances such as a chemical solution or a chemical solution or dissimilar materials, the elastic member or the seal member may be used. Since contamination due to elution of the contained drug becomes a problem, only limited materials can be used, and there is no elastic body having both high safety and high heat resistance against elution of various kinds of drugs. Also, since the shape of the mounting portion and the seal portion of the ultrasonic vibrator becomes complicated, it is difficult to completely remove the liquid after use. And its dry ingredients)
It was unfavorable for hygiene.

On the other hand, it has been proposed to arrange an ultrasonic vibrator on a liquid surface or in a liquid and atomize a liquid for atomization by elastic vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator. In this device, as in the case of the above-described ultrasonic atomizing device, the ultrasonic vibrator is in direct contact with the atomizing liquid. There is a problem that it is difficult to completely remove the

[0004] To solve these problems, for example, there is one as shown in FIG.
No. 55747, FIG. 1). In the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes an ultrasonic atomizer, which is connected to a liquid tank 2 having an opening at a lower portion thereof, and an ultrasonic vibrator 3 and a horn fitting 4 connected to the opening. The vibrator unit 5 is joined in a liquid-tight manner by an elastic body 6 for joint seal. Reference numeral 7 denotes a liquid 7 for atomization. This ultrasonic atomizer 1
The ultrasonic oscillator 3 is vibrated by a driving circuit (not shown), the vibration is amplified by the horn fitting 4, and the atomizing liquid 7 is atomized at the liquid level. Accordingly, the horn fitting 4 is used by completely submerging it in the atomizing liquid 7.

Therefore, in the ultrasonic atomizer 1, since the ultrasonic vibrator 3 and the horn fitting 4 are integrated into the vibrator unit 5, the atomizing liquid 7 may directly touch the ultrasonic vibrator 3. Absent. However, the vibrator unit 5 needs to be joined to the bottom of the liquid tank 2, and the chemical contained in the joint sealing elastic body 6 elutes because the joint sealing elastic body 6 touches the atomizing liquid 7. Thus, contamination of the atomizing liquid 7 was a problem. Further, it is difficult to remove the atomizing liquid 7 remaining in the gap between the joint seal 6 and the liquid tank 2 joint, and it is difficult to completely remove the liquid after use, which is not preferable in terms of hygiene.

Further, as a configuration in which the liquid to be atomized and the ultrasonic vibrator are not directly touched, for example, there is a configuration as shown in FIG. (The actual opening 56-118762
2). In the figure, reference numeral 8 denotes an ultrasonic atomizing device. The ultrasonic atomizing device 8 includes a liquid tank 9 for indirect vibration in which an ultrasonic vibrator 3 is assembled at a lower portion by an elastic body 6 for joining and sealing. An indirect vibration liquid 10 placed in an indirect vibration liquid tank 9, a liquid tank 11 set so as to fill the indirect vibration liquid 10 to a predetermined depth, and a liquid tank 1.
It consists of the atomizing liquid 7 contained in 1. In this device, the atomizing liquid 7 does not come into direct contact with the ultrasonic vibrator 3, so that the atomizing liquid 7 is not contaminated.

[0007]

However, since the indirect vibration liquid touches the ultrasonic vibrator and becomes contaminated,
It had to be replaced regularly. Further, when the atomizing liquid is atomized, a part of the indirectly vibrating liquid is atomized, and there is a problem that the atomized liquid is mixed with the atomized particles of the atomizing liquid.
Therefore, while the indirect vibration liquid can be exchanged, it is necessary to seal the indirect vibration liquid, which causes a problem that the apparatus becomes complicated.

Therefore, the invention of claim 1 of the present invention is:
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ultrasonic atomizer capable of efficiently atomizing a liquid for atomization. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first aspect, there is provided an ultrasonic atomizing apparatus which is free from contamination of the atomizing liquid, can be easily washed, and can be used in a sanitary manner. The purpose is to provide. A third aspect of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic atomizer capable of maintaining a sanitary state for a long period of time, in addition to the object of the first or second aspect of the present invention. Claim 4
According to the invention described above, in addition to the objects of the inventions described in claims 1 to 3, an ultrasonic atomizing device which ensures connection to a liquid tank, and at the same time, enables high output, tuning of a driving frequency, and the like. Is to be provided.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to a liquid tank for storing an atomizing liquid such as water, a chemical solution, and a chemical solution; An ultrasonic vibrator for generating fine mist particles; and a drive circuit for driving the ultrasonic vibrator. The ultrasonic transducer is fixed to the lower portion of the liquid tank bottom, and the contact area of the ultrasonic transducer with the liquid tank bottom is substantially equal to the area of the liquid tank bottom. According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the liquid tank includes a bottom portion, a wall portion inclined outward, and a connecting portion for smoothly connecting the bottom portion and the wall portion. And Claim 3
According to the present invention, in addition to the first or second aspect, the liquid tank is made of any one of a stainless steel sheet, a titanium sheet, and a ceramic. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first, second, or third aspect, the ultrasonic vibrator is fastened to the bottom of the liquid tank in a predetermined pressurized state.

[0010]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an ultrasonic atomizer according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid tank and an ultrasonic vibrator in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 20 denotes an ultrasonic atomizer, and reference numerals 21 and 22 denote an upper case and a lower case, respectively. This upper case 21
Blower fan unit 23 with filter and blower fan unit 2
3 has a baffle plate 24 for guiding the wind introduced by 3. On the other hand, the lower case 22 has the ultrasonic vibrator 3 bonded and fixed to the lower surface thereof, and a liquid tank 26 elastically supported on the case main body by a holding elastic member 25 and a driving circuit 27 for the ultrasonic vibrator. Built-in. Note that the symbols in these drawings have basically the same structure as those of the prior art, and are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be simplified. The liquid tank 26 is formed by drawing a thin stainless steel plate into a substantially cup shape by forming a mounting flange portion 28, a smooth bottom portion 29, and a wall portion 30 having an opening whose diameter gradually increases upward. The connecting portion 29 of the wall portion 30 and the connecting portion 29 are continuously connected as a smooth R.

The ultrasonic vibrator 3 is connected to the liquid tank 2
6 is made to have a size substantially matching the smooth bottom portion 29. This is because the ultrasonic vibration that effectively works for atomization is limited to a region just above the ultrasonic vibrator. Further, by using a stainless steel thin plate having excellent chemical resistance and rust resistance for the liquid tank material, it is possible to eliminate the risk of contamination of the atomizing liquid for a long time. In this embodiment, a stainless steel sheet is used as the liquid tank material. However, a similar effect can be obtained by using a titanium material or a ceramic material which is also excellent in chemical resistance and rust resistance. In addition, although the liquid tank is formed by drawing, it may be formed by cutting, joining, molding, or the like as long as the effects of the present invention are exhibited. In this case, at least the inner surface of the liquid tank filled with the atomizing liquid 7 needs to be a continuous surface without interruption.

Next, a comparative example and an example used in an atomization efficiency test described later will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a liquid tank 32 in a comparative example. (B) is a sectional view of the liquid tank 33 in the embodiment. The liquid tank 32 has an opening diameter of 34 mm and a depth of 15 mm.
mm tank with a diameter of 1 mm at the bottom center.
An ultrasonic transducer having a thickness of 2 mm and a thickness of 0.6 mm is bonded and fixed. On the other hand, the liquid tank 33 is a tapered opening type liquid tank having an opening diameter of 34 mm, a bottom diameter of 12 mm, and a depth of 15 mm, and has a diameter of 12 mm and a thickness of 0.6 m at the bottom center.
m ultrasonic transducers are bonded and fixed. The ultrasonic transducers bonded and fixed to the liquid tanks 32 and 33 are connected to a drive circuit (not shown). Needless to say, the same ultrasonic transducer and drive circuit are used in the comparative example and the example.

Next, a description will be given of an atomization efficiency test using the above comparative examples and examples. First, 4 cc of the liquid for atomization is put into the liquid tanks 32 and 33. And input power 2
The ultrasonic vibrator is driven at 0 W and a frequency of 2.5 MHz until the liquid for atomization runs out. Table 1 shows the results of the atomization test.

[0014]

[Table 1]

In the above test, the apparatus was driven for 4 minutes or more even after the atomizing liquid of the example was almost exhausted, but was stopped because it could not be reduced any more. According to the results of the above test, for the same amount of liquid and the same power, the amount of atomization is 1.5 times that of the comparative example, and the example is clearly more efficient. This is because the ultrasonic vibration that effectively works for atomization is limited to a region just above the ultrasonic vibrator. That is,
Vibration by the ultrasonic vibrator works effectively on the liquid for atomization existing in the space 34 directly above the ultrasonic vibrator, but the liquid for atomization existing outside the space 34 is applied to the ultrasonic vibrator. It becomes a load on the other hand and inhibits ultrasonic vibration. Therefore, it can be said that the embodiment in which the load is smaller, in other words, the embodiment in which the atomizing liquid existing outside the space 34 is small has higher efficiency.

As for the residual liquid amount, Comparative Example
While it has almost no longer decreased since it decreased to cc,
In the embodiment, almost all of the liquid is atomized, and it can be said that it can be used up to the end. This is particularly effective when applied to an inhaler for atomizing a very small amount of a chemical or the like, or when it is necessary to atomize a predetermined amount accurately.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid tank and an ultrasonic vibrator applicable to another embodiment of the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part in FIG. is there. In the figure, 35 is a liquid tank, and 36 is an ultrasonic vibrator. The ultrasonic vibrator 36 is a laminated body of a ceramic 37 which expands and contracts by applying a frequency voltage, and insulators 38 and 39, and further includes an electrode (not shown). 40 is a pressing plate. A bolt insertion hole is provided at the center of the ultrasonic vibrator 36 and the pressing plate 40, and a bolt screwing portion 41 integrally provided on the bottom of the liquid tank 35 is passed through the bolt insertion hole. The ultrasonic vibrator 36 and the pressing plate 40 are screwed to the liquid tank 35 in a pressurized state with a lock nut 42 at a predetermined torque. The bolt screw portion 41 is fixed to the bottom surface of the liquid tank 35 by welding. Note that the insulators 38 and 39 can be omitted if the pressing plate 40, the bolt screw portion 41, and the lock nut 42 are configured not to be short-circuited with the electrode of the ultrasonic transducer 36. Further, in the above-described embodiment, one layer of ceramic is used. However, a plurality of layers may be stacked according to design factors such as desired amplitude. This can be applied to other embodiments.

Generally, it is known that the temperature of an ultrasonic transducer rises due to self-heating when it is continuously vibrated at a high frequency for a long time. Also in the ultrasonic atomizer, particularly when extremely fine particles are generated, the temperature is raised to 100 to 120 ° C. or higher because ultrasonic vibration of about 1 MHz to 10 MHz occurs. Since a normal adhesive has a glass transition temperature Tg of about 120 ° C., the adhesive may be degraded by heat and cause peeling. In the above embodiment, since the ultrasonic vibrator 36 is forcibly joined to the liquid tank 35, it is not necessary to use an adhesive. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem that the ultrasonic vibrator comes off due to the deterioration of the adhesive. The ultrasonic vibrator 36 can adjust the vibration frequency by adjusting the pressurized state at the time of fastening. Specifically, by tightening the lock nut 42 with a predetermined tightening torque and applying a fastening pressure to the pressing plate 40, the ultrasonic vibrator 36 can be pressurized and adjusted to a desired vibration frequency. It is. When the ultrasonic vibrator 36 can be used with an adhesive Tg or less, the adhesive may be used together with the ultrasonic vibrator for improving the degree of adhesion when the ultrasonic vibrator is fastened to the bottom of the liquid tank. Of course.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid tank and an ultrasonic vibrator applicable to still another embodiment of the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 43 denotes an ultrasonic transducer 43 having a larger area than the bottom of the liquid tank 26 shown in FIG. Also in this case, the contact area between the ultrasonic transducer 43 and the liquid tank 26 is
Although the area of the bottom of the liquid tank 2 is substantially the same, the area of the ultrasonic vibrator 43 itself is larger than the area of the ultrasonic vibrator itself which is equal to the area of the bottom of the liquid tank. Can be entered. Therefore, it is possible to vibrate at a higher frequency or a larger amplitude.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic sectional views of a liquid tank and an ultrasonic vibrator applicable to still another embodiment of the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus according to the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 44 denotes a liquid tank. The liquid tank 44 includes a short tube portion 46 having a bottom portion 44 and a taper portion 47 whose diameter gradually increases upward from the upper end of the short tube portion. The short tube portion 46 and the taper portion 47 are smoothly connected. Things. This bottom 4
The diameter of the short tube portion 5 and the short tube portion 46 are substantially the same as those of the ultrasonic vibrator 3, and the bottom portion 45 and the short tube portion 46 are connected by a smooth radius. In the present embodiment, the short cylinder 4
By providing 6, the capacity of the liquid tank 44 can be increased. However, if the depth of the short tube portion 46 is too large, it becomes difficult to clean the short tube portion 46. Therefore, the depth of the short tube portion 46 needs to be less than a depth that does not hinder the cleaning.

Further, 48 is provided on the bottom of the liquid tank as shown in FIGS.
7 is provided with a bolt screw portion applied to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, and the other configuration is the same as that of FIG. In the present embodiment, the capacity of the liquid tank 48 can be increased, and at the same time, an ultrasonic vibrator that can be driven with a larger output can be fastened. In addition, the embodiment shown in FIGS.
An ultrasonic transducer having an area larger than the bottom of the liquid tank shown in FIG. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the horizontal circular cross section whose diameter increases upward is used.However, the opening is gradually enlarged on the taper toward the upper side from the bottom, so that the above effect can be obtained. For example, it is a matter of course that a polygonal cross section having a smooth R at each side joint, an elliptical cross section, or a cross sectional shape obtained by combining these may be used.

[0022]

The ultrasonic atomizing apparatus according to the present invention is as described above, and therefore, when atomizing the ultrasonic vibrator, the atomizing liquid that is not present immediately above the ultrasonic vibrator, which is a hindrance factor, is removed. It can be reduced and the atomization efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, even if the amount of the atomizing liquid is low, almost all of the remaining atomizing liquid is collected directly above the ultrasonic vibrator, so that almost all of the atomizing liquid can be atomized. Can be atomized. Furthermore, on the surface of the liquid tank where the liquid for atomization comes into contact, the bottom and the wall of the liquid tank are a continuous body that is not interrupted, and the joining portion is joined with a gentle R,
It is easy to clean, and since there is no portion into which the atomizing liquid enters, it is possible to completely eliminate the atomizing liquid and the cleaning liquid, which is sanitary. Furthermore, as the liquid tank material, it is made of a material with excellent chemical resistance and rust prevention, such as stainless steel sheet, titanium sheet, ceramic, etc.
Since the liquid for atomization is not contaminated, and the liquid for atomization does not deteriorate the liquid tank, there are effects such as sanitation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an ultrasonic atomizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid tank and an ultrasonic transducer in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a liquid tank in a comparative example and a sectional view of a liquid tank in an example.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid tank and an ultrasonic vibrator applicable to another embodiment of the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid tank and an ultrasonic vibrator applicable to still another embodiment of the ultrasonic atomizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid tank and an ultrasonic vibrator applicable to still another embodiment of the ultrasonic atomizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a liquid tank and an ultrasonic vibrator applicable to still another embodiment of the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a conventional atomizing device.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a conventional atomizing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

3,36,43 Ultrasonic transducer 2,11,26,32,33,35,44,48 Liquid tank 9 Indirect liquid tank

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A liquid tank for storing an atomizing liquid such as water, a chemical solution, and a chemical solution, an ultrasonic oscillator for generating atomized fine particles of the atomizing liquid, and driving the ultrasonic oscillator. An ultrasonic atomizer for generating and spraying the liquid atomized fine particles of the liquid, wherein the ultrasonic oscillator fixes the ultrasonic oscillator to the lower side of the bottom of the liquid tank; An ultrasonic atomizer, wherein a contact area of the vibrator with a liquid tank bottom is substantially equal to an area of the liquid tank bottom. 2. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the liquid tank has a bottom, a wall inclined outward, and a connecting portion for smoothly connecting the bottom and the wall. . 3. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the liquid tank is made of any one of a stainless steel sheet, a titanium sheet, and a ceramic. 4. The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic vibrator is fastened to the bottom of the liquid tank in a predetermined pressurized state.