JP2008168222A - Ultrasonic atomizing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic atomizing apparatus capable of preventing clogging without decreasing the atomizing quantity when a chemical liquid atomized by ultrasonic vibration is discharged. <P>SOLUTION: The ultrasonic atomizing apparatus is provided with a chemical liquid retaining part 2 for retaining a liquid 11 (for example, the chemical liquid), an atomizing plate 3b having a deformed opening part forming plate 74 having a piezoelectric element 64 for vibrating the chemical liquid 11 and discharging the atomized chemical liquid 11 (chemical liquid fine particles 27) by bringing into contact with the chemical liquid 11 vibrated by a piezoelectric element 64 for vibrating the chemical liquid 11 by generating ultrasonic wave and a chemical liquid carrying mechanism part 4 for carrying the chemical liquid 11 atomized by the deformed opening part forming plate 74 and a measuring part 5 for measuring the chemical liquid 11 retained in the chemical liquid retaining part 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes a liquid to be administered to a predetermined site of a subject.

  A medical spray device is a device that atomizes a drug solution from the body cavity of a patient, which is a subject, or from outside the body, and sprays the solution onto a body organ or skin surface, which is a predetermined site. For example, when the sprayed drug solution is sprayed into the lung, the drug solution is quickly absorbed into the capillaries of the lung cells, and the effect of the drug solution appears immediately. Therefore, the medical spray device is effective as a supply route for the therapeutic drug solution. The medical spray device is a sprayer called a nebulizer or an inhaler, for example, which sprays a liquid medicine mainly in the lungs. The nebulizer is used for treatment of bronchial asthma and the like, and is mainly orally sprayed.

  For example, the medical spray device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an ultrasonic vibrator and a spray mesh having a large number of fine holes, and the vibration surface of the ultrasonic vibrator and the spray mesh have a predetermined interval. The ultrasonic vibrator and the spray mesh constitute a part of the spray liquid layer.

  More specifically, the ultrasonic transducer has a step small ultrasonic horn having a small diameter portion. The step small ultrasonic horn and the spray mesh are provided in the spray bath, and a certain interval is provided between the vibration surface of the ultrasonic horn and the spray mesh. Further, a replenishment bottle is provided above the spray bath.

  According to this medical spray apparatus, the spray liquid is filled in the spray bath and between the vibration surface of the ultrasonic transducer and the spray mesh. Therefore, the vibration energy of the ultrasonic vibrator is indirectly transmitted to the spray mesh using the spray as a medium. Thereby, the vibration energy of the ultrasonic vibrator is not directly applied to the spray mesh material.

Therefore, for example, a soft material or a fragile material can be used for the spray mesh, and the medical spray device can be configured at low cost.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-196965

  However, in the medical spray device disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, the spray mesh is provided with very fine holes. Since the spray liquid is discharged from this hole and atomized, the hole may be clogged when the spray liquid is dried or impurities are mixed into the spray liquid. Therefore, the user needs to maintain the spray mesh at any time. Or the user needs to replace the spray mesh when the hole is clogged. As a result, the replacement takes time and the running cost may increase. Further, when the size of the hole is simply increased in order to eliminate the clogging of the hole, there is a possibility that the atomization amount is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and an ultrasonic atomizer capable of preventing clogging without reducing the amount of atomization when ejecting an atomized chemical solution by ultrasonic vibration. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides an ultrasonic atomizing apparatus that atomizes a liquid using vibrations of ultrasonic waves, an ultrasonic generator that irradiates the liquid with ultrasonic waves and vibrates the liquid, and an ultrasonic wave It contacts the liquid vibrated by the generator, defines the shape of the gas-liquid interface of the liquid, extends from the periphery of the gas-liquid interface inward, or extends from the depth direction of the liquid toward the gas-liquid interface. There is provided an ultrasonic atomizing device comprising an atomizing plate having a pointed portion.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when discharging an atomized chemical | medical solution by ultrasonic vibration, the ultrasonic atomizer which can prevent clogging, without reducing the amount of atomization can be provided.

A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an ultrasonic atomizer in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a deformed opening forming plate when viewed from the direction in which the atomized chemical liquid is conveyed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the piezoelectric element. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a deformed opening forming plate in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the tip of the deformed opening forming plate when the chemical is atomized in the present embodiment.

  The ultrasonic atomizer 1 includes, as main parts, a chemical liquid holding unit 2 that holds a liquid (for example, chemical liquid) 11, and an ultrasonic wave generation unit 3 a that includes a piezoelectric element 64 that generates ultrasonic waves to vibrate the chemical liquid 11. An atomizing plate 3b having a deformed opening forming plate 74 that discharges the atomized chemical liquid 11 (chemical liquid fine particles 27) in contact with the chemical liquid 11 vibrated by the piezoelectric element 64 is provided. Further, the ultrasonic atomizer 1 includes a chemical solution transport mechanism unit 4 that conveys the chemical solution 11 atomized by the deformed opening forming plate 74 and a measuring unit 5 that measures the chemical solution 11 held in the chemical solution holding unit 2. Is provided.

  The chemical solution holding unit 2 is filled with the chemical solution 11 and includes a chemical solution cartridge 10 that is a filling unit that holds the chemical solution 11, a reservoir chamber 20 that temporarily fills the chemical solution supplied from the chemical solution cartridge 10, and a reservoir chamber 20. An atomizing chamber 30 to be held, a supply unit for supplying the chemical solution 11 from the chemical solution cartridge 10 to the reservoir chamber 20, a chemical solution supply needle 21 made of stainless steel and having a hollow structure, and a holding unit main body for holding the chemical solution cartridge 10. And a holder member 16.

  The chemical cartridge 10 is a transparent container made of resin, for example. Therefore, for example, the filling amount of the chemical solution 11 filled with the eyes can be easily confirmed. In addition, the chemical | medical solution 11 is administered to the predetermined site | part 6 (for example, affected part) outside the body of the patient who is a subject, for example. Therefore, the ultrasonic atomizer 1 inserts the chemical solution transport mechanism 4 into the body when the part 6 is located in the body. The medicinal solution cartridge 10 is provided with a memory 9 which is a measuring unit 5 for measuring the medicinal solution 11, and the medicinal solution level moves (decreases) in proportion to the administration (consumption, supply) amount of the medicinal solution 11. As described above, the measuring unit 5 is a remaining amount measuring unit that measures the remaining amount of the chemical liquid 11 held in the chemical liquid cartridge 10. Instead of the memory 9, for example, a liquid level detection sensor that detects the liquid level of the chemical liquid 11 held in the chemical liquid cartridge 10 may be used to measure the dose of the chemical liquid 11.

  A plug 12 is provided at the bottom of the chemical cartridge 10. The stopper 12 substantially seals the chemical liquid cartridge 10 so that the chemical liquid 11 does not leak, and has a recess 13 in the center. In this recess 13, the stopper 12 has a thin structure. The liquid supply needle 21 penetrates through the recess 13. The material of the stopper 12 is a material that does not affect the chemical component, and is made of rubber, for example.

  In addition, a communication member 15 made of rubber, for example, having a fine opening 14 communicating with the atmosphere is provided on the upper part of the chemical cartridge 10. The communication member 15 is a pressure maintaining mechanism that maintains the internal pressure and the external pressure of the chemical liquid cartridge 10 constant by the opening 14 regardless of the amount of the chemical liquid 11 filled in the chemical liquid cartridge 10. As a result, the chemical cartridge 10 is prevented from having a negative internal pressure when the chemical solution 11 decreases. Moreover, since the opening part 14 is fine, the chemical | medical solution 11 does not leak from the opening part 14. FIG. The communicating member 15 may be made of a porous material, and may be any member that has a function of communicating the inside of the chemical cartridge 10 with the atmosphere.

  The holder member 16 is made of an electrically insulated resin, and holds the chemical cartridge 10 at the top. Specifically, the holder member 16 is provided with an attachment opening 17, and the chemical cartridge 10 is inserted into the attachment opening 17 with the stopper 12 facing the holder member 16. The inserted chemical cartridge 10 is placed on the bottom surface 18 of the holder member 16 through the stopper 12. Thereby, the chemical cartridge 10 is held on the upper portion of the holder member 16.

  The holder member 16 is penetrated by the chemical solution supply needle 21 at the bottom surface portion 18. Specifically, the chemical solution supply needle 21 penetrates the bottom surface portion 18 and protrudes from the bottom surface portion 18. In this state, when the chemical liquid cartridge 10 is placed on the bottom surface portion 18 as described above, the chemical liquid supply needle 21 penetrates the concave portion 13 by being manually pressed. Thereby, the chemical solution supply needle 21 is easily inserted into the chemical solution cartridge 10.

  The medicinal solution 11 is supplied from the medicinal solution cartridge 10 to the reservoir chamber 20 through a medicinal solution supply needle 21 inserted into the medicinal solution cartridge 10 by capillary action. That is, the reduced amount of the chemical solution 11 from the chemical solution cartridge 10 is supplied to the reservoir chamber 20.

  The chemical cartridge 10 can be removed from the inserted chemical supply needle 21 and can be removed from the holder member 16. Thus, for example, when the chemical solution 11 decreases, the chemical solution cartridge 10 can be detached from the chemical solution supply needle 21 and the holder member 16, the stopper 12 can be removed, and the chemical solution 11 can be newly filled. Further, as described above, when the chemical cartridge 10 becomes empty, it can be replaced with a chemical cartridge 10 filled with a predetermined amount of chemical solution 11. As described above, the chemical liquid cartridge 10 that is the chemical liquid holding unit 2 is detachable from the chemical liquid supply needle 21.

  In the atomization chamber 30 having the reservoir chamber 20, a power source 19 a is connected to the reservoir chamber 20. The reservoir chamber 20 is provided with a chemical supply needle 21 and a deformed opening forming plate 74. A piezoelectric element driving power source 19 d is connected to the piezoelectric element 64.

  The atomization chamber 30 is provided in connection with the holder member 16. The inner surface of the atomization chamber 30 is covered with a conductive member 31 such as a conductive film or a conductive metal member. The conductive member 31 is applied with a voltage having the same potential as that of chemical fine particles 27 described later from the conductive member power source 19b.

  The reservoir chamber 20 is excellent in vibration transmission. The reservoir chamber 20 is made of a conductive member, such as stainless steel, and has a cylindrical shape. A deformed opening forming plate 74, which is a thin plate made of stainless steel, is joined (provided) to one end surface (front surface) of the reservoir chamber 20. A positive DC high voltage is applied to the reservoir chamber 20 by a power source 19a. As a result, a positive DC high voltage is also applied to the deformed opening forming plate 74 joined to the reservoir chamber 20. On the other end surface (rear surface) 28 b of the reservoir chamber 20, the above-described chemical liquid supply needle 21 is provided. The chemical liquid supply needle 21 has a stainless steel hollow structure, connects the chemical liquid cartridge 10 and the reservoir chamber 20, and supplies the chemical liquid 11 from the chemical liquid cartridge 10 to the reservoir chamber 20.

  The deformed opening forming plate 74 is brought into contact with the chemical liquid 11 that is ultrasonically vibrated by a piezoelectric element 64 described later, thereby defining the shape of the gas-liquid interface of the chemical liquid 11. Further, the chemical solution 11 is discharged (sprayed) into the atomizing chamber 30. The deformed opening forming plate 74 is formed to a thickness of about 100 μm, and a water repellent film is formed on the surface exposed to the atomization chamber 30. The deformed opening forming plate 74 is preferably joined to the reservoir chamber 20 by, for example, laser welding so as to be in direct contact with the chemical solution 11 in the reservoir chamber 20. This prevents fatigue failure due to ultrasonic vibration.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the modified opening forming plate 74 is formed with a modified opening 76 having a plurality of sharpened portions 75 having an acute angle. The sharpened portion 75 is in contact with the chemical solution 11 that is ultrasonically vibrated by the piezoelectric element 64. At that time, the sharpened portion 75 and the deformed opening 76 define the shape of the gas-liquid interface of the chemical solution 11. The sharpened portion 75 extends inward from the peripheral edge of the gas-liquid interface at the deformed opening 76. The deformed opening 76 is formed in the deformed opening forming plate 74 by, for example, laser processing or etching. From the deformed opening 76, the chemical liquid fine particles 27 having a particle size of about several μm are discharged by ultrasonic vibration described later.

  The chemical solution 11 is supplied from the chemical solution cartridge 10 to the reservoir chamber 20 by capillary action through the chemical solution supply needle 21. Further, the chemical solution 11 is supplied to the deformed opening forming plate 74 and discharged from the deformed opening forming plate 74 to the atomization chamber 30. At that time, a positive DC high voltage is applied to the deformed opening forming plate 74 and the reservoir chamber 20 by the power source 19a. As a result, the chemical liquid 11 supplied from the chemical liquid cartridge 10 is charged. Further, ultrasonic vibration is propagated to the reservoir chamber 20 and the deformed opening forming plate 74 by a piezoelectric element 64 described later. This ultrasonic vibration also propagates to the chemical solution 11. Therefore, the chemical liquid 11 is discharged as atomized fine particles (chemical liquid fine particles 27) by ultrasonic vibration (the consumption amount of the chemical liquid 11 in the chemical liquid cartridge 10 matches the discharge amount).

  Note that a doughnut-shaped thin electric insulating plate (not shown) is bonded to the end face 28b adjacently. As shown in FIG. 3, a donut-shaped piezoelectric element 64 is adjacently bonded to the electrical insulating plate on the surface opposite to the surface in contact with the end surface 28b. The piezoelectric element 64 is bonded to an end face 28c having a shape substantially the same as that of the end face 28b on the face opposite to the face in contact with the electrical insulating plate. Thus, between the end face 28b and the end face 28c, there is a doughnut-shaped thin electric insulating plate and a donut-shaped piezoelectric element 64 (not shown). The chemical solution supply needle 21 is inserted through the opening 65 at the center of the piezoelectric element 64.

  The end surface 28c is not bonded to the inner surface 30a of the atomizing chamber 30, and is bonded to one end of the support member 24 through the peripheral edge of the end surface 28c as shown in FIG. The other end of the support member 24 is bonded to the inner surface 30 a of the atomization chamber 30. As described above, the reservoir chamber 20 is held in the atomization chamber 30 via the end surface 28 b, the electrical insulating plate, the piezoelectric element 64, the end surface 28 c, and the support member 24. An arcuate space 25 is provided between the support members 24. Further, the end face 28d which is the side surface of the reservoir chamber 20 and the inner surface 30a of the atomizing chamber 30, and the side surface 72 of the piezoelectric element 64 and the inner surface 30a of the atomizing chamber 30 are not bonded, and similarly, a space 25 is provided. . For this reason, the atomization chamber 30 and the air blowing chamber 40 described later communicate with each other through this space 25. In addition, this embodiment does not need to be limited to such a shape, if the atomization chamber 30 and the ventilation chamber 40 mentioned later are connected. In FIG. 2, four support members 24 are shown at intervals of 90 degrees, but this number is not limited. In FIG. 1, each support member 24 is omitted for simplification.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the piezoelectric element 64 is polarized in the thickness direction (atomization direction, the direction in which the chemical solution 11 is discharged toward the portion 6), and silver or nickel electrodes are formed on both end faces. Yes. The piezoelectric element 64 is connected to the piezoelectric element driving power source 19d, and an AC voltage is applied from the piezoelectric element driving power source 19d. Thereby, the piezoelectric element 64 vibrates ultrasonically in the atomization direction. As a material of the piezoelectric element 64, for example, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) can be used. A moisture-proof film such as a parylene coat or a silicon coat is formed on the surface of the piezoelectric element 64 exposed to the air after being joined to the reservoir chamber 20 or the holder member 16.

  The piezoelectric element 64 and the reservoir chamber 20 are electrically insulated by an electric insulating plate (not shown). Therefore, the DC high voltage applied to the reservoir chamber 20 by the power source 19a to perform electrostatic atomization and the AC voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 64 by the piezoelectric element drive power source 19d to perform ultrasonic vibration are completely It is separated.

The chemical solution transport mechanism unit 4 is provided with a blower unit 4 a located behind the atomization chamber 30 in the atomization direction and a chemical solution guide unit 4 b located ahead of the atomization chamber 30 in the atomization direction.
The blower 4a includes a blower chamber 40 located behind the atomization chamber 30 in the atomization direction (backward from the end face 28c), a fan 41 that is a small blower provided in the blower chamber 40, and A detachable and replaceable filter member 43 provided on a surface 42 located rearward of the fan 41 in the atomization direction is provided. The chemical solution supply needle 21 is located in the blower chamber 40. The fan 41 is controlled by the control unit 19c so that the rotational speed, the operation start, and the operation stop are controlled. The fan 41 sucks clean air from which dust and the like have been removed by the filter member 43 from the outside of the holder member 16 into the air blowing chamber 40. The sucked air is caused to flow from the blower chamber 40 into the atomization chamber 30 through the space 25. In this way, the air blowing unit 4 a conveys the atomized chemical liquid 11 (chemical liquid fine particles 27) to the site 6 by blowing air from the air blowing chamber 40 toward the site 6 via the atomization chamber 30.

  The chemical liquid guide portion 4b is provided with a flexible atomizing tube 32. The atomization tube 32 is inserted into the body, for example, when the drug solution 11 is administered to the site 6 in the body. The atomizing tube 32 has a tapered shape from the connecting portion 33 to the tube main body portion 34, and the inner surface of the connecting portion 33 and the inner surface of the tube main body portion 34 are conductive members 35 such as a conductive film or a conductive metal member. Covered by. The conductive member 35 is formed up to a position where a predetermined amount enters the inside of the tube main body 34 from the chemical atomization discharge port portion 37 formed in the tube main body 34, and is formed on the inner surface of the distal end portion 36. Absent. The atomization tube 32 is detachably connected to the atomization chamber 30 via a connection terminal 33a by screwing. When the atomization tube 32 is attached to the atomization chamber 30, the conductive member 35 is connected to the conductive member 31 via the connection terminal 33a. Therefore, as described above, when a voltage having the same potential as that of the chemical liquid particles 27 is applied to the conductive member 31 by the conductive member power source 19b, the same potential as that of the chemical liquid particles 27 is also applied to the conductive member 35 by the conductive member power source 19b. A voltage is applied. Thereby, the inner surface of the atomization tube 32 becomes the same potential as the chemical liquid fine particles 27 similarly to the inner surface of the atomization chamber 30.

  The tube main body 34 has an arbitrary length. The chemical solution 11 described above passes from the atomization chamber 30 through the tube main body 34 and is discharged from the chemical solution atomization discharge port portion 37 to the site 6. The medicinal liquid atomizing / releasing port 37 is disposed in close proximity to the site 6 where the medicinal liquid 11 is to be administered when the medicinal liquid 11 is released.

  The ground side of the power source 19a is connected to the part 6 by a wristband (not shown) or the like.

Next, an operation method according to this embodiment will be described.
The chemical liquid cartridge 10 is filled with a predetermined amount of the chemical liquid 11. The chemical liquid cartridge 10 filled with the chemical liquid 11 is substantially sealed by the stopper 12. Next, the chemical cartridge 10 is manually pressed and held by the holder member 16 so that the stopper 12 contacts the bottom surface portion 18. At that time, the chemical liquid supply needle 21 penetrates the recess 13 and is inserted into the chemical liquid cartridge 10.

  The chemical liquid 11 is supplied from the chemical liquid cartridge 10 to the reservoir chamber 20 via the chemical liquid supply needle 21 by capillary action.

  As described above, a positive DC high voltage (for example, about 1 kV to about 10 kV) is applied to the reservoir chamber 20 and the deformed opening forming plate 74 by the power source 19a. Therefore, the chemical solution 11 is charged. In the atomization chamber 30 and the atomization tube 32, a voltage having the same potential as that of the chemical liquid fine particles 27 is applied to the conductive members 31 and 35 by the conductive member power source 19b. The part 6 is connected to the ground of the power source 19a.

  Thereafter, when an AC voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 64 by the piezoelectric element driving power source 19d, the piezoelectric element 64 vibrates the reservoir chamber 20 with ultrasonic waves. This ultrasonic vibration propagates to the chemical solution 11 in the reservoir chamber 20. In addition, the piezoelectric element 64 exceeds the deformed opening forming plate 74 through the reservoir chamber 20 and the air-chemical solution interface (meniscus) formed in the drug solution 11 in the deformed opening 76 through the deformed opening forming plate 74. Vibrate with sound waves. When the meniscus is ultrasonically vibrated, capillary waves propagate to the meniscus surface, and the chemical liquid atomized by the wave front is discharged from the sharpened portion 75. The sharpened portion 75 has a sufficiently small acute angle. Therefore, the chemical liquid fine particles 27 having a particle diameter of about several μm are stably discharged from the deformed opening 76. The discharge amount of the chemical liquid particles 27 coincides with the consumption amount of the chemical liquid 11 in the chemical liquid cartridge 10.

  In addition, the site | part which propagates a capillary wave efficiently concentrates on the sharp part 75. FIG. Therefore, the chemical liquid fine particles 27 having a particle diameter of about several μm are ejected from the sharpened portion 75 vigorously. Note that the sharpened portion 75 has a sufficiently small acute angle to further stabilize the atomization of the chemical solution 11. Therefore, the chemical liquid fine particles 27 having a particle size of about several μm are stably discharged. The discharged chemical liquid particles 27 are charged.

  At this time, the fan 41 is operating by the controller 19c. The fan 41 takes in air from the outside into the holder member 16 through the filter member 43 and flows into the atomization chamber 30 from the blower chamber 40 through the space 25. The liquid chemical particles 27 discharged from the irregularly shaped opening 76 and charged as described above flow in the atomization direction by the inflowed air, and further flow into the atomization tube 32 from the atomization chamber 30.

  The charged chemical liquid particles 27 are atomized by the conductive member 31 charged to the same potential as the chemical liquid particles 27, and the atomized chamber 30 charged to the same potential as the chemical liquid particles 27 by the conductive member 35. Repels tube 32. Therefore, the chemical liquid fine particles 27 are quickly delivered to the chemical liquid atomization discharge port 37 from the deformed opening 76. Further, since the chemical liquid particles 27 repel the atomization chamber 30 and the atomization tube 32 as described above, they do not stay in the atomization chamber 30 and the atomization tube 32. Therefore, the chemical liquid fine particles 27 are guided by the atomization tube 32 and discharged from the chemical liquid atomization discharge port 37 to the outside without waste.

  The discharged chemical liquid particles 27 are quickly delivered without waste to the ground portion 6 closest to the chemical liquid atomizing discharge port 37 and directly adsorbed. The fine chemical liquid particles 27 are directly adsorbed without waste even if the region 6 is located, for example, in the deep part of the lung. In the present embodiment, the drug solution 11 is charged, and an atomized drug solution (medicine solution fine particles 27) is generated by ultrasonic vibration, so that the drug solution 11 can be administered without waste even if the region 6 is located deep in the lung, for example. can do.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the deformed opening 76 having the sharpened portion 75 is formed on the surface in contact with the chemical solution 11 in the reservoir chamber 20, and the atomized chemical solution 11 is discharged from the sharpened portion 75. Furthermore, this embodiment can increase the discharge amount of the chemical liquid fine particles 27 by increasing the number of sharpened portions 75. Therefore, this embodiment is different from a mode in which, for example, a plurality of fine holes of several μm are formed to atomize the chemical liquid 11, the chemical liquid 11 is atomized without reducing the atomization amount even with a relatively large opening. can do.

  Moreover, since the chemical | medical solution 11 can be atomized even if the magnitude | size of the hole provided in the surface which contacts the chemical | medical solution 11 is comparatively large, clogging by drying of the chemical | medical solution 11 or precipitation of an impurity can be prevented. Thereby, this embodiment can discharge | release the chemical | medical solution 11 which atomized stably (fine) over a long period of time to the site | part 6. FIG. Moreover, since this embodiment prevents clogging, the number of times of maintenance can be reduced. Therefore, the present embodiment can reduce the running cost and can be made inexpensive. Note that the size of the deformed opening 76 in this embodiment may be such that the meniscus can be maintained by the deformed opening 76.

  Further, there may be a case where dispersed particles are mixed in the chemical solution 11. For example, if fine holes of about several μm are formed in the deformed opening forming plate 74 to atomize the chemical solution 11, clogging may occur and the atomization may stop. However, since this embodiment can prevent clogging as described above, a drug solution containing dispersed particles can also be used, and the degree of freedom for drug administration can be increased.

  In this embodiment, a water-repellent film is formed on the deformed opening forming plate 74 exposed in the atomization chamber 30. This water-repellent film ensures that the chemical liquid 11 forms a meniscus in the deformed opening 76, and this embodiment can prevent the chemical liquid 11 from leaking and adhering to the atomizing chamber side.

  In the present embodiment, by increasing or decreasing the number of sharpened portions 75, the discharge amount of the chemical liquid fine particles 27 can be adjusted and stabilized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the chemical liquid fine particles 27 having a fine particle diameter can be discharged by setting the AC voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 64 to a higher frequency. In addition, the frequency of the AC voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 64 is matched with the frequency at which the structure including the reservoir chamber 20, the deformed opening forming plate 74, etc. is resonated, thereby making it more efficient (with respect to the input power). It is possible to generate ultrasonic vibrations (which can provide a large vibration displacement), and promote the formation of fine particles.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the chemical liquid 11 is atomized by ultrasonic vibration, the chemical liquid particles 27 having a smaller particle diameter can be easily ejected than when the chemical liquid 11 is atomized by electrostatic atomization. For example, when the drug solution 11 is administered to the site 6 such as the lung, the drug particle 27 needs to have a particle size of about 1 μm to about 5 μm in order to reach the alveoli located at the end of the lung. In the present embodiment, since the drug solution fine particles 27 having a particle size of several μm can be ejected, the drug solution administration device that can reach the lung can be mounted.

  In the present embodiment, when the air is taken in from the outside via the filter member 43 by the fan 41, the chemical liquid particles 27 can be delivered by clean air, and is safe for the part 6. Further, in the present embodiment, by applying a sterilization filter or the like to the filter member 43, the chemical liquid fine particles 27 can be conveyed by clean air having a higher cleanliness.

  In the present embodiment, the atomization tube 32 can be attached to and detached from the atomization chamber 30. Therefore, when the site | part 6 which administers the chemical | medical solution 11 is in the living body, for example, only the atomizing tube 32 inserted in the living body is discarded, and the atomizing chamber 30 that performs electrostatic atomization can be reused after cleaning. it can. Of course, in this embodiment, the atomizing tube 32 may be washed and reused.

  In this embodiment, since the length of the atomizing tube 32 can be arbitrarily set, the connecting portion 33 and the holder member 16 can be arranged outside the region 6.

  Since the conductive member 35 is not formed at the distal end portion 36, the conductive member 35 is not in direct contact with the portion 6 and is safe to the living body.

  In the present embodiment, various chemical solutions 11 can be administered to the site 6 by filling different chemical solutions 11 in the chemical cartridge 10 and providing a plurality of chemical supply needles 21 on the bottom surface portion 18 so as to be switchable.

  A predetermined amount of the chemical solution 11 is supplied to the deformed opening forming plate 74 from the chemical solution cartridge 10 through the chemical supply needle 21 and the reservoir chamber 20 by capillary action. Therefore, this embodiment can atomize all the chemical | medical solutions supplied to the unusual shape opening part formation board 74. FIG. Therefore, this embodiment can prevent the chemical solution 11 from being wasted.

  In addition, although this embodiment demonstrated using the chemical | medical solution 11, it is not necessary to limit to this and another liquid may be sufficient.

  Next, first to fifth modifications according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the deformed opening forming plate. FIG. 7 is a view showing a second modification of the deformed opening forming plate. FIG. 8 is a view showing a third modification of the deformed opening forming plate. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B are views showing a fourth modification of the odd-shaped opening forming plate. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the deformed opening forming plate.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of small deformed openings 76 are formed in the deformed opening forming plate 74. The shape of the deformed opening 76 of this modification is substantially the same as the shape of the deformed opening 76 in the first embodiment described above. As described above, even if the size of the deformed opening 76 of the present modification is smaller than the size of the deformed opening 76 shown in FIG. 4, the present modified example is stable by having a plurality of sharpened portions 75. The liquid chemical particles 27 having a particle diameter of about several μm can be ejected by ultrasonic vibration. Further, in the present modified example, by providing a plurality of deformed openings 76 on the entire surface of the deformed opening forming plate 74, a large amount of liquid chemical particles 27 can be discharged from a larger area than in the first embodiment, for example. Thereby, the discharge amount of the chemical liquid fine particles 27 is increased as compared with, for example, the first embodiment. This modification is effective when it is desired to administer the medicinal solution 11 to the site 6 in a short time or when it is desired to concentrate and administer a large amount locally.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the deformed opening forming plate 74 may be provided with a long groove shaped deformed opening 76 having a plurality of acutely sharpened portions 75. The sharpened portions 75 are opposed to each other. Therefore, in this modification, the fine chemical liquid particles 27 atomized in two rows from the sharpened portion 75 can be discharged. As a result, this modification can discharge a larger amount of the chemical liquid particles 27 without clogging the chemical liquid 11.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the odd-shaped opening forming plate 74 may be provided with a plurality of long-grooved irregular shaped openings 76. The sharpened portions 75 extend from the periphery of the gas-liquid interface formed in the deformed opening 76 toward the inside (from the periphery of the deformed opening forming plate 74 to the inside), and are disposed to face each other. The irregular opening 76 is formed point-symmetrically. Therefore, this modification can discharge more chemical liquid particles 27 atomized in a plurality of rows from the sharpened portion 75 from the central part to the peripheral part without clogging the chemical liquid 11 than in the second modification. . In addition, in this modification, the arrangement position and the number of the deformed openings 76 are not limited.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the deformed opening forming plate 74 is provided with a substantially circular deformed opening 76 in the center. As shown in FIG. 9B, the deformed opening 76 is covered with, for example, plate-like members 92 a and 92 b having a plurality of acutely sharpened portions 91. The surface on which the members 92 a and 92 b are located is exposed to the atomization chamber 30. The members 92a and 92b are joined to the deformed opening forming plate 74 so that the sharpened portions 91 are alternately arranged. As described above, in this modification, the deformed opening 76 is formed by combining the members 92a and 92b. Thereby, as above-mentioned, this modification can be discharged finely without clogging the chemical solution 11. The members 92a and 92b are, for example, rectangular when the sharpened portion 91 is not provided.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the deformed opening forming plate 74 is provided with a deformed opening 76 having a sharp portion that is not an acute angle. The odd-shaped opening 76 has a configuration in which the first opening 76a, the second opening 76b, and the third opening 76c are added together.

  The shape of the deformed opening 76 will be specifically described. When the substantially circular opening is cut by two parallel straight lines 90a and 90b, the contact with the straight line 90a is the same as the contact 90d and 90e and the straight line 90b. The contacts are referred to as contacts 90f and 90g. A short curve among the curves connecting the contacts 90d and 90e is a curve 90h. A short curve among the curves connecting the contacts 90f and 90g is defined as a curve 90i. The first opening 76a is surrounded by a straight line 90a and a curve 90h. The second opening 76b is surrounded by a straight line 90b and a curve 90i. The third opening 76c is provided between the first opening 76a and the second opening 76b (straight lines 90a and 90b). The substantially circular third opening 76c is in contact with the straight line 90a at two points. These contacts are referred to as contacts 90k and 90l. The third opening 76c is in contact with the straight line 90b at two points. These contacts are referred to as contacts 90m and 90n. The deformed opening 76 of the present modification has a shape obtained by adding the first opening 76a, the second opening 76b, and the third opening 76c. The first opening 76a and the second opening 76b may be substantially semicircular or fan-shaped.

  The contact points 90k, 90l, 90m, and 90n are formed with protrusions 75a that are not acute angles so as to face each other. However, the protrusion 75a has a sufficiently sharp corner to atomize the chemical solution 11. Even if the protrusion 75a has a shape that is not an acute angle as in this modification, the chemical solution 11 can be atomized if the protrusion 75a is sufficiently sharp.

  The shape of the deformed opening 76 is not necessarily limited to the above-described form. If the deformed opening 76 has a sharp portion, the present embodiment is not affected by the shape of the deformed opening 76. The chemical solution 11 can be atomized.

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic atomizer in the present embodiment. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The ultrasonic atomizer 1 in this embodiment discharges the fine chemical liquid particles 27 by ultrasonic vibration as in the first embodiment described above. Moreover, the chemical | medical solution holding | maintenance part 2, the unusual shape opening part formation board 74, the chemical | medical solution conveyance mechanism part 4, and the measurement part 5 of the ultrasonic atomization apparatus 1 in this embodiment are the ultrasonic atomization in 1st Embodiment mentioned above. Since the configuration is substantially the same as that of the apparatus 1, detailed description thereof is omitted.

The ultrasonic atomizing device 1 according to this embodiment includes a Langevin type ultrasonic transducer 78 that generates ultrasonic waves instead of the piezoelectric elements 64 in the reservoir chamber 20 of the ultrasonic atomizing device according to the first embodiment described above. Are provided adjacent to each other. The Langevin type ultrasonic transducer 78 is joined to the end face 28b via an electric insulating member (not shown), and is positioned in front of the fan 41 in the blowing direction.
The chemical liquid supply needle 21 is provided on the end surface 28 d of the reservoir chamber 20, and the reservoir chamber 20 is held in the atomization chamber 30 along the central axis of the atomization direction via the chemical liquid supply needle 21.

  The Langevin type ultrasonic transducer 78 is provided with a resonator 80a, a resonator 80b, and a piezoelectric element 81. One end of one surface of the resonator 80 a is exposed inside the reservoir chamber 20 and is in direct contact with the chemical solution 11. The resonator 80a is provided with a step step portion 82 that expands the vibration displacement. An end surface 83 of the step step portion 82 is provided with an ultrasonic emission surface 84 for irradiating the chemical solution 11 in the reservoir chamber 20 with ultrasonic waves when a piezoelectric element 81 described later performs ultrasonic vibration in the atomization direction. ing. The resonator 80a is fixed to one surface of the piezoelectric element 81 described later on the other surface of the resonator 80a (a surface not exposed to the inside of the reservoir chamber 20). The piezoelectric element 81 is fixed to the resonator 80b on the other surface of the piezoelectric element 81 (a surface not in contact with the resonator 80a). The resonator 80 b is located in front of the fan 41. The resonator 80b has a donut shape like a piezoelectric element 81 to be described later, and is preferably made of stainless steel or titanium alloy that is resistant to fatigue failure due to ultrasonic vibration. The resonators 80a and 80b are respectively connected to the resonator driving power source 19e. An AC voltage is applied to the resonators 80a and 80b by the resonator driving power source 19e. The resonators 80a and 80b to which the AC voltage is applied expands the vibration displacement of the piezoelectric element 81 by the step difference portion 82 when the piezoelectric element 81 is ultrasonically vibrated in the atomization direction as will be described later. The enlargement ratio is determined by the shape of the step difference portion 82 such as the step ratio of the step difference portion 82 and the axial length of the step difference portion 82. As described above, the piezoelectric element 81 is sandwiched between the resonators 80a and 80b at both end faces. The resonators 80a and 80b and the piezoelectric element 81 are fixed by, for example, an adhesive and are screwed together by bolts penetrating the inside. The piezoelectric element 81 is the same as the piezoelectric element 64 in the first embodiment described above. The piezoelectric element 81 has a donut shape that is polarized in the atomization direction, and has the same shape as the piezoelectric element 64. Silver or nickel electrodes are formed on both end faces of the piezoelectric element 81. When an AC voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 81 by the piezoelectric element driving power source 19d, the piezoelectric element 81 performs ultrasonic vibration in the atomization direction. This ultrasonic wave is propagated from the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 84 to the chemical solution 11 in the reservoir chamber 20 as described above. For example, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) can be used as the material of the piezoelectric element 81. The piezoelectric element 81 may be used in a two-sheet configuration, and at this time, the piezoelectric elements 81 are arranged so that the polarization directions of the piezoelectric elements 81 are opposed to each other. In many cases, the electrodes facing the piezoelectric element 81 are used as plus, and the electrodes contacting the resonators 80a and 80b located at both end faces are used as minus.

  After the Langevin type ultrasonic transducer 78 is joined to the end face 28b via an electric insulating member (not shown), a moisture-proof film such as parylene coat or silicon coat is formed on the surface of the piezoelectric element 81 exposed to air. Is done.

Next, an operation method according to this embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, only the operation when ultrasonic waves are generated is different from that of the first embodiment described above, so only this portion will be described.

  As described above, the magnification ratio of the ultrasonic vibration in the present embodiment is set by the shape dimension such as the step difference ratio of the step difference portion 82 and the axial length of the step difference portion 82. Therefore, the Langevin type ultrasonic transducer 78 performs ultrasonic vibration having larger vibration displacement than the first embodiment described above on the chemical liquid 11 in the reservoir chamber 20 by the piezoelectric element 81. As a result, a stronger capillary wave is generated at the meniscus of the deformed opening 76 than in the first embodiment, and the discharge amount of the chemical fine particles 27 is increased as compared with the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, since the magnification rate of the ultrasonic vibration can be set by the shape of the step step portion 82, the ultrasonic vibration having a larger vibration displacement than the first embodiment described above can be performed. Thereby, since this embodiment can increase the discharge amount of the chemical | medical solution fine particle 27 from 1st Embodiment mentioned above, it can administer a lot of chemical | medical solutions 11 with respect to the site | part 6 in a short time. Moreover, since this embodiment can easily generate the drug fine particles 27 having a smaller diameter than the first embodiment described above, the drug solution can be locally administered only to the living body.

Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sharp protrusion forming plate in the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a sharp protrusion forming plate. FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a sharp protrusion when the chemical is atomized in the present embodiment. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Since the chemical liquid holding unit 2, the ultrasonic wave generating unit 3a having the piezoelectric element 64, the chemical liquid transport mechanism unit 4, and the measuring unit 5 in the present embodiment have substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment described above. Detailed description is omitted.

  The ultrasonic atomizing device 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a sharp protrusion forming plate 96 instead of the deformed opening forming plate 74 in the atomizing plate 3b of the ultrasonic atomizing device according to the first embodiment described above. . The sharp protrusion forming plate 96 is joined to one end face (front face) of the reservoir chamber 20.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the sharp projection forming plate 96, the pedestal 98 is a silicon substrate. The end surface 100 of the pedestal 98 is exposed to the atomization chamber 30. As shown in FIG. 13, an opening for holding a chemical solution is formed on the end face 100 by an edge provided at the peripheral edge, and a plurality of minute sharp projections (sharpened) are formed in the opening by etching. Part) 102 is formed. The sharp protrusion 102 extends from the depth (atomization) direction of the chemical solution 11 toward the gas-liquid interface, and is a protrusion formed from the end surface 100 toward the meniscus. The tip portion 104 of the sharp protrusion 102 has a diameter of about several tens of nanometers. A connection path 105 that connects the sharp projection 102 and the reservoir chamber 20 is provided in the pedestal 98. The chemical solution 11 supplied from the chemical solution cartridge 10 to the reservoir chamber 20 via the chemical solution supply needle 21 flows into the sharp protrusion 102 via the connection path 105. Furthermore, hydrophilic coating is applied to the surfaces of the end face 100 and the sharp protrusion 102, and the chemical solution 11 is transferred to the tip portion 104 as shown in FIG. At that time, as in the first embodiment, a positive DC high voltage is applied to the reservoir chamber 20 by the power source 19a. As a result, a positive DC high voltage is also applied to the sharp protrusion forming plate 96 joined to the reservoir chamber 20, and the chemical solution 11 is charged. When the piezoelectric element 64 irradiates the charged chemical solution 11 with ultrasonic waves, the chemical solution 11 contacting the tip portion 104 together with the tip portion 104 vibrates. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the chemical solution 11 is discharged from the tip portion 104 to the atomization chamber 30 as charged chemical solution fine particles 27.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the chemical liquid 11 is atomized and discharged from the distal end portion 104, clogging of the chemical liquid 11 can be prevented. Further, the discharge amount of the chemical liquid particles 27 can be adjusted by adjusting the number of the sharp protrusions 102. When a plurality of sharp protrusions 102 are provided, a large amount of the chemical liquid particles 27 are discharged to the atomization chamber 30. Can do.

  In this embodiment, innumerable sharp protrusions 102 can be formed on the pedestal 98 by semiconductor manufacturing technology. For this reason, in the present embodiment, a large amount of the chemical liquid particles 27 can be discharged from the end surface 100 by ultrasonic vibration. Thus, even if it is a shape which has the sharp protrusion 102, the chemical | medical solution 11 can be atomized and discharged similarly to 1st Embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the connection path 105 is disposed between the sharp projections 102, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the connection path 105 may be formed at the peripheral edge of the sharp projection 102. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the connection path 105 is not formed in the sharp projection forming plate 96, and an opening 114 having a width of about 100 μm through which the chemical solution 11 bleeds is provided at the peripheral portion of the sharp projection 102. Good. In this way, the shape of the chemical solution 11 is not limited as long as the chemical solution 11 flows into the vicinity of the sharp projection 102 and the chemical solution 11 immerses the end face 100 and the tip portion 104.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic atomizer in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram of a deformed opening forming plate when viewed from the direction in which the atomized chemical liquid is conveyed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the piezoelectric element. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a deformed opening forming plate. FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the vicinity of the tip of the fine opening forming plate when the chemical is atomized. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first modification of the deformed opening forming plate. FIG. 7 is a view showing a second modification of the deformed opening forming plate. FIG. 8 is a view showing a third modification of the deformed opening forming plate. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a fourth modification of the deformed opening forming plate. FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating a fourth modification of the deformed opening forming plate. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth modification of the deformed opening forming plate. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an ultrasonic atomizer in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sharp protrusion forming plate according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a sharp protrusion forming plate. FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a sharp protrusion when the chemical is atomized. FIG. 15 is a view showing a modification of the sharp protrusion forming plate.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Ultrasonic atomizer, 2 ... Chemical liquid holding | maintenance part, 3a ... Ultrasonic wave generation part, 3b ... Atomization board, 4 ... Chemical liquid conveyance mechanism part, 4a ... Air blower part, 4b ... Chemical liquid guide part, 5 ... Metering part, 6 ... site, 9 ... memory, 10 ... medicinal solution cartridge, 11 ... medicinal solution, 12 ... stopper, 13 ... recess, 14 ... opening, 15 ... communication member, 16 ... holder member, 17 ... opening, 18 ... bottom surface, 19a ... Power supply, 19b ... Conductive member power supply, 19c ... Control unit, 19d ... Piezoelectric element drive power supply, 19e ... Resonator drive power supply, 20 ... Reservoir chamber, 21 ... Chemical supply needle, 24 ... Support member, 25 ... Space, 27 ... Chemical liquid particles, 28b ... End face, 28c ... End face, 28d ... End face, 30 ... Atomization chamber, 30a ... Inner face, 31 ... Conductive member, 32 ... Atomization tube, 33 ... Connection part, 33a ... Connection terminal, 34 ... Tube body part, 35 ... Conductive member, 36 ... Edge part 37 ... Chemical atomization discharge port part 40 ... Air blower chamber 41 ... Fan, 42 ... Surface, 43 ... Filter member, 64 ... Piezoelectric element, 65 ... Opening part, 72 ... Side face, 74 ... Deformed opening part forming Plate 75 ... Sharp point 75a ... Projection part 76 ... Deformed opening 76a ... First opening 76b ... Second opening 76c ... Third opening 78 ... Langevin type ultrasonic transducer 80a ... resonator, 80b ... resonator, 81 ... piezoelectric element, 82 ... step step, 83 ... end face, 84 ... ultrasonic wave emitting surface, 90a ... straight line, 90b ... straight line, 90d, 90e, 90f, 90g ... contact point , 90h ... curve, 90i ... curve, 90j ... curve, 90k, 90l, 90m, 90n ... contact, 91 ... sharpened portion, 92a, 92b ... member, 96 ... sharp projection forming plate, 98 ... pedestal, 100 ... end face, 102 ... sharp projection, 104 ... tip Portion, 105 ... connection path, 114 ... opening.

Claims (7)

In an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes a liquid using vibration caused by ultrasonic waves,
An ultrasonic generator that irradiates the liquid with the ultrasonic waves to vibrate the liquid;
The liquid is vibrated by the ultrasonic wave generator, defines the shape of the gas-liquid interface of the liquid, and extends inward from the periphery of the gas-liquid interface, or from the depth direction of the liquid An atomizing plate having a sharpened portion extending toward the gas-liquid interface;
An ultrasonic atomizing device comprising:   The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the atomizing plate has an opening that defines a shape of the gas-liquid interface. The atomizing plate is constituted by a plurality of plates,
The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 2, wherein the opening is formed by combining a plurality of the plates.   The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of the openings are provided in the atomization plate.   The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the sharpened portion extends inward from a peripheral edge of the gas-liquid interface.   The ultrasonic atomizer according to claim 1, wherein the sharpened portion is a protrusion formed toward the meniscus.   The ultrasonic atomizing device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic wave generation unit includes a piezoelectric element or a Langevin type ultrasonic transducer disposed adjacent to the liquid holding unit that holds the liquid. .

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