CA2082499A1 - Ultrasonic aerosol dispenser for hair lacquer - Google Patents
Ultrasonic aerosol dispenser for hair lacquerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2082499A1 CA2082499A1 CA 2082499 CA2082499A CA2082499A1 CA 2082499 A1 CA2082499 A1 CA 2082499A1 CA 2082499 CA2082499 CA 2082499 CA 2082499 A CA2082499 A CA 2082499A CA 2082499 A1 CA2082499 A1 CA 2082499A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ultrasonic atomizer
- liquid
- atomizer
- container
- air
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
- B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
- B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
- B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
- B05B17/0623—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers coupled with a vibrating horn
- B05B17/063—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers coupled with a vibrating horn having an internal channel for supplying the liquid or other fluent material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
- B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
- B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
- B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
- B05B17/0623—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers coupled with a vibrating horn
Landscapes
- Special Spraying Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
(57) Abstract To prevent incrustations from forming on all surfaces welted by the li-quid, the invention calls for the interior surfaces which come into contact withthe spray liquid to be hermetically sealed off from the surrounding atmos-phere by means of at least one valve (36, 54, 98, 106) when the aerosol dispen-ser (1, 88, 100) is off. The invention also calls for the container (6, 96, 102) for the spray liquid lo be so designed that its volume decreases as the liquid is used up. The ultrasonic aerosol dispenser described is particularly suitable foruse in spraying liquids which dry or resinify in air.
Description
~82~9~
ULTRASONIC AEROSOL DISPENSER FOR HAIR L~CQUER
The invention relates to an ultrasonic atomizer for hair sprays, having a housing, a fan built into the housing, an air outlet opening, a piezoelectric oscillation system in the air outlet opening of the housing, excitation electronics for the piezoelectric oscillation system, a container for the liquid to be atomized, an arrangement for feeding the liquid to the piezoelectric oscillation system, a power supply, and a switch.
Cosmetics, substances for increasing hair body, and the like, are currently atomized using spray c:ans. They contain a propellant gas under pressure. When a valve is actuated, the propellant gas atomizes the liquid zlnd entrains the resulting aerosol along`with it. Because of the propellant gas released, such spray cans pollute the environment. In particular, most of the propellant gases that ar~ suitable for this purpose damage the ozone layer of the atmosphere.
Moreover, especially in persons who use them professionally, the atomized cosmetics pollute human respiratory tracts.-Although most of the droplets of the aerosol produced in this way are so large in diameter as not to be respirable, nevertheless some proportion of respirabIe droplets, however , . .-. ~ , . . . .
-: . :
.
ULTRASONIC AEROSOL DISPENSER FOR HAIR L~CQUER
The invention relates to an ultrasonic atomizer for hair sprays, having a housing, a fan built into the housing, an air outlet opening, a piezoelectric oscillation system in the air outlet opening of the housing, excitation electronics for the piezoelectric oscillation system, a container for the liquid to be atomized, an arrangement for feeding the liquid to the piezoelectric oscillation system, a power supply, and a switch.
Cosmetics, substances for increasing hair body, and the like, are currently atomized using spray c:ans. They contain a propellant gas under pressure. When a valve is actuated, the propellant gas atomizes the liquid zlnd entrains the resulting aerosol along`with it. Because of the propellant gas released, such spray cans pollute the environment. In particular, most of the propellant gases that ar~ suitable for this purpose damage the ozone layer of the atmosphere.
Moreover, especially in persons who use them professionally, the atomized cosmetics pollute human respiratory tracts.-Although most of the droplets of the aerosol produced in this way are so large in diameter as not to be respirable, nevertheless some proportion of respirabIe droplets, however , . .-. ~ , . . . .
-: . :
.
2~3~499 slight, is created, and it would be highly desirable to avoid this.
German Published, Non-Examined Patent Application 32 02 597 has already disclosed a liquid atomizer in which a liquid, located in a liquid reservoir container, is fed to a piezoelectric oscillation system and atomized there. The aerosol that develops is carried away by the airstream of a built-in blower. This apparatus is not suitable for atomizing hair sprays and other liquids that dry, harden or turn to resin in air. If such liquids that dry or harden in air were used, crusts would rapidly form on all the surfaces of this liquid atomizer wetted by the liquid, and this would put the atomizer out of operation. It is also a peculiarity oP this liquid atomizar that it can be used only in certain positions, rather than in any arbitrary position.
It is therefore the object of the invention to develop an ultrasonic atomizer with which even liqu~ds that dry or harden or turn to resin in air, such as hair sprays, can be atomized. In particular, outlet openings, feed lines and the like should be reliably prevented Prom becoming sticky.
Operation in any arbitrary position should also be possible.
In no case should hair sprays or other liquids to be sprayed be allowed to run out. In order to protect persons professionally using 3uch equipment, a non-respirable aerosol should be produced.
' ` :
~82~
This object is attained by the characteristics of claim 1.
Other advantageous features can be found in claims 2-21.
According to the invention the inner surfaces that come into contact with the liquid to be atomized remain hermetically sealed off from the ambient air via at least one valve that is associated with the liquid feed line and is closed when the ultrasonic atomizer is off, thus achieving a fundamental prerequisite for avoiding plugging, stopping up or resinification of the internal parts of the ultrasonic atomizer. Not only is air prevented from getting in, but liquid is also prevented from running out.
In a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the container may be embodied as a container that reduces its volume as liquid is removed. As a result, air does not get into the container as liquid is removed, so that gradual thickening of the liquid is thereb~y avoided. Moreover, regardless of position, air is also prevented from ge ting into the internal lines of the ultrasonic atomizer via the container.
In a feature of the invention, the container may be embodie~ ~ -as a cylinder with freely movable pistons. This makes it possible to remove liquid from this container without aspirating air into the container. Instead, tha piston is forced into the cylinder by the ambient air pressure as a function of the volume removed.
German Published, Non-Examined Patent Application 32 02 597 has already disclosed a liquid atomizer in which a liquid, located in a liquid reservoir container, is fed to a piezoelectric oscillation system and atomized there. The aerosol that develops is carried away by the airstream of a built-in blower. This apparatus is not suitable for atomizing hair sprays and other liquids that dry, harden or turn to resin in air. If such liquids that dry or harden in air were used, crusts would rapidly form on all the surfaces of this liquid atomizer wetted by the liquid, and this would put the atomizer out of operation. It is also a peculiarity oP this liquid atomizar that it can be used only in certain positions, rather than in any arbitrary position.
It is therefore the object of the invention to develop an ultrasonic atomizer with which even liqu~ds that dry or harden or turn to resin in air, such as hair sprays, can be atomized. In particular, outlet openings, feed lines and the like should be reliably prevented Prom becoming sticky.
Operation in any arbitrary position should also be possible.
In no case should hair sprays or other liquids to be sprayed be allowed to run out. In order to protect persons professionally using 3uch equipment, a non-respirable aerosol should be produced.
' ` :
~82~
This object is attained by the characteristics of claim 1.
Other advantageous features can be found in claims 2-21.
According to the invention the inner surfaces that come into contact with the liquid to be atomized remain hermetically sealed off from the ambient air via at least one valve that is associated with the liquid feed line and is closed when the ultrasonic atomizer is off, thus achieving a fundamental prerequisite for avoiding plugging, stopping up or resinification of the internal parts of the ultrasonic atomizer. Not only is air prevented from getting in, but liquid is also prevented from running out.
In a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the container may be embodied as a container that reduces its volume as liquid is removed. As a result, air does not get into the container as liquid is removed, so that gradual thickening of the liquid is thereb~y avoided. Moreover, regardless of position, air is also prevented from ge ting into the internal lines of the ultrasonic atomizer via the container.
In a feature of the invention, the container may be embodie~ ~ -as a cylinder with freely movable pistons. This makes it possible to remove liquid from this container without aspirating air into the container. Instead, tha piston is forced into the cylinder by the ambient air pressure as a function of the volume removed.
'.`. ,',' '~
2~2~
In a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the container may be embodied as a folding bag. In this construction, the folding bag collapses to an increasing extent as the amount of liquid increas~s. Also, aside from the removal opening, there is no further point requiring sealing, throuyh which solvent vapors or even liquid from the container could escape or air could penetrate the container.
It has proved particularly advantageous if the piezoelectric oscillation system, in a suitable further embodiment of the invention, includes an atomizer plate for a central through bore for the delivery of the medium to be atomized, in which bore a valve stem is guided that has a valve-plate-like atomizer plate seal that can be made to rest on the atomizer plate via the through bore. By this kind of arrangement, the system of tubing that ~eads to the atomizer plate is quite effectively protected against the entry of air when the apparatus is off and hence against 63ncrustations, stoppag~, and resinification.
In a practical feature of the invention, the valve stem of the atomizer plate seal can be mechanically actuatable by the switch. The result of this is that upon actuation of the switch, any encrustations that may have formed in the gap between the atomi2er plate and the atomizer plate seal are mechanically broken up.
': :
2 ~ 9 In an advantageous further feature of the invention, the feed arrangement for th~ liquid may be closable on the intake side via a c~eck valve. At the same time, this check valve also prevents air from getting into the interior of liquid-carrying regions of the ultrasonic atomizer via the intake line when the reserve container for the liquid is changed.
Further advantageous features of the invention are described in further detail below in terms of three exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Shown are:
Fig. 1, a cross section through an ultrasonic atomizer according to the invention for hair sprays;
Fig. 2, a cross section through its feed arrangement for the medium to be atomized;
Fig. 3, a section taken along the line III-III of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4, a cross section through the fan indicated in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5, a section taken along the l~ne V-V of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6, a diagram of the course over time of the t1mes the various components of the ultrasonic atomizer according to ~;~
the invention are turned on and off;
~2~99 Fig. 7, a cross section through the lower housing part of an ultrasonic atomizer according to the invention, with a differel1t feed arrangement for the medium to be atomized; and Fig. 8, a cross section through the lower housing part o~ an ultrasonic atomizer according to the lnvention with a mechan1cal feed arrangement for the liquid.
The cross section shown in Fig. 1 through the ultrasonic atomizer l gives a good picture of its design. A cylindrical liquid container 4 is inserted from below into the lower cylindrical part of the housing 2 of the ultrasonic atomizer l. This container 4 is embodied as a replaceable cartridge.
It includes a folding bag 6 with the liquid 8 to be atomized.
A plurality of batteries 10, 12 (only two are shown) and an induction coil 14 for recharging the batteries can be seen in the lower part of the housing 2 above the plastic oontainer 4. A feed device 18, shown in detail in Figs. 2 and 3, for the liquid, is disposed centrally directly above the plastic container 4, protruding with its intake connector 16 into the plastic container 4. A fan 20 with an air outlet channel 22 can be ~een above the feed device 18 for the liquid. A
piezoelectric oscillation system 24 is built centrally into this air outlet channel 22. On its side toward the air outlet opening 26, the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 has an atomizer cone 30 changing into an atomizer plate 28.
The atomizer cone 30 and the atomizer plate 28 have a central through bore 32, which is connected to the feed line 34 of ' . ........... ' ~ ' ' ~ ~
2~2~99 the feed device 18. The opening of the through bore 32 on the atomizer plate 28 is closed by an atomizer plate seal 36 whenever the ultrasonic atomizer 1 is turned off. This seal is guided in the through bore 32 via a valve stem (not shown). The valve stem is in engagement with a lever arm 38 of the appliance switch 40. An electronic switch 42 actuatable by the appliance switch 40 and triggering electronics 44, connected to the electronic switch, for the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 are accommodated in the space between the fan 20 and the feed device 18. An air outlet nozzle 26 that surrounds the atomizer plate 28 at a distance of a fe~ millimeters can be slipped onto the end of the air outlet channel 22.
Fig. 2 shows a cross section through the feed device 18 for the liquid. It includes an electric motor 46, with a self-aspir~ting liquid pump 50 flanged to the motor shaft 48. The intake connector 16 for the liquid pump is kept closed in the position of repose by a spring-loaded ball valve 54.
In the sectional view of Fig. 3, a cross section through the pump wheel 56 is seen. ~he pump wheel 56 is supported slightly eccentrically to the housing ring surrounding it and has one sealing roller 58, 59, 60, 61 in each of four indent~tions 62, 6~, 64, 65 let into its circumference. The connections 66, 68 of the intake connector 16 and feed line ~ -.
34 are indicated by dashed lines. ~ ~
: . ~
- :
- 2~8~
Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section and Fig. 5 a cross section through the fan 20. It can be seen that the motor 72, together with the radial fan wheel 74 of the fan, is elastically supported in the fan housing 78 via a rubber sleeve 76. It can also be seen that the fan housing 78 has an annular air filter 82 on its lateral annular air intake opening 80, completely covering the air intake opening 80.
During the operation of the ultrasonic atomizer 1, air is aspirated by the radial fan wheel 74 of the fan 20 through the annular air filter 82 and blown out to the outside through the air outlet channel 22 of the fan housing, past the piezoelectric oscillation system 24, through the removable air outlet noz~le 45. At the same time, liquid is aspirated from the folding bag 6 in the container 4 by the pump wheel 56 of the liquid pump 50. The spring-loaded ball valve 54 is opened in the process by the negative pressure generated by the liquid pump. The t:hus-fed liquid is delivered to the atomizer plate through the feed line 34 and the through bore 32 through the atomizer cone 30 and atomizer plate 28 at the atomizer plate seal 36 pressed away from the atomizer plate 28 by the lever arms 38 when the appliance switch 40 is depressed. There, the liquid is atomized by the oscillating surface oP the atomizer plate and entrained by the stream of air flowing past and carried to the site where it i5 to be applied, that is, the customerls hair. By suitably selecting the oscillation frequency in the range .
from 50 to 200 kHz, a fine but still not respirable aerosol is generated.
As the liquid 8 is removed from the folding bag 6, this bag graduall~- collapses in the plastic container. In the proce~s, air flows into the container 4, between it and the folding bag 6. To that end, the container has several fine air delivery bores tnot shown in detail here). The intake connector 16 for the liquid that extends into the folding bag 6 has a spring-loaded ball valve 54, which closes when the liquid pump is at a standstill and prevents a reverse flow into the folding bag of liquid that has already been fed and thus prevents aspiration of air through the atomizer plate seal 36 into the through bore 32 of the atomizer plate 28 and atomizer cone 30. Moreover, this spring-loaded ball valve 54 prevents an entry of air into the intake connector 16 of the liquid pump 50 whenever the lower end of the intake connector comes into contact with the air - when the container 4 is changed. To that end, this ball valve 54 is also located at `!
the lower end of the intake connectc)r.
The overall result of these provisions is that drying or resinification of the surfaces wetted with tha liquid to be sprayed is prevented. Moreover, as a result of the mechanical coupling of the lever arm 38 of the appliance switch 40 to the valve stem for the atomizer plate seal 36, compulsory pressure on the atomizer plate seal when the appliance is turned on is brought about~ as a result of which _g_ ~2~9 any liquid residues that might have dried in the peripheral region of thP atomizer plate seal and atomi~er plate 28 are broken up. At the same time, as a result of this hermetic sealing of all the surfaces wetted with the liquid, it is assured that the ultrasonic atomizer 1 is operatable in all positions, yet the liquid cannot run out.
This hermetic closure o~ all the surfaces coming into aontact with the liquid to be atomized, on the one hand, and the air filter on the intake side o~ the fan 20, on the other, assure that the aerosol will not be contaminated by any ~oreign bodies, such as dust or hair. The air outlet nozzle 45 that can be mounted on the front end of the air outlet channel 22 of the fan is the only component of the ultrasonic atomizer 1 that comes into contact simultaneou~;ly wlth both the liquid to be sprayed and air. Because this; air outlet nozzle 45 is removable, not only is separate and accordingly simple cleaning o~ this component made pos~;ible, but it also becomes possible to adapt the flow velocity of the air stream genera~ed to SUlt particular applications, by varying the diameter of the air outlet nozzle usedr .
As the diagram in Fig. 6 shows, whan the appliance switch 40 is actuated, the valve mechanically coupled to the appliance switch are opened immediately; in the exemplary ambodiment of Fig. 1, such valves inrlude only the atomizer plate seal 36.
However, in a variation of the exemplary embodiment of Fiq.
1, the ball valve 54 could aleo be mechanically coupled to .
' '- . . ' . ;
' 2~2~
the appliance switch ~o, similarly to the atomizer plate seal 36. The electronic switch 42 is then actuated within a time interval of a few tenths of a second, because of a small clearance. The triggering electronics 44 for the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 and the fan 20 are turned on immediately by the electronic switch 42. Only after that - after a time interval of approximately 1 to 3 seconds - is the liquid pump 50 turned on via a time delay element (not shown), and the liquid to be atomized is thus carried to the atomizer plate 28. Because of this graduated timing, any gumminess bet~een the atomizer plate 28 and the atomizer plate seal 36 that may be present upon actuation of the appliance switch 40 is broken up, and then by activation of the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 and of the fan 20, -any solidified particles still hanging from the atomizer plate are pushed off and blown away before the liquid 8 to be atomized is fed onward via the li~uid pump 50.
Conversely, as can also be seen grom Fig. 6, when the appliance switch 40 is released, because of the play between the appliance switch and the electronic switch 42, the electronic switch is turned off first and immediately, the liquid pump 50 is directly turned o~f by the electronic switch. Contrarily, the fan 20 and the triggering electronics for the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 remain turned on by the electronlc switch 42 via a timing element (not shown) for a further one to two seconds. In this time interval, the mechanically coupled valves are 2Q~2~
closed by the appliance switch. This graduated timing is designed such that first the liquid pump is turned off by the electronic switch, and then the closure system is turned of~
by the valves, and only after that, with some delay, are the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 and the fan turned off, while the fan still continues to run for some time, because of its mechanical inertia. This order of events assures that upon turnoff, the delivery of liquid to the atomizer plate is first interrupted, and then the atomizer plate seal closes;
moreover, the piezoelectric oscillation system can remain on for a few seconds via the triggering electronics, in order to shake off all the liquid residues from the atomizer plate.
These shaken-off aerosol residues can then be carried away by the air stream of the fan 20, which is still switched on, before these two components are inactivated as well. Thus nothing else that could cause encrustation remain~ on the now-clean atomizer plate.
When the ultrasonic atomizer is not in use, the batterles 10, 12 built into the lower cylindrical part of the housing 2 can be indirectly recharged via the induction coil 14. Because a rubber-cushioned axial fan is used, smooth and quiet operation of the ultrasonic atomizer 1 is assured.
In a departure from the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 1 and 3, it would also be conceivable to use an air pump 90 instead of the liquid pump 50 and to feed the liquid 92 to be atomized either by directly forcing air in through the liquid ~12-.
.
2~2~99 level itself, or as shown in the exemplary embodimant of Fig.7 for a modified ultrasonic atomizer 88, by forcing air into the space between the liquid container 94 and the folding bag 96. In this latter case, the container must surround the folding bag in an air-tight manner, which is different from the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1.
In a further variant of the ultrasonic generator 100, shown in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. ~, it would also be -conceivable instead of a liquid pump 50 to use a folding bag 102 that is loaded by a spring-loaded pressure plate 104. In that case, liquid would be delivered immediately to the atomizer plate upon opening of the valves or of the atomizer plate seal. However, although this variant has great simplicity, it still has the disadvantage that the atomizer plate seal is continuously under liquid pressure.
It is also possible, in a departure from the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2, to open the spring-loaded check valve 54 in compulsory fashion via a pin of the container 4 upon the decoupling thereof.
2~2~
In a particularly advantageous feature of the invention, the container may be embodied as a folding bag. In this construction, the folding bag collapses to an increasing extent as the amount of liquid increas~s. Also, aside from the removal opening, there is no further point requiring sealing, throuyh which solvent vapors or even liquid from the container could escape or air could penetrate the container.
It has proved particularly advantageous if the piezoelectric oscillation system, in a suitable further embodiment of the invention, includes an atomizer plate for a central through bore for the delivery of the medium to be atomized, in which bore a valve stem is guided that has a valve-plate-like atomizer plate seal that can be made to rest on the atomizer plate via the through bore. By this kind of arrangement, the system of tubing that ~eads to the atomizer plate is quite effectively protected against the entry of air when the apparatus is off and hence against 63ncrustations, stoppag~, and resinification.
In a practical feature of the invention, the valve stem of the atomizer plate seal can be mechanically actuatable by the switch. The result of this is that upon actuation of the switch, any encrustations that may have formed in the gap between the atomi2er plate and the atomizer plate seal are mechanically broken up.
': :
2 ~ 9 In an advantageous further feature of the invention, the feed arrangement for th~ liquid may be closable on the intake side via a c~eck valve. At the same time, this check valve also prevents air from getting into the interior of liquid-carrying regions of the ultrasonic atomizer via the intake line when the reserve container for the liquid is changed.
Further advantageous features of the invention are described in further detail below in terms of three exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Shown are:
Fig. 1, a cross section through an ultrasonic atomizer according to the invention for hair sprays;
Fig. 2, a cross section through its feed arrangement for the medium to be atomized;
Fig. 3, a section taken along the line III-III of Fig. 2;
Fig. 4, a cross section through the fan indicated in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5, a section taken along the l~ne V-V of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6, a diagram of the course over time of the t1mes the various components of the ultrasonic atomizer according to ~;~
the invention are turned on and off;
~2~99 Fig. 7, a cross section through the lower housing part of an ultrasonic atomizer according to the invention, with a differel1t feed arrangement for the medium to be atomized; and Fig. 8, a cross section through the lower housing part o~ an ultrasonic atomizer according to the lnvention with a mechan1cal feed arrangement for the liquid.
The cross section shown in Fig. 1 through the ultrasonic atomizer l gives a good picture of its design. A cylindrical liquid container 4 is inserted from below into the lower cylindrical part of the housing 2 of the ultrasonic atomizer l. This container 4 is embodied as a replaceable cartridge.
It includes a folding bag 6 with the liquid 8 to be atomized.
A plurality of batteries 10, 12 (only two are shown) and an induction coil 14 for recharging the batteries can be seen in the lower part of the housing 2 above the plastic oontainer 4. A feed device 18, shown in detail in Figs. 2 and 3, for the liquid, is disposed centrally directly above the plastic container 4, protruding with its intake connector 16 into the plastic container 4. A fan 20 with an air outlet channel 22 can be ~een above the feed device 18 for the liquid. A
piezoelectric oscillation system 24 is built centrally into this air outlet channel 22. On its side toward the air outlet opening 26, the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 has an atomizer cone 30 changing into an atomizer plate 28.
The atomizer cone 30 and the atomizer plate 28 have a central through bore 32, which is connected to the feed line 34 of ' . ........... ' ~ ' ' ~ ~
2~2~99 the feed device 18. The opening of the through bore 32 on the atomizer plate 28 is closed by an atomizer plate seal 36 whenever the ultrasonic atomizer 1 is turned off. This seal is guided in the through bore 32 via a valve stem (not shown). The valve stem is in engagement with a lever arm 38 of the appliance switch 40. An electronic switch 42 actuatable by the appliance switch 40 and triggering electronics 44, connected to the electronic switch, for the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 are accommodated in the space between the fan 20 and the feed device 18. An air outlet nozzle 26 that surrounds the atomizer plate 28 at a distance of a fe~ millimeters can be slipped onto the end of the air outlet channel 22.
Fig. 2 shows a cross section through the feed device 18 for the liquid. It includes an electric motor 46, with a self-aspir~ting liquid pump 50 flanged to the motor shaft 48. The intake connector 16 for the liquid pump is kept closed in the position of repose by a spring-loaded ball valve 54.
In the sectional view of Fig. 3, a cross section through the pump wheel 56 is seen. ~he pump wheel 56 is supported slightly eccentrically to the housing ring surrounding it and has one sealing roller 58, 59, 60, 61 in each of four indent~tions 62, 6~, 64, 65 let into its circumference. The connections 66, 68 of the intake connector 16 and feed line ~ -.
34 are indicated by dashed lines. ~ ~
: . ~
- :
- 2~8~
Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section and Fig. 5 a cross section through the fan 20. It can be seen that the motor 72, together with the radial fan wheel 74 of the fan, is elastically supported in the fan housing 78 via a rubber sleeve 76. It can also be seen that the fan housing 78 has an annular air filter 82 on its lateral annular air intake opening 80, completely covering the air intake opening 80.
During the operation of the ultrasonic atomizer 1, air is aspirated by the radial fan wheel 74 of the fan 20 through the annular air filter 82 and blown out to the outside through the air outlet channel 22 of the fan housing, past the piezoelectric oscillation system 24, through the removable air outlet noz~le 45. At the same time, liquid is aspirated from the folding bag 6 in the container 4 by the pump wheel 56 of the liquid pump 50. The spring-loaded ball valve 54 is opened in the process by the negative pressure generated by the liquid pump. The t:hus-fed liquid is delivered to the atomizer plate through the feed line 34 and the through bore 32 through the atomizer cone 30 and atomizer plate 28 at the atomizer plate seal 36 pressed away from the atomizer plate 28 by the lever arms 38 when the appliance switch 40 is depressed. There, the liquid is atomized by the oscillating surface oP the atomizer plate and entrained by the stream of air flowing past and carried to the site where it i5 to be applied, that is, the customerls hair. By suitably selecting the oscillation frequency in the range .
from 50 to 200 kHz, a fine but still not respirable aerosol is generated.
As the liquid 8 is removed from the folding bag 6, this bag graduall~- collapses in the plastic container. In the proce~s, air flows into the container 4, between it and the folding bag 6. To that end, the container has several fine air delivery bores tnot shown in detail here). The intake connector 16 for the liquid that extends into the folding bag 6 has a spring-loaded ball valve 54, which closes when the liquid pump is at a standstill and prevents a reverse flow into the folding bag of liquid that has already been fed and thus prevents aspiration of air through the atomizer plate seal 36 into the through bore 32 of the atomizer plate 28 and atomizer cone 30. Moreover, this spring-loaded ball valve 54 prevents an entry of air into the intake connector 16 of the liquid pump 50 whenever the lower end of the intake connector comes into contact with the air - when the container 4 is changed. To that end, this ball valve 54 is also located at `!
the lower end of the intake connectc)r.
The overall result of these provisions is that drying or resinification of the surfaces wetted with tha liquid to be sprayed is prevented. Moreover, as a result of the mechanical coupling of the lever arm 38 of the appliance switch 40 to the valve stem for the atomizer plate seal 36, compulsory pressure on the atomizer plate seal when the appliance is turned on is brought about~ as a result of which _g_ ~2~9 any liquid residues that might have dried in the peripheral region of thP atomizer plate seal and atomi~er plate 28 are broken up. At the same time, as a result of this hermetic sealing of all the surfaces wetted with the liquid, it is assured that the ultrasonic atomizer 1 is operatable in all positions, yet the liquid cannot run out.
This hermetic closure o~ all the surfaces coming into aontact with the liquid to be atomized, on the one hand, and the air filter on the intake side o~ the fan 20, on the other, assure that the aerosol will not be contaminated by any ~oreign bodies, such as dust or hair. The air outlet nozzle 45 that can be mounted on the front end of the air outlet channel 22 of the fan is the only component of the ultrasonic atomizer 1 that comes into contact simultaneou~;ly wlth both the liquid to be sprayed and air. Because this; air outlet nozzle 45 is removable, not only is separate and accordingly simple cleaning o~ this component made pos~;ible, but it also becomes possible to adapt the flow velocity of the air stream genera~ed to SUlt particular applications, by varying the diameter of the air outlet nozzle usedr .
As the diagram in Fig. 6 shows, whan the appliance switch 40 is actuated, the valve mechanically coupled to the appliance switch are opened immediately; in the exemplary ambodiment of Fig. 1, such valves inrlude only the atomizer plate seal 36.
However, in a variation of the exemplary embodiment of Fiq.
1, the ball valve 54 could aleo be mechanically coupled to .
' '- . . ' . ;
' 2~2~
the appliance switch ~o, similarly to the atomizer plate seal 36. The electronic switch 42 is then actuated within a time interval of a few tenths of a second, because of a small clearance. The triggering electronics 44 for the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 and the fan 20 are turned on immediately by the electronic switch 42. Only after that - after a time interval of approximately 1 to 3 seconds - is the liquid pump 50 turned on via a time delay element (not shown), and the liquid to be atomized is thus carried to the atomizer plate 28. Because of this graduated timing, any gumminess bet~een the atomizer plate 28 and the atomizer plate seal 36 that may be present upon actuation of the appliance switch 40 is broken up, and then by activation of the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 and of the fan 20, -any solidified particles still hanging from the atomizer plate are pushed off and blown away before the liquid 8 to be atomized is fed onward via the li~uid pump 50.
Conversely, as can also be seen grom Fig. 6, when the appliance switch 40 is released, because of the play between the appliance switch and the electronic switch 42, the electronic switch is turned off first and immediately, the liquid pump 50 is directly turned o~f by the electronic switch. Contrarily, the fan 20 and the triggering electronics for the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 remain turned on by the electronlc switch 42 via a timing element (not shown) for a further one to two seconds. In this time interval, the mechanically coupled valves are 2Q~2~
closed by the appliance switch. This graduated timing is designed such that first the liquid pump is turned off by the electronic switch, and then the closure system is turned of~
by the valves, and only after that, with some delay, are the piezoelectric oscillation system 24 and the fan turned off, while the fan still continues to run for some time, because of its mechanical inertia. This order of events assures that upon turnoff, the delivery of liquid to the atomizer plate is first interrupted, and then the atomizer plate seal closes;
moreover, the piezoelectric oscillation system can remain on for a few seconds via the triggering electronics, in order to shake off all the liquid residues from the atomizer plate.
These shaken-off aerosol residues can then be carried away by the air stream of the fan 20, which is still switched on, before these two components are inactivated as well. Thus nothing else that could cause encrustation remain~ on the now-clean atomizer plate.
When the ultrasonic atomizer is not in use, the batterles 10, 12 built into the lower cylindrical part of the housing 2 can be indirectly recharged via the induction coil 14. Because a rubber-cushioned axial fan is used, smooth and quiet operation of the ultrasonic atomizer 1 is assured.
In a departure from the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 1 and 3, it would also be conceivable to use an air pump 90 instead of the liquid pump 50 and to feed the liquid 92 to be atomized either by directly forcing air in through the liquid ~12-.
.
2~2~99 level itself, or as shown in the exemplary embodimant of Fig.7 for a modified ultrasonic atomizer 88, by forcing air into the space between the liquid container 94 and the folding bag 96. In this latter case, the container must surround the folding bag in an air-tight manner, which is different from the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1.
In a further variant of the ultrasonic generator 100, shown in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. ~, it would also be -conceivable instead of a liquid pump 50 to use a folding bag 102 that is loaded by a spring-loaded pressure plate 104. In that case, liquid would be delivered immediately to the atomizer plate upon opening of the valves or of the atomizer plate seal. However, although this variant has great simplicity, it still has the disadvantage that the atomizer plate seal is continuously under liquid pressure.
It is also possible, in a departure from the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2, to open the spring-loaded check valve 54 in compulsory fashion via a pin of the container 4 upon the decoupling thereof.
Claims (21)
1. An ultrasonic atomizer (1, 88, 100) for hair sprays, having a housing (2), a fan (20) built into the housing, an air outlet opening (26), a piezoelectric oscillation system (24) in the air outlet opening of the housing, excitation electronics (44) for the piezoelectric oscillation system, a container (4, 6, 94, 96, 102) for the liquid (8, 92, 108) to be atomized, an arrangement (18, 50, 90, 104) for feeding the liquid to the piezoelectric oscillation system, a power supply (10, 14), and a switch (40), characterized in that the inside surface coming into contact with the liquid to be atomized remains sealed off hermetically from the ambient air via at least one valve (36, 54, 98, 106) being associated with the liquid feed line (32, 34) and closed if the ultrasonic atomizer is turned off.
2. The ultrasonic atomizer of claim 1, characterized in that the container (6, 96, 102) is embodied as a container which decreases its volume as liquid is removed.
3. The ultrasonic atomizer of claim 1 and/or 2, characterized in that the container is embodied as a cylinder with freely movable pistons.
4. The ultrasonic atomizer of claim 1 and/or 2, characterized in that the container (4, 94) includes a folding bag (6, 96, 102) tightly enclosing the liquid.
5. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-4, characterized in that the piezoelectric oscillation system (24) includes an atomizer plate (28) having a central through bore (32) for the delivery of the medium (8, 92, 108) to be atomized, in which bore a valve stem is guided that has a valve-plate-like atomizer plate seal (36) that can be made to rest on the atomizer plate (28) via the through bore.
6. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-5, characterized in that the valve stem of the atomizer plate seal (36) is mechanically actuatable via the switch (40).
7. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-6, characterized in that the feed arrangement (18, 50, 90, 104) is closable on the intake side via a check valve (54, 98, 106).
8. The ultrasonic atomizer of claim 7, characterized in that the check valve (54, 98, 106) is spring-loaded and is opened by the pressure difference resulting upon the activation of the feed arrangement (18, 50, 90, 104).
9. The ultrasonic atomizer of claim 7, characterized in that the check valve is coupled mechanically to the switch and is opened upon the actuation of the switch.
10. The ultrasonic atomizer of claim 7, characterized in that the check valve is electrically opened via the switch.
11. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-10, characterized in that a liquid pump (50) is used as a feed device for the medium (8) to be atomized.
12. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-11, characterized in that an air filter (82) closes off the intake opening (80) of the fan (20).
13. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-12, characterized in that the fan (20) is rubber-cushioned in the housing (2) of the ultrasonic atomizer.
14. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-13, characterized by the use of an axial fan (20).
15. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-14, characterized in that the atomizer plate (28) is surrounded, at a distance of only a few millimeters, by a removable air outlet nozzle (45) for the mixture of air and aerosol.
16. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-15, characterized in that upon actuation of the switch (40), the closure system (36, 28) is first opened, and then after a brief time delay, both the excitation electronics (44) for the piezoelectric oscillation system (24) and the fan (20), and then after a further, somewhat longer delay, the pump (50, 90) for feeding the medium (8, 92) to be atomized, are turned on.
17. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-16, characterized in that when the switch (20) is released, the pump (50, 90) is first turned off, and immediately after that, the closure system (36, 28) for the medium (8, 92) to be atomized is turned off, and then after a further time delay, the piezoelectric oscillation system (24) and the fan (20) are turned off.
18. The ultrasonic atomizer of one or more of claims 1-17, characterized in that an arrangement: (90, 104) for increasing the pressure in the container (96, 102) is used as the feed arrangement for the liquid.
19. The ultrasonic atomizer of claim 18, characterized in that the arrangement for increasing the pressure in the liquid container includes an air pump, which forces air into the liquid container.
20. The ultrasonic atomizer of claim 18, characterized in that the arrangement for increasing the pressure in the liquid container includes an air pump (90), which forces the air into the space between the folding bag (96) and the plastic container (94).
21. The ultrasonic atomizer of claim 18, characterized in that the folding bag (102) is mechanically compressed from outside by the force of a spring.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP4014904.8 | 1990-05-09 | ||
| DE19904014904 DE4014904A1 (en) | 1990-05-09 | 1990-05-09 | ULTRASONIC SPRAYER FOR HAIR PAINT |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2082499A1 true CA2082499A1 (en) | 1991-11-10 |
Family
ID=6406044
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2082499 Abandoned CA2082499A1 (en) | 1990-05-09 | 1991-03-21 | Ultrasonic aerosol dispenser for hair lacquer |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0527750A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH05507644A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2082499A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4014904A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991016997A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017075318A1 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2017-05-04 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Aseptic aerosol misting device |
| US10239085B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2019-03-26 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Aseptic aerosol misting device |
| US11571704B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2023-02-07 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Aseptic aerosol misting device |
| US11583885B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2023-02-21 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Unit dose aseptic aerosol misting device |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2705911B1 (en) * | 1993-06-02 | 1995-08-11 | Oreal | Piezoelectric nebulization device. |
| GB9602969D0 (en) * | 1996-02-13 | 1996-04-10 | The Technology Partnership Plc | Liquid supply apparatus |
| FR2910254B1 (en) * | 2006-12-20 | 2009-04-17 | Oreal | PIEZOELECTRIC SPRAY SYSTEM AND CORRESPONDING REFILL |
| FR2910253B1 (en) | 2006-12-20 | 2010-03-12 | Oreal | METHOD FOR DISPENSING A PRODUCT SPRAYED BY A PIEZOELECTRIC SPRAY SYSTEM AND A SPRAY SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING SUCH A METHOD |
| FR2912935B1 (en) * | 2007-02-23 | 2009-05-15 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR SPRAYING A FIXATION COMPOSITION |
| FR2927234B1 (en) | 2008-02-13 | 2011-10-21 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR SPRAYING A COSMETIC COMPOSITION |
| FR2927235B1 (en) | 2008-02-13 | 2010-02-19 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR SPRAYING A COSMETIC COMPOSITION |
| DE102009055408A1 (en) * | 2009-12-30 | 2011-07-07 | Robert Bosch GmbH, 70469 | Hand held sprayer |
| JP2013143993A (en) * | 2012-01-13 | 2013-07-25 | Storia:Kk | Makeup method using portable cosmetic atomizer |
| DE102015206789A1 (en) * | 2015-04-15 | 2016-10-20 | Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa | Device for applying a hair cosmetic preparation |
| WO2020120665A1 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2020-06-18 | Pari Pharma Gmbh | Inductive coupling based vibration heads for an aerosol generator |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3202597A1 (en) * | 1982-01-27 | 1983-08-04 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Device for atomising fluids |
| US4469974A (en) * | 1982-06-14 | 1984-09-04 | Eaton Corporation | Low power acoustic fuel injector drive circuit |
| GB8819473D0 (en) * | 1988-08-16 | 1988-09-21 | Pa Consulting Services | Electronic aerosol generator |
| EP0389665A1 (en) * | 1989-03-31 | 1990-10-03 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Ultrasonic sprayer for liquids |
-
1990
- 1990-05-09 DE DE19904014904 patent/DE4014904A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1991
- 1991-03-21 JP JP91505657A patent/JPH05507644A/en active Pending
- 1991-03-21 WO PCT/DE1991/000245 patent/WO1991016997A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1991-03-21 CA CA 2082499 patent/CA2082499A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1991-03-21 EP EP19910905804 patent/EP0527750A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2017075318A1 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2017-05-04 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Aseptic aerosol misting device |
| CN108348697A (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2018-07-31 | 强生消费者公司 | Sterile aerosol atomising device |
| US10239085B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2019-03-26 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Aseptic aerosol misting device |
| CN108348697B (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2021-09-10 | 强生消费者公司 | Sterile aerosol atomization device |
| US11253885B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2022-02-22 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Aseptic aerosol misting device |
| IL258634B (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2022-09-01 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc | Aseptic aerosol misting device |
| US11571704B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2023-02-07 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Aseptic aerosol misting device |
| US11583885B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2023-02-21 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Unit dose aseptic aerosol misting device |
| US12030076B2 (en) | 2015-10-30 | 2024-07-09 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. | Unit dose aseptic aerosol misting device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1991016997A1 (en) | 1991-11-14 |
| EP0527750A1 (en) | 1993-02-24 |
| DE4014904A1 (en) | 1991-11-14 |
| JPH05507644A (en) | 1993-11-04 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2082499A1 (en) | Ultrasonic aerosol dispenser for hair lacquer | |
| US3993250A (en) | Apparatus for spraying liquid materials | |
| US7448557B2 (en) | Application and method to disperse substance contained in a replaceable cartridge | |
| US6926208B2 (en) | Droplet ejector with oscillating tapered aperture | |
| US5511538A (en) | Super atomizing nonchlorinated fluorocarbon medication inhaler | |
| JP2841203B2 (en) | Manual ejection device for media | |
| EP0822865B1 (en) | Methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids as an atomized spray | |
| US5323936A (en) | Media dispenser for dispensing a dosed medium in a gas flow | |
| CA2219954A1 (en) | Pump sprayer for viscous or solids laden liquids | |
| EP0258637A1 (en) | Ultrasonic pocket sprayer | |
| WO2000045878A3 (en) | Compressed air inhaler for pulmonary application of liposomal powder aerosols and powder aerosols suitable therefor | |
| US6997396B2 (en) | Battery operated airbrush | |
| US5181349A (en) | Self-powered unitary portable granular particle ejector tool | |
| RU93021377A (en) | ULTRASOUND INHALER | |
| US2829642A (en) | Nebulizer having means for eliminating failures | |
| JPS598768Y2 (en) | Ultrasonic atomizer | |
| SU389797A1 (en) | SPRAY | |
| EP0689878A1 (en) | Dispensing apparatus | |
| JPH07543U (en) | Atomized substance minute supply device | |
| JP2588609Y2 (en) | Electric spray | |
| RU2064848C1 (en) | Liquid sprayer | |
| JPS5823410Y2 (en) | Pressure pump liquid sprayer | |
| JPH0768204A (en) | Supersonic spray device | |
| KR970058550A (en) | Multipurpose sprayer | |
| JPS5826984B2 (en) | electric sprayer |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |