EP1775027B1 - Générateur de micro-gouttelettes - Google Patents

Générateur de micro-gouttelettes Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1775027B1
EP1775027B1 EP20050447232 EP05447232A EP1775027B1 EP 1775027 B1 EP1775027 B1 EP 1775027B1 EP 20050447232 EP20050447232 EP 20050447232 EP 05447232 A EP05447232 A EP 05447232A EP 1775027 B1 EP1775027 B1 EP 1775027B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
micro
droplet generator
liquid
generator according
projection
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.)
Active
Application number
EP20050447232
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1775027A1 (fr
Inventor
Yu-Ran Wang
Sheng-Chih Shen
Yi-Chang Chen
Chien-Shien Yeh
Chung-Jui Lee
I-Kai Pan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Industrial Technology Research Institute ITRI
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Industrial Technology Research Institute ITRI
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Publication date
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Priority to EP20050447232 priority Critical patent/EP1775027B1/fr
Publication of EP1775027A1 publication Critical patent/EP1775027A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1775027B1 publication Critical patent/EP1775027B1/fr
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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
    • B05B17/0638—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 spray being produced by discharging the liquid or other fluent material through a plate comprising a plurality of orifices
    • B05B17/0646—Vibrating plates, i.e. plates being directly subjected to the vibrations, e.g. having a piezoelectric transducer attached thereto
    • 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
    • B05B17/0653—Details
    • B05B17/0676—Feeding means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a micro-droplet generator, particularly to a micro-droplet generator which works by the piezoelectric effect, producing a well-defined flow of tiny droplets.
  • Sprayers have two kinds, which work by direct pressure and by vibrations, generating pressure that disperses micro-particles.
  • a common disadvantage of conventional sprayers is the need of large pressure when relatively large particles are generated, resulting in a large noise.
  • spraying of relatively large particles is not required, but precise particle sizes are important. Therefore, sprayers working by vibration have recently been preferred for medical applications.
  • Sprayers of this kind use ultrasound, generated by piezoelectric material, to produce micro-droplets.
  • Shortcomings of these sprayers are high power consumption, the need of a fan to drive micro-droplets into a given direction, a large volume, and non-uniform distribution of micro-particle sizes.
  • Sprayers which use piezoelectric material have spraying plates with holes of defined diameters to disperse micro-droplets, resulting in considerably reduced power consumption and well-defined micro-droplet sizes.
  • Sprayers of this kind disclosed in patent or sold on the market, are of two sub-kinds: Sprayers of the first sub-kind by direct vibrational pressure force micro-droplets through spraying plates, sprayers of the second sub-kind have vibrating spraying plates, causing micro-droplets to pass through.
  • Sprayers of the first sub-kind have a higher power consumption than sprayers of the second sub-kind.
  • the latter in some versions use planes that are tapped on, e.g., planes attached to capillary tubes transmitting liquid at ends thereof.
  • Document JP-A-60187362 discloses a micro-droplet generator according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a micro-droplet generator having a small volume and low manufacturing cost.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a micro-droplet generator having a flat shape.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the micro-droplet generator of the present invention when disassembled.
  • Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of the micro-droplet generator of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 3 and 4 are schematic illustrations of the operation of the present invention.
  • Figs. 5 - 7 are perspective views of the projection in other embodiments, fig. 7 showing a projection having guiding grooves according to the invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the present invention in a further embodiment of the top surface carrier.
  • Fig. 9 is a sectional view of an embodiment which is not part of the invention.
  • the micro-droplet generator of the present invention mainly comprises: a main body 10; a spraying plate 20; a vibrating element 30; and a top surface 41, which is placed on a projection or a plan plate.
  • the main body 10 has an inner chamber 11, accommodating liquid to be sprayed.
  • a lateral opening 12 in the main body 10 connects the chamber 11 with the outside and houses the spraying plate 20. Liquid to be sprayed passes through the opening 12.
  • the main body 10 further has an upper side with an inlet 13, through which liquid to be sprayed is poured into the chamber 11.
  • the chamber 11 is preferably sized large enough for repeated spraying.
  • the inlet 13 preferably has a fixed connection thereto.
  • the spraying plate 20 is laid into the opening 12, having a plurality of spraying holes 21 in a dense arrangement.
  • the spraying holes 21 define sizes and spraying directions of sprayed micro-droplets, allowing for precise control thereof.
  • the spraying plate 20 has an inner side 22 facing the chamber 11 and contacting liquid to be sprayed therein.
  • the vibrating element 30 is made of piezoelectric material and placed on the spraying plate 20. Applying electric voltage to the vibrating element 30 causes vibrations thereof, driving vibrations of the spraying plate 20.
  • the vibrating element 30 and the spraying plate 20 are glued to each other.
  • the spraying plate 20 and the opening 12 have round shapes, while the vibrating element 30 is shaped like a ring.
  • vibrations thereof are performed in a direction thereto.
  • the main characteristic of the present invention lies in a projection 40 being placed in the chamber 11.
  • the projection 40 has an inner end attached to an inner wall of the main body 10 and an opposite outer end carrying the top surface 41 which is parallel to the inner side 22 of the spraying plate 20, leaving a small space 50 in between.
  • the space 50 When the vibrating element 30 is driving vibrations of the spraying plate 20, the space 50 has a varying width. As shown in Fig. 3 , whenever the spraying plate 20 moves outward, away from the top surface 41 of the projection 40, the space 50 becomes wider, so that liquid flows into the space 50. On the other hand, when the spraying plate 20 moves inward, towards the top surface 41 of the projection 40, the space 50 becomes narrower, so that liquid is pressed through the spraying plate 20 and micro-droplets 51 are generated.
  • Liquid flow is controlled by grooves cut into the projection 40.
  • a face groove 42 that is shaped like a closed loop is cut into the top surface 41 of a projection 40a.
  • a minimum space between the top surface 41 of the projection 40 and the inner side 22 of the spraying plate 20 is maintained, in which liquid stays due to capillary forces.
  • a projection 41b is employed having a chamfered top edge 44, so that a minimum space for liquid is provided into which liquid is drawn due to capillary forces.
  • Fig. 5 a face groove 42 that is shaped like a closed loop is cut into the top surface 41 of a projection 40a.
  • a projection 41b is employed having a chamfered top edge 44, so that a minimum space for liquid is provided into which liquid is drawn due to capillary forces.
  • At least one guiding groove 43 is cut into a periphery of a projection 40c, due to capillary forces facilitating flow of liquid to the top surface 41 of the projection 40c.
  • capillary forces liquid to be sprayed readily flows into the space 50, even against gravitational forces.
  • the top surface carrier may be the following devices. As shown is Fig. 8 , a projection 40d shaped like the letter T is horizontally mounted on the main body 10, or as shown in Fig. 9 , a plan plate 40e shaped like the letter q is vertically mounted on the main body 10.
  • the main characteristic of the present invention lies in installing of the projection 40 in the chamber 11. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4 , placing the top surface 41 of the projection 40 close to the inner side 22 of the spraying plate 20 creates the narrow space 50, confining vibrational energy to a small volume, so that energy is saved and power consumption is low, allowing for battery use and prolonged use. Furthermore, effective transmission of vibrations of the spraying plate 20 to liquid inside the space 50 reduces required power for driving liquid through the spraying holes 21, allowing to reduce diameters thereof for a better spraying effect.
  • the top surface is also implementable on a plan plate, or the top surface is integrated with the spraying plate 20 forming a chamber, to a similar effect.
  • the present invention has a simplified driving system without any need for auxiliary devices, so that manufacturing cost is kept low and volume is reduced. Thereby, mobile applications are readily supported and flat shapes are realizable, making the present invention suitable for applications in ambulant medical devices or air conditioners.

Landscapes

  • Special Spraying Apparatus (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Générateur de microgouttelettes, comprenant :
    un corps principal (10), comportant un intérieur avec une chambre (11) contenant un liquide à pulvériser et une ouverture latérale (12) permettant au liquide contenu dans la dite chambre de s'écouler ;
    une plaque de pulvérisation (20), placée sur ledit corps principal au niveau de ladite ouverture (12) de celui-ci et comportant une pluralité de trous de pulvérisation (21) agencés de manière dense ainsi qu'un côté intérieur (22) faisant face à ladite chambre (11) qui est en contact avec le liquide dans ladite chambre (11) ;
    un élément vibrant (30), collé sur ladite plaque de pulvérisation (20) et commandant les vibrations de celle-ci ; et
    un support de surface supérieure (4), placé à l'intérieur de ladite chambre et comportant une surface supérieure (41) qui forme une partie intérieure de ladite chambre (11) avec ledit côté intérieur de ladite plaque de pulvérisation (21) ;
    dans lequel, lors desdites vibrations de ladite plaque de pulvérisation (20), un espace étroit est généré entre ledit côté intérieur de ladite plaque de pulvérisation (20) et ladite surface supérieure (41) de largeur variable, qui, lorsqu'il s'élargit aspire le liquide depuis ladite chambre (11), et lorsqu'il rétrécit, repousse le liquide à travers lesdits trous de pulvérisation (21), de sorte que le liquide est pulvérisé de manière efficace,
    caractérisé en ce que
    ledit support de surface supérieure (4) est une protubérance (40),
    au moins une rainure de guidage (43) est découpée dans une périphérie de la protubérance (40), pour faciliter l'écoulement de liquide du fait de forces capillaires appliquées à la surface supérieure (41) de la protubérance (40) permettant au liquide de s'écouler entre ledit côté intérieur de ladite plaque de pulvérisation (20) et ladite surface supérieure (41) de ladite protubérance (40).
  2. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit support de surface supérieure (4) comporte une rainure (42).
  3. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit corps principal (10) comporte un côté supérieur avec un orifice d'entrée (13) à travers lequel le liquide est versé dans ladite chambre (11).
  4. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que ledit orifice d'entrée (13) est relié à une alimentation en liquide fixe, permettant au liquide provenant de celle-ci d'entrer dans ladite chambre (11).
  5. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément vibrant (30) est constitué d'un matériau piézoélectrique, vibrant de ce fait lors de l'application d'une tension électrique.
  6. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément vibrant (30) est de forme annulaire et est fixé à une circonférence de ladite plaque de pulvérisation (20).
  7. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ladite rainure (42) a la forme d'une boucle fermée.
  8. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite protubérance (40) comporte un bord supérieur chanfreiné (44), permettant au liquide d'atteindre le flux entre ledit côté intérieur (22) de ladite plaque de pulvérisation (20) et ladite surface supérieure (41) de ladite protubérance (40).
  9. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite protubérance (40) comporte un côté intérieur fixé audit corps principal (10).
  10. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite protubérance (40d) a la forme de la lettre T et est montée horizontalement à l'intérieur dudit corps principal (10).
  11. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite protubérance (40) est intégrée audit corps principal (10).
  12. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite plaque de pulvérisation (20) est disposée dans ladite ouverture (12) dudit corps principal (10).
  13. Générateur de microgouttelettes selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit élément vibrant (30) contrôle les vibrations de ladite plaque de pulvérisation (20) par courant électrique standard.
EP20050447232 2005-10-13 2005-10-13 Générateur de micro-gouttelettes Active EP1775027B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20050447232 EP1775027B1 (fr) 2005-10-13 2005-10-13 Générateur de micro-gouttelettes

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP20050447232 EP1775027B1 (fr) 2005-10-13 2005-10-13 Générateur de micro-gouttelettes

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1775027A1 EP1775027A1 (fr) 2007-04-18
EP1775027B1 true EP1775027B1 (fr) 2012-12-05

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EP20050447232 Active EP1775027B1 (fr) 2005-10-13 2005-10-13 Générateur de micro-gouttelettes

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Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100001090A1 (en) * 2008-07-03 2010-01-07 Arthur Hampton Neergaard Liquid Particle Emitting Device
US8925833B2 (en) * 2010-07-26 2015-01-06 Yonwoo Co., Ltd Portable electric mist supply apparatus for liquid cosmetics
CN105890861B (zh) * 2016-04-05 2018-11-27 南京航空航天大学 一种多功能水滴发生器

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU553251B2 (en) * 1981-10-15 1986-07-10 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Arrangement for ejecting liquid
JPS60187362A (ja) * 1984-03-08 1985-09-24 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 霧化ポンプ
JPS6154252A (ja) * 1984-08-22 1986-03-18 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 霧化ポンプ
US5586723A (en) * 1994-10-07 1996-12-24 Spraying Systems Co. Liquid spray nozzle with liquid injector/extractor
US6550472B2 (en) * 2001-03-16 2003-04-22 Aerogen, Inc. Devices and methods for nebulizing fluids using flow directors

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