JP2555215Y2 - Ultrasonic atomizer - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic atomizer used for a hand disinfection device or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Although not well known in the art, the applicant has proposed a device relating to this type of ultrasonic atomizer (Japanese Utility Model Application No. 3-71825).

In this ultrasonic atomizing apparatus, a horn for increasing the amplitude of vibration of the vibrator is connected to a vibrator that generates vibration by applying a high-frequency signal, and is output from one end of the horn. The liquid is atomized by vibration. During operation, the vibrator and the electromagnetic pump for supplying liquid are driven, and the pump is operated for a certain period of time (eg,
Second) and a constant amount of liquid is supplied to the horn.

[0004]

In the ultrasonic atomizer, the vibrator and the pump are operated at the same time during operation, so that the liquid adheres to the horn when the operation is started. If the horn remains, the liquid adhering to the horn becomes a load at the start of driving the vibrator, and the horn cannot quickly enter the resonance state. If new liquid is supplied before entering the resonance state, the horn cannot drip the liquid and causes dripping, so that the liquid cannot be sprayed normally. In such a case, if the operation is not restarted after the liquid adhering to the horn is completely removed, the dripping occurs again as described above. In order to solve such a problem, the applicant has proposed a method in which only the vibrator is operated for a predetermined time at the start of operation and then the pump is operated (Japanese Utility Model Application No. 4-208). issue). According to this, the liquid adhering to the horn is atomized by the operation of only the vibrator, and then the normal operation is started to prevent the liquid from dripping, but the vibration amplitude of the vibrator is small. Sometimes, there is a disadvantage that the liquid attached to the horn cannot be completely atomized.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to completely remove liquid adhering to a horn even when the vibration amplitude of a vibrator is small. An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic atomizer.

[0006]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a vibration is generated by applying a high frequency signal, and the vibration is generated via a horn for expanding the amplitude. An ultrasonic atomizing device, comprising: a vibrator for outputting a liquid; and a liquid supply means for supplying a liquid to the horn, wherein the liquid supplied to the horn is atomized by the output vibration. A control mode for operating the vibrator without operating the vibrator, and temporarily changing the operation of the vibrator at least once during the operation, and arbitrarily performing the operation in the control mode. Possible control means are provided.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vibration is generated by applying a high frequency signal, and the vibration is output through a horn for expanding the amplitude, and a liquid is supplied to the horn. An ultrasonic atomizer for atomizing the liquid supplied to the horn by the output vibration, wherein the vibrator is operated for a predetermined time prior to the operation of the liquid supply means. Control means for temporarily changing the operation of the vibrator at least once in this state is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a vibration is generated by applying a high frequency signal, and the vibration is output through a horn for expanding the amplitude, and a liquid is supplied to the horn. In an ultrasonic atomizing device, comprising a liquid supply means for atomizing the liquid supplied to the horn by the output vibration, the vibrator is operated for a predetermined time even after the operation of the liquid supply means is stopped. In this state, control means for temporarily changing the operation of the vibrator at least once is provided.

[0009]

According to the ultrasonic atomizer of the first aspect, the operation in the control mode for operating the vibrator without operating the liquid supply means can be performed as required. When dripping occurs, the liquid adhering to the horn is quickly removed by the mode operation. At this time, the control mode
Since the operation of the vibrator temporarily changes at least once during the operation in the mode, most of the liquid attached to the horn drops without being atomized due to the recoil when the operation of the vibrator changes. At the same time, the remaining slight liquid is also quickly atomized by the operation after returning from the temporary change.

According to the ultrasonic atomizer of the second aspect, since the vibrator operates for a predetermined time prior to the operation of the liquid supply means, the liquid adheres to the horn before the operation starts. Even if it does, it is quickly removed. At this time, since the operation of the vibrator temporarily changes at least once, most of the liquid attached to the horn by the reaction when the operation of the vibrator changes drops without being atomized, The remaining slight liquid is also quickly atomized by the operation after returning from the temporary change.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the vibrator operates for a predetermined time even after the operation of the liquid supply means is stopped, the liquid remains on the horn after the operation is started. Even if it is removed immediately. At that time, since the operation of the vibrator is temporarily stopped at least once, most of the liquid attached to the horn by the reaction when the operation of the vibrator stops is dropped without being atomized, The remaining slight liquid is also quickly atomized by the operation after returning from the temporary change.

[0012]

1 to 14 show an embodiment of the present invention, in which the ultrasonic atomizing device of the present invention is applied to a hand disinfecting device.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a Langevin type vibrator which generates a vibration by applying a high frequency signal. The vibrator 1 has an oscillation circuit for causing the vibrator 1 to generate a constant vibration. 2 are connected via a conducting wire. The oscillating circuit 2 is driven by power supplied from a power supply 3 such as a home AC power supply.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a horn for enlarging the amplitude of the vibration generated by the vibrator 1 and outputting the vibration from the lower end. The upper end of the horn is connected to the vibrator 1. The horn 4 is made of aluminum or the like, and the upper end thereof is formed to have the same diameter as the vibrator 1. The lower part from the upper end is smaller in diameter than the upper end, and the lower part of the small diameter part is slightly larger in diameter. The lower portion is formed to have a small diameter up to the lower end. Further, an annular groove 4a formed in the circumferential direction of the horn 4 and a flange formed below the annular groove 4a are formed at the boundary between the upper end of the horn 4 and the small diameter portion thereunder. 4b are provided. On the other hand, the lower end of the horn 4 is formed in a substantially conical shape and forms a vibration output portion 4c of the horn 4. The vibration output portion 4c is composed of two conical surfaces having different apex angles, and the apex angle of the conical surface on the tip side is larger than that of the other conical surface. Incidentally, the apex angle of each conical surface may be arbitrarily determined according to a desired spraying form, but if used for finger spraying, the conical surface on the tip side should be 60 ° to 120 °.
It is appropriate to set the other conical surface to about 10 ° to about 10 ° to 80 °.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a liquid storage holder for storing a liquid on the outer periphery of the horn 4. The horn 4 has a horn accommodating portion 6a which covers a lower portion of the horn 4 than the upper end thereof. And a mounting portion 6b extending in the horizontal direction. The horn accommodating portion 6a is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the bottom surface thereof forms a slope which becomes lower toward the center, and the lower end side of the horn 4 passes through the center of the bottom surface. The through-hole supports the outer periphery of the horn 4 by its opening edge, and has a concave cut-out liquid outlet 6 at two places of the opening edge.
c is formed. Further, protrusions 6d extending downward along the side surfaces of the horn 4 are provided at portions corresponding to the respective outlets 6c of the horn accommodating portion 6a. There is a slight gap between the side surface. Further, a vent hole 6e is provided on a side surface of the horn accommodating portion 6a so that the inside and the outside of the horn accommodating portion 6a have the same pressure. A step 6f corresponding to the flange 4b of the horn 4 is formed at the upper end edge of the horn accommodating portion 6a, and the lower surface of the flange 4b is fitted into the step 6f. On the other hand, a screw mounting portion 6g is provided at two positions of the mounting portion 6b near the horn accommodating portion 6a, and a screw 7 is provided at each screw mounting portion 6g.
Are screwed from above. A washer 8 is mounted on each screw 7, and one end of each washer 8 is inserted into the annular groove 4 a of the horn 4. Thereby, the flange portion 4b is held in a state where there is play between one end of each washer 8 and the step portion 6f.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a casing for forming an outer shell of the apparatus main body, which is opened at a substantially central portion of the front surface in the vertical direction. The front opening of the casing 9 forms a finger insertion port 9a, and a disinfection chamber 9b is formed behind the insertion port 9a. Disinfection room 9b
The upper machine room 9c is formed above the upper machine room 9c.
A partition wall 9e having an opening at a substantially central portion between the partition wall 9e and the disinfecting room 9b.
Is provided. Further, a lower machine room 9d is formed below the disinfection room 9b, and the lower machine room 9d and the disinfection room 9b are separated by a tray 10. A liquid reservoir holder 6 incorporating the vibrator 1 and the horn 4 is inserted into the opening of the partition wall 9e. Has been fixed by. Further, in the disinfecting room 9b, a decorative plate 1 covering the back side thereof is provided.
2 is attached, and covers the front of the liquid reservoir holder 6 by the upper wall 12a of the decorative plate 12. Further, the lower wall 12b of the decorative plate 12 is formed near the back of the disinfecting chamber 9b, and the liquid is sprayed from the horn 4 through an opening provided at the boundary between the upper wall 12a and the lower wall 12b. ing.
On the other hand, in the lower machine room 9d, there is a tank 1 storing liquid.
3, a waste liquid tank 14, a control box 15, and the like are accommodated, and the waste liquid tank 14 is disposed below the drain port 10a of the receiving tray 10.

Numeral 16 denotes an electromagnetic pump for feeding the liquid into the liquid holder 6, which is arranged behind the lower wall 12b of the decorative plate 12. This pump 16 has its discharge pipe 16a
Is penetrated into the side surface of the horn accommodating portion 6a of the liquid reservoir holder 6, and the suction pipe 16b is inserted into the liquid tank 13. Further, a strainer 17 is mounted on the tip side of the suction pipe 16b inserted into the tank 13.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a sensor for detecting a finger inserted into the disinfecting room 9b, which is attached to the lower wall 12b of the decorative board 12. The sensor 18 is, for example, a reflection-type optical sensor including a light emitting and receiving element, and operates by receiving reflected light from a finger.

Reference numeral 19 denotes a hand lamp for illuminating a finger inserted into the disinfection room 9b, which is attached to the lower wall 12b of the decorative board 12. The hand lamp 19 is arranged above the sensor 18 and is turned on in conjunction with the finger detection of the sensor 18.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an operation display lamp comprising an LSD or the like, which is mounted together with a display panel 21 on the front of the upper machine room 9c.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a main switch for turning on / off a main power supply of the apparatus main body, and is attached to the front of the lower machine room 9d.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a control unit having a microcomputer configuration, which includes an oscillation circuit 2 of the vibrator 1, a pump 16 and a sensor 18.
And controls the vibrator 1 and the pump 16 according to a program described later.

In the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus constructed as described above, when a predetermined high-frequency signal is applied from the oscillation circuit 2 to the vibrator 1, the vibration generated by the vibrator 1 is generated by the horn 4.
The amplitude is expanded by the vibration output unit 4c at the lower end. At this time, nodes and antinodes of vibration appear alternately in the axial direction of the horn 4 on the horn 4, and the vibration output section 4c corresponds to the antinode with the largest amplitude. The pump 16
When the liquid is supplied into the liquid storage holder 6, the liquid temporarily collects around the horn 4 and gradually flows out from each outlet 6c. Further, the liquid that has flowed out reaches the vibration output unit 4c, and is atomized at the same time that the liquid comes into contact with the vibration output unit 4c. At this time, the liquid flowing out from each outlet 6c is guided between the projection 6d and the horn 4 by the action of the capillary action, and each outlet 6a is located on both sides of the horn 4. Therefore, the liquid is intensively supplied to the vibration output unit 4c at a location corresponding to each outlet 6c. As a result, directivity is generated in the scattering direction of the atomized liquid A, and FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 5, a scattered form having a spread in the lateral direction is formed.

Here, the operation of the control unit 23 will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
This will be described with reference to the chart and the time chart of FIG. First, when the main switch 22 is turned on (S
1) After setting the variable N to an initial value 0 (S2), 1 is added to N (S3), and the vibrator 1 is driven (S4), and the timer T1
Is operated (S5). Then, at time t1 (for example, 200
ms) has elapsed (S6), and if N is smaller than 3, (S6)
7) The operation of the vibrator 1 is stopped (S8), and the timer T2 is operated (S9). Next, at time t2 (for example, 200 m
If s) has elapsed (S10), the flow returns to step S3, where 1 is added to N, and the vibrator 1 is driven again (S4). After repeating this operation (steps S3 to S10), if it is determined in step S7 that N has become 3, the operation of the vibrator 1 is stopped (S11). That is,
The operations in steps S3 to S10 are performed by operating the vibrator 1 without operating the pump 16 and during the operation.
Is temporarily stopped at least once. Next, when a finger is inserted into the disinfection chamber 9b and this is detected by the sensor 18 (S12), the vibrator 1 is driven (S13) and the timer T3 is activated (S14). If the time t3 (for example, 200 ms) has elapsed (S15), the pump 16 is driven (S16), and the timer T
4 is operated (S17). Then, at time t4 (for example, 1
500 ms) (S18), the pump 16
Is stopped (S19), and the timer T5 is activated (S19).
20). When the time t5 (for example, 200 ms) has elapsed (S21), the driving of the vibrator 1 is stopped (S2).
2) If the sensor 18 is not operating (S23), the process returns to step S1 and waits.

Therefore, if liquid has adhered to the horn 4 before the above-described operation, the above-mentioned steps S3 to S10
The liquid is removed by the operation of. In addition, P1 shown below
.About.P4 indicate operating points in the time chart of FIG. That is, when the liquid is attached to the horn 4 as shown in FIG. 11 (a) (P1), a part of the liquid is caused by the first operation of the vibrator 1 as shown in FIG. 11 (b). It is atomized (P2). Next, when the operation of the vibrator 1 stops (P
3), as shown in FIG. 11 (c), most of the liquid adhering to the horn 4 drops without being atomized due to the reaction when the operation of the vibrator 1 is stopped. Thereafter, when the vibrator 1 operates again (P4), the remaining liquid adhering to the horn 4 is atomized as shown in FIG. 11 (d). By repeating this operation as described above, the liquid is completely removed.

In this embodiment, the operations of steps S3 to S10 are performed when the main switch 22 is turned on, so that the power is temporarily cut off during use due to a power failure or the like. In this case, the liquid supplied last time remains attached to the horn 4. Even in such a case, if the power is turned on again, it is the same as turning on the main switch 22.
The operations from 3 to S10 are performed, and the liquid adhering to the horn 4 is automatically removed.

As described above, according to the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of this embodiment, the control mode for operating the vibrator 1 without operating the pump 16 when the main switch 22 is turned on is provided. Therefore, when dripping occurs, the main switch 2
By turning 2 from OFF to ON, the liquid adhering to the horn 4 can be easily removed, and the normal operation can be promptly returned. At that time, since the operation of the vibrator 1 was temporarily stopped, most of the liquid adhering to the horn 4 was dripped by the reaction when the operation of the vibrator 1 was stopped, and the remaining Even a slight amount of liquid is quickly atomized by the operation after returning from the temporary stop, and the liquid can be completely removed even when the vibration amplitude of the vibrator 1 is small.

In the above embodiment, the liquid removing operation (steps S3 to S10) is performed when the main switch 22 is turned on. However, this operation is performed when the main switch 22 is turned off. The same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained even if the operation is performed or a manual switch for operating only the vibrator 1 is separately provided.

FIGS. 12 to 15 show another embodiment of the present invention. The difference from the above embodiment is that the liquid removing operation is performed immediately after the operation of the sensor 18 or after the spraying operation is completed. I did it.

That is, FIG.
This operation is performed immediately after the operation of FIG. 8, and the operation will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. First, when the sensor 18 operates (S30), the vibrator 1 is driven (S30).
31), and operate timers T1 and T3 (S32, S3)
3). If the time t1 (for example, 50 ms) has elapsed (S34), the operation of the vibrator 1 is stopped (S3).
5) The timer T2 is activated (S36). Then, if the time t2 (for example, 50 ms) has elapsed (S37),
After driving the vibrator 1 again (S38), if the time t3 (for example, 200 ms) has elapsed (S39), the pump 1
6 (S40), and activates the timer T4 (S4
1). Next, when the time t1 (for example, 1500 ms) has elapsed (S42), the drive of the pump 16 is stopped (S42).
43) The timer T5 is activated (S44). Then, if the time t5 (for example, 200 ms) has elapsed (S4
5) The operation of the vibrator 1 is stopped (S46), and the sensor 18
If is not operating (S47), step S30 is performed again.
Return to and wait. FIG. 14 is a time chart showing the above operation.

FIG. 13 shows the operation of removing the liquid after the spraying operation is completed. The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, when the sensor 18 operates (S50), the vibrator 1 is driven (S50).
51) The timer T3 is activated (S52). If the time t3 (for example, 200 ms) has elapsed (S5
3) The pump 16 is driven (S54), and the timer T4 is operated (S55). Then, at time t4 (for example, 1500
ms) (S56), the operation of the pump 16 is stopped (S57), and the timer T5 is activated (S5).
8). When the time t5 (for example, 200 ms) has elapsed (S59), the operation of the vibrator 1 is stopped (S6).
0), the timer T2 is activated (S61). Next, time t
If 2 (for example, 100 ms) has elapsed (S62),
The vibrator 1 is driven again (S63), and the timer T1 is operated (S64). Then, at time t1 (for example, 100 m
If (s) has elapsed (S65), the operation of the vibrator 1 is stopped (S66), and if the sensor 18 is not operating (S65).
67), and returns to step S50 again to wait. FIG. 15 is a time chart showing the above operation.

As described above, according to this embodiment, as in the previous embodiment, the liquid adhering to the horn 4 can be completely removed. Since the operation is performed every time the operation is performed, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of liquid dripping. Further, by arbitrarily combining the control means of the embodiment and the present embodiment,
The dripping prevention effect can be more remarkably performed.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the operation of the vibrator 1 is stopped as a method of temporarily changing the vibrator 1, but the driving signal of the vibrator 1 may be decreased or increased. The same effect as described above can be obtained.

[0034]

As described above, according to the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of the first aspect, even if liquid dripping occurs, the liquid adhering to the horn can be easily removed. It is possible to quickly return to proper operation. At that time, most of the liquid adhering to the horn is dripped, and the remaining small liquid is quickly atomized by the operation after returning from the temporary stop, so that the vibration amplitude of the vibrator is reduced. Even when small, liquid can be completely removed.

According to the ultrasonic atomizer of the second aspect, not only can the liquid adhering to the horn be completely removed, but also the occurrence of liquid dripping can be reliably prevented. Therefore, normal operation can always be performed. In addition, since the operation of the vibrator temporarily changes prior to the operation of the liquid supply means, the probability that the vibrator is driven at a resonance point other than the resonance frequency is reduced, and the normal operation is more reliably performed. There is also an advantage that it can be done.

According to the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of the third aspect, it is possible to completely remove the liquid adhering to the horn and to surely prevent the liquid from dripping. Therefore, the next operation can always be performed normally.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of an ultrasonic atomizing apparatus showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ultrasonic atomizer showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a main part of the ultrasonic atomizer.

FIG. 4 is a partial side sectional view of a liquid reservoir holder.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an overall perspective view of an ultrasonic atomizer.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a liquid spraying mode.

8 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit.

FIG. 10 is a time chart showing an operation example of a control unit;

FIG. 11 is an operation explanatory view showing a state in which liquid is removed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit in another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a time chart showing an operation example of the control unit;

FIG. 15 is a time chart showing an operation example of a control unit;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... vibrator, 4 ... horn, 16 ... pump, 22 ... main switch, 23 ... control part.

Claims (3)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] 1. A vibrator for generating vibration by applying a high-frequency signal and outputting the vibration via a horn for expanding the amplitude, and a liquid supply means for supplying a liquid to the horn. An ultrasonic atomizing device for atomizing a liquid supplied to a horn by the output vibration, wherein the vibrator is operated without operating the liquid supply means, and the operation of the vibrator is performed during the operation. An ultrasonic atomizing apparatus, comprising: a control mode for temporarily changing at least once, and control means capable of arbitrarily performing operation in the control mode. 2. A vibrator for generating vibration by applying a high-frequency signal and outputting the vibration via a horn for expanding the amplitude, and a liquid supply means for supplying a liquid to the horn. An ultrasonic atomizer for atomizing the liquid supplied to the horn by the output vibration, wherein the vibrator is operated for a predetermined time prior to the operation of the liquid supply means. An ultrasonic atomizing device, further comprising control means for temporarily changing the operation of the ultrasonic atomizer at least once. 3. A vibrator for generating vibration by applying a high-frequency signal and outputting the vibration via a horn for expanding the amplitude, and a liquid supply means for supplying a liquid to the horn. An ultrasonic atomizer for atomizing the liquid supplied to the horn by the output vibration, wherein the vibrator is operated for a predetermined time even after the operation of the liquid supply means is stopped, and the vibrator operates in this state. An ultrasonic atomizing device comprising a control means for temporarily changing the operation of a child at least once.