WO2014097939A1

WO2014097939A1 - Atomizing device

Info

Publication number: WO2014097939A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/083160
Authority: WO
Inventors: 真郎前田; 田畑　信; 孝晃岡西; 朝井　慶; 寺田　隆雄
Original assignee: オムロンヘルスケア株式会社
Priority date: 2012-12-21
Filing date: 2013-12-11
Publication date: 2014-06-26
Also published as: JP6094208B2; JP2014121688A

Abstract

Provided is an atomizing device, which not only allows exchange of just the constituent element having the mesh function but which also can be driven with low electric power and can be configured to be small and inexpensive. The atomizing device (1) is provided with: a radial oscillator (20), which has a flat circular external form and alternately expands and contracts in the radial direction (R) at an ultrasonic frequency; a vertically oscillating element (25), which is substantially disc-shaped, is installed on the radial oscillator (20) so as to close the hole surrounded by the circular portion of the radial oscillator, and oscillates in the vertical direction (Z), which is perpendicular to the oscillation direction of the radial oscillator (20); and a mesh element (30), which has a substantially disc-shaped external form and is disposed facing the vertically oscillating element (25) at a distance. The mesh element (30) has multiple through holes (31) that pierce same along the vertical direction. A liquid (8) present between the vertically oscillating element (25) and the mesh element (30) is atomized by passing through the through holes as a result of the oscillation of the vertically oscillating element (25).

Description

Atomizer

The present invention relates to an atomization apparatus that atomizes a liquid such as a chemical liquid or water using ultrasonic waves.

Conventionally, as an atomizing device that atomizes a liquid such as a chemical solution or water using ultrasonic waves, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a diaphragm having a plurality of micro holes vibrates to mist the liquid. The structure which becomes is known. In other words, the ultrasonic spray device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a diaphragm having a plurality of minute holes and a piezoelectric diaphragm that vibrates the diaphragm, and is formed at the center of the piezoelectric diaphragm. And an ultrasonic atomizing unit having a diaphragm integrally attached at a position covering the open hole.

Further, in Patent Document 2, the vibration of the vibrator is amplified via an ultrasonic horn, the amplified vibration is transmitted to a liquid-absorbing buffer, and the porous structure is separate from the vibrator and has a mesh structure. An atomizer of the type that atomizes liquid through a plate is disclosed.

JP 2009-274022 A JP 2010-142737 A

In the ultrasonic spray device disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the opening diameter of the micropore mesh formed in the diaphragm is very small, the micropores formed in the diaphragm are clogged after a long period of use. May occur. In addition, since the optimum opening diameter of the micropores differs depending on the type of the chemical solution to be used, it may be necessary to replace the diaphragm. In such a case, in the ultrasonic spray device of Patent Document 1, since the diaphragm is integrally attached to the piezoelectric diaphragm, the diaphragm and the piezoelectric diaphragm must be replaced as a set. There is a problem that the work is complicated and the replacement cost is high.

Further, as in Patent Document 2, the configuration including an ultrasonic horn between a perforated plate having a mesh structure and a vibrator has a problem that the apparatus becomes large and expensive. Note that if the ultrasonic horn is simply omitted in Patent Document 2, the vibration of the vibrator is not amplified. For this reason, in order to cause atomization, the vibrator must be driven with a large electric power (for example, several hundred mA at 12 V), which is inefficient.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an atomizing apparatus that can be replaced by a single component having a mesh function, can be driven with low power, and can be configured in a small size and at low cost.

In order to solve the above problems, an atomizing device of the present invention has a flat annular outer shape, a radial vibrator that expands and contracts in a radial direction at an ultrasonic frequency, and a substantially plate-like shape. And attached to the radial vibrator so as to close a hole surrounded by an annular portion of the radial vibrator, and with respect to the vibration direction of the radial vibrator along with the vibration of the radial vibrator. And a vertical vibration element that vibrates in a vertical direction that is vertical and a mesh element that has a substantially plate-like outer shape and is spaced apart from the vertical vibration element. In which the mesh element has a plurality of through holes penetrating along the longitudinal direction, and the liquid exists between the longitudinal vibration element and the mesh element. However, the vibration of the longitudinal vibration element causes the through hole to Characterized by atomization by over to.

In the atomization apparatus of the present invention, the radial vibration by the radial vibrator is converted into the vertical vibration in the vertical vibration element, and the vertical vibration is transmitted to the liquid. Thereby, the vibration energy of the radial vibrator is efficiently applied to the liquid, and atomization can be efficiently generated with low power.

In the atomization apparatus of the present invention, since the mesh element is configured separately from the longitudinal vibration element, the mesh element can be replaced alone. Therefore, in the atomization apparatus of the present invention, it is not necessary to replace the three elements of the radial vibrator, the longitudinal vibration element, and the mesh element as a set, the replacement work is facilitated, and the replacement cost is reduced. Further, when the mesh element is cleaned and reused, only the mesh element is separated from the longitudinal vibration element (and the radial vibrator), and only the mesh element can be cleaned, and the cleaning operation is easy.

Compared with the prior art atomizing device having an ultrasonic horn between a perforated plate having a mesh structure and a vibrator, the atomizing device of the present invention has a mesh element and a longitudinal vibration element (and radial direction). An arrangement in which only liquid is substantially present with respect to the (vibrator) becomes possible. Therefore, this atomization device is configured in a small size. Further, since the ultrasonic horn is omitted, this atomization device is configured at low cost.

In the atomization apparatus of one embodiment, the longitudinal vibration element has a disc shape.

In the atomization apparatus according to this embodiment, since the vibration mode of the longitudinal vibration element is made uniform, the vibration energy of the longitudinal vibration element can be efficiently transmitted to the liquid.

In the atomization device according to one embodiment, the longitudinal vibration element is disposed substantially concentrically with respect to the radial vibrator, and the longitudinal vibration element is overlapped with the radial vibrator, An outer peripheral edge portion of the longitudinal vibration element is fixed to the radial vibrator.

In the atomization apparatus according to this embodiment, since the vibration region as large as possible can be secured in the longitudinal vibration element and a larger amplitude amount can be secured in the longitudinal vibration element, the efficiency of atomization can be increased. Can do. Moreover, it can contribute to size reduction of the atomization apparatus.

In the atomization apparatus of one embodiment, the longitudinal vibration element is made of a metal material, a resin material, or a glass material.

In the atomization apparatus according to this embodiment, since the longitudinal vibration element can be selected from a wide range of options, the cost can be reduced.

In the atomization apparatus of one embodiment, the mesh element is made of a metal material, a resin material, or a glass material.

In the atomization apparatus according to this embodiment, since the mesh element can be selected from a wide range of options, the cost can be reduced.

In the atomization apparatus of one embodiment, a separation distance between the longitudinal vibration element and the mesh element is 0.01 mm to 5 mm.

In the atomization apparatus according to this embodiment, the vibration of the longitudinal vibration element is transmitted to the liquid with high efficiency, so that the liquid atomization efficiency is improved.

In an atomization apparatus according to an embodiment, the liquid is a chemical liquid.

In the atomization apparatus according to this embodiment, the mesh element can be easily replaced at low cost in accordance with the characteristics of the chemical solution and the condition of the patient who uses the chemical solution.

As is clear from the above, the atomizing device of the present invention eliminates the need to exchange the radial vibrator, the longitudinal vibratory element, and the mesh element as a set, facilitates the work of replacement, and reduces the cost of replacement. . Moreover, the atomizing device of the present invention is driven with low power and is configured to be small and inexpensive.

It is the schematic block diagram which looked at the atomization apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention from the side surface. It is a functional block diagram of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the atomization effect | action in the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is the schematic block diagram which looked at the atomization apparatus which concerns on the 1st modification of this invention from the side surface. It is a figure explaining the 2nd modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 3rd modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 4th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 5th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is a figure explaining the 6th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing explaining the 7th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is a top view explaining the 7th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing explaining the 8th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is a top view explaining the 8th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing explaining the 9th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is a top view explaining the 9th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is typical sectional drawing explaining the 10th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention. It is a top view explaining the 10th modification of the atomization apparatus of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an atomization device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side. Based on FIG. 1, the structure of the atomization apparatus 1 is demonstrated. The atomizing device 1 is configured to atomize a liquid 8 such as water or a medicine by generating ultrasonic waves by the atomizing unit 5.

As shown in FIG. 1, the atomization apparatus 1 has a configuration in which a housing 3, a pedestal 4, and a lid 6 are laminated in order. The atomizing device 1 is configured to atomize fine particles atomized by ultrasonic waves (hereinafter referred to as atomized particles 38, shown in FIG. 3), and a mist ejection surface 30b (see FIG. 3) of the mesh element 30 attached to the lid 6. (Shown). That is, the atomizing unit 5 of the atomizing device 1 is disposed to face the radial vibrator 20, the vertical vibration element 25 attached to the radial vibrator 20, and the vertical vibration element 25 so as to be separated from each other. The fine atomized particles 38 (for example, the particle diameter is 2 μm to 10 μm) are ejected through the mesh element 30 having a plurality of through holes 31 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). It is configured as follows.

Inside the housing 3, a control board 10 including a control unit 11 for vibrating the radial vibrator 20, an oscillation circuit 12, and the like (shown in FIG. 2), and a battery 18 as a driving power source are attached. ing. The pedestal 4 is detachably attached to one side of the housing 3 (upper part in FIG. 1). The pedestal 4 has a bottom wall support 4a that is orthogonal to the side wall 4c and extends toward the center, and a recess 4b is formed from the bottom wall support 4a to the center. The outer peripheral edge of the radial vibrator 20 is superimposed on the inner peripheral edge of the upper surface of the bottom wall support 4a so as to surround the recess 4b, and the outer peripheral edge of the radial vibrator 20 is the inner peripheral edge of the bottom wall support 4a. It is fixed to the part by, for example, adhesion using an adhesive or welding using soldering. As a result, the radial vibrator 20 is liquid-tightly fixed to the bottom wall support 4a of the pedestal 4.

The lid 6 is fitted with a recess 6b formed in the outer peripheral portion 6a of the lid 6 in a liquid-tight manner with respect to the upper end portion 4d of the side wall portion 4c of the pedestal 4, and the lid 6 is detachable from the pedestal 4. It is configured to be attached. The lid 6 has a mesh support portion 6c extending downward from the outer peripheral portion 6a toward the center. A concave portion 6 d is formed in the central portion of the mesh support portion 6 c, and the outer peripheral edge portion 30 c of the mesh element 30 is supported by the concave portion 6 d of the lid 6. The mesh element 30 is liquid-tight with respect to the lid 6 and is detachably attached. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the liquid contact surface 30a of the mesh element 30 are configured to be separated by a certain separation distance d.

The upper surface of the bottom wall support portion 4a (illustrated in FIG. 1) and the inner surface of the side wall portion 4c (illustrated in FIG. 1) of the pedestal 4, and the upper surface of the radial vibrator 20 (illustrated in FIG. 1) attached to the pedestal 4 The upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 (shown in FIG. 3), the lower surface of the mesh support 6c of the lid 6 (shown in FIG. 1), and the liquid contact surface 30a of the mesh element 30 attached to the lid 6 (see FIG. 3 shows a space for storing liquid 8 such as water or medicine in a liquid-tight manner, that is, a liquid storage section 7 (shown in FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 2, the radial vibrator 20 of the atomizing unit 5 is connected to the oscillation circuit 12 of the control board 10 via

lead wires

16 and 17 extending from the control board 10. The control board 10 includes a power supply circuit 13, a control unit 11, and an oscillation circuit 12 in addition to the power switch 14.

2, the power supply circuit 13 includes the battery 18 shown in FIG. 1 (for example, a DC3V chargeable / dischargeable secondary battery), and supplies power to each part of the control board 10. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and its auxiliary circuit, and controls each unit of the control board 10. The oscillation circuit 12 applies an AC drive voltage to the radial vibrator 20 of the atomization unit 5 based on a control signal from the control unit 11. The AC drive voltage is output for a certain output time after the power switch 14 is pressed, for example. The output time can be measured by a timer (not shown).

The radial vibrator 20 is a piezoelectric element made of, for example, lead zirconate titanate, and has an annular shape in plan view. As shown in FIG. 3, a through hole 23 is formed in the center of the annular portion 20 a of the radial vibrator 20. In FIG. 3, C represents the center of the annular shape of the radial vibrator 20. A first electrode 21 and a second electrode 22 are formed on the flat upper and lower surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the radial vibrator 20. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are made of a conductive material such as solder or gold, and are formed in an annular shape slightly smaller than the outer shape of the annular portion 20a of the radial vibrator 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the lead wire 17 is connected to the first electrode 21, and the lead wire 16 is connected to the second electrode 22.

When the AC drive voltage from the oscillation circuit 12 is applied to the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22, the radial vibrator 20 causes stretching vibration in the radial direction R (that is, as shown in FIG. 3), as shown in FIG. The left and right

circular ring portions

20a, 20a shown in the drawing perform vibration that repeats expansion away from each other in the radial direction R and contraction approaching in the radial direction R). For example, when an AC driving voltage having a predetermined ultrasonic frequency (for example, 100 kHz to 200 kHz) is applied to the radial vibrator 20, the radial vibrator 20 functions as an ultrasonic vibrator that generates ultrasonic waves. In this embodiment, the atomization apparatus 1 including one radial vibrator 20 is illustrated, but the atomization apparatus 1 may be provided with a bimorph structure in which a plurality of radial vibrators 20 are overlapped. Good. By making the radial vibrator 20 have a bimorph structure, it becomes possible to cause the radial vibrator 20 to perform more powerful oscillation.

The longitudinal vibration element 25 is a circular thin plate diaphragm in plan view. In FIG. 3, the center of the circular shape of the longitudinal vibration element 25 is C ′. The longitudinal vibration element 25 is an elastic plate-like body made of a metal material such as nickel alloy or stainless steel, a resin material such as polysulfone resin or polycarbonate resin, or a ceramic material such as glass or silicon. The longitudinal vibration element 25 closes the hole 23 surrounded by the annular portion 20a of the radial vibrator 20 and is substantially concentric with the radial vibrator 20 (C of the radial vibrator 20 and the longitudinal vibration element 25). The lower surface of the outer peripheral edge portion 25a of the longitudinal vibration element 25 overlaps the upper surface of the inner peripheral edge portion of the radial vibrator 20 so that the radial vibrator 20 It is fixed. In other words, the lower surface 25b of the longitudinal vibration element 25 is fixed to the upper surface of the radial vibrator 20 via a fixing layer 26 such as adhesion using an adhesive or welding using soldering. In this way, by setting the outer peripheral edge portion 25a located on the outermost side in the radial direction R in the longitudinal vibration element 25 as a fixing portion on the longitudinal vibration element 25 side, a vibration region as wide as possible in the longitudinal vibration element 25 is obtained. Since it can be ensured and a larger amount of amplitude can be secured in the longitudinal vibration element 25, the efficiency of atomization can be increased. This can contribute to miniaturization of the atomizing device 1.

3, when the radial vibrator 20 vibrates in the radial direction R, the vertical vibration element 25 vibrates in the vertical direction Z (deflection deformation). Therefore, the longitudinal vibration element 25 supported by the radial vibrator 20 converts the radial vibration of the radial vibrator 20 in the radial direction R into vibration in the vertical direction Z (flexure deformation) of the longitudinal vibration element 25. Then, when the vertical vibration element 25 vibrates in the vertical direction Z of the vertical vibration element 25 (flexure deformation), the liquid 8 existing between the vertical vibration element 25 and the mesh element 30 becomes the mesh element 30. It is atomized by passing through the through hole 31. 2 and 3, of the liquid 8 stored in the liquid storage section 7, the liquid 8 existing between the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the mesh element 30 is partially extracted and exaggerated. It is shown in the figure.

The mesh element 30 is disposed opposite to the longitudinal vibration element 25 so as to be separated. The mesh element 30 is, for example, a thin plate or film having a circular or rectangular outer shape in plan view. Since the longitudinal vibration element 25 is supported by the radial vibrator 20, the effective vibration area in the longitudinal vibration element 25 is smaller than the outer dimension of the longitudinal vibration element 25. Therefore, the outer dimensions of the mesh element 30 are configured such that at least the effective vibration region of the longitudinal vibration element 25 overlaps the outer shape of the mesh element 30. The mesh element 30 is made of, for example, a metal material such as nickel alloy or stainless steel, a resin material such as polysulfone resin or polycarbonate resin, or a ceramic material such as glass or silicon. The mesh element 30 is preferably made of a resin material from the viewpoint of easy processing of the fine through-holes 31, or from the viewpoint of corrosion resistance and chemical resistance.

The separation distance d between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 is set according to the viscosity of the liquid 8 and is, for example, 0.01 mm to 5 mm. By setting the separation distance d within the numerical range, the longitudinal vibration element 25 that vibrates in the longitudinal direction Z of the longitudinal vibration element 25 is prevented from interfering with the mesh element 30, and the longitudinal vibration element 25 Since the vibration in the vertical direction Z is transmitted to the liquid 8 with high efficiency, the atomization efficiency of the liquid 8 is improved. The mesh element 30 is formed with a plurality (a large number) of fine through holes 31 penetrating along the longitudinal direction Z of the mesh element 30. These through holes 31 have a tapered shape in which the opening diameter on the mist ejection surface 30b side is smaller than the opening diameter on the liquid contact surface 30a side facing the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the section is tapered. ing. In FIG. 1, the through hole 31 is not shown, and in FIGS. 2 and 3, the size of the through hole 31 is exaggerated. For example, the thickness of the mesh element 30 is 30 μm to 100 μm. For example, in the through-hole 31, the opening diameter on the mist ejection surface 30b side is 2 μm to 10 μm, and the opening diameter on the liquid contact surface 30a side is 20 μm to 100 μm.

Although the thin mesh element 30 has good processability of the through-hole 31, the mesh element 30 becomes difficult to support because of insufficient rigidity. Therefore, in order to increase the rigidity of the mesh element 30, the outer peripheral edge portion 30c of the mesh element 30 can be fixed to an annular reinforcing member that is a separate member and supported by the reinforcing member. Or it can also be set as the structure which supports the mesh element 30 with the lattice-shaped reinforcement member of another member. Further, the through holes 31 of the mesh element 30 are formed with substantially the same hole diameter over substantially the entire surface, the large hole diameters are arranged in a single row in the horizontal direction, and the small hole diameters are orthogonal to the horizontal direction. It can be formed in a mode in which a plurality of rows are arranged in the direction or a mode in which a large hole diameter is disposed in the central portion and a small hole diameter is disposed in the peripheral portion.

By applying an AC drive voltage to the radial vibrator 20, the radial vibrator 20 vibrates in the radial direction R, and the longitudinal vibration element 25 moves in the vertical direction Z along with the vibration of the radial vibrator 20. It vibrates (deflects and deforms). Of the liquid 8 stored in the liquid storage unit 7 by the vibration in the vertical direction Z of the vertical vibration element 25, the liquid 8 existing between the vertical vibration element 25 and the mesh element 30 is liquid in the through hole 31. It enters the through hole 31 from the contact surface 30a side. When the liquid 8 that has entered the through hole 31 passes through the through hole 31 and exits from the mist ejection surface 30b side of the through hole 31, the liquid 8 becomes minute atomized particles 38. Atomized. As a result, the atomized particles 38 are ejected from the fog ejection surface 30 b of the mesh element 30. In particular, in this example, since the vibration mode of the longitudinal vibration element 25 is made uniform, the vibration energy of the longitudinal vibration element 25 can be efficiently transmitted to the liquid 8. Further, in the longitudinal vibration element 25, a vibration region as wide as possible is secured and a larger amplitude amount is secured, so that the efficiency of atomization can be further increased. As a result, driving with low power (eg, several tens of mA at 3V) is possible. Since the amount of the liquid 8 corresponding to the liquid 8 used for creating the atomized particles 38 is sequentially replenished from the liquid 8 present around the atomizing portion 5, the atomization of the liquid 8 is continued. The

Since the opening diameter of the through hole 31 formed in the mesh element 30 is very small as described above, clogging may occur in the through hole 31 of the mesh element 30 during use for a long time. In addition, the viscosity and surface tension are different depending on the type of the chemical solution to be used, and the optimal opening diameter for the chemical solution to pass through the through hole 31 is different, so that the mesh element 30 may need to be replaced. Moreover, since the required particle diameter of the atomized particle 38 and the amount of ejection differ depending on the user who uses the atomizing device 1, it may be necessary to replace the mesh element 30 with an appropriate one. In some cases, only the mesh element 30 is washed and reused. In these cases, in the atomization apparatus 1, only the mesh element 30 can be exchanged from the lid 6, or the lid 6 can be exchanged together with the mesh element 30. Accordingly, in the atomizing device 1, it is not necessary to replace the radial vibrator 20, the longitudinal vibration element 25, and the mesh element 30 as a set, the replacement work is facilitated, and the replacement cost is reduced. In addition, the operator of the atomization apparatus 1 can use the mesh element 30 as a replacement part in a single mode, or in a mode in which an ampoule containing a chemical solution to be used and a mesh element 30 suitable for the chemical solution are used as a set. Element 30 can be supplied to the user.

Thus, in the atomization apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the mesh element 30 that atomizes the liquid 8 through the through hole 31 is separate from the longitudinal vibration element 25 that vibrates due to the vibration of the radial vibrator 20. Therefore, the replacement work is facilitated and the replacement cost is reduced. Moreover, since this atomization apparatus 1 is a structure which does not use the ultrasonic horn which was demonstrated by the prior art, there exists an effect that it is comprised small and cheaply.

Next, a first modification of the atomizing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Since the basic configuration of the atomizing apparatus 1 according to the first modification is the same as the atomizing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, the difference from the atomizing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. This will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the atomization device 1 of the first modification, an AC adapter 19 that works as a power source for supplying power to the control board 10 built in the housing 3 is externally attached to the housing 3. ing. In the atomizing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 4, the necessary and sufficient power is supplied to the control board 10 by inserting the AC adapter 19 into an outlet installed around the installation place. Suitable for use over time.

Further, the second and third modification examples of the atomizing device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The basic configuration of the atomizing device 1 according to the second and third modified examples is the same as that of the atomizing device 1 shown in FIG. 1, and therefore the differences from the atomizing device 1 shown in FIG. The following will be described mainly.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the atomization device 1 of the second modified example, the longitudinal vibration element 25 is a substantially plate-like body in which a recess 25 d is formed on the upper surface 25 c of the longitudinal vibration element 25. The concave portion 25d of the longitudinal vibration element 25 functions as a liquid reservoir in which the liquid 8 is accumulated. Therefore, the atomization device 1 of the second modified example has an effect that the liquid 8 that is slightly left can be used up and the liquid 8 can be effectively used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the atomization device 1 of the third modified example, the vertical vibration element 25 is a convex protruding from the upper surface 25 c of the vertical vibration element 25 toward the liquid contact surface 30 a of the mesh element 30. The portion 25e is a substantially plate-like body formed on the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25. The convex portion 25e of the longitudinal vibration element 25 reduces the separation distance d 'between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 and facilitates the suction action of the liquid 8 by capillary action. Therefore, the atomization apparatus 1 of the third modified example has an effect that the supply of the liquid 8 is further facilitated by the addition of the capillary phenomenon due to the provision of the convex portion 25e of the longitudinal vibration element 25.

Further, fourth to sixth modifications of the atomizing device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Since the basic configuration of the atomizing device 1 according to the fourth to sixth modifications is the same as that of the atomizing device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the difference from the atomizing device 1 shown in FIG. The following will be described mainly.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the atomization device 1 of the fourth modified example, the second longitudinal vibration element 40 is fixed to the upper surface 25 c of the longitudinal vibration element 25, and the second longitudinal vibration element The liquid 8 existing between the second longitudinal vibration element 40 and the mesh element 30 is atomized by 40 longitudinal vibrations, and a seal structure is disposed in the outer peripheral region of the second longitudinal vibration element 40. It is characterized by being.

The second longitudinal vibration element 40 has a circular shape in a plan view with elasticity made of a metal material such as nickel alloy or stainless steel, a resin material such as polysulfone resin or polycarbonate resin, or a ceramic material such as glass or silicon. It is a thin plate diaphragm. The second longitudinal vibration element 40 is overlapped with the lower surface of the central portion of the second longitudinal vibration element 40 on the upper surface 25 c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 so as to be substantially concentric with the longitudinal vibration element 25. It is fixed to the vibration element 25. In other words, the lower surface 25b of the second longitudinal vibration element 40 is connected to the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 via a fixing layer (not shown) such as adhesion using an adhesive or welding using soldering. It is fixed. As a result, the second longitudinal vibration element 40 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 vibrate in the longitudinal direction integrally with the radial vibration of the radial vibrator 20.

The external size of the second longitudinal vibration element 40 is configured to be larger than the external size of the vertical vibration element 25 and further larger than the external size of the radial vibrator 20. Lead

wires

17 and 16 electrically connected to electrodes (not shown) formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the radial vibrator 20 extend downward, respectively. The member 41 and the lower packing member 42 are dimensioned so as not to interfere with each other.

The pedestal 4 is composed of two separate parts, a side wall 4c and a bottom wall support 4a. And the bottom wall support part 4a is comprised with respect to the side wall part 4c from the bottom face part side of the side wall part 4c so that attachment or detachment is possible. The side wall portion 4c has an upper end portion 4d to which the lid 6 is detachably attached, and a side protrusion portion 4e that has an annular shape in plan view and protrudes in the lateral direction (left-right direction) toward the center. . The bottom wall support 4a has an upper protrusion 4f that has an annular shape in a plan view and protrudes upward.

The outer peripheral region of the second longitudinal vibration element 40 is sealed with an upper packing member 41 and a lower packing member 42 that are annular in a plan view. That is, the upper packing member 41 is disposed between the lower surface of the side protrusion 4 e and the upper surface of the second longitudinal vibration element 40. Further, the lower packing member 42 is disposed between the upper surface of the upper protruding portion 4 f and the lower surface of the second longitudinal vibration element 40. The upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 have substantially the same size, and are made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or polyurethane. The second longitudinal vibration element 40 is supported by the side protrusion 4e and the upper protrusion 4f via the upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 that are crushed and compressed. . The upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 are arranged in parallel so as to overlap in the vertical direction. In order to stabilize the seating of the upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42, the upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 on the upper surface of the upper protruding portion 4f and the lower surface of the side protruding portion 4e. A recess may be provided to receive a portion of the.

According to the configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner surface of the side wall portion 4 c of the base 4, the lower surface of the mesh support portion 6 c of the lid 6, the upper surface of the second longitudinal vibration element 40, and the lid 6 The liquid contact surface (shown as 30a in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the attached mesh element 30 and the upper packing member 41 constitute a space for storing the liquid 8 in a liquid-tight manner, that is, the liquid storage section 7. ing. Therefore, although the upper surface of the second longitudinal vibration element 40 is in contact with the liquid 8, at least the upper packing member 41 prevents the liquid 8 from seeping out, so that the

lead wires

17 and 16 are in contact with the liquid 8. Is blocked. As a result, the drip-proof property of the

lead wires

17 and 16 with respect to the liquid 8 is ensured.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the atomization device 1 of the fifth modified example, the outer size of the longitudinal vibration element 25 is configured to be larger than the outer size of the radial vibrator 20, and A seal structure is disposed in the outer peripheral region.

8, the external size of the longitudinal vibration element 25 is configured to be larger than the external size of the radial vibrator 20. A lead wire 16 electrically connected to an electrode (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the radial vibrator 20 extends downward. For example, it is formed on the lower surface of the longitudinal vibration element 25 with respect to an electrode (not shown) formed on the upper surface of the radial vibrator 20 by an electrical connection fixing portion (not shown) such as a conductive adhesive or solder. The formed electrodes (not shown) are electrically connected, and the longitudinal vibration element 25 is fixed to the radial vibrator 20. A lead wire 17 electrically connected to an electrode (not shown) formed on the lower surface of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and on the outer portion of the radial vibrator 20 extends downward.

The outer peripheral area of the longitudinal vibration element 25 is sealed with an upper packing member 41 and a lower packing member 42 that are annular in a plan view. That is, the upper packing member 41 is disposed between the lower surface of the side protrusion 4 e and the upper surface 25 c of the longitudinal vibration element 25. Further, the lower packing member 42 is disposed between the upper surface of the upper protruding portion 4 f and the lower surface 25 b of the longitudinal vibration element 25. The upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 have substantially the same size, and are made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or polyurethane. The longitudinal vibration element 25 is supported by the side protrusion 4e and the upper protrusion 4f via the upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 which are crushed and compressed. The upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 are arranged in parallel so as to overlap in the vertical direction. In order to stabilize the seating of the upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42, the upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 on the upper surface of the upper protruding portion 4f and the lower surface of the side protruding portion 4e. A recess may be provided to receive a portion of the.

According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, the inner surface of the side wall portion 4 c of the base 4, the lower surface of the mesh support portion 6 c of the lid 6, the upper surface 25 c of the longitudinal vibration element 25, and the lid 6 are attached. The liquid contact surface (shown as 30a in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the mesh element 30 and the upper packing member 41 constitute a space for storing the liquid 8 in a liquid-tight manner, that is, the liquid storage section 7. Yes. Therefore, although the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 is in contact with the liquid 8, at least the upper packing member 41 prevents the liquid 8 from seeping out, so that the

lead wires

17 and 16 may be in contact with the liquid 8. Blocked. As a result, the drip-proof property of the

lead wires

17 and 16 with respect to the liquid 8 is ensured.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the atomization device 1 of the sixth modified example, the longitudinal size of the vertical vibration element 25 is configured to be smaller than the external size of the radial vibrator 20, and the vertical vibration element 25. It is characterized in that a seal structure is disposed in the outer peripheral region of the.

9, the outer size of the longitudinal vibration element 25 is configured to be smaller than the outer size of the radial vibrator 20. A lead wire 16 electrically connected to an electrode (not shown) formed in the outer peripheral region of the lower surface of the radial vibrator 20 extends downward. A lead wire 17 electrically connected to an electrode (not shown) formed in the outer peripheral region of the upper surface of the radial vibrator 20 extends downward.

The outer peripheral portion of the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the outer portion of the lower surface of the radial vibrator 20 are respectively sealed by an upper packing member 41 and a lower packing member 42 that are annular in a plan view. Yes. That is, the upper packing member 41 is disposed between the lower surface of the side protrusion 4 e and the upper surface 25 c of the longitudinal vibration element 25. Further, the lower packing member 42 is disposed between the upper surface of the upper projecting portion 4 f and the lower surface of the radial vibrator 20. The upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 have substantially the same size, and are made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or polyurethane. The longitudinal vibration element 25 and the radial vibrator 20 are supported by the side protrusion 4e and the upper protrusion 4f via the upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 that are crushed and compressed, respectively. Has been. The upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 are arranged in parallel so as to overlap in the vertical direction. In order to stabilize the seating of the upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42, the upper packing member 41 and the lower packing member 42 on the upper surface of the upper protruding portion 4f and the lower surface of the side protruding portion 4e. A recess may be provided to receive a portion of the.

According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 9, the inner surface of the side wall 4 c of the base 4, the lower surface of the mesh support 6 c of the lid 6, the upper surface 25 c of the longitudinal vibration element 25, and the lid 6 are attached. The liquid contact surface (shown as 30a in FIGS. 2 and 3) of the mesh element 30 and the upper packing member 41 constitute a space for storing the liquid 8 in a liquid-tight manner, that is, the liquid storage section 7. Yes. Therefore, although the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 is in contact with the liquid 8, at least the upper packing member 41 prevents the liquid 8 from seeping out, so that the

lead wires

17 and 16 with respect to the liquid 8 is ensured.

Further, seventh to tenth modification examples of the atomizing device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B. Since the basic configuration of the atomizing device 1 according to the seventh to tenth modified examples is the same as that of the atomizing device 1 shown in FIG. 1, the difference from the atomizing device 1 shown in FIG. The following will be described mainly.

In the atomization device 1 of the seventh modification shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a pair of left and right columnar ribs 50 are arranged between the upper surface 25 c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the liquid contact surface 30 a of the mesh element 30. It is characterized by having installed.

The rib 50 is composed of a pair of left and right columnar members extending in the longitudinal direction Z of the longitudinal vibration element 25 as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10A, and in the vicinity of the outer region of the liquid contact surface 30a of the mesh element 30. Has been placed. The rib 50 is fixed to the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and / or the liquid contact surface 30a of the mesh element 30 by, for example, adhesion using an adhesive or welding using soldering. Such a rib 50 serves as a support member that supports the mesh element 30 and also serves as a spacer that keeps the separation distance d between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 constant. The liquid 8 is supplied between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 from the side through the

ribs

50 and 50 spaced apart from each other.

By providing the rib 50 between the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the mesh element 30, the mesh element 30 is supported by the rib 50, so that the separation distance d between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 is stable. The atomization of the liquid 8 is stably performed. Note that the columnar ribs 50 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B may be prismatic. Further, the number of ribs 50 may be three or more.

In the atomization device 1 of the eighth modification shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the mesh element 30 are disposed between the upper surface 25 c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the liquid contact surface 30 a of the mesh element 30. A pair of left and right square bar-like ribs 50 extending in the surface direction is provided.

As shown in the plan view of FIG. 11B, the pair of left and right ribs 50 extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction and are spaced apart in the horizontal direction. The rib 50 is fixed to the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and / or the liquid contact surface 30a of the mesh element 30 by, for example, adhesion using an adhesive or welding using soldering. Such a rib 50 serves as a support member that supports the mesh element 30 and also serves as a spacer that keeps the separation distance d between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 constant. The liquid 8 is supplied between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 from the side through the

ribs

50 and 50 spaced apart from each other.

By providing the rib 50 between the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the mesh element 30, the mesh element 30 is supported by the rib 50, so that the separation distance d between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 is stable. The atomization of the liquid 8 is stably performed. In addition, the rib 50 shown in square bar shape in FIG. 11A can also be made into a round bar shape.

In the atomization device 1 of the ninth modification shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a columnar shape having four arc-shaped cross sections between the upper surface 25 c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the liquid contact surface 30 a of the mesh element 30. The rib 50 is provided.

As shown in the plan view of FIG. 12B, the four arc-shaped ribs 50 are arranged so as to be substantially evenly spaced at an angular pitch of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. The rib 50 is fixed to the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and / or the liquid contact surface 30a of the mesh element 30 by, for example, adhesion using an adhesive or welding using soldering. Such a rib 50 serves as a support member that supports the mesh element 30 and also serves as a spacer that keeps the separation distance d between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 constant. The liquid 8 is supplied between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 from the side through the

adjacent ribs

50 and 50 spaced apart from each other.

By providing the rib 50 between the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the mesh element 30, the mesh element 30 is supported by the rib 50, so that the separation distance d between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 is stable. The atomization of the liquid 8 is stably performed. In addition, each of the columnar ribs 50 having an arc-shaped cross section in plan view in FIG. 12B can have an elongated rectangular cross section. Further, the number of ribs 50 may be two, three, or five or more.

In the atomizing device 1 of the tenth modification shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, four hemispherical ribs 50 are arranged between the upper surface 25c of the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the liquid contact surface 30a of the mesh element 30. It is characterized by having installed.

As shown in the plan view of FIG. 13B, the four hemispherical ribs 50 are arranged so as to be substantially evenly spaced at an angular pitch of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. In this example, the rib 50 is fixed to the liquid contact surface 30a of the mesh element 30 by, for example, adhesion using an adhesive or welding using soldering so as to be convex 2 downward. Such a rib 50 serves as a support member that supports the mesh element 30 and also serves as a spacer that keeps the separation distance d between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 constant. The liquid 8 is supplied between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 from the side through the

adjacent ribs

50 and 50 spaced apart from each other.

By providing the rib 50 between the longitudinal vibration element 25 and the mesh element 30, the mesh element 30 is supported by the rib 50, so that the separation distance d between the mesh element 30 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 is stable. The atomization of the liquid 8 is stably performed. In FIG. 13A, each of the hemispherical ribs 50 may be spherical. Further, the number of ribs 50 may be two, three, or five or more.

In addition, this atomization apparatus 1 is a medical use (for example, a nebulizer (inhaler) for orally inhaling a drug) for atomizing a drug or a disinfectant, or water in a room or a warehouse by atomizing water. Used for humidifying air conditioning applications.

Further, the atomization device 1 can further include a display unit, an external device connection unit, and a storage unit which are not shown in FIG. That is, the atomization apparatus 1 exchanges data between an external device and a display unit that displays information related to chemicals (types of chemicals) and information related to atomization (opening diameter of the mesh element 30, spray amount, spraying time, etc.). An external device connection unit that performs data storage and a storage unit that stores data and control programs related to chemicals and atomization, and may be configured to exchange data with external medical institutions . In this case, the atomizing device 1 is connected to an external medical institution server via an external device connection unit that enables communication with the outside by wire or wireless, and the atomizing device 1 is connected to the medical institution server. Thus, an atomization system for remotely controlling the atomization operation of the chemical solution can be constructed. Since the atomization system enables exchange of atomization data and remote control of atomization, it is possible to provide advanced home medical care and telemedicine.

In the above-described embodiment, the radial vibrator 20 and the longitudinal vibration element 25 have an annular shape and a circular shape, respectively, in a plan view, but are not limited to the shapes, and the annular shape. Further, it may be a polygonal shape that can be approximated to a circular shape (for example, a regular polygonal shape or an elliptical shape).

In the radial radial vibrator 20, the longitudinal vibration element 25, the mesh element 30, and the lead wire 17, a protective material (for example, a corrosion-resistant or chemical-resistant material for a portion that comes into contact with the liquid 8 such as water or a drug) , Polytetrafluoroethylene) is preferably coated.

The above-described embodiment and its modifications are examples for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and should not be interpreted in a limited manner. The technical scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Atomization apparatus 3 Housing | casing 4 Base 5 Atomization part 6 Lid 8 Liquid 10 Control board 18 Battery 20 Radial vibrator 25 Longitudinal vibration element 30 Mesh element 31 Through-hole 38 Atomization particle 40 2nd longitudinal vibration element

Claims

A radial vibrator that has a flat annular shape and elastically vibrates in the radial direction at an ultrasonic frequency;
It is substantially plate-shaped and is attached to the radial vibrator so as to close a hole surrounded by an annular portion of the radial vibrator, and the radial vibration is accompanied by vibration of the radial vibrator. A longitudinal vibration element that vibrates in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the vibration direction of the child;
An atomizing device for atomizing a liquid by ultrasonic waves, comprising a mesh element having a substantially plate-like outer shape and spaced apart from the longitudinal vibration element,
The mesh element has a plurality of through holes penetrating along the longitudinal direction,
An atomizing device in which liquid existing between the longitudinal vibration element and the mesh element is atomized by passing through the through-hole in accordance with vibration of the longitudinal vibration element.
The atomization device according to claim 1,
The atomizing device, wherein the longitudinal vibration element has a disk shape.
The atomization device according to claim 2,
The longitudinal vibration element is disposed substantially concentrically with respect to the radial vibrator,
An atomization device in which an outer peripheral edge of the longitudinal vibration element is fixed to the radial vibrator in a region where the longitudinal vibration element overlaps the radial vibrator.
In the atomization apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The atomizing device, wherein the longitudinal vibration element is made of a metal material, a resin material, or a glass material.
In the atomization apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
An atomization device in which the mesh element is made of a metal material, a resin material, or a glass material.
In the atomization apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The atomization device, wherein a separation distance between the longitudinal vibration element and the mesh element is 0.01 mm to 5 mm.
In the atomization apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
An atomization device, wherein the liquid is a chemical solution.