JPH0824738A - Ultrasonic atomizer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an ultrasonic atomizer preventing dropping down of drop without being atomized and enabling efficient and stable atomization, even in the case that an atomizing medium is retained on an ultrasonic radiation surface. CONSTITUTION:The ultrasonic atomizer consists of an ultrasonic vibrator transducer 1, a main body case 3 fixed thereto, a liquid supply pump 4 for supplying the atomizing medium and an oscillator 5 for driving the ultrasonic vibrator transducer. A retaining eliminating body by which a retained atomizing medium is guided to be removed is provided in the vicinity of an ultrasonic radiation surface of the ultrasonic vibrator transducer 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ultrasonic vibrator and an ultrasonic atomizer using the ultrasonic vibrator, and atomizes a disinfectant solution for sterilizing hands and the like mainly in hospitals and clinics. It is used for applications such as spraying, pesticide spraying, fumigation disinfectant spraying, vaporizer, turbine, paint sprayer, slurry spraying and burner, fuel injection, and fragrance spraying.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic atomizer is required as a device for medical use that atomizes an antiseptic solution, sprays it onto hands and disinfects it, and does not require hand-wiping, and recently several devices have been developed. Has been done. Currently, means of utilizing ultrasonic waves to atomize liquids are commonly employed. The reason is that the amount of atomization and the atomized particle size have the advantage that they can be independently controlled by varying the power supplied to the ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic frequency. A configuration example of a conventional ultrasonic atomizer is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
It will be explained together. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an ultrasonic transducer used in a conventional ultrasonic atomizing device.
FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway front view of an ultrasonic atomizing device using an ultrasonic vibrator. Body case 3 with a part of the front (front side) opened
Each tip of a plurality of support bodies 33 and 34 in which a bolted Langevin type ultrasonic transducer 8 (hereinafter referred to as ultrasonic transducer 8) penetrates a side surface of the main body case 3 and projects inwardly. The ultrasonic wave radiation surface 81a of the radiation metal block described later is horizontally suspended and supported. The ultrasonic oscillator 8 has two annular piezoelectric elements 83 and 84 interposed between the radiation metal block 81 and the rear metal block 82, and also has the radiation metal block 81 and the piezoelectric element 83, and the piezoelectric element 83 and the piezoelectric element 83. Electrode plates 85 and 8 are provided between the elements 84, respectively.
6 is interposed. Each metal block 81, 82 is formed with a screw hole penetrating through the central portion thereof, and a through hole is also provided in a part of the electrode plates 85, 86, and a bolt 87 is screwed into each hole. By doing so, each component is clamped and fixed. This ultrasonic oscillator 8 is used as an ultrasonic wave generation source for inputting a large power by giving tensile stress with a bolt because the tensile stress of the piezoelectric elements 83, 84 is weaker than the compressive stress.

Liquid supply nozzles 41, 4 for supplying a disinfecting liquid to the main surface or side surface of the radiating metal block 81.
3 are pierced and fixed to the main body case so that the liquid supply ports at the respective tips are located above the mesh metal plate. A liquid storage tank (not shown) is provided in each of the liquid supply nozzles 41 and 43.
The disinfecting liquid of the tube 42 is driven by the liquid supply pump 4.
It is supplied through 44 and is dripped from the respective liquid supply ports to the main surface or side surface of the radiating metal block 81. On the other hand, in the ultrasonic vibrator, mechanical vibration is generated by supplying a voltage of a predetermined frequency from the oscillator 5 to the piezoelectric elements 83, 84 through the respective electrode plates 85, 86, and this is transmitted to both metal blocks 81, 82. Resonance occurs due to the standing wave generated thereby. Although not shown in the figure, a switching photoelectric sensor for detecting that the inside of the body case 3 has been put in through the opening is provided in the lower portion of the front surface of the body case 3 in a non-contact manner.

When a hand is put into the main body case through the front opening of the main body case 3 in the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus having such a structure, the photoelectric sensor detects this and the liquid supply pump 4 and the oscillator 5 are switched by this switching. Drive together. The ultrasonic vibrator 8 converts electric energy of a predetermined frequency supplied from the oscillator into mechanical vibration energy, and the vibration also excites and vibrates the mesh metal plate 9 to mist the disinfectant liquid supplied from the liquid supply nozzle. It is sprung up and spouted in the hand.

[0005]

An ultrasonic atomizer using such an ultrasonic vibrator has good atomization efficiency when the atomization conditions are good, but the liquid supplied has thixotropic properties. If it is high, or if the supply amount is high, or if the ambient temperature is low, or if the atomization conditions are poor, the atomization efficiency will decrease, and the liquid will stay on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface or drop without being atomized. There was something that happened.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the atomization efficiency of the liquid has an influence on the type of liquid to be supplied (such as high thixotropy), the liquid supply amount, or the ambient temperature. Depending on the usage conditions, the liquid may stay on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, but even in such a case, the ultrasonic mist that prevents dripping without being atomized and enables efficient and stable atomization It is an object of the present invention to provide a chemical conversion device.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 supplies an atomizing medium to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface of an ultrasonic transducer or in the vicinity of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, An ultrasonic transducer for atomizing the atomizing medium by sonic vibration,
A means for supplying an atomizing medium to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface of the ultrasonic oscillator or in the vicinity of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface and a means for driving the ultrasonic oscillator are provided, and the atomizing medium is moved by the ultrasonic vibration. In the ultrasonic atomizing device for atomizing, an ultrasonic atomizing device is provided in the vicinity of a part of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, and a retention removing body for transmitting and removing the retained atomizing medium. The retention remover needs to be installed in the vicinity of a portion of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface where the retention remover easily retains. Further, this retention remover may be installed at a right angle to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface or may be installed obliquely. In any case, it may be a position that can break the surface tension of the staying atomizing medium.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic transducer for supplying an atomizing medium to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface or in the vicinity of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface and atomizing the atomizing medium by ultrasonic vibration is the ultrasonic wave. A means for supplying the atomizing medium to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrator or a portion near the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, and a means for driving the ultrasonic vibrator, which are arranged so that the emitting surface is positioned in a substantially horizontal direction. In the ultrasonic atomizing device that has and and atomizes the atomizing medium by ultrasonic vibration, in the vicinity of the lower part of the ultrasonic radiation surface facing in the horizontal direction, the staying atomized medium is transferred and removed. It is an ultrasonic atomizing device characterized in that a removing member is provided. The retention remover is preferably a thin rod, and its installation position may be a lower part of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, may be provided below the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, or may be installed obliquely with respect to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface. May be. In any case, it may be a position that can break the surface tension of the staying atomizing medium.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a staying state of the atomizing medium on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is detected by a change in the driving impedance value of the circuit for driving the ultrasonic transducer, and a detection circuit is output. , A drive circuit for operating the stay removing body based on a detection signal from the detection circuit, and a stay removing body for performing contact, separation and other operations with respect to the staying atomized medium by an electric signal supplied from the drive circuit Claim 1,
It is the ultrasonic atomization device described in 2.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a staying state of the atomizing medium on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is detected by a change in the driving impedance value of the circuit for driving the ultrasonic vibrator, and a detection circuit is output. A drive circuit that operates the suction pump based on a detection signal from the detection circuit; and a suction pump in which the stay removing body is a suction tube of the suction pump and that sucks the atomized medium that has stagnated by an electric signal supplied from the drive circuit. The ultrasonic atomizing device according to claim 1 or 2.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the staying state of the atomizing medium on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is detected by a change in the driving impedance value of the circuit for driving the ultrasonic vibrator, and based on this change, the atomizing medium is detected. 5. The supply amount of the atomizing medium is controlled to a normal supply amount when the drive impedance value becomes a normal drive impedance value by reducing or stopping the supply amount. This is an ultrasonic atomizer.

In the present invention, if a material having a high wettability is used as the staying remover, the staying atomized medium can be removed well. The same effect can be obtained by coating the surface with a material having high wettability. Also,
It is possible to favorably remove the staying atomized medium by improving the wettability by utilizing the capillary phenomenon by providing the stay removing member with a groove.

[0013]

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the atomizing medium staying on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface has its surface tension broken by the stay remover and flows through the stay remover to become a liquid. There is no dripping and the ultrasonic atomizer can start a new atomization.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the staying state of the atomizing medium on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is detected by the change in the driving impedance value of the circuit for driving the ultrasonic vibrator, and the staying removing member is thereby detected. By moving the ultrasonic wave emitting surface closer to or away from the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, the surface tension of the staying atomizing medium can be broken and the staying atomizing medium can be removed. Therefore, the atomization medium does not become a liquid and drops,
The ultrasonic atomizer can also start a new atomization.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the staying state of the atomizing medium on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is detected by the change in the drive impedance value of the circuit for driving the ultrasonic transducer, and the suction pump is thereby detected. It is possible to drive and suction and remove the accumulated atomization medium. Therefore, the atomization medium does not become a liquid and drops, and the ultrasonic atomization device can start new atomization.

According to the invention of claim 5, when the retention of the atomizing medium due to the change of the driving impedance value is detected, the supply amount of the atomizing medium is reduced or stopped, and the retention state is canceled by the retention removal. When the normal drive impedance value is reached, the supply amount of the atomizing medium is controlled to the normal supply amount, so that the retention of the atomizing medium can be quickly eliminated, and stable atomization can be performed.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic transducer used in the ultrasonic atomizer, and FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway front view of the ultrasonic atomizer using the ultrasonic transducer shown in FIG. . It should be noted that some of the structural parts that are the same as those of the conventional example are given the same reference numerals for description. The bolted Langevin type ultrasonic transducer 1 (hereinafter referred to as the ultrasonic transducer 1) includes a radiating metal block 11 and an electrode plate 1 having an annular portion from below.
5, an annular piezoelectric element 13, an electrode plate 16 having an annular portion, an annular piezoelectric element 14 and a rear metal block 12, and a bolt is provided at the center of the radiation metal block 11 and the rear metal block 12. A hole is formed. A bolt 17 is screwed into each of these holes, and each component is tightened and fixed by a washer and a nut. The ultrasonic wave emitting surface 11a, which is the lower end surface of the radiating metal block of the ultrasonic vibrator 1, is provided with a linear narrow groove 11b. It should be noted that the narrow groove is represented by a thin line for convenience of drawing. An elastic ring 12a is attached to the outer periphery of the rear metal block at a supporting portion when suspending and supporting the ultrasonic transducer 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, such an ultrasonic vibrator 1 is installed in a main body case 3 of the ultrasonic atomizer. The main body case 3 has an opening 3a that is partially open at the lower part of the front surface (front side), and a plurality of inwardly projecting supports 31 and 32 are provided at the upper part inside the case. ing. The ultrasonic oscillator is supported so that the elastic ring 12a is pressed against each tip of the support so that the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is located below, and the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 11a is located horizontally. A retention remover T1 extending from below the body case 3 is attached near the center of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 11a. The stay removing body T1 is made of a material such as a metal or a synthetic resin and processed into a rod shape, and when the hand is put into the opening 3a, the stay removing body is placed at a position where it is difficult for the hand to contact the stay removing body. Need to be installed. Further, liquid supply nozzles 41 and 43 for supplying the disinfecting liquid, which is an atomizing medium, to the radiant metal block 11 penetrate the main body case 3 so that the liquid supply ports at the tips thereof are located above the radiant metal block. It is fixed. The disinfecting liquid in a liquid storage tank (not shown) is supplied to the liquid supply nozzles 41 and 43 through the tubes 42 and 44 by the drive of the liquid supply pump 4, and the liquid supply ports are placed on the radiation metal block 11 respectively. Dropped. On the other hand, the ultrasonic transducer 1 has electrode plates 1
A voltage of a predetermined frequency is supplied to the piezoelectric elements 13 and 14 from the oscillator 5 through the lead wires 51 and 52 through the cables 5 and 16. This excites a mechanical vibration based on the inverse piezoelectric effect, which is mechanically contacted to both metal blocks 11 and 12.
Resonance occurs due to the standing wave that is transmitted to the. Although not shown in the figure, a switching photoelectric sensor for detecting that the inside of the main body case 3 has been put in through the opening 3a is provided in the lower front portion of the main body case 3 in a non-contact manner.

As described in the conventional example, when a hand is put into the main body case through the front opening of the main body case 3 in the ultrasonic atomizing device having such a structure, the photoelectric sensor detects this and this The liquid supply pump 4 and the oscillator 5 are both driven by the switching. The ultrasonic vibrator 1 converts electric energy of a predetermined frequency supplied from the oscillator into mechanical vibration energy and vibrates. When the disinfecting liquid, which is an atomizing medium, is supplied from the liquid supply nozzle to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 11a,
The disinfectant liquid spreads on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface due to the capillary phenomenon of the narrow groove, which is atomized and ejected to the hand. However, if the liquid to be supplied has a high thixotropic property, or if the supply amount is large, or if the atomization conditions are poor such as when the ambient temperature is low, the atomization medium is a part of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface (in the case of this embodiment). , The central part where the vibration is relatively weak). When such a retention amount reaches a certain amount, it contacts the retention removal body. As a result, the surface tension of the staying atomizing medium is broken, and the staying atomizing medium flows to the stay removing body and does not drip onto a hand or the like. The atomizing medium such as the disinfectant may be supplied to the side surface of the radiating metal block. In this case, the atomizing medium is supplied by flowing from the side surface to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. FIG. 3 is an internal cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are views showing another example of the second embodiment. The ultrasonic transducer 2 has a cylindrical shape as a whole, and is configured to emit ultrasonic waves in both left and right directions (in this embodiment, ultrasonic waves are emitted in only one direction). From the left of the drawing, the radiating metal block 21, the electrode plate 25 having an annular portion, the annular piezoelectric element 23,
Electrode plate 26 having an annular portion, annular piezoelectric element 2
4. The rear metal block 22 is integrally fixed by bolts or the like. The ultrasonic wave emitting surface 21 is provided on both of the radiating metal blocks 21 and 22.
a and 22a are formed. In this embodiment, since only the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 22a is used, the atomizing medium introduction hole 22b is provided from the side surface of the radiating metal block 22 to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 22a.
Is provided. The ultrasonic transducer needs to be installed in a storage case, which will be described later, so that the introduction hole is located above.

The ultrasonic transducer having such a structure is housed in the housing case 7. The storage case 7 is formed with an opening that opens in both longitudinal directions, and the atomized medium that has been atomized is emitted from this opening. The storage case 7 is provided with elastic supports 73 and 74 for supporting and fixing the ultrasonic transducer, and an introduction pipe 75 for guiding the atomizing medium to the above-mentioned introduction hole 22b is provided on the upper part thereof. Is supplied with atomization medium from the pump 4 via the tube 41. The above-mentioned electrode plates 25 and 26 are connected to the oscillator 5 for driving the piezoelectric vibrator by the lead wires 51 and 52. A retention removing body T2 is provided near the lower portion of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 22a.

In the ultrasonic oscillator and the ultrasonic atomizing device having the above-described configurations, the atomizing medium is supplied from the introduction hole to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface by driving the ultrasonic oscillator and supplying the atomizing medium. , The atomizing medium spreads all over the ultrasonic radiation surface,
This is atomized and emitted vigorously to the left and right. However, if the liquid to be supplied has high thixotropy, or if the supply amount is large, or if the atomization conditions are poor, such as when the ambient temperature is low, the atomization medium may stay below the ultrasonic radiation surface. . When such a retention amount reaches a certain amount, it contacts the retention removal body. This breaks the surface tension of the accumulated atomization medium, the accumulated atomization medium flows to the retention remover, the atomization medium retained on the ultrasonic radiation surface is removed, and it is easy to atomize again. become.

Regarding another example of the second embodiment of the present invention,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams in which only the ultrasonic wave emitting surface portion is extracted and described. In FIG. 4, the retention remover T3 is installed below the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 22a. The accumulated atomization medium hangs downward due to surface tension. The retention remover T3 is attached to this hanging portion.
By contacting with each other, there is an advantage that the retention can be prevented and the retention removing body does not prevent the atomization in a normal atomization state. In FIG. 5, the stay removing body T4 is close to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface at a predetermined angle. With this configuration, the accumulated atomizing medium can be more efficiently transmitted to the retention remover and flowed. Although not shown, the retention and removal body may be formed into a hollow tube,
The arc shape makes it possible to remove the accumulated atomization medium more efficiently. Further, the surface of the retention remover may be coated with a substance having high wettability. This also makes it possible to remove the accumulated atomizing medium more efficiently.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an internal sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer. The ultrasonic oscillator, the atomizing medium introduction mechanism, and the like have the same configurations as those in the second embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the retention state of the atomizing medium is detected, and the retention removal body T5 is detected.
Is operating. The stay removing body T5 is configured to be movable up and down, and is incorporated in the stay removing apparatus TS.
The stay removing device TS operates by power supply from the drive circuit. By driving the ultrasonic vibrator 2 and supplying the atomizing medium, the atomizing medium is supplied from the introduction hole to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, the atomizing medium spreads over the entire ultrasonic wave emitting surface, and this is atomized and left and right. Both are vigorously radiated. When the atomizing medium stays, the driving impedance of the ultrasonic transducer 2 becomes high. This can be read when the current value in the oscillator 5 becomes lower than usual. When this decrease is detected by the detection circuit S, the drive circuit D is operated to drive the stay removing device, whereby the stay removing body T5
Operates within a predetermined range. The retention remover T5 contacts the atomizing medium that has retained once or more times and removes it. The mechanism for operating this retention removing body may be, for example, a piston mechanism that converts the rotational movement of the crankshaft into vertical reciprocating movement via a connecting rod, or a plunger using electromagnetic induction may be used. As for the operation, not only the vertical movement but also a known operation mechanism such as a configuration of reciprocating in an arc shape to remove the accumulated atomizing medium may be used.

The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an internal cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer. The ultrasonic oscillator, the atomizing medium introduction mechanism, and the like have the same configurations as those in the second embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the suction state of the atomization medium is detected and the suction pump P is operated. At the tip of the suction pump, a suction tube T6 that plays the role of a retention remover is formed, and the suction pump is driven by the electric power supplied from the drive circuit D. Third
In the same manner as in the above embodiment, when the atomizing medium stays, the driving impedance of the ultrasonic transducer 2 becomes high. This can be read when the current value in the oscillator 5 becomes lower than usual. When this decrease is detected by the detection circuit S, the drive circuit D is operated and the suction pump P is operated. When the suction pump operates, the accumulated atomizing medium is sucked by the suction pipe T6 and removed. The sucked atomizing medium may be supplied to the pump again and reused.

The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an internal sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer. The ultrasonic oscillator, the atomizing medium introduction mechanism, and the like have the same configurations as those in the second embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the control circuit C controls the supply amount of the pump 4 for supplying the atomizing medium. Similar to the fourth embodiment,
When the atomizing medium stays, the driving impedance of the ultrasonic transducer 2 becomes high. This can be read when the current value in the oscillator 5 becomes lower than usual. When this decrease is detected by the detection circuit S, the drive circuit D is operated and the suction pump P is operated. At the same time, a signal (indicating a staying state) from the detection circuit is transmitted to the control circuit C, thereby temporarily stopping the operation of the pump 4 and temporarily stopping the supply of the atomizing medium. Alternatively, the amount of atomizing medium supplied from the pump 4 is reduced. As a result, new atomizing medium is not supplied to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, while the atomizing medium accumulated by the suction pump P can be removed. Therefore, the accumulated atomization medium is promptly removed, and new atomization can be started. Note that this embodiment can be applied to the configurations of the first, second, and third embodiments, and contributes to the rapid removal of the accumulated atomizing medium.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, an example in which the ultrasonic vibrator is vertically installed and an example in which the ultrasonic vibrator is horizontally installed are shown. However, the present invention can be applied regardless of the installation direction. It has the effect of being able to remove the retention state of.

[0028]

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the atomizing medium staying on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface has its surface tension broken by the stay removing body and flows through the stay removing body. Therefore, the ultrasonic atomizer can start new atomization. Therefore, the type of atomizing medium (high or low thixotropy, etc.), the supply amount, or the ambient temperature is the use condition that limits the atomization, and the environment is such that it stays on the ultrasonic radiation surface. Also,
It is possible to provide an ultrasonic atomizing device that can quickly and efficiently remove the staying state, and can efficiently and stably atomize the atomizing medium without dropping the atomized medium without atomizing it.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the staying state of the atomizing medium on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is detected by the change in the driving impedance value of the circuit for driving the ultrasonic transducer, and the staying removing member is thereby detected. By moving the ultrasonic wave emitting surface closer to or away from the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, the surface tension of the staying atomizing medium can be broken and the staying atomizing medium can be removed. Therefore, the atomization medium does not become a liquid and drops,
The ultrasonic atomizer can also start a new atomization. Therefore, the type of atomizing medium (high or low thixotropy, etc.), the supply amount, or the ambient temperature is the use condition that limits the atomization, and the environment is such that it stays on the ultrasonic radiation surface. However, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic atomizing device that can quickly and efficiently remove the staying state and do not drip the atomizing medium without atomizing the atomized medium.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the staying state of the atomizing medium on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is detected by the change in the drive impedance value of the circuit for driving the ultrasonic vibrator, and the suction pump is thereby detected. It is possible to drive and suction and remove the accumulated atomization medium. Therefore, the atomization medium does not become a liquid and drops, and the ultrasonic atomization device can start new atomization. Therefore, the type of atomizing medium (high or low thixotropy, etc.), the supply amount, or the ambient temperature is the use condition that limits the atomization, and the environment is such that it stays on the ultrasonic radiation surface. However, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic atomizing device that can quickly and efficiently remove the staying state and do not drip the atomizing medium without atomizing the atomized medium.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the retention of the atomizing medium due to the change of the driving impedance value is detected,
When the amount of atomized medium supplied is reduced or stopped, and the retention state is released by this retention removal, and the normal drive impedance value is reached, the amount of atomized medium supplied is controlled to the normal amount of supply. Accumulation of the chemical medium can be eliminated quickly, and stable atomization can be performed. Therefore, the type of atomizing medium (high or low thixotropy, etc.), the supply amount, or the ambient temperature is the use condition that limits the atomization, and the environment is such that it stays on the ultrasonic radiation surface. Also,
It is possible to provide an ultrasonic atomizing device that can quickly and efficiently remove the staying state, and can efficiently and stably atomize the atomizing medium without dropping the atomized medium without atomizing it.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway front view showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing another example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing another example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a conventional example.

FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway front view showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,2,8 Ultrasonic transducer 11,21,81 Radiation metal block 11a, 21a, 22a, 81a Ultrasonic radiation surface 12, 22, 82 Rear metal block 13, 14, 23, 24, 83, 84 Piezoelectric element 15 , 16, 25, 26, 85, 86 Electrode plate 17, 87 Volt 31, 32 Support 4 Pump 5 Oscillator 7 Storage case

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 2, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0002

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An ultrasonic atomizer is required as a device for medical use that atomizes an antiseptic solution, sprays it onto hands and disinfects it, and does not require hand-wiping, and recently several devices have been developed. Has been done. Currently, means of utilizing ultrasonic waves to atomize liquids are commonly employed. The reason is that the amount of atomization and the atomized particle size have the advantage that they can be independently controlled by varying the power supplied to the ultrasonic transducer and the ultrasonic frequency. A configuration example of a conventional ultrasonic atomizer is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.
It will be explained together. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an ultrasonic transducer used in a conventional ultrasonic atomizing device.
FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway front view of an ultrasonic atomizing device using an ultrasonic vibrator. Body case 3 with a part of the front (front side) opened
Each tip of a plurality of support bodies 31 and 32 in which a bolted Langevin type ultrasonic transducer 8 (hereinafter referred to as ultrasonic transducer 8) penetrates the side surface of the main body case 3 and projects inwardly. The ultrasonic wave radiation surface 81a of the radiation metal block described later is horizontally suspended and supported. The ultrasonic oscillator 8 has two annular piezoelectric elements 83 and 84 interposed between the radiation metal block 81 and the rear metal block 82, and also has the radiation metal block 81 and the piezoelectric element 83, and the piezoelectric element 83 and the piezoelectric element 83. Electrode plates 85 and 8 are provided between the elements 84, respectively.
6 is interposed. Each metal block 81, 82 is formed with a screw hole penetrating through the central portion thereof, and a through hole is also provided in a part of the electrode plates 85, 86, and a bolt 87 is screwed into each hole. By doing so, each component is clamped and fixed. This ultrasonic oscillator 8 is used as an ultrasonic wave generation source for inputting a large power by giving tensile stress with a bolt because the tensile stress of the piezoelectric elements 83, 84 is weaker than the compressive stress.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0018

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As shown in FIG. 2, such an ultrasonic vibrator 1 is installed in a main body case 3 of the ultrasonic atomizer. The main body case 3 has an opening 3a that is partially open at the lower part of the front surface (front side), and a plurality of inwardly projecting supports 31 and 32 are provided at the upper part inside the case. ing. The ultrasonic oscillator is supported so that the elastic ring 12a is pressed against each tip of the support so that the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is located below, and the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 11a is located horizontally. A retention remover T1 extending from below the body case 3 is attached near the center of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 11a. The retention remover T1 is made of a material such as metal or synthetic resin and processed into a rod shape, and is attached to a position where it is difficult for the retention remover to come into contact with the hand when the opening 3a is inserted. There is a need. Further, liquid supply nozzles 41 and 43 for supplying the disinfecting liquid, which is an atomizing medium, to the radiant metal block 11 penetrate the main body case 3 so that the liquid supply ports at the tips thereof are located above the radiant metal block. It is fixed. The disinfecting liquid in a liquid storage tank (not shown) is supplied to the liquid supply nozzles 41 and 43 through the tubes 42 and 44 by the drive of the liquid supply pump 4, and the liquid supply ports are placed on the radiation metal block 11 respectively. Dropped. On the other hand, the ultrasonic transducer 1 has electrode plates 15,
A voltage of a predetermined frequency is supplied from the oscillator 5 to the piezoelectric elements 13 and 14 through the lead wires 51 and 52 through 16.
This excites mechanical vibration based on the inverse piezoelectric effect,
This is transmitted to both metal blocks 11 and 12 through mechanical contact, and the standing wave generated thereby causes resonance. Although not shown in the figure, a switching photoelectric sensor for detecting that the inside of the main body case 3 has been put in through the opening 3a is arranged in the lower front portion of the main body case 3 in a non-contact manner.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. FIG. 3 is an internal cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are views showing another example of the second embodiment. The ultrasonic transducer 2 has a cylindrical shape as a whole, and is configured to emit ultrasonic waves in both left and right directions (in this embodiment, ultrasonic waves are emitted in only one direction). From the left of the drawing, the radiating metal block 21, the electrode plate 25 having an annular portion, the annular piezoelectric element 23,
Electrode plate 26 having an annular portion, annular piezoelectric element 2
4. The radiant metal block 22 is integrally fixed by bolts or the like. The ultrasonic wave emitting surface 21 is provided on both of the radiating metal blocks 21 and 22.
a and 22a are formed. In this embodiment, since only the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 22a is used, the atomizing medium introduction hole 22b is provided from the side surface of the radiating metal block 22 to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 22a.
Is provided. The ultrasonic transducer needs to be installed in a storage case, which will be described later, so that the introduction hole is located above.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0022

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In the ultrasonic oscillator and the ultrasonic atomizing device having the above-described configurations, the ultrasonic oscillator is driven and the atomizing medium is supplied, whereby the atomizing medium is supplied from the introduction hole to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface 22a. Then, the atomizing medium spreads over the entire surface of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, which is atomized and vigorously emitted. However, if the liquid to be supplied has high thixotropy, or if the supply amount is large, or if the atomization conditions are poor, such as when the ambient temperature is low, the atomization medium may stay below the ultrasonic radiation surface. . When such a retention amount reaches a certain amount, it contacts the retention removal body. This breaks the surface tension of the accumulated atomization medium, the accumulated atomization medium flows to the retention remover, the atomization medium retained on the ultrasonic radiation surface is removed, and it is easy to atomize again. become.

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[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway front view showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing another example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing another example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a conventional example.

FIG. 10 is a partially cutaway front view showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of Codes] 1,2,8 Ultrasonic Transducer 11,12,22,81 Radiation Metal Block 11a, 21a, 22a, 81a Ultrasonic Radiation Surface 12,82 Rear Metal Block 13, 14, 23, 24, 83 , 84 Piezoelectric element 15, 16, 25, 26, 85, 86 Electrode plate 17,87 Volt 3 Main body case 31, 32 Support 4 Pump 5 Oscillator 7 Storage case

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[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

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FIG.

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[Fig. 2]

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An ultrasonic vibrator for supplying an atomizing medium to an ultrasonic wave emitting surface or in the vicinity of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface and atomizing the atomizing medium by ultrasonic vibration, and an ultrasonic wave of the ultrasonic vibrator. A means for supplying an atomizing medium in the vicinity of the radiation surface or the ultrasonic radiation surface, and means for driving this ultrasonic transducer,
In an ultrasonic atomizing device for atomizing the atomizing medium by ultrasonic vibration, a retention removing body for transmitting and removing the retained atomizing medium is provided in the vicinity of a part of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface. Ultrasonic atomizer. 2. An ultrasonic transducer for supplying an atomizing medium to an ultrasonic wave emitting surface or in the vicinity of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface and atomizing the atomizing medium by ultrasonic vibration, wherein the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is substantially horizontal. Arranged so as to be positioned in a direction, and having means for supplying an atomizing medium to the ultrasonic wave emitting surface of the ultrasonic vibrator or in the vicinity of the ultrasonic wave emitting surface, and means for driving the ultrasonic vibrator, In an ultrasonic atomization device that atomizes the atomization medium by ultrasonic vibration, a retention remover that transmits and removes the retained atomization medium is provided in the vicinity of the lower portion of the horizontally oriented ultrasonic emission surface. An ultrasonic atomizer characterized in that 3. A detection circuit for detecting a staying state of an atomizing medium on an ultrasonic wave emitting surface by a change in a driving impedance value of a circuit for driving an ultrasonic transducer and outputting a detection signal, and a detecting circuit 3. A driving circuit for operating the stay removing body based on a detection signal, and a stay removing body for performing contact, separation, and other operations with respect to the atomized medium stayed by an electric signal supplied from the driving circuit. Ultrasonic atomizer. 4. A detection circuit for detecting a staying state of an atomizing medium on an ultrasonic wave emitting surface by a change in a driving impedance value of a circuit for driving an ultrasonic transducer and outputting a detection signal, and a detection circuit Claims: A drive circuit that operates a suction pump based on a detection signal; and a suction pump that suction-holds the atomization medium that is retained by an electric signal supplied from the drive circuit. 1. The ultrasonic atomizing device according to 1 or 2. 5. The staying state of the atomizing medium on the ultrasonic wave emitting surface is detected by a change in a driving impedance value of a circuit for driving the ultrasonic vibrator, and the amount of atomizing medium supplied is reduced based on the change. Or, when the driving impedance value becomes a normal value, the supply amount of the atomizing medium is controlled to a normal supply amount.
4. The ultrasonic atomizing device according to 4.