Atomizer system

Abstract

This nebulizer system is provided with a computer device (400) and a nebulizer head (1) that is directly connected to the computer device (400) via a USB cable (200). A computer device (400) supplies a DC voltage (Vbus) through a Vbus line and a GND line of a USB cable (200), and supplies control signals (D +, D-) having a square waveform through a D + line and a D-line of the USB cable (200). The nebulizer head (1) includes: a first resonant circuit including a first coil and a first capacitor; a conversion circuit that generates an AC voltage having a sinusoidal waveform by intermittently or alternately inverting the polarity of the DC voltage (Vbus) according to the control signals (D +, D-) and applying the DC voltage to the first resonant circuit; and an atomizing unit driven by the AC voltage having the sinusoidal waveform to atomize and discharge a liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an atomizer system, and more particularly to an atomizer system comprising a computer device capable of supplying a USB signal, and a spray head connected to the computer device via a USB cable. Background Art

[0002] In the past, as such an atomizer system, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3199314), there is known an atomizer system having a computer device that can supply a USB signal, a controller connected to the computer device via a USB cable, and a mesh-type spray head connected to the controller via a proprietary cable. The controller has a housing, on which a boost circuit composed of a DC-DC converter, a microcontroller (processor), and a drive circuit assembled with a high-speed MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Fielded Effect Transistor) driver are mounted. The boost circuit generates a nominal 12V DC voltage from the DC5V (to be precise, 4.75V to 5.25V) contained in the USB signal from the computer device. The microcontroller uses the output of the boost circuit to generate a square waveform (pulse width modulated signal) of 120KHz to 150KHz, and transmits it to the drive circuit. The drive circuit generates an alternating AC voltage (sine waveform of about 100V) from the 120KHz to 150KHz square waveform using a series inductor. The sprayer head has a piezoelectric ceramic element, receives liquid from a supply container, and is driven by the 120KHz to 150KHz sinusoidal waveform from the drive circuit to generate an aerosol.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3199314

[0004] From the perspective of portability, the above-mentioned atomizer system is preferably compactly constructed with a small number of components. However, in the system of the above-mentioned patent document 1, a controller (including a processor) is present between the computer device that can supply USB signals and the atomizer head. Therefore, as an atomizer system, there is a problem of an increase in the number of components and an increase in volume. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an atomizer system that can be compactly configured with a small number of parts.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the atomizer system of the present invention atomizes and sprays liquid, and is equipped with a computer device capable of supplying signals complying with USB standards via a USB cable, the computer device supplies a DC voltage via a Vbus line and a GND line of the USB cable, and supplies a control signal having a square waveform via a D+ line and a D- line of the USB cable, the atomizer system has a spray head directly connected to the computer device via the USB cable, the spray head comprising: a first resonant circuit comprising a first coil and a first capacitor; a conversion circuit, which intermittently or alternately reverses the polarity of the DC voltage according to the control signal and applies it to the first resonant circuit to generate an AC voltage having a sinusoidal waveform; and an atomizing unit, which is driven by the AC voltage having the sinusoidal waveform to atomize and spray the liquid.

[0007] In this specification, a "USB cable" refers to a cable including a cable capable of transmitting signals conforming to the USB standard and a connector (referred to as a "USB connector") provided at an end of the cable.

[0008] The “control signal” refers to a D+ signal and a D- signal which are differential signals.

[0009] "Direct connection" through the USB cable means connection in a manner that there is no controller (including a processor) between the computer device and the spray head as in the previous examples. In addition, it is not excluded that a USB connector is provided on the computer device and / or the spray head so that the USB connector at the end of the USB cable can be connected.

[0010] In the atomizer system of the present invention, a DC voltage is directly supplied from the computer device to the spray head through the Vbus line and the GND line of the USB cable, and a control signal having a square waveform is directly supplied through the D+ line and the D- line of the USB cable. In the spray head, the conversion circuit intermittently or alternately reverses the polarity of the DC voltage according to the control signal and applies it to the first resonant circuit (including the first coil and the first capacitor), generating an AC voltage having a sinusoidal waveform. The atomizing portion is driven by the AC voltage having the sinusoidal waveform to atomize and spray the liquid. Therefore, the atomizer system can atomize and spray the liquid without the presence of a controller (including a processor) between the computer device and the spray head. In addition, the spray head does not need to include a processor. Therefore, the atomizer system can be compactly constructed with a small number of components.

[0011] In an atomizer system of one embodiment, the atomizer head further includes a second resonant circuit, the second resonant circuit includes a second coil electromagnetically coupled to the first coil, and a second capacitor, and power for driving the atomization part is transmitted from the first resonant circuit to the second resonant circuit by wireless power transmission.

[0012] In the atomizer system of this embodiment, since the power for driving the atomization part is transmitted from the first resonant circuit to the second resonant circuit by wireless power transmission, it is possible to form a structure in which the case of the sprayer head can be detachably separated between the first coil and the second coil, for example.

[0013] In an atomizer system of one embodiment, the atomizer head comprises: a first box body, equipped with the first resonance circuit and the conversion circuit; and a second box body, equipped with the second resonance circuit and the atomization part, the first box body and the second box body are detachable from each other, and the liquid is prohibited from moving from the second box body to the first box body by an outer wall of the second box body.

[0014] In the atomizer system of this one embodiment, in the spray head, the first box and the second box are detachable from each other. When the first box is separated from the second box, the second box can be washed with water independently of the first box. When the first box and the second box are assembled into one body, the disadvantage of an increase in the number of components and an increase in volume will not substantially occur. In addition, in the spray head, the liquid is prohibited from moving from the second box to the first box by the outer wall of the second box. Therefore, the liquid is prevented from moving to the first box to cause a malfunction of the conversion circuit. Furthermore, the liquid is prevented from moving from the first box to the computer device through the USB cable to cause a malfunction of the computer device.

[0015] In an atomizer system of one embodiment, the number of turns of the second coil is greater than the number of turns of the first coil, the second resonant circuit increases the amplitude of the AC voltage with the sinusoidal waveform generated by the first resonant circuit according to the ratio of the number of turns of the first coil to the number of turns of the second coil, and the atomization part is driven by the AC voltage with the sinusoidal waveform after the amplitude is increased by the second resonant circuit.

[0016] In the atomizer system of this embodiment, the second resonant circuit increases the amplitude of the AC voltage with the sinusoidal waveform generated by the first resonant circuit according to the ratio of the number of turns of the first coil to the number of turns of the second coil. The atomizing unit is driven by the AC voltage with the sinusoidal waveform whose amplitude is increased by the second resonant circuit, so that the liquid is atomized and ejected. Therefore, the ratio of the number of turns of the first coil to the number of turns of the second coil is pre-set in such a way that the amplitude of the AC voltage with the sinusoidal waveform after the amplitude is increased (boosted) by the second resonant circuit is suitable for the atomizing unit, thereby enabling the liquid to be efficiently atomized and ejected.

[0017] In an atomizer system of one embodiment, the atomization section includes: a horn-shaped vibrator having a vibration surface, which is operated using an AC voltage having a sinusoidal waveform; and a mesh component, which has a mesh portion arranged opposite to the vibration surface, and when in operation, causes a liquid supplied between the vibration surface and the mesh portion to pass through the mesh portion and be atomized.

[0018] In the atomizer system of this embodiment, the atomizer part causes the liquid supplied between the vibrating surface and the mesh part to be atomized through the mesh part when in operation. Such a mesh-type atomizer part is configured to be relatively small and can be driven with less electricity. Therefore, it is suitable for miniaturizing the spray head and compactly configuring the atomizer system.

[0019] In an atomizer system of one embodiment, when the minimum period in which the levels of the D+ signal and the D- signal constituting the control signal can change according to the transmission speed specified by the USB standard is set to a 1-bit period, and m is set to a natural number, the control signal is a signal in which the D+ signal becomes a high level during the m-bit period, and then the D- signal becomes a high level during the m-bit period, and the signal is repeated in units of 2m-bit periods.

[0020] The transfer speeds specified in the USB standard include 1.5 Mbps (USB 1.0 standard), 12 Mbps (USB 1.1 standard), and 480 Mbps (USB 2.0 standard).

[0021] As described above, the conversion circuit causes the DC voltage to intermittently or alternately reverse polarity according to the control signal and apply it to the first resonant circuit (including the first coil and the first capacitor), generating an AC voltage having a sinusoidal waveform. Here, in the atomizer system of this one embodiment, with respect to the control signal, the D+ signal becomes a high level during the m-bit period, and then the D- signal becomes a high level during the m-bit period, and is repeated in units of 2m-bit periods. Therefore, the conversion circuit causes the period of the AC voltage having the sinusoidal waveform generated by the first resonant circuit to be the 2m-bit period. Therefore, the computer device can set the period of the AC voltage having the sinusoidal waveform (in other words, the frequency as its reciprocal) by setting the 2m-bit period.

[0022] In the atomizer system of one embodiment, the computer device changes the period of the AC voltage by changing the value of m of the control signal.

[0023] In the atomizer system of this embodiment, the computer device can easily change the period (in other words, the frequency which is the reciprocal of the period) of the AC voltage having the sinusoidal waveform by changing the value of m.

[0024] As can be seen from the above, the atomizer system of the present invention can be compactly constructed with a small number of components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an atomizer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a control system of a smartphone constituting the atomizer system. Figure 3 The figure shows the atomizer head constituting the atomizer system in a disassembled state as viewed from an oblique direction. Figure 4 The figure schematically shows the internal structure of the assembled spray head when viewed from the side. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the entire electrical circuit included in the spray head. Figure 6 Yes means Figure 5 A diagram of a modified example of an electrical circuit. Figure 7 (A) Figure 7 (B) and Figure 7 (C) is a diagram showing a control flow of a control unit included in the smartphone. Figure 8The diagram shows the relationship between the control signal having a square waveform outputted from the smartphone to the spray head and the AC voltage having a sinusoidal waveform generated in the spray head using the control signal. Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of the AC voltage having a sinusoidal waveform after the frequency is changed. Fig.10 The diagram shows how a user uses the atomizer system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] (Schematic structure of atomizer system) Figure 1 The schematic structure of an atomizer system 800 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The atomizer system 800 is an atomizer system that atomizes and sprays liquid, and includes a smartphone 400 as a computer device, and a spray head 1 directly connected to the smartphone 400 via a USB cable 200. In this example, the USB cable 200 has male USB connectors 208 and 209 at both ends. The USB connector 208 is detachably connected to a female USB connector 491 provided on the smartphone 400, and the USB connector 209 is detachably connected to a female USB connector 19 provided on the spray head 1.

[0028] (Smartphone structure) The smartphone 400 is a general commercially available smartphone in which an application software (computer program) for an atomizer is installed, thereby causing the atomizer head 1 to perform a spraying operation described later.

[0029] Specifically, if Figure 2 As shown, the smartphone 400 includes a main body 400M, and a control unit 410 , a memory 411 , a display 420 , an operation unit 430 , a network communication unit 480 , a USB interface 490 , and a power supply unit 499 mounted on the main body 400M.

[0030] The control unit 410 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and its auxiliary circuits, controls each part of the smartphone 400 , and executes the processing described below according to the program and data stored in the memory 411 .

[0031] The memory 411 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a work area required for the control unit 410 to execute programs, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing basic programs executed by the control unit 410. In addition, as a storage medium of an auxiliary storage device used to assist the storage area of ​​the memory 411, a semiconductor memory (memory card, etc.) may be used.

[0032] In this example, the display 420 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and is controlled by the control unit 410 to display a predetermined image on the display screen.

[0033] In this example, the operation unit 430 includes a touch panel (not shown) superimposed on the display screen of the display 420, and inputs an operation signal representing a user's operation to the control unit 410. In this example, the display 420 and the touch panel constitute a known touch panel.

[0034] The network communication unit 480 transmits information from the control unit 410 to other devices (for example, a server not shown) via the network 900 . In addition, the network communication unit 480 receives information from other devices via the network 900 and transmits the information to the control unit 410 .

[0035] The USB interface 490 is connected to the end wall 400Me (see Figure 1 ) female type USB connector 491 and USB cable 200 having USB connector 208 connected to the USB connector 491, output the information from the control unit 410 as a signal complying with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard to the outside, in this example, outputting it to the spray head 1. In this example, the signal complying with the USB standard includes a DC voltage (DC5V) outputted through the Vbus line (voltage bus) 201 and the GND line (ground line) 204 of the USB cable 200, and a control signal (D+ signal and D- signal) having a square waveform outputted through the D+ line (data positive line) 202 and the D- line (data negative line) 203 of the USB cable 200. The D+ signal and the D- signal are differential signals. The Vbus line 201 is DC5V and can supply a maximum current of 500mA.

[0036] In this example, the power supply unit 499 includes a rechargeable secondary battery (eg, a lithium ion battery) and supplies power to each unit mounted in the main body 400M including the control unit 410 , the memory 411 , the display 420 , the operation unit 430 , the network communication unit 480 , and the USB interface 490 .

[0037] (Structure of the spray head) Figure 3 The spray head 1 is shown in an exploded state when viewed from an oblique direction. The spray head 1 generally includes a main body 11 and a spray unit 12 attached to the main body 11 .

[0038] In this example, the main body housing 11M as the first housing constituting the main body 11 is in an oblong shape (in Figure 3 The main body 11M has a planar shape with a long axis 11A extending from the left front to the right rear, and has a columnar shape extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis 11C (in this example, the vertical direction). As an element for detachably installing the main body 11 and the spray unit 12, a recess 11K1 having a roughly short cylindrical shape is provided in the central part of the upper wall 11Mt of the main body box 11M (through which the longitudinal axis 11C passes). In this example, the recess 11K1 has azimuth grooves 11K1e, 11K1e, 11K1e extending radially outward at a position corresponding to a specific orientation around the longitudinal axis 11C (in this example, three orientations spaced 120° apart).

[0039] The spray unit 12 includes a base housing 30M having the same oblong planar shape as the main housing 11M, and a cover member 31 covering the base housing 30M. The cover member 31 is fitted and installed in the base housing 30M in a manner that it can be attached and detached relative to the base housing 30M along the direction of the longitudinal axis 11C (from above in this example). The base housing 30M and the cover member 31 constitute an installation housing 30 as a second housing.

[0040] In this example, the base housing 30M has an upper receiving portion 30Ma protruding upward in a cylindrical shape at a position eccentric to the left front side from the longitudinal axis 11C. The upper receiving portion 30Ma receives a horn-shaped vibrator 40 as a vibrating portion suitable for atomizing the liquid (medicine solution, etc.) to be sprayed. In this example, the mesh member 20 is carried on the top surface 30Mt of the upper receiving portion 30Ma in a state opposite to the horn-shaped vibrator 40. In this example, the mesh member 20 includes a sheet 21 and a flange portion 22 supporting the periphery of the sheet 21, and the sheet 21 includes a mesh portion suitable for atomizing the liquid. "Mesh portion" refers to an element having a plurality of fine through holes in a sheet (or plate) for atomizing the liquid through these through holes. In this example, the mesh member 20 is discarded after being used once. In this example, the horn-shaped vibrator 40 and the mesh member 20 constitute the atomizing portion 39.

[0041] As an element for detachably mounting the main body 11 and the spray unit 12, a convex portion 30K1 having a substantially short cylindrical shape is provided at the central portion of the bottom wall 30Mb of the spray unit 12 (through which the longitudinal axis 11C passes). In this example, the convex portion 30K1 has a shape corresponding to the concave portion 11K1 of the main body housing 11M. That is, the convex portion 30K1 is substantially cylindrical, and has an expanded diameter portion (not shown) protruding radially outward at a position corresponding to a specific orientation (three orientations at intervals of 120° in this example) around the longitudinal axis 11C. Therefore, if the spray unit 12 (base housing 30M) is brought close to the main body 11 (main body housing 11M) along the direction of the longitudinal axis 11C (from above in this example), the convex portion 30K1 is fitted into the concave portion 11K1, and the main body 11 and the spray unit 12 are simply assembled into one. Once the main body 11 and the spray unit 12 are assembled, the assembled state is maintained by the friction between the concave portion 11K1 and the convex portion 30K1. In addition, if the user applies a force exceeding the friction to separate the spray unit 12 from the main body 11 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 11C, the spray unit 12 can be easily removed from the main body 11.

[0042] The cover member 31 is an oblong planar shape similar to that of the base housing 30M, and has a cylindrical outer shape extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis 11C. A circular opening 31o is provided in a portion of the top wall 31t of the cover member 31 that is eccentric to the left front side from the longitudinal axis 11C. When the cover member 31 is mounted on the base housing 30M, the edge of the opening 31o presses the flange portion 22 of the mesh member 20 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 11C (from above in this example). Thus, the sheet 21 including the mesh portion is positioned relative to the horn-shaped vibrator 40. In addition, for example Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 8 , a port 80 as a pipe member is attached to the opening 31 o in a detachable manner from the outside of the cover member 31 .

[0043] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cover member 31 includes a cover portion 31a that can be opened and closed by a hinge at a portion of the top wall 31t corresponding to the right rear side of the opening 31o, and a liquid reservoir 17 as a liquid supply portion provided just below the cover portion 31a. The user can temporarily open the cover portion 31a and add the liquid to the liquid reservoir 17 while the cover member 31 is mounted on the base housing 30M.

[0044] Figure 4 The internal structure of the integrally assembled spray head 1 is schematically shown as viewed from the side. The main body 11 of the spray head 1 has a main body casing 11M on which a power supply coil unit 61 and a circuit board 60 connected to the power supply coil unit 61 via wirings 63a and 63b are mounted and accommodated.

[0045] The power supply coil unit 61 includes a pole piece 64 formed of a substantially cylindrical magnetic body, and a power supply coil L1 as a first coil arranged around the pole piece 64 in a manner of winding the pole piece 64. In this example, the power supply coil unit 61 is arranged along the upper wall 11Mt of the main body case 11M on the side opposite to the spray unit 12. Thus, the power supply coil L1 is arranged along the inner side of the upper wall 11Mt constituting the main body case 11M in an area surrounding the recess 11K1 centered on the longitudinal axis 11C. Figure 5 The first capacitor C1 shown in FIG. 5 is connected in parallel with the power supply coil L1. The power supply coil L1 and the first capacitor C1 constitute a first resonant circuit 51. In this example, the first capacitor C1 is mounted on the power supply coil unit 61, but may be mounted on the circuit board 60.

[0046] In this example, Figure 4 The circuit board 60 shown in the figure is equipped with a female USB connector 19 and a conversion circuit 50 described later, and is arranged along the inner side of the bottom wall 11Mb constituting the main body housing 11M. The USB connector 19 passes through the side wall 11Ms of the main body housing 11M and is open to the outside. The male USB connector 209 of the USB cable 200 can be connected along the Figure 4 Insert and connect to the USB connector 19 in the direction indicated by the arrow X in FIG.

[0047] The spray unit 12 is mounted on the mounting housing 30 (particularly the base housing 30M) and accommodates the horn 40 and the power receiving coil unit 71 connected to the horn 40 via the wirings 73a and 73b.

[0048] The horn-shaped vibrator 40 is composed of a vibration surface 43 disposed horizontally facing upward, an ultrasonic vibrator 41 disposed at a position separated downward from the vibration surface 43, and a horn 42, which is disposed between the ultrasonic vibrator 41 and the vibration surface 43 and amplifies the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 41 and transmits it to the vibration surface 43. In a state where the cover member 31 is attached to the base housing 30M, a gap 43g exists between the sheet 21 including the mesh portion and the vibration surface 43 of the horn-shaped vibrator 40. As described later, the liquid added to the liquid storage portion 17 is supplied to the gap 43g.

[0049] The power receiving coil unit 71 includes a pole piece 74 made of a substantially cylindrical magnetic body, and a power receiving coil L2 as a second coil arranged around the pole piece 74 in a manner of winding around the pole piece 74. In this example, the power receiving coil unit 71 is arranged along the inner side of the bottom wall 30Mb of the base housing 30M on the side opposite to the main body 11. In this assembled state, the power receiving coil L2 is electromagnetically coupled to the power supply coil L1. Figure 5The second capacitor C2 shown in FIG. 5 is connected in parallel with the power receiving coil L2. The power receiving coil L2 and the second capacitor C2 constitute a second resonance circuit 52. In this example, the second capacitor C2 is mounted on the power receiving coil unit 71, but may be mounted on the horn 40.

[0050] Thus, in the state where the main body 11 and the spray unit 12 are assembled, the power supply coil L1 and the power receiving coil L2 are arranged in corresponding areas across the upper wall 11Mt constituting the main body case 11M and the bottom wall 30Mb constituting the mounting case 30. Therefore, in this example, when operating, the power for driving the horn 40 is efficiently transmitted from the power supply coil L1 of the first resonance circuit 51 to the power receiving coil L2 of the second resonance circuit 52, in other words, from the main body 11 to the spray unit 12 by wireless power transmission using magnetic coupling.

[0051] In this way, since the power for driving the horn 40 is transmitted from the main body 11 to the spray unit 12 by wireless power transmission, the main body 11 (main body case 11M) and the spray unit 12 (mounting case 30) can be configured to be detachably separated as in this example. In the state where the main body 11 and the spray unit 12 are separated, for example, the base case 30M and the cover member 31 of the spray unit 12 can be washed with water independently of the main body 11.

[0052] In addition, when the main body 11 and the spray unit 12 are assembled as one, there is substantially no disadvantage of an increase in the number of components and an increase in volume. In addition, in the spray head 1, the liquid is prohibited from moving from the spray unit 12 (mounting box 30) to the main body 11 (main body box 11M) by the outer wall of the spray unit 12 (particularly the bottom wall 30Mb of the base box 30M). Therefore, the liquid is prevented from moving to the main body 11 and causing a malfunction of the circuit substrate 60 (for example, the conversion circuit 50 described later). Furthermore, the liquid is prevented from moving from the main body 11 to the smartphone 400 through the USB cable 200 and causing a malfunction of the smartphone 400.

[0053] Figure 5 The electrical circuit of the spray head 1 is shown as a whole. The electrical circuit of the spray head 1 is generally composed of the USB connector 19, the conversion circuit 50, the first resonance circuit 51, the second resonance circuit 52, and the horn-shaped vibrator 40 constituting the atomizing section 39. The electrical circuit of the spray head 1 does not include Figure 5 (or the following Figure 6 ) other than the elements shown in the figure, such as a processor, display, operating unit, and battery.

[0054] The USB connector 19 includes a Vbus line 201, a D+ line 202, a D- line 203, and a GND line 204 corresponding to the USB cable 200 (for simplicity, the reference numerals of these lines are the same as those of the lines in the USB cable 200).

[0055] The conversion circuit 50 is composed of a P-channel field effect (PMOS) transistor M1 inserted between the Vbus line 201 and one end 51a of the first resonant circuit 51, and a resistor R1 (=470 kΩ) for limiting current inserted between the D- line 203 and the GND line 204. The gate of the PMOS transistor M1 is connected to the D+ line 202, and a D+ signal is applied when it is in operation. The first resonant circuit 51 is composed of a power supply coil L1 (=74μH) and a first capacitor C1 (=0.01μF) connected in parallel thereto. When in operation, the PMOS transistor M1 is intermittently turned on according to the D+ signal, and a DC voltage (Vbus=5V) is intermittently applied between one end 51a and the other end 51b of the first resonant circuit 51. As a result, the first resonant circuit 51 generates an AC voltage V1 having a sinusoidal waveform between one end 51a and the other end 51b of the first resonant circuit 51.

[0056] The second resonant circuit 52 is composed of a receiving coil L2 (=300μH) and a second capacitor C2 (=2700pF) connected in parallel therewith. The receiving coil L2 and the second capacitor C2 constitute the second resonant circuit 52. The receiving coil L2 is electromagnetically coupled to the power supply coil L1. In this example, the coupling coefficient between the power supply coil L1 and the receiving coil L2 is k=0.8. In addition, the number of turns of the receiving coil L2 is greater than the number of turns of the power supply coil L1. In this example, the ratio of the number of turns of the power supply coil L1 to the number of turns of the receiving coil L2 is set to about 1:3. Thus, when operating, the second resonant circuit 52 increases the amplitude of the sinusoidal AC voltage V1 generated by the first resonant circuit 51 according to the ratio of the number of turns of the power supply coil L1 to the number of turns of the power receiving coil L2. Therefore, the second resonant circuit 52 generates a sinusoidal AC voltage V2 (≈3×V1) between one end 52a and the other end 52b of the second resonant circuit 52. Here, the ratio of the number of turns of the power supply coil L1 to the number of turns of the power receiving coil L2 is preset so that the amplitude of the AC voltage V2 having the sinusoidal waveform after the amplitude is increased (boosted) by the second resonance circuit 52 is suitable for the horn-shaped vibrator 40 constituting the atomization section 39. In this example, the amplitude of the AC voltage V2 to be applied to the horn-shaped vibrator 40 is predetermined to be in the range of from a dozen volts to several tens of volts.

[0057] In this example, the horn-shaped vibrator 40 constituting the atomizing section 39 is represented by an equivalent circuit, which includes a resistance component RS1 (=22Ω), an inductive reactance component XL1 (=36mH) and a capacitor component XC1 (=22pF) connected in series, and further includes a capacitor component C3 (=700pF) and a resistance component R2 (=100Ω) connected in parallel with the entirety of these series-connected components. When operating, an AC voltage V2 generated between one end 52a and the other end 52b of the second resonant circuit 52 is applied to the horn-shaped vibrator 40 represented by the equivalent circuit. As a result, the ultrasonic vibrator 41 of the horn-shaped vibrator 40 is driven, Figure 4 The vibration surface 43 shown in FIG. vibrates. Then, the liquid supplied to the gap 43g between the sheet material 21 including the mesh portion and the vibration surface 43 of the horn-shaped vibrator 40 is atomized through the sheet material 21 including the mesh portion. In this example, since the horn-shaped vibrator 40 (the ultrasonic vibrator 41) is driven by the AC voltage V2 having a sinusoidal waveform after the boost, the liquid can be atomized and ejected efficiently.

[0058] (Method of setting the frequency of the AC voltage having a sinusoidal waveform) Figure 8 The figure shows the relationship between the control signals (D+ signal and D- signal) having a square waveform outputted by the smartphone 400 to the spray head 1 and the AC voltage V1 having a sinusoidal waveform generated in the spray head 1 using these control signals (D+ signal and D- signal). Figure 8 In the example, the vertical axis represents voltage and the horizontal axis represents time. In the vertical axis, the amplitude of the control signal and the amplitude of the AC voltage V1 are normalized to 1. In the horizontal axis, the minimum period during which the level can change according to the transmission speed specified in the USB standard is represented as 1-bit period tu. In this example, when m is a natural number, the control signal is a D+ signal (in Figure 8 The solid line in the figure shows that the D- signal (indicated by the solid line in the figure) becomes high level (+1) during the m bit period, and then the D- signal (indicated by the solid line in the figure) becomes high level (+1) during the m bit period. Figure 8 The signal is a high level (+1) during the m-bit period and is repeated every 2m-bit period. Figure 8 In the figure, m=5 is shown, but it is not limited to this. Since the D+ signal and the D- signal are differential signals, they are reversed in positive and negative. If such a control signal (D+ signal and D- signal) is applied to Figure 5 The conversion circuit 50 shown in FIG. 1 generates a first resonant circuit 51 between one end 51a and the other end 51b. Figure 8The AC voltage V1 having a sinusoidal waveform is represented by a double-dotted line. That is, the AC voltage V1 is a positive half-wave during the m-bit period when the D+ signal is at a high level (+1), and is a negative half-wave during the m-bit period when the D- signal is at a high level (+1), forming a sinusoidal waveform that repeats with a 2m-bit period (i.e., a period of 2m×tu) as a period T. Therefore, the control unit 410 of the smartphone 400 can set the period T (in other words, the frequency f which is the reciprocal thereof) of the AC voltage V1 having a sinusoidal waveform by setting the 2m-bit period. In addition, the control unit 410 of the smartphone 400 can change the period T of the AC voltage V1 having a sinusoidal waveform by changing the value of m. For example Fig. 9 As shown in the example, if the control unit 410 of the smartphone 400 reduces the value of m by 1 to m', the period T of the AC voltage V1 having a sinusoidal waveform can be shortened to 2m' bit periods (in Fig. 9 In this way, by reducing the value of m, the frequency f of the AC voltage V1 having a sine waveform can be increased. Conversely, by increasing the value of m, the frequency f of the AC voltage V1 having a sine waveform can be reduced.

[0059] Here, as the transmission speed specified by the USB standard, there are 1.5Mbps (USB1.0 standard), 12Mbps (USB1.1 standard), and 480Mbps (USB2.0 standard). If the transmission speed is high, the 1-bit period tu can be shortened, so the change amount of the frequency f associated with each change of the value of m by 1 can be reduced. Therefore, if it is a frequency (for example, about 180kHz) used for the horn-shaped vibrator 40 (ultrasonic vibrator 41), it is also practically possible to perform a substantially continuous change (sweep) of the frequency.

[0060] (Action of the atomizer system) In advance Figure 4 The spray head 1 is assembled as shown, and the liquid to be sprayed (typically a liquid medicine) is added to the liquid storage portion 17 of the spray unit 12. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , a nozzle 80 is installed at the opening 31o of the spray unit 12. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 8 , a user 99 who wants to use the nebulizer head 1 connects the nebulizer head 1 and a smartphone 400 on which a nebulizer application software is pre-installed via a USB cable 200. Thus, a nebulizer system 800 is constructed.

[0061] The user 99 operates the operation unit 430 (in this example, an icon displayed on the display 420) of the smartphone 400 to start the nebulizer application software. Then, the user instructs the nebulizer head 1 to start operating in the application software.

[0062] So, if Figure 7 As shown in step S1 of (A), the control unit 410 of the smartphone 400 first performs a primary search process. In the primary search process, Figure 7 As shown in (B), the control unit 410 monitors the current flowing between the Vbus line 201 and the GND line 204 through the USB interface 490, and changes the frequency of the control signal (D+ signal and D- signal) output through the D+ line 202 and the D- line 203 to search for the resonance frequency (step S11). Then, the control unit 410 determines the frequency f at which the most current flows between the Vbus line 201 and the GND line 204 as the resonance frequency fr (step S12).

[0063] Then, if Figure 7 As shown in step S2 of (A), the control unit 410 supplies a signal that complies with the USB standard through the USB interface 490, so that the spray head 1 starts the spraying action at the resonance frequency fr (or near the resonance frequency fr for stable control). Specifically, the control unit 410 supplies DC5V through the Vbus line 201 and the GND line 204 of the USB cable 200 through the USB interface 490, and supplies a control signal (D+ signal and D- signal) having a square waveform to the spray head 1 through the D+ line 202 and the D- line 203 of the USB cable 200. Here, the control signal is the D+ signal (at Figure 8 The solid line in the figure shows that the D- signal (indicated by the solid line in the figure) becomes high level (+1) during the m bit period, and then the D- signal (indicated by the solid line in the figure) becomes high level (+1) during the m bit period. Figure 8 The control unit 410 sets the 2m-bit period so that the first resonant circuit 51 in the spray head 1 generates an AC voltage V1 having a sinusoidal waveform at the resonant frequency fr (or near the resonant frequency fr). Specifically, the value of m is set so that 2m×tu≈1 / fr. In this way, the control unit 410 supplies a signal conforming to the USB standard with the value of m set to the spray head 1 through the USB interface 490.

[0064] Thus, in the spray head 1, Figure 5 The conversion circuit 50 shown in FIG. 1 intermittently applies DC 5V to the first resonance circuit 51 (including the power supply coil L1 and the first capacitor C1) according to the control signal (D+ signal and D- signal), and generates an AC voltage V1 having a sine waveform at the resonance frequency fr (or near the resonance frequency fr). The AC voltage V1 having a sine waveform generated by the first resonance circuit 51 is stepped up by the second resonance circuit 52 (including the power receiving coil L2 and the second capacitor C2) to become an AC voltage V2 having a sine waveform. Figure 4The trumpet-shaped vibrator 40 of the atomizing section 39 shown in FIG. 1 is driven by the AC voltage V2 having a sinusoidal waveform and the vibrating surface 43 vibrates. As a result, the liquid supplied to the gap 43g between the sheet material 21 including the mesh portion and the vibrating surface 43 of the trumpet-shaped vibrator 40 is atomized through the sheet material 21 including the mesh portion. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. , it is ejected through the orifice 80 as an aerosol 90 .

[0065] If the spraying operation is continued, the current resonance frequency fr of the horn 40 may deviate from the initial resonance frequency (set to fr0) due to various reasons such as temperature change. Therefore, the control unit 410 of the smartphone 400 executes Figure 7 The frequency feedback process shown in (C) is performed. As shown in step S21, in the frequency feedback process, the control unit 410 monitors the current flowing between the Vbus line 201 and the GND line 204 through the USB interface 490, thereby determining whether the frequency f of the AC voltage V1 with a sine waveform generated by the first resonant circuit 51 in the spray head 1 deviates from the initial resonant frequency fr0. Then, in the case of a frequency deviation ("Yes" in step S21), the control unit 410 corrects the frequency f based on the current flowing between the Vbus line 201 and the GND line 204 so that the frequency f of the AC voltage V1 with a sine waveform generated by the first resonant circuit 51 in the spray head 1 is consistent with the current resonant frequency fr of the horn-shaped vibrator 40 (step S22). The frequency feedback process is repeatedly performed at any time during the spraying action. That is, the control unit 410 determines whether the frequency f of the AC voltage V1 with a sine waveform generated by the first resonant circuit 51 in the spray head 1 deviates from the immediately previous resonant frequency fr0. Then, when a frequency deviation occurs ("Yes" in step S21), the control unit 410 corrects the frequency f so that the frequency f of the sinusoidal AC voltage V1 generated by the first resonance circuit 51 in the spray head 1 is consistent with the current resonance frequency fr of the horn 40 (step S22).

[0066] In this example, as long as there is no instruction to end the operation of the spray head 1 (in Figure 7 If the user 99 operates the operation unit 430 of the smartphone 400 (in this example, the icon displayed on the display 420), the spraying action is continued. Figure 7 If "Yes" is determined in step S3 of (A), the control unit 410 stops supplying the USB standard-compliant signal to the nebulizer head 1. As a result, the nebulizer head 1 ends the nebulization operation.

[0067] In addition, it can also be set so that a timer can be set on the atomizer application software of the smartphone 400, and the spray action is automatically terminated when a predetermined spray action time is completed.

[0068] Thus, according to the atomizer system 800, the user 99 can use the atomizer head 1 to perform a spraying action. The atomizer system 800 does not have a controller (including a processor) between the smartphone 400 and the atomizer head 1, and the atomizer head 1 does not include a processor. Therefore, the atomizer system 800 can be compactly configured with a small number of components.

[0069] In addition, in the nebulizer head 1, since the atomizing portion 39 is a mesh type, it is configured to be relatively small and can be driven with less electric power. Therefore, it is suitable for miniaturizing the nebulizer head 1 and configuring the nebulizer system 800 compactly.

[0070] (Variation Example) In the above example, Figure 5 In the electrical circuit shown in the figure, when in operation, the PMOS transistor M1 constituting the conversion circuit 50 is intermittently turned on according to the D+ signal, and a DC voltage (Vbus=5V) is intermittently applied between one end 51a and the other end 51b of the first resonance circuit 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may also be as follows. Figure 6 As in the electrical circuit shown in FIG. 1 , when operating, a DC voltage (Vbus=5V) is applied between one end 51a and the other end 51b of the first resonant circuit 51 with its polarity alternately reversed.

[0071] exist Figure 6 In the example, an H-bridge type conversion circuit 50A is provided instead of the conversion circuit 50. In the conversion circuit 50A, a PMOS transistor M4 and an N-channel field effect (NMOS) transistor M2 are connected in series between the Vbus line 201 and the GND line 204, and a PMOS transistor M5 and an NMOS transistor M3 are connected in series. The connection point 58 between the PMOS transistor M4 and the NMOS transistor M2 is connected to one end 51a of the first resonant circuit 51 through a resistor R3 (=12Ω) for limiting current. The connection point 59 between the PMOS transistor M5 and the NMOS transistor M3 is connected to the other end 51b of the first resonant circuit 51 through a resistor R4 (=12Ω) for limiting current. The gate of the PMOS transistor M4 and the gate of the NMOS transistor M2 are respectively connected to the D+ line 202, and a D+ signal is applied when operating. Furthermore, a D- line 203 is connected to the gate of the PMOS transistor M5 and the gate of the NMOS transistor M3 , respectively, and a D- signal is applied thereto during operation.

[0072] According to this structure, when performing an action, Figure 6 The PMOS transistor M4 and the NMOS transistor M3 at the diagonal positions (upper left and lower right) in the figure are repeatedly turned on and off in the same phase according to the D+ signal and the D- signal respectively. Figure 6 The NMOS transistor M2 and the PMOS transistor M5 at the other diagonal position (lower left and upper right) in the figure are repeatedly turned on and off in the same phase according to the D+ signal and the D- signal, respectively. As a result, the DC voltage (Vbus = 5V) is alternately reversed in polarity and applied between one end 51a and the other end 51b of the first resonant circuit 51. As a result, the first resonant circuit 51 generates an AC voltage V1A having a sinusoidal waveform between one end 51a and the other end 51b of the first resonant circuit 51. The amplitude of the AC voltage V1A is Figure 5 The amplitude of the AC voltage V1 shown in FIG. 1 is approximately twice that of the AC voltage V2A having a sinusoidal waveform generated by the second resonant circuit 52. Figure 5 Therefore, when the horn vibrator 40 constituting the atomizing unit 39 is of a type (specification) to be driven at a relatively high voltage, it can be well adapted.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the method for transmitting the electric power for driving the horn-shaped vibrator 40 from the main body 11 to the spray unit 12 in the spray head 1 is set as a wireless power transmission method. However, this is not limited to this. The method for transmitting the electric power for driving the horn-shaped vibrator 40 from the main body 11 to the spray unit 12 may also be a wired power transmission method. In the case of the wired power transmission method, for example, the main body case 11M of the main body 11 and the base case 30M of the spray unit 12 may be configured as an integrated case in the spray head 1, and Figure 5 The conversion circuit 50 shown in FIG. 1 generates an AC voltage V1 having a sinusoidal waveform or Figure 6 The AC voltage V1A having a sinusoidal waveform generated by the conversion circuit 50A shown in FIG. 1 is applied to the horn 40 through wiring. In this case, the housing of the spray head 1 can be simplified, and further, the structure of the electric circuit of the spray head 1 can be simplified. Therefore, the spray head 1 can be compactly configured with a small number of parts.

[0074] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the electrical circuit of the spray head 1 is set to include no Figure 5 or Figure 6. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the circuit board 60 of the spray head 1 may also be equipped with an IC (integrated circuit) having a function of sending a message to the smartphone 400 that the USB communication between the smartphone 400 and the spray head 1 is established. In addition, the side 11Ms (especially the side 11Ms) of the main body housing 11M of the spray head 1 may be provided. Fig.10 The display (the portion viewed from the user 99 shown in FIG. 1 ) includes a display such as an LED (light emitting diode) that displays the state of signal supply from the smartphone 400 to the spray head 1. For example, the display is preferably lit during a period when a signal (especially a control signal) compliant with the USB standard is supplied from the smartphone 400 to the spray head 1 to indicate that the signal is being supplied, and is preferably extinguished during other periods to indicate that the signal supply is stopped.

[0075] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the main body 11 (circuit board 60) is equipped with a female USB connector 19, and the male USB connector 209 of the USB cable 200 is connected to the USB connector 19. However, this is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure that one end of the USB cable 200 is directly connected to the circuit board 60 (conversion circuit 50 or 50A) by welding or the like instead of the USB connectors 19 and 209, and the USB cable 200 is directly extended from the main body 11 (main body case 11M) (USB cable direct extension structure).

[0076] In the above embodiment, the spray head 1 (main body 11 and spray unit 12) has an oval planar shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The spray head 1 may have an ellipse, a circle, a rounded quadrilateral (a quadrilateral with rounded corners), or the like.

[0077] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the atomizer system 800 includes the smartphone 400 as a computer device that can supply signals conforming to the USB standard via a USB cable, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. may be included instead of the smartphone 400.

[0078] The above embodiments are illustrative and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The above multiple embodiments can be established separately, but the embodiments can also be combined with each other. In addition, the various features in different embodiments can also be established separately, but the features in different embodiments can also be combined with each other. Description of Reference Numerals

[0079] 1 spray head 11. 400M main body 11M Main box 12 Spray units 20 Mesh components 21 Sheet 30 Installation box 30M Base Box 31 Cover member 40 Horn-shaped vibrator 50, 50A conversion circuit 51 First resonance circuit 52 Second resonance circuit 200USB cable 400 Smartphone 410 Control Department 800 Nebulizer System.

Claims

1. An atomizer system for atomizing and spraying a liquid, characterized in that: A computer device capable of supplying signals conforming to the USB standard via a USB cable, The computer device supplies a DC voltage through a Vbus line and a GND line of a USB cable, and supplies a control signal having a square waveform through a D+ line and a D- line of the USB cable, The atomizer system includes an atomizer head directly connected to the computer device via the USB cable. The sprayer head comprises: A first resonant circuit comprising a first coil and a first capacitor; a conversion circuit, which, according to the control signal, intermittently or alternately reverses the polarity of the DC voltage and applies it to the first resonant circuit to generate an AC voltage with a sinusoidal waveform; as well as The atomizing part is driven by the AC voltage having the sinusoidal waveform to atomize and spray the liquid.

2. The atomizer system according to claim 1, characterized in that The spray head further comprises a second resonant circuit, the second resonant circuit comprising a second coil electromagnetically coupled to the first coil, and a second capacitor, Power for driving the atomization unit is transmitted from the first resonant circuit to the second resonant circuit by wireless power transmission.

3. The atomizer system according to claim 2, characterized in that The spray head has: A first box body, carrying the first resonance circuit and the conversion circuit; and The second box is equipped with the second resonance circuit and the atomization unit. The first box body and the second box body are detachable from each other. The outer wall of the second housing prohibits the liquid from moving from the second housing to the first housing.

4. The atomizer system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The number of turns of the second coil is greater than the number of turns of the first coil, The second resonant circuit increases the amplitude of the sinusoidal AC voltage generated by the first resonant circuit according to a ratio between the number of turns of the first coil and the number of turns of the second coil. The atomizing unit is driven by the AC voltage having the sinusoidal waveform whose amplitude is increased by the second resonant circuit.

5. The atomizer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The atomization unit comprises: a horn-shaped vibrator having a vibrating surface, which operates using the AC voltage having the sinusoidal waveform; and a mesh member having a mesh portion disposed opposite to the vibration surface, During operation, the liquid supplied between the vibration surface and the mesh portion is atomized through the mesh portion.

6. The atomizer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that When the minimum period during which the levels of the D+ signal and the D- signal constituting the control signal can change according to the transmission speed specified in the USB standard is set to 1 bit period, and m is set to a natural number, The control signal is a signal in which the D+ signal becomes a high level during an m-bit period, and then the D- signal becomes a high level during an m-bit period, and the process is repeated in units of 2m-bit periods.

7. The atomizer system according to claim 6, characterized in that The computer device changes the period of the AC voltage by changing the value of m of the control signal.

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