Ultrasonic vibration generation device and hair treatment device

Abstract

Provided is an ultrasonic vibration generation device capable of arbitrarily adjusting the entire length. An ultrasonic vibration body (3) includes a vibrator connecting portion (4) to which a vibrator unit (2) is connected, a square pyramid horn (5) configured to convert at least some of vertical vibrations transmitted through the vibrator connecting portion (4) into horizontal vibrations with different directions and magnitudes, and a columnar vibration part (6) having a base connected to the square pyramid horn (5), provided to protrude from the square pyramid horn (5), and having a tip vibrating ultrasonically in a plane perpendicular to a progress direction of the vertical vibrations as the horizontal vibrations are transmitted.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic vibration generation device, and a hair treatment device.

[0002] Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-123845, filed July 28, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a focused sound field forming device using a vibrator unit. The vibrator unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a vibrator configured to generate vibrations as electric power is supplied, an exponential horn configured to amplify an amplitude of the vibrations, and a resonance rod that resonates with the vibrations generated by the vibrator. Such a vibration unit amplifies the amplitude of the vibrations generated by the vibrator using the exponential horn and transmits the vibrations to a vibration board via the resonance rod.Citation ListPatent Document

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2017-148697SUMMARY OF INVENTIONTechnical Problem

[0005] In the vibrator unit disclosed in Patent Document 1, the entire length is determined depending on the frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibrator so that large vibrations can be obtained at the tip of the resonance rod. That is, the vibrator unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 utilizes resonance with vertical vibrations generated by the vibrator (compressive waves that travel in a lengthwise direction of the vibration unit), and the entire length is set to a length that resonates with the vertical vibrations generated by the vibrator. For example, a length of each of the vibrator, the horn, and the resonance rod is half the wavelength of the vertical vibrations. For this reason, it is difficult to arbitrarily change the entire length of an ultrasonic vibration generation device such as the vibrator unit disclosed in Patent Document 1. For this reason, for example, it has been difficult to reduce the entire length of the ultrasonic vibration generation device and make it smaller.

[0006] In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is directed to providing an ultrasonic vibration generation device capable of arbitrarily adjusting the entire length.Solution to Problem

[0007] In order to achieve the aforementioned objects, the present invention employs the following configurations.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is an ultrasonic vibration generation device including: a vibrator unit configured to generate vertical vibrations; and a vibration body connected to the vibrator unit and vibrating ultrasonically, the vibration body including: a vibrator connecting portion to which the vibrator unit is connected; a horizontal vibration generating part configured to convert at least some of the vertical vibrations transmitted through the vibrator connecting portion into horizontal vibrations with different directions and magnitudes; and a columnar vibration part having a base connected to the horizontal vibration generating part, provided to protrude from the horizontal vibration generating part, and having a tip vibrating ultrasonically in a plane perpendicular to a progress direction of the vertical vibrations as the horizontal vibrations are transmitted.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the horizontal vibration generating part is a horn whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the progress direction of the vertical vibrations decreases as it moves away from the vibrator unit.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the horn has an inclined surface pair constituted by a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface facing in opposite directions, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface approach each other as they move away from the vibrator unit, and their inclination angles relative to the progress direction of the vertical vibration differ from each other.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the horn has a plurality of inclined surface pairs.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the horizontal vibration generating part converts some of the vertical vibrations transmitted from the vibrator unit into the horizontal vibrations, and the columnar vibration part vibrates in the progress direction of the vertical vibrations on the basis of the vertical vibrations transmitted through the horizontal vibration generating part.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, a distance from an end portion of the vibrator unit opposite to the vibration body to a tip of the columnar vibration part is equal to one wavelength of the vertical vibrations.

[0014] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the vibration body includes a tip connecting portion connected to the tip of the columnar vibration part.

[0015] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a hair treatment device comprising: the ultrasonic vibration generation device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects; and a hair cutting blade connected to the columnar vibration part. Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, an ultrasonic vibration generation device includes a vibration body connected to a vibrator unit. The vibration body has a horizontal vibration generating part configured to change vertical vibrations to horizontal vibrations. Further, a columnar vibration part horizontally vibrates as horizontal vibrations are transmitted. Such a vibration body can vibrate the columnar vibration part greatly without resonating with the vertical vibrations. For this reason, the entire length of the vibration body in the progress direction does not need to be set depending on the wavelength of the vertical vibrations generated by the vibrator unit, but can be set arbitrarily. Accordingly, the ultrasonic vibration generation device of the present invention has an improved degree of freedom in changing the entire length and can be made smaller.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] [FIG. 1] A perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 2] A three-sided view of an ultrasonic vibration body included in the ultrasonic vibration generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, (a) a view when seen in a y direction, (b) a view when seen in an x direction, and (c) a view when seen in a z direction. [FIG. 3] A perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 4] A three-sided view of an ultrasonic vibration body included in the ultrasonic vibration generation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, (a) a view when seen in a y direction, (b) a view when seen in an x direction, and (c) a view when seen in a z direction. [FIG. 5] A perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generation device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 6] A three-sided view of an ultrasonic vibration body included in the ultrasonic vibration generation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, (a) a view when seen in a y direction, (b) a view when seen in an x direction, and (c) a view when seen in a z direction. [FIG. 7] A perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generation device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 8] A perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generation device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 9] A perspective view of a hair treatment device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [FIG. 10] A view showing simulation analysis results for displacement by vibrations of an ultrasonic vibration body according to Example 1. [FIG. 11] (a) A view showing a hair treatment device according to Example 2 when seen in a y direction, (b) a perspective view of the hair treatment device according to Example 2, and (c) a view showing simulation analysis results for displacement by vibrations of the hair treatment device according to Example 2. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasonic vibration generation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.(First embodiment)

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of an embodiment. The ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment is a vibration device configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations when powered. As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment includes a vibrator unit 2, and an ultrasonic vibration body 3.

[0020] An installation posture of the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment is not particularly limited. However, in the following description, for convenience, as shown in FIG. 1, an array direction of the vibrator unit 2 and the ultrasonic vibration body 3 is referred to as a y direction, a first direction perpendicular to the y direction is referred to as an x direction, and a direction perpendicular to the y direction and the x direction is referred to as a z direction.

[0021] The vibrator unit 2 is a unit configured to generate vibrations (ultrasonic vibrations), and includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements 2a, and a holder 2b. The vibrator unit 2 is formed in a substantially columnar shape having a shaft core L as a whole. The vibrator unit 2 is disposed such that the shaft core L is parallel to the y direction.

[0022] The plurality of piezoelectric elements 2a are stacked and arranged in the y direction. When power is supplied, each of the piezoelectric elements 2a vibrates with the y direction as its amplitude direction. That is, when power is supplied, the piezoelectric elements 2a generate vertical vibrations that progress in the y direction (the direction along the shaft core L). Instead of the piezoelectric elements 2a, electromechanical vibrators such as magnetostrictive elements and electrostrictive elements can also be used. The holder 2b holds the plurality of piezoelectric elements 2a between them from both sides in the y direction.

[0023] As the vibrator unit 2, for example, a bolt-clamped Langevin type vibrator (BLT) that generates powerful ultrasonic vibrations can be suitably used. The vibrator unit 2 is driven by electric power supplied from a power supply circuit (power supply), which is not shown.

[0024] The ultrasonic vibration body 3 is connected to the vibrator unit 2 from the y direction. That is, as described above, the vibrator unit 2 and the ultrasonic vibration body 3 are arranged in the y direction. The ultrasonic vibration body 3 is an area that converts at least some of the vertical vibrations transmitted from the vibrator unit 2 into horizontal vibrations, resulting in ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibration body 3 is made of, for example, aluminum, aluminum alloy (for example, duralumin), titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, iron, etc., and is integrally formed with a plurality of areas (a vibrator connecting portion 4, a square pyramid horn 5, and a columnar vibration part 6) as described below. The ultrasonic vibration body 3 is fixed to the vibrator unit 2 by, for example, a set screw.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a three-sided view of the ultrasonic vibration body 3, (a) a view when seen in the y direction, (b) a view when seen in the x direction, and (c) a view when seen in the z direction. As shown in the drawings, in the embodiment, the ultrasonic vibration body 3 has the vibrator connecting portion 4, the square pyramid horn 5 (horizontal vibration generating part), and the columnar vibration part 6.

[0026] The vibrator connecting portion 4 is an area connected to the vibrator unit 2. The vibrator connecting portion 4 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a vibrator connecting surface 4a facing the vibrator unit 2. The vibrator connecting surface 4a is formed with a screw hole into which, for example, the above-mentioned set screw is screwed.

[0027] The vibrator connecting portion 4 has the square pyramid horn 5 on the opposite side of the vibrator connecting surface 4a. As described above, the vibrator connecting portion 4 and the square pyramid horn 5 are formed integrally with each other. For this reason, a boundary surface between the vibrator connecting portion 4 and the square pyramid horn 5 is not visible. However, for convenience of description, a surface of the vibrator connecting portion 4 facing the square pyramid horn 5 is referred to as a square pyramid horn installation surface 4b. The square pyramid horn installation surface 4b is a surface parallel to an x-z plane.

[0028] The square pyramid horn 5 is formed to protrude from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the vibrator connecting portion 4 in a direction opposite to the vibrator unit 2. In the embodiment, the square pyramid horn 5 and the columnar vibration part 6 are each provided for the vibrator connecting portion 4. For one vibrator connecting portion 4, the plurality of square pyramid horns 5 and the columnar vibration part 6 provided for each of the square pyramid horns 5 may be provided.

[0029] The square pyramid horn 5 converts some components of the vertical vibrations transmitted from the vibrator unit 2 into horizontal vibrations. More specifically, the square pyramid horn 5 converts some components of the vertical vibrations into horizontal vibrations with the z direction as its displacement direction (amplitude direction). The cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area in the x-z plane) of the square pyramid horn 5, which is perpendicular to the progress direction (y direction) of the vertical vibrations, decreases as it moves away from the vibrator unit 2. The square pyramid horn 5 amplifies amplitudes of the vertical vibrations and the horizontal vibrations.

[0030] The shape of the square pyramid horn 5 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the square pyramid horn 5 has four side surfaces and is formed so that its shape when viewed from the z direction and its shape when viewed from the x direction are both trapezoidal. In the four side surfaces, a surface facing the +z direction is referred to as a first surface 5a, a surface facing the -z direction opposite to the first surface 5a is referred to as a second surface 5b, a surface facing the +x direction is referred to as a third surface 5c, and a surface facing the -x direction is referred to as a fourth surface 5d.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the first surface 5a (first inclined surface) and the second surface 5b (second inclined surface) face in opposite directions and are inclined toward each other as they move away from the vibrator unit 2. The first surface 5a and the second surface 5b form an inclined surface pair constituted by two inclined surfaces facing in opposite directions. In the following description, the inclined surface pair constituted by the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b is referred to as a first inclined surface pair 10.

[0032] An inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a with respect to the y direction (progress direction of vertical vibrations) is greater than an inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b with respect to the y direction. That is, in the embodiment, the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b have different inclination angles with respect to the y direction. For this reason, a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the first surface 5a to the columnar vibration part 6 is greater than a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the second surface 5b to the columnar vibration part 6. The inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a with respect to the y direction (progress direction of vertical vibrations) may be smaller than the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b with respect to the y direction.

[0033] The first surface 5a and the second surface 5b reflect the vertical vibrations traveling inside the square pyramid horn 5. When the vertical vibrations are reflected by the first surface 5a or the second surface 5b, vibration elements (horizontal vibration elements) with the displacement direction in the z direction are generated. Here, since the inclination angles of the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b with respect to the progress direction of the vertical vibrations are different from each other, a difference in strength occurs between the horizontal vibration elements generated on the first surface 5a and the horizontal vibration elements generated on the second surface 5b, and as a result, the square pyramid horn 5 vibrates in the z direction. That is, at the square pyramid horn 5, horizontal vibrations in the z direction are generated. That is, the first inclined surface pair 10 constituted by the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b generates horizontal vibrations with the z direction as the amplitude direction.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2(c), the third surface 5c (first inclined surface) and the fourth surface 5d (second inclined surface) face in opposite directions and are inclined toward each other as they move away from the vibrator unit 2. The third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d form an inclined surface pair constituted by two inclined surfaces facing in opposite directions. In the following description, the inclined surface pair constituted by the third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d is referred to as a second inclined surface pair 20.

[0035] An inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface 5d with respect to the y direction (progress direction of vertical vibrations) is greater than an inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c with respect to the y direction. That is, in the embodiment, the third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d have different inclination angles with respect to the y direction. For this reason, a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the fourth surface 5d to the columnar vibration part 6 is greater than a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the third surface 5c to the columnar vibration part 6. The inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface 5d with respect to the y direction (progress direction of vertical vibrations) may be smaller than the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c with respect to the y direction.

[0036] The third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d reflect vertical vibrations traveling inside the square pyramid horn 5. When the vertical vibrations are reflected by the third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d, vibration elements (horizontal vibration elements) are generated with the x direction as the displacement direction. Here, since the inclination angles of the third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d with respect to the progress direction of the vertical vibrations are different from each other, a difference in strength occurs between the horizontal vibration elements generated on the third surface 5c and the horizontal vibration elements generated on the fourth surface 5d, and as a result, the square pyramid horn 5 vibrates in the x direction. That is, at the square pyramid horn 5, horizontal vibrations in the x direction are generated. That is, the second inclined surface pair 20 constituted by the third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d generates horizontal vibrations with the x direction as the amplitude direction.

[0037] In this way, in the embodiment, the square pyramid horn 5 includes two inclined surface pairs (the first inclined surface pair 10 and the second inclined surface pair 20) constituted by two inclined surfaces facing in opposite directions and constituted by different inclination angles. That is, the square pyramid horn 5 includes a plurality of inclined surface pairs. The square pyramid horn 5 converts some of the vertical vibrations transmitted from the vibrator unit 2 into horizontal vibrations with the z direction as the displacement direction (amplitude direction) and horizontal vibrations with the x direction as the displacement direction (amplitude direction). Such horizontal vibrations are transmitted to the columnar vibration part 6 connected to the square pyramid horn 5. Vertical vibration elements that have not been converted into horizontal vibrations are transmitted as vertical vibrations to the columnar vibration part 6.

[0038] In the embodiment, although the square pyramid horn 5 was used, in which a cross-sectional area in the x-z cross section changes at a constant ratio in the y direction, an exponential horn, in which the cross-sectional area in the x-z cross section changes exponentially in the y direction, may also be used.

[0039] The columnar vibration part 6 is connected to a tip (an end portion opposite to the vibrator connecting portion 4) of the square pyramid horn 5. The columnar vibration part 6 vibrates in a compound manner due to the horizontal and vertical vibrations transmitted from the square pyramid horn 5, with the x direction, the y direction, and the z direction being the displacement directions (amplitude directions). The columnar vibration part 6 is connected to, for example, a tool, and causes a tool to vibrate in a compound manner.

[0040] In the embodiment, the columnar vibration part 6 is formed so that its shape when viewed from the y direction is square. However, the columnar vibration part 6 may have a polygonal shape with a triangle or pentagons or more when viewed from the y direction. Further, the columnar vibration part 6 may have a circular shape when viewed from the y direction.

[0041] As described above, in the ultrasonic vibration body 3, the square pyramid horn 5 and the columnar vibration part 6 are integrated. The ultrasonic vibration body 3 is connected to the vibrator unit 2 and generates compound vibrations from the vertical vibrations with the x direction, the y direction, and the z direction as displacement directions as described above. The entire length (length dimension in the y direction) of the ultrasonic vibration body 3 does not need to be set depending on the wavelength of the vertical vibrations, but can be set arbitrarily. However, the entire length of the ultrasonic vibration body 3 may be half the wavelength of the vertical vibrations. The entire length of the ultrasonic vibration body 3 may be set so that the entire length of the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 is one wavelength of vertical vibrations.

[0042] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment, when the vibrator unit 2 is powered, the vibrator unit 2 generates vertical vibrations that progress in the y direction. The vertical vibrations generated in the vibrator unit 2 are transmitted to the ultrasonic vibration body 3. The vertical vibrations transmitted to the ultrasonic vibration body 3 travels to the square pyramid horn 5 via the vibrator connecting portion 4. Some of the vertical vibrations transmitted to the square pyramid horn 5 are reflected in the z direction by the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b of the square pyramid horn 5. Some of the vertical vibrations transmitted to the square pyramid horn 5 are reflected in the x direction by the third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d of the square pyramid horn 5. As a result, the square pyramid horn 5 vibrates in the x direction and the z direction in addition to the y direction. That is, the square pyramid horn 5 converts at least some of the vertical vibrations into horizontal vibrations, and the square pyramid horn 5 vibrates in a compound manner with the x direction, the y direction, and the z direction as displacement directions.

[0043] The compound vibrations generated by the square pyramid horn 5 travels to the columnar vibration part 6. The horizontal vibrations traveling to the columnar vibration part 6 causes the columnar vibration part 6 to vibrate ultrasonically. Such ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to, for example, the tool connected to the columnar vibration part 6.

[0044] The above-mentioned ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment includes the vibrator unit 2, and the ultrasonic vibration body 3. The vibrator unit 2 generates vertical vibrations. The ultrasonic vibration body 3 is connected to the vibrator unit 2 and vibrates ultrasonically. The ultrasonic vibration body 3 includes the vibrator connecting portion 4, the square pyramid horn 5, and the columnar vibration part 6. The vibrator connecting portion 4 is connected to the vibrator unit 2. The square pyramid horn 5 converts at least some of the vertical vibrations transmitted through the vibrator connecting portion 4 into horizontal vibrations that differ in direction and magnitude from each other. The columnar vibration part 6 is connected at its base to the square pyramid horn 5 and protrudes from the square pyramid horn 5. The columnar vibration part 6 has a tip that vibrates ultrasonically in a plane perpendicular to the progress direction of the vertical vibrations (x-z plane) when the horizontal vibrations are transmitted.

[0045] The ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment includes the ultrasonic vibration body 3 connected to the vibrator unit 2. The ultrasonic vibration body 3 has the square pyramid horn 5 which changes the vertical vibrations into horizontal vibrations. Further, the columnar vibration part 6 vibrates horizontally when the horizontal vibrations are transmitted. The ultrasonic vibration body 3 can vibrate the columnar vibration part 6 greatly without resonating with the vertical vibrations. For this reason, the entire length of the ultrasonic vibration body 3 in the progress direction does not need to be set depending on the wavelength of the vertical vibrations generated by the vibrator unit 2, but can be set arbitrarily. Accordingly, the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment has an improved degree of freedom in changing the entire length and can be made smaller.

[0046] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment, the square pyramid horn 5 is a horn whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the progress direction of vertical vibration decreases as it moves away from the vibrator unit 2. For this reason, horizontal vibrations are generated in the square pyramid horn 5, and the amplitude of the vibrations can be increased and transmitted to the columnar vibration part 6.

[0047] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment, the square pyramid horn 5 has the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b facing in opposite directions. The first surface 5a and the second surface 5b approach each other as they move away from the vibrator unit 2, and their inclination angles relative to the progress direction of the vertical vibrations are different from each other. For this reason, the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment can generate horizontal vibrations with an amplitude in the z direction using the simple square pyramid horn 5.

[0048] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment, the square pyramid horn 5 has the third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d facing in opposite directions. The third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d approach each other as they move away from the vibrator unit 2, and their inclination angles relative to the progress direction of vertical vibrations differ from each other. For this reason, the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment can generate horizontal vibrations with an amplitude in the x direction using the simple square pyramid horn 5.

[0049] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment, the square pyramid horn 5 has a plurality of inclined surface pairs. In the embodiment, the square pyramid horn 5 includes the first inclined surface pair 10, and the second inclined surface pair 20. For this reason, the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment can generate compound vibrations including a plurality of horizontal vibrations in different amplitude directions at the square pyramid horn 5.

[0050] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment, the square pyramid horn 5 converts some of the vertical vibrations transmitted from the vibrator unit 2 into horizontal vibrations. The columnar vibration part 6 vibrates in the progress direction of the vertical vibrations on the basis of the vertical vibrations transmitted through the square pyramid horn 5.

[0051] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment, some components of the vertical vibrations are transmitted to the columnar vibration part 6 without being converted into horizontal vibrations. For this reason, for the columnar vibration part 6, the compound vibrations can be transmitted, including vibrations with the y direction as the amplitude direction.

[0052] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment, a distance from the end portion of the vibrator unit 2 opposite to the ultrasonic vibration body 3 to the tip of the columnar vibration part 6 may be equal to one wavelength of the vertical vibrations. Accordingly, the ultrasonic vibration body 3 can be made to resonate with the vertical vibrations, increasing the amplitude of the columnar vibration part 6 in the y direction.

[0053] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment, various tools can be connected to the columnar vibration part 6. For example, as the tool, a hair cutting blade can be attached to the columnar vibration part 6. As the hair cutting blade, any one or both of the shaving blade and the trimmer blade can be connected to the columnar vibration part 6. In this case, the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1 of the embodiment can be used as the hair treatment device, and, for example, can be used as shaving, hair removal, hair styling, and hair trimming devices such as a shaver, clippers, a trimmer, and the like.(Second embodiment)

[0054] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. In the description of the embodiment, descriptions of parts that are similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generation device 1A of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a three-sided view of the ultrasonic vibration body 3 included in the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1A of the embodiment, (a) a view when seen in the y direction, (b) a view when seen in the x direction, and (c) a view when seen in the z direction.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, in the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1A of the embodiment, a part of the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the vibrator connecting portion 4 is provided with an exposed surface 4c on which the square pyramid horn 5 is not provided. More specifically, the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b is formed in a square shape when viewed from the y direction. The exposed surface 4c having the same width is provided on an edge portion on a negative side in the z direction of the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b and on an edge portion on a positive side in the x direction of the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b. At the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b, the ratio between the range where the square pyramid horn 5 is provided and the exposed surface 4c can be changed. By changing the ratio between the range where the square pyramid horn 5 is provided and the exposed surface 4c on the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a and the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b can be changed.

[0057] Like the above-mentioned embodiment, even in the present embodiment, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a with respect to the y direction is greater than the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b with respect to the y direction. For this reason, a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the first surface 5a to the columnar vibration part 6 is greater than a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the second surface 5b to the columnar vibration part 6.

[0058] The first surface 5a is connected to an end portion of the vibrator connecting portion 4 in the z direction (an end portion on the +z side). The second surface 5b is connected to the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion in the z-direction (an end portion on the -z side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. The first surface 5a may be connected to the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion in the z direction (an end portion on the +z side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. In this case, the second surface 5b may be connected to the end portion in the z direction (an end portion on the -z side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4.

[0059] Like the above-mentioned embodiment, even in the present embodiment, the inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface 5d with respect to the y direction is greater than the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c with respect to the y direction. For this reason, a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the fourth surface 5d to the columnar vibration part 6 is greater than a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the third surface 5c to the columnar vibration part 6.

[0060] The third surface 5c is connected to the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion in the x direction (the end portion on the +x side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. The fourth surface 5d is connected to the end portion in the x direction (the end portion on the -x side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. The fourth surface 5d may be connected to the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion in the x direction (the end portion on the -x side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. In this case, the third surface 5c may be connected to the end portion in the x direction (the end portion on the +x side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4.

[0061] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1A of the embodiment, as described above, by changing the ratio between the range where the square pyramid horn 5 is provided and the exposed surface 4c on the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a, the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b, the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c, and the inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface can be changed.(Third embodiment)

[0062] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In the description of the embodiment, descriptions of parts that are similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generation device 1B of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a three-sided view of the ultrasonic vibration body 3 included in the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1B of the embodiment, (a) a view when seen in the y direction, (b) a view when seen in the x direction, and (c) a view when seen in the z direction.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1B of the embodiment, a part of the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the vibrator connecting portion 4 is provided with the exposed surface 4c on which the square pyramid horn 5 is not provided. More specifically, the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b is formed in a square shape when viewed from the y direction. The exposed surface 4c, which has different widthwise dimensions, is provided at an edge portion of the negative side of the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b in the z direction and an edge portion of the positive side of the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b in the x direction. At the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b, the ratio between the range where the square pyramid horn 5 is provided and the exposed surface 4c can be changed. By changing the ratio between the range where the square pyramid horn 5 is provided and the exposed surface 4c on the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a and the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b can be changed.

[0065] Like the above-mentioned embodiment, even in the present embodiment, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a with respect to the y direction is greater than the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b with respect to the y direction. For this reason, a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the first surface 5a to the columnar vibration part 6 is greater than a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the second surface 5b to the columnar vibration part 6.

[0066] The first surface 5a is connected to the end portion in the z direction (the end portion on the +z side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. The second surface 5b is connected to the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion in the z direction (the end portion on the -z side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. The first surface 5a may be connected to the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion in the z direction (the end portion on the +z side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. In this case, the second surface 5b may be connected to the end portion in the z direction (the end portion on the -z side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4.

[0067] Like the above-mentioned embodiment, even in the present embodiment, the inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface 5d with respect to the y direction is greater than the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c with respect to the y direction. For this reason, a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the fourth surface 5d to the columnar vibration part 6 is greater than a length dimension from the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b of the third surface 5c to the columnar vibration part 6.

[0068] The third surface 5c is connected to the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion in the x direction (the end portion on the +x side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. The fourth surface 5d is connected to the end portion in the x direction (the end portion on the -x side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. The fourth surface 5d may be connected to the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion in the x direction (the end portion on the -x side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4. In this case, the third surface 5c may be connected to the end portion in the x direction (the end portion on the +x side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4.

[0069] Here, in the embodiment, a distance from the second surface 5b to the end portion in the z direction (the end portion on the -z side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4 is smaller than a distance from the third surface 5c to the end portion in the x direction (the end portion on the +x side) of the vibrator connecting portion 4.

[0070] In the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1B of the embodiment, as described above, by changing the ratio between the range where the square pyramid horn 5 is provided and the exposed surface 4c on the square pyramid horn installation surface 4b, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a, the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b, the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c, and the inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface can be changed.

[0071] Further, in the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1B of the embodiment, a cross-sectional shape of the square pyramid horn 5 on the x-y plane is different from a cross-sectional shape of the square pyramid horn 5 on the z-y plane. For this reason, a resonance frequency at which the square pyramid horn 5 vibrates significantly in the x direction is different from a resonance frequency at which the square pyramid horn 5 vibrates significantly in the z direction. Accordingly, for example, by changing the frequency of the vertical vibrations, it is possible to change a mode between a mode with large vibrations in the x direction and a mode with large vibrations in the z direction.(Fourth embodiment)

[0072] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In description of the embodiment, descriptions of parts that are similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generation device 1C of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1C of the embodiment, the columnar vibration part 6 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the y direction. However, the columnar vibration part 6 may have a polygonal shape with a triangle or pentagons or more when viewed from the y direction. Further, the columnar vibration part 6 may have a circular shape when viewed from the y direction.

[0074] According to the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1C of the embodiment, a resonance frequency at which the columnar vibration part 6 vibrates strongly in the x direction is different from a resonance frequency at which the square pyramid horn 5 vibrates strongly in the z direction. For this reason, for example, by including both the resonance frequencies in the vertical vibrations, it is possible to make vibrations of the columnar vibration part 6 more complex.(Fifth embodiment)

[0075] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. In description of the embodiment, descriptions of parts that are similar to those in the fourth embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generation device 1D of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the ultrasonic vibration generation device 1D of the embodiment includes a horizontal rod portion 7 (tip connecting portion) connected to the tip of the columnar vibration part 6. The horizontal rod portion 7 is connected to a central portion in a longitudinal direction by the tip of the columnar vibration part 6. For example, the horizontal rod portion 7 is fixed to the columnar vibration part 6 by ultrasonic bonding.

[0077] The horizontal rod portion 7 vibrates due to the transmission of the compound vibrations from the columnar vibration part 6. The longitudinal tips of the horizontal rod portion 7 vibrate more than the central portion of the horizontal rod portion 7. For this reason, by connecting the horizontal rod portion 7 to the columnar vibration part 6, it is possible to obtain vibrations different from that obtained when the horizontal rod portion 7 is not provided.

[0078] In the embodiment, the configuration in which the tip connecting portion connected to the tip of the columnar vibration part 6 is the horizontal rod portion 7 has been described. However, the tip connecting portion is not limited to the horizontal rod portion 7. The shape of the tip connecting portion can be arbitrarily changed.(Sixth embodiment)

[0079] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In description of the embodiment, descriptions of parts similar to those in the fifth embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0080] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hair treatment device 1E of the embodiment. In the embodiment, the columnar vibration part 6 is formed in a square shape when viewed from the y direction. However, the columnar vibration part 6 may have a triangular, rectangular or polygonal shape with pentagons or more when viewed from the y direction. Further, the columnar vibration part 6 may have a circular shape when viewed from the y direction.

[0081] The horizontal rod portion 7 may be connected to the columnar vibration part 6 at an angle or not, but it is preferable that the horizontal rod portion 7 be connected at an angle from the standpoint of making it easier to handle hair, and it is more preferable that the horizontal rod portion 7 be connected to the columnar vibration part 6 at an angle of 10° to 75°.

[0082] The hair treatment device 1E of the embodiment may or may not be symmetrical in shape when viewed from the y direction, but it is preferable that the hair treatment device 1E be symmetrical from the standpoint of obtaining stable vibration displacement on both sides.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 9, the hair treatment device 1E of the embodiment includes a hair cutting blade (a blade 8) connected to a surface of the horizontal rod portion 7 in the longitudinal direction. That is, the hair treatment device 1E includes the blade 8 connected to the columnar vibration part 6. The blade 8 may be double-edged. Further, the hair treatment device 1E of the embodiment may include an upper presser foot 9 of the blade connected to a surface of the blade 8 in the longitudinal direction.

[0084] The blade 8 is fixed to, for example, the horizontal rod portion 7 by the upper presser foot 9 of the blade.

[0085] The blade 8 vibrates due to the compound vibrations transmitted from the horizontal rod portion 7. The longitudinal tips of the blade 8 vibrate more than the central portion of the blade 8. For this reason, by connecting the blade 8 to the horizontal rod portion 7, it is possible to obtain large deflection vibrations.

[0086] In the embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the components connected in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal rod portion 7 are the blade 8 and the upper presser foot 9 of the blade. However, the shapes of the blade 8 and the upper presser foot 9 of the blade can be changed arbitrarily.

[0087] The blade 8 is preferably either a shaving blade or a trimmer blade, or both.

[0088] The upper presser foot 9 of the blade is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the blade 8 to the horizontal rod portion 7. If the blade 8 can be fixed by a structure other than the upper presser foot 9 of the blade, the upper presser foot 9 of the blade may be omitted.

[0089] In the embodiment, the hair treatment device 1E can be used as shaving, hair removal, hair styling, and hair trimming devices such as shavers, clippers, and trimmers.[Example 1]

[0090] Next, an example of the results of a simulation analysis of the vibration of the ultrasonic vibration body 3 of the first embodiment using the finite element method will be described as Example 1.

[0091] In the example, the ultrasonic vibration body 3 was designed to have a resonance frequency of 28 kHz.

[0092] In the ultrasonic vibration body 3 shown in FIG. 10, the vibrator connecting portion 4 has a length dimension of 20 mm in the y direction and length dimensions of 40 mm in each of the x and z directions. The square pyramid horn 5 has a length dimension of 52 mm in the y direction, length dimensions of its thick parts in the x direction and z direction of 40 mm each, and length dimensions of its thin parts in the x direction and z direction of 5 mm. The columnar vibration part 6 has a length dimension of 10 mm in the y direction and length dimensions of 5 mm each in the x and z directions.

[0093] The ultrasonic vibration body 3 is made of aluminum alloy (A2017).

[0094] FIG. 10 shows the results of a simulation analysis of displacement due to vibrations when the frequency of the applied vibrations is 28 kHz, and shows that the displacement due to vibrations is increased as the black becomes lighter. As shown in FIG. 10, in the ultrasonic vibration body 3, it was revealed that the displacement due to vibrations was increased from the vibrator connecting portion 4 to the tip of the square pyramid horn 5, and the displacement due to vibrations was particularly large in the columnar vibration part 6.[Example 2]

[0095] Next, an example of the results of a simulation analysis of the vibrations of the hair treatment device 1E of the sixth embodiment using the finite element method will be described as Example 2. In the example, a hair treatment device 1F was designed to have a resonance frequency of 40 kHz.

[0096] FIG. 11(a) shows that in the hair treatment device 1F used in the example, a rotation angle α5 of the ultrasonic vibration body 3 relative to an axis center L is 45°. FIG. 11(b) shows that in the hair treatment device used in the example, an inclination angle α6 of the horizontal rod portion 7 relative to the columnar vibration part 6 is 30°.

[0097] In FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), the vibrator unit 2 corresponds to a bolted Langevin type vibrator "DA21540F (Product name)" (manufactured by NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.), and has a diameter of 15 mm and the entire length of 62.6 mm in the y direction. The vibrator connecting portion 4 has a length dimension of 10 mm in the y direction and length dimensions of 15 mm in each of the x and z directions. The square pyramid horn 5 has a length dimension of 53 mm in the y direction and length dimensions of 15 mm in the x and z directions. The columnar vibration part 6 has length dimensions of 6 mm in the x and z directions. The horizontal rod portion 7 has a length dimension of 20 mm in the x direction, a length dimension of 2.5 mm in the y direction, and a length dimension of 48 mm in the z direction. The blade 8 corresponds to "High stainless steel double-edged blade (Product name)" (manufactured by Feather Safety Razor Co., Ltd.), and has a length dimension of 22 mm in the x direction, a length dimension of 0.1 mm in the y direction, a length dimension of 42.7 mm in the z direction, and a length dimension of 37 mm in a blade width. The upper presser foot 9 of the blade is semi-cylindrical, has a length dimension of 19 mm in the x direction, a length dimension of 48 mm in the z direction, is part of a circular arc with a radius of 30 mm, and has a length dimension of 1.54 mm in the y direction at the center of the upper presser foot 9 of the blade.

[0098] The ultrasonic vibration body 3 and the upper presser foot 9 of the blade are made of duralumin.

[0099] FIG. 11(c) shows the simulation analysis results for the displacement due to vibrations when the frequency of the applied vibrations is 40 kHz, and shows that the displacement due to vibrations is increased as the black becomes lighter. As shown in FIG. 11(c), it was found that the blade 8 could achieve large deflection vibrations.

[0100] The simulation analysis results shown in the above-mentioned Examples 1 and 2 are merely examples. It goes without saying that the distribution of displacement due to vibrations can be changed by adding different frequencies.

[0101] Hereinabove, although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-described embodiment are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0102] For example, in the embodiment, a configuration in which only one square pyramid horn 5 and one columnar vibration part 6 are provided has been described. However, the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration including the plurality of square pyramid horns 5 and the columnar vibration part 6.

[0103] In the embodiment, a configuration in which one columnar vibration part 6 is provided for one square pyramid horn 5 has been described. However, the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of columnar vibration parts 6 are provided for one square pyramid horn 5.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0104] 1 Ultrasonic vibration generation device 1A Ultrasonic vibration generation device 1B Ultrasonic vibration generation device 1C Ultrasonic vibration generation device 1D Ultrasonic vibration generation device 1E Hair treatment device 1F Hair treatment device 2 Vibrator unit 3 Ultrasonic vibration body (vibration body) 4 Vibrator connecting portion 5 Square pyramid horn (horizontal vibration generating part) 5a First surface (first inclined surface) 5b Second surface (second inclined surface) 5c Third surface (first inclined surface) 5d Fourth surface (second inclined surface) 6 Columnar vibration part 7 Horizontal rod portion (tip connecting portion) 8 Blade 9 Upper presser foot of blade 10 First inclined surface pair (inclined surface pair) 20 Second inclined surface pair (inclined surface pair)

Claims

1. An ultrasonic vibration generation device comprising: a vibrator unit configured to generate vertical vibrations; and a vibration body connected to the vibrator unit and vibrating ultrasonically, wherein the vibration body includes: a vibrator connecting portion to which the vibrator unit is connected; a horizontal vibration generating part configured to convert at least some of the vertical vibrations transmitted through the vibrator connecting portion into horizontal vibrations with different directions and magnitudes; and a columnar vibration part having a base connected to the horizontal vibration generating part, provided to protrude from the horizontal vibration generating part, and having a tip vibrating ultrasonically in a plane perpendicular to a progress direction of the vertical vibrations as the horizontal vibrations are transmitted.

2. The ultrasonic vibration generation device according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal vibration generating part is a horn whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the progress direction of the vertical vibrations decreases as it moves away from the vibrator unit.

3. The ultrasonic vibration generation device according to claim 2, wherein the horn has an inclined surface pair constituted by a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface facing in opposite directions, and the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface approach each other as they move away from the vibrator unit, and their inclination angles relative to the progress direction of the vertical vibration differ from each other.

4. The ultrasonic vibration generation device according to claim 3, wherein the horn has the plurality of inclined surface pairs.

5. The ultrasonic vibration generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the horizontal vibration generating part converts some of the vertical vibrations transmitted from the vibrator unit into the horizontal vibrations, and the columnar vibration part vibrates in the progress direction of the vertical vibrations on the basis of the vertical vibrations transmitted through the horizontal vibration generating part.

6. The ultrasonic vibration generation device according to claim 5, wherein a distance from an end portion of the vibrator unit opposite to the vibration body to a tip of the columnar vibration part is equal to one wavelength of the vertical vibrations.

7. The ultrasonic vibration generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vibration body includes a tip connecting portion connected to the tip of the columnar vibration part.

8. A hair treatment device comprising: the ultrasonic vibration generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and a hair cutting blade connected to the columnar vibration part.

Images