Atomizing device and atomizing method

Abstract

To provide an atomizing device configured so that a desired amount of atomization can be easily set during operation thereof.SOLUTION: An atomizing device 1 comprises an atomizing part and a control part. The atomizing part includes a vibration member. The atomizing part atomizes liquid by vibrating the vibration member. The control part controls vibration of the vibration member. The control part samples information on electricity corresponding to a plurality of operation frequencies in a predetermined range, with respect to operation frequencies of the vibration member, and sets the operation frequencies at which the vibration member is vibrated, on the basis of the sampled information on electricity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an atomization device and an atomization method. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an atomization device having an atomization unit (for example, see Patent Document 1). The atomization unit includes a vibration member. The atomization unit atomizes liquid by vibration of the vibration member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-31861 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-254455 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned atomization device, the amount of atomization depends on the operating frequency and operating current of the vibration member. For example, when the vibration of the vibration member is controlled by a control unit, the operating frequency of the vibration member depends on the drive frequency at which the control unit drives the vibration member. For example, in the manufacturing process, the drive frequency of the vibration member is determined by the selection of parts in the control unit, and the operating current is adjusted.

[0005] However, adjusting the operating current of the vibration member in the manufacturing process hinders the improvement of manufacturing throughput. For example, adjusting the operating current of the vibration member requires the time and effort of selecting parts in the control unit, making it difficult to ensure the desired manufacturing throughput. In some cases, it is required to set the desired amount of atomization during operation of the atomization device.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an atomization device and an atomization method that allow a desired amount of atomization to be easily set during operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An atomization device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an atomization unit and a control unit. The atomization unit includes a vibrating member. The atomization unit atomizes liquid by vibrating the vibrating member. The control unit controls the vibration of the vibrating member. The control unit samples electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range for the operating frequency of the vibrating member, and sets a drive frequency for vibrating the vibrating member based on the sampled information.

[0008] In this atomization device, the sample information is information obtained by sampling electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range. The control unit sets the driving frequency based on the sampling information. Therefore, the driving frequency corresponding to the desired amount of atomization during operation can be easily set. Therefore, the desired amount of atomization during operation can be easily set.

[0009] In the above-mentioned one aspect, the control unit may obtain the set value of the electrical information, and set the frequency corresponding to the set value in the sample information as the driving frequency. In this case, the desired amount of atomization can be easily and reliably set during operation based on the set value and the sample information.

[0010] In the above-mentioned aspect, the predetermined range may include a range higher than the resonance frequency of the vibration member, in which case the desired amount of atomization can be set in a wider range.

[0011] In the above aspect, the predetermined range may include a range of a resonance frequency of the vibration member. In this case, the amount of atomization can be improved.

[0012] In the above-mentioned aspect, for a predetermined range of operating frequencies, a detection voltage that changes according to the operating frequency may be sampled as the electrical information. In this case, a desired amount of atomization can be set more easily.

[0013] In the above-mentioned one aspect, the control unit may obtain a set value of the electrical information, monitor the electrical information during the operation of the atomization unit, and reset the drive frequency based on the detection value of the electrical information obtained by monitoring and the set value. In this case, even if the operating frequency of the vibration member changes due to factors such as the environmental temperature, the drive frequency can be reset more accurately.

[0014] In the above-mentioned aspect, the control unit may lower the drive frequency when the detected value is lower than the set value, and may raise the drive frequency when the detected value is higher than the set value. In this case, the drive frequency can be reset more easily.

[0015] The atomization method according to another aspect of the present invention includes preparing an atomization unit that atomizes a liquid by vibrating a vibration member, sampling electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range for the operating frequency of the vibration member, and setting a drive frequency for vibrating the vibration member based on the sampled sample information. In this case, the sample information is information obtained by sampling electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range. The drive frequency is set based on the sampled information. Therefore, the drive frequency corresponding to the desired amount of atomization during operation can be easily set. Therefore, the desired amount of atomization during operation can be easily set. Effect of the Invention

[0016] One aspect of the present invention provides an atomization device and method that allows a desired amount of atomization to be easily set during operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the atomization device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a part of a circuit in a control unit. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the amount of atomization and the operating frequency. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between a detection voltage and an operating frequency. [Figure 8] 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of mist generated and the detected voltage. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart of an atomization method. [Figure 10] 10 is a graph showing an example of the amount of atomization and power consumption. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0019] First, the configuration of the atomization device in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the atomization device in this embodiment.

[0020] The atomizing device 1 atomizes liquid by vibration. For example, the atomizing device 1 atomizes liquid by ultrasonic vibration. For example, the atomizing device 1 can adjust the amount of atomization. For example, the atomizing device 1 is automatically adjusted to maintain a set amount of atomization. In the example shown in this embodiment, the atomizing device 1 includes a separately excited drive circuit. The atomizing device 1 includes an atomizing unit 10 and a control unit 30.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the atomization unit 10 as an example of the present embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the atomization unit 10 as an example of the present embodiment. The atomization unit 10 includes a housing unit 11, a vibration member 13, and terminals 15 and 17. The atomization unit 10 atomizes the liquid by vibration of the vibration member 13.

[0022] The housing 11 holds the vibration member 13. The housing 11 includes an exposed portion 11a that exposes the vibration member 13. The housing 11 is configured so that the liquid to be atomized and the vibration member 13 come into contact with each other at the exposed portion 11a.

[0023] The vibration member 13 vibrates when electrical energy is applied to it. In other words, the vibration member 13 vibrates in response to an input electrical signal. For example, the vibration member 13 vibrates when a voltage is applied to the vibration member 13. The vibration member 13 is, for example, a piezoelectric element.

[0024] The terminals 15 and 17 are connected to the vibrating member 13. The terminals 15 and 17 electrically connect the vibrating member 13 to the control unit 30. The vibrating member 13 vibrates in response to an electrical signal applied through the terminals 15 and 17.

[0025] The control unit 30 controls the vibration of the vibrating member 13. The control unit 30 outputs an electrical signal to be input to the vibrating member 13, and includes, for example, a control circuit 31. FIG. 4 shows an example of the control circuit 31 in this embodiment. The control circuit 31 feedback controls a drive signal that vibrates the vibrating member 13. The control circuit 31 includes a power supply input 41, voltage converters 42 and 43, a microcomputer 44, a switch 45, a gate driver 46, and an electrical information detection unit 48.

[0026] A voltage is input to the power supply input 41 from outside the control unit 30. The power supply input 41 is connected to voltage converters 42 and 43. For example, a DC power supply is applied to the power supply input 41. For example, a voltage of 24 V is applied to the power supply input 41.

[0027] The voltage converter 42 converts the voltage applied to the power supply input and applies the converted voltage to the microcomputer 44. For example, a voltage of 5V is applied to the microcomputer 44. The voltage converter 43 converts the voltage applied to the power supply input and applies the converted voltage to the gate driver 46. For example, a voltage of 8V is applied to the gate driver 46.

[0028] The microcomputer 44 outputs an electrical signal of a drive frequency to the vibrating member 13, and inputs the signal to the gate driver 46. The microcomputer 44 is connected to the switch 45, and obtains from the switch 45 a setting value that has been set in the switch 45. The microcomputer 44 is connected to an electrical information detection unit 48, and obtains from the electrical information detection unit 48 a detection value that has been detected in the electrical information detection unit 48.

[0029] The switch 45 transmits the set value to the microcomputer 44. For example, the switch 45 includes a DIP switch. The switch 45 transmits a set value selected from a plurality of preset electrical information values ​​to the microcomputer 44. The microcomputer 44 sets a voltage selected from, for example, 0.15V, 0.20V, 0.25V, and 0.30V as the set value according to the state of the switch 45. The microcomputer 44 may determine the set value based on information acquired from a storage unit (not shown), or may determine the set value to a value sequentially set by the user.

[0030] The gate driver 46 operates the FET 47 with an operation signal corresponding to a drive frequency set by the microcomputer 44. The gate driver 46 drives the FET 47 according to a command from the microcomputer 44. The FET 47 drives the vibrating member 13 based on an electrical signal input from the gate driver 46. As a modification of this embodiment, the FET 47 may drive the vibrating member 13 based on an electrical signal input from the microcomputer 44, not via the gate driver 46. The vibration frequency of the vibrating member 13 depends on the operation frequency of the operation signal output from the gate driver 46 or the microcomputer 44.

[0031] The electrical information detection unit 48 detects electrical information corresponding to the operation signal output from the microcomputer 44. The electrical information detection unit 48 detects, for example, a voltage corresponding to the operation signal output from the microcomputer 44 as a detection value.

[0032] The process performed by the control unit 30 will be described in detail below. The control unit 30 includes, for example, a sampling unit 51, a setting value acquisition unit 52, a monitoring unit 53, a frequency determination unit 54, and a storage unit 55. For example, the sampling unit 51, the setting value acquisition unit 52, the monitoring unit 53, the frequency determination unit 54, and the storage unit 55 are configured by the microcomputer 44.

[0033] The sampling unit 51 samples electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range for the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. The sampling unit 51 acquires electrical information detected by the electrical information detection unit 48 for each of the plurality of operating frequencies within the predetermined range. For example, the sampling unit 51 samples a detection voltage that changes according to the operating frequency as electrical information for the operating frequency within the predetermined range.

[0034] The sampling unit 51 associates the acquired electrical information with the operating frequency at which the electrical information was acquired and stores the associated electrical information in the storage unit 55. For example, the sampling unit 51 creates a table of the acquired electrical information and the operating frequency at which the electrical information was acquired, and stores the created table in the storage unit 55.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the amount of atomization and the operating frequency in the vibration member 13. Data D1 represents the amount of atomization relative to the operating frequency. In the example shown in this embodiment, the sampling unit 51 samples electrical information in the range R1. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the detected voltage and the operating frequency in the example shown in this embodiment. Data D2 corresponds to the sampling information sampled by the sampling unit 51. The range R1 includes a range of frequencies higher than the resonant frequency of the vibration member 13. In the range R1, the amount of atomization and the operating frequency of the vibration member 13 change almost linearly. In the range R1, the amount of atomization decreases as the operating frequency of the vibration member 13 increases.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the amount of mist generated and the detection voltage. Data D3 shows a plot of the amount of mist generated against the detection voltage. As shown in FIG. 8, there is a correlation between the amount of mist generated and the detection voltage. The amount of mist generated and the detection voltage change almost linearly. As the detection voltage increases, the amount of mist generated also increases.

[0037] As a modification of this embodiment, the sampling unit 51 may sample the electrical information in the range R2. The range R2 is a frequency range near the resonant frequency of the vibration member 13. In the range R2, the change in the amount of atomization is relatively small with respect to the change in the operating frequency of the vibration member 13. For example, the rate of change in the amount of atomization with respect to the operating frequency in the range R2 is smaller than the rate of change in the amount of atomization with respect to the operating frequency in the range R1.

[0038] The set value acquisition unit 52 acquires a set value of electrical information corresponding to the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. The set value acquisition unit 52 determines the set value from a plurality of values ​​stored in advance in the storage unit 55, for example, based on information from the switch 45. In the example shown in this embodiment, the storage unit 55 stores in advance, for example, 0.15 V, 0.20 V, 0.25 V, and 0.30 V that can be set as the set value. As a modified example of this embodiment, the set value acquisition unit 52 may acquire a drive frequency for driving the vibrating member 13, and acquire electrical information corresponding to the acquired drive frequency as a set value based on the sampling result acquired by the sampling unit 51.

[0039] The monitoring unit 53 monitors the electrical information during operation of the atomization unit 10. The monitoring unit 53 sequentially acquires the detection values ​​detected by the electrical information detection unit 48.

[0040] The frequency determination unit 54 sets a drive frequency for vibrating the vibrating member 13 based on the sample information sampled by the sampling unit 51 and the set value acquired by the set value acquisition unit 52. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 sets the operating frequency corresponding to the set value acquired by the set value acquisition unit 52 in the sampling information as the drive frequency of the vibrating member 13.

[0041] The frequency determination unit 54 resets the drive frequency for vibrating the vibrating member 13 based on the detection value of the electrical information acquired by the monitoring of the monitoring unit 53 and the set value acquired by the set value acquisition unit 52. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 compares the detection value of the electrical information acquired by the monitoring of the monitoring unit 53 with the set value acquired by the set value acquisition unit 52, and determines whether or not to reset the drive frequency based on the comparison result. The frequency determination unit 54 resets the drive frequency for vibrating the vibrating member 13 based on the comparison result between the detection value and the set value.

[0042] For example, when the detected value is lower than the set value, the frequency determination unit 54 lowers the drive frequency by a first value. When the detected value is higher than the set value, the frequency determination unit 54 raises the drive frequency by a second value. The first and second values ​​are smaller than the difference between a pair of operating frequency values ​​corresponding to a pair of adjacent values ​​of the plurality of electrical information values ​​preset in the switch 45. For example, the first and second values ​​are smaller than the value of the change in the operating frequency when the detected voltage changes by 0.5 V in the sampling information.

[0043] The storage unit 55 stores, for example, input information to the control unit 30, information calculated by the control unit 30, and information stored in advance in the control unit 30. For example, the storage unit 55 stores various pieces of information acquired by the sampling unit 51, the setting value acquisition unit 52, and the monitoring unit 53.

[0044] Next, the atomization method in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 9. First, the atomization device is prepared (step S1). For example, the vibration member 13 and the control unit 30 are electrically connected, and the liquid to be atomized is placed on the exposed portion 11a.

[0045] Next, sampling is performed (process S2). For example, the sampling unit 51 samples electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range for the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. For example, the sampling unit 51 samples a detection voltage that changes according to the operating frequency as electrical information for the operating frequency within the predetermined range.

[0046] Next, a set value of the electrical information is acquired (process S3). For example, the set value acquiring unit 52 acquires a set value of the electrical information corresponding to the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13. The set value acquiring unit 52 determines the set value from a value prepared in advance based on information from the switch 45, for example.

[0047] Next, the drive frequency is set (step S4). For example, the frequency determination unit 54 sets the operating frequency corresponding to the set value acquired by the set value acquisition unit 52 in the sampling information as the drive frequency of the vibration member 13.

[0048] Next, the atomization operation is started (step S5). For example, the vibration member 13 is vibrated at the drive frequency set in step S4.

[0049] Next, monitoring is performed (process S6). For example, the monitoring unit 53 sequentially acquires the detection values ​​detected by the electrical information detection unit .

[0050] Next, it is determined whether or not to reset the drive frequency (process S7). For example, the frequency determination unit 54 determines whether or not to reset the drive frequency. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 compares the detection value of the electrical information acquired by the monitoring unit 53 through monitoring with the set value acquired by the set value acquisition unit 52, and determines whether or not to reset the drive frequency based on the comparison result. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 resets the drive frequency for vibrating the vibrating member 13 when the difference between the detection value and the set value exceeds a predetermined value. For example, if it is determined that the drive frequency is to be reset (YES in process S7), the process proceeds to process S8. If it is not determined that the drive frequency is to be reset (NO in process S7), the process returns to process S6. For example, if it is not determined that the drive frequency is to be reset (NO in process S7), the monitoring unit 53 performs monitoring processing after waiting for a certain period of time.

[0051] If it is determined that the drive frequency should be reset, the drive frequency is reset (process S8). For example, the frequency determination unit 54 resets the drive frequency based on the detected value and the set value. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 resets the drive frequency based on a comparison result between the detected value and the set value. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 lowers the drive frequency when the detected value is lower than the set value. For example, the frequency determination unit 54 raises the drive frequency when the detected value is higher than the set value.

[0052] Next, it is determined whether or not to end the atomization (process S9). If it is determined that the atomization should be ended (YES in process S9), the series of processes in the atomization method is ended. If it is not determined that the atomization should be ended (NO in process S9), the process returns to process S6. For example, if it is not determined that the atomization should be ended (NO in process S9), after waiting for a certain period of time, the monitoring unit 53 performs a monitoring process.

[0053] Next, the effects of the above-mentioned atomization device 1 and atomization method will be described. In the atomization device 1, the sample information is information obtained by sampling electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range. The control unit 30 sets the driving frequency based on this sampling information. Therefore, the driving frequency corresponding to the desired amount of atomization during operation can be easily set. Therefore, the desired amount of atomization during operation can be easily set.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of the amount of atomization generated and power consumption. Data D11 to D15 are plots of the results when the atomization device 1 is used. Data D21 in FIG. 10 is a plot of data in a comparative example. The device in the comparative example includes a self-excited drive circuit, and the drive frequency of the vibration part is adjusted and fixed by selecting the parts during manufacture. As shown in FIG. 10, it was confirmed that in all of the examples, atomization was performed with less power consumption than in the comparative example.

[0055] The control unit 30 acquires the set value of the electrical information and sets the frequency corresponding to the set value in the sample information as the driving frequency. In this case, the desired amount of atomization can be easily and reliably set during operation based on the set value and the sample information.

[0056] The above-mentioned predetermined range includes a range higher than the resonance frequency of the vibration member 13. In this case, the desired amount of atomization can be set in a wider range.

[0057] The predetermined range may include a range of a resonance frequency of the vibration member, in which case the amount of atomization can be improved.

[0058] For the predetermined range of operating frequencies, a detection voltage that changes according to the operating frequency is sampled as electrical information, so that a desired amount of atomization can be set more easily.

[0059] The control unit 30 acquires the set value of the electrical information, monitors the electrical information during the operation of the atomization unit, and resets the drive frequency based on the detected value of the electrical information acquired by monitoring and the set value. In this case, even if the operating frequency of the vibrating member 13 changes due to factors such as the environmental temperature, the drive frequency can be reset more accurately.

[0060] The control unit 30 lowers the drive frequency when the detected value is lower than the set value, and raises the drive frequency when the detected value is higher than the set value. In this case, the drive frequency can be reset more easily.

[0061] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0062] For example, although the steps S1 to S9 are shown as the atomization method, the step S2 may be omitted. In this case, the information corresponding to the sample information may be stored in the storage unit 55 in advance, or may be acquired from outside the atomization device 1. The steps S7 and S8 may be omitted.

[0063] As will be understood from the description of the above embodiments, the present specification includes disclosure of the following aspects. (Appendix 1) an atomization unit including a vibration member and atomizing the liquid by vibration of the vibration member; A control unit that controls the vibration of the vibration member, The control unit is Sampling electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range of the operating frequency of the vibrating member; The atomization device sets a drive frequency for vibrating the vibration member based on the sampled sample information. (Appendix 2) The atomization device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires a set value of the electrical information, and sets a frequency corresponding to the set value in the sample information as the drive frequency. (Appendix 3) The atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined range includes a range of frequencies higher than a resonant frequency of the vibration member. (Appendix 4) The atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined range includes a range of a resonance frequency of the vibration member. (Appendix 5) The atomization device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein for the operating frequency in the predetermined range, a detection voltage that changes according to the operating frequency is sampled as the electrical information. (Appendix 6) The control unit is Obtaining a setting value of the electrical information; The atomization device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrical information is monitored during operation of the atomization unit, and the drive frequency is reset based on a detection value of the electrical information acquired by monitoring and the set value. (Appendix 7) The control unit is If the detected value is lower than the set value, the driving frequency is reduced; The atomization device according to claim 6, wherein the drive frequency is increased when the detected value is higher than the set value. (Appendix 8) Providing an atomization unit that atomizes liquid by vibration of a vibration member; Sampling electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range of the operating frequency of the vibrating member; and setting a drive frequency for vibrating the vibration member based on the sampled sample information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1... atomization device, 10... atomization section, 13... vibration member, 30... control section, R1, R2... range.

Claims

1. an atomization unit including a vibration member and atomizing the liquid by vibration of the vibration member; A control unit that controls the vibration of the vibration member, The control unit is Sampling electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range for the operating frequency of the vibrating member; The atomization device sets a drive frequency for vibrating the vibration member based on the sampled sample information.

2. The atomization device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit acquires a set value of the electrical information, and sets a frequency corresponding to the set value in the sample information as the drive frequency.

3. The atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined range includes a range of frequencies higher than a resonance frequency of the vibration member.

4. The atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined range includes a range of a resonance frequency of the vibration member.

5. The atomization device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a detection voltage that varies depending on the operating frequency is sampled as the electrical information for the operating frequency in the predetermined range.

6. The control unit is Obtaining a setting value of the electrical information; 3 . The atomization device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a step of monitoring the electrical information during operation of the atomization unit; and resetting the drive frequency based on a detection value of the electrical information obtained by monitoring and the set value. 4 .

7. The control unit is If the detected value is lower than the set value, the driving frequency is reduced; The atomization device according to claim 6 , wherein the driving frequency is increased when the detected value is higher than the set value.

8. Providing an atomization unit that atomizes liquid by vibration of a vibration member; Sampling electrical information corresponding to a plurality of operating frequencies within a predetermined range of the operating frequency of the vibrating member; and setting a drive frequency for vibrating the vibration member based on the sampled sample information.

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