Ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic wave generator, and defoaming device

Abstract

To provide an ultrasonic horn capable of outputting an ultrasonic vibration having focused high sound pressure by effectively amplifying a mechanical vibration, and removing foam generated in a liquid or a semi-solid, an ultrasonic wave generator equipped with the ultrasonic horn, and a defoaming device.SOLUTION: An ultrasonic horn includes: a body part 2 having an input end 11a for a mechanical vibration; a drum-shaped small diameter part 3 including a diameter reduced region 32 which extends from the body part 2 and reduces the diameter gradually in a curved shape, an intermediate region 31 which extends from the diameter reduced region 32 in a uniform diameter, and a diameter enlarged region 33 which extends from the intermediate region 31 and enlarges the diameter gradually in a curved shape; a flange part 4 which extends from the small diameter part 3 and enlarges the diameter gradually, the opposite side being an output end 42 for an ultrasonic vibration; and a hollow part 5 communicated with the inside of the small diameter part 3 from the output end 42 of the flange part 4, including a bottom surface 52 in a curved shape, an inside surface 51 of a uniform diameter, and a first tapered region 53 and a second tapered region 54 that enlarge the diameter gradually from the inside surface 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic horn, an ultrasonic generator having the ultrasonic horn, and a defoaming device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in manufacturing processes for compounding various liquid or semi-solid products such as beverages, paints, and yeast-based bread dough, a phenomenon unique to these processes occurs: foam appears on the liquid surface (surface or upper surface). Such foam may occur, for example, in tanks containing the above-mentioned various products, as well as when filling products into containers such as bottles, cans, and PET bottles. After being generated in the liquid, foam appears on the liquid surface due to specific gravity, surface tension, and other factors. For this reason, it is desirable to effectively deal with the foam that occurs in manufacturing processes for various liquid or semi-solid products.

[0003] Examples of beverages that may produce foam during their production process include carbonated beverages such as carbonated soft drinks and beer, as well as non-carbonated soft drinks that contain fruit juice as an ingredient, milk drinks, soy milk drinks, etc. In addition to beverages and paints, foam may also be produced in processes for processing foods such as soy sauce and ice cream, various chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and resources such as petroleum and gasoline.

[0004] The phenomenon of foaming occurs not only in the process of compounding various liquids or semisolids, but also in the process of filling these liquids or semisolids into containers such as bottles as products. If foaming occurs in a liquid or semisolid product in each process, it may lead to product loss, which is undesirable from an industrial production perspective. In addition, the foam may adhere to the product container, resulting in an undesirable appearance of the product. Furthermore, the foaming may cause some kind of malfunction in pumps, piping, and other components of the production equipment.

[0005] Due to the above-mentioned circumstances, various methods for removing foam have been attempted in processes involving the handling of liquid or semi-solid products. As methods for removing foam, for example, chemical treatment using an antifoaming agent, mechanical treatment using a filter, etc., and foam separation treatment using centrifugal force have been proposed. However, when chemical treatment using an antifoaming agent is adopted, the cost is high due to the use of an expensive antifoaming agent, and there is a concern that the components of the antifoaming agent may change the properties of the product. On the other hand, when mechanical treatment using a filter, etc. is adopted, although there is little concern about changing the properties of the product, there is a problem that it is difficult to achieve a defoaming effect that can maintain product quality. Furthermore, when foam separation treatment using centrifugal force is adopted, there is the advantage that it can be performed inline in the manufacturing process, but there is a problem that it is difficult to ensure the timing of the defoaming treatment during the process.

[0006] Therefore, in recent years, a method of removing foam by irradiating ultrasonic waves onto the surface (liquid surface) of a liquid or semi-solid in which foam has been generated has been adopted. As an ultrasonic horn used for irradiating ultrasonic waves onto a liquid surface, one has been proposed that includes a rectangular block-shaped main body having a front surface that directs the ultrasonic field toward the material to be defoamed, a reduced diameter portion on the front side, and a concave front surface (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the ultrasonic horn described in Patent Document 1, the above configuration effectively transmits the high amplitude frequency of the ultrasonic waves to the front surface, and also concentrates the ultrasonic field at the concave front surface, thereby improving the defoaming effect of the liquid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6012745 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in the ultrasonic horn described in Patent Document 1, the reduced diameter section extending from the rectangular block-shaped main body is structured so that only a pair of opposing side surfaces are reduced in diameter, and the concave shape of the front surface is also concave only in the cross section corresponding to the pair of opposing side surfaces. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain a focused high sound pressure with the ultrasonic horn described in Patent Document 1, and there is a problem that even if ultrasonic waves are irradiated onto the liquid surface using this ultrasonic horn, it is difficult to effectively remove bubbles.

[0009] As described above, if foam cannot be completely removed from a product, it may result in various types of quality degradation, such as deterioration in the appearance and flavor of beverage products, deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of paint after application, and deterioration in the quality of ingredients in various chemicals.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object to provide an ultrasonic horn that can effectively amplify mechanical vibrations generated by a transducer and output focused ultrasonic vibrations with high sound pressure, as well as an ultrasonic generator equipped with this ultrasonic horn. Another object of the present invention is to provide a defoaming device capable of effectively removing foam generated on the surface of various liquids or semi-solids without deteriorating product properties, increasing costs, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research. As a result, they have found that by providing an ultrasonic horn with a small-diameter section having a specific curved shape (a constricted shape) and a flange section whose diameter increases toward the output end side at the output end side, and by providing a cavity having a specific shape so as to communicate with the flange section and the small-diameter section, mechanical vibrations are effectively amplified and ultrasonic vibrations are focused and output. This makes it possible to output focused ultrasonic vibrations with high sound pressure, and by irradiating these ultrasonic vibrations on, for example, foam that forms on the surface of a liquid or semi-solid, it is possible to effectively break down foam, thereby completing the present invention.

[0012] That is, the present invention is an ultrasonic horn that outputs ultrasonic vibrations by amplifying mechanical vibrations converted from an electrical signal in a transducer by resonating in accordance with the mechanical vibrations, the ultrasonic horn comprising: a cylindrical main body portion having an input end to which the mechanical vibrations are input; a tapered region extending from one end of the main body portion opposite the input end and gradually tapering in diameter in a curved shape toward the other end opposite the one end; an intermediate region extending from the end of the tapered region toward the other end with a uniform diameter and having a smaller diameter than the main body portion; and a tapered region extending from the end of the intermediate region and tapering toward the other end. and a flange portion extending from the other end of the small diameter portion, the other end of which serves as an output end of ultrasonic vibrations generated by the mechanical vibrations, the flange portion gradually increasing in diameter as it approaches the output end. The hollow portion is recessed so as to communicate from the output end of the flange portion to the inside of the small diameter portion, and has a curved bottom surface, an inner surface with a uniform diameter, and at least one tapered region provided so as to gradually increase in diameter as it approaches the output end.

[0013] In the ultrasonic horn of the present invention, in the above aspect, it is more preferable that the bottom surface of the cavity is hemispherical.

[0014] In the ultrasonic horn of the present invention, in the above aspect, the main body portion, the small diameter portion, and the flange portion may be integrally formed from aluminum, titanium, or an alloy material thereof.

[0015] In the above-described aspect, the ultrasonic horn of the present invention can employ a configuration in which the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibration output from the output end is 13,000 to 25,000 (Hz).

[0016] In the above aspect, the ultrasonic horn of the present invention can employ a configuration in which the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration output from the output end is in the range of 1 to 180 μm in peak-to-peak value.

[0017] The present invention provides an ultrasonic generator comprising at least a cylindrical casing, a transducer housed in the vicinity of one end of the casing and converting an electrical signal into mechanical vibration and outputting the converted electrical signal, and an ultrasonic horn housed in the vicinity of the other end of the casing and amplifying the mechanical vibration output from the transducer to output ultrasonic vibration, wherein the ultrasonic horn is any one of the ultrasonic horns according to the present invention.

[0018] In the above aspect, the ultrasonic generator of the present invention further comprises a cone housed in and fixed to the casing, connected to an output part of the transducer, amplifying the mechanical vibrations output from the transducer and outputting them to the ultrasonic horn, the ultrasonic horn being connected to an output part of the cone and further amplifying the mechanical vibrations amplified by the cone to output ultrasonic vibrations, and the cone being positioned to support the transducer and the ultrasonic horn inside the casing.

[0019] In the ultrasonic generator of the present invention, in the above aspect, an output end of the ultrasonic horn may be exposed to the outside from the other end side of the casing.

[0020] In the above aspect, the ultrasonic generator of the present invention preferably further comprises a reflector made of a flat plate-like member attached to the other end of the casing, which reflects backward waves of the ultrasonic vibrations output from the ultrasonic horn toward the casing, so as to be directed toward the output end of the ultrasonic horn.

[0021] The present invention provides a defoaming device comprising: a tank for accommodating a liquid or semisolid material to be defoamed; and an agitator for agitating the material to be defoamed accommodated in the tank, wherein the agitator is attached to a rotating shaft and disposed so as to penetrate into the material to be defoamed, has a stirrer for agitating the material to be defoamed, and further comprises a mesh member for removing foam that has risen to the surface of the material to be defoamed.

[0022] In the above-described aspect, the defoaming apparatus of the present invention can employ a configuration in which the mesh member comprises a mesh plate that is attached to the rotating shaft, arranged along the surface of the object to be defoamed, and rotates together with the stirrer to scoop up foam that has risen to the surface.

[0023] In the above-mentioned aspect, the defoaming device of the present invention preferably further comprises one or more ultrasonic generators that output ultrasonic vibrations toward the foam scooped by the mesh plate, and the ultrasonic generators are any of the ultrasonic generators according to the present invention described above.

[0024] In the above-mentioned aspect, the defoaming device of the present invention may further include any of the ultrasonic generators according to the present invention, wherein a casing included in the ultrasonic generator has a main pipe accommodating an ultrasonic horn and an inlet pipe communicating with the main pipe for introducing the material to be defoamed from the tank into the casing, the mesh member comprises one or more mesh filters disposed inside the casing, and the ultrasonic horn outputs ultrasonic vibrations toward the foam scooped up by the mesh filter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The ultrasonic horn of the present invention has a configuration including a drum-shaped small diameter section that extends from a cylindrical main body to which mechanical vibrations are input and includes an area with a specific curved surface shape, a flange section that extends from this small diameter section, and a cavity section with a specific shape that communicates with the flange section and the small diameter section. By providing the small diameter portion, flange portion, and cavity portion with specific shapes as described above, it is possible to effectively amplify the mechanical vibrations generated by the transducer and output focused ultrasonic vibrations with high sound pressure. Then, by irradiating this ultrasonic vibration onto, for example, foam that forms on the surface of a liquid or semi-solid, it is possible to effectively break down foam.

[0026] Furthermore, the ultrasonic generator of the present invention includes the ultrasonic horn of the present invention described above, and thus can output focused ultrasonic vibrations with high sound pressure, as described above. Therefore, by irradiating the output ultrasonic vibrations onto foam that forms on the surface of a liquid or semi-solid to be defoamed, effective defoaming becomes possible.

[0027] Furthermore, the defoaming device of the present invention employs a configuration including a mesh member for removing foam that has risen to the surface of the liquid or semi-solid object to be defoamed contained in the tank, as described above. This allows for efficient removal of foam that has formed on the surface of the object to be defoamed. Furthermore, when combined with the defoaming effect of irradiation with ultrasonic vibrations, it becomes possible to more effectively remove foam that has formed on the object to be defoamed.

[0028] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an ultrasonic horn, an ultrasonic generator, and a defoaming device according to the present invention, and is a cutaway view showing the overall configuration of the defoaming device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the ultrasonic horn according to the present invention, and is a side view showing an example of the ultrasonic horn. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of an ultrasonic horn according to the present invention, and is a front view showing an example of an ultrasonic horn from the output end side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic generator, and defoaming device according to the present invention, and is a cutaway view showing another example of the ultrasonic generator shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic generator, and defoaming device according to the present invention, and is a cutaway view showing another example of the ultrasonic generator shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic generator, and defoaming device according to the present invention, and is a cutaway view showing another example of the ultrasonic generator shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the defoaming apparatus according to the present invention, and is a perspective view schematically showing another example of the mesh plate provided in the defoaming apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic generator, and defoaming device according to the present invention, and is a perspective view showing, from below, the reflecting plate provided in the ultrasonic generator of the example shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic generator, and defoaming device according to the present invention, and is a cutaway view showing an example in which a mesh filter is provided inside the casing of the ultrasonic generator. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic generator, and defoaming device according to the present invention, and is an enlarged plan view of the first mesh filter shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining one embodiment of the ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic generator, and defoaming device according to the present invention, and is a cutaway view showing another example in which a mesh filter is provided inside the casing of the ultrasonic generator. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic generator, and defoaming device according to the present invention, and is an enlarged plan view of the second mesh filter shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of an ultrasonic horn, an ultrasonic generator, and a defoaming device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the drawings used in the following description, characteristic portions may be shown slightly enlarged for the sake of convenience in order to make the features of the ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic generator, and defoaming device of the present invention easier to understand, and the dimensional ratios of each component may differ from the actual ones. Furthermore, the materials, dimensions, etc. exemplified in the following description are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to them, and can be implemented with appropriate changes made within the scope of the present invention.

[0031] <Ultrasonic horn> The configuration of the ultrasonic horn of this embodiment will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing the ultrasonic horn 1 from the output end 42 side.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment converts an electrical signal into mechanical vibrations in a transducer (see reference numeral 30 in Figure 1, etc.), amplifying the mechanical vibrations by resonating (expanding and contracting) in accordance with the mechanical vibrations, and outputs ultrasonic vibrations (see reference numeral W in Figure 1). The ultrasonic horn 1 is generally configured to include a main body 2 having an input end 11a to which the mechanical vibrations are input, a small-diameter portion 3 extending from the main body 2 and having a hand-held (constricted) shape including a region with a specific curved surface shape, a flange 4 extending from the small-diameter portion 3, and a cavity 5 having a specific shape that communicates with the flange 4 and the small-diameter portion 3. By including the above configuration, the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment has a generally cylindrical overall configuration, as shown in the illustrated example, and the small-diameter portion 3 and the flange 4 are positioned to be generally cylindrical (bottomed) and communicate with each other.

[0033] The ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment is incorporated into an ultrasonic generator 10 as shown in FIG. 1, for example, so that the mechanical vibrations output from the transducer 30 are input via the cone 20, and the mechanical vibrations are amplified and output as ultrasonic vibrations W. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment is incorporated into an ultrasonic generator 10 and provided in a defoaming device 100, so that it is possible to irradiate ultrasonic vibrations W onto foam B that has formed on the surface of a liquid or semi-solid object L to be defoamed, thereby removing this foam B.

[0034] The main body 2 is configured in a roughly cylindrical shape and has an input end 11a on the base end 11 side, to which the mechanical vibration output from the transducer 30 is input directly or indirectly via the cone 20. The main body 2 functions as the base of the ultrasonic horn 1 by having screw holes 21 at a total of four locations in the trunk region 23 for fixing to a casing (see reference numeral 40 in FIG. 1 etc.) of the ultrasonic generator 10, which will be described in detail later.

[0035] The input end 11a is disposed on the central axis J of the ultrasonic generator 10 at the base end 11 of the main body 2, and is formed to protrude slightly from the base end 11. An input hole 22 is provided in the input end 11a, and an output shaft (not shown) provided in the transducer 30 can be inserted therein by, for example, screwing or fitting. Although detailed illustration is omitted in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base end 11 and the input end 11a are formed to have a circular shape in a plan view.

[0036] The trunk region 23 extends from the base end 11 toward one end 2b of the main body 2 via the inclined region 12. In the illustrated example, the inclined region 12 extends from the periphery of the base end 11 so as to gradually increase in diameter toward the starting end 2a of the trunk region 23, and the trunk region 23 is configured to extend with a uniform diameter from the starting end 2a toward the one end 2b.

[0037] The maximum diameter of the main body 2, i.e., the diameter D1 of the trunk region 23, is not particularly limited, but can be determined appropriately while taking into consideration the range of the amplitude and frequency of the ultrasonic vibration W described below, taking into account the efficiency of removing foam B generated on the surface of the defoamed object L, the durability of the ultrasonic horn 1, etc.

[0038] The small diameter portion 3 is provided so as to extend from one end 2b of the main body portion 2. Specifically, the small diameter portion 3 has a reduced diameter region 32 that extends from the one end 2b of the main body portion 2 and gradually reduces in diameter in a curved manner toward the other end 3a opposite the one end 2b, an intermediate region 31 that extends from the end of the reduced diameter region 32 toward the other end 3a with a uniform diameter smaller than that of the main body portion 2, and an expanded diameter region 33 that extends from the end of the intermediate region 31 and gradually increases in diameter in a curved manner toward the other end 3a. Due to the above configuration, the small diameter portion 3 has two curved surfaces in the direction along the central axis J and is generally hourglass-shaped (constricted shape).

[0039] The curvature R1 of the reduced diameter region 32 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to determine it appropriately while taking into consideration the alleviation of vibration stress caused by mechanical vibration in the small diameter portion 3, which is cylindrical due to the presence of a hollow portion 5 described in detail below, and the removal efficiency of the foam B described above (setting the optimal frequency), etc. The curvature R2 of the diameter-increasing region 33 is not particularly limited either, and is preferably determined appropriately while taking into consideration the same factors as those for the curvature R1 of the diameter-reducing region 32 described above.

[0040] The diameter D2 of the intermediate region 31 is not particularly limited, and is determined by the relationship between the diameter D1 of the main body 2 and the curvature R1 of the tapered region 32 in the small diameter portion 3. By providing the intermediate region 31 in the small diameter portion 3 with a uniform diameter along the central axis J, the amplitude expansion can be made to approximate the theoretical value. As described above, it is preferable that the diameter D2 of the intermediate region 31 is appropriately determined in the cylindrical small diameter portion 3, taking into consideration the alleviation of vibration stress caused by mechanical vibration, the removal efficiency of the foam B described above (setting the optimal frequency), etc.

[0041] In the illustrated example, the diameter D2 of the intermediate region 31 is smaller than the diameter D1, which is the maximum diameter of the main body 2, but this is not limited to this and, although it depends on the amplitude and frequency to be set, it is also possible to make the diameter D2 larger than the diameter D1, for example, by reviewing the overall shape of the ultrasonic horn 1.

[0042] The length of the entire small diameter portion 3 in the direction along the central axis J is not particularly limited, but is determined by the difference between the length L1 including the length of the flange portion 4, which will be described later, and the length L2 of only the flange portion 4. As with the above, it is preferable that the length of the entire small diameter portion 3 be determined appropriately while taking into consideration the efficient amplification of mechanical vibrations in the cylindrical small diameter portion 3.

[0043] As described above, the flange portion 4 is provided so as to extend from the other end 3a of the small diameter portion 3. The flange portion 4 has a tapered surface 41 whose diameter gradually increases toward the output end 42, on the side opposite to the other end 3a, which serves as an output end 42 for ultrasonic vibrations W generated by mechanical vibrations.

[0044] The angle θ1 of the tapered surface 41 relative to the central axis J is not particularly limited, and may be determined appropriately while taking into consideration that the above-described amplitude-enlarging effect of the flange portion 4 is effectively obtained and that the width of the enlargement is within an appropriate range. From this perspective, the angle θ1 of the tapered surface 41 relative to the central axis J can be designed in the range of 0 to 80°. On the other hand, if the angle θ1 is too small, the mass of the flange portion 4 becomes too large, making it difficult to obtain the amplitude-enlarging effect. If the angle θ1 is too large, the amplitude becomes too large, which may cause unintended vibrations, cracks, etc. From this perspective, the angle θ1 is preferably set to approximately 20 to 45°.

[0045] Furthermore, the maximum diameter of the flange portion 4, i.e., the diameter D2 on the output end 42 side, is not particularly limited, and is determined by the curvature R2 of the expanded diameter region 33 in the small diameter portion 3, the angle θ1 of the tapered surface 41 relative to the central axis J, and the length L2 of the flange portion 4. For example, as in the illustrated example, the diameter D2 of the flange portion 4 can be the same as the diameter D1 of the trunk region 23 of the main body 2. Similarly to the angle θ1, the diameter D2 of the flange portion 4 can be determined appropriately while taking into consideration the effect of the flange portion 4 in amplifying the amplitude of mechanical vibration.

[0046] 2 and 3, the flange portion 4 has a tapered outer surface so that the diameter increases overall toward the output end 42, but is not limited to this, and may have, for example, an inverted tapered shape that slopes in the opposite direction to the illustrated example, or a curved shape that bulges outward (inverted R shape). In this way, when the flange portion is configured in an inverted R shape, it becomes possible to output the ultrasonic vibrations W while diffusing them.

[0047] The cavity 5 is recessed so as to communicate from the output end 42 of the flange portion 4 to the inside of the small diameter portion 3. More specifically, the cavity 5 has a curved bottom surface 52, an inner side surface 51 with a uniform diameter, and at least one tapered region provided so as to gradually increase in diameter from the inner side surface 51 toward the output end 42. In the illustrated example, the cavity 5 has a two-step tapered region consisting of a first tapered region 53 and a second tapered region 54. In the illustrated example, the second tapered region 54 is disposed radially outward of the first tapered region 53, with a step 5a interposed between them.

[0048] The ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment has the above-described hollow portion 5, so that the small diameter portion 3 and the flange portion 4 are configured to be generally cylindrical and communicate with each other. That is, in the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment, the main body 2 is configured to be solid and cylindrical, while the small diameter portion 3 and the flange portion 4 are configured to be cylindrical and communicate with each other.

[0049] The maximum diameter of the hollow portion 5, i.e., the inner diameter D4 at the position of the inner surface 51, is not particularly limited and can be determined appropriately taking into consideration the efficient amplification of mechanical vibrations in the small diameter portion 3 and flange portion 4, which are approximately cylindrical as described above.

[0050] 2 and 3, the amplitude amplification ratio is the area ratio between the circular cross-sectional area determined by the diameter D1 of the main body 2 and the cross-sectional area of ​​a slice obtained by subtracting the cavity cross-sectional area determined by the inner diameter D4 of the cavity 5 from the circular cross-sectional area determined by the diameter D3 of the intermediate region 31 in the small diameter portion 3. Therefore, the diameter D1 of the main body 2, the diameter D3 of the intermediate region 31 in the small diameter portion 3, and the inner diameter D4 at the position of the inner surface 51 of the cavity 5 can be determined based on the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration W to be targeted.

[0051] On the other hand, there is a problem in that the amplitude amplification ratio in the above-mentioned structure is not necessarily directly proportional to the above-mentioned area ratio as in the calculated value. For this reason, the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment employs a configuration in which a flange portion 4 is provided on the output side of the ultrasonic vibration W to reinforce the amplification effect.

[0052] The bottom surface 52 of the hollow portion 5 is not particularly limited in its detailed shape or curvature as long as it is curved, but as mentioned above, it is more preferable that it be hemispherical in shape from the viewpoint of preventing cracks and the like from occurring inside the hollow portion 5. The curvature SR1 when the bottom surface 52 of the hollow portion 5 is hemispherical is not particularly limited, but is uniquely determined by the inner diameter D4 of the inner surface 51 when the inner diameter D4 is uniform in the direction along the central axis J.

[0053] The first tapered region 53 is a region provided to effectively converge the ultrasonic vibrations W while compensating for the amplitude near the opening of the inner surface 51 where the amplitude of mechanical vibrations in the cavity 5 is less likely to occur. The angle θ2 of the first tapered region 53 relative to the central axis J is not particularly limited, and can be determined appropriately while taking into consideration the fact that it effectively compensates for the amplitude near the opening of the inner surface 51 as described above and effectively converges the ultrasonic vibrations W.

[0054] Like the first tapered region 53, the second tapered region 54 is a region that is provided to compensate for the amplitude of mechanical vibrations near the opening of the inner surface 51, where the amplitude is less likely to occur in the hollow portion 5, and to effectively converge the ultrasonic vibrations W. The angle θ3 of the second tapered region 54 with respect to the extension direction of the output end 42 is also not particularly limited, and as described above, can be determined appropriately while taking into consideration that the amplitude near the opening of the inner surface 51 is effectively compensated for and the ultrasonic vibration W is effectively converged at, for example, 4λ, which is the wavelength of air.

[0055] By providing the second tapered region 54, when removing foam from a defoaming object made of a liquid or semi-solid, which will be described in detail later, it is possible to obtain the effect of efficiently defoaming even if the object is contained in a container with a narrow opening, such as a bottle.

[0056] The depth L4 of the first tapered region 53 from the output end 42 is also not particularly limited, and can be determined appropriately while taking into consideration the effective focusing of the ultrasonic vibrations W output from the output end 42 while compensating for the amplitude near the opening of the inner surface 51 as described above. Furthermore, it is preferable to determine the depth L4 of the first tapered region 53 while taking into consideration the balance with the depth L3 from the output end 42 of the second tapered region 54, which will be described later. This is because if the depth L4 of the first tapered region 53 is too large, there is a risk that the balance of the vibration of the entire ultrasonic horn 1 will be lost. As in the ultrasonic horn 1 described in this embodiment, by combining the first tapered region 53, the second tapered region 54, the flat step 5a, and, if necessary, curved surfaces, it is possible to appropriately respond to the various specifications required of the ultrasonic horn 1.

[0057] The depth L3 of the second tapered region 54 from the output end 42 is also not particularly limited, and can be determined taking into consideration the balance with the depth L4 of the first tapered region 53 as described above, as well as the same points as in the case of the depth L4 of the first tapered region 53.

[0058] Furthermore, the distance between the first tapered region 53 and the second tapered region 54 is not particularly limited, and may be determined appropriately taking into consideration the reinforcing and focusing effects of the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations W, as described above, and the size of the diameter D2 of the flange portion 4. In the illustrated example, the space between the first tapered region 53 and the second tapered region 54 is flat, with a step 5a interposed between them.

[0059] The ultrasonic horn 1 of the example described in this embodiment is provided with a combination of the two tapered regions as described above, so that the focusing distances of the ultrasonic waves in these two tapered regions are different from each other. This allows the ultrasonic amplitude to be focused more effectively and a higher sound pressure to be output than when a tapered region is provided alone.

[0060] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the first tapered region 53 and the second tapered region 54 are provided, each expanding in diameter in a substantially linear cross section, as in the illustrated example, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, the tapered region may be configured to have a substantially curved cross section.

[0061] In the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the main body 2, small-diameter portion 3, and flange portion 4 are integrally formed from the same material, from the viewpoints of ensuring the mechanical strength of the ultrasonic horn 1 as a whole and effectively focusing and outputting the ultrasonic vibrations W while efficiently amplifying the mechanical vibrations. The material used in this case is not particularly limited, but aluminum, titanium, or an alloy thereof can be appropriately used. Among these materials, titanium or a titanium alloy is preferred for the ultrasonic horn 1 from the viewpoints of being able to output the ultrasonic vibrations W while amplifying the mechanical vibrations with particularly high efficiency and having excellent strength characteristics. On the other hand, it is preferred to use aluminum or an aluminum alloy for the ultrasonic horn 1 from the viewpoints of being able to amplify the mechanical vibrations with sufficient efficiency to output the ultrasonic vibrations W, ensuring a predetermined mechanical strength, and suppressing material costs. Although it is possible to use stainless steel or iron as materials for ultrasonic horns, these materials are not the preferred materials because they are very hard, have large internal losses due to mechanical vibrations, and are prone to heat generation and cracks.

[0062] In the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment, the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration W output from the output end 42 is not particularly limited, but can be in the range of 13,000 to 25,000 Hz, for example, 19,000 Hz. By using such a low frequency range for ultrasonic vibration, it is possible to ensure a large amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration, as described below. This makes it possible to expand the area to which the ultrasonic vibration can be applied and to reduce the attenuation of the ultrasonic vibration. If the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration output from the output end 42 exceeds the upper limit of the above range, the above effect is difficult to achieve. Furthermore, if the frequency of the ultrasonic vibration output from the output end 42 is below the lower limit of the above range, the defoaming effect achieved by the ultrasonic vibration, as described in detail below, is difficult to achieve, and the ultrasonic vibration falls within the audible frequency range, which may cause an adverse effect on the user's ears.

[0063] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment, the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations W output from the output end 42 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, in the range of 1 to 180 μm peak-to-peak. By designing each part of the ultrasonic horn 1 so that the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations W output from the output end 42 is within the above range, it becomes possible to output ultrasonic vibrations with a high amplitude ratio, thereby effectively achieving the defoaming effect described in detail below. Note that if the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations output from the output end 42 exceeds the upper limit of the above range, the amplitude may be too large and may cause cracks in the ultrasonic horn 1. From these viewpoints, the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations W output from the output end 42 is more preferably in the range of 1 to 160 μm, and even more preferably in the range of 1 to 140 μm.

[0064] The ultrasonic horn 1, with the above configuration, is able to output ultrasonic vibrations W with a high sound pressure of, for example, about 80 to 160 dB from the output end 42, although this is also affected by the characteristics of the transducer, the details of which will be described later.

[0065] According to the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment, as described above, the small diameter section 3 extending from the main body 2 is roughly hand-held in shape, with the curved reduced diameter region 32, the uniform diameter intermediate region 31, and the curved expanded diameter region 33 being arranged in that order along the central axis J. In this way, by forming the small diameter section 3 so as to be constricted in the direction along the central axis J, the mechanical vibration transmitted from the main body 2 side can be effectively amplified.

[0066] Furthermore, the ultrasonic horn 1 is provided with a flange portion 4, and by adopting a configuration in which ultrasonic vibrations W are output from the output end 42 at the tip of the flange portion 4, the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibrations W is amplified by the inertia of the flange portion 4. This makes it possible to effectively focus the ultrasonic vibrations W toward the front of the output end 42 and obtain a higher sound pressure.

[0067] Furthermore, the ultrasonic horn 1 includes a hollow portion 5 having a curved bottom surface 52 and an inner surface 51 of uniform diameter, and the small diameter portion 3 and flange portion 4 are configured to be roughly cylindrical, thereby effectively amplifying mechanical vibrations inside the hollow portion 5. Furthermore, the hollow portion 5 has a first tapered region 53 and a second tapered region 54 near the output end 42 side, which is the opening side, so that the ultrasonic vibrations W can be more effectively focused toward the front of the output end 42, thereby making it possible to obtain even higher sound pressure.

[0068] Therefore, when the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment is used to construct an ultrasonic generator 10 as shown in FIG. 1 and applied to a defoaming device 100, it becomes possible to perform an effective defoaming process by irradiating the foam B that forms on the surface of the liquid or semi-solid object L to be defoamed with focused ultrasonic vibrations W having high sound pressure. Furthermore, the ultrasonic horn 1 having the above configuration can perform efficient defoaming treatment on both a defoaming object housed in a container with a small opening, such as a bottle or a PET bottle, and a defoaming object housed in a container with a large opening, such as a large tank.

[0069] Furthermore, the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment has a simple shape, and therefore does not pose much difficulty in metal processing, so it can be manufactured at low cost.

[0070] <Ultrasonic generator> The configuration of the ultrasonic generator of this embodiment will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 to 6, and 8 (also see FIGS. 2 and 3 which show the detailed configuration of the ultrasonic horn 1 as needed). FIG. 1 is a cutaway view showing the outline of the overall configuration of a defoaming device 100 equipped with an ultrasonic generator 10 of this embodiment, which is configured to include the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment described above. 4 to 6 are cutaway views showing ultrasonic generators 10A, 10B, and 10C, which are other examples of the ultrasonic generator shown in FIG. 1, respectively. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the reflector 60 provided in the ultrasonic generator 10 of the example shown in FIG. 1, viewed from below.

[0071] The ultrasonic generator 10 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is generally configured to include a casing, a transducer 30, and the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment described above. The ultrasonic generator 10 of the example shown in FIG. 1 further includes a cone 20 and a reflector 60.

[0072] The casing is provided as a housing for the ultrasonic generator 10 of this embodiment, and in the illustrated example, is composed of a generally cylindrical first casing 40, a joint 80, and a second casing 50. The first casing 40 and the second casing are connected via the joint 80 at a position corresponding to the cone 20. The transducer 30 is housed in the first casing 40, and the ultrasonic horn 1 is housed in the second casing 50, with the cone 20 straddling the first casing 40, the joint 80, and the second casing 50. In the illustrated example, one end 50a of the second casing 50 is connected to the joint 80, and a reflector 60, the details of which will be described later, is attached to the other end 50b. In the illustrated example, the flange portion 4 (output end 42) of the ultrasonic horn 1 is exposed from the other end 50b and the reflector 60.

[0073] The transducer 30 converts an electrical signal into mechanical vibration and outputs it, and in the illustrated example, is housed near one end of the casing, that is, inside the first casing 40. The transducer 30 is not particularly limited as long as it is a vibrator that can convert an AC signal received from an oscillator (not shown) into mechanical vibration. For example, a bolt-clamped Langevin type vibrator (BLT) may be used. Transducer) can be used.

[0074] The cone 20 is optionally provided in the ultrasonic generator 10 of this embodiment, and amplifies the mechanical vibrations output from the transducer 30 and outputs them toward the ultrasonic horn 1. As described above, the cone 20 is housed so as to straddle each of the first casing 40, the joint 80, and the second casing 50, and although detailed illustration is omitted, it is connected to the output portion of the transducer 30 by a method such as bolting.

[0075] With the above configuration, in the ultrasonic generator 10 of this embodiment, the ultrasonic horn 1 is connected to the output portion 20a of the cone 20, and is configured to further amplify the mechanical vibrations amplified by the cone 20 to output ultrasonic vibrations W. In addition, the output portion 20a of the cone 20 is connected by a method such as screwing or fitting to an input hole 22 of the input end 11a provided in the main body 2 of the ultrasonic horn 1, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0076] 1 etc., the cone 20 is fixed to, for example, one or all of the first casing 40, the joint 80, and the second casing 50 by screws or the like at flange-like portions. In this way, the cone 20 is positioned so as to support the components of the vibration system consisting of the transducer 30 and the ultrasonic horn 1 inside the casing.

[0077] 1 and the ultrasonic generators 10, 10A, 10B, and 10C shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 are provided with a cone 20 between the transducer 30 and the ultrasonic horn 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the ultrasonic generator of this embodiment, for example, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the output portion of the transducer 30 is directly connected to the input end 11a of the ultrasonic horn 1 without providing the cone 20.

[0078] The reflecting plate 60 is also optionally provided in the ultrasonic generator 10 of this embodiment, and is made of a flat plate member attached to the other end 50b of the second casing 50, as shown in the schematic cutaway view of Fig. 1 and the perspective view of Fig. 8. The reflecting plate 60 reflects the backward wave of the ultrasonic vibration output from the ultrasonic horn 1, which is output to the second casing 50 side, toward the output end 42 of the ultrasonic horn 1, thereby converting it so that it travels in the same direction as the forward wave of the ultrasonic vibration.

[0079] The reflecting plate 60 is not particularly limited, and any metal material that can effectively reflect ultrasonic vibrations can be used without any restrictions.

[0080] In the ultrasonic generator 10 of this embodiment, by providing the reflector 60 having the above-described configuration and converting backward waves of ultrasonic vibrations into forward waves, it is possible to enhance the forward waves of the ultrasonic vibrations W directed toward the front side of the output end 42 by approximately 1.3 to 1.5 times compared to when the reflector 60 is not provided. In addition, since the irradiation area of ​​the ultrasonic vibrations W can be expanded, it is possible to efficiently perform defoaming treatment over a wide range on the surface of the object to be defoamed.

[0081] Although not shown in detail, the ultrasonic generator 10 of this embodiment may employ a configuration in which, for example, a fluid capable of cooling the transducer 30 and the cone 20 is circulated within the first casing 40. This prevents the transducer 30 and the like from becoming overheated, making it possible to stably output ultrasonic vibrations W. The fluid is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include compressed air and inert gas.

[0082] When using the ultrasonic generator 10 of this embodiment to output ultrasonic vibrations W, if it is used in intermittent oscillation, there is a possibility that a large stress will be applied to the oscillator (not shown) as well as the vibration system, i.e., the ultrasonic horn 1, during the transition period at the start of oscillation. For this reason, when using the ultrasonic generator 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable, from the viewpoint of alleviating the above-mentioned stress, to adopt a method of controlling the output of the ultrasonic vibrations W itself, rather than simply turning on and off the power supply to the transducer 30 to generate oscillation. Such an output control method can be exemplified by, for example, a method of operating the generator at an optimal value for the resonant frequency while maintaining an idling state with power always supplied.

[0083] The ultrasonic generator of this embodiment is not limited to the configuration of the ultrasonic generator 10 shown in FIG. For example, it is possible to employ a configuration including a second casing 50A bent into a substantially L-shape, as in ultrasonic generator 10A shown in Fig. 4. In ultrasonic generator 10A of the example shown in Fig. 4, second casing 50A is configured in a substantially L-shape, with a first straight portion 55a, a bent portion 55c, and a second straight portion 55b communicating from one end 50a to the other end 50b. In the illustrated example, an adapter 81 is attached to the other end 50b.

[0084] In the ultrasonic generator 10A of the example shown in Fig. 4, the entire ultrasonic horn 1, including the flange portion 4, is completely housed inside the second casing 50A, and the ultrasonic vibrations W output from the output end 42 are changed in direction at a right angle at the bending portion 55c, and the ultrasonic vibrations W are output from the other end 50b via the adapter 81. The adapter 81 has a shape with a reduced diameter on the downstream side, and is configured to be able to output the ultrasonic vibrations W while further focusing them.

[0085] 4, by including the second casing 50A and the adapter 81 having the above-described configuration, it becomes possible to irradiate the ultrasonic vibrations W toward a desired position while further focusing them. Furthermore, by including the above-described substantially L-shaped second casing 50A, it becomes possible to flexibly install the ultrasonic generator 10A when it is applied to, for example, a defoaming device, which will be described later. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, by adopting a configuration including the second casing 50A and adapter 81 of the above configuration, the ultrasonic horn 1 can be positioned at a position far away from the surface of the defoaming object L, which also has the effect of preventing droplets of the defoaming object L from adhering to the ultrasonic horn 1.

[0086] In addition, in this embodiment, for example, as in the example ultrasonic generator 10B shown in FIG. 5, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a second casing 50B is provided that is linear from one end 50a toward the other end 50b, and an adapter 81 and a pipe 82 are connected to the other end 50b so as to communicate with each other.

[0087] In the ultrasonic generator 10B shown in FIG. 5, the ultrasonic horn 1, including the flange portion 4, is completely housed inside the second casing 50B, and the ultrasonic vibration W output from the output end 42 travels straight through the second casing 50B and is then output via the adapter 81 and the pipe 82.

[0088] According to the ultrasonic generator 10B illustrated in FIG. 5, by including a second casing 50B, an adapter 81, and a pipe 82, it is possible to further focus the ultrasonic vibrations W and irradiate them toward a desired position, similar to the ultrasonic generator 10A illustrated in FIG. 4. Furthermore, by adopting a configuration including the second casing 50B, adapter 81, and pipe 82 of the above-described configuration, the ultrasonic horn 1 can be positioned at a position far away from the surface of the defoaming object L, as in the case of the ultrasonic generator 10A described above, thereby achieving the effect of preventing droplets of the defoaming object L from adhering to the ultrasonic horn 1.

[0089] In this embodiment, for example, as in an ultrasonic generator 10C shown in FIG. 6, a third casing 50C may be further attached to a reflecting plate 60 attached to the other end 50b of the second casing 50. In the ultrasonic generator 10C shown in the figure, one end 56a of the third casing 50C is attached so as to fit along a peripheral edge 60a of the reflecting plate 60. That is, the ultrasonic generator 10C shown in FIG. 6 is the ultrasonic generator 10 shown in FIG. 1, further including a third casing 50C.

[0090] According to the ultrasonic generator 10C having the above configuration, the backward waves of the ultrasonic vibrations reflected by the reflecting plate 60 are converted into progressive waves, and the significantly enhanced progressive waves of the ultrasonic vibrations W are output from the other end 56b while being guided within the third casing 50C. This allows the ultrasonic vibrations W focused at high sound pressure to be irradiated over a wide area in an enhanced state, making it possible to more efficiently defoam a wide area on the surface of the object to be defoamed.

[0091] <Defoaming device> The configuration of the defoaming device of this embodiment will be described in detail mainly with reference to Figure 1 and Figures 4 to 6 referred to above, as well as Figure 7 (and, if necessary, also refer to Figures 2 and 3 which show the detailed configuration of the ultrasonic horn 1). FIG. 1 shows a defoaming device 100 equipped with a mesh plate (mesh member) 74. FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a mesh plate 75 which is another example of the mesh plate provided in the defoaming device 100 shown in FIG.

[0092] The defoaming apparatus 100 of this embodiment is generally configured to include a tank 71 that accommodates a defoaming object L, an agitator 70 that agitates the defoaming object L accommodated in the tank 71, and a mesh member for removing foam B that has risen to the surface of the defoaming object L. In the defoaming apparatus 100 of the example shown in Fig. 1, the agitator 70 has a stirring bar 73b. Moreover, the defoaming apparatus 100 of the illustrated example includes, as the mesh member, a mesh plate 74 attached to a rotation shaft 73a of the agitator 70.

[0093] Furthermore, the defoaming device 100 of the example shown in Figure 1 is further provided with an ultrasonic generator 10 including the ultrasonic horn 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment at one location, and is configured to be able to output ultrasonic vibrations W toward the foam B scooped up from the surface of the defoaming object L by the mesh plate 74.

[0094] Tank 71 is a container that contains a defoaming target L made of a liquid or semi-solid, which is the target of defoaming in this embodiment, and although only a schematic structure is shown in Fig. 1, it is made up of, for example, a cylindrical container with a bottom. Inside tank 71, a part of rotating shaft 73a, stirring bar 73b, and mesh plate 74 that constitute agitator 70 are housed from an opening at the top.

[0095] The tank 71 is not particularly limited, and any container made of a material, such as metal or glass, that is resistant to the various properties of the defoaming object L contained therein can be used without any restrictions.

[0096] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the agitator 70 is configured to include a motor 72, a rotating shaft 73a, and an agitator 73b that agitates the material L to be defoamed.

[0097] The motor 72 generates a torque that rotates the rotary shaft 73a by connecting the rotary shaft 73a to an output shaft (not shown). The motor 72 is not particularly limited, and a general AC motor or DC motor can be used without any restrictions.

[0098] As described above, the rotating shaft 73a is rotated by the rotational force of the motor 72, thereby rotating the stirrer 73b and the mesh plate 74. There are no particular limitations on the rotating shaft 73a, but taking into consideration the load generated when the stirrer 73b or the mesh plate 74 is rotated inside or on the surface of the liquid or semisolid material L to be defoamed, and the resistance to various properties of the material L to be defoamed, it is preferable to use a high-strength shaft made of, for example, stainless steel or the like that has corrosion resistance.

[0099] As described above, the stirrer 73b is attached to the rotary shaft 73a and disposed so as to penetrate into the defoaming material L, and rotates around the rotary shaft 73a as a central axis in association with the rotation of the rotary shaft 73a so as to stir the defoaming material L, and in the illustrated example is made up of a rod-shaped member. A plurality of stirrers 73b are provided, for example, and in the illustrated example, they are attached at a total of three locations near the tip of the rotary shaft 73a on the side opposite to the motor 72. Furthermore, the stirrers 73b in the illustrated example are attached so as to extend toward the inner surface of the tank 71 in a direction perpendicular to the rotary shaft 73a.

[0100] The stirring bar 73b is not particularly limited either, and taking into consideration the load generated when rotating inside the defoaming target L and the resistance to various characteristics of the defoaming target L, for example, a rod-shaped member made of the same material as the rotating shaft 73a can be used.

[0101] In the illustrated example, the mesh plate 74 is attached to the rotary shaft 73a, is disposed along the surface of the defoaming object L, and rotates together with the stirrer 73b to scoop up foam B that has risen to the surface of the defoaming object L, and is made up of, for example, a plate-like member on which a mesh material (net) is stretched. Only the vertical cross section of the mesh plate 74 is shown in Fig. 1, and other detailed structures are not shown, but for example, it is made up of a roughly circular plate shape when viewed from above (top view). Furthermore, the mesh plate 74 in the illustrated example is made up of a frame material 74a and a net-like mesh material 74b, and is configured such that the mesh material 74b is attached to the framework of the frame material 74a.

[0102] The mesh size and material of the mesh material 74b constituting the mesh plate 74 are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected from various mesh materials (net materials) so as to be able to scoop up even small bubbles B, taking into consideration the characteristics of the solute contained in the defoaming object L. Furthermore, the frame material 74a is not particularly limited, and can be made of any general metal or resin material, taking into consideration the rotational load of the defoaming object L and the resistance to various characteristics of the defoaming object L.

[0103] The agitator 70 in the illustrated example is configured so that it can be moved up and down on the plane of the drawing in the directions H and U indicated by the arrows in Fig. 1 together with the mesh plate 74 by an elevator (not shown). By moving the mesh plate 74 up and down by such an elevator, it becomes possible to effectively scoop up the foam B from the surface of the object L to be defoamed.

[0104] Furthermore, by using an elevator to move the stirring bar 73b and the mesh plate 74 to the outside of the tank 71 as needed, it becomes possible to replace the defoaming material L contained in the tank 71 (for example, to replace the product), as well as to clean and maintain the tank 71, the rotating shaft 73a, the stirring bar 73b, and the mesh plate 74.

[0105] Alternatively, by moving the stirrer 70 and the mesh plate 74 in the H direction or the U direction using the elevator, the height positions of the stirrer 73b and the mesh plate 74 on the paper surface of Fig. 1 can be adjusted. This makes it possible, for example, to adjust the height position of the stirrer 73b to a position that maximizes the efficiency of stirring the object L to be defoamed, or to finely adjust the height position of the mesh plate 74 to a position that is optimal for scooping up the foam B and that matches the surface of the object L to be defoamed.

[0106] Generally, large bubbles B that form on the surface of the defoaming object L can be defoamed by the sound pressure of ultrasonic vibrations, but small bubbles B have a large surface tension, and even if ultrasonic vibrations are irradiated at a high sound pressure, the bubbles B may escape due to the high sound pressure, making it difficult to defoam them. In order to defoam such small bubbles B, it is very effective to employ the method of scooping them up with the mesh plate 74 as described above.

[0107] Furthermore, when the defoaming device 100 of this embodiment is further provided with the above-mentioned ultrasonic generator 10 at one or more locations and is configured to output ultrasonic vibrations W toward the surface of the object L to be defoamed, this, together with the action of the mesh plate 74, makes it possible to more effectively defoam the foam B.

[0108] More specifically, to defoam small bubbles B, the small bubbles B are first scooped up by the mesh plate 74, and then ultrasonic vibrations W are applied to the bubbles B on the mesh plate 74, thereby more effectively defoaming the small bubbles B. That is, in the tank 71, bubbles B of various sizes are scooped up while the mesh plate 74 is rotated, and ultrasonic vibrations W are applied to the bubbles B. This makes it possible to effectively and reliably defoam all bubbles B, including small bubbles, in-line, thereby improving the quality of the product obtained from the object L to be defoamed.

[0109] On the other hand, if ultrasonic vibrations W are applied at a position close to the surface (liquid surface) of the defoaming object L, foam B may be generated due to the induction of the ultrasonic vibrations W. Furthermore, in this case, droplets of the defoaming object L generated by the ultrasonic vibrations W may adhere to the ultrasonic horn 1, which has the disadvantage of increasing the load.

[0110] In order to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages, for example, a configuration can be adopted in which the foam B is first scooped up from the surface of the object to be defoamed L by a mesh plate 74, the mesh plate 74 is then moved by an elevator (not shown) to a position far away from the surface of the object to be defoamed L, and ultrasonic vibrations W can then be irradiated onto the foam B on the mesh plate 74.

[0111] To overcome the above disadvantages, it is conceivable to position the output end 42 of the ultrasonic horn 1 at a large distance from the surface of the defoaming object L. However, simply positioning the ultrasonic horn 1 (ultrasonic generator 10) at a distance from the surface of the defoaming object L may significantly attenuate the sound pressure of the ultrasonic vibrations W irradiated onto the foam B, potentially reducing the defoaming effect.

[0112] Therefore, in this embodiment, instead of the ultrasonic generator 10 shown in Figure 1, the ultrasonic generators 10A to 10C of the examples shown in Figures 4 to 6 described above are used, thereby making it possible to adopt a configuration in which ultrasonic vibrations W can be irradiated onto the foam B scooped up by the mesh plate 74 while ensuring a large distance from the surface of the defoaming object L to the output end 42 of the ultrasonic horn 1. That is, the ultrasonic generator 10A shown in Fig. 4 and the ultrasonic generator 10B shown in Fig. 5 each include a second casing 50A or a second casing 50B that houses the ultrasonic horn 1 therein and extends toward the other end 50b, which is the opening side. These second casings 50A and 50B also function as waveguides that can output ultrasonic vibrations W from the other end 50b. As described above, the second casing 50A has the adapter 81 attached to the other end 50b, and the second casing 50B has the adapter 81 and the pipe 82 attached to the other end 50b. Similarly, the ultrasonic generator 10C shown in FIG. 6 is provided with a third casing 50C downstream of the second casing 50, which also functions as a waveguide capable of outputting ultrasonic vibrations W from the other end 56b.

[0113] 4 to 6, the ultrasonic horn 1 can be disposed at a position far removed from the surface of the defoaming object L. This makes it possible to irradiate the foam B on the mesh plate 74 with ultrasonic vibrations W without attenuating the sound pressure, while preventing droplets of the defoaming object L from adhering to the ultrasonic horn 1, as described above.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, if the tank 71 is small, the size of the ultrasonic generator 10 may be too large for the size of the tank 71, making installation difficult. Thus, even if the tank 71 or a container such as a bottle is small, by using the ultrasonic generators 10A and 10B equipped with the adapter 81 (and the pipe 82) having the above-described throttle shape, it is possible to efficiently perform the defoaming treatment and obtain a sufficient defoaming effect.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to eliminate the disadvantage of droplets being generated from the defoaming object L by the above-mentioned ultrasonic vibrations W, a configuration using a propeller-shaped mesh plate 75 as exemplified in Fig. 7 can also be employed. The mesh plate 75 exemplified in Fig. 7 has a plurality of blades 75b made of a mesh material bonded together, and a plurality of blades 75b are provided on the circumferential side of a rotating shaft 75a that is circular in plan view and attached to the rotating shaft 73a in Fig. 1, and in the illustrated example, the blades 75b are provided at nine locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0116] When the propeller-shaped mesh plate 75 as described above is used, the blades 75b overlap when the mesh plate 75 is rotated, so that the surface of the defoaming target L is hidden by the mesh plate 75. Then, the foam B is scooped up from the gaps between the blades 75b and collected by the mesh-shaped blade 75b, and the foam B on the blade 75b is irradiated with ultrasonic vibrations W to perform the defoaming treatment.

[0117] Furthermore, by rotating the mesh plate 75 as described above, it is possible to break up the relatively large bubbles B. In this way, the large bubbles B are first broken up, and then the remaining small bubbles B are defoamed (broken up) by irradiating them with ultrasonic vibrations W, thereby enabling an efficient defoaming process.

[0118] By using the mesh plate 75, the ultrasonic generator 10 irradiates ultrasonic vibrations W onto the foam B scooped up onto the mesh plate 75, while the structure makes it difficult for the ultrasonic vibrations W to be irradiated onto the surface of the object L to be defoamed below. This makes it possible to prevent droplets of the object L to be defoamed from adhering to the ultrasonic horn 1, thereby making it possible to defoam the foam B of the object L to be defoamed efficiently with a low load. Furthermore, if the surface of the object L to be defoamed is directly irradiated with ultrasonic vibrations W, this may induce the generation of new foam, but by adopting a structure as described above in which the surface of the object L to be defoamed is difficult to be irradiated with ultrasonic vibrations W, the generation of new foam can be prevented.

[0119] 1, the direction of the ultrasonic vibrations W output from the ultrasonic generator 10 is perpendicular to the mesh plate 74 and the defoaming object L, but is not limited to this. The irradiation angle of the ultrasonic vibrations W can be determined appropriately taking into consideration the structure of the device and the characteristics of the defoaming object L.

[0120] Furthermore, the treatment time for defoaming the surface of the object to be defoamed L using the defoaming apparatus 100 of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set to a treatment time that can effectively defoam the surface of the object to be defoamed L depending on the various characteristics of the object to be defoamed L and the amount of the object to be defoamed L to be treated.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the method of storing the defoaming object L in the tank 71 and removing the foam B using the mesh plates 74, 75 alone or in combination with the ultrasonic generator 10 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to employ a configuration in which the ultrasonic vibrations W are irradiated directly from the ultrasonic generator 10 toward the surface of the defoaming object L after taking measures to prevent splashes from the defoaming object L by irradiating the ultrasonic vibrations W as described above.

[0122] That is, in this embodiment, whether the defoaming treatment is performed using only the mesh plates 74, 75 or the ultrasonic generator 10, a sufficient effect of defoaming the foam B generated on the surface of the defoaming target L can be obtained. On the other hand, as described above, when the ultrasonic generator 10 is used in addition to the mesh plates 74, 75, and a configuration is adopted in which ultrasonic vibrations W can be applied to the foam B on the mesh plate 74, it is possible to perform the defoaming treatment even more efficiently and effectively.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to employ a method in which the defoaming object L is placed in a bottle, a PET bottle, or the like to produce a semi-finished product before sealing, ultrasonic vibrations W from an ultrasonic generator are directly applied to the defoaming object L from the opening of the bottle, a PET bottle, or the like to remove the foam B, and the bottle is then sealed with a cap. In this case, by using ultrasonic generators 10A, 10B equipped with an adapter 81 (and a pipe 82) having a throttle shape as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, it is possible to efficiently apply ultrasonic vibrations W from the opening of the bottle, PET bottle, or the like to the surface of the defoaming object L. Note that when the defoaming treatment is carried out after the defoaming object L is placed in a bottle, a PET bottle, or the like, the tank and agitator described above can be omitted.

[0124] The defoaming target that can be subjected to defoaming treatment by the defoaming apparatus 100 of this embodiment is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include various liquids or semi-solids such as beverages, paints, yeast bread dough, various foods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and resources such as petroleum and gasoline. When the defoaming object L is a beverage, examples of the beverage include various carbonated drinks such as cola and beer, non-carbonated drinks containing sugar and fruit juice, milk drinks, soy milk drinks, and the like. The defoaming device 100 of this embodiment can perform efficient and effective defoaming treatment on any defoaming target (liquid or semi-solid) having any characteristics.

[0125] <Action and effect> As described above, the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment has a configuration including a drum-shaped small diameter section 3 that extends from the cylindrical main body 2 to which mechanical vibrations are input and includes an area with a specific curved surface shape, a flange section 4 that extends from this small diameter section 3, and a cavity section 5 that has a specific shape and communicates with the flange section 4 and the small diameter section 3. By having the small diameter portion 3, flange portion 4, and hollow portion 5 each having a specific shape as described above, it is possible to effectively amplify the mechanical vibration generated by the transducer 30 and output focused ultrasonic vibrations W having high sound pressure. Then, by irradiating this ultrasonic vibration W onto foam B generated on the surface of a defoaming object L made of, for example, a liquid or semi-solid, it becomes possible to effectively defoam the foam.

[0126] Furthermore, the ultrasonic generators 10, 10A to 10C of this embodiment are equipped with the ultrasonic horn 1 of this embodiment, and therefore, similarly to the above, can output focused ultrasonic vibrations W having high sound pressure. Therefore, by irradiating the output ultrasonic vibrations W onto foam B generated on the surface of the defoaming target L made of a liquid or semi-solid, effective defoaming becomes possible.

[0127] Moreover, the defoaming apparatus 100 of this embodiment employs a configuration including mesh plates 74, 75 for removing foam B that has risen to the surface of the defoaming target L contained in the tank 71. This makes it possible to efficiently remove foam B that has formed on the surface of the defoaming target L. Furthermore, when a defoaming action is combined by irradiating ultrasonic vibrations W onto the foam B scooped up by the mesh plates 74, 75, or when a configuration is adopted in which the defoaming target L contained in the tank 71 is introduced into the casing of the ultrasonic generator and ultrasonic vibrations W are irradiated onto the foam B while the foam B is scooped up with a mesh filter, it becomes possible to more effectively remove foam B from the surface of the defoaming target L.

[0128] <Modifications of the present invention> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the ultrasonic horn, ultrasonic generator, and defoaming device of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention and the scope of the appended claims.

[0129] For example, in this embodiment, the defoaming device is mainly described as having only one ultrasonic generator, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it is also possible to have a configuration in which a plurality of ultrasonic generators are provided so that ultrasonic vibrations can be applied simultaneously to a plurality of points on the surface of the defoaming target. When such a configuration is adopted, it becomes possible to greatly increase the amount of the defoaming target that can be subjected to defoaming treatment per unit time, which leads to improved production efficiency in the manufacturing process.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration is described in which foam B that has risen to the surface of the defoaming object L is scooped up and removed inside the tank 71, such as the defoaming device 100 illustrated in Figure 1, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a mesh filter is placed inside the casing and a defoaming object L is introduced into the casing to remove (defoam) the foam B, as in the ultrasonic generator 10D shown in FIG. 9 or the ultrasonic generator 10E shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 9 is a cutaway view showing an example in which a first mesh filter (mesh member, mesh filter) 76 is provided in a second casing 50D of an ultrasonic generator 10D, and FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of the first mesh filter 76 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a cutaway view showing another example in which a first mesh filter 76 and a second mesh filter (mesh member, mesh filter) 77 are provided in a second casing 50E of an ultrasonic generator 10E, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view of the second mesh filter 77 shown in FIG. 11. 9 and 11, for the sake of convenience, illustration of components other than the ultrasonic generators 10D and 10E provided in the defoaming device is omitted.

[0131] 9, a second casing (casing) 50D has a main pipe 57a in which an ultrasonic horn 1 is housed, and an inlet pipe 57b that is provided to communicate with the main pipe 57a and that introduces a material to be defoamed L from a tank 71 (see FIG. 1) into the second casing 50D. The ultrasonic generator 10D differs from the ultrasonic generator 10 shown in FIG. 1, etc., in that, as shown in the example, the second casing 50D is configured roughly as a T-pipe in which the inlet pipe 57b branches off from a branching portion 57c that is provided in the path of the main pipe 57a.

[0132] In the ultrasonic generator 10D, a first mesh filter (mesh filter, mesh member) 76 is provided inside the second casing 50D, and in the illustrated example, the first mesh filter 76 is arranged downstream of the branching portion 57c in the main pipe 57a, that is, at one location on the opposite side to the one end 50a. As a result, although detailed illustration is omitted in Fig. 9, the ultrasonic generator 10D is configured so that the defoaming material L contained in the tank 71 (see Fig. 1) is introduced into the main pipe 57a through the inflow pipe 57b (see the arrows indicating the IN and OUT sides of the defoaming material L shown in Fig. 9).

[0133] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the first mesh filter 76 has a mesh material 76a stretched over almost the entire inner region of an outer frame 76c that is circular in plan view. The outer frame 76c may be a frame-shaped member made of, for example, stainless steel. As the mesh material 76a, for example, one made of the same material as the mesh material 74b constituting the mesh plate 74 described above can be used.

[0134] Although detailed illustration of the ultrasonic generator 10D is omitted, the IN side of the inlet pipe 57b constituting the second casing 50D is connected to the tank as a pipe for taking out the defoaming target L from the tank, while the OUT side of the main pipe 57a constituting the second casing 50D is connected to the tank as a pipe for returning the defoaming target L into the tank after the foam has been decomposed.

[0135] By using the ultrasonic generator 10D having the above-described configuration, foam B generated in a defoaming target L contained in a tank 71 as shown in FIG. 1 can be defoamed in the following manner. First, the defoaming target L contained in the tank 71 is introduced into the main pipe 57a through the inflow pipe 57b. At this time, the foam B generated on the surface of the defoaming target L is captured by the first mesh filter 76, and the defoamed material falls to the OUT side of the main pipe 57a and is returned to the tank side. Meanwhile, the foam B captured on the first mesh filter 76 is irradiated with ultrasonic vibrations W from the output end 42 of the ultrasonic horn 1, whereby the foam is broken (defoamed).

[0136] 11, a second casing (casing) 50E has a main pipe 58a in which the ultrasonic horn 1 is housed, and a liquid passage pipe (inlet pipe) 58b that is provided to communicate with the main pipe 58a and that can introduce the defoaming target L from a tank 71 (see FIG. 1) into the second casing 50E. The ultrasonic generator 10E differs from the ultrasonic generator 10 shown in FIG. 1, etc., in that, as in the illustrated example, the second casing 50E is configured roughly as a T-pipe in which the straight main pipe 58a is connected to a branching portion 58c that is provided in the path of the liquid passage pipe 58b.

[0137] In the ultrasonic generator 10E, a first mesh filter 76 and a second mesh filter (mesh filter, mesh member) 77 are provided inside a second casing 50E. In the illustrated example, the second mesh filter 77 is disposed at one location near the branching portion 58c in the main pipe 58a, and the first mesh filter 76 is disposed at one location in the liquid-passing pipe 58b downstream of the branching portion 58c, i.e., on the OUT side of the defoaming target L shown in FIG. 11. As a result, although detailed illustration of the ultrasonic generator 10E is omitted in FIG. 11, the defoaming target L contained in the tank 71 (see FIG. 1) is passed through the liquid-passing pipe 58b, and some of the foam B that has risen to the surface of the defoaming target L is introduced into the main pipe 58a. Meanwhile, the defoaming target L together with some of the foam B is guided downstream of the liquid-passing pipe 58b (see the arrows indicating the IN and OUT sides of the defoaming target L shown in FIG. 11).

[0138] 12, second mesh filter 77 has a configuration in which mesh material 77a is provided in an inner region of outer frame 77c that is circular in plan view. In second mesh filter 77 in the illustrated example, there is a slight gap between outer frame 77c and mesh material 77a, and this gap serves as through-hole 77b. The outer frame 77c may be made of the same material as the outer frame 77c provided in the first mesh filter 76 described above. The mesh material 77a may be made of the same material as the mesh material 76a provided in the first mesh filter 76 described above.

[0139] Although detailed illustration of the ultrasonic generator 10E is omitted, the IN side of the liquid passage pipe 58b constituting the second casing 50E is connected to the tank as a pipe for taking out the defoaming object L from the tank, while the OUT side of the liquid passage pipe 58b constituting the second casing 50E is connected to the tank as a pipe for returning the defoaming object L into the tank.

[0140] By using the ultrasonic generator 10E having the above-described configuration, similarly to the case where the above-described ultrasonic generator 10D is used, the foam B generated in the defoaming target L contained in the tank 71 as exemplified in FIG. 1 can be defoamed in the following procedure.

[0141] First, the defoaming object L contained in the tank 71 is passed through the liquid passage pipe 58b from the IN side to the OUT side. At this time, some of the foam B that has risen to the surface of the defoaming object L is introduced into the main pipe 58a, passes through the through-holes 77b provided in the second mesh filter 77, and is guided onto the mesh material 77a and captured therein. The foam B captured on the second mesh filter 77 is broken (defoamed) by being irradiated with ultrasonic vibrations W from the output end 42 of the ultrasonic horn 1.

[0142] On the other hand, foam B that does not rise to the surface inside main pipe 58a but tends to move toward the OUT side of fluid passage pipe 58b is captured by first mesh filter 76, and as its amount increases, it rises to the surface inside main pipe 58a, passing through penetration portion 77b of second mesh filter 77 and being guided onto mesh material 77a. Foam B captured on second mesh filter 77 in this way is also broken down (defoamed) by being irradiated with ultrasonic vibrations W from output end 42 of ultrasonic horn 1, as described above. The foam B is captured by the first mesh filter 76, and the defoamed object L moving toward the OUT side of the liquid passage pipe 58b in a defoamed state is returned to the tank side as it is.

[0143] The ultrasonic generators 10D and 10E having the above-described configuration can be employed as one of the defoaming means constituting a defoaming device, for example, when it is difficult to install the ultrasonic generator inside or near the tank 71 as shown in FIG. 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0144] The ultrasonic horn of the present invention can effectively amplify mechanical vibrations generated by a transducer and output focused ultrasonic vibrations with high sound pressure, and by irradiating the ultrasonic vibrations onto foam that has formed on the surface of various liquids or semi-solids, it can effectively remove the foam without causing deterioration of product properties or increased costs, etc. Therefore, the present invention is extremely useful for defoaming foam that has formed on the surface of liquids in processes for processing, for example, yeast used in the production of beverages, paints, and bread, foods such as soy sauce and ice cream, various chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and resources such as petroleum and gasoline. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1...Ultrasonic horn 2...Main body 11...Proximal end 11a...input terminal 12…Slope area 2a…starting end 2b…one end 21...Screw hole 22...Input hole 23...Torso area 3…Small diameter part 3a...other end 31...middle area 32...Reduced diameter area 33…Expanded diameter area 4...Flange 41...Tapered surface 42...Output terminal 5...Cavity part 5a…step 51...Inner surface 52...Bottom 53...First taper region 54...Second taper region J…Center axis 10, 10A, 10, 10C, 10D, 10E...Ultrasonic generator 20...Corn 20a...Output section 30...Transducer 40...First casing (casing) 50, 50A, 50B, 50D, 50E...Second casing (casing) 50a...one end 50b...other end 55a...first straight section 55b...Second straight section 55c...Bending part 57a…Superintendent 57b…Inflow pipe 57c...Fork 58a…Superintendent 58b…Liquid pipe (inflow pipe) 58c...Fork 50C...Third casing (casing) 56a…one end 56b...other end 60...Reflector 60a...periphery 80...Joint (casing) 100…defoaming device 70...Agitator 71...Tank 72...Motor 73a...Rotating shaft 73b...Stir bar 74, 75...Mesh plate (mesh member) 74a…Frame material 74b...Mesh material 75a...Rotating shaft 75b...Blade 76...First mesh filter (mesh member, mesh filter) 76a...Mesh material 76c...outer frame 77...Second mesh filter (mesh member, mesh filter) 77a...Mesh material 77b...Penetration part 77c...outer frame W: Ultrasonic vibration L…Defoaming material (liquid or semi-solid) B…foam

Claims

1. An ultrasonic horn that amplifies mechanical vibrations converted from electrical signals in a transducer by resonating in accordance with the mechanical vibrations to output ultrasonic vibrations, a cylindrical main body having an input end to which the mechanical vibration is input; a small-diameter portion having a hand-held drum shape, the small-diameter portion including: a reduced-diameter region extending from one end of the main body portion opposite the input end, the diameter of which gradually decreases in a curved manner toward the other end opposite the one end; an intermediate region extending from a terminal end of the reduced-diameter region toward the other end with a uniform diameter and having a smaller diameter than the main body portion; and an increased-diameter region extending from a terminal end of the intermediate region, the diameter of which gradually increases in a curved manner toward the other end; a flange portion extending from the other end of the small diameter portion, the other end being an output end of ultrasonic vibration generated by the mechanical vibration, the flange portion gradually increasing in diameter toward the output end; an ultrasonic horn comprising: a hollow portion having a concave shape extending from the output end of the flange portion to the inside of the small diameter portion, the hollow portion having a curved bottom surface, an inner surface having a uniform diameter, and at least one tapered region having a diameter that gradually increases from the inner surface toward the output end.

2. 2. The ultrasonic horn according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the cavity is hemispherical.

3. 3. The ultrasonic horn according to claim 1, wherein the main body, the small diameter portion, and the flange are integrally formed from aluminum, titanium, or an alloy thereof.

4. 3. The ultrasonic horn according to claim 1, wherein the frequency range of the ultrasonic vibration output from the output end is 13,000 to 25,000 (Hz).

5. 3. The ultrasonic horn according to claim 1, wherein the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration output from the output end is in the range of 1 to 180 μm in peak-to-peak value.

6. at least, A cylindrical casing; a transducer housed in the vicinity of one end of the casing, which converts an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration and outputs the mechanical vibration; an ultrasonic horn that is housed in the vicinity of the other end of the casing and amplifies the mechanical vibration output from the transducer to output ultrasonic vibration; An ultrasonic generator comprising:

3. An ultrasonic generator, wherein the ultrasonic horn is the ultrasonic horn according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The ultrasonic horn further includes a cone that is housed in the casing and fixed to the casing, and is connected to an output portion of the transducer, amplifying the mechanical vibration output from the transducer and outputting the amplified mechanical vibration to the ultrasonic horn, the ultrasonic horn is connected to the output portion of the cone and amplifies the mechanical vibrations amplified by the cone to output ultrasonic vibrations; 7. The ultrasonic generator of claim 6, wherein the cone is positioned to support the transducer and the ultrasonic horn inside the casing.

8. 7. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 6, wherein an output end of the ultrasonic horn is exposed to the outside from the other end of the casing.

9. 9. The ultrasonic generator according to claim 8, further comprising a reflector made of a flat member attached to the other end of the casing, which reflects backward waves of the ultrasonic vibrations output from the ultrasonic horn that are output toward the casing side toward the output end of the ultrasonic horn.

10. a tank for accommodating a liquid or semi-solid to be defoamed; a stirrer for stirring the material to be defoamed contained in the tank, the agitator is attached to a rotary shaft and disposed so as to penetrate into the material to be defoamed, and has a stirrer that agitates the material to be defoamed, The defoaming device further comprises a mesh member for removing foam that has risen to the surface of the object to be defoamed.

11. The defoaming apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the mesh member comprises a mesh plate that is attached to the rotary shaft, is arranged along the surface of the object to be defoamed, and rotates together with the stirrer to scoop up foam that has risen to the surface.

12. Further, the apparatus includes one or more ultrasonic generators that output ultrasonic vibrations toward the foam scooped by the mesh plate, 12. The defoaming device according to claim 11, wherein the ultrasonic generator is the ultrasonic generator according to claim 6.

13. Further comprising one or more ultrasonic generators according to claim 6, a casing provided in the ultrasonic generator includes a main pipe in which an ultrasonic horn is housed, and an inlet pipe provided to communicate with the main pipe and for introducing the defoaming material from the tank into the casing; The mesh member comprises one or more mesh filters disposed inside the casing, 11. The defoaming device according to claim 10, wherein the ultrasonic horn outputs ultrasonic vibrations toward the foam scooped by the mesh filter.

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