Electrostatic spray device

Abstract

To provide an electrostatic ejection device which can prevent a liquid composition from sticking and dripping.SOLUTION: An electrostatic ejection device applies a voltage to a liquid to eject the liquid. The electrostatic ejection device includes: a cartridge having a liquid storage part in which the liquid is stored, and an ejection part which ejects the liquid; an electrostatic ejection body where the liquid storage part of the cartridge may be inserted or removed; and a cap which seals a nozzle of a tip of the ejection part. The cap is configured to change its state between a closed state where the cap hermetically closes an ejection hole of the nozzle and an open state where the cap opens the ejection hole of the nozzle. In the open state, the cap is held by the cartridge or the electrostatic ejection body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrostatic spraying device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electrostatic spraying device that sprays a liquid by electrostatic force has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electrostatic spraying device provided with a motor, a high-voltage generator, a battery, etc. inside a housing made to a size that can be held by a user's hand, and that sprays a liquid composition electrostatically charged (electrostatically charged) by a high voltage from the high-voltage generator toward an object from a nozzle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The electrostatic spray device in this disclosure is an electrostatic spray device that sprays a liquid by applying a voltage to the liquid, and comprises an electrostatic spray body into which the liquid storage portion of a cartridge having a liquid storage portion for storing the liquid and a spray portion for spraying the liquid can be inserted and removed, and a cap that seals a spray hole provided on the nozzle at the tip of the spray portion, wherein the cap is configured to be switchable between a closed state that seals the spray hole of the nozzle and an open state that opens the spray hole of the nozzle, and is held in the cartridge or the electrostatic spray body in the open state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The electrostatic spraying device in this disclosure prevents users from forgetting to close the cap after use, thus preventing the liquid composition from solidifying or dripping. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the electrostatic spraying device in the first embodiment with the cap closed. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the electrostatic spray device in the first embodiment with the cap open. [Figure 3] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the electrostatic spray device in the first embodiment with the cap open. [Figure 4A] This is an exploded perspective view showing the electrostatic spraying device in the first embodiment with the cartridge removed. [Figure 4B]This is a detailed diagram of the main power control unit of the electrostatic spray device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the electrostatic spray device in the second embodiment with the cap closed. [Figure 5B] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the electrostatic spray device in the second embodiment with the cap open. [Figure 6A] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the electrostatic spray device in the third embodiment with the cap closed. [Figure 6B] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the electrostatic spray device in the third embodiment with the cap open. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the configuration provided within the housing of the electrostatic ejection device in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following explanation are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described below with reference to the figures.

[0011] [Overall configuration and operation overview of the electrostatic spray device] As shown in Figures 1 to 4A, the electrostatic spray device 10 according to the first embodiment comprises a cartridge 100 for containing liquid and an electrostatic spray body 200 into which the cartridge 100 can be inserted and removed. The electrostatic spray device 10 according to the first embodiment further comprises a cap 11 attached to the cartridge 100 and a connecting part 15 that connects the cap 11 and the cartridge 100. The cap 11 is opened when in use (see Figures 2 and 3) and closed after use (see Figure 1).

[0012] The electrostatic spraying device 10 according to the first embodiment is a handheld device shaped and sized to be held in the user's hand, and sprays a liquid composition (liquid) toward an object using the electrostatic spray method. The electrostatic spray method is a method in which a high voltage (e.g., several kV to tens of kV) is applied to a liquid composition (e.g., a solution of a polymer compound dissolved in a volatile solvent) to electrostatically charge the liquid composition (electrostatically charge it), and the liquid composition is sprayed toward the object by the electrostatic force based on the potential difference between the charged liquid composition and the object. The liquid composition sprayed by the electrostatic spray method is sent toward the object in the form of a mist or an extremely fine thread. The sprayed liquid composition can form a film on the surface of the object as the volatile solvent dries after being sprayed toward the object and after adhering to the object. The electrostatic spraying device 10 according to the first embodiment can also be used as an electrospinning device that sprays a solution containing raw materials for electrospinning, i.e., a spinning solution, toward an object.

[0013] If, for example, a solution containing a volatile substance, a water-insoluble polymer for fiber formation, and water is used as the liquid composition, the user can hold the electrostatic spraying device 10 in their hand and spray this liquid composition toward their skin to form a film on the surface of their skin. The film is a deposit containing fibers.

[0014] Specifically, as the liquid composition or spinning solution used in an electrostatic spraying device or an electrospinning device, for example, a solution in which a film-forming polymer compound, more preferably a fiber-forming polymer compound, is dissolved in a solvent can be used. As such a polymer compound, either a water-soluble polymer compound or a water-insoluble polymer compound can be used. The fiber-forming polymer compound preferably includes a water-insoluble polymer compound.

[0015] When using a water-insoluble polymer compound, the liquid composition contains 50% by mass or more of a volatile solvent selected from alcohols and ketones. The volatile solvent is a substance that is volatile in the liquid state. The vapor pressure of the volatile solvent is preferably 0.01 kPa or more and 106.66 kPa or less at 20°C, more preferably 0.13 kPa or more and 66.66 kPa or less, still more preferably 0.67 kPa or more and 40.00 kPa or less, and even more preferably 1.33 kPa or more and 40.00 kPa or less.

[0016] Among the volatile solvents, as the alcohol, for example, monohydric chain aliphatic alcohols, monohydric cyclic aliphatic alcohols, and monohydric aromatic alcohols are preferably used. As the monohydric chain aliphatic alcohol, C1-C6 alcohols are used, as the monohydric cyclic alcohol, C4-C6 cyclic alcohols are used, and as the monohydric aromatic alcohol, benzyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, etc. are respectively mentioned. Specific examples thereof include ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, n-propanol, n-pentanol, etc. These alcohols can be used alone or in combination of two or more selected from these.

[0017] Among the volatile solvents, as the ketone, di C1-C4 alkyl ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, etc. are mentioned. These ketones can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0018] The volatile liquid agent more preferably contains one or more selected from ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and butyl alcohol, more preferably contains one or more selected from ethanol and butyl alcohol, and even more preferably contains ethanol from the viewpoint of the feel of the formed fibers. The content of the above volatile alcohol is preferably 85% by mass or more, preferably 90% by mass or more, and preferably 100% by mass or less in the volatile liquid agent.

[0019] The content of the volatile liquid agent in the liquid composition is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 55% by mass or more, and even more preferably 60% by mass or more. Furthermore, it is preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 94% by mass or less, and even more preferably 93% by mass or less. The content of the volatile liquid agent in the liquid composition is preferably 50% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, more preferably 55% by mass or more and 94% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60% by mass or more and 93% by mass or less. By including the volatile liquid agent in the liquid composition in this proportion, the liquid composition can be sufficiently volatilized when performing the electrostatic spray method, and a film containing fibers can be formed on the surface of the skin or nails.

[0020] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of high volatility and the feel of the formed fibers, the amount of ethanol is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 65% ​​by mass or more, and even more preferably 80% by mass or more, based on the total amount of the volatile liquid agent. It is also preferable that it be 100% by mass or less. The amount of ethanol is preferably 50% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, more preferably 65% ​​by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, and even more preferably 80% by mass or more and 100% by mass or less, based on the total amount of the volatile liquid agent.

[0021] Furthermore, the liquid composition preferably contains a water-insoluble polymer for fiber formation. The water-insoluble polymer for fiber formation is a substance that can dissolve in a volatile liquid agent. Here, dissolution means that the substance is dispersed at 20°C, and that the dispersion is uniform to the naked eye, preferably transparent or translucent to the naked eye.

[0022] Water-insoluble polymers for fiber formation are polymers that are soluble in volatile substances but insoluble in water. In this specification, "water-soluble polymer" refers to a polymer that, when weighed at 1 atmosphere and 23°C, is immersed in 10 g of deionized water, and after 24 hours, at least 0.5 g of the immersed polymer dissolves in water. On the other hand, in this specification, "water-insoluble polymer" refers to a polymer that, when weighed at 1 atmosphere and 23°C, is immersed in 10 g of deionized water, and after 24 hours, at least 0.5 g of the immersed polymer does not dissolve; in other words, it refers to a polymer whose dissolvable amount is less than 0.5 g.

[0023] Examples of water-insoluble polymers with fiber-forming ability include fully saponified polyvinyl alcohol that can be insolubilized after film formation, partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol that can be crosslinked after film formation when used in combination with a crosslinking agent, oxazoline-modified silicones such as poly(N-propanoylethyleneimine) graft-dimethylsiloxane / γ-aminopropylmethylsiloxane copolymer, polyvinyl acetal diethylaminoacetate, zein (a major component of corn protein), polyester, polylactic acid (PLA), polyacrylonitrile resin, acrylic resins such as polymethacrylic acid resin, polystyrene resin, polyvinyl butyral resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyurethane resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, and polyamideimide resin. One or more of these water-insoluble polymers can be used in combination. Of these water-insoluble polymers, it is preferable to use one or more selected from fully saponified polyvinyl alcohol, which can be insolubilized after film formation; partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol, which can be crosslinked after film formation when used in combination with a crosslinking agent; acrylic resins such as polyvinyl butyral resin, polyurethane resin, and polymethacrylic acid resin; oxazoline-modified silicones such as polyvinyl acetal diethylaminoacetate and poly(N-propanoylethyleneimine) graft-dimethylsiloxane / γ-aminopropylmethylsiloxane copolymer; polylactic acid (PLA); and zein. Of these water-insoluble polymers, partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol, fully saponified polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral resin, polymethacrylic resin, and polyurethane resin are more preferred from the viewpoint of dispersibility in alcohol solvents and the feel of the fibers, with partially saponified polyvinyl alcohol, fully saponified polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinyl butyral resin being even more preferred. Polyvinyl butyral resin is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of being able to stably and efficiently form a fiber-containing film on the surface of the skin or nails, and from the viewpoint of achieving both film durability, film formation, skin conformability, and durability.

[0024] The content of the water-insoluble polymer for fiber formation in the liquid composition is preferably 3% by mass or more, more preferably 4% by mass or more, and even more preferably 6% by mass or more. Furthermore, it is preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less. The content of the water-insoluble polymer for fiber formation in the liquid composition is preferably 3% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, more preferably 3% by mass or more and 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. By including the water-insoluble polymer for fiber formation in the liquid composition in these proportions, a fibrous coating can be formed stably and efficiently.

[0025] Furthermore, the liquid composition may contain water. Water ionizes and becomes charged compared to non-ionizing solvents such as ethanol, or it can dissolve ionic components and induce ionization, thereby imparting conductivity to the liquid composition. As a result, a fibrous film is stably formed on the surface of the skin or nails by electrostatic spraying. In addition, water contributes to improved adhesion, durability, and appearance of the film formed by electrostatic spraying to the skin or nails. From the viewpoint of obtaining these effects, it is preferable that the liquid composition contains 0.2% to 20% by mass of water, more preferably 0.3% to 15% by mass, and even more preferably 0.4% to 10% by mass, from the viewpoint of fibrous film formation even in high humidity environments.

[0026] The liquid composition may further contain other components. Examples of other components include polyols other than the volatile liquid agents mentioned above, oils that are liquid at 25°C, plasticizers for water-insoluble polymers for fiber formation, conductivity regulators for liquid compositions, binders, powders such as coloring pigments and extender pigments, dyes, fragrances, repellents, antioxidants, stabilizers, preservatives, and various vitamins. When other components are included in the liquid composition, the content of these other components is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less.

[0027] The viscosity of the liquid composition is preferably 2 mPa·s to 3000 mPa·s at 25°C, more preferably 10 mPa·s to 1500 mPa·s, even more preferably 15 mPa·s to 1000 mPa·s, and even more preferably 15 mPa·s to 800 mPa·s, from the viewpoints of stably forming a fibrous film, spinnability during electrostatic spraying, improving the durability of the film, and improving the feel of the film. The viscosity of the liquid composition is measured at 25°C using an E-type viscometer. For example, an E-type viscometer (VISCONICEMD) manufactured by Tokyo Keiki Co., Ltd. can be used. In this case, the measurement conditions are 25°C, rotor No. 43 of the cone plate, and the rotation speed is selected appropriately according to the viscosity: 5 rpm for viscosities of 500 mPa·s or more, 10 rpm for viscosities of 150 mPa·s or more but less than 500 mPa·s, and 20 rpm for viscosities less than 150 mPa·s.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4A, the electrostatic spray unit 200 is equipped with a housing 210, the housing 210 being configured to allow the cartridge 100 to be attached and detached.

[0029] The housing 210 is made of an insulating material, that is, a material that has the property of not conducting electricity well. Note that "insulating" or "not conducting electricity well" as used here means, for example, 10 12 This refers to having a volume resistivity (ASTM D257, JIS K6911) greater than Ωm. Examples of insulating materials used in the housing 210 include insulating organic materials such as synthetic resins, or insulating inorganic materials such as glass or ceramics. Examples of insulating organic materials include polypropylene (PP), polyacetal, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), monomer cast nylon, etc. On the other hand, conductive materials are materials that have the property of easily conducting electricity, i.e., for example 10 -2 This refers to a material having a volume resistivity of Ωm or less.

[0030] [Cartridge Configuration] The cartridge 100 is a disposable container that is interchangeably attached to a device to which a liquid is supplied, and its use is not particularly limited, but in the first embodiment, it is a cartridge for an electrospinning device used in an electrospinning device. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4A, the cartridge 100 has a cylindrical liquid storage section 110 capable of containing a liquid composition and a ejection section 120 for ejecting the liquid composition in the liquid storage section 110.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the ejection section 120 has a mounting body 121, a connecting body 122, and a nozzle 123. In the first embodiment, a part of the mounting body 121 is formed of a conductive resin (for example, a resin containing carbon). Note that "conductive resin" refers to a resin that contains conductive materials such as metal or carbon, has low electrical resistance, and conducts electricity easily. For example, 10 -2 This refers to a resin having a volume resistivity of Ωm or less. Furthermore, suitable resins include, for example, PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), and POM (polyacetal), all of which have solvent resistance to solvents such as ethanol. The entire mounting body 121, or both the mounting body 121 and the connector 122, may be made of conductive resin.

[0032] The mounting body 121 has a flow path and a small electrode inside. The flow path is a passage for the liquid composition to flow through. The small electrode is configured to electrostatically charge the liquid composition flowing through the flow path. The connector 122 is connected to the liquid container 110 and communicates with the inside of the liquid container 110, and is configured to guide the liquid composition in the liquid container 110 into the flow path of the mounting body 121. The nozzle 123 is connected to the mounting body 121 and has a ejection hole 123a at its tip, as well as a linear nozzle flow path connecting the ejection hole 123a to the flow path of the mounting body 121. In the first embodiment, the mounting body 121 is configured as a separate part from the connector 122, but the mounting body 121 and the connector 122 may be configured as a single unit. Similarly, the nozzle 123 is configured as a separate part from the mounting body 121, but the nozzle 123 and the mounting body 121 may be configured as a single unit.

[0033] The liquid storage section 110 has a cylindrical shape comprising a first cylindrical member 111 connectable to the ejection section 120, and a second cylindrical member 112 connectable to the first cylindrical member 111 and having a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical member 111. The first cylindrical member 111 is a cylindrical container made of plastic and is configured to contain a liquid composition.

[0034] The second cylindrical member 112 is a cylindrical container made of plastic, and is configured to rotate relative to the first cylindrical member 111 by the rotational force generated by the drive unit 246, which will be described later. Inside the second cylindrical member 112, there is a piston rod 112a and a piston 112b provided at the end of the piston rod 112a on the ejection end 120 side.

[0035] The piston rod 112a is configured to advance axially as the second cylindrical member 112 rotates, pushing the piston 112b upward toward the ejection section 120. Specifically, threads (not shown) that can be screwed into each other are formed on the inner surface of the second cylindrical member 112 and the outer surface of the piston rod 112a, and the piston rod 112a is configured to screw forward toward the ejection section 120 as the second cylindrical member 112 rotates. The piston 112b is configured to move back and forth axially (in the direction along the liquid storage section 110) by the piston rod 112a, and is configured to push the liquid composition toward the ejection section 120 as it is pushed upward toward the ejection section 120 by the piston rod 112a.

[0036] [Housing configuration and operation] The housing 210 shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4A is shaped and sized to be easily held by the user. Specifically, the housing 210 has a cylindrical shape, that is, an elliptical cross-section parallel to the nozzle axis with a major axis and a minor axis. The length of the housing 210 in the direction along the nozzle axis is, for example, 3 cm to 11 cm. The "nozzle axis" refers to the axis that passes through the center of the ejection hole 123a of the nozzle 123 and is aligned with the direction of liquid ejection. Inside the housing 210, a housing space 220 (see Figure 4A) capable of accommodating the liquid storage section 110 of the cartridge 100 is formed, and a charging structure for electrostatically charging the liquid composition and a drive unit for driving the second cylindrical member 112 are also arranged. Details of the charging structure and drive unit will be described later.

[0037] Furthermore, the housing 210 has an insertion hole 221 formed at one end (the upper end side in Figure 4A) through which the liquid storage portion 110 can be inserted. The insertion hole 221 communicates with the storage space 220 inside the housing 210, and is shaped and sized so that the liquid storage portion 110 of the cartridge 100 can be inserted into and removed from the storage space 220 by passing through the insertion hole 221. In the first embodiment, the insertion hole 221 and the storage space 220 are formed at the end of the housing, making it possible to secure a large storage space for the charging structure, drive unit, etc. on the other side.

[0038] [Cap composition] As shown in Figure 1, the cap 11 is configured to seal the ejection hole 123a provided in the nozzle 123 of the ejection unit 120, and in the first embodiment, it has a hemispherical shape that covers the nozzle 123 as a whole. The cap 11 is also configured to be switchable between a closed state in which the cap 11 seals the ejection hole 123a of the nozzle 123 and an open state in which the ejection hole 123a of the nozzle 123 is open, and is held on the cartridge 100 in the open state. Specifically, the cap 11 is connected to the cartridge 100 by a connecting part 15, and is configured to be switchable between the closed state and the open state while connected by the connecting part 15. More specifically, in the first embodiment, the cap 11 is configured to be rotatable between the closed state and the open state around the connecting part 15.

[0039] In this way, because the cap 11 is held in place by the cartridge 100, it is possible to prevent situations such as forgetting to close the cap 11 or losing the cap 11, thereby preventing situations such as the liquid composition solidifying inside the nozzle 123 and being unable to be sprayed, or the liquid composition dripping from the nozzle 123.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the cap 11 is equipped with a restricting portion 14 that holds the cap 11 to restrict its displacement from the open state to the closed state. In the first embodiment, the restricting portion 14 is realized by the fact that the connecting portion 15 is a rotating shaft portion having an eccentric structure. That is, in the first embodiment, the configuration does not involve providing a restricting portion 14 in addition to the connecting portion 15, but rather the shape of the connecting portion 15 itself allows the connecting portion 15 to function as the restricting portion 14. Specifically, in the open state of the cap 11, the connecting portion 15 has a roughly teardrop shape in cross-section, where the length from the center of rotation to the end of the nozzle 123 on the ejection direction side is longer than the vertical length. Because the connecting portion 15 has this shape, when closing the cap 11, the cap 11 moves in a large arc, and when the inner surface of the cap 11 and the tip of the nozzle 123 come into contact, the nozzle 123 makes contact from the tip side and can properly block the flow path. In addition, the cap 11 can be opened and closed with appropriate force without applying excessive force when opening and closing the cap 11. In the first embodiment, the connecting portion 15 was described as functioning as a restricting portion 14, but the invention is not limited to this. The restricting portion 14 may be provided separately from the connecting portion 15, or the restricting portion 14 may not be provided at all.

[0041] In the closed state of the cap 11 shown in Figure 1, the tip of the nozzle 123 is sealed by a packing 12 located at the inner tip of the cap 11, preventing the liquid from solidifying. Protrusions 13 are formed on both inner sides of the cap 11, and by fitting into recesses 124 at the base of the nozzle 123, they receive the reaction force of the packing 12 and prevent the cap 11 from opening due to vibrations applied to the electrostatic spraying device 10 during transport. Figure 2 shows the cap 11 in the open state, with the tip of the nozzle 123 open and ready for electrostatic spraying.

[0042] Furthermore, when the cap 11 is in the open state, it is held by the restricting part 14 in a position that does not affect the electric field E at the tip of the nozzle 123. Here, Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the positional relationship between the nozzle 123 and the cap 11 and an image of the electric field E. The electric field E is formed from the tip of the nozzle 123 toward the object O, and is configured in a roughly concentric manner near the nozzle 123, and as it approaches the object O, it is formed to follow the surface of the object O. However, if an object is present near the tip of the nozzle 123, the electric field E is partially distorted. If the cap 11 interferes with the electric field E, the liquid ejected from the tip of the nozzle 123 will not be ejected straight but will curve, and will not be able to be ejected to the target position. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the cap 11 is in a position that does not interfere with the electric field E formed between the tip of the nozzle 123 and the object O. For example, when the cap is in the open state, it is preferable that the base end of the cap 11 is 10 mm or more behind the tip of the nozzle 123, and more preferably 30 mm or more behind to further prevent interference with the electric field E.

[0043] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the cap 11 is configured to rotate 180 degrees or more from a closed state to an open state. When the cap 11 is in the closed state, it is possible to reliably seal the tip of the nozzle 123, and when the cap 11 is in the open state, it is possible to reliably avoid interference with the electric field E.

[0044] In this embodiment, the cap 11 has been described as being connected to the cartridge 100 by a connecting portion 15 consisting of an eccentric rotating shaft, but it is not limited to this, and for example, the connecting portion 15 may be configured as a hinge cap formed integrally with at least a part of the cartridge 100. In this case, the hinge cap becomes rotatable by partially thinning the connecting portion 15 (in this case, a resin hinge).

[0045] Referring to Figure 7, the drive unit and other components provided inside the housing 210 will be described. The housing 210 is equipped with a main power operation unit 241 and an operating operation unit 242 that can be operated from outside the housing 210. Inside the housing 210 are a power supply unit 243, a high voltage generation unit 244, an output terminal 245, and a drive unit 246.

[0046] Here, we will explain the operations performed by operating the main power control unit 241 and the operating unit 242. When the cartridge 100 is precisely mounted in the designated position in the storage space of the housing 210, the output terminal 245 is electrically connected to a small electrode provided inside the mounting body 121 of the cartridge 100 via a ring electrode (not shown) provided on the cartridge 100. In addition, the drive unit 246 is mechanically connected to the second cylindrical member 112 provided on the cartridge 100.

[0047] When the main power control unit 241 is turned off, power is not supplied from the power supply unit 243 to the high voltage generation unit 244 or the drive unit 246. Therefore, high voltage is not generated from the high voltage generation unit 244, nor is the drive unit 246 driven. Consequently, if the main power control unit 241 is turned off, even if the user accidentally operates the operating unit 242, the liquid composition contained in the liquid container 110 will not be electrostatically charged, and the liquid composition will not be ejected.

[0048] The operating unit 242 is composed of, for example, a switch that can switch between an ON state and an OFF state.

[0049] When the main power control unit 241 is ON and in ejection mode, turning on the operating control unit 242 supplies power from the power supply unit 243 to the high voltage generation unit 244 and the drive unit 246. This drives the drive unit 246 and generates rotational force, which is transmitted to the second cylindrical member 112 provided in the cartridge 100, causing the second cylindrical member 112 to rotate. The rotation of the second cylindrical member 112 causes the piston rod 112a, which is screwed into the inner surface of the second cylindrical member 112, to advance toward the ejection unit 120, pushing the piston 112b toward the ejection unit 120, and the liquid composition in the first cylindrical member 111 is pushed toward the ejection unit 120. The high voltage generation unit 244 also generates a positive high voltage (for example, several kV to tens of kV) and sends the generated high voltage to the output terminal 245. The output terminal 245 sends a high voltage to a small electrode provided on the cartridge 100 via a ring electrode provided on the cartridge 100. The small electrode electrostatically charges the liquid composition circulating inside the cartridge 100 when the high voltage is applied. The electrostatically charged liquid composition flows from the liquid storage section 110 to the ejection section 120, and when it reaches the nozzle 123, the liquid composition is ejected toward the object by the electrostatic force based on the potential difference between the charged liquid composition and the object. Subsequently, when the operating unit 242 is turned OFF, the ejection of the liquid composition stops.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4B, the main power control unit 241 consists of a push button and a lamp indicator, and has a function to adjust the amount of liquid composition dispensed in multiple stages (two stages in this case: large and small). Pressing it once activates the prime mode (indicated by a droplet pattern), which allows the liquid composition to reach the nozzle 123 quickly without generating high voltage. Pressing it again activates the dispenser mode, which generates high voltage and dispenses a small amount of liquid, and pressing it again activates the dispenser mode, which generates high voltage and dispenses a large amount of liquid. In other words, the mode of the main power control unit 241 adjusts the voltage supplied from the power supply unit 243 to the drive unit 246, and adjusts the rotation speed of the drive unit 246. This adjusts the rotation speed of the second cylindrical member 112 located inside the cartridge 100, which in turn adjusts the amount of liquid composition pushed out (flowing in) from the liquid storage unit 110 to the dispenser unit 120, and thus adjusts the amount of liquid composition dispensed.

[0051] (Other examples) The electrostatic ejection device according to the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present invention. Modifications will be described below. Components common to the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0052] (Second Embodiment) Furthermore, the connecting portion 15 may also be a link mechanism (connecting portion 15A) that connects the cap 11A and the cartridge 100A (Figures 5A and 5B). In the second embodiment, the connecting portion 15A, which is a link mechanism, includes a first link 130 that is rotatably connected to one end of the cap 11A (the lower end in Figure 5A) via a first movable shaft 132 and rotatably connected to the cartridge 100A via a first fixed shaft 131, and a second link 140 that is rotatably connected to the other end of the cap 11A (the upper end in Figure 5A) via a second movable shaft 142 and rotatably connected to the cartridge 100A via a second fixed shaft 141.

[0053] Specifically, the first movable shaft 132 of the first link 130 and the second movable shaft 142 of the second link 140 are positioned on the end face of the cap 11A, and the first movable shaft 132 and the second movable shaft 142 are rotatably supported relative to the cap 11A. The first fixed shaft 131 is positioned at the end of the first link 130 opposite to the first movable shaft 132, and the second fixed shaft 141 is positioned at the end of the second link 140 opposite to the second movable shaft 142. The first fixed shaft 131 and the second fixed shaft 141 are each rotatably supported relative to the cartridge 100A. Figure 5A shows the cap 11A in the closed state, in which the tip of the nozzle 123 (discharge hole 123a) is sealed by a packing 12 positioned at the inner tip of the cap 11A. Figure 5B shows the open state of the cap 11A. In this open state, the tip of the nozzle 123 (discharge hole 123a) is open, and the cap 11A is positioned sufficiently behind the tip of the nozzle 123, so as not to interfere with electrostatic discharge. In the second embodiment, the connecting part 15A, which is a link mechanism, is also configured to function as a restricting part that restricts the displacement of the cap 11A from the open state to the closed state.

[0054] (Third embodiment) Furthermore, the connecting portion 15 may be composed of a flexible material such as a chain (connecting portion 15B) that connects the cap 11B and the cartridge 100B (Figures 6A and 6B). In the third embodiment, the flexible connecting portion 15B has one end connected to the cap 11B and the other end connected to the cartridge 100B, and has a length and flexibility that allows the cap 11B to move between a closed state in which the cap 11B is attached to the nozzle 123 (see Figure 6A) and an open state in which the cap 11B is removed from the nozzle 123 (Figure 6B).

[0055] In the third embodiment, the cap 11B is configured to be held by magnetic force on the electrostatic ejection body 200B when in the open state. Specifically, a part of the cap 11B is made of a magnetic material 151, such as metal, and when in the open state, the magnet 152 installed on the electrostatic ejection body 200B and the magnetic material 151 of the cap 11B attract each other by magnetic force, thereby holding the cap 11B and not interfering with electrostatic ejection. In the third embodiment, these magnetic material 151 and magnet 152 function as a restricting part that restricts the displacement of the cap 11B from the open state to the closed state. In the third embodiment, the magnetic material 151 may be provided on the electrostatic ejection body 200B and the magnet 152 may be provided on the cap 11B, or a configuration other than these magnetic material 151 and magnet 152 may be adopted as the restricting part.

[0056] In all embodiments described herein, the cap 11 is held interchangeably on the cartridge 100, but it may also be held interchangeably on the electrostatic spray body 200.

[0057] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial applicability]

[0058] This disclosure is applicable to electrostatic spraying devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 10 Electrostatic spray device 100 cartridges 110 Liquid storage section 111 First cylindrical member 112 Second cylindrical member 120 Spout part 121 Wearable body 122 Connectors 123 Nozzles 200 Electrostatic spray unit 210 Housing 220 storage space E electric field Object

Claims

1. An electrostatic spraying device that applies a voltage to a liquid to eject the liquid, A cartridge having a liquid storage section for containing liquid and a spray section for spraying the liquid, The electrostatic spray body, which allows the liquid storage portion of the cartridge to be inserted and removed, A cap that seals the nozzle at the tip of the ejection part, The cap and the cartridge or the electrostatic spray body are connected by a connecting portion. Equipped with, The cap is configured to switch between a closed state that seals the nozzle's ejection hole and an open state that opens the nozzle's ejection hole, and in the open state, it is held in place by the cartridge or the electrostatic ejection body. The cap is configured to be able to switch between a closed state and an open state while connected by the connecting portion. The cap rotates 180 degrees or more from the closed position to the open position. Electrostatic spray device.

2. The cap is provided with a restricting part that holds the cap to restrict its displacement from an open state to a closed state, When the cap is open, the regulating portion holds it in a position that does not affect the electric field at the tip of the nozzle. The electrostatic spray device according to claim 1.

3. When the cap is open, it is held at least 10 mm behind the nozzle tip. The electrostatic spray device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An electrostatic spraying device that applies a voltage to a liquid to eject the liquid, An electrostatic spray body in which the liquid storage portion of a cartridge having a liquid storage portion for storing liquid and a spray portion for spraying the liquid can be inserted and removed, A cap that seals the nozzle at the tip of the ejection part, A connecting part that can connect the cap and the electrostatic spray body Equipped with, The cap is configured to switch between a closed state that seals the nozzle's ejection hole and an open state that opens the nozzle's ejection hole, and in the open state, it is held by the electrostatic ejection body. The cap is configured to be able to switch between a closed state and an open state while connected by the connecting portion. The cap rotates 180 degrees or more from the closed position to the open position. Electrostatic spray device.

Images