Ultrasonic vibration generation device and hair treatment device

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasonic vibration generation device the total length of which can be freely adjusted. An ultrasonic vibration body (3) comprises: a vibrator connection part (4) to which a vibrator unit (2) is connected; a conical horn (5) for converting at least a part of vertical vibration transmitted via the vibrator connection part 4 into lateral vibration having mutually different directions and sizes; and a columnar vibration part (6) which is provided so as to protrude from the conical horn (5) with the root thereof connected to the conical horn (5), and in which the tip is ultrasonically vibrated in a plane orthogonal to the traveling direction of the vertical vibration as the lateral vibration is transmitted.

Description

Ultrasonic vibration generator and hair treatment device

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic vibration generator and a hair treatment device. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-123845, filed on July 28, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a focused sound field forming device that uses a vibrator unit. The vibrator unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a vibrator that generates vibrations when supplied with power, an exponential horn that amplifies the amplitude of the vibrations, and a resonant rod that resonates with the vibrations generated by the vibrator. In this vibration unit, the amplitude of the vibrations generated by the vibrator is amplified by the exponential horn and transmitted to a diaphragm via the resonant rod.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-148697

[0004] The vibrator unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a total length determined depending on the frequency of the vibration generated by the vibrator so that large vibrations can be obtained at the tip of the resonating rod. In other words, the vibrator unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 utilizes resonance with the longitudinal vibration (compression waves traveling in the longitudinal direction of the vibrating unit) generated by the vibrator, and the total length is set to a length that resonates with the longitudinal vibration generated by the vibrator. For example, the lengths of the vibrator, horn, and resonating rod are each formed to be half the wavelength of the longitudinal vibration. For this reason, it is difficult to arbitrarily change the total length of an ultrasonic vibration generator such as the vibrator unit disclosed in Patent Document 1. For this reason, it has been difficult to miniaturize an ultrasonic vibration generator, for example, by shortening the total length.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide an ultrasonic vibration generator whose overall length can be adjusted arbitrarily.

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an ultrasonic vibration generator comprising a vibrator unit that generates longitudinal vibrations, and a vibrator connected to the vibrator unit and that vibrates ultrasonically, wherein the vibrator comprises a vibrator connection portion to which the vibrator unit is connected, a lateral vibration generating portion that converts at least a portion of the longitudinal vibrations transmitted via the vibrator connection portion into lateral vibrations that differ in direction and magnitude, and a columnar vibrating portion whose base is connected to the lateral vibration generating portion and protrudes from the lateral vibration generating portion, and whose tip vibrates ultrasonically in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibrations as the lateral vibrations are transmitted.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is the first aspect, wherein the lateral vibration generating unit is a horn whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibration decreases as it moves away from the vibrator unit.

[0009] A third aspect of the present invention is the second aspect, wherein the horn has a pair of inclined surfaces consisting of a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface facing in opposite directions, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface approach each other as they move away from the vibrator unit, and the inclination angles relative to the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibration are different from each other.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the third aspect, wherein the horn has a plurality of pairs of inclined surfaces.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the lateral vibration generating unit converts a portion of the longitudinal vibration transmitted from the vibrator unit into the lateral vibration, and the columnar vibrating unit vibrates in the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibration based on the longitudinal vibration transmitted via the lateral vibration generating unit.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the fifth aspect, wherein the distance from the end of the vibrator unit opposite the vibrating body to the tip of the columnar vibrating part is equal to one wavelength of the longitudinal vibration.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the vibrating body includes a tip connecting portion connected to a tip of the columnar vibrating portion.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a hair treatment device comprising an ultrasonic vibration generator according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and a blade connected to the columnar vibration unit for cutting hair.

[0015] According to the present invention, a vibrating body connected to a vibrator unit is provided. The vibrating body has a lateral vibration generating unit that converts longitudinal vibration into lateral vibration. Furthermore, the columnar vibrating unit vibrates laterally when the lateral vibration is transmitted. Such a vibrating body can vibrate the columnar vibrating unit at a large amplitude without resonating with the longitudinal vibration. Therefore, the overall length of the vibrating body in the traveling direction does not need to be set depending on the wavelength of the longitudinal vibration generated by the vibrator unit, and can be set arbitrarily. Therefore, the ultrasonic vibration generator of the present invention has improved freedom in changing the overall length and can be made smaller.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a three-view diagram of an ultrasonic vibrator provided in the ultrasonic vibration generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view from the y direction, (b) is a view from the x direction, and (c) is a view from the z direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a three-view diagram of an ultrasonic vibrator provided in the ultrasonic vibration generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view from the y direction, (b) is a view from the x direction, and (c) is a view from the z direction. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a three-view diagram of an ultrasonic vibrator provided in the ultrasonic vibration generator according to the third embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a view from the y direction, (b) is a view from the x direction, and (c) is a view from the z direction. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hair treatment device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of a simulation analysis of displacement due to vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator in Example 1. (a) is a view of the hair processing device in Example 2 from the y direction, (b) is an oblique view of the hair processing device in Example 2, and (c) is a diagram showing the results of a simulation analysis of displacement due to vibration of the hair processing device in Example 2.

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an ultrasonic vibration generator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment. The ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment is a vibration device that generates ultrasonic vibrations when power is supplied. As shown in Fig. 1, the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment includes a vibrator unit 2 and an ultrasonic vibrator 3.

[0019] The installation posture of the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment is not particularly limited. However, in the following description, for convenience, the arrangement direction of the transducer unit 2 and the ultrasonic vibrator 3 is defined as the y direction, a first direction perpendicular to the y direction is defined as the x direction, and a direction perpendicular to the y direction and the x direction is defined as the z direction, as shown in FIG.

[0020] The transducer unit 2 is a unit that generates vibrations (ultrasonic vibrations) and includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements 2a and a holder 2b. The transducer unit 2 as a whole is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having an axis L. The transducer unit 2 is arranged so that the axis L is parallel to the y direction.

[0021] The plurality of piezoelectric elements 2a are stacked and arranged in the y direction. When power is supplied to each piezoelectric element 2a, it vibrates with the y direction as its amplitude direction. In other words, when power is supplied to these piezoelectric elements 2a, they generate longitudinal vibrations that travel in the y direction (the direction along the axis L). Electromechanical conversion elements such as magnetostrictive elements and electrostrictive elements can also be used instead of the piezoelectric elements 2a. The holder 2b holds the plurality of piezoelectric elements 2a by sandwiching them between them from both sides in the y direction.

[0022] For example, a bolt-clamped Langevin type transducer (BLT) that generates powerful ultrasonic vibrations can be suitably used as the transducer unit 2. The transducer unit 2 is driven by power supplied from a power supply circuit (power supply) not shown.

[0023] The ultrasonic vibrator 3 is connected to the vibrator unit 2 in the y direction. That is, as described above, the vibrator unit 2 and the ultrasonic vibrator 3 are arranged in the y direction. The ultrasonic vibrator 3 is a part that converts at least a part of the longitudinal vibration transmitted from the vibrator unit 2 into lateral vibration and generates ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic vibrator 3 is made of, for example, aluminum, an aluminum alloy (e.g., duralumin), titanium, a titanium alloy, stainless steel, iron, or the like, and multiple parts (vibrator connection portion 4, conical horn 5, and columnar vibrating portion 6) described below are integrally formed. The ultrasonic vibrator 3 is fixed to the vibrator unit 2 by, for example, a set screw.

[0024] 2A, 2B, and 2C are three-view diagrams of the ultrasonic vibrator 3, where (a) is a diagram viewed from the y direction, (b) is a diagram viewed from the x direction, and (c) is a diagram viewed from the z direction. As shown in these figures, the ultrasonic vibrator 3 in this embodiment has a vibrator connection part 4, a conical horn 5 (a lateral vibration generating part), and a columnar vibrating part 6.

[0025] The transducer connection portion 4 is a portion that is connected to the transducer unit 2. The transducer connection portion 4 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a transducer connection surface 4a that faces the transducer unit 2. The transducer connection surface 4a is formed with a screw hole into which the above-mentioned set screw is screwed, for example.

[0026] The vibrator connection part 4 has a conical horn 5 provided on the side opposite to the vibrator connection surface 4a. As described above, the vibrator connection part 4 and the conical horn 5 are integrally formed. For this reason, the boundary surface between the vibrator connection part 4 and the conical horn 5 is not provided to be visible. However, for convenience of explanation, the surface of the vibrator connection part 4 facing the conical horn 5 will be referred to as the conical horn installation surface 4b. This conical horn installation surface 4b is a surface parallel to the xz plane.

[0027] The conical horn 5 is formed so as to protrude from the conical horn installation surface 4b of the vibrator connection part 4 in the direction opposite to the vibrator unit 2. In this embodiment, one conical horn 5 and one columnar vibrating part 6 are provided for each vibrator connection part 4. A single vibrator connection part 4 may be provided with a plurality of conical horns 5 and a columnar vibrating part 6 provided for each conical horn 5.

[0028] The conical horn 5 converts a portion of the longitudinal vibration component transmitted from the transducer unit 2 into a transverse vibration. More specifically, the conical horn 5 converts a portion of the longitudinal vibration component into a transverse vibration whose displacement direction (amplitude direction) is the z direction. The cross-sectional area (cross-sectional area in the x-z plane) of the conical horn 5, which is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibration (y direction), decreases as the conical horn 5 moves away from the transducer unit 2. Such a conical horn 5 amplifies the amplitude of the longitudinal vibration and the transverse vibration.

[0029] The shape of the conical horn 5 will be described in more detail. As shown in Figure 2, the conical horn 5 has four side surfaces and is formed so that each of its shapes when viewed from the z direction and the x direction is a trapezoid. Of the four side surfaces, the surface facing the +z direction is referred to as the first surface 5a, the surface facing the -z direction opposite the first surface 5a is referred to as the second surface 5b, the surface facing the +x direction is referred to as the third surface 5c, and the surface facing the -x direction is referred to as the fourth surface 5d.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2(b), the first surface 5a (first inclined surface) and the second surface 5b (second inclined surface) face in opposite directions and are inclined so as to approach each other as they move away from the transducer unit 2. The first surface 5a and the second surface 5b form an inclined surface pair consisting of two inclined surfaces facing in opposite directions. In the following description, the inclined surface pair consisting of the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b will be referred to as a first inclined surface pair 10.

[0031] The inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a with respect to the y direction (the direction in which the longitudinal vibrations travel) is larger than the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b with respect to the y direction. That is, in this embodiment, the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b have different inclination angles with respect to the y direction. Therefore, the length dimension from the conical horn installation surface 4b of the first surface 5a to the columnar vibrating section 6 is larger than the length dimension from the conical horn installation surface 4b of the second surface 5b to the columnar vibrating section 6. The inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a with respect to the y direction (the direction in which the longitudinal vibrations travel) may be smaller than the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b with respect to the y direction.

[0032] These first and second surfaces 5a and 5b reflect longitudinal vibrations propagating inside the conical horn 5. When the longitudinal vibrations are reflected by the first and second surfaces 5a and 5b, vibration components (lateral vibration components) with the z-direction as the displacement direction are generated. Here, because the first and second surfaces 5a and 5b have different inclination angles with respect to the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibration, a difference in strength occurs between the lateral vibration components generated by the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b, resulting in the conical horn 5 vibrating in the z-direction. In other words, lateral vibrations in the z-direction are generated in the conical horn 5. In other words, the first pair of inclined surfaces 10 consisting of the first and second surfaces 5a and 5b generates lateral vibrations with the z-direction as the amplitude direction.

[0033] 2(c), the third surface 5c (first inclined surface) and the fourth surface 5d (second inclined surface) face in opposite directions and are inclined so as to approach each other as they move away from the transducer unit 2. The third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d form an inclined surface pair consisting of two inclined surfaces facing in opposite directions. In the following description, the inclined surface pair consisting of the third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d will be referred to as a second inclined surface pair 20.

[0034] The inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface 5d with respect to the y direction (the direction in which the longitudinal vibrations travel) is larger than the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c with respect to the y direction. That is, in this embodiment, the third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d have different inclination angles with respect to the y direction. Therefore, the length dimension of the fourth surface 5d from the conical horn installation surface 4b to the columnar vibrating section 6 is larger than the length dimension of the third surface 5c from the conical horn installation surface 4b to the columnar vibrating section 6. The inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface 5d with respect to the y direction (the direction in which the longitudinal vibrations travel) may be smaller than the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c with respect to the y direction.

[0035] These third and fourth surfaces 5c and 5d reflect the longitudinal vibrations propagating inside the conical horn 5. When the longitudinal vibrations are reflected by the third and fourth surfaces 5c and 5d, a vibration component (lateral vibration component) with the x-direction as its displacement direction is generated. Here, because the third and fourth surfaces 5c and 5d have different inclination angles with respect to the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibration, a difference in strength occurs between the lateral vibration component generated by the third surface 5c and the lateral vibration component generated by the fourth surface 5d, resulting in the conical horn 5 vibrating in the x-direction. In other words, the conical horn 5 generates lateral vibrations in the x-direction. In other words, the second pair of inclined surfaces 20 consisting of the third and fourth surfaces 5c and 5d generates lateral vibrations with the x-direction as its amplitude direction.

[0036] Thus, in this embodiment, the conical horn 5 has two pairs of inclined surfaces (first pair of inclined surfaces 10 and second pair of inclined surfaces 20) each consisting of two inclined surfaces facing in opposite directions and having different inclination angles. In other words, the conical horn 5 has multiple pairs of inclined surfaces. Such a conical horn 5 converts a portion of the longitudinal vibration transmitted from the vibrator unit 2 into a lateral vibration whose displacement direction (amplitude direction) is the z direction and a lateral vibration whose displacement direction (amplitude direction) is the x direction. Such lateral vibration is transmitted to the columnar vibrating section 6 connected to the conical horn 5. The longitudinal vibration component that has not been converted into lateral vibration is transmitted to the columnar vibrating section 6 as longitudinal vibration.

[0037] In this embodiment, a conical horn 5 is used in which the cross-sectional area in the xz cross section changes at a constant rate in the y direction, but an exponential horn in which the cross-sectional area in the xz cross section changes exponentially in the y direction may also be used.

[0038] The columnar vibrating unit 6 is connected to the tip of the conical horn 5 (the end opposite to the vibrator connection unit 4). The columnar vibrating unit 6 vibrates in a complex manner such that the x-, y-, and z-directions are displacement directions (amplitude directions) due to the lateral and longitudinal vibrations transmitted from the conical horn 5. Such a columnar vibrating unit 6 is connected to, for example, a tool or the like and vibrates the tool in a complex manner.

[0039] In this embodiment, the columnar vibrating part 6 is formed so as to have a square shape when viewed from the y direction. However, the columnar vibrating part 6 may have a triangular shape or a polygonal shape with pentagons or more when viewed from the y direction. Furthermore, the columnar vibrating part 6 may have a circular shape when viewed from the y direction.

[0040] As described above, the ultrasonic vibrator 3 has the conical horn 5 and the columnar vibration portion 6 integrated together. Such an ultrasonic vibrator 3 is connected to the transducer unit 2 and generates a complex vibration from the longitudinal vibration, with the x-, y-, and z-directions being displacement directions as described above. The overall length (length dimension in the y-direction) of the ultrasonic vibrator 3 does not need to be set depending on the wavelength of the longitudinal vibration and can be set arbitrarily. However, the overall length of the ultrasonic vibrator 3 may be set to half the wavelength of the longitudinal vibration. The overall length of the ultrasonic vibrator 3 may be set so that the overall length of the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 is one wavelength of the longitudinal vibration.

[0041] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment, when power is supplied to the transducer unit 2, the transducer unit 2 generates longitudinal vibrations that travel in the y direction. The longitudinal vibrations generated by the transducer unit 2 are transmitted to the ultrasonic vibrator 3. The longitudinal vibrations transmitted to the ultrasonic vibrator 3 are then transmitted to the conical horn 5 via the transducer connection part 4. A portion of the longitudinal vibrations transmitted to the conical horn 5 is reflected in the z direction by the first surface 5a and the second surface 5b of the conical horn 5. A portion of the longitudinal vibrations transmitted to the conical horn 5 is reflected in the x direction by the third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d of the conical horn 5. As a result, the conical horn 5 vibrates in the x and z directions in addition to the y direction. In other words, the conical horn 5 converts at least a portion of the longitudinal vibrations into lateral vibrations, and the conical horn 5 undergoes complex vibrations with the x, y, and z directions as displacement directions.

[0042] The composite vibration generated by the conical horn 5 is transmitted to the columnar vibration unit 6. The lateral vibration transmitted to the columnar vibration unit 6 causes ultrasonic vibration of the columnar vibration unit 6. Such ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to, for example, a tool connected to the columnar vibration unit 6.

[0043] The ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment as described above includes a transducer unit 2 and an ultrasonic vibrator 3. The transducer unit 2 generates longitudinal vibrations. The ultrasonic vibrator 3 is connected to the transducer unit 2 and vibrates ultrasonically. The ultrasonic vibrator 3 includes a transducer connection portion 4, a conical horn 5, and a columnar vibrating portion 6. The transducer unit 2 is connected to the transducer connection portion 4. The conical horn 5 converts at least a portion of the longitudinal vibrations transmitted via the transducer connection portion 4 into transverse vibrations that differ in direction and magnitude. The columnar vibrating portion 6 has its base connected to the conical horn 5 and protrudes from the conical horn 5. When the transverse vibrations are transmitted to the columnar vibrating portion 6, its tip vibrates ultrasonically in a plane (x-z plane) perpendicular to the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibrations.

[0044] The ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment includes an ultrasonic vibrator 3 connected to a vibrator unit 2. The ultrasonic vibrator 3 has a conical horn 5 that converts longitudinal vibration into lateral vibration. Furthermore, the columnar vibration section 6 vibrates laterally when lateral vibration is transmitted. Such an ultrasonic vibrator 3 can vibrate the columnar vibration section 6 at a large amplitude even without resonating with the longitudinal vibration. Therefore, the overall length of the ultrasonic vibrator 3 in the traveling direction does not need to be set depending on the wavelength of the longitudinal vibration generated by the vibrator unit 2, and can be set arbitrarily. Therefore, the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment has an improved degree of freedom in changing the overall length, and can be made smaller.

[0045] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment, the conical horn 5 is a horn whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibration decreases with increasing distance from the transducer unit 2. Therefore, the conical horn 5 generates transverse vibrations, and the amplitude of the vibrations can be increased and transmitted to the columnar vibration part 6.

[0046] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment, the conical horn 5 has a first surface 5a and a second surface 5b that face in opposite directions. The first surface 5a and the second surface 5b approach each other as they move away from the transducer unit 2, and have different inclination angles with respect to the traveling direction of the longitudinal vibration. Therefore, the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment can generate lateral vibrations that oscillate in the z-direction using the conical horn 5 with a simple shape.

[0047] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment, the conical horn 5 has a third surface 5c and a fourth surface 5d that face in opposite directions. The third surface 5c and the fourth surface 5d approach each other as they move away from the transducer unit 2, and have different inclination angles with respect to the traveling direction of the longitudinal vibration. Therefore, the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment can generate lateral vibrations that oscillate in the x direction using the conical horn 5 with a simple shape.

[0048] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment, the conical horn 5 has a plurality of pairs of inclined surfaces. In this embodiment, the conical horn 5 includes a first pair of inclined surfaces 10 and a second pair of inclined surfaces 20. Therefore, the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment can generate a complex vibration in the conical horn 5 that includes a plurality of lateral vibrations with different amplitude directions.

[0049] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment, the conical horn 5 converts a part of the longitudinal vibration transmitted from the transducer unit 2 into a transverse vibration. The columnar vibration part 6 vibrates in the direction of the longitudinal vibration based on the longitudinal vibration transmitted via the conical horn 5.

[0050] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment, some components of the longitudinal vibration are not converted into transverse vibration and are transmitted to the columnar vibration part 6. Therefore, a composite vibration including a vibration whose amplitude direction is the y direction can be transmitted to the columnar vibration part 6.

[0051] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment, the distance from the end of the transducer unit 2 opposite to the ultrasonic vibrator 3 to the tip of the columnar vibration part 6 may be equal to one wavelength of the longitudinal vibration. This allows the ultrasonic vibrator 3 to resonate with the longitudinal vibration, and the amplitude of the columnar vibration part 6 in the y direction can be increased.

[0052] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment, various tools can be connected to the columnar vibration unit 6. For example, a blade for cutting hair can be connected as a tool to the columnar vibration unit 6. As blades for cutting hair, either or both of a razor blade and a trimmer blade can be connected to the columnar vibration unit 6. In such a case, the ultrasonic vibration generator 1 of this embodiment can be used as a hair treatment device, and can be used as, for example, a shaver, clippers, trimmer, or other device for shaving, removing, styling, and styling hair.

[0053] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0054] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic vibration generator 1A of this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a three-view diagram of the ultrasonic vibrator 3 included in the ultrasonic vibration generator 1A of this embodiment, where (a) is a view from the y direction, (b) is a view from the x direction, and (c) is a view from the z direction.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in the ultrasonic vibration generator 1A of this embodiment, a portion of the conical horn mounting surface 4b of the transducer connection portion 4 is provided with an exposed surface 4c on which the conical horn 5 is not provided. More specifically, the conical horn mounting surface 4b is formed in a square shape when viewed from the y direction. Exposed surfaces 4c of the same width are provided on the negative edge of the conical horn mounting surface 4b in the z direction and on the positive edge of the conical horn mounting surface 4b in the x direction. The ratio of the area on the conical horn mounting surface 4b where the conical horn 5 is provided to the exposed surface 4c can be changed. By changing the ratio of the area on the conical horn mounting surface 4b where the conical horn 5 is provided to the exposed surface 4c, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a and the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b can be changed.

[0056] As in the above embodiment, in this embodiment, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5 a relative to the y direction is larger than the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5 b relative to the y direction. Therefore, the length from the conical horn installation surface 4 b on the first surface 5 a to the columnar vibrating section 6 is larger than the length from the conical horn installation surface 4 b on the second surface 5 b to the columnar vibrating section 6.

[0057] The first surface 5a is connected to the z-direction end (end on the +z side) of the transducer connection unit 4. The second surface 5b is connected to the conical horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the z-direction end (end on the -z side) of the transducer connection unit 4. The first surface 5a may be connected to the conical horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the z-direction end (end on the +z side) of the transducer connection unit 4. In this case, the second surface 5b may be connected to the z-direction end (end on the -z side) of the transducer connection unit 4.

[0058] As in the above embodiment, in this embodiment, the inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface 5d with respect to the y direction is larger than the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c with respect to the y direction. Therefore, the length dimension from the conical horn installation surface 4b of the fourth surface 5d to the columnar vibrating part 6 is larger than the length dimension from the conical horn installation surface 4b of the third surface 5c to the columnar vibrating part 6.

[0059] The third surface 5c is connected to the conical horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion on the x-direction side (end portion on the +x side) of the vibrator connection unit 4. The fourth surface 5d is connected to the end portion on the x-direction side (end portion on the -x side) of the vibrator connection unit 4. The fourth surface 5d may be connected to the conical horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion on the x-direction side (end portion on the -x side) of the vibrator connection unit 4. In this case, the third surface 5c may be connected to the end portion on the x-direction side (end portion on the +x side) of the vibrator connection unit 4.

[0060] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1A of this embodiment, as described above, by changing the ratio of the area on the conical horn installation surface 4b where the conical horn 5 is provided to the exposed surface 4c, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a, the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b, the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c, and the inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface can be changed.

[0061] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic vibration generator 1B of this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a three-view diagram of the ultrasonic vibrator 3 included in the ultrasonic vibration generator 1B of this embodiment, where (a) is a view from the y direction, (b) is a view from the x direction, and (c) is a view from the z direction.

[0063] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the ultrasonic vibration generator 1B of this embodiment, a portion of the conical horn mounting surface 4b of the transducer connection portion 4 is provided with an exposed surface 4c on which the conical horn 5 is not provided. More specifically, the conical horn mounting surface 4b is formed in a square shape when viewed from the y direction. Exposed surfaces 4c with different widths are provided at the edge on the negative side of the conical horn mounting surface 4b in the z direction and the edge on the positive side of the conical horn mounting surface 4b in the x direction. The ratio of the area on the conical horn mounting surface 4b where the conical horn 5 is provided to the exposed surface 4c can be changed. By changing the ratio of the area on the conical horn mounting surface 4b where the conical horn 5 is provided to the exposed surface 4c, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a and the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b can be changed.

[0064] As in the above embodiment, in this embodiment, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5 a relative to the y direction is larger than the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5 b relative to the y direction. Therefore, the length from the conical horn installation surface 4 b on the first surface 5 a to the columnar vibrating section 6 is larger than the length from the conical horn installation surface 4 b on the second surface 5 b to the columnar vibrating section 6.

[0065] The first surface 5a is connected to the z-direction end (end on the +z side) of the transducer connection unit 4. The second surface 5b is connected to the conical horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the z-direction end (end on the -z side) of the transducer connection unit 4. The first surface 5a may be connected to the conical horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the z-direction end (end on the +z side) of the transducer connection unit 4. In this case, the second surface 5b may be connected to the z-direction end (end on the -z side) of the transducer connection unit 4.

[0066] As in the above embodiment, in this embodiment, the inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface 5d with respect to the y direction is larger than the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c with respect to the y direction. Therefore, the length dimension from the conical horn installation surface 4b of the fourth surface 5d to the columnar vibrating part 6 is larger than the length dimension from the conical horn installation surface 4b of the third surface 5c to the columnar vibrating part 6.

[0067] The third surface 5c is connected to the conical horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion on the x-direction side (end portion on the +x side) of the vibrator connection unit 4. The fourth surface 5d is connected to the end portion on the x-direction side (end portion on the -x side) of the vibrator connection unit 4. The fourth surface 5d may be connected to the conical horn installation surface 4b at a position away from the end portion on the x-direction side (end portion on the -x side) of the vibrator connection unit 4. In this case, the third surface 5c may be connected to the end portion on the x-direction side (end portion on the +x side) of the vibrator connection unit 4.

[0068] Here, in this embodiment, the distance from the second surface 5b to the end of the vibrator connection portion 4 on the z-direction side (the end on the -z side) is shorter than the distance from the third surface 5d to the end of the vibrator connection portion 4 on the x-direction side (the end on the +x side).

[0069] In the ultrasonic vibration generator 1B of this embodiment, as described above, by changing the ratio of the area on the conical horn installation surface 4b where the conical horn 5 is provided to the exposed surface 4c, the inclination angle α1 of the first surface 5a, the inclination angle α2 of the second surface 5b, the inclination angle α3 of the third surface 5c, and the inclination angle α4 of the fourth surface can be changed.

[0070] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic vibration generator 1B of this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the conical horn 5 in the x-y plane is different from the cross-sectional shape of the conical horn 5 in the zy plane. Therefore, the resonant frequency at which the conical horn 5 vibrates strongly in the x direction is different from the resonant frequency at which the conical horn 5 vibrates strongly in the z direction. Therefore, for example, by changing the frequency of the longitudinal vibration, it is possible to switch between a mode in which the conical horn 5 vibrates strongly in the x direction and a mode in which the conical horn 5 vibrates strongly in the z direction.

[0071] Fourth Embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0072] 7 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generator 1C of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, in the ultrasonic vibration generator 1C of this embodiment, the columnar vibration unit 6 is formed so that its shape when viewed from the y direction is rectangular. However, the columnar vibration unit 6 may have a shape when viewed from the y direction that is triangular or polygonal with pentagons or more. Furthermore, the columnar vibration unit 6 may have a shape when viewed from the y direction that is circular.

[0073] According to the ultrasonic vibration generator 1C of this embodiment, the resonant frequency at which the columnar vibration part 6 vibrates strongly in the x-direction is different from the resonant frequency at which the conical horn 5 vibrates strongly in the z-direction. Therefore, for example, by including both resonant frequencies in the longitudinal vibration, it is possible to make the vibration of the columnar vibration part 6 more complex.

[0074] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the fourth embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0075] 8 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic vibration generator 1D of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the ultrasonic vibration generator 1D of this embodiment includes a horizontal bar portion 7 (tip connecting portion) connected to the tip of the columnar vibration portion 6. The tip of the columnar vibration portion 6 is connected to the center of the horizontal bar portion 7 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the horizontal bar portion 7 is fixed to the columnar vibration portion 6 by ultrasonic bonding.

[0076] Such a horizontal bar portion 7 vibrates when composite vibration is transmitted from the columnar vibrating portion 6. Both ends of the horizontal bar portion 7 in the longitudinal direction vibrate more strongly than the center portion of the horizontal bar portion 7. Therefore, by connecting the horizontal bar portion 7 to the columnar vibrating portion 6, it is possible to obtain vibrations that are different from those obtained when the horizontal bar portion 7 is not provided.

[0077] In this embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the tip connecting portion connected to the tip of the columnar vibration portion 6 is the horizontal bar portion 7. However, the tip connecting portion is not limited to the horizontal bar portion 7. The shape of the tip connecting portion can be changed as desired.

[0078] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the fifth embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hair processing device 1E of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the columnar vibration unit 6 is formed so that its shape when viewed from the y direction is square. However, the columnar vibration unit 6 may have a triangular, rectangular, or polygonal shape with pentagons or more when viewed from the y direction. Furthermore, the columnar vibration unit 6 may have a circular shape when viewed from the y direction. The horizontal bar 7 may be connected to the columnar vibration unit 6 at an angle or without an angle. However, an angled connection is preferable from the viewpoint of ease of hair processing, and it is more preferable that the horizontal bar 7 is connected to the columnar vibration unit 6 at an angle of 10° to 75°. The hair processing device 1E of this embodiment may or may not have a symmetrical shape when viewed from the y direction. However, a symmetrical shape is preferable from the viewpoint of obtaining stable displacement due to vibration on both sides.

[0080] As shown in Figure 9, the hair processing device 1E of this embodiment includes a blade (blade 8) for cutting hair, which is connected to the longitudinal surface of the horizontal bar 7. That is, the blade 8 is connected to the columnar vibration unit 6. The blade 8 may be double-edged. Furthermore, the hair processing device 1E of this embodiment may include an upper blade holder 9 connected to the longitudinal surface of the blade 8. Such a blade 8 is fixed to the horizontal bar 7 by, for example, the upper blade holder 9.

[0081] Such blade 8 vibrates when the composite vibration is transmitted from the horizontal bar 7. The ends of the blade 8 in the longitudinal direction vibrate more strongly than the center of the blade 8. Therefore, by connecting the blade 8 to the horizontal bar 7, it is possible to obtain a large bending vibration.

[0082] In this embodiment, the blade 8 and the blade upper holder 9 are connected to the horizontal bar 7 in the longitudinal direction. However, the shapes of the blade 8 and the blade upper holder 9 can be changed as desired. The blade 8 is preferably a razor blade or a trimmer blade, or both. The blade upper holder 9 is not particularly limited as long as it can fix the blade 8 to the horizontal bar 7. If the blade 8 can be fixed by a structure other than the blade upper holder 9, the blade upper holder 9 may be omitted.

[0083] In this embodiment, the hair processing device 1E can be used as a shaving, hair removal, hair styling, and hair trimming device such as a shaver, clippers, and trimmer.

[0084] Example 1 Next, an example of the results of a simulation analysis of the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 3 of the first embodiment using the finite element method will be described as Example 1. In this example, the ultrasonic vibrator 3 was designed so that the resonant frequency was 28 kHz.

[0085] In the ultrasonic vibrator 3 shown in Figure 10, the vibrator connection part 4 has a length dimension of 20 mm in the y direction and a length dimension of 40 mm in each of the x and z directions. The conical horn 5 has a length dimension of 52 mm in the y direction, a length dimension of 40 mm in each of the thick parts in the x and z directions, and a length dimension of 5 mm in each of the thin parts in the x and z directions. The columnar vibrating part 6 has a length dimension of 10 mm in the y direction and a length dimension of 5 mm in each of the x and z directions. The ultrasonic vibrator 3 is made of an aluminum alloy (A2017).

[0086] Figure 10 shows the results of a simulation analysis of displacement due to vibration when the applied vibration frequency is 28 kHz, with lighter black areas indicating greater displacement due to vibration. As shown in Figure 10, it was revealed that in the ultrasonic vibrator 3, displacement due to vibration increases from the vibrator connection part 4 to the tip of the conical horn 5, and that displacement due to vibration is particularly large in the columnar vibrating part 6.

[0087] Example 2 Next, an example of the results of a simulation analysis of the vibration of the hair processing device 1E of the sixth embodiment using the finite element method will be described as Example 2. In this example, the hair processing device 1F was designed to have a resonance frequency of 40 kHz.

[0088] Figure 11(a) shows that in the hair treatment device 1F used in this example, the rotation angle α5 of the ultrasonic vibrator 3 relative to the axis L is 45°. Figure 11(b) shows that in the hair treatment device used in this example, the inclination angle α6 of the horizontal bar portion 7 relative to the columnar vibration portion 6 is 30°. In Figures 11(a) and (b), the vibrator unit 2 corresponds to a bolt-clamped Langevin vibrator "DA21540F (product name)" (manufactured by NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.), has a diameter of 15 mm, and a total length in the y direction of 62.6 mm. The vibrator connection portion 4 has a length dimension of 10 mm in the y direction and lengths of 15 mm in each of the x and z directions. The conical horn 5 has a length dimension of 53 mm in the y direction and lengths of 15 mm in the x and z directions. The columnar vibration portion 6 has a length dimension of 6 mm in the x and z directions. The horizontal bar portion 7 has a length of 20 mm in the x direction, a length of 2.5 mm in the y direction, and a length of 48 mm in the z direction. The blade 8 corresponds to a "High Stainless Steel Double-Edged Blade (product name)" (manufactured by Feather Safety Razor Co., Ltd.), and has a length of 22 mm in the x direction, a length of 0.1 mm in the y direction, a length of 42.7 mm in the z direction, and a blade width of 37 mm. The blade upper pressure member 9 is semi-cylindrical, has a length of 19 mm in the x direction, a length of 48 mm in the z direction, is part of an arc with a radius of 30 mm, and has a length of 1.54 mm in the y direction at the center of the blade upper pressure member 9. The ultrasonic vibrator 3 and the blade upper pressure member 9 are made of duralumin.

[0089] Fig. 11(c) shows the results of a simulation analysis of the displacement caused by vibration when the frequency of the applied vibration is 40 kHz, and the lighter the black color, the greater the displacement caused by vibration. As shown in Fig. 11(c), it is clear that a large bending vibration can be obtained in the blade 8.

[0090] The simulation analysis results shown in Examples 1 and 2 are merely examples. It goes without saying that the distribution of displacement due to vibration can be changed by applying different frequencies.

[0091] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which only one conical horn 5 and one columnar vibrating section 6 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a plurality of conical horns 5 and a plurality of columnar vibrating sections 6 are provided may also be adopted.

[0093] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which one columnar vibrating section 6 is provided for one conical horn 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of columnar vibrating sections 6 are provided for one conical horn 5.

[0094] 1...ultrasonic vibration generator, 1A...ultrasonic vibration generator, 1B...ultrasonic vibration generator, 1C...ultrasonic vibration generator, 1D...ultrasonic vibration generator, 1E...hair treatment device, 1F...hair treatment device, 2...vibrator unit, 3...ultrasonic vibrator (vibrator), 4...vibrator connection part, 5...conical horn (lateral vibration generating part), 5a...first surface (first inclined surface), 5b...second surface (second inclined surface), 5c...third surface (first inclined surface), 5d...fourth surface (second inclined surface), 6...columnar vibration part, 7...horizontal bar part (tip connection part), 8...blade, 9...upper blade holder, 10...first inclined surface pair (inclined surface pair), 20...second inclined surface pair (inclined surface pair)

Claims

1. An ultrasonic vibration generating device comprising: a transducer unit that generates longitudinal vibrations; and a vibrating body that is connected to the transducer unit and vibrates ultrasonically, wherein the vibrating body comprises: a transducer connection portion to which the transducer unit is connected; a lateral vibration generating portion that converts at least a portion of the longitudinal vibrations transmitted through the transducer connection portion into lateral vibrations that differ in direction and magnitude; and a columnar vibration portion that has its base connected to the lateral vibration generating portion and protrudes from the lateral vibration generating portion, and has its tip that ultrasonically vibrates in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibrations as the lateral vibrations are transmitted thereto.

2. The ultrasonic vibration generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transverse vibration generating section is a horn whose cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibration decreases with increasing distance from the transducer unit.

3. The ultrasonic vibration generator according to claim 2, characterized in that the horn has a pair of inclined surfaces consisting of a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface facing in opposite directions, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface approach each other as they move away from the transducer unit, and have different inclination angles with respect to the traveling direction of the longitudinal vibration.

4. An ultrasonic vibration generating device according to claim 3, wherein said horn has a plurality of pairs of said inclined surfaces.

5. An ultrasonic vibration generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lateral vibration generating unit converts a portion of the longitudinal vibration transmitted from the transducer unit into the lateral vibration, and the columnar vibration unit vibrates in the direction of travel of the longitudinal vibration based on the longitudinal vibration transmitted via the lateral vibration generating unit.

6. An ultrasonic vibration generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that the distance from the end of said transducer unit opposite said vibrating body to the tip of said columnar vibration part is equal to one wavelength of said longitudinal vibration.

7. An ultrasonic vibration generating device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vibrating body is provided with a tip connection portion which is connected to the tip of the columnar vibration portion.

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

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