WO2020241150A1 - Ultrasonic atomization device and humidification device - Google Patents

Ultrasonic atomization device and humidification device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020241150A1
WO2020241150A1 PCT/JP2020/017961 JP2020017961W WO2020241150A1 WO 2020241150 A1 WO2020241150 A1 WO 2020241150A1 JP 2020017961 W JP2020017961 W JP 2020017961W WO 2020241150 A1 WO2020241150 A1 WO 2020241150A1
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WO
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Prior art keywords
liquid
ultrasonic
tubular member
atomization
nozzle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2020/017961
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
奨 越智
井出　哲也
豪 鎌田
Original Assignee
シャープ株式会社
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Publication date
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Priority to JP2021522725A priority Critical patent/JP7169443B2/en
Publication of WO2020241150A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020241150A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • B05B17/0607—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers
    • B05B17/0615—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations generated by electrical means, e.g. piezoelectric transducers spray being produced at the free surface of the liquid or other fluent material in a container and subjected to the vibrations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/34—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B17/00—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups
    • B05B17/04—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods
    • B05B17/06—Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by the preceding groups operating with special methods using ultrasonic or other kinds of vibrations
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F6/00—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification
    • F24F6/12—Air-humidification, e.g. cooling by humidification by forming water dispersions in the air
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
    • Y02B30/70—Efficient control or regulation technologies, e.g. for control of refrigerant flow, motor or heating

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an ultrasonic atomizer and a humidity control device.
  • the present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-098208 filed in Japan on May 27, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic atomizer equipped with a perforated plate in which a large number of minute through holes are formed in a container.
  • the perforated plate is arranged at a position where the upper surface of the perforated plate does not come into contact with the liquid and the lower surface of the perforated plate comes into contact with the liquid column raised from the liquid surface.
  • One aspect of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide an ultrasonic atomizer capable of efficiently atomizing and easily adjusting the amount of atomization. Is one of the purposes.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a humidity control device provided with the above atomization device.
  • the ultrasonic atomizer includes a housing having an internal space and an exhaust port for storing a liquid substance to be atomized droplets, and the housing.
  • An ultrasonic vibrator that is provided and generates the atomized droplets by irradiating the liquid material with ultrasonic waves, and at least a part of the atomized droplets from the internal space to the outside through the exhaust port.
  • the nozzle includes an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow for sending out, and a nozzle that focuses the ultrasonic waves radiated from the ultrasonic vibrator toward a specific region of the liquid surface of the liquid substance.
  • a tubular member having an injection port for the liquid material at the upper end, and a region of the internal space of the tubular member including the center of gravity of the outer shape of the injection port when viewed from the normal direction of the injection port. It has at least a network structure provided above and forming a liquid column of the liquid material above.
  • the network structure may have a plurality of laminated networks.
  • the net-like structure may have a plurality of nets provided at intervals in the height direction of the tubular member.
  • the tubular member may have a swirling flow generating member that generates a swirling flow of the liquid material introduced inside the tubular member. ..
  • the tubular member may have a throttle portion in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the liquid material flowing inside the tubular member is narrowed. ..
  • a plurality of the ejection ports are provided, and the network structure is provided in a region including at least the center of gravity of each of the plurality of ejection ports. May be good.
  • the pore diameter of the network structure may be 10 ⁇ m or more and 1 mm or less.
  • the thickness of the network structure may be 5 mm or less.
  • the humidity control device includes a hygroscopic portion that allows the liquid hygroscopic material to absorb at least a part of the moisture contained in the air by bringing the liquid hygroscopic material containing a hygroscopic substance into contact with air.
  • the atomization regeneration unit includes an atomization regeneration unit that regenerates the liquid moisture absorption material by atomizing and removing at least a part of the water contained in the liquid moisture absorption material supplied from the moisture absorption unit. , Consists of an ultrasonic atomizer according to one aspect of the present invention.
  • the ultrasonic atomizing device According to the ultrasonic atomizing device according to one aspect of the present invention, atomization can be efficiently performed and the amount of atomization can be easily adjusted. Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidity control device including the above atomization device.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an ultrasonic atomizer of the first embodiment.
  • the scale of the dimension may be different depending on the component.
  • the ultrasonic atomizing device 10 includes a housing 11, an ultrasonic vibrator 12, an air flow generating unit 13, and a nozzle 14.
  • the housing 11 has an internal space 11a for storing a liquid material W to be a mist-like droplet W1, an air supply port 11b, and an exhaust port 11c.
  • the housing 11 is a container made of a material such as metal or resin, and the constituent material is not particularly limited.
  • An air supply pipe 15 is connected to the air supply port 11b, and an exhaust pipe 16 is connected to the exhaust port 11c.
  • the liquid material W has a viscosity of, for example, 1 ⁇ 10 -3 Pa ⁇ s or more.
  • Specific examples of the liquid substance W include glycerin, ethylene glycol, sodium polyacrylate aqueous solution, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, calcium chloride aqueous solution, lithium chloride aqueous solution, or a mixture thereof.
  • the ultrasonic vibrator 12 is provided in the housing 11 and generates atomized droplets W1 from the liquid material W by irradiating the liquid material W with ultrasonic waves.
  • the ultrasonic vibrator 12 is provided on the bottom plate 11e of the housing 11.
  • the ultrasonic vibrator 12 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the bottom plate 11e of the housing 11.
  • one ultrasonic oscillator 12 is used, but a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators 12 may be used.
  • the airflow generating unit 13 generates an airflow F for sending at least a part of the mist-like droplet W1 from the internal space 11a to the outside through the exhaust port 11c of the housing 11.
  • the airflow generating unit 13 is composed of a blower provided on the air supply pipe 15.
  • the airflow generating unit 13 is not limited to the air supply pipe 15, and may be composed of blowers provided in the exhaust pipe 16.
  • the nozzle 14 focuses the ultrasonic waves radiated from the ultrasonic vibrator 12 toward a specific region on the liquid surface of the liquid material W. Even if there is no nozzle 14, ultrasonic waves can be applied to a specific location on the liquid surface of the liquid material W by adjusting the ultrasonic wave irradiation conditions when irradiating the liquid material W with ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic vibrator 12. You can concentrate. However, by using the nozzle 14, ultrasonic waves can be efficiently concentrated at a specific location on the liquid surface of the liquid material W. As a result, a liquid column W2 in which the liquid material W is highly raised can be generated above the nozzle 14. The mist-like droplet W1 is generated from every part of the liquid surface, but is particularly abundantly generated from the liquid column W2 and its vicinity.
  • the nozzle 14 has a tubular member 18 and a net-like structure 19.
  • the tubular member 18 has an upper portion and a lower portion open, and has an injection port 18b for the liquid substance W at the upper end. Further, the tubular member 18 has a tapered truncated cone shape in which the internal space is narrowed from the lower side to the upper side, that is, from the side closer to the ultrasonic vibrator 12 to the side farther away.
  • the tubular member 18 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. However, the constituent material of the tubular member 18 is not particularly limited.
  • the tubular member 18 is arranged such that the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18 intersects the liquid surface.
  • the shape of the tubular member 18 does not necessarily have to be a truncated cone, and may be, for example, a truncated cone.
  • the tubular member 18 is arranged so that the central axis 18c is tilted from the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface.
  • the radiation axis J of the ultrasonic vibrator 12 is also tilted from the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface.
  • the radiation axis J of the ultrasonic vibrator 12 is defined as a virtual axis that passes through the center of the ultrasonic radiation surface 12a of the ultrasonic vibrator 12 and extends parallel to the normal direction of the ultrasonic radiation surface 12a.
  • the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18 coincides with the radiation axis J of the ultrasonic vibrator 12.
  • the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18 does not necessarily have to coincide with the radiation axis J of the ultrasonic vibrator 12. In some cases, it may be desirable that the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18 is arranged at a position deviated from the radiation axis J of the ultrasonic vibrator 12.
  • the liquid column W2 is formed to be tilted from the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface.
  • the ultrasonic waves reflected by the liquid surface are less likely to return to the ultrasonic oscillator 12, and the ultrasonic oscillator 12 itself is less likely to be damaged by the ultrasonic waves.
  • the liquid column W2 is less likely to be disturbed, and the liquid column W2 is stably formed.
  • the network structure 19 is the center of gravity of the outer shape of the injection port 18b when viewed from the normal direction of the injection port 18b in the internal space of the tubular member 18, that is, the outer shape of the injection port 18b in the present embodiment. It is provided at least in the region including the center point of a certain circle, and forms a liquid column W2 of the liquid material W above. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the region including the center of gravity point is a circular region R centered on the center of gravity point G. The diameter of the region R is, for example, 1 mm.
  • the network structure 19 is made of, for example, a resin material such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, fluorine fiber, polyurethane, and a metal material such as stainless steel and aluminum, but the constituent material is not particularly limited.
  • the reticulated structure 19 has a mesh having a pore diameter in a predetermined range.
  • the network structure 19 preferably has substantially uniform pore diameters, but may have a predetermined distribution in pore diameters.
  • the thickness of the liquid column W2 can be adjusted by adjusting the pore diameter of the network structure 19, and atomization is performed as compared with the case where the network structure 19 is not used.
  • the amount can be increased or decreased. This effect will be described in detail later.
  • the form in which the net-like structure 19 is provided at least in the region including the center of gravity point G of the circle, which is the outer shape of the injection port 18b, in the internal space of the tubular member 18, is described below.
  • the form shown is conceivable.
  • the region R including the center-of-gravity point G is indicated by a two-dot chain line circle.
  • the center of gravity point G coincides with the center point of the circle.
  • the net-like structure may be provided in the region including the center of gravity point G.
  • FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a first example of a planar installation form of the network structure 19. As shown in FIG. 2A, the network structure 19A of the first example is provided so as to block the entire internal space of the tubular member 18.
  • FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a second example of a two-dimensional installation form of the network structure 19. As shown in FIG. 2B, the reticulated structure 19B of the second example is provided in a linear region extending in the diameter direction including the region R in the internal space of the tubular member 18.
  • FIG. 2C is a diagram showing a third example of a planar installation form of the network structure 19.
  • the network structure 19C of the third example is provided in two linear regions including the region R and orthogonal to each other in the internal space of the tubular member 18.
  • FIG. 2D is a diagram showing a fourth example of a planar installation form of the network structure 19.
  • the reticulated structure 19D of the fourth example is provided in a rectangular region including the region R in the internal space of the tubular member 18.
  • the network structure 19D is supported by the tubular member 18 by an arbitrary support member 21.
  • the thickness t of the reticulated structure 19 is preferably 5 mm or less. If the thickness t of the reticulated structure 19 exceeds 5 mm, the liquid column W2 is less likely to be formed.
  • the net-like structure 19 may be composed of a plurality of nets laminated so as to be in contact with each other.
  • Each of the plurality of nets may be a net having the same pore diameter or a net having different pore diameters. Further, each of the plurality of nets may be a net made of different materials.
  • the plurality of nets may be overlapped with each other without shifting the upper and lower wires constituting the net, or may be overlapped with the upper and lower wires being displaced from each other.
  • the hole diameter of the network structure 19 is the average value of the plurality of hole diameters when the network structure 19 is viewed from the direction along the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18. Just define it. Therefore, the hole diameter of the net-like structure 19 can be made smaller than the hole diameter of one net by laminating a plurality of nets and stacking the upper and lower wire rods in a state of being intentionally displaced from each other.
  • FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a first example of a cross-sectional installation form of the network structure 19.
  • the net-like structure 19E of the first example is provided at a position lower than the upper end of the tubular member 18.
  • the height of the liquid level inside the tubular member 18 is substantially equal to the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18.
  • the height of the lower surface of the net-like structure 19E is substantially equal to the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18.
  • the height of the upper surface of the reticulated structure 19E is about 0.5 to 3 cm higher than the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18.
  • FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a second example of a cross-sectional installation form of the network structure 19.
  • the net-like structure 19F of the second example is provided at the upper end of the tubular member 18.
  • the height of the liquid level inside the tubular member 18 is higher than the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18.
  • the height of the lower surface of the net-like structure 19F is about 0.5 to 3 cm higher than the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18.
  • FIG. 3C is a diagram showing a third example of a cross-sectional installation form of the network structure 19.
  • the net-like structure 19G of the third example is provided at the upper end of the tubular member 18.
  • the height of the liquid level inside the tubular member 18 is higher than the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18.
  • the liquid column W2 was formed from the upper surface of the network structure 19F
  • the liquid column W2 was formed from below the network structure 19G. It is formed and extends above the reticulated structure 19G.
  • FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a first example of the support structure of the network structure 19.
  • the reticulated structure 19H of the first example is fixed to the tubular member 18 via the adhesive 23.
  • the net-like structure 19H may be fixed to the tubular member 18 via an adhesive tape or the like.
  • FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a second example of the support structure of the network structure 19.
  • a protrusion 24 projecting inward is provided on the inner wall surface of the tubular member 18.
  • the net-like structure 19I is placed on the upper surface of the protrusion 24 and fixed by an adhesive, an adhesive tape or the like (not shown).
  • the portion on which the net-like structure 19I is placed is not limited to the protrusion 24, and may be a stepped portion or the like.
  • FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a third example of the support structure of the network structure 19.
  • the tubular member 18 is divided into two, and the upper tubular member 18A and the lower tubular member 18B are fitted to each other.
  • the net-like structure 19J is sandwiched and fixed between the upper tubular member 18A and the lower tubular member 18B. It is desirable that the network structure 19J has a thickness and flexibility sufficient to be sandwiched between the two tubular members 18A and 18B.
  • FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a fourth example of the support structure of the network structure 19. As shown in FIG. 4D, in the support structure of the fourth example, a fixing jig 25 to which the net-like structure 19K is mounted is used, and the fixing jig 25 is fitted and fixed to the upper portion of the tubular member 18.
  • Example 1 The present inventors installed two types of network structures having different pore diameters in the nozzle and performed ultrasonic atomization. Specifically, the nozzle of Example 1 having a network structure having a pore diameter of several tens of ⁇ m or more and 1 mm or less, the nozzle of Example 2 having a network structure having a pore diameter of more than 1 mm, and a pore diameter of less than 1 ⁇ m. Ultrasonic atomization was performed using each of the nozzles of Example 3 provided with the reticulated structure having the above. On the other hand, as a comparative example, ultrasonic atomization was performed using a nozzle not provided with a network structure. As the liquid, an aqueous glycerin solution having a viscosity of 6 ⁇ 10 -3 Pa ⁇ s was used. The conditions of the ultrasonic oscillator are a frequency of 2.4 MHz and an output of 15 W.
  • Example 3 When the nozzle of Example 3 provided with a network structure having a pore diameter of less than 1 ⁇ m was used, a liquid column could not be generated above the nozzle, and almost no droplet could be generated. According to the inference of the present inventors, the reason for this is considered to be that the pore diameter of the network structure is too small and the loss of injection pressure is too large when the thickness is less than 1 ⁇ m.
  • FIG. 5 is experimental data showing the number of jet injections and the values of atomization efficiency at different liquid column diameters.
  • the horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5 indicates the diameter (mm) of the liquid column, and the vertical axis indicates the number of jet injections (times / 0.05 seconds).
  • the upper part of the graph is an image of a high-speed camera at a specific time after applying ultrasonic waves.
  • the state of the liquid column and its vicinity was observed with a high-speed camera, and the number of times per 0.05 seconds was measured.
  • the number of jet injections was measured for each height by dividing the height of the liquid column into 0 to 5 mm, 5 to 10 mm, and 10 to 15 mm.
  • air for transporting the generated mist to the outside was flowed toward the liquid column at a flow rate of 5 m / sec for a certain period of time, and the weight of the entire container before and after that was measured.
  • the amount of weight loss was defined as the amount of atomization (g).
  • this atomization amount was divided by the input electric energy to calculate the atomization efficiency (g / Wh). Since the diameter of the liquid column differs between the base end side and the tip end side of the liquid column, the diameter of the liquid column was measured at a position 1 mm from the upper surface of the network structure.
  • Jet injection is one of the mechanisms by which fine droplets are generated by ultrasonic atomization.
  • the liquid surface vibrates, the liquid on the side surface of the dent formed on the liquid surface flows toward the bottom, and the flowing liquid rises in the center of the dent. After that, the bubbles burst, the tips of the raised liquid are torn off, and fine droplets are generated one after another.
  • the phenomenon in which bubbles burst when ultrasonic waves are applied through such a process is called jet injection, and the droplets generated from the swelling of the liquid surface during jet injection are called jet droplets.
  • the liquid column diameter was 1.8 mm.
  • the number of jet injections was about 160 times / 0.05 seconds, and the number of jet injections at a high position of 10 to 15 mm from the base end side of the liquid column was the largest.
  • the atomization efficiency was 3.5 g / Wh.
  • Example 1 when the nozzle of Example 1 provided with the network structure having a pore diameter of several tens of ⁇ m to 1 mm was used, the liquid column diameter was 0.6 mm.
  • the number of jet injections was about 250 times / 0.05 seconds, and the number of jet injections at a position as low as 0 to 5 mm from the base end side of the liquid column was the largest.
  • the atomization efficiency was 4.4 g / Wh. Therefore, it was found that when it is desired to increase the amount of atomization as compared with the case where the reticulated structure is not installed, it is desirable to make the reticulated structure 10 ⁇ m or more and 1 mm or less.
  • Example 2 when the nozzle of Example 2 provided with the network structure having a pore diameter exceeding 1 mm was used, the liquid column diameter was 3.0 mm.
  • the number of jet injections was 10 times / 0.05 seconds or less.
  • the atomization efficiency was 2.0 g / Wh.
  • the diameter of the liquid column can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the reticulated structure, and the amount of atomization (atomization efficiency) can be further controlled.
  • the ultrasonic density per unit cross-sectional area of the liquid column increases, so that jet injection is likely to occur, and when the liquid column becomes thick, the unit of the liquid column is cut off. It is thought that jet injection is less likely to occur because the ultrasonic density per area is low.
  • the ultrasonic waves propagate to the upper part of the liquid column and are consumed for jet injection at the lower part of the liquid column before the ultrasonic energy is attenuated. , It seems that the atomization efficiency will be improved as a whole.
  • Example 2 Next, the present inventors performed ultrasonic atomization using the nozzle of Example 1 provided with a network structure having a pore size of several tens of ⁇ m to 1 mm, and using three kinds of liquids having different viscosities. Specifically, ultrasonic waves are used using a liquid having a viscosity of 1 ⁇ 10 -3 Pa ⁇ s, a liquid having a viscosity of 6 ⁇ 10 -3 Pa ⁇ s, and a liquid having a viscosity of 30 ⁇ 10 -3 Pa ⁇ s. It was atomized. The other experimental conditions are the same as in Experiment 1. On the other hand, as a comparative example, ultrasonic atomization was performed using liquids having three viscosities using a nozzle not provided with a network structure.
  • FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the viscosity of the liquid and the atomization efficiency.
  • the atomization efficiency of the nozzle of the comparative example is about 9.8 g / Wh, whereas the nozzle of the first embodiment The atomization efficiency was about 11.7 g / Wh.
  • the atomization efficiency is about 3.6 g / Wh in the comparative example, whereas the atomization efficiency is about 4.4 g / Wh in this example. Met.
  • the atomization efficiency is about 2.0 g / Wh in the comparative example, whereas the atomization efficiency is about 2.4 g / Wh in this example.
  • Example 1 provided with a reticulated structure. It was found that the atomization efficiency can be improved by using the nozzle of No. 3 as compared with the case of using the nozzle of the comparative example not provided with the network structure. Therefore, it was found that the ultrasonic atomizer of the present embodiment can be applied regardless of the viscosity and type of the liquid material used. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a network structure having an appropriate pore size according to the viscosity of the liquid material to be used.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer of the second embodiment.
  • the same components as those in FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • the ultrasonic atomizer 30 of the second embodiment has a nozzle 31 that forms a liquid column W2 of the liquid material W above.
  • the nozzle 31 has a tubular member 18 and a net-like structure 32.
  • the net-like structure 32 has a first net 32A and a second net 32B provided at intervals in the direction along the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18, that is, in the height direction of the tubular member 18. It has multiple nets including.
  • the first net 32A is fixed at a position slightly lower than the upper end of the tubular member 18.
  • the second net 32B is fixed to the upper end of the tubular member 18.
  • Other configurations of the ultrasonic atomizer 30 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
  • the first net 32A and the second net 32B may be nets having the same pore diameter or nets having different pore diameters. Further, the first net 32A and the second net 32B may be nets made of different materials. In the second embodiment, an example in which a plurality of nets are composed of two nets 32A and 32B will be given, but the plurality of nets may be composed of three or more nets.
  • the diameter of the liquid column can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the network structure 32, and the amount of atomization can be controlled. The same effect as is obtained.
  • the liquid column W2 is gradually thinned so that the liquid column W2 thinned by the first net 32A is further thinned by the second net 32B. be able to.
  • the ultrasonic atomizing device 30 of the second embodiment is suitable when it is desired to increase the amount of atomization.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer 34 of the modified example of the second embodiment.
  • the net-like structure 35 is different from the first net 35A provided at intervals in the direction along the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18. It has a plurality of nets including a second net 35B.
  • the first net 35A and the second net 35B are connected to each other via an arbitrary connecting member 35C.
  • the first net 35A is fixed to the upper end of the tubular member 18, and the second net 35B is located above the tubular member 18.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the nozzle 37 in the ultrasonic atomizer of the third embodiment.
  • the same components as those in FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • the nozzle 37 of the third embodiment has a tubular member 38 and a net-like structure 19.
  • the tubular member 38 has a plurality of swirling flow generating members 39 inside the tubular member 38.
  • the plurality of swirling flow generating members 39 generate the swirling flow W5 of the liquid material introduced inside the tubular member 38.
  • a plurality of holes 38h for allowing a liquid substance to flow into the tubular member 38 are provided on the side surface of the tubular member 38.
  • Each of the plurality of swirling flow generating members 39 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of holes 38h.
  • the swirling flow generating member 39 has a wall surface 39a that closes the upper side of the hole 38h and one side thereof, an inclined curved surface 39b, and an obliquely upper surface along the inner wall surface of the tubular member 38. It is composed of a guide plate having a discharge port 39c for discharging a liquid substance.
  • the swirling flow generating member 39 forms a flow in which the liquid material that has flowed into the inside of the tubular member 38 through the hole 38h is swirled upward along the inner wall surface of the tubular member 38.
  • Other configurations of the ultrasonic atomizer are the same as those of the first embodiment.
  • the diameter of the liquid column can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the network structure 19, and the amount of atomization can be controlled. A similar effect can be obtained.
  • the swirling flow generating member 39 forms the swirling flow W5 of the liquid material, so that the flow velocity of the liquid material increases, and the liquid material injected from the tip of the nozzle 37.
  • the injection pressure increases.
  • the ultrasonic atomizer of the third embodiment is suitable when it is desired to increase the amount of atomization.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the nozzle 41 of the modified example of the third embodiment.
  • a plurality of swirling flow generating members 43 are provided at intervals on the outer surface of the tubular member 42.
  • the swirling flow generating member 43 generates a swirling flow W5 of a liquid material introduced inside the tubular member 42.
  • the swirling flow generating member 43 has a wall portion that forms a flow path 43d that guides a liquid substance to flow along the inner wall surface of the tubular member 42. As a result, the swirling flow generating member 43 forms a flow in which the liquid material that has flowed into the inside of the tubular member 42 swirls upward along the inner wall surface of the tubular member 42.
  • the ultrasonic atomizer of this modified example also has the same actions and effects as those of the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the nozzle 45 in the ultrasonic atomizer of the fourth embodiment.
  • the same components as those in FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • the nozzle 45 of the fourth embodiment has a tubular member 46 and a net-like structure 47.
  • the tubular member 46 has a narrowed portion 46b in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the liquid material flowing inside the tubular member 46 is narrowed.
  • the tubular member 46 has a flat shape in which the circular injection port at the tip is crushed in one direction, and this portion constitutes the throttle portion 46b. More specifically, since the tubular member has a truncated cone shape, the cross-sectional area of the flow path decreases from the bottom to the top throughout, but the flow path is cut off at the throttle portion. The area is decreasing sharply compared to other parts.
  • Other configurations of the ultrasonic atomizer are the same as those of the first embodiment.
  • the diameter of the liquid column can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the network structure 47, and the amount of atomization can be controlled. A similar effect can be obtained.
  • the ultrasonic atomizing device of the fourth embodiment since the tubular member 46 is provided with the throttle portion 46b, the flow velocity of the liquid material increases, and the injection pressure of the liquid material injected from the tip of the nozzle 45 increases. To increase. As a result, an effect that a finer liquid column can be easily formed as compared with the first embodiment can be obtained. Therefore, the ultrasonic atomizer of the fourth embodiment is suitable when it is desired to increase the amount of atomization.
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the nozzle 49 of the modified example of the fourth embodiment.
  • the tubular member 50 has a throttle portion 50b in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the liquid material flowing inside the tubular member 50 is narrowed.
  • the tubular member 50 has a portion where the cross-sectional area of the flow path is sharply narrowed at a position between the lower end and the upper end, such as a Venturi pipe, and this portion constitutes the throttle portion 50b. doing.
  • the ultrasonic atomizer of this modified example also has the same actions and effects as those of the fourth embodiment.
  • FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the nozzle 52 in the ultrasonic atomizing device of the fifth embodiment.
  • the same components as those in FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • the nozzle 52 of the fifth embodiment has a tubular member 53 and a net-like structure 54.
  • the tubular member 53 has a plurality of liquid material injection ports 53c.
  • a top plate 53t is provided at the upper end of the tubular member 53, and four liquid material injection ports 53c are formed on the top plate 53t.
  • the number of liquid material injection ports 53c is not particularly limited.
  • the network structure 54 is provided for each of the plurality of liquid material injection ports 53c in a region including at least the center of gravity point of a circle which is the outer shape of each liquid material injection port 53c when viewed from the normal direction. There is.
  • the net-like structure 54 may be provided on the entire tubular member 53, or may be provided only at a location corresponding to each liquid material injection port 53c. Other configurations of the ultrasonic atomizer are the same as those of the first embodiment.
  • the diameter of the liquid column can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the network structure 54, and the amount of atomization can be controlled. A similar effect can be obtained.
  • the tubular member 53 has a plurality of liquid material injection ports 53c, a plurality of thin liquid columns can be formed. As a result, the amount of atomization can be further increased.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the nozzle 56 of the modified example of the fifth embodiment.
  • the liquid substance injection port of the tubular member 57 is divided into two by crushing the central portion of the upper end in one direction, and two liquid substances are emitted.
  • the outlet 57c is formed.
  • the net-like structure 58 may be provided on the entire tubular member 57, or may be provided only at a location corresponding to each liquid material injection port 57c.
  • the ultrasonic atomizer of this modified example also has the same actions and effects as those of the fifth embodiment.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer 60 of the sixth embodiment.
  • the same components as those in FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
  • the ultrasonic atomizer 60 of the sixth embodiment includes a housing 61, an ultrasonic vibrator 12, an airflow generating unit 13, and a nozzle 14.
  • the configuration of the nozzle 14 is the same as that of the first embodiment.
  • the housing 61 has an internal space 61a for storing the liquid material W to be the mist-like droplets W1, an air supply port 61b, and an exhaust port 61c.
  • both the air supply port 11b and the exhaust port 11c are provided on the upper part of the housing 11.
  • the airflow F flowing from the air supply port 11b toward the exhaust port 11c flows at a relatively high position away from the liquid level in the housing 11.
  • the air supply port 61b is provided at a relatively low position close to the liquid level
  • the exhaust port 61c is provided at a relatively high position far from the liquid level.
  • the airflow F flowing from the air supply port 61b toward the exhaust port 61c flows from the low position to the high position in the housing 61.
  • the diameter of the liquid column W2 can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the network structure 19, and the atomization amount can be controlled. The same effect as the form can be obtained.
  • the ultrasonic atomizing device 60 of the sixth embodiment when a thin liquid column W2 is formed by selecting the pore size of the network structure 19, the following effects can be obtained.
  • a thin liquid column W2 is formed, as shown in FIG. 5, many mist-like droplets W1 are generated at the lower part of the liquid column W2.
  • the airflow F passes through the lower part of the liquid column W2 from a position close to the liquid level in the housing 61 and flows toward a higher position, so that the liquid column Many mist-like droplets W1 generated in the lower part of W2 can be efficiently carried on the air flow F. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic atomizing device 60 of the sixth embodiment, the transport efficiency of the atomized droplet W1 can be improved as compared with the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer 63 of the modified example of the sixth embodiment.
  • the housing 64 has an internal space 64a for storing a liquid material W to be a mist-like droplet W1, an air supply port 64b, and an exhaust port 64c. And have.
  • the air supply port 64b is provided at a relatively low position of the housing 64, and the exhaust port 64c is provided on the top plate 64t of the housing 64.
  • a tubular guide pipe 65 is provided inside the housing 64 so as to surround the liquid column W2 formed when ultrasonic waves are applied and the exhaust port 64c.
  • the upper end of the guide pipe 65 is fixed to the top plate 64t, and a gap is provided between the lower end of the guide pipe 65 and the liquid level.
  • the ultrasonic atomizing device 63 of this modified example also has the same actions and effects as those of the sixth embodiment.
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of the humidity control device 100 of the seventh embodiment.
  • the humidity control device 100 of the present embodiment includes a moisture absorbing unit 101, an atomization regeneration unit 102, a first liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 103, and a second liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 104.
  • the first air introduction flow path 105, the second air introduction flow path 106, the first air discharge flow path 107, the second air discharge flow path 108, and the control unit 109 are provided.
  • the humidity control device 100 includes an outer shell housing 110, and the moisture absorbing unit 101 and the atomization regeneration unit 102 are housed in the internal space 110c of the outer shell housing 110.
  • the moisture absorbing portion 101 includes a first storage tank 112, a blower 113, and a moisture absorbing portion nozzle 114.
  • the hygroscopic unit 101 causes the liquid hygroscopic material L to absorb at least a part of the moisture contained in the air A1 by bringing the liquid hygroscopic material L containing the hygroscopic substance into contact with the air A1 existing in the external space. It is desirable that the moisture absorbing portion 101 absorbs as much water as possible into the liquid moisture absorbing material L, but at least a part of the moisture contained in the air A1 may be absorbed by the liquid moisture absorbing material L.
  • the liquid moisture absorbing material L is stored inside the first storage tank 112.
  • the liquid moisture absorbing material L will be described later.
  • the first air introduction flow path 105, the first air discharge flow path 107, and the first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103 are connected to the first storage tank 112.
  • the air A1 is supplied to the internal space of the first storage tank 112 by the blower 113 via the first air introduction flow path 105.
  • the moisture absorbing portion nozzle 114 is arranged in the upper part of the internal space of the first storage tank 112. After being regenerated by the atomization regeneration unit 102 described later, the liquid hygroscopic material L1 returned to the moisture absorption unit 101 via the second liquid moisture absorption material transport flow path 104 is inside the first storage tank 112 from the moisture absorption unit nozzle 114. It flows down into the space, and at this time, the liquid hygroscopic material L1 and the air A1 come into contact with each other. This type of contact between the liquid hygroscopic material L1 and the air A1 is generally referred to as a "flow-down method".
  • the contact form between the liquid moisture absorbing material L1 and the air A1 is not limited to the flow-down method, and other methods can be used.
  • a so-called bubbling method in which the air A1 is supplied in the form of bubbles in the liquid moisture absorbing material L stored in the first storage tank 112, can also be used.
  • the air A1 existing in the external space forms an air flow from the blower 113 toward the discharge port 107b of the first air discharge flow path 107, and comes into contact with the liquid moisture absorbing material L flowing down from the moisture absorbing portion nozzle 114. At this time, at least a part of the moisture contained in the air A1 is removed by being absorbed by the liquid moisture absorbing material L. Since the moisture absorbing portion 101 obtains air from which moisture has been removed from the original indoor air A1, this air is drier than the air in the external space of the humidity control device 100. In this way, the dry air A2 is discharged into the room through the first air discharge flow path 107.
  • the liquid hygroscopic material L is a liquid that exhibits a property of absorbing moisture (hygroscopicity). For example, a liquid that exhibits hygroscopicity under conditions of a temperature of 25 ° C., a relative humidity of 50%, and atmospheric pressure is preferable.
  • the liquid hygroscopic material L contains a hygroscopic substance described later. Further, the liquid hygroscopic material L may contain a hygroscopic substance and a solvent. Examples of this type of solvent include solvents that dissolve or mix with hygroscopic substances, such as water.
  • the hygroscopic substance may be an organic material or an inorganic material.
  • Examples of the organic material used as a hygroscopic substance include alcohols having a divalent value or higher, ketones, organic solvents having an amide group, sugars, known materials used as raw materials for moisturizing cosmetics, and the like.
  • an organic material preferably used as a hygroscopic substance because of its high hydrophilicity a known material used as a raw material for alcohols having a divalent value or higher, an organic solvent having an amide group, sugars, moisturizing cosmetics and the like. Can be mentioned.
  • dihydric or higher alcohols examples include glycerin, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, trimethylolpropane, butanetriol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and triethylene glycol.
  • organic solvent having an amide group examples include formamide and acetamide.
  • sugars examples include sucrose, pullulan, glucose, xylene, fructose, mannitol, sorbitol and the like.
  • Known materials used as raw materials for moisturizing cosmetics include, for example, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), betaine, hyaluronic acid, collagen and the like.
  • MPC 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine
  • betaine betaine
  • hyaluronic acid collagen and the like.
  • inorganic materials used as hygroscopic substances include calcium chloride, lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium hydroxide, and pyrrolidone.
  • examples thereof include sodium carboxylate.
  • the hygroscopic substance has high hydrophilicity, for example, when the material of the hygroscopic substance and water are mixed, the proportion of water molecules in the vicinity of the surface (liquid surface) of the liquid hygroscopic material L increases.
  • the atomization regeneration unit 102 which will be described later, generates atomized droplets W1 from the vicinity of the surface of the liquid moisture absorbing material L to separate water from the liquid moisture absorbing material L. Therefore, it is preferable that the proportion of water molecules in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid moisture absorbing material L is large in that water can be efficiently separated.
  • the proportion of water molecules in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid hygroscopic material L is large, the proportion of the hygroscopic substance in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid hygroscopic material L is relatively small, so that the hygroscopic substance in the atomization regeneration unit 102 It is preferable in that loss can be suppressed.
  • the concentration of the hygroscopic substance contained in the liquid hygroscopic material L1 used for the treatment in the moisture absorbing portion 101 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40% by mass or more.
  • the concentration of the hygroscopic substance is 40% by mass or more, the liquid hygroscopic material L1 can efficiently absorb water.
  • the viscosity of the liquid hygroscopic material L is preferably 25 ⁇ 10 -3 Pa ⁇ s or less.
  • the liquid column W2 of the liquid moisture absorbing material L is likely to be generated on the liquid surface of the liquid moisture absorbing material L. Therefore, water can be efficiently separated from the liquid moisture absorbing material L.
  • the atomization regeneration unit 102 since the atomization regeneration unit 102 includes the ultrasonic atomization apparatus of the first to sixth embodiments, which can obtain high atomization efficiency regardless of the viscosity of the liquid to be atomized. Even if the liquid moisture absorbing material L has a high viscosity, water can be separated more efficiently than in the conventional case.
  • the atomization regeneration unit 102 includes a second storage tank 116 (housing), a blower 117 (air flow generation unit), an ultrasonic oscillator 118, and an induction tube 119.
  • the atomization regeneration unit 102 atomizes at least a part of the water contained in the liquid hygroscopic material L2 supplied from the hygroscopic unit 101 via the first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103, and at least the water from the liquid hygroscopic material L2.
  • the liquid hygroscopic material L2 is regenerated by removing a part of the material.
  • the liquid moisture absorbing material L2 to be regenerated is stored in the second storage tank 116.
  • the first liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 103, the second liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 104, the second air introduction flow path 106, and the second air discharge flow path 108 are connected to the second storage tank 116.
  • the second storage tank 116 corresponds to the housing in the ultrasonic atomizer of the first to sixth embodiments.
  • the blower 117 sends air A1 from the external space of the outer shell housing 110 into the inside of the second storage tank 116 via the second air introduction flow path 106, and the second air discharge flow from the inside of the second storage tank 116.
  • An air flow flowing to the outside of the outer shell housing 110 is generated through the path 108.
  • the ultrasonic vibrator 118 irradiates the liquid hygroscopic material L2 with ultrasonic waves to generate mist-like droplets W1 containing water from the liquid hygroscopic material L2.
  • the ultrasonic vibrator 118 is provided in contact with the bottom plate of the second storage tank 116.
  • the liquid column W2 of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 is generated on the liquid surface of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 by adjusting the generation conditions of the ultrasonic waves. Can be done.
  • Most of the mist-like droplets W1 are generated from the liquid column W2 of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 and its vicinity.
  • the guide pipe 119 guides the mist-like droplet W1 generated from the liquid moisture absorbing material L2 to the exhaust port 108b of the second air discharge flow path 108.
  • the guide pipe 119 is provided so as to surround the exhaust port 108b.
  • the second air discharge flow path 108 discharges the air A4 containing the mist-like droplets W1 into the outer space of the outer shell housing 110 and removes it from the inside of the humidity control device 100.
  • water can be separated from the liquid moisture absorbing material L2.
  • the hygroscopic performance of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 is enhanced again, and the liquid hygroscopic material L2 can be returned to the hygroscopic unit 101 and reused.
  • the air A4 contains the mist-like droplets W1 generated inside the second storage tank 116, the air A4 is moist than the air A2 in the outer space of the outer shell housing 110. In this way, the humidified air A4 is discharged into the room through the second air discharge flow path 108.
  • the exhaust port 108b overlaps the ultrasonic vibrator 118 in a plane, so that a liquid column W2 of the liquid moisture absorbing material L2 is generated below the exhaust port 108b. Therefore, the atomization regeneration unit 102 is designed so that the guide pipe 119 surrounds the liquid column W2 generated in the liquid moisture absorbing material L2. Since the exhaust port 108b, the guide pipe 119, and the liquid column W2 are in such a positional relationship, the mist-like shape generated from the liquid column W2 of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 due to the air flow upward from the liquid surface of the liquid hygroscopic material L2. The droplet W1 is guided to the exhaust port 108b.
  • the moisture absorbing unit 101 and the atomization regeneration unit 102 are connected by a first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103 and a second liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 104 that form a circulation flow path of the liquid hygroscopic material L.
  • a pump 121 for circulating the liquid moisture absorbing material L is provided in the middle of the second liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 104.
  • the first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103 transports the liquid hygroscopic material L2, which has absorbed at least a part of water, from the moisture absorption unit 101 to the atomization regeneration unit 102.
  • One end of the first liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 103 is connected to the lower part of the first storage tank 112.
  • the connection point of the first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103 in the first storage tank 112 is located below the liquid level of the liquid hygroscopic material L in the first storage tank 112.
  • the other end of the first liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 103 is connected to the lower part of the second storage tank 116.
  • the connection point of the first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103 in the second storage tank 116 is located below the liquid level of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 in the second storage tank 116.
  • the second liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 104 transports the regenerated liquid hygroscopic material L from which the moisture has been removed from the atomization regeneration unit 102 to the moisture absorption unit 101.
  • One end of the second liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 104 is connected to the lower part of the second storage tank 116.
  • the connection point of the second liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 104 in the second storage tank 116 is located below the liquid level of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 in the second storage tank 116.
  • the other end of the second liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 104 is connected to the upper part of the first storage tank 112.
  • connection point of the second liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 104 in the first storage tank 112 is located above the liquid level of the liquid hygroscopic material L1 in the first storage tank 112 and is connected to the above-mentioned moisture absorbing part nozzle 114. ing.
  • the dehumidified air is discharged from the hygroscopic unit 101 through the first air discharge flow path 107, and the humidified air is discharged from the atomization regeneration unit 102 through the second air discharge flow path 108. It was explained that it was discharged through.
  • the humidity control device 100 of the present embodiment is an air conditioner having only a dehumidification function, for example, the air outlet of the first air discharge flow path 107 is arranged toward the room, while the first 2
  • the air discharge port of the air discharge flow path 108 may be arranged so as to face the outdoor side.
  • the air discharge port of the second air discharge flow path 108 is arranged toward the room, while the air discharge port of the first air discharge flow path 107 is arranged outdoors.
  • the configuration may be arranged so as to face.
  • both the air outlets of the first air discharge flow path 107 and the second air discharge flow path 108 are arranged and controlled toward the room.
  • the configuration may be such that the unit 109 controls which air discharge port the air is discharged from.
  • the atomization regeneration unit 102 is composed of the ultrasonic atomization device of the above embodiment, the amount of atomization is increased by optimizing the pore size of the network structure. At the same time, the atomization efficiency can be improved. As a result, it is possible to realize the humidity control device 100 having high regeneration efficiency of the liquid moisture absorbing material L.
  • the housing is not provided with an inlet and an outlet for a liquid substance, but an inlet and an outlet are provided, and ultrasonic atomization is continuously performed. It may be configured as such.
  • the specific description of the number, shape, arrangement, material, etc. of various components of the ultrasonic atomizer and the humidity control device exemplified in the above embodiment is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be appropriately changed. Is possible.
  • the ultrasonic atomizing device of the present invention can also be applied when used in a device for controlling in a desired direction.
  • the atomizing device of the present invention can be used for various devices such as a nebulizer, a separating device, a coating device, and a liquid concentrating device, in addition to the above-mentioned humidity control device.

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Abstract

Provided is an ultrasonic atomization device such that atomization can be efficiently performed and such that the atomization volume can be easily adjusted. This ultrasonic atomization device comprises: a case that has an internal space for storing a liquid material to become atomized droplets and a discharge opening; an ultrasonic transducer that generates the atomized droplets by insonating the liquid material with ultrasonic waves; an airflow generation unit that generates an airflow for sending at least some of the atomized droplets to the outside via the discharge opening; and a nozzle that causes the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducer to converge toward a specific area on the liquid surface. The nozzle has a cylindrical member with a liquid material ejection opening at the top end and a mesh structure that is provided in at least an area in the internal space of the cylindrical member encompassing the center of gravity of the external shape of the ejection opening, as seen from a normal direction to the ejection opening and that forms a liquid column of the liquid material upward.

Description

超音波霧化装置および調湿装置Ultrasonic atomizer and humidity control device
　本発明は、超音波霧化装置および調湿装置に関する。
　本願は、２０１９年５月２７日に日本で出願された特願２０１９－０９８２０８号に基づき優先権を主張し、その内容をここに援用する。 The present invention relates to an ultrasonic atomizer and a humidity control device.
The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-098208 filed in Japan on May 27, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
　液体に超音波を照射して液面に液柱を発生させることによって液体を霧化する超音波霧化装置が従来から知られている。下記の特許文献１に、微小な貫通孔が多数形成された多孔板を容器内に備えた超音波霧化装置が開示されている。この超音波霧化装置において、多孔板は、多孔板の上面が液体に接触せず、かつ、多孔板の下面が液面から盛り上がった液柱に接触する位置に配置されている。 Conventionally, an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes a liquid by irradiating the liquid with ultrasonic waves to generate a liquid column on the liquid surface has been known. Patent Document 1 below discloses an ultrasonic atomizer equipped with a perforated plate in which a large number of minute through holes are formed in a container. In this ultrasonic atomizer, the perforated plate is arranged at a position where the upper surface of the perforated plate does not come into contact with the liquid and the lower surface of the perforated plate comes into contact with the liquid column raised from the liquid surface.
特開２０１３－２２１６３３号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-221633
　特許文献１の超音波霧化装置においては、超音波振動エネルギーが多孔板による液体の表面張力の剪断に消費されるため、霧化を効率的に行うことが難しいという課題があった。また、超音波霧化装置は、周波数等を含む超音波振動子の仕様が固定されている場合が多く、霧化を効率的に行えたとしても、霧化量の調整が難しいという課題があった。 In the ultrasonic atomizer of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that it is difficult to efficiently perform atomization because the ultrasonic vibration energy is consumed for shearing the surface tension of the liquid by the perforated plate. Further, in many cases, the specifications of the ultrasonic vibrator including the frequency and the like are fixed in the ultrasonic atomizer, and even if the atomization can be performed efficiently, there is a problem that it is difficult to adjust the atomization amount. It was.
　本発明の一つの態様は、上記の課題を解決するためになされたものであって、霧化を効率的に行えるとともに、霧化量の調整が容易に行える超音波霧化装置を提供することを目的の一つとする。また、本発明の一つの態様は、上記の霧化装置を備えた調湿装置を提供することを目的の一つとする。 One aspect of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and to provide an ultrasonic atomizer capable of efficiently atomizing and easily adjusting the amount of atomization. Is one of the purposes. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a humidity control device provided with the above atomization device.
　上記の目的を達成するために、本発明の一つの態様の超音波霧化装置は、霧状液滴となる液状物を貯留する内部空間と排気口とを有する筐体と、前記筐体に設けられ、前記液状物に超音波を照射することにより前記霧状液滴を発生させる超音波振動子と、前記排気口を介して前記霧状液滴の少なくとも一部を前記内部空間から外部に送出するための気流を発生させる気流発生部と、前記超音波振動子から放射された前記超音波を前記液状物の液面の特定の領域に向けて集束させるノズルと、を備え、前記ノズルは、上端に前記液状物の射出口を有する筒状部材と、前記筒状部材の内部空間のうち、前記射出口の法線方向から見て、前記射出口の外形形状の重心点を含む領域に少なくとも設けられ、上方に前記液状物の液柱を形成する網状構造体と、を有する。 In order to achieve the above object, the ultrasonic atomizer according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing having an internal space and an exhaust port for storing a liquid substance to be atomized droplets, and the housing. An ultrasonic vibrator that is provided and generates the atomized droplets by irradiating the liquid material with ultrasonic waves, and at least a part of the atomized droplets from the internal space to the outside through the exhaust port. The nozzle includes an airflow generating unit that generates an airflow for sending out, and a nozzle that focuses the ultrasonic waves radiated from the ultrasonic vibrator toward a specific region of the liquid surface of the liquid substance. A tubular member having an injection port for the liquid material at the upper end, and a region of the internal space of the tubular member including the center of gravity of the outer shape of the injection port when viewed from the normal direction of the injection port. It has at least a network structure provided above and forming a liquid column of the liquid material above.
　本発明の一つの態様の超音波霧化装置において、前記網状構造体は、積層された複数の網を有していてもよい。 In the ultrasonic atomizer according to one aspect of the present invention, the network structure may have a plurality of laminated networks.
　本発明の一つの態様の超音波霧化装置において、前記網状構造体は、前記筒状部材の高さ方向に間隔をおいて設けられた複数の網を有していてもよい。 In the ultrasonic atomizer according to one aspect of the present invention, the net-like structure may have a plurality of nets provided at intervals in the height direction of the tubular member.
　本発明の一つの態様の超音波霧化装置において、前記筒状部材は、前記筒状部材の内部に導入された前記液状物の旋回流を発生させる旋回流発生部材を有していてもよい。 In the ultrasonic atomizing device according to one aspect of the present invention, the tubular member may have a swirling flow generating member that generates a swirling flow of the liquid material introduced inside the tubular member. ..
　本発明の一つの態様の超音波霧化装置において、前記筒状部材は、前記筒状部材の内部を流動する前記液状物の流路断面積が絞られた絞り部を有していてもよい。 In the ultrasonic atomizer according to one aspect of the present invention, the tubular member may have a throttle portion in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the liquid material flowing inside the tubular member is narrowed. ..
　本発明の一つの態様の超音波霧化装置において、前記射出口が複数設けられ、複数の前記射出口のそれぞれに対して、少なくとも前記重心点を含む領域に前記網状構造体が設けられていてもよい。 In the ultrasonic atomizing device according to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the ejection ports are provided, and the network structure is provided in a region including at least the center of gravity of each of the plurality of ejection ports. May be good.
　本発明の一つの態様の超音波霧化装置において、前記網状構造体の孔径は、１０μｍ以上、かつ１ｍｍ以下であってもよい。 In the ultrasonic atomizer according to one aspect of the present invention, the pore diameter of the network structure may be 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less.
　本発明の一つの態様の超音波霧化装置において、前記網状構造体の厚さは、５ｍｍ以下であってもよい。 In the ultrasonic atomizer according to one aspect of the present invention, the thickness of the network structure may be 5 mm or less.
　本発明の一つの態様の調湿装置は、吸湿性物質を含む液体吸湿材と空気とを接触させることにより、前記空気に含まれる水分の少なくとも一部を前記液体吸湿材に吸収させる吸湿部と、前記吸湿部から供給された前記液体吸湿材に含まれる水分の少なくとも一部を霧化し、除去することによって前記液体吸湿材を再生する霧化再生部と、を備え、前記霧化再生部は、本発明の一つの態様の超音波霧化装置から構成されている。 The humidity control device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a hygroscopic portion that allows the liquid hygroscopic material to absorb at least a part of the moisture contained in the air by bringing the liquid hygroscopic material containing a hygroscopic substance into contact with air. The atomization regeneration unit includes an atomization regeneration unit that regenerates the liquid moisture absorption material by atomizing and removing at least a part of the water contained in the liquid moisture absorption material supplied from the moisture absorption unit. , Consists of an ultrasonic atomizer according to one aspect of the present invention.
　本発明の一つの態様の超音波霧化装置によれば、霧化を効率的に行うとともに、霧化量の調整を容易に行うことができる。また、本発明の一つの態様によれば、上記の霧化装置を備えた調湿装置を提供することができる。 According to the ultrasonic atomizing device according to one aspect of the present invention, atomization can be efficiently performed and the amount of atomization can be easily adjusted. Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a humidity control device including the above atomization device.
第１実施形態の超音波霧化装置の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. 網状構造体の平面的な設置形態の第１例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the planar installation form of a network structure. 網状構造体の平面的な設置形態の第２例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the planar installation form of a net structure. 網状構造体の平面的な設置形態の第３例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the planar installation form of a network structure. 網状構造体の平面的な設置形態の第４例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 4th example of the planar installation form of a network structure. 網状構造体の断面的な設置形態の第１例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the cross-sectional installation form of a net-like structure. 網状構造体の断面的な設置形態の第２例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the cross-sectional installation form of a net-like structure. 網状構造体の断面的な設置形態の第３例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the cross-sectional installation form of a net-like structure. 網状構造体の支持構造の第１例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the support structure of the net-like structure. 網状構造体の支持構造の第２例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the support structure of the net-like structure. 網状構造体の支持構造の第３例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the support structure of the net-like structure. 網状構造体の固定構造の第４例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the 4th example of the fixed structure of a net-like structure. 複数の液柱径の各々におけるジェット噴射回数と霧化効率の値を示す実験データである。It is experimental data which shows the value of the number of jet injections and the atomization efficiency in each of a plurality of liquid column diameters. 液状物の粘度と霧化効率との関係を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows the relationship between the viscosity of a liquid material and atomization efficiency. 第２実施形態の超音波霧化装置の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. 第２実施形態の変形例の超音波霧化装置の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of the modification of 2nd Embodiment. 第３実施形態の超音波霧化装置におけるノズルの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the nozzle in the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. 第３実施形態の変形例の超音波霧化装置におけるノズルの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the nozzle in the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of the modification of 3rd Embodiment. 第４実施形態の超音波霧化装置におけるノズルの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the nozzle in the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of 4th Embodiment. 第４実施形態の変形例の超音波霧化装置におけるノズルの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the nozzle in the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of the modification of 4th Embodiment. 第５実施形態の超音波霧化装置におけるノズルの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the nozzle in the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of 5th Embodiment. 第５実施形態の変形例の超音波霧化装置におけるノズルの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of the nozzle in the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of the modification of 5th Embodiment. 第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of 6th Embodiment. 第６実施形態の変形例の超音波霧化装置の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the ultrasonic atomizing apparatus of the modification of 6th Embodiment. 第７実施形態の調湿装置を示す概略構成図である。It is a schematic block diagram which shows the humidity control apparatus of 7th Embodiment.
［第１実施形態］
　以下、本発明の第１実施形態について、図１を用いて説明する。
　図１は、第１実施形態の超音波霧化装置を示す断面図である。
　なお、以下の各図面においては各構成要素を見やすくするため、構成要素によって寸法の縮尺を異ならせて示すことがある。 [First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an ultrasonic atomizer of the first embodiment.
In each of the following drawings, in order to make each component easy to see, the scale of the dimension may be different depending on the component.
　図１に示すように、超音波霧化装置１０は、筐体１１と、超音波振動子１２と、気流発生部１３と、ノズル１４と、を備えている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic atomizing device 10 includes a housing 11, an ultrasonic vibrator 12, an air flow generating unit 13, and a nozzle 14.
　筐体１１は、霧状液滴Ｗ１となる液状物Ｗを貯留する内部空間１１ａと、給気口１１ｂと、排気口１１ｃと、を有している。筐体１１は、例えば金属、樹脂等の材料から形成された容器であって、構成材料は特に限定されない。給気口１１ｂには給気管１５が接続され、排気口１１ｃには排気管１６が接続されている。 The housing 11 has an internal space 11a for storing a liquid material W to be a mist-like droplet W1, an air supply port 11b, and an exhaust port 11c. The housing 11 is a container made of a material such as metal or resin, and the constituent material is not particularly limited. An air supply pipe 15 is connected to the air supply port 11b, and an exhaust pipe 16 is connected to the exhaust port 11c.
　液状物Ｗは、例えば１×１０－３Ｐａ・ｓ以上の粘度を有している。液状物Ｗの具体例として、グリセリン、エチレングリコール、ポリアクリル酸ナトリウム水溶液、ポリエチレングリコール、トリエチレングリコール、塩化カルシウム水溶液、塩化リチウム水溶液、もしくはこれらの混合液が挙げられる。 The liquid material W has a viscosity of, for example, 1 × 10 -3 Pa · s or more. Specific examples of the liquid substance W include glycerin, ethylene glycol, sodium polyacrylate aqueous solution, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, calcium chloride aqueous solution, lithium chloride aqueous solution, or a mixture thereof.
　超音波振動子１２は、筐体１１に設けられ、液状物Ｗに超音波を照射することにより液状物Ｗから霧状液滴Ｗ１を発生させる。本実施形態において、超音波振動子１２は、筐体１１の底板１１ｅに設けられている。超音波振動子１２は、筐体１１の底板１１ｅに対して傾斜して設けられている。この例では、１個の超音波振動子１２が用いられているが、複数個の超音波振動子１２が用いられてもよい。 The ultrasonic vibrator 12 is provided in the housing 11 and generates atomized droplets W1 from the liquid material W by irradiating the liquid material W with ultrasonic waves. In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator 12 is provided on the bottom plate 11e of the housing 11. The ultrasonic vibrator 12 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the bottom plate 11e of the housing 11. In this example, one ultrasonic oscillator 12 is used, but a plurality of ultrasonic oscillators 12 may be used.
　気流発生部１３は、筐体１１の排気口１１ｃを介して霧状液滴Ｗ１の少なくとも一部を内部空間１１ａから外部に送出するための気流Ｆを発生させる。本実施形態において、気流発生部１３は、給気管１５に設けられたブロアから構成されている。なお、気流発生部１３は、給気管１５に限らず、排気管１６に設けられたブロアから構成されていてもよい。 The airflow generating unit 13 generates an airflow F for sending at least a part of the mist-like droplet W1 from the internal space 11a to the outside through the exhaust port 11c of the housing 11. In the present embodiment, the airflow generating unit 13 is composed of a blower provided on the air supply pipe 15. The airflow generating unit 13 is not limited to the air supply pipe 15, and may be composed of blowers provided in the exhaust pipe 16.
　ノズル１４は、超音波振動子１２から放射された超音波を液状物Ｗの液面の特定の領域に向けて集束させる。ノズル１４がなかったとしても、超音波振動子１２から液状物Ｗに超音波を照射する際に超音波の照射条件を調整することによって、液状物Ｗの液面の特定の個所に超音波を集中させることができる。ところが、ノズル１４を用いることによって、液状物Ｗの液面の特定の個所により効率良く超音波を集中させることができる。これにより、ノズル１４の上方に、液状物Ｗが高く盛り上がった液柱Ｗ２を発生させることができる。霧状液滴Ｗ１は、液面のあらゆる個所から発生するが、液柱Ｗ２およびその近傍から特に多く発生する。 The nozzle 14 focuses the ultrasonic waves radiated from the ultrasonic vibrator 12 toward a specific region on the liquid surface of the liquid material W. Even if there is no nozzle 14, ultrasonic waves can be applied to a specific location on the liquid surface of the liquid material W by adjusting the ultrasonic wave irradiation conditions when irradiating the liquid material W with ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic vibrator 12. You can concentrate. However, by using the nozzle 14, ultrasonic waves can be efficiently concentrated at a specific location on the liquid surface of the liquid material W. As a result, a liquid column W2 in which the liquid material W is highly raised can be generated above the nozzle 14. The mist-like droplet W1 is generated from every part of the liquid surface, but is particularly abundantly generated from the liquid column W2 and its vicinity.
　ノズル１４は、筒状部材１８と、網状構造体１９と、を有している。
　筒状部材１８は、上部および下部が開口しており、上端に液状物Ｗの射出口１８ｂを有している。また、筒状部材１８は、下方から上方、すなわち超音波振動子１２に近い側から遠い側に向けて内部空間が狭まった、先細りの円錐台状の形状を有している。筒状部材１８は、例えばアルミニウム、銅、ステンレス等の金属材料で構成されている。ただし、筒状部材１８の構成材料は、特に限定されない。筒状部材１８は、筒状部材１８の中心軸１８ｃが液面と交差して配置されている。なお、筒状部材１８の形状は、必ずしも円錐台状でなくてもよく、例えば多角錐台状であってもよい。 The nozzle 14 has a tubular member 18 and a net-like structure 19.
The tubular member 18 has an upper portion and a lower portion open, and has an injection port 18b for the liquid substance W at the upper end. Further, the tubular member 18 has a tapered truncated cone shape in which the internal space is narrowed from the lower side to the upper side, that is, from the side closer to the ultrasonic vibrator 12 to the side farther away. The tubular member 18 is made of a metal material such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel. However, the constituent material of the tubular member 18 is not particularly limited. The tubular member 18 is arranged such that the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18 intersects the liquid surface. The shape of the tubular member 18 does not necessarily have to be a truncated cone, and may be, for example, a truncated cone.
　本実施形態の場合、筒状部材１８は、中心軸１８ｃが液面に垂直な方向から傾いて配置されている。上述したように、超音波振動子１２が液面に垂直な方向から傾いて配置されたことによって、超音波振動子１２の放射軸Ｊも液面に垂直な方向から傾く。なお、超音波振動子１２の放射軸Ｊは、超音波振動子１２の超音波放射面１２ａの中心を通り、超音波放射面１２ａの法線方向に平行に延びる仮想的な軸として定義する。また、筒状部材１８の中心軸１８ｃは、超音波振動子１２の放射軸Ｊに一致している。なお、筒状部材１８の中心軸１８ｃは、必ずしも超音波振動子１２の放射軸Ｊに一致していなくてもよい。場合によっては、筒状部材１８の中心軸１８ｃは、超音波振動子１２の放射軸Ｊから外れた位置に配置される方が望ましいこともある。 In the case of the present embodiment, the tubular member 18 is arranged so that the central axis 18c is tilted from the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface. As described above, since the ultrasonic vibrator 12 is arranged to be tilted from the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface, the radiation axis J of the ultrasonic vibrator 12 is also tilted from the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface. The radiation axis J of the ultrasonic vibrator 12 is defined as a virtual axis that passes through the center of the ultrasonic radiation surface 12a of the ultrasonic vibrator 12 and extends parallel to the normal direction of the ultrasonic radiation surface 12a. Further, the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18 coincides with the radiation axis J of the ultrasonic vibrator 12. The central axis 18c of the tubular member 18 does not necessarily have to coincide with the radiation axis J of the ultrasonic vibrator 12. In some cases, it may be desirable that the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18 is arranged at a position deviated from the radiation axis J of the ultrasonic vibrator 12.
　さらに、筒状部材１８の中心軸１８ｃが液面に垂直な方向から傾いていることによって、液柱Ｗ２は、液面に垂直な方向から傾いて形成される。これにより、液面で反射した超音波が超音波振動子１２に戻りにくく、超音波振動子１２自身が超音波によるダメージを受けにくい。また、液柱Ｗ２の乱れが生じにくく、液柱Ｗ２が安定して形成される。 Further, since the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18 is tilted from the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface, the liquid column W2 is formed to be tilted from the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface. As a result, the ultrasonic waves reflected by the liquid surface are less likely to return to the ultrasonic oscillator 12, and the ultrasonic oscillator 12 itself is less likely to be damaged by the ultrasonic waves. Further, the liquid column W2 is less likely to be disturbed, and the liquid column W2 is stably formed.
　網状構造体１９は、筒状部材１８の内部空間のうち、射出口１８ｂの法線方向から見て、射出口１８ｂの外形形状の重心点、すなわち、本実施形態では射出口１８ｂの外形形状である円の中心点を含む領域に少なくとも設けられ、上方に液状物Ｗの液柱Ｗ２を形成する。重心点を含む領域は、図２Ａ～図２Ｄに示すように、重心点Ｇを中心とする円形の領域Ｒである。領域Ｒの直径は、例えば１ｍｍである。網状構造体１９は、例えばポリエステル、ポリエチレン、ポリプロピレン、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン、ナイロン、フッ素繊維、ポリウレタン等の樹脂材料、ステンレス、アルミニウム等の金属材料から構成されているが、構成材料は特に限定されない。網状構造体１９は、所定の範囲の孔径を有するメッシュを有している。網状構造体１９は、概ね均等な孔径を有することが好ましいが、孔径に所定の分布を有していてもよい。 The network structure 19 is the center of gravity of the outer shape of the injection port 18b when viewed from the normal direction of the injection port 18b in the internal space of the tubular member 18, that is, the outer shape of the injection port 18b in the present embodiment. It is provided at least in the region including the center point of a certain circle, and forms a liquid column W2 of the liquid material W above. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, the region including the center of gravity point is a circular region R centered on the center of gravity point G. The diameter of the region R is, for example, 1 mm. The network structure 19 is made of, for example, a resin material such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, fluorine fiber, polyurethane, and a metal material such as stainless steel and aluminum, but the constituent material is not particularly limited. The reticulated structure 19 has a mesh having a pore diameter in a predetermined range. The network structure 19 preferably has substantially uniform pore diameters, but may have a predetermined distribution in pore diameters.
　本実施形態の超音波霧化装置１０においては、網状構造体１９の孔径を調整することによって液柱Ｗ２の太さを調節することができ、網状構造体１９を用いない場合と比べて霧化量を増加させたり、減少させたりすることができる。この効果については、後で詳しく説明する。 In the ultrasonic atomizing device 10 of the present embodiment, the thickness of the liquid column W2 can be adjusted by adjusting the pore diameter of the network structure 19, and atomization is performed as compared with the case where the network structure 19 is not used. The amount can be increased or decreased. This effect will be described in detail later.
　上述したように、網状構造体１９が、筒状部材１８の内部空間のうち、射出口１８ｂの外形形状である円の重心点Ｇを含む領域に少なくとも設けられているという形態には、以下に示す形態が考えられる。以下の図２Ａ～図２Ｄにおいて、上記の重心点Ｇを含む領域Ｒを２点鎖線の円で示す。本実施形態では、射出口１８ｂの外形形状が円であるため、重心点Ｇは円の中心点と一致する。射出口１８ｂの外形形状が明確な中心点を持たない形状の場合には、網状構造体が重心点Ｇを含む領域に設けられていればよい。 As described above, the form in which the net-like structure 19 is provided at least in the region including the center of gravity point G of the circle, which is the outer shape of the injection port 18b, in the internal space of the tubular member 18, is described below. The form shown is conceivable. In FIGS. 2A to 2D below, the region R including the center-of-gravity point G is indicated by a two-dot chain line circle. In the present embodiment, since the outer shape of the injection port 18b is a circle, the center of gravity point G coincides with the center point of the circle. When the outer shape of the injection port 18b does not have a clear center point, the net-like structure may be provided in the region including the center of gravity point G.
　図２Ａは、網状構造体１９の平面的な設置形態の第１例を示す図である。
　図２Ａに示すように、第１例の網状構造体１９Ａは、筒状部材１８の内部空間の全域を塞ぐように設けられている。 FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a first example of a planar installation form of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the network structure 19A of the first example is provided so as to block the entire internal space of the tubular member 18.
　図２Ｂは、網状構造体１９の平面的な設置形態の第２例を示す図である。
　図２Ｂに示すように、第２例の網状構造体１９Ｂは、筒状部材１８の内部空間のうち、領域Ｒを含み、直径方向に延びる直線状の領域に設けられている。 FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a second example of a two-dimensional installation form of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 2B, the reticulated structure 19B of the second example is provided in a linear region extending in the diameter direction including the region R in the internal space of the tubular member 18.
　図２Ｃは、網状構造体１９の平面的な設置形態の第３例を示す図である。
　図２Ｃに示すように、第３例の網状構造体１９Ｃは、筒状部材１８の内部空間のうち、領域Ｒを含み、互いに直交する２つの直線状の領域に設けられている。 FIG. 2C is a diagram showing a third example of a planar installation form of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 2C, the network structure 19C of the third example is provided in two linear regions including the region R and orthogonal to each other in the internal space of the tubular member 18.
　図２Ｄは、網状構造体１９の平面的な設置形態の第４例を示す図である。
　図２Ｄに示すように、第４例の網状構造体１９Ｄは、筒状部材１８の内部空間のうち、領域Ｒを含む矩形状の領域に設けられている。網状構造体１９Ｄは、任意の支持部材２１によって筒状部材１８に支持されている。 FIG. 2D is a diagram showing a fourth example of a planar installation form of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 2D, the reticulated structure 19D of the fourth example is provided in a rectangular region including the region R in the internal space of the tubular member 18. The network structure 19D is supported by the tubular member 18 by an arbitrary support member 21.
　筒状部材１８における網状構造体１９の高さ方向の位置と、網状構造体１９と液面との位置関係については、例えば図３Ａ～図３Ｃに示す３つの例が採用可能である。網状構造体１９の厚さｔは、５ｍｍ以下とすることが好ましい。網状構造体１９の厚さｔが５ｍｍを超えると、液柱Ｗ２が形成されにくくなる。 Regarding the positional relationship between the network structure 19 in the height direction and the network structure 19 and the liquid level in the tubular member 18, for example, the three examples shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C can be adopted. The thickness t of the reticulated structure 19 is preferably 5 mm or less. If the thickness t of the reticulated structure 19 exceeds 5 mm, the liquid column W2 is less likely to be formed.
　また、網状構造体１９は、互いに接触するように積層された複数の網から構成されていてもよい。複数の網のそれぞれは、同一の孔径を有する網であってもよいし、互いに異なる孔径を有する網であってもよい。また、複数の網のそれぞれは、互いに異なる材質からなる網であってもよい。 Further, the net-like structure 19 may be composed of a plurality of nets laminated so as to be in contact with each other. Each of the plurality of nets may be a net having the same pore diameter or a net having different pore diameters. Further, each of the plurality of nets may be a net made of different materials.
　複数の網は、網を構成する上下の線材同士がずれることなく重なっていてもよいし、上下の線材同士がずれた状態で重なっていてもよい。上下の線材同士がずれた状態で重なっていた場合、網状構造体１９の孔径は、筒状部材１８の中心軸１８ｃに沿う方向から網状構造体１９を見たときの複数の孔径の平均値と定義すればよい。したがって、複数の網を積層し、上下の線材同士を意図的にずれた状態で重ねることによって、網状構造体１９の孔径を１枚の網の孔径よりも小さくすることができる。 The plurality of nets may be overlapped with each other without shifting the upper and lower wires constituting the net, or may be overlapped with the upper and lower wires being displaced from each other. When the upper and lower wires are overlapped with each other in a displaced state, the hole diameter of the network structure 19 is the average value of the plurality of hole diameters when the network structure 19 is viewed from the direction along the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18. Just define it. Therefore, the hole diameter of the net-like structure 19 can be made smaller than the hole diameter of one net by laminating a plurality of nets and stacking the upper and lower wire rods in a state of being intentionally displaced from each other.
　図３Ａは、網状構造体１９の断面的な設置形態の第１例を示す図である。
　図３Ａに示すように、第１例の網状構造体１９Ｅは、筒状部材１８の上端よりも低い位置に設けられている。筒状部材１８の内部の液面の高さは、筒状部材１８の周囲の液面の高さと略等しい。また、網状構造体１９Ｅの下面の高さは、筒状部材１８の周囲の液面の高さと略等しい。網状構造体１９Ｅの上面の高さは、筒状部材１８の周囲の液面の高さよりも０．５～３ｃｍ程度高くなっている。 FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a first example of a cross-sectional installation form of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 3A, the net-like structure 19E of the first example is provided at a position lower than the upper end of the tubular member 18. The height of the liquid level inside the tubular member 18 is substantially equal to the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18. Further, the height of the lower surface of the net-like structure 19E is substantially equal to the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18. The height of the upper surface of the reticulated structure 19E is about 0.5 to 3 cm higher than the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18.
　図３Ｂは、網状構造体１９の断面的な設置形態の第２例を示す図である。
　図３Ｂに示すように、第２例の網状構造体１９Ｆは、筒状部材１８の上端に設けられている。筒状部材１８の内部の液面の高さは、筒状部材１８の周囲の液面の高さよりも高くなっている。また、網状構造体１９Ｆの下面の高さは、筒状部材１８の周囲の液面の高さよりも０．５～３ｃｍ程度高くなっている。 FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a second example of a cross-sectional installation form of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the net-like structure 19F of the second example is provided at the upper end of the tubular member 18. The height of the liquid level inside the tubular member 18 is higher than the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18. Further, the height of the lower surface of the net-like structure 19F is about 0.5 to 3 cm higher than the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18.
　図３Ｃは、網状構造体１９の断面的な設置形態の第３例を示す図である。
　図３Ｃに示すように、第３例の網状構造体１９Ｇは、筒状部材１８の上端に設けられている。筒状部材１８の内部の液面の高さは、筒状部材１８の周囲の液面の高さよりも高くなっている。また、図３Ｂに示す第２例では、網状構造体１９Ｆの上面から液柱Ｗ２が形成されていたのに対し、図３Ｃに示す第３例では、網状構造体１９Ｇの下方から液柱Ｗ２が形成され、網状構造体１９Ｇの上方に延びている。 FIG. 3C is a diagram showing a third example of a cross-sectional installation form of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 3C, the net-like structure 19G of the third example is provided at the upper end of the tubular member 18. The height of the liquid level inside the tubular member 18 is higher than the height of the liquid level around the tubular member 18. Further, in the second example shown in FIG. 3B, the liquid column W2 was formed from the upper surface of the network structure 19F, whereas in the third example shown in FIG. 3C, the liquid column W2 was formed from below the network structure 19G. It is formed and extends above the reticulated structure 19G.
　筒状部材１８に網状構造体１９を支持する形態については、例えば図４Ａ～図４Ｄに示す４つの例が採用可能である。 As for the form in which the net-like structure 19 is supported on the tubular member 18, for example, four examples shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D can be adopted.
　図４Ａは、網状構造体１９の支持構造の第１例を示す図である。
　図４Ａに示すように、第１例の網状構造体１９Ｈは、接着剤２３を介して筒状部材１８に固定されている。もしくは、網状構造体１９Ｈは、粘着テープ等を介して筒状部材１８に固定されていてもよい。 FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a first example of the support structure of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the reticulated structure 19H of the first example is fixed to the tubular member 18 via the adhesive 23. Alternatively, the net-like structure 19H may be fixed to the tubular member 18 via an adhesive tape or the like.
　図４Ｂは、網状構造体１９の支持構造の第２例を示す図である。
　図４Ｂに示すように、第２例の支持構造では、筒状部材１８の内壁面に内側に突出する突起２４が設けられている。網状構造体１９Ｉは、突起２４の上面に載置された状態で接着剤、粘着テープ等（図示略）により固定されている。なお、網状構造体１９Ｉを載置する部分は、突起２４に限らず、段差部等であってもよい。 FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a second example of the support structure of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 4B, in the support structure of the second example, a protrusion 24 projecting inward is provided on the inner wall surface of the tubular member 18. The net-like structure 19I is placed on the upper surface of the protrusion 24 and fixed by an adhesive, an adhesive tape or the like (not shown). The portion on which the net-like structure 19I is placed is not limited to the protrusion 24, and may be a stepped portion or the like.
　図４Ｃは、網状構造体１９の支持構造の第３例を示す図である。
　図４Ｃに示すように、第３例の支持構造では、筒状部材１８が２分割され、上部筒状部材１８Ａと下部筒状部材１８Ｂとが嵌合し合う構成を有している。網状構造体１９Ｊは、上部筒状部材１８Ａと下部筒状部材１８Ｂとの間に挟み込まれて固定される。網状構造体１９Ｊは、２つの筒状部材１８Ａ，１８Ｂの間に挟み込まれるだけの厚さや柔軟性を有することが望ましい。 FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a third example of the support structure of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 4C, in the support structure of the third example, the tubular member 18 is divided into two, and the upper tubular member 18A and the lower tubular member 18B are fitted to each other. The net-like structure 19J is sandwiched and fixed between the upper tubular member 18A and the lower tubular member 18B. It is desirable that the network structure 19J has a thickness and flexibility sufficient to be sandwiched between the two tubular members 18A and 18B.
　図４Ｄは、網状構造体１９の支持構造の第４例を示す図である。
　図４Ｄに示すように、第４例の支持構造では、網状構造体１９Ｋが装着された固定治具２５が用いられ、固定治具２５が筒状部材１８の上部に嵌め込まれて固定される。 FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a fourth example of the support structure of the network structure 19.
As shown in FIG. 4D, in the support structure of the fourth example, a fixing jig 25 to which the net-like structure 19K is mounted is used, and the fixing jig 25 is fitted and fixed to the upper portion of the tubular member 18.
　超音波霧化技術において、超音波振動子の直上にノズルを配置し、ノズルを用いて液柱の発生個所に超音波を効率的に集中させることによって、霧化量を増大させる試みが従来からなされてきた。本発明者らは、液体を透過する際に適度な流動抵抗となる網状構造体をノズルの内部に設置することにより、網状構造体を設置しない場合に比べて液柱の径（太さ）を変えられることを見出した。さらに、本発明者らは、霧化量を制御する方法を検討する過程において、液柱の径と霧化量との間に相関関係があるとの知見を得た。 In ultrasonic atomization technology, attempts have been made to increase the amount of atomization by arranging a nozzle directly above the ultrasonic transducer and efficiently concentrating ultrasonic waves at the location where the liquid column is generated using the nozzle. It has been done. By installing a network structure inside the nozzle that provides an appropriate flow resistance when the liquid is permeated, the present inventors can increase the diameter (thickness) of the liquid column as compared with the case where the network structure is not installed. I found that it could be changed. Furthermore, the present inventors have found that there is a correlation between the diameter of the liquid column and the amount of atomization in the process of examining a method for controlling the amount of atomization.
［実験１］
　本発明者らは、異なる孔径を有する２種類の網状構造体をノズルに設置し、超音波霧化を行った。具体的には、数十μｍ以上、１ｍｍ以下の孔径を有する網状構造体を備えた実施例１のノズル、１ｍｍを超える孔径を有する網状構造体を備えた実施例２のノズル、１μｍ未満の孔径を有する網状構造体を備えた実施例３のノズルのそれぞれを用いて超音波霧化を行った。一方、比較例として、網状構造体を備えていないノズルを用いて超音波霧化を行った。液体としては、粘度が６×１０－３Ｐａ・ｓのグリセリン水溶液を用いた。超音波振動子の条件は、周波数が２．４ＭＨｚ、出力が１５Ｗである。 [Experiment 1]
The present inventors installed two types of network structures having different pore diameters in the nozzle and performed ultrasonic atomization. Specifically, the nozzle of Example 1 having a network structure having a pore diameter of several tens of μm or more and 1 mm or less, the nozzle of Example 2 having a network structure having a pore diameter of more than 1 mm, and a pore diameter of less than 1 μm. Ultrasonic atomization was performed using each of the nozzles of Example 3 provided with the reticulated structure having the above. On the other hand, as a comparative example, ultrasonic atomization was performed using a nozzle not provided with a network structure. As the liquid, an aqueous glycerin solution having a viscosity of 6 × 10 -3 Pa · s was used. The conditions of the ultrasonic oscillator are a frequency of 2.4 MHz and an output of 15 W.
　１μｍ未満の孔径を有する網状構造体を備えた実施例３のノズルを用いた場合、ノズルの上方に液柱を生じさせることができず、ほとんど液滴を発生させることができなかった。本発明者らの推察によれば、この理由は、１μｍ未満では網状構造体の孔径が小さ過ぎて、噴射圧力の損失が大き過ぎたためと思われる。 When the nozzle of Example 3 provided with a network structure having a pore diameter of less than 1 μm was used, a liquid column could not be generated above the nozzle, and almost no droplet could be generated. According to the inference of the present inventors, the reason for this is considered to be that the pore diameter of the network structure is too small and the loss of injection pressure is too large when the thickness is less than 1 μm.
　図５は、異なる液柱径におけるジェット噴射回数と霧化効率の値を示す実験データである。図５に示すグラフの横軸は液柱の径（ｍｍ）を示し、縦軸はジェット噴射の回数（回／０．０５秒）を示す。グラフの上部は、超音波印加後の特定の時刻におけるハイスピードカメラの画像である。 FIG. 5 is experimental data showing the number of jet injections and the values of atomization efficiency at different liquid column diameters. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5 indicates the diameter (mm) of the liquid column, and the vertical axis indicates the number of jet injections (times / 0.05 seconds). The upper part of the graph is an image of a high-speed camera at a specific time after applying ultrasonic waves.
　ジェット噴射については、液柱とその近傍の様子をハイスピードカメラによって観察し、０．０５秒あたりの回数を計測した。ジェット噴射の回数は、液柱の高さを０～５ｍｍ、５～１０ｍｍ、１０～１５ｍｍに分け、高さ毎に計測した。また、発生した霧を外部に搬送するための空気を、５ｍ／秒の流速で液柱に向けて一定時間流し、その前後における容器全体の重量を測定した。その重量の減少量を霧化量（ｇ）とした。また、この霧化量を投入電力量で除算し、霧化効率（ｇ／Ｗｈ）を算出した。液柱の径は液柱の基端側と先端側とで異なるため、網状構造体の上面から１ｍｍの位置での液柱の径を測定した。 For jet injection, the state of the liquid column and its vicinity was observed with a high-speed camera, and the number of times per 0.05 seconds was measured. The number of jet injections was measured for each height by dividing the height of the liquid column into 0 to 5 mm, 5 to 10 mm, and 10 to 15 mm. In addition, air for transporting the generated mist to the outside was flowed toward the liquid column at a flow rate of 5 m / sec for a certain period of time, and the weight of the entire container before and after that was measured. The amount of weight loss was defined as the amount of atomization (g). Further, this atomization amount was divided by the input electric energy to calculate the atomization efficiency (g / Wh). Since the diameter of the liquid column differs between the base end side and the tip end side of the liquid column, the diameter of the liquid column was measured at a position 1 mm from the upper surface of the network structure.
　超音波霧化により微小液滴が発生するメカニズムの一つにジェット噴射がある。液体に超音波を印加した際に液面が振動し、液面に生じた窪みの側面の液体が底部に向けて流れ込み、流れ込んだ液体が窪みの中央で盛り上がる。その後、気泡が破裂して、盛り上がった液体の先端が引きちぎられ、微小液滴が次々と生成される。このような過程を経て超音波印加時に気泡が破裂する現象をジェット噴射と称し、ジェット噴射時に液面の盛り上がりから生成される液滴をジェット液滴と称する。 Jet injection is one of the mechanisms by which fine droplets are generated by ultrasonic atomization. When ultrasonic waves are applied to the liquid, the liquid surface vibrates, the liquid on the side surface of the dent formed on the liquid surface flows toward the bottom, and the flowing liquid rises in the center of the dent. After that, the bubbles burst, the tips of the raised liquid are torn off, and fine droplets are generated one after another. The phenomenon in which bubbles burst when ultrasonic waves are applied through such a process is called jet injection, and the droplets generated from the swelling of the liquid surface during jet injection are called jet droplets.
　図５に示すように、網状構造体を設置していない比較例のノズルを用いた場合、液柱径は１．８ｍｍであった。ジェット噴射の回数は約１６０回／０．０５秒であり、液柱の基端側から１０～１５ｍｍの高い位置でのジェット噴射の回数が最も多かった。霧化効率は、３．５ｇ／Ｗｈであった。 As shown in FIG. 5, when the nozzle of the comparative example in which the network structure was not installed was used, the liquid column diameter was 1.8 mm. The number of jet injections was about 160 times / 0.05 seconds, and the number of jet injections at a high position of 10 to 15 mm from the base end side of the liquid column was the largest. The atomization efficiency was 3.5 g / Wh.
　これに対して、数十μｍ～１ｍｍの孔径を有する網状構造体を備えた実施例１のノズルを用いた場合、液柱径は０．６ｍｍであった。ジェット噴射の回数は約２５０回／０．０５秒であり、液柱の基端側から０～５ｍｍの低い位置でのジェット噴射の回数が最も多かった。霧化効率は、４．４ｇ／Ｗｈであった。したがって、網状構造体を設置しない場合に比べて霧化量を増やしたい場合には、網状構造体を１０μｍ以上、かつ１ｍｍ以下程度とすることが望ましいことが判った。 On the other hand, when the nozzle of Example 1 provided with the network structure having a pore diameter of several tens of μm to 1 mm was used, the liquid column diameter was 0.6 mm. The number of jet injections was about 250 times / 0.05 seconds, and the number of jet injections at a position as low as 0 to 5 mm from the base end side of the liquid column was the largest. The atomization efficiency was 4.4 g / Wh. Therefore, it was found that when it is desired to increase the amount of atomization as compared with the case where the reticulated structure is not installed, it is desirable to make the reticulated structure 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less.
　また、１ｍｍを超える孔径を有する網状構造体を備えた実施例２のノズルを用いた場合、液柱径は３．０ｍｍであった。ジェット噴射の回数は１０回／０．０５秒以下であった。霧化効率は、２．０ｇ／Ｗｈであった。 Further, when the nozzle of Example 2 provided with the network structure having a pore diameter exceeding 1 mm was used, the liquid column diameter was 3.0 mm. The number of jet injections was 10 times / 0.05 seconds or less. The atomization efficiency was 2.0 g / Wh.
　以上の実験結果から、網状構造体の孔径を変えることで液柱の径を調節することができ、さらに霧化量（霧化効率）を制御することができることが判った。本発明者らの推察によれば、液柱が細くなると、液柱の単位断面積あたりの超音波密度が高くなるためにジェット噴射が発生しやすく、液柱が太くなると、液柱の単位断面積あたりの超音波密度が低くなるためにジェット噴射が発生しにくくなると思われる。また、液柱が細い場合には、超音波が液柱の上部まで伝播して超音波エネルギーが減衰する前に液柱の下部でジェット噴射に消費されるため、超音波エネルギーの減衰が少ない分、全体として霧化効率が向上すると思われる。 From the above experimental results, it was found that the diameter of the liquid column can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the reticulated structure, and the amount of atomization (atomization efficiency) can be further controlled. According to the inference of the present inventors, when the liquid column becomes thin, the ultrasonic density per unit cross-sectional area of the liquid column increases, so that jet injection is likely to occur, and when the liquid column becomes thick, the unit of the liquid column is cut off. It is thought that jet injection is less likely to occur because the ultrasonic density per area is low. In addition, when the liquid column is thin, the ultrasonic waves propagate to the upper part of the liquid column and are consumed for jet injection at the lower part of the liquid column before the ultrasonic energy is attenuated. , It seems that the atomization efficiency will be improved as a whole.
［実験２］
　次に、本発明者らは、数十μｍ～１ｍｍの孔径を有する網状構造体を備えた実施例１のノズルを用い、粘度が異なる３種類の液体を用いて超音波霧化を行った。具体的には、粘度が１×１０－３Ｐａ・ｓの液体、粘度が６×１０－３Ｐａ・ｓの液体、粘度が３０×１０－３Ｐａ・ｓの液体のそれぞれを用い、超音波霧化を行った。なお、その他の実験条件は、実験１と同様である。一方、比較例として、網状構造体を備えていないノズルを用い、３種類の粘度の液体を用いて超音波霧化を行った。 [Experiment 2]
Next, the present inventors performed ultrasonic atomization using the nozzle of Example 1 provided with a network structure having a pore size of several tens of μm to 1 mm, and using three kinds of liquids having different viscosities. Specifically, ultrasonic waves are used using a liquid having a viscosity of 1 × 10 -3 Pa · s, a liquid having a viscosity of 6 × 10 -3 Pa · s, and a liquid having a viscosity of 30 × 10 -3 Pa · s. It was atomized. The other experimental conditions are the same as in Experiment 1. On the other hand, as a comparative example, ultrasonic atomization was performed using liquids having three viscosities using a nozzle not provided with a network structure.
　図６は、液体の粘度と霧化効率との関係を示すグラフである。
　図６に示すように、液体の粘度が１×１０－３Ｐａ・ｓの液体の場合、比較例のノズルでは霧化効率が約９．８ｇ／Ｗｈであるのに対し、実施例１のノズルでは霧化効率が約１１．７ｇ／Ｗｈであった。液体の粘度が６×１０－３Ｐａ・ｓの液体の場合、比較例では霧化効率が約３．６ｇ／Ｗｈであるのに対し、本実施例では霧化効率が約４．４ｇ／Ｗｈであった。液体の粘度が３０×１０－３Ｐａ・ｓの液体の場合、比較例では霧化効率が約２．０ｇ／Ｗｈであるのに対し、本実施例では霧化効率が約２．４ｇ／Ｗｈであった。 FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the viscosity of the liquid and the atomization efficiency.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the case of a liquid having a viscosity of 1 × 10 -3 Pa · s, the atomization efficiency of the nozzle of the comparative example is about 9.8 g / Wh, whereas the nozzle of the first embodiment The atomization efficiency was about 11.7 g / Wh. In the case of a liquid having a viscosity of 6 × 10 -3 Pa · s, the atomization efficiency is about 3.6 g / Wh in the comparative example, whereas the atomization efficiency is about 4.4 g / Wh in this example. Met. In the case of a liquid having a viscosity of 30 × 10 -3 Pa · s, the atomization efficiency is about 2.0 g / Wh in the comparative example, whereas the atomization efficiency is about 2.4 g / Wh in this example. Met.
　以上の実験結果から、液体の粘度が低い場合に比べて、液体の粘度が高くなる程、霧化効率は低下する傾向にあるが、いずれの粘度においても、網状構造体を備えた実施例１のノズルを用いることにより、網状構造体を備えていない比較例のノズルを用いた場合に比べて、霧化効率を高められることが判った。したがって、本実施形態の超音波霧化装置は、使用する液状物の粘度や種類に依らずに、適用可能であることが判った。さらには、使用する液状物の粘度に応じて、適切な孔径を有する網状構造体を用いることが好ましい。 From the above experimental results, the atomization efficiency tends to decrease as the viscosity of the liquid increases as compared with the case where the viscosity of the liquid is low. However, in any of the viscosities, Example 1 provided with a reticulated structure. It was found that the atomization efficiency can be improved by using the nozzle of No. 3 as compared with the case of using the nozzle of the comparative example not provided with the network structure. Therefore, it was found that the ultrasonic atomizer of the present embodiment can be applied regardless of the viscosity and type of the liquid material used. Furthermore, it is preferable to use a network structure having an appropriate pore size according to the viscosity of the liquid material to be used.
［第２実施形態］
　以下、第２実施形態の超音波霧化装置について、図７および図８を用いて説明する。
　第２実施形態の超音波霧化装置の基本構成は第１実施形態と同一であり、網状構造体の構成が第１実施形態と異なる。
　図７は、第２実施形態の超音波霧化装置の断面図である。
　図７において、第１実施形態で用いた図１と共通の構成要素には同一の符号を付し、詳細な説明を省略する。 [Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the ultrasonic atomizer of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.
The basic configuration of the ultrasonic atomizer of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the configuration of the network structure is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer of the second embodiment.
In FIG. 7, the same components as those in FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
　図７に示すように、第２実施形態の超音波霧化装置３０は、上方に液状物Ｗの液柱Ｗ２を形成するノズル３１を有している。ノズル３１は、筒状部材１８と、網状構造体３２と、を有している。 As shown in FIG. 7, the ultrasonic atomizer 30 of the second embodiment has a nozzle 31 that forms a liquid column W2 of the liquid material W above. The nozzle 31 has a tubular member 18 and a net-like structure 32.
　網状構造体３２は、筒状部材１８の中心軸１８ｃに沿った方向、すなわち、筒状部材１８の高さ方向に間隔をおいて設けられた第１の網３２Ａと第２の網３２Ｂとを含む複数の網を有している。第１の網３２Ａは、筒状部材１８の上端から少し下がった位置に固定されている。第２の網３２Ｂは、筒状部材１８の上端に固定されている。
　超音波霧化装置３０のその他の構成は、第１実施形態と同様である。 The net-like structure 32 has a first net 32A and a second net 32B provided at intervals in the direction along the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18, that is, in the height direction of the tubular member 18. It has multiple nets including. The first net 32A is fixed at a position slightly lower than the upper end of the tubular member 18. The second net 32B is fixed to the upper end of the tubular member 18.
Other configurations of the ultrasonic atomizer 30 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
　第１の網３２Ａと第２の網３２Ｂとは、同一の孔径を有する網であってもよいし、互いに異なる孔径を有する網であってもよい。また、第１の網３２Ａと第２の網３２Ｂとは、互いに異なる材質からなる網であってもよい。第２実施形態では、複数の網が２枚の網３２Ａ，３２Ｂから構成される例を挙げるが、複数の網が３枚以上の網から構成されていてもよい。 The first net 32A and the second net 32B may be nets having the same pore diameter or nets having different pore diameters. Further, the first net 32A and the second net 32B may be nets made of different materials. In the second embodiment, an example in which a plurality of nets are composed of two nets 32A and 32B will be given, but the plurality of nets may be composed of three or more nets.
　第２実施形態の超音波霧化装置３０においても、網状構造体３２の孔径を変えることで液柱の径を調節することができ、霧化量を制御することができる、という第１実施形態と同様の効果が得られる。 Also in the ultrasonic atomizing device 30 of the second embodiment, the diameter of the liquid column can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the network structure 32, and the amount of atomization can be controlled. The same effect as is obtained.
　さらに、第２実施形態の超音波霧化装置３０においては、第１の網３２Ａによって細くした液柱Ｗ２を第２の網３２Ｂによってさらに細くするというように、液柱Ｗ２を段階的に細くすることができる。これにより、第１実施形態に比べてさらに細い液柱Ｗ２を形成しやすいという効果が得られる。したがって、第２実施形態の超音波霧化装置３０は、霧化量を増やしたい場合に好適である。 Further, in the ultrasonic atomizing device 30 of the second embodiment, the liquid column W2 is gradually thinned so that the liquid column W2 thinned by the first net 32A is further thinned by the second net 32B. be able to. As a result, an effect that a thinner liquid column W2 can be easily formed as compared with the first embodiment can be obtained. Therefore, the ultrasonic atomizing device 30 of the second embodiment is suitable when it is desired to increase the amount of atomization.
［変形例］
　第２実施形態の超音波霧化装置３０は、以下のような変形例が適用可能である。
　図８は、第２実施形態の変形例の超音波霧化装置３４の断面図である。
　図８に示すように、変形例の超音波霧化装置３４において、網状構造体３５は、筒状部材１８の中心軸１８ｃに沿った方向に間隔をおいて設けられた第１の網３５Ａと第２の網３５Ｂとを含む複数の網を有している。第１の網３５Ａと第２の網３５Ｂとは、任意の連結部材３５Ｃを介して互いに連結されている。第１の網３５Ａは筒状部材１８の上端に固定され、第２の網３５Ｂは筒状部材１８の上方に位置している。 [Modification example]
The following modifications can be applied to the ultrasonic atomizer 30 of the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer 34 of the modified example of the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, in the ultrasonic atomizing device 34 of the modified example, the net-like structure 35 is different from the first net 35A provided at intervals in the direction along the central axis 18c of the tubular member 18. It has a plurality of nets including a second net 35B. The first net 35A and the second net 35B are connected to each other via an arbitrary connecting member 35C. The first net 35A is fixed to the upper end of the tubular member 18, and the second net 35B is located above the tubular member 18.
　本変形例の超音波霧化装置３４においても、第２実施形態と同様の効果が得られる。 The same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained in the ultrasonic atomizer 34 of this modified example.
［第３実施形態］
　以下、第３実施形態の超音波霧化装置について、図９および図１０を用いて説明する。
　第３実施形態の超音波霧化装置の基本構成は第１実施形態と同一であり、ノズルの構成が第１実施形態と異なる。
　図９は、第３実施形態の超音波霧化装置におけるノズル３７の斜視図である。
　図９において、第１実施形態で用いた図１と共通の構成要素には同一の符号を付し、詳細な説明を省略する。 [Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the ultrasonic atomizer of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
The basic configuration of the ultrasonic atomizer of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the nozzle configuration is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the nozzle 37 in the ultrasonic atomizer of the third embodiment.
In FIG. 9, the same components as those in FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
　図９に示すように、第３実施形態のノズル３７は、筒状部材３８と、網状構造体１９と、を有している。筒状部材３８は、筒状部材３８の内部に複数の旋回流発生部材３９を有している。複数の旋回流発生部材３９は、筒状部材３８の内部に導入された液状物の旋回流Ｗ５を発生させる。 As shown in FIG. 9, the nozzle 37 of the third embodiment has a tubular member 38 and a net-like structure 19. The tubular member 38 has a plurality of swirling flow generating members 39 inside the tubular member 38. The plurality of swirling flow generating members 39 generate the swirling flow W5 of the liquid material introduced inside the tubular member 38.
　筒状部材３８の側面には、筒状部材３８の内部に液状物を流入させるための複数の孔３８ｈが設けられている。複数の旋回流発生部材３９の各々は、複数の孔３８ｈの各々に対応して設けられている。旋回流発生部材３９は、筒状部材３８の内部において、孔３８ｈの上方および一方の側方を閉塞する壁面３９ａと、傾斜した湾曲面３９ｂと、筒状部材３８の内壁面に沿って斜め上方に液状物を排出する排出口３９ｃと、を有する誘導板から構成されている。これにより、旋回流発生部材３９は、孔３８ｈを通して筒状部材３８の内部に流入した液状物を筒状部材３８の内壁面に沿って上方に向かって旋回させる流れを形成する。
　超音波霧化装置のその他の構成は、第１実施形態と同様である。 On the side surface of the tubular member 38, a plurality of holes 38h for allowing a liquid substance to flow into the tubular member 38 are provided. Each of the plurality of swirling flow generating members 39 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of holes 38h. Inside the tubular member 38, the swirling flow generating member 39 has a wall surface 39a that closes the upper side of the hole 38h and one side thereof, an inclined curved surface 39b, and an obliquely upper surface along the inner wall surface of the tubular member 38. It is composed of a guide plate having a discharge port 39c for discharging a liquid substance. As a result, the swirling flow generating member 39 forms a flow in which the liquid material that has flowed into the inside of the tubular member 38 through the hole 38h is swirled upward along the inner wall surface of the tubular member 38.
Other configurations of the ultrasonic atomizer are the same as those of the first embodiment.
　第３実施形態の超音波霧化装置においても、網状構造体１９の孔径を変えることで液柱の径を調節することができ、霧化量を制御することができる、という第１実施形態と同様の効果が得られる。 Also in the ultrasonic atomizing device of the third embodiment, the diameter of the liquid column can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the network structure 19, and the amount of atomization can be controlled. A similar effect can be obtained.
　さらに、第３実施形態の超音波霧化装置においては、旋回流発生部材３９が液状物の旋回流Ｗ５を形成することによって液状物の流速が上がり、ノズル３７の先端から噴射される液状物の噴射圧力が増加する。これにより、第１実施形態に比べてさらに細い液柱を形成しやすいという効果が得られる。したがって、第３実施形態の超音波霧化装置は、霧化量を増やしたい場合に好適である。 Further, in the ultrasonic atomizing device of the third embodiment, the swirling flow generating member 39 forms the swirling flow W5 of the liquid material, so that the flow velocity of the liquid material increases, and the liquid material injected from the tip of the nozzle 37. The injection pressure increases. As a result, an effect that a finer liquid column can be easily formed as compared with the first embodiment can be obtained. Therefore, the ultrasonic atomizer of the third embodiment is suitable when it is desired to increase the amount of atomization.
［変形例］
　第３実施形態の超音波霧化装置は、以下のような変形例が適用可能である。
　図１０は、第３実施形態の変形例のノズル４１の斜視図である。
　図１０に示すように、変形例のノズル４１において、筒状部材４２の外面には、複数の旋回流発生部材４３が間隔をおいて設けられている。旋回流発生部材４３は、筒状部材４２の内部に導入された液状物の旋回流Ｗ５を発生させる。 [Modification example]
The following modifications can be applied to the ultrasonic atomizer of the third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the nozzle 41 of the modified example of the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the modified nozzle 41, a plurality of swirling flow generating members 43 are provided at intervals on the outer surface of the tubular member 42. The swirling flow generating member 43 generates a swirling flow W5 of a liquid material introduced inside the tubular member 42.
　旋回流発生部材４３は、液状物を筒状部材４２の内壁面に沿って流入させるように誘導する流路４３ｄを形成する壁部を有している。これにより、旋回流発生部材４３は、筒状部材４２の内部に流入した液状物を筒状部材４２の内壁面に沿って上方に向かって旋回させる流れを形成する。 The swirling flow generating member 43 has a wall portion that forms a flow path 43d that guides a liquid substance to flow along the inner wall surface of the tubular member 42. As a result, the swirling flow generating member 43 forms a flow in which the liquid material that has flowed into the inside of the tubular member 42 swirls upward along the inner wall surface of the tubular member 42.
　本変形例の超音波霧化装置においても、第３実施形態と同様の作用および効果が得られる。 The ultrasonic atomizer of this modified example also has the same actions and effects as those of the third embodiment.
［第４実施形態］
　以下、第４実施形態の超音波霧化装置について、図１１および図１２を用いて説明する。
　第４実施形態の超音波霧化装置の基本構成は第１実施形態と同一であり、ノズルの構成が第１実施形態と異なる。
　図１１は、第４実施形態の超音波霧化装置におけるノズル４５の斜視図である。
　図１１において、第１実施形態で用いた図１と共通の構成要素には同一の符号を付し、詳細な説明を省略する。 [Fourth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the ultrasonic atomizer of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.
The basic configuration of the ultrasonic atomizer of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the nozzle configuration is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the nozzle 45 in the ultrasonic atomizer of the fourth embodiment.
In FIG. 11, the same components as those in FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
　図１１に示すように、第４実施形態のノズル４５は、筒状部材４６と、網状構造体４７と、を有している。筒状部材４６は、筒状部材４６の内部を流動する液状物の流路断面積が絞られた絞り部４６ｂを有している。具体的に、筒状部材４６は、先端の円形の噴射口が一方向に潰された扁平形状を有し、この部分が絞り部４６ｂを構成している。さらに詳細に言えば、筒状部材は、円錐台状の形状を有しているため、全体にわたって流路断面積が下方から上方に向けて減少しているが、絞り部においては、流路断面積が他の部分に比べて急激に減少している。
　超音波霧化装置のその他の構成は、第１実施形態と同様である。 As shown in FIG. 11, the nozzle 45 of the fourth embodiment has a tubular member 46 and a net-like structure 47. The tubular member 46 has a narrowed portion 46b in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the liquid material flowing inside the tubular member 46 is narrowed. Specifically, the tubular member 46 has a flat shape in which the circular injection port at the tip is crushed in one direction, and this portion constitutes the throttle portion 46b. More specifically, since the tubular member has a truncated cone shape, the cross-sectional area of the flow path decreases from the bottom to the top throughout, but the flow path is cut off at the throttle portion. The area is decreasing sharply compared to other parts.
Other configurations of the ultrasonic atomizer are the same as those of the first embodiment.
　第４実施形態の超音波霧化装置においても、網状構造体４７の孔径を変えることで液柱の径を調節することができ、霧化量を制御することができる、という第１実施形態と同様の効果が得られる。 Also in the ultrasonic atomizing device of the fourth embodiment, the diameter of the liquid column can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the network structure 47, and the amount of atomization can be controlled. A similar effect can be obtained.
　さらに、第４実施形態の超音波霧化装置においては、筒状部材４６に絞り部４６ｂが設けられたことによって液状物の流速が上がり、ノズル４５の先端から噴射される液状物の噴射圧力が増加する。これにより、第１実施形態に比べてさらに細い液柱を形成しやすいという効果が得られる。したがって、第４実施形態の超音波霧化装置は、霧化量を増やしたい場合に好適である。 Further, in the ultrasonic atomizing device of the fourth embodiment, since the tubular member 46 is provided with the throttle portion 46b, the flow velocity of the liquid material increases, and the injection pressure of the liquid material injected from the tip of the nozzle 45 increases. To increase. As a result, an effect that a finer liquid column can be easily formed as compared with the first embodiment can be obtained. Therefore, the ultrasonic atomizer of the fourth embodiment is suitable when it is desired to increase the amount of atomization.
［変形例］
　第４実施形態の超音波霧化装置は、以下のような変形例が適用可能である。
　図１２は、第４実施形態の変形例のノズル４９の斜視図である。
　図１２に示すように、変形例のノズル４９において、筒状部材５０は、筒状部材５０の内部を流動する液状物の流路断面積が絞られた絞り部５０ｂを有している。具体的には、筒状部材５０は、例えばベンチュリー管のように、下端と上端との間の位置で流路断面積が急激に絞られた部分を有し、この部分が絞り部５０ｂを構成している。 [Modification example]
The following modifications can be applied to the ultrasonic atomizer of the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the nozzle 49 of the modified example of the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, in the nozzle 49 of the modified example, the tubular member 50 has a throttle portion 50b in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the liquid material flowing inside the tubular member 50 is narrowed. Specifically, the tubular member 50 has a portion where the cross-sectional area of the flow path is sharply narrowed at a position between the lower end and the upper end, such as a Venturi pipe, and this portion constitutes the throttle portion 50b. doing.
　本変形例の超音波霧化装置においても、第４実施形態と同様の作用および効果が得られる。 The ultrasonic atomizer of this modified example also has the same actions and effects as those of the fourth embodiment.
［第５実施形態］
　以下、第５実施形態の超音波霧化装置について、図１３および図１４を用いて説明する。
　第５実施形態の超音波霧化装置の基本構成は第１実施形態と同一であり、ノズルの構成が第１実施形態と異なる。
　図１３は、第５実施形態の超音波霧化装置におけるノズル５２の斜視図である。
　図１３において、第１実施形態で用いた図１と共通の構成要素には同一の符号を付し、詳細な説明を省略する。 [Fifth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the ultrasonic atomizer of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
The basic configuration of the ultrasonic atomizer of the fifth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the nozzle configuration is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the nozzle 52 in the ultrasonic atomizing device of the fifth embodiment.
In FIG. 13, the same components as those in FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
　図１３に示すように、第５実施形態のノズル５２は、筒状部材５３と、網状構造体５４と、を有している。筒状部材５３は、複数の液状物射出口５３ｃを有している。筒状部材５３の上端に頂板５３ｔが設けられ、頂板５３ｔに４個の液状物射出口５３ｃが形成されている。本実施形態の場合、ノズル５２が４個の液状物射出口５３ｃを有する例を挙げたが、液状物射出口５３ｃの個数は特に限定されない。網状構造体５４は、複数の液状物射出口５３ｃのそれぞれに対して、各液状物射出口５３ｃを法線方向から見たときの外形形状である円の重心点を少なくとも含む領域に設けられている。網状構造体５４は、筒状部材５３の全体に設けられていてもよいし、各液状物射出口５３ｃに対応する個所だけに設けられていてもよい。
　超音波霧化装置のその他の構成は、第１実施形態と同様である。 As shown in FIG. 13, the nozzle 52 of the fifth embodiment has a tubular member 53 and a net-like structure 54. The tubular member 53 has a plurality of liquid material injection ports 53c. A top plate 53t is provided at the upper end of the tubular member 53, and four liquid material injection ports 53c are formed on the top plate 53t. In the case of the present embodiment, the example in which the nozzle 52 has four liquid material injection ports 53c is given, but the number of liquid material injection ports 53c is not particularly limited. The network structure 54 is provided for each of the plurality of liquid material injection ports 53c in a region including at least the center of gravity point of a circle which is the outer shape of each liquid material injection port 53c when viewed from the normal direction. There is. The net-like structure 54 may be provided on the entire tubular member 53, or may be provided only at a location corresponding to each liquid material injection port 53c.
Other configurations of the ultrasonic atomizer are the same as those of the first embodiment.
　第５実施形態の超音波霧化装置においても、網状構造体５４の孔径を変えることで液柱の径を調節することができ、霧化量を制御することができる、という第１実施形態と同様の効果が得られる。 Also in the ultrasonic atomizing device of the fifth embodiment, the diameter of the liquid column can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the network structure 54, and the amount of atomization can be controlled. A similar effect can be obtained.
　さらに、第５実施形態の超音波霧化装置においては、筒状部材５３が複数の液状物射出口５３ｃを有しているため、細い液柱を複数本形成することができる。これにより、霧化量をさらに増やすことができる。 Further, in the ultrasonic atomizing device of the fifth embodiment, since the tubular member 53 has a plurality of liquid material injection ports 53c, a plurality of thin liquid columns can be formed. As a result, the amount of atomization can be further increased.
［変形例］
　第５実施形態の超音波霧化装置は、以下のような変形例が適用可能である。
　図１４は、第５実施形態の変形例のノズル５６の斜視図である。
　図１４に示すように、変形例のノズル５６において、筒状部材５７は、上端の中央部が一方向に潰されたことによって液状物射出口が２つに分断され、２個の液状物射出口５７ｃが形成されている。網状構造体５８は、筒状部材５７の全体に設けられていてもよいし、各液状物射出口５７ｃに対応する個所だけに設けられていてもよい。 [Modification example]
The following modifications can be applied to the ultrasonic atomizer of the fifth embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the nozzle 56 of the modified example of the fifth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, in the nozzle 56 of the modified example, the liquid substance injection port of the tubular member 57 is divided into two by crushing the central portion of the upper end in one direction, and two liquid substances are emitted. The outlet 57c is formed. The net-like structure 58 may be provided on the entire tubular member 57, or may be provided only at a location corresponding to each liquid material injection port 57c.
　本変形例の超音波霧化装置においても、第５実施形態と同様の作用および効果が得られる。 The ultrasonic atomizer of this modified example also has the same actions and effects as those of the fifth embodiment.
［第６実施形態］
　以下、第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置について、図１５および図１６を用いて説明する。
　第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置の基本構成は第１実施形態と同一であり、霧状液滴を外部に排出する気流の位置が第１実施形態と異なる。
　図１５は、第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置６０の断面図である。
　図１５において、第１実施形態で用いた図１と共通の構成要素には同一の符号を付し、詳細な説明を省略する。 [Sixth Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the ultrasonic atomizer of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.
The basic configuration of the ultrasonic atomizer of the sixth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the position of the air flow for discharging the mist-like droplets to the outside is different from that of the first embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer 60 of the sixth embodiment.
In FIG. 15, the same components as those in FIG. 1 used in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
　図１５に示すように、第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置６０は、筐体６１と、超音波振動子１２と、気流発生部１３と、ノズル１４と、を備えている。ノズル１４の構成は、第１実施形態と同様である。 As shown in FIG. 15, the ultrasonic atomizer 60 of the sixth embodiment includes a housing 61, an ultrasonic vibrator 12, an airflow generating unit 13, and a nozzle 14. The configuration of the nozzle 14 is the same as that of the first embodiment.
　筐体６１は、霧状液滴Ｗ１となる液状物Ｗを貯留する内部空間６１ａと、給気口６１ｂと、排気口６１ｃと、を有している。第１実施形態では、給気口１１ｂおよび排気口１１ｃは、ともに筐体１１の上部に設けられていた。これにより、給気口１１ｂから排気口１１ｃに向けて流れる気流Ｆは、筐体１１内の液面から離れた比較的高い位置を流れるようになっていた。これに対して、第６実施形態では、給気口６１ｂは、液面に近く、比較的低い位置に設けられ、排気口６１ｃは、液面から遠く、比較的高い位置に設けられている。これにより、給気口６１ｂから排気口６１ｃに向けて流れる気流Ｆは、筐体６１内の低い位置から高い位置に向けて流れるようになっている。 The housing 61 has an internal space 61a for storing the liquid material W to be the mist-like droplets W1, an air supply port 61b, and an exhaust port 61c. In the first embodiment, both the air supply port 11b and the exhaust port 11c are provided on the upper part of the housing 11. As a result, the airflow F flowing from the air supply port 11b toward the exhaust port 11c flows at a relatively high position away from the liquid level in the housing 11. On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, the air supply port 61b is provided at a relatively low position close to the liquid level, and the exhaust port 61c is provided at a relatively high position far from the liquid level. As a result, the airflow F flowing from the air supply port 61b toward the exhaust port 61c flows from the low position to the high position in the housing 61.
　第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置６０においても、網状構造体１９の孔径を変えることで液柱Ｗ２の径を調節することができ、霧化量を制御することができる、という第１実施形態と同様の効果が得られる。 Also in the ultrasonic atomizing device 60 of the sixth embodiment, the diameter of the liquid column W2 can be adjusted by changing the pore diameter of the network structure 19, and the atomization amount can be controlled. The same effect as the form can be obtained.
　さらに、第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置６０において、網状構造体１９の孔径の選択によって細い液柱Ｗ２を形成した場合には、以下のような効果が得られる。
　細い液柱Ｗ２を形成した場合、図５に示したように、液柱Ｗ２の下部で多くの霧状液滴Ｗ１が発生する。ここで、第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置６０においては、気流Ｆが筐体６１内の液面に近い位置から液柱Ｗ２の下部を通過し、高い位置に向けて流れるため、液柱Ｗ２の下部で発生した多くの霧状液滴Ｗ１を効率良く気流Ｆに乗せて搬送することができる。そのため、第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置６０によれば、霧状液滴Ｗ１の搬送効率を第１実施形態に比べて高めることができる。 Further, in the ultrasonic atomizing device 60 of the sixth embodiment, when a thin liquid column W2 is formed by selecting the pore size of the network structure 19, the following effects can be obtained.
When a thin liquid column W2 is formed, as shown in FIG. 5, many mist-like droplets W1 are generated at the lower part of the liquid column W2. Here, in the ultrasonic atomizing device 60 of the sixth embodiment, the airflow F passes through the lower part of the liquid column W2 from a position close to the liquid level in the housing 61 and flows toward a higher position, so that the liquid column Many mist-like droplets W1 generated in the lower part of W2 can be efficiently carried on the air flow F. Therefore, according to the ultrasonic atomizing device 60 of the sixth embodiment, the transport efficiency of the atomized droplet W1 can be improved as compared with the first embodiment.
［変形例］
　第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置６０は、以下のような変形例が適用可能である。
　図１６は、第６実施形態の変形例の超音波霧化装置６３の断面図である。
　図１６に示すように、変形例の超音波霧化装置６３において、筐体６４は、霧状液滴Ｗ１となる液状物Ｗを貯留する内部空間６４ａと、給気口６４ｂと、排気口６４ｃと、を有している。給気口６４ｂは、筐体６４の比較的低い位置に設けられ、排気口６４ｃは、筐体６４の頂板６４ｔに設けられている。 [Modification example]
The following modifications can be applied to the ultrasonic atomizer 60 of the sixth embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic atomizer 63 of the modified example of the sixth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 16, in the ultrasonic atomizing device 63 of the modified example, the housing 64 has an internal space 64a for storing a liquid material W to be a mist-like droplet W1, an air supply port 64b, and an exhaust port 64c. And have. The air supply port 64b is provided at a relatively low position of the housing 64, and the exhaust port 64c is provided on the top plate 64t of the housing 64.
　筐体６４の内部には、超音波印加時に形成される液柱Ｗ２と排気口６４ｃとを囲むように、筒状の誘導管６５が設けられている。誘導管６５の上端は頂板６４ｔに固定され、誘導管６５の下端と液面との間には隙間が設けられている。この構成により、給気口６４ｂから排気口６４ｃに向けて流れる気流Ｆは、筐体６４内の低い位置から誘導管６５と液面との間の隙間を通って誘導管６５の内部に流入し、上方に向けて流れる。 Inside the housing 64, a tubular guide pipe 65 is provided so as to surround the liquid column W2 formed when ultrasonic waves are applied and the exhaust port 64c. The upper end of the guide pipe 65 is fixed to the top plate 64t, and a gap is provided between the lower end of the guide pipe 65 and the liquid level. With this configuration, the airflow F flowing from the air supply port 64b to the exhaust port 64c flows into the inside of the guide pipe 65 from a low position in the housing 64 through the gap between the guide pipe 65 and the liquid level. , Flows upwards.
　本変形例の超音波霧化装置６３においても、第６実施形態と同様の作用および効果が得られる。 The ultrasonic atomizing device 63 of this modified example also has the same actions and effects as those of the sixth embodiment.
［第７実施形態］
　以下、本発明の第７実施形態について、図１７を用いて説明する。
　第７実施形態では、第６実施形態で例示した超音波霧化装置を備えた調湿装置について説明する。ただし、調湿装置は、第１～第５実施形態で例示した超音波霧化装置を備えていてもよい。
　図１７は、第７実施形態の調湿装置１００の概略構成図である。 [7th Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the seventh embodiment, the humidity control device including the ultrasonic atomizing device exemplified in the sixth embodiment will be described. However, the humidity control device may include the ultrasonic atomization device exemplified in the first to fifth embodiments.
FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of the humidity control device 100 of the seventh embodiment.
　図１７に示すように、本実施形態の調湿装置１００は、吸湿部１０１と、霧化再生部１０２と、第１液体吸湿材輸送流路１０３と、第２液体吸湿材輸送流路１０４と、第１空気導入流路１０５と、第２空気導入流路１０６と、第１空気排出流路１０７と、第２空気排出流路１０８と、制御部１０９と、を備える。調湿装置１００は、外殻筐体１１０を備えており、吸湿部１０１および霧化再生部１０２は、外殻筐体１１０の内部空間１１０ｃに収容されている。 As shown in FIG. 17, the humidity control device 100 of the present embodiment includes a moisture absorbing unit 101, an atomization regeneration unit 102, a first liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 103, and a second liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 104. The first air introduction flow path 105, the second air introduction flow path 106, the first air discharge flow path 107, the second air discharge flow path 108, and the control unit 109 are provided. The humidity control device 100 includes an outer shell housing 110, and the moisture absorbing unit 101 and the atomization regeneration unit 102 are housed in the internal space 110c of the outer shell housing 110.
　吸湿部１０１は、第１貯留槽１１２と、ブロア１１３と、吸湿部ノズル１１４と、を備えている。吸湿部１０１は、吸湿性物質を含む液体吸湿材Ｌと外部空間に存在する空気Ａ１とを接触させることにより、空気Ａ１に含まれる水分の少なくとも一部を液体吸湿材Ｌに吸収させる。吸湿部１０１は、できるだけ多くの水分を液体吸湿材Ｌに吸収させることが望ましいが、空気Ａ１に含まれる水分のうちの少なくとも一部の水分を液体吸湿材Ｌに吸収させればよい。 The moisture absorbing portion 101 includes a first storage tank 112, a blower 113, and a moisture absorbing portion nozzle 114. The hygroscopic unit 101 causes the liquid hygroscopic material L to absorb at least a part of the moisture contained in the air A1 by bringing the liquid hygroscopic material L containing the hygroscopic substance into contact with the air A1 existing in the external space. It is desirable that the moisture absorbing portion 101 absorbs as much water as possible into the liquid moisture absorbing material L, but at least a part of the moisture contained in the air A1 may be absorbed by the liquid moisture absorbing material L.
　第１貯留槽１１２の内部には、液体吸湿材Ｌが貯留されている。液体吸湿材Ｌについては後述する。第１貯留槽１１２には、第１空気導入流路１０５、第１空気排出流路１０７、および第１液体吸湿材輸送流路１０３が接続されている。空気Ａ１は、ブロア１１３によって第１空気導入流路１０５を介して第１貯留槽１１２の内部空間に供給される。 The liquid moisture absorbing material L is stored inside the first storage tank 112. The liquid moisture absorbing material L will be described later. The first air introduction flow path 105, the first air discharge flow path 107, and the first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103 are connected to the first storage tank 112. The air A1 is supplied to the internal space of the first storage tank 112 by the blower 113 via the first air introduction flow path 105.
　吸湿部ノズル１１４は、第１貯留槽１１２の内部空間の上部に配置されている。後述する霧化再生部１０２によって再生された後、第２液体吸湿材輸送流路１０４を介して吸湿部１０１に戻された液体吸湿材Ｌ１は、吸湿部ノズル１１４から第１貯留槽１１２の内部空間に流下し、この際に液体吸湿材Ｌ１と空気Ａ１とが接触する。この種の液体吸湿材Ｌ１と空気Ａ１との接触の形態は、一般に「流下方式」と呼ばれる。なお、液体吸湿材Ｌ１と空気Ａ１との接触形態は、流下方式に限らず、他の方式を用いることができる。例えば第１貯留槽１１２に貯留された液体吸湿材Ｌの中に空気Ａ１を泡状にして供給する方式、いわゆるバブリング方式を用いることもできる。 The moisture absorbing portion nozzle 114 is arranged in the upper part of the internal space of the first storage tank 112. After being regenerated by the atomization regeneration unit 102 described later, the liquid hygroscopic material L1 returned to the moisture absorption unit 101 via the second liquid moisture absorption material transport flow path 104 is inside the first storage tank 112 from the moisture absorption unit nozzle 114. It flows down into the space, and at this time, the liquid hygroscopic material L1 and the air A1 come into contact with each other. This type of contact between the liquid hygroscopic material L1 and the air A1 is generally referred to as a "flow-down method". The contact form between the liquid moisture absorbing material L1 and the air A1 is not limited to the flow-down method, and other methods can be used. For example, a so-called bubbling method, in which the air A1 is supplied in the form of bubbles in the liquid moisture absorbing material L stored in the first storage tank 112, can also be used.
　外部空間に存在する空気Ａ１は、ブロア１１３から第１空気排出流路１０７の排出口１０７ｂに向かう気流を形成し、吸湿部ノズル１１４から流下する液体吸湿材Ｌと接触する。このとき、空気Ａ１中に含まれる水分の少なくとも一部は、液体吸湿材Ｌに吸収されることによって除去される。吸湿部１０１では、元々の室内の空気Ａ１から水分が除去された空気が得られるため、この空気は調湿装置１００の外部空間の空気よりも乾燥している。このように、乾燥した空気Ａ２が第１空気排出流路１０７を介して室内に排出される。 The air A1 existing in the external space forms an air flow from the blower 113 toward the discharge port 107b of the first air discharge flow path 107, and comes into contact with the liquid moisture absorbing material L flowing down from the moisture absorbing portion nozzle 114. At this time, at least a part of the moisture contained in the air A1 is removed by being absorbed by the liquid moisture absorbing material L. Since the moisture absorbing portion 101 obtains air from which moisture has been removed from the original indoor air A1, this air is drier than the air in the external space of the humidity control device 100. In this way, the dry air A2 is discharged into the room through the first air discharge flow path 107.
　液体吸湿材Ｌは、水分を吸収する性質（吸湿性）を示す液体であり、例えば温度が２５℃、相対湿度が５０％、大気圧下の条件で吸湿性を示す液体が好ましい。液体吸湿材Ｌは、後述する吸湿性物質を含んでいる。また、液体吸湿材Ｌは、吸湿性物質と溶媒とを含んでいてもよい。この種の溶媒としては、吸湿性物質を溶解させる、または吸湿性物質と混和する溶媒が挙げられ、例えば水が挙げられる。吸湿性物質は、有機材料であってもよいし、無機材料であってもよい。 The liquid hygroscopic material L is a liquid that exhibits a property of absorbing moisture (hygroscopicity). For example, a liquid that exhibits hygroscopicity under conditions of a temperature of 25 ° C., a relative humidity of 50%, and atmospheric pressure is preferable. The liquid hygroscopic material L contains a hygroscopic substance described later. Further, the liquid hygroscopic material L may contain a hygroscopic substance and a solvent. Examples of this type of solvent include solvents that dissolve or mix with hygroscopic substances, such as water. The hygroscopic substance may be an organic material or an inorganic material.
　吸湿性物質として用いられる有機材料としては、例えば２価以上のアルコール、ケトン、アミド基を有する有機溶媒、糖類、保湿化粧品などの原料として用いられる公知の材料などが挙げられる。それらの中でも、親水性が高いことから、吸湿性物質として好適に用いられる有機材料としては、２価以上のアルコール、アミド基を有する有機溶媒、糖類、保湿化粧品等の原料として用いられる公知の材料が挙げられる。 Examples of the organic material used as a hygroscopic substance include alcohols having a divalent value or higher, ketones, organic solvents having an amide group, sugars, known materials used as raw materials for moisturizing cosmetics, and the like. Among them, as an organic material preferably used as a hygroscopic substance because of its high hydrophilicity, a known material used as a raw material for alcohols having a divalent value or higher, an organic solvent having an amide group, sugars, moisturizing cosmetics and the like. Can be mentioned.
　２価以上のアルコールとしては、例えばグリセリン、プロパンジオール、ブタンジオール、ペンタンジオール、トリメチロールプロパン、ブタントリオール、エチレングリコール、ジエチレングリコール、トリエチレングリコールなどが挙げられる。 Examples of dihydric or higher alcohols include glycerin, propanediol, butanediol, pentanediol, trimethylolpropane, butanetriol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and triethylene glycol.
　アミド基を有する有機溶媒としては、例えばホルムアミド、アセトアミドなどが挙げられる。 Examples of the organic solvent having an amide group include formamide and acetamide.
　糖類としては、例えばスクロース、プルラン、グルコース、キシロール、フラクトース、マンニトール、ソルビトールなどが挙げられる。 Examples of sugars include sucrose, pullulan, glucose, xylene, fructose, mannitol, sorbitol and the like.
　保湿化粧品などの原料として用いられる公知の材料としては、例えば２－メタクリロイルオキシエチルホスホリルコリン（ＭＰＣ）、ベタイン、ヒアルロン酸、コラーゲンなどが挙げられる。 Known materials used as raw materials for moisturizing cosmetics include, for example, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), betaine, hyaluronic acid, collagen and the like.
　吸湿性物質として用いられる無機材料としては、例えば塩化カルシウム、塩化リチウム、塩化マグネシウム、塩化カリウム、塩化ナトリウム、塩化亜鉛、塩化アルミニウム、臭化リチウム、臭化カルシウム、臭化カリウム、水酸化ナトリウム、ピロリドンカルボン酸ナトリウムなどが挙げられる。 Examples of inorganic materials used as hygroscopic substances include calcium chloride, lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, potassium bromide, sodium hydroxide, and pyrrolidone. Examples thereof include sodium carboxylate.
　吸湿性物質の親水性が高いと、例えば吸湿性物質の材料と水とを混合させたときに、液体吸湿材Ｌの表面（液面）近傍における水分子の割合が多くなる。後述する霧化再生部１０２では、液体吸湿材Ｌの表面近傍から霧状液滴Ｗ１を発生させて、液体吸湿材Ｌから水分を分離する。そのため、液体吸湿材Ｌの表面近傍における水分子の割合が多いと、水分を効率的に分離できる点で好ましい。また、液体吸湿材Ｌの表面近傍における水分子の割合が多いと、液体吸湿材Ｌの表面近傍における吸湿性物質の割合が相対的に少なくなるため、霧化再生部１０２での吸湿性物質の損失を抑えられる点で好ましい。 If the hygroscopic substance has high hydrophilicity, for example, when the material of the hygroscopic substance and water are mixed, the proportion of water molecules in the vicinity of the surface (liquid surface) of the liquid hygroscopic material L increases. The atomization regeneration unit 102, which will be described later, generates atomized droplets W1 from the vicinity of the surface of the liquid moisture absorbing material L to separate water from the liquid moisture absorbing material L. Therefore, it is preferable that the proportion of water molecules in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid moisture absorbing material L is large in that water can be efficiently separated. Further, when the proportion of water molecules in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid hygroscopic material L is large, the proportion of the hygroscopic substance in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid hygroscopic material L is relatively small, so that the hygroscopic substance in the atomization regeneration unit 102 It is preferable in that loss can be suppressed.
　液体吸湿材Ｌのうち、吸湿部１０１での処理に用いられる液体吸湿材Ｌ１に含まれる吸湿性物質の濃度は、特に限定されないが、４０質量％以上であることが好ましい。吸湿性物質の濃度が４０質量％以上である場合、液体吸湿材Ｌ１は、効率良く水分を吸収することができる。 Of the liquid hygroscopic material L, the concentration of the hygroscopic substance contained in the liquid hygroscopic material L1 used for the treatment in the moisture absorbing portion 101 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40% by mass or more. When the concentration of the hygroscopic substance is 40% by mass or more, the liquid hygroscopic material L1 can efficiently absorb water.
　液体吸湿材Ｌの粘度は、２５×１０－３Ｐａ・ｓ以下であることが好ましい。これにより、後述する霧化再生部１０２において、液体吸湿材Ｌの液面に液体吸湿材Ｌの液柱Ｗ２を生じさせやすい。そのため、液体吸湿材Ｌから効率良く水分を分離することができる。ただし、本実施形態では、霧化再生部１０２として、霧化させる液体の粘度に依らずに高い霧化効率が得られる第１～第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置を備えているため、たとえ液体吸湿材Ｌの粘度が高くても、従来に比べて効率良く水分を分離することができる。 The viscosity of the liquid hygroscopic material L is preferably 25 × 10 -3 Pa · s or less. As a result, in the atomization regeneration unit 102 described later, the liquid column W2 of the liquid moisture absorbing material L is likely to be generated on the liquid surface of the liquid moisture absorbing material L. Therefore, water can be efficiently separated from the liquid moisture absorbing material L. However, in the present embodiment, since the atomization regeneration unit 102 includes the ultrasonic atomization apparatus of the first to sixth embodiments, which can obtain high atomization efficiency regardless of the viscosity of the liquid to be atomized. Even if the liquid moisture absorbing material L has a high viscosity, water can be separated more efficiently than in the conventional case.
　霧化再生部１０２は、第２貯留槽１１６（筐体）と、ブロア１１７（気流発生部）と、超音波振動子１１８と、誘導管１１９と、を備えている。霧化再生部１０２は、第１液体吸湿材輸送流路１０３を介して吸湿部１０１から供給された液体吸湿材Ｌ２に含まれる水分の少なくとも一部を霧化し、液体吸湿材Ｌ２から水分の少なくとも一部を除去することにより液体吸湿材Ｌ２を再生する。第２貯留槽１１６の内部には、再生すべき液体吸湿材Ｌ２が貯留されている。第２貯留槽１１６には、第１液体吸湿材輸送流路１０３、第２液体吸湿材輸送流路１０４、第２空気導入流路１０６、および第２空気排出流路１０８が接続されている。第２貯留槽１１６は、第１～第６実施形態の超音波霧化装置における筐体に相当する。 The atomization regeneration unit 102 includes a second storage tank 116 (housing), a blower 117 (air flow generation unit), an ultrasonic oscillator 118, and an induction tube 119. The atomization regeneration unit 102 atomizes at least a part of the water contained in the liquid hygroscopic material L2 supplied from the hygroscopic unit 101 via the first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103, and at least the water from the liquid hygroscopic material L2. The liquid hygroscopic material L2 is regenerated by removing a part of the material. The liquid moisture absorbing material L2 to be regenerated is stored in the second storage tank 116. The first liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 103, the second liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 104, the second air introduction flow path 106, and the second air discharge flow path 108 are connected to the second storage tank 116. The second storage tank 116 corresponds to the housing in the ultrasonic atomizer of the first to sixth embodiments.
　ブロア１１７は、外殻筐体１１０の外部空間から、第２空気導入流路１０６を介して第２貯留槽１１６の内部に空気Ａ１を送り込み、第２貯留槽１１６の内部から第２空気排出流路１０８を介して外殻筐体１１０の外部に流れる気流を発生させる。 The blower 117 sends air A1 from the external space of the outer shell housing 110 into the inside of the second storage tank 116 via the second air introduction flow path 106, and the second air discharge flow from the inside of the second storage tank 116. An air flow flowing to the outside of the outer shell housing 110 is generated through the path 108.
　超音波振動子１１８は、液体吸湿材Ｌ２に超音波を照射することにより、液体吸湿材Ｌ２から水分を含む霧状液滴Ｗ１を発生させる。超音波振動子１１８は、第２貯留槽１１６の底板に接して設けられている。超音波振動子１１８から液体吸湿材Ｌ２に超音波が照射される際、超音波の発生条件を調整することによって、液体吸湿材Ｌ２の液面に液体吸湿材Ｌ２の液柱Ｗ２を生じさせることができる。霧状液滴Ｗ１の多くは、液体吸湿材Ｌ２の液柱Ｗ２およびその近傍から発生する。 The ultrasonic vibrator 118 irradiates the liquid hygroscopic material L2 with ultrasonic waves to generate mist-like droplets W1 containing water from the liquid hygroscopic material L2. The ultrasonic vibrator 118 is provided in contact with the bottom plate of the second storage tank 116. When ultrasonic waves are applied to the liquid hygroscopic material L2 from the ultrasonic vibrator 118, the liquid column W2 of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 is generated on the liquid surface of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 by adjusting the generation conditions of the ultrasonic waves. Can be done. Most of the mist-like droplets W1 are generated from the liquid column W2 of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 and its vicinity.
　誘導管１１９は、液体吸湿材Ｌ２から発生した霧状液滴Ｗ１を第２空気排出流路１０８の排気口１０８ｂに誘導する。調湿装置１００を上方から見たとき、誘導管１１９は、排気口１０８ｂの周囲を囲むように設けられている。 The guide pipe 119 guides the mist-like droplet W1 generated from the liquid moisture absorbing material L2 to the exhaust port 108b of the second air discharge flow path 108. When the humidity control device 100 is viewed from above, the guide pipe 119 is provided so as to surround the exhaust port 108b.
　第２空気排出流路１０８は、霧状液滴Ｗ１を含む空気Ａ４を外殻筐体１１０の外部空間に放出し、調湿装置１００の内部から除去する。これにより、液体吸湿材Ｌ２から水分を分離することができる。これにより、液体吸湿材Ｌ２の吸湿性能が再び高まり、液体吸湿材Ｌ２を吸湿部１０１に戻して再利用することができる。空気Ａ４は、第２貯留槽１１６の内部で発生した霧状液滴Ｗ１を含んでいるため、外殻筐体１１０の外部空間の空気Ａ２よりも湿っている。このように、加湿された空気Ａ４が第２空気排出流路１０８を介して室内に排出される。 The second air discharge flow path 108 discharges the air A4 containing the mist-like droplets W1 into the outer space of the outer shell housing 110 and removes it from the inside of the humidity control device 100. As a result, water can be separated from the liquid moisture absorbing material L2. As a result, the hygroscopic performance of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 is enhanced again, and the liquid hygroscopic material L2 can be returned to the hygroscopic unit 101 and reused. Since the air A4 contains the mist-like droplets W1 generated inside the second storage tank 116, the air A4 is moist than the air A2 in the outer space of the outer shell housing 110. In this way, the humidified air A4 is discharged into the room through the second air discharge flow path 108.
　霧化再生部１０２を上方から見たとき、排気口１０８ｂが超音波振動子１１８と平面的に重なっていることから、排気口１０８ｂの下方に液体吸湿材Ｌ２の液柱Ｗ２が生じる。そのため、霧化再生部１０２においては、液体吸湿材Ｌ２に生じる液柱Ｗ２の周囲を誘導管１１９が囲む設計とされている。排気口１０８ｂと誘導管１１９と液柱Ｗ２とがこのような位置関係にあることで、液体吸湿材Ｌ２の液面から上方に向かう気流によって、液体吸湿材Ｌ２の液柱Ｗ２から発生した霧状液滴Ｗ１が排気口１０８ｂへと誘導される。 When the atomization regeneration unit 102 is viewed from above, the exhaust port 108b overlaps the ultrasonic vibrator 118 in a plane, so that a liquid column W2 of the liquid moisture absorbing material L2 is generated below the exhaust port 108b. Therefore, the atomization regeneration unit 102 is designed so that the guide pipe 119 surrounds the liquid column W2 generated in the liquid moisture absorbing material L2. Since the exhaust port 108b, the guide pipe 119, and the liquid column W2 are in such a positional relationship, the mist-like shape generated from the liquid column W2 of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 due to the air flow upward from the liquid surface of the liquid hygroscopic material L2. The droplet W1 is guided to the exhaust port 108b.
　吸湿部１０１と霧化再生部１０２とは、液体吸湿材Ｌの循環流路を構成する第１液体吸湿材輸送流路１０３と第２液体吸湿材輸送流路１０４とによって接続されている。第２液体吸湿材輸送流路１０４の途中には、液体吸湿材Ｌを循環させるためのポンプ１２１が設けられている。 The moisture absorbing unit 101 and the atomization regeneration unit 102 are connected by a first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103 and a second liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 104 that form a circulation flow path of the liquid hygroscopic material L. A pump 121 for circulating the liquid moisture absorbing material L is provided in the middle of the second liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 104.
　第１液体吸湿材輸送流路１０３は、水分の少なくとも一部が吸収された液体吸湿材Ｌ２を吸湿部１０１から霧化再生部１０２に輸送する。第１液体吸湿材輸送流路１０３の一端は、第１貯留槽１１２の下部に接続されている。第１貯留槽１１２における第１液体吸湿材輸送流路１０３の接続箇所は、第１貯留槽１１２内の液体吸湿材Ｌの液面よりも下方に位置している。一方、第１液体吸湿材輸送流路１０３の他端は、第２貯留槽１１６の下部に接続されている。第２貯留槽１１６における第１液体吸湿材輸送流路１０３の接続箇所は、第２貯留槽１１６内の液体吸湿材Ｌ２の液面よりも下方に位置している。 The first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103 transports the liquid hygroscopic material L2, which has absorbed at least a part of water, from the moisture absorption unit 101 to the atomization regeneration unit 102. One end of the first liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 103 is connected to the lower part of the first storage tank 112. The connection point of the first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103 in the first storage tank 112 is located below the liquid level of the liquid hygroscopic material L in the first storage tank 112. On the other hand, the other end of the first liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 103 is connected to the lower part of the second storage tank 116. The connection point of the first liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 103 in the second storage tank 116 is located below the liquid level of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 in the second storage tank 116.
　第２液体吸湿材輸送流路１０４は、水分が除去されて再生された液体吸湿材Ｌを霧化再生部１０２から吸湿部１０１に輸送する。第２液体吸湿材輸送流路１０４の一端は、第２貯留槽１１６の下部に接続されている。第２貯留槽１１６における第２液体吸湿材輸送流路１０４の接続箇所は、第２貯留槽１１６内の液体吸湿材Ｌ２の液面よりも下方に位置している。一方、第２液体吸湿材輸送流路１０４の他端は、第１貯留槽１１２の上部に接続されている。第１貯留槽１１２における第２液体吸湿材輸送流路１０４の接続箇所は、第１貯留槽１１２内の液体吸湿材Ｌ１の液面よりも上方に位置し、上述の吸湿部ノズル１１４に接続されている。 The second liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 104 transports the regenerated liquid hygroscopic material L from which the moisture has been removed from the atomization regeneration unit 102 to the moisture absorption unit 101. One end of the second liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 104 is connected to the lower part of the second storage tank 116. The connection point of the second liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 104 in the second storage tank 116 is located below the liquid level of the liquid hygroscopic material L2 in the second storage tank 116. On the other hand, the other end of the second liquid moisture absorbing material transport flow path 104 is connected to the upper part of the first storage tank 112. The connection point of the second liquid hygroscopic material transport flow path 104 in the first storage tank 112 is located above the liquid level of the liquid hygroscopic material L1 in the first storage tank 112 and is connected to the above-mentioned moisture absorbing part nozzle 114. ing.
　上記では、調湿装置１００において、除湿された空気が吸湿部１０１から第１空気排出流路１０７を介して排出され、加湿された空気が霧化再生部１０２から第２空気排出流路１０８を介して排出される、と説明した。湿度調整機能について、本実施形態の調湿装置１００を除湿機能のみを備えた空調装置とする場合には、例えば第１空気排出流路１０７の空気排出口を室内に向けて配置する一方、第２空気排出流路１０８の空気排出口を室外に向けて配置した構成とすればよい。もしくは、加湿機能のみを備えた空調装置とする場合には、例えば第２空気排出流路１０８の空気排出口を室内に向けて配置する一方、第１空気排出流路１０７の空気排出口を室外に向けて配置した構成とすればよい。また、除湿機能と加湿機能の双方を備えた空調装置とする場合には、第１空気排出流路１０７および第２空気排出流路１０８の双方の空気排出口を室内に向けて配置し、制御部１０９がいずれの空気排出口から空気を排出するかを制御する構成とすればよい。 In the above, in the humidity control device 100, the dehumidified air is discharged from the hygroscopic unit 101 through the first air discharge flow path 107, and the humidified air is discharged from the atomization regeneration unit 102 through the second air discharge flow path 108. It was explained that it was discharged through. Regarding the humidity adjustment function, when the humidity control device 100 of the present embodiment is an air conditioner having only a dehumidification function, for example, the air outlet of the first air discharge flow path 107 is arranged toward the room, while the first 2 The air discharge port of the air discharge flow path 108 may be arranged so as to face the outdoor side. Alternatively, in the case of an air conditioner having only a humidifying function, for example, the air discharge port of the second air discharge flow path 108 is arranged toward the room, while the air discharge port of the first air discharge flow path 107 is arranged outdoors. The configuration may be arranged so as to face. Further, in the case of an air conditioner having both a dehumidifying function and a humidifying function, both the air outlets of the first air discharge flow path 107 and the second air discharge flow path 108 are arranged and controlled toward the room. The configuration may be such that the unit 109 controls which air discharge port the air is discharged from.
　本実施形態の調湿装置１００においては、霧化再生部１０２が上記実施形態の超音波霧化装置から構成されているため、網状構造体の孔径を最適化することによって霧化量を増加させるとともに、霧化効率を高めることができる。これにより、液体吸湿材Ｌの再生効率が高い調湿装置１００を実現することができる。 In the humidity control device 100 of the present embodiment, since the atomization regeneration unit 102 is composed of the ultrasonic atomization device of the above embodiment, the amount of atomization is increased by optimizing the pore size of the network structure. At the same time, the atomization efficiency can be improved. As a result, it is possible to realize the humidity control device 100 having high regeneration efficiency of the liquid moisture absorbing material L.
　なお、本発明の技術範囲は上記実施形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲において種々の変更を加えることが可能である。
　例えば上記実施形態の超音波霧化装置においては、筐体に液状物の流入口および流出口が設けられていなかったが、流入口および流出口が設けられ、超音波霧化が連続的に行われる構成としてもよい。 The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the ultrasonic atomizing device of the above embodiment, the housing is not provided with an inlet and an outlet for a liquid substance, but an inlet and an outlet are provided, and ultrasonic atomization is continuously performed. It may be configured as such.
　また、上記実施形態で例示した超音波霧化装置および調湿装置の各種構成要素の数、形状、配置、材料等の具体的な記載については、上記実施形態に限定されることなく、適宜変更が可能である。 Further, the specific description of the number, shape, arrangement, material, etc. of various components of the ultrasonic atomizer and the humidity control device exemplified in the above embodiment is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be appropriately changed. Is possible.
　また、上記第７実施形態では、超音波霧化装置の適用例として、霧化量を増加させたい用途に用いる調湿装置の場合を挙げたが、これとは逆に、霧化量を減少させたい方向に制御する装置に用いる場合にも、本発明の超音波霧化装置が適用可能である。 Further, in the seventh embodiment, as an application example of the ultrasonic atomizing device, the case of a humidity control device used for an application in which the atomizing amount is desired to be increased has been mentioned, but conversely, the atomizing amount is reduced. The ultrasonic atomizing device of the present invention can also be applied when used in a device for controlling in a desired direction.
　本発明の霧化装置は、上記の調湿装置の他、例えばネブライザー、分離装置、塗布装置、液体濃縮装置等の各種装置に利用が可能である。 The atomizing device of the present invention can be used for various devices such as a nebulizer, a separating device, a coating device, and a liquid concentrating device, in addition to the above-mentioned humidity control device.

Claims (9)

  1. 　霧状液滴となる液状物を貯留する内部空間と排気口とを有する筐体と、
    　前記筐体に設けられ、前記液状物に超音波を照射することにより前記霧状液滴を発生させる超音波振動子と、
    　前記排気口を介して前記霧状液滴の少なくとも一部を前記内部空間から外部に送出するための気流を発生させる気流発生部と、
    　前記超音波振動子から放射された前記超音波を前記液状物の液面の特定の領域に向けて集束させるノズルと、
    　を備え、
    　前記ノズルは、上端に前記液状物の射出口を有する筒状部材と、前記筒状部材の内部空間のうち、前記射出口の法線方向から見て、前記射出口の外形形状の重心点を含む領域に少なくとも設けられ、上方に前記液状物の液柱を形成する網状構造体と、を有する、超音波霧化装置。     A housing having an internal space and an exhaust port for storing liquid substances that become mist droplets,
    An ultrasonic vibrator provided in the housing and generating the mist-like droplets by irradiating the liquid material with ultrasonic waves.
    An airflow generating unit that generates an airflow for sending at least a part of the mist-like droplets from the internal space to the outside through the exhaust port.
    A nozzle that focuses the ultrasonic waves radiated from the ultrasonic transducer toward a specific region of the liquid surface of the liquid material, and
    With
    The nozzle has a tubular member having an injection port for the liquid substance at the upper end and a center of gravity point of the outer shape of the injection port in the internal space of the tubular member when viewed from the normal direction of the injection port. An ultrasonic atomizer having at least a network structure provided in a region including the liquid material and forming a liquid column of the liquid substance above.
  2. 　前記網状構造体は、積層された複数の網を有する、請求項１に記載の超音波霧化装置。 The ultrasonic atomizing device according to claim 1, wherein the network structure has a plurality of laminated networks.
  3. 　前記網状構造体は、前記筒状部材の高さ方向に間隔をおいて設けられた複数の網を有する、請求項１または請求項２に記載の超音波霧化装置。 The ultrasonic atomizing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the net-like structure has a plurality of nets provided at intervals in the height direction of the tubular member.
  4. 　前記筒状部材は、前記筒状部材の内部に導入された前記液状物の旋回流を発生させる旋回流発生部材を有する、請求項１から請求項３までのいずれか一項に記載の超音波霧化装置。 The ultrasonic wave according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tubular member has a swirling flow generating member that generates a swirling flow of the liquid material introduced into the tubular member. Atomizer.
  5. 　前記筒状部材は、前記筒状部材の内部を流動する前記液状物の流路断面積が絞られた絞り部を有する、請求項１から請求項４までのいずれか一項に記載の超音波霧化装置。 The ultrasonic wave according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the tubular member has a narrowed portion in which the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the liquid material flowing inside the tubular member is narrowed. Atomizer.
  6. 　前記射出口が複数設けられ、
    　複数の前記射出口のそれぞれに対して、少なくとも前記重心点を含む領域に前記網状構造体が設けられている、請求項１から請求項５までのいずれか一項に記載の超音波霧化装置。     A plurality of the injection ports are provided,
    The ultrasonic atomizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the network structure is provided in a region including at least the center of gravity of each of the plurality of injection ports. ..
  7. 　前記網状構造体の孔径は、１０μｍ以上、かつ１ｍｍ以下である、請求項１から請求項６までのいずれか一項に記載の超音波霧化装置。 The ultrasonic atomizing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pore diameter of the network structure is 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less.
  8. 　前記網状構造体の厚さは、５ｍｍ以下である、請求項１から請求項７までのいずれか一項に記載の超音波霧化装置。 The ultrasonic atomizer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the thickness of the reticulated structure is 5 mm or less.
  9. 　吸湿性物質を含む液体吸湿材と空気とを接触させることにより、前記空気に含まれる水分の少なくとも一部を前記液体吸湿材に吸収させる吸湿部と、
    　前記吸湿部から供給された前記液体吸湿材に含まれる水分の少なくとも一部を霧化し、除去することによって前記液体吸湿材を再生する霧化再生部と、を備え、
    　前記霧化再生部は、請求項１から請求項８までのいずれか一項に記載の超音波霧化装置から構成されている、調湿装置。     A hygroscopic portion that allows the liquid hygroscopic material to absorb at least a part of the moisture contained in the air by bringing the liquid hygroscopic material containing a hygroscopic substance into contact with air.
    The liquid moisture absorbing material is provided with an atomizing regeneration unit that regenerates the liquid moisture absorbing material by atomizing and removing at least a part of the water contained in the liquid moisture absorbing material supplied from the moisture absorbing unit.
    The atomization regeneration unit is a humidity control device including the ultrasonic atomization device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
PCT/JP2020/017961 2019-05-27 2020-04-27 Ultrasonic atomization device and humidification device WO2020241150A1 (en)

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US20220111412A1 (en) * 2020-01-17 2022-04-14 Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation Ultrasonic atomization apparatus

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CN113893985A (en) * 2021-11-02 2022-01-07 广州大学 Ultrasonic atomization device

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