초록 ▼

There is described a battery driven atomizer in which an alternating voltage is applied to a piezoelectric actuation element to cause it to expand and contract and vibrate an atomizing membrane. The alternating voltage is controlled to produce a high amplitude vibration during a first portion of a d

There is described a battery driven atomizer in which an alternating voltage is applied to a piezoelectric actuation element to cause it to expand and contract and vibrate an atomizing membrane. The alternating voltage is controlled to produce a high amplitude vibration during a first portion of a drive period, to initiate atomization, and thereafter to produce a lower amplitude vibration to sustain atomization during the remainder of the drive period. The frequency of the alternating voltage is swept repeatedly during each drive period.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A drive circuit for a liquid atomizer in which a piezoelectric actuator is coupled to an orifice plate to vibrate the plate to atomize a liquid being supplied to one side of said plate, said drive circuit comprising:a pair of terminals across which a voltage is applied, and between which said pie

1. A drive circuit for a liquid atomizer in which a piezoelectric actuator is coupled to an orifice plate to vibrate the plate to atomize a liquid being supplied to one side of said plate, said drive circuit comprising:a pair of terminals across which a voltage is applied, and between which said piezoelectric actuator is connected; an electronic switch also connected between said terminals in parallel with said piezoelectric actuator, said electronic switch being switchable between conducting and non-conducting states; a switch operating circuit connected to switch said electronic switch between said conducting and non-conducting states; and a coil connected in series with said piezoelectric actuator between said terminals.