Abstract
The invention relates to a sonotrode (1) for an apparatus (40) for generating low-frequency high-power ultrasound. To be able to manufacture and permanently operate the sonotrode even with elements (2, 3) made of brittle materials, the sonotrode (1) is constructed with at least two materially interconnected elements (2, 3).
Claims
1. A sonotrode for transmitting of low-frequency high-power ultrasound, for an apparatus for generating low-frequency high-power ultrasound, wherein the sonotrode comprises several elements, characterized in that: at least two of the plurality of elements are materially interconnected; and at least one of the materially interconnected elements is a lambda/2 element of the sonotrode.
2. The sonotrode according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the materially interconnected elements is made of a material that is different from a material of another of the materially interconnected elements.
3. The sonotrode according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the materially interconnected elements is made of a ceramic material.
4. The sonotrode according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the materially interconnected elements is a hollow body.
5. The sonotrode according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the materially interconnected elements is a cylindrical body.
6. The sonotrode according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the materially interconnected elements is a pipe segment.
7. The sonotrode according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the materially interconnected elements is designed so that a fluid can flow through.
8. A sonotrode for transmitting of low-frequency high-power ultrasound, for an apparatus for generating low-frequency high-power ultrasound, wherein the sonotrode comprises several elements, characterized in that: at least two of the plurality of elements are materially interconnected; the sonotrode is designed with a predefined main propagation direction for low-frequency high-power ultrasound; and a connecting section materially interconnecting the elements is oriented perpendicular to the main propagation direction.
9. A sonotrode for transmitting of low-frequency high-power ultrasound, for an apparatus for generating low-frequency high-power ultrasound, wherein the sonotrode comprises several elements, characterized in that: at least two of the plurality of elements are materially interconnected; the at least two materially interconnected elements are materially interconnected by a connecting section of the sonotrode, wherein the connecting section is flat, annular or shaped as a hollow cylinder; the flat or annular connecting section is oriented perpendicular to the main propagation direction; and the hollow-cylindrical connecting section is oriented along the main propagation direction.
10. An apparatus for generating low-frequency high-power ultrasound, with a sonotrode, characterized in that the sonotrode comprises a sonotrode according to claim 1.
11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the apparatus generates during operation low-frequency high-power ultrasound as a standing wave in the sonotrode, and that the connecting section is spaced from an oscillation node.
Description
(1) The drawings show in:
(2) FIGS. 1-14 schematic diagrams of exemplary embodiments of the sonotrode according to the invention, and
(3) FIG. 15 a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for generating low-frequency high-power ultrasound.
(4) The structure and function of a sonotrode according to the invention will first be described with reference to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
(5) FIG. 1 shows a sonotrode 1 is a schematic sectional view and with two elements 2, 3. The two elements 2, 3 can each be formed as a piece of material. For example, the element 2 is cylindrical or rod-shaped and extends along a longitudinal direction L of the sonotrode 1. In the longitudinal direction L, along which the sectional view of the sonotrode 1 is taken, the element 3 is arranged behind the element 2. A connecting section 4 of the sonotrode is arranged between the elements 2, 3. The elements 2, 3 are solidly bonded to each other in the connecting section 4. For example, the connecting section 4 is formed as a solder layer, and the elements 2, 3 are soldered to each other. Alternatively, the connecting section 4 may be formed as a welding layer or as an adhesive layer that fastens the elements 2, 3 to each other.
(6) The element 2 is shown by way of example to be larger in the longitudinal direction L than the element 3. The sonotrode 1 may be aligned such that a main propagation direction H of ultrasound extends through the sonotrode 1 along the longitudinal direction L. Such a sonotrode 1 is thus, for example, a longitudinally oscillating sonotrode 1.
(7) FIG. 2 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in their function and/or structure to the elements of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 will be discussed below.
(8) In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the element 3 is larger in the longitudinal direction L than the element 2. The element 3 is also cylindrical and, for example, rod-shaped.
(9) FIG. 3 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the embodiments of FIG. 1 or 2. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 are discussed here.
(10) The element 3 is shorter than the element 2 along the longitudinal direction L, but longer than the element 3 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, an additional element 5 is arranged in the longitudinal direction L behind the element 3. The additional element 5 is materially connected to the element 3 by way of another connecting section 6. The connecting section 6 may also be a solder layer or an adhesive layer or a welded section fastening the elements 3 and 5 together. The element 5 is, like the elements 2, 3, cylindrical and, for example, rod-shaped.
(11) FIG. 4 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode according to the invention of FIG. 1 in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 are discussed here.
(12) The additional element 5 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 is shown as having a triangular cross-section. The shape of the triangular cross-section can correspond to an isosceles or an equilateral triangle. For example, the additional connecting element 5 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 is constructed as a cylinder with a triangular base, with this cylinder extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, the additional element can be designed as a pyramid 5.
(13) A flat side 7 of the additional element 5 is materially connected with the element 3 of the sonotrode 1 via the connecting section 6. An apex 8 or edge 8 of the additional element 5 points away in the longitudinal direction L and from the other connecting section 6.
(14) FIG. 5 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 are discussed in the following.
(15) A side 9 of the additional element 5 facing away from the other connecting section 6 is flat and extends preferably transversely to the longitudinal direction L. Transition regions 10, 11, where the side 9 transitions into lateral sides 12, 13 of the sonotrode 1 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction L and in particular of the additional element 5, are chamfered or rounded off.
(16) The chamfered or rounded transition regions 10, 11 prevent edges of the side 9 disposed transverse to the longitudinal direction L from projecting beyond a center of the side 9 in the longitudinal direction L and generating an undesirably high pressure on a body against which the side 9 is pressed along the longitudinal direction L.
(17) FIG. 6 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 are discussed here.
(18) The element 3 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6 is formed with a tapered cross-section in the longitudinal direction L. A side 14 of the element 3 facing the element 2 is larger transversely to the longitudinal direction L than a side 15 of the element 3 facing away from the element 1. The sides 14, 15 extend preferably transversely to the longitudinal direction L.
(19) For example, the cross-section of the element 3 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6 has a trapezoidal shape, in particular an isosceles and/or symmetric trapezoidal shape. The element 3 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6 is formed, for example, as a truncated cone.
(20) FIG. 7 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6 are discussed here.
(21) The side 15 of the element 3 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 facing away from the element 2 is semicircular in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7. Lateral sides 16, 17 of the element 3 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction L can thus transition seamlessly or without an edge 8 into the round side 17. The side 15 of the element 3 is thus, for example, hemispherical.
(22) FIG. 8 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 are discussed here.
(23) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the element 3 of the sonotrode 1 of FIG. 1 is replaced by an element 18. The element 18 is designed as a hollow cylinder and for example as a pipe section, with a longitudinal axis of the element 18 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction L. End faces 19, 20 of element 18 are preferably oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The end face 20 faces away from the element 2. The end face 19 faces the element 2 and is materially connected thereto. To materially connect the end face 19 with the element 2, the sonotrode 1 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 has an annular connecting section 21, whose cross-section transversely to the longitudinal direction L substantially corresponds to the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the element 18.
(24) The element 18 has in the longitudinal direction L an opening 22, through which material to be sonicated can be introduced into the element 18 opposite to the longitudinal direction L.
(25) Alternatively or in addition, an opening 22a may continuously extend through the element 18 transversely to the longitudinal direction L, so that a fluid, such as a coolant fluid, can flow through the element 18 transversely to the longitudinal direction L. The opening 22a may abut the connecting section 21 and extend in the longitudinal direction L through the entire element 18.
(26) FIG. 9 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 are discussed here.
(27) Instead of the element 3 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the sonotrode 1 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9 has an element 23, whose cross-section transversely to the longitudinal direction L is smaller than the cross-section of the element 2 transversely to the longitudinal direction L. For example, the element 23 may have a smaller width transversely to the longitudinal direction L than the element 2.
(28) Likewise, a connecting section 24 materially interconnecting the elements 2 and 23 may have a smaller width transversely to the longitudinal direction L than the element 2. In particular, the widths of the element 23 and the connecting section 24 transversely to the longitudinal direction may be substantially identical.
(29) However, the element 23 may have at least along particular sections a constant width along the longitudinal direction L and may be shaped, for example, rod, i.e. a straight cylinder.
(30) However, the width of the element 23 may be abruptly reduced along its course in the longitudinal direction L and away from the element 2, so that an end section 25 of the element 23 transversely to the longitudinal direction L has a smaller width than a rest of the element 23 arranged between the end section 25 and the connecting section 24. The end section 25 can, like the rest of the element 23, be formed straight and, for example, rod-shaped or as a straight cylinder. The length of the end section 25 along the longitudinal direction L may substantially be half of the total length of the element 23.
(31) FIG. 10 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 are discussed here.
(32) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10, the elements 3, 5 are not materially interconnected by the additional connecting section 6. Instead, a pin or bolt 26 is provided, which affixes the elements 3 and 5 to each other. The bolt 26 may be a threaded bolt with an external thread. This threaded bolt can be screwed into holes provided with inner threads of the two elements 3, 5, and interconnect the elements 3 and 5 by a screw connection, i.e. a non-positive connection. Alternatively, the pin 26 may be a dowel pin, which may be pressed into openings of the two elements 3, 5 lacking an internal thread so as to non-positively interconnect the elements 3 and 5. The opposing end faces of the two elements 3, 5 may be pressed together by the non-positive connection to allow ultrasound to be exchanged between the two elements 3, 5.
(33) FIG. 11 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 are discussed here.
(34) Instead of the element 3 of the sonotrode 1 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the sonotrode 1 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11 has an element 27 that is significantly larger transversely to the longitudinal direction L than the element 2. For example, the element 27 may be multiple times or several times larger, for example four times larger, transversely to the longitudinal direction L than the element 2.
(35) The connecting section 4 has transversely to the longitudinal direction L a width that preferably corresponds to the width of the element 2 transversely to the longitudinal direction L. The connecting section 4 may contact the element 27 transversely to the longitudinal direction L at the center and may be materially connected to the element 2.
(36) The element 27 is thin in the longitudinal direction L and may, for example, be note-shaped or leaf-shaped. A note-shaped element 27 may have a rectangular shape in a plane extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L.
(37) FIG. 12 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 are discussed here.
(38) An additional element 28, which is shorter along the longitudinal direction L than the additional element 5, is arranged along the longitudinal direction L behind the additional element 5. For example, the length of the element 28 may correspond to a fraction, for example one fifth, of the length of the other element 5.
(39) The other elements 5, 28 are preferably materially interconnected by way of an additional connecting section 29, wherein the additional connecting section 29 is arranged between the other elements 5, 28 along the longitudinal direction L.
(40) FIG. 13 shows schematically another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 are discussed here.
(41) In the exemplary embodiment of the FIG. 13, an element 30 of the sonotrode 1 is not materially connected with an end section 31 of the element 2 pointing in the longitudinal direction L. Instead, the element 30 is materially connected with a central section 32 of the element 2. The central section 32 is arranged substantially at the center of the element 2 along the longitudinal direction L.
(42) For example, the element 30 may be ring-shaped, toroidal or be formed as a pipe section, i.e. as a hollow cylinder, and have an inner diameter transversely to the longitudinal direction L that is greater than the outer diameter transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the element 2. The element 30 can thus surround the element 2 transversely to the longitudinal direction L. A connecting section 33 may be disposed between the element 2 and the element 30, which in conjunction with the element 30 can at least partially or even completely surround the element 2. The connecting section 33 may be formed as a hollow cylinder, in particular a straight hollow cylinder, whose longitudinal axis extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L.
(43) The element 30 may have a length along the longitudinal direction L that is smaller than the length of the element 2. In particular, the length of the element 30 may correspond to a fraction of the length of the element 2 and, for example, one third of the length of the element 2. The element 30 may be formed as a straight hollow cylinder, such as a pipe section.
(44) FIG. 14 shows another exemplary embodiment of the sonotrode 1 according to the invention in a side view sectioned along the longitudinal direction L. The same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond in function and/or construction to the elements of the exemplary embodiments of the previous figures. For sake of brevity, only the differences from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 are discussed below.
(45) FIG. 14 shows the sonotrode 1 with yet another element 34 that is arranged along the longitudinal direction L behind the element 3. The element 34 contacts a side 15 of the element 3, wherein a side of the element 24 facing the side 15 is preferably formed substantially complementary to the side 15. A side 35 of the element 34 facing away from the element 3 may, like the side 15, be shaped hemispherically or may at least have a semi-circular cross-section. The element 34 may have a crescent-shaped cross-section transversely to the longitudinal direction L.
(46) The two elements 3, 34 can also be materially interconnected, wherein a separate connecting section that materially connects the elements 3, 34 is not shown for sake of clarity.
(47) FIG. 15 shows an apparatus 40 for generating low-frequency high-power ultrasound, with a sonotrode 1 and a low-frequency high-power ultrasonic generator 41. The low-frequency high-power ultrasonic generator 41 is coupled with the sonotrode 1 and example with its element 2 for transmission of ultrasound. The sonotrode 1 is a sonotrode 1 according to the invention and, for example, a sonotrode 1 according to one of the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 14.
(48) In all the described exemplary embodiments, the last element of the sonotrode 1 in the longitudinal direction L may be made of the same material or of a different material as at least one of the other elements of the sonotrode. In particular, the last element in the longitudinal direction L may be made of a glass or ceramic material, or may even have a body made of the glass or ceramic material. To produce the material connection, in particular when the material connection is provided by a metal solder joint or welded joint, the last element may be provided with a metallic layer that takes part in the material connection. Alternatively, the ceramic material itself may be solderable or when the element is made of the glass material, the material connection may be produced by a glass solder.
LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
(49) 1 sonotrode 2, 3 element 4 connecting section 5 element 6 connecting section 7 flat side 8 apex or edge 9 side 10, 11 transition area 12, 13 lateral side 14, 15 side 16, 17 lateral side 18 element 19, 20 end face 21 connecting section 22, 22a opening 23 element 24 connecting section 25 end section 26 bolt 27 element 28 element 29 connecting section 30 element 31 end section 32 center section 33 connecting section 34 element 35 facing-away side 40 apparatus 41 low-frequency high-power ultrasonic generator H main propagation direction L longitudinal direction
