DE1941680A1 - Method for forming a pattern by controlling the formation of a large number of small liquid droplets and apparatus for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Description

Patent attorney « _t . , _β 1341680

Dipl.-Ing. A. Spalthoff Aug 15, 1S69

Essen, Pelmanstr. 31

T »Wqo 772006 '

■ '■ ... Dld / HGM

The Mead Corporation , 'Dayton (Ohio, USA)

Method of forming a pattern by a controller the formation of a large number of small liquids stropf en as well as device for the execution of the Procedure

The invention relates to a method of forming a pattern by controlling the formation of a large number of small drops of liquid as well as a device for Execution of the procedure.

The invention relates to a system in which individual equal-sized drops of a liquid! Ζ _t as a color in a controlled manner be formed-,, such that a certain temporal and spatial relationship is achieved. A typical application of the invention consists in printing at high speed, where the drops are deposited in a controlled manner on a paper web which is produced at a high speed

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Speed is moved past a drop generator, Bb various proposals have been made for _: synchronous formation of drops of the same size. A system serving this purpose is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 3,375,437. However, little attention was paid to the spatial and temporal arrangement of the drops and the arrangement of a large number of openings so close to one another that a completely filled pressure area is obtained through parallel digital actuation. If, for example, the drops are to be arranged vertically and horizontally at the same time during printing in order to produce a desired pattern or image, there must be a certain ratio ζ v / i see η of the speed of the formation of the drops and the movement of the paper. This ratio, on the other hand, must be related to the distance between adjacent droplets which are to be deposited on the paper.

. The. Relationships are made even more by the spatial Droplet generator requirements made complicated. The openings must be a certain minimum distance apart so that the charging electrodes and the deflecting electrodes can be accommodated .. At the same time, the collecting system must also be accommodated, into which the droplets are deflected will. It follows that the distance between the openings in a number under the influence of limitation by the material Training and the dimensions is much larger than it is to-deposit the relatively small drops, which are in the size range move from 0.075 mm to 0.125 mm, side by side is desired. Ideally, it is used to form a full picture required that the individual formed through the drops Touching or slightly overlapping points. You have to at least like this close side by side so that there is no between them visible underground emerges. Bs is already possible, drops to form, which result in a point of the size mentioned and which are formed in nozzles the diameter of which is in the range of 0.025 mm. However, it is not possible to do this

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Nozzles and their associated parts at the required distances to be arranged by a few millimeters, the ZUX-achievement of the desired result are necessary.

The invention has to provide a method and a device to the target, by which a plurality of Drops of a liquid such as one used for liarking Color optionally in a close spatial and temporal relationship can be formed. It can be the movement of a leaf or a web with the formation of drops in several rows be matched so that a full coverage of essential areas of the sheet or web can be achieved by having those deposited on the surface of the sheet or web Drops touch each other or slightly overlap »

The inventive method by which

this goal is achieved is characterized in that a A plurality of rows "of liquid jets is formed, the move in space along parallel paths that each .der rays "is stimulated with a common oscillation frequency, whereby each "ray is interrupted into individual drops, which have a certain mutual position in space, that certain Drops deflected from their path and removed from the system werderf, whereby the rest of the cranks off an I4uuter with a Form the chosen shape and that finally the pattern becomes visible made t. is. .

The device according to the invention for carrying out the method is characterized by an inverted number. - Borrowing of openings for the formation of a plurality of rows of liquid jets, each of which has a path which runs parallel to the paths of the other jets, one feed member for the supply of liquid under pressure to all openings , a regulating organ for the formation of drops in all streaks by means of a common frequency, an acler organ for

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optional removal of drops from the paths of the rays and a control element for the formation of a signal matrix in dependence from an input signal which the -visible display the die is used by influencing the deflection organs.

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According to the invention, a plurality of rows of Drop generators are provided, each of which is transverse to the direction of movement "of a sheet or a web is moved, each row having the necessary openings for the formation of drops, together with the associated control for the formation of the individual drops from each opening. The individual drops Generators are arranged at given distances from each other. ^ The individual rows are mutually offset, so that the deposition of the drops that emerge from the rows along certain lines relatively thinner, spaced laterally; arranged Ribbons or strips are made. It is possible to to span the entire width of the sheet or web. Through this, that the formation of the droplets coincides with the size of the droplets is matched with the "advance speed of the paper" it possible to close the drops in each of the mentioned strips adjoining positions, deposit that each band or each strip can be continuously deposited with the liquid.

By timing the signals to

". Formation of drops as a function of the pre-stroke speed of the paper and the spacing of the rows of drop generators in the longitudinal direction; it is possible to create a desired pattern to train the drops ^ Jjur Achieving a high degree of distinction in the deposition of the "drops it is possible to make the drops Synchronize with their deposition in such a way that, each drop within a die is centered on one Position is deposited,

. A supply of control signals to the electrodes

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the individual gob dispensers in each of the rows make it possible to control the deposition of a particular gob in the entire area of the web. If an image or a pattern is to be represented on the web or a sheet, each drop formed by each row is determined for a specific coordinate position in an xy coordinate system of the image or the pattern. Whether the corresponding drop reaches its position in the coordinate system or the matrix formed by the system depends on the control signal which is fed to the corresponding control electrodes. In other words, the control signal determines whether a drop is desired at a certain coordinate in the xy coordinate system, whether the drop should be deflected or whether its deposition on the sheet or the web should be allowed so that it represents part of the image or pattern to be produced. ■ < represents. ■ -.__ '·

In one embodiment of the invention, a Mus'tBr to be formed on the sheet or web can be reproduced from an original which is arranged in an optical scanning device. The electro-optical recording system of the scanning element contains a single sensor for each coordinate of the coordinate system of the image. Each sensor is in turn connected to an associated control electrode in one of the rows. By means of a precise assignment, the scanning element forms the control signals which control a deflection or a lack of deflection, where- ■ · ' ^! by producing an image or a pattern on the path moving below the rows. It goes without saying that the sensing element must have its feelers spaced apart and positioned sideways, in accordance with "the specification of the rows of the individual openings. which produce the same effect.

For the receiving element it is possible either individual sheets of paper or other suitable material '

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or to use a long continuous. track. The invention is particularly suitable for marking or printing irregular surfaces. An irregularity of the surface, if not too large in relation to the direction of movement of the drops has little influence on the horizontal pattern of the Deposition of the drops. For example, a "print" on irregular Surfaces such as on glass paper, various textiles or corrugated surfaces, such as corrugated cardboard, can be formed with less difficulty and greater accuracy than is possible with the known printing processes. The printing process require namely a contact with a printing ink provided plate or a similar printing element with the material to be printed. The shape of the individual rows of drop generators does not have to be linear either, but can be curved or in some other way be adapted to the shape of the receiving element. E.g. successful results when printing on glass paper or on corrugated paper Documents obtained ,. Other typical applications are e.g. Imprints or markings on bottles, cans and other containers. -.-.

"-.. The present invention also includes a

Print output for a system for electronic data processing. » It is possible to produce printed material such as textiles at the high speed provided by the invention, for example in the range of 600 m per minute. If z ^ ä. Characters the size of typewriters of the "pica" type are reproduced, it is possible to print at a speed of three hundred thousand characters; of the second to _: print; if a speed of the web in the order of 600 m per minute is used "and printing characters of the" pica "type are used in lines up to 56 cm in length *, with approximately one * one hundred and thirty-two characters have space in one line.

. "It can thus be seen that a trained device is capable. Print marks with a

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extremely high speed to form which with the exit is comparable to an electronic machine for data processing. This is e.g. the mentioned speed of the formation of print marks suitable for taking up the output of a "computer" directly via an isolating amplifier, which directly connects the individual deflection electrodes operated in the ranks of the system. The output of the computer can also be stored magnetically or in some other way and then used as an input to the system.

However, the invention is not related to printing or the formation of patterns is limited. A controlled arrangement of drops of a liquid on a receiving surface is also possible in work aisles, such as etching, the production of coatings, especially in limited areas of the receiving area, as well for optical recording as well as for the production of various Products. It is also possible that a plurality of rows of openings in one ID. is never used or offset to the side and that the individual drops are controlled in such a way that it arises in a certain arrangement, whereupon drops are never illuminated at a given point in time, e.g. by short flashes, which in dependence on νοαι the beginning of the drop formation in terms of time are controlled. Controlling the formation of droplets and their lighting allows the three-dimensional display obtained to be changed in terms of its shape and size within the limits of the system.

The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing illustrated Ausfüiirungsbeispiele explained. Bs ^ shows:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an inventive Printing system in which the various rows of drop generators are amplified by one electro-optical scanning device with which a template of the image to be produced or of the pattern is scanned, the

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. Figure or pattern repeated on a moving

th paper web is formed,.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the manner in which Parts of different Buchctatien simultaneously by means of a control of the drop generator in a one-way ~ umpteen rows are formed,

3 shows a detail on a larger scale with the representation the opening and the deflector, which in one Drop generators are arranged,.

Fig. 4 is an electrical circuit diagram to illustrate the

How a drop generator works as well as its ™ ■ '".' ■ control,

Prop. 5 is a block diagram of a typical printing device;

which works according to the inventive principle,

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the mutual relationship the deposition of drops from successive rows and

7 shows a three-dimensional display system.

jäei the embodiment according to Figures 1 to 4 illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention, _a,: taken from the paper web 10 a supply roll 12, k has a table 13 out, wound about a drive roller 15, and is on a take-up roll sixteenth Above the table 13 there is an "empty number of rows of Tr opfener zeugern, each row having a plurality of openings through which the liquid occurs, which in individual drops un- in the form of a jet -... Is tert approaches for the For purposes of illustration, the first row 20 is shown as the top so that the web 10 is guided below the row 20 first. The web 10 then arrives at a second row 22, which is designed in the same way, whereupon it will lead past rows 24 and 26. The IQ and

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the table 13 are interrupted between the rows 22 and 24, whereby it should be shown that the number of rows is different can be, depending on the desired result.

The liquid that is precisely deposited on the web 10 is to be, is from a container 30 through an output conduit 32 and a filter 33 are fed to a pipeline 35, which according to the illustration, the individual rows with the Fluid supplied under pressure. Am a vibrator like the one shown Supersonic vibrator 37 is connected to the pipeline, whereby the liquid in the system is subjected to high-frequency vibrations.

The liquid is fed from the pipeline to a common connection line of the individual row of droplet generators, such as, for example, the connection line 38 of row 20. The connection lines for their part have a large number of small openings 40 (Fig. 3) _f from each of which a fine jet of liquid flows out. Due to the high-frequency vibrations, the jet is quickly divided into individual drops, which are located at a corresponding distance. In a typical embodiment, the openings 40 each have a diameter of 0.04 mm, the resulting drops having a size in the range of 0.08 mm. The drops of this size usually form circular spots with a diameter of about 0.12 mm.

The drops are in the form of a jet against ' the moving web 10 directed. To achieve practically full coverage of a longitudinal strip with a width of 0.12 mm the successive drops of one must form the strip · ^ the opening with a distance from center to center of the point of ' Ό .09 mm or less can be deposited. Because the time between each other following drop is the same as the reciprocal value of the ' stimulating frequency, this condition can be converted into a design specification for the stimulating organ. The

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talking equation has the form

f = ^w

where V is the speed of the "moving web, d the desired Distance from center to center of the points and f the required Excitation frequency. If a speed of the track 10 of approximately 10 m per second is 'assumed', one obtains for the required Excitation frequency has a value of approximately 120 kHz.

If with a system of this type a 20 cm wider Area of the web is to be covered, there are 1600 openings for this purpose required, the centers of which are 0.12 mm apart from each other * The design requirements are such that the Openings not in a contiguous row across them. Train can be arranged. To take into account the required Distance between the openings due to their constructive Training as well as the training of the assigned control parts, the openings in each row must be spaced much larger apart be arranged. The openings are preferably uniform apart, with the arrangement in each row is equal to. The individual rows are offset from one another in such a way that the openings are above different bands or Stripes. Are located along the web. The arrangement is. at the same time struck that if all the openings would work together and all the drops to hit the surface of the Bahn were approved, the full width of the 20 cm would be completely covered '. The arrangement is in the pig. 2 shown in which the beginning, the representation of letters M and E is shown. The letters are created by certain rays formed by drops from certain openings, which on the Web deposited beneath the first row 20 as it moves be .. ■

To control deposition or non-deposition

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the drop becomes every drop, which is enough to be deposited, electrostatically charged by an electrical charge, which a charging ring 42 is fed, which is located in a control device located below the opening 40. Downstream of the charging electrode 42 is a set of deflection electrodes 44 which are continuous. Form the distraction field, the distraction charged drops from your jet in a collecting unit 45 is used, we'lehe contains a cutting edge 46 which extends forward in the Hahe of the jet of uncharged drops extends, but not into the Beam into it yourself. The drops, which are in the collecting unit 45 are diverted, are collected and passed through a return line 48 led back into the container. Part of the line 48 is shown in FIG.

The charging electrode 42 thus acts as an organ for optional charging of drops which are not deposited on the web should be. Together with the deflection electrodes 44 and the collecting unit 45 they form an organ for moving the drops in question, which are not to be deposited, out of the direction of movement of the Ray, the system is thus binary, with an absence of one Charging causes a drop to be deposited directly on the web and a presence of charge causes a deflection instead leads to a deposit.

As shown in FIG. 25, the path and the jet of the drops preferably intersect at an oblique angle. The angle is chosen so that the speed component of the drops running parallel to the direction of movement of the web at the moment of impact is approximately the same as the speed of the moving web 10. It has been shown that such an arrangement results in minimal deformation of the drop when it is deposited on the track. There are therefore obtained on the path - 10 points which are essentially circular.

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In Fig. 1 a possible embodiment of an input of the system is shown, in which a pattern or an image can be formed repeatedly on the web. In this embodiment, an optical storage in the form of a photographic or a similar print or in the form of a photographic film is provided, in which transparent and opaque areas are formed. The film is mounted on a clear drum 50 with a lamp 52 located within the drum. The light, which ■; penetrates through the opaque areas of the film, is used, the operation of a Ableeeorganes in the form of a group of Phot'ofühlern 55, the number and spacing of the openings 40 of the first row 20 W corresponds. The light actuating these photo sensors is thus converted into electrical signals which are amplified by amplifier 60. An amplifier 60 is shown in detail in the figure. The output signals of the amplifier are fed to the individual charging electrodes 42 of the control units, which are assigned to the individual openings in the row. Actuation of a particular photo sensor results in the formation of a charge on its associated charging electrode 42, as a result of which a particular drop is deflected into the collecting system and its deposition on the web 10 is prevented.

; In the example shown, a plurality of groups of photo sensors are provided, denoted by reference numerals 57, and. 59 are designated. The individual groups are assigned to rows 20 to 26 of the drop generators. The distance between the groups of photo sensors on the circumference of the drum 50 corresponds to the distance between the rows 20 to 26 along the moving track 10. The drive motor 61 of the drive roller 15 as well as the drive motor 62 of the drum 5P with the template are used to keep the reading element apart from the deposit actuated and precisely controlled by control circuits 65, so that the drive takes place precisely synchronously. However, it is possible to connect the drive roller 15 ¹ JJrId the Troro: ael 5.0 by a common shaft,

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It is also possible to use the described system as a high-speed printing device for to use a data processing machine. The printing device can be controlled from a memory such as a magnetic tape memory or a core memory. In certain cases, however, the printing device can also act directly through the output signals of the computer via isolating amplifiers, which do the job have the computer output signals in the required To convert signals to actuate this particular type of printing device. .

For example, it is possible if, as already mentioned, a Speed of the web of 600 min of the minute or 10 m in the Second is assumed, as well as that the points through openings with a diameter of 0.04 mm "are formed through which points be formed with a diameter of 0.12 mm on the web to form normal characters of a Schreimaschinengrös se, the have a width of approximately 2 mm and a height of 2.5 mm. This requires 16 rays for each character, i.e. 16 openings with the assigned controls.

Assuming a printing device is needed that the mechanical printing processes available today for high speeds, 132 columns can be formed, which one line with a capacity of 132 print characters using signals which determine each print character that is formed in each of the columns. should be det. A normal typewriter has typesetting with 88 different characters, which are identified by a code with seven bits can be determined. In the case of a normal line spacing of 4.2 mm, the speed of the web does not stand at the specified speed. runs approximately 417 microseconds from the beginning of one line to the beginning of the next Line available. During this period, the printing device must be able to save and create up to 132 possible characters. If it is believed to be used to determine the individual

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■ characters a code with seven bits is used, this means that approximately 1000 bits must be recorded and processed in approximately 410 microseconds. This is within the range of the existing possibilities of the known switching and storage devices . services. ". /

As can be seen from FIG. 5, the 88

Characters are formed by 88 diode matrices, which are shown schematically and denoted by the reference numerals 70. Each matrix has 20 horizontal rows and 16 vertical sub-columns. The 132 columns of characters correspond to 132 print heads 72, each of which can be connected to any die 70 by a switching unit 75. Each printhead contains 16 openings which correspond to the 16 vertical sub-columns of the die. speak to which the printhead in question can be connected. All matrices 70 are scanned at the same time with time-graded steps progressing in the vertical direction. At each scanning step, each matrix 70 supplies 16 binary bits to the switching unit 75. As a result, each control electrode 42 is actuated by 20 successive binary signals which correspond to the information stored in a vertical sub-unit of the relevant matrix 70 to which the print head 72 is connected . This results in a simultaneous formation of up to 132 characters that progresses in the vertical direction. At the end of the sequence of 20 steps, the switching unit 75 connects each print head 72 to the matrix 70 in which the print character is stored which is to be imaged next by the relevant print head. The aforementioned vertical scanning of the matrices is carried out by a changeover switch 77 with twenty steps, which in turn is actuated by a time unit 80. The time unit 80 is also connected to each of the print heads 72 and is used to control the constant frequency for the excitation for drop formation in all openings. In this way a '■ ratio of one to one between formed droplets and the switching signals obtained for the drops. In the present case,

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carries the required excitation frequency approximately 120 kHz. The one with it resulting speed of character formation is 316 800 characters per second if it is assumed that there is one character in each column.

Due to the structural considerations already mentioned, it is difficult, if not impossible, to design the print heads 72 with 16 openings in a row for the formation of drops. Ea, therefore, the openings are arranged in a plurality of rows in a stepped manner, as shown in the figure. 5 is shown. As can be seen from this figure, the distance between the centers of the openings is approximately 0.5 mm. In practice, this distance is also difficult to achieve. _r Ss can therefore be used with heads 16 openings which are staggered one behind the other, wherein in each case located in a row one opening. As an alternative, it is possible to use an arrangement as shown in FIG. In such an arrangement, 16 rows;

• with 132 openings - used in a row. The rows can be electrically connected in such a way that corresponding openings of all 16 rows are connected to the same die 70 at a specific point in time. In this way, the mutually associated openings corresponding to a print head 72 which is shown in Fig. 5. "..- ■ - ■■.

To the mentioned spatial separation of the Oeffr.unfren take into account, it is necessary to set a required

• Carry out borrowed setting. From the-Fig. ' 1 can be seen that a transverse line of "web 10" first under the row 20 of the openings and then under all other rows. The transit time from row * to row depends on the speed depending on the track and the distance between the rows. Bs is it can be seen from this that when this transit time is taken into account becomes-aie arrangement with a plurality of stepped and lateral staggered rows can be treated as a functional equivalent of a single row in which all Openings are side by side close to one another.

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In Fig. 6 is the geometry of such an arrangement shown. The figure shows two openings 91 and 92, which are shown as representative of the members of graduated rows are. This means that the rows of openings are arranged perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG. It's from the Figure can be seen; that a drop, which the opening 91 at the same time as another drop from the opening 92 leaves after passing through a distance b, the path IO in, a distance d behind the drop from the opening 92 is reached. By two drops, such as drops 93 and 94 exactly next to each other to be arranged on the web 10, the drop 94 must later to be triggered. The electronic control of the openings in the front row must be compared to the control of the openings in the work back row with a time delay T, which results from the formulas:

= d or T =

; V ⁷ w ^{cos 0}

where e is the distance between the rows and Q is the angle between the liquid jet and the path.

".. - .- It can thus through the use of a suitable With a time delay in the electronic control of the first rows, both rows are programmed and switched in such a way as if they have a single row with a double number of oeff- nungeη were formed. The principle can be applied to any Number of rows to be expanded. In a typical printing device as shown in FIG. 1 ie ^ t., Up to. twenty such rows used; will. This creates an ab * - stood in each row from opening to opening of about 2.5 mm allowed, with the deposition of the drops in a staggered manner in . Distances of 0.12 mm in the cross direction of the print area are made. The necessary electoral organs for a number of displaced persons Rows can be obtained in various ways. In this relationship is the storage in 'matrices and the removal

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ir

by a changeover switch 77 an equivalent of the staggered arrangement of optical sensors according to the arrangement of the beams in the drop generator when scanning an original or a Template.

Precise deposition of the drops also requires plus a precise phase control of the excitation at each opening. In practice, this can be difficult to achieve. In many cases, however, it is sufficient to provide a time control for all charging electrodes 42. Since all Oefinungen with the If excited at the same frequency, each charge records the required number of consecutive drops. Since the separation of the corresponding drops from the various openings has a random distribution during an excitation cycle, then they are Places where the drops hit, along randomly distributed along a line with the V / f. Such a control of the excitation thus has a slight deterioration in the resolution ability of the system.

In Fig. 7 is an arrangement for

Formation of variable three-dimensional representations shown. In the upper area of the figure there is a plurality of rows of drop generators, which are arranged closely one after the other and which are denoted by the reference symbol 85. Each row contains a large number of individual drop generators, which, for example, according to FIG. 4 are executed. The ropes are staggered close to one another and arranged at regular intervals so that the · ■ drops along each drop generator; fall a certain path, which is at a precise distance from the others,! as shown by the vertical lines in FIG. .: Since the single / ien drop generators can be controlled so that they form droplets having a regular and high frequency, the drops fall into the same according formed ■■ intervals down into a collecting container 87, the bottom of the I Fig. 7 is shown. It goes without saying that this transversely

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fending air currents must be prevented, e.g. by means of an arrangement in vacuum or under reduced pressure * If a .einer Drop generator is switched on and drops at regular intervals forms during a certain time, the fall Drops in the form of a chain into the lower collecting container 87.

At any given point in time, the individual drops in the room assume a certain position in relation to the drop generators and to each other. It is therefore possible to control the actuation of the individual drop generators in such a way that the drops have the shape of a certain. Line or sequence that moves vertically from the point of origin in the drop generator. If this operation is repeated, it is possible to obtain a plurality of such vertical structures consisting of droplets, all of which assume a precise mutual position, since the droplet generators can be excited at the same high frequency. If, therefore, such an arrangement is formed under controlled light conditions, it is possible, for example, to illuminate at certain times, for example by using light flashes. In this way, a three-dimensional structure can be made visible to an observer.

The majority of the rows shown in FIG. is, for example, surrounded by a plurality of flash lamps 90-. These can be designed in a known manner, which as ^; Stroboscopic flash lamps is called. In some ways they are arranged in such a way that they ignite at the same time, so that they direct their light from different directions onto the falling drops. The duration of the flash is in the region of a microsecond, which makes it possible to bring the movement of the drops to a standstill for the observer. A time control 95 is used to actuate the arrangement in such a way that the formation of a number of droplet patterns from the various droplet generators occurs in a time sequence. When a desired number of drops in a desired shape in a certain.

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Position, the lamps are activated, illuminate the drops and fix them in this way for the observer in the Space. This activity can be repeated at high speed. will.

For example, the function can be compared to a film showing, in which 16 images are projected per second, whereby! Due to the activity of the eye, an image is created which appears to the observer either standing or normally mobile. By controlling the function of the individual drop generators in this way, it is possible to obtain a three-dimensional representation which is essentially static, can be observed from many different points and which can be changed by influencing the programming of the drop generator the shape of the three-dimensional representation can be changed as desired. Such a device can be used in the study of various forms, namely in mechanical construction, in artistic. Drafts, in the study of mathematical problems dealing with complex three-dimensional objects or topographical problems, etc. As follows from the description of the embodiment epiole, each contains a plurality of rows ofdrop flexors κ., All excited by a common source of vibrations . Each drop generator contains a control element, which allows a deflection of selected individual drops from their normal movement path, whereby a pattern can be formed in such a way that the remaining drops are deposited in a certain temporal and spatial relationship, under the control of a Matrix with signal series * which correspond to an input signal, such as from a memory and an isolating amplifier for adaptation to the system.

Although the method and apparatus described for carrying out of the method are preferred developments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the examples described and that various modifications are made within the scope of the following claims are possible - ^

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Claims (1)

to Claims : ■ CQ method of forming a pattern by a Control of the formation of a large number of small liquid droplets; characterized in that a plurality of rows of liquid jets are formed, which move in space along parallel paths, that each of the jets is excited with a common fe} oscillation frequency, whereby each jet is interrupted into individual drops which have a certain mutual position in the Have space that certain drops are deflected from their orbits and. can be removed from the system, whereby the remaining drops form a pattern with a selected shape and that finally
lent the cough is made visible. ■ ·. "■ - ''-" 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that a receiving element past the liquid jets
. a speed is moved, which with ö.er excitation frequency
is coordinated in such a way that the * "successive drops of each jet on the receiving element in adjacent positions
be deposited, with a continuous deposition of on-
ψ successive drops result in the formation of an essentially continuous line. ■ 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a template of the pattern to be produced is scanned,
that digital control signals are generated during the scanning process
and that the signals to control the deflection of the drops
can be used out of their orbit. 4. The method according to claim I, characterized in that
that the drops after certain time intervals, which
not coordinated with the approval frequency and the agreement, ■■ .- ■■■■■■■. ■. - 20 - 00 9 8 18/1157 BATH be lit so that a majority of the drops at the same time is made visible in an instant, wherever they enter in space three-dimensional pattern biMen. 5. Apparatus for carrying out the method according to Claim 1, characterized by a plurality of rows of Oeff- for the formation of a plurality of series of liquid rays, each of which has a path that runs parallel to the paths of the other rays, a feed member for the feed of liquid under pressure to all openings, a stimulating organ for the formation of drops, a deflecting organ for optional discharge removal of drops from the paths of the rays and a control organ for the formation of a signal matrix depending on an input signal, which of the visible display of the die through an influence serves to divert '6, device according to claim 5, characterized that the openings all have the same cross-section and parallel axes and that the supply element for the liquid of the Supply of liquid to all openings under the same Pressure is used in such a way that drops of the same size as well as parallel Jets of drops are created with drops of the same speed. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that that the openings in each row are equidistant from Center to center "and that the rows are laterally offset in such a way that an interdigitated deposit of the drops a receiving element arises, which one after the other on the rows is led by openings. 8, device according to claim 7, characterized in that that a drive member is provided which the movement a receiving element past the rows of openings a speed which an.die excitation frequency for Formation of the drops is adapted in such a way that the through 009818/1157 BATH ■ '■■ ■ «-ζ': ■ '■■■,'. ■■■ ' individual drops appearing from the same opening formed Connect areas on the receiving element to one another. 9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that that the receiving element is a web of a material, 10. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the control member has at least one time element, which the delay of the supply of the deflection signals to the in one another the following rows is used, namely around Periods corresponding to the spacing of the rows in the direction of the Movement path of the receiving element and the speed of the receiving element are adapted. W. 11. The device according to claim 5, characterized by a plurality of rows of sensors which are arranged at intervals which are adapted to the arrangement of the openings and a drive element for moving a template past the sensors, at a speed which is the speed of the receiving element is equivalent to. 12. The device according to claim 5, characterized marked • nety that the control organ has a control of the oscillation phase serves all openings in such a way that the deflection of the drops with. ' the excitation for drop formation is synchronized, and an accurate The drops are deposited in predetermined positions. } j "~ -" 13. The device according to claim 5, characterized by a stroboscopic illumination source which is arranged such that it irradiates the liquid jets for a. direct three-dimensional observation of the drop in the spaces serving _r whereby the "control member organs for actuating the radiation source comprises in a synchronous relationship with the deflector. 14. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the deflection element has an electrostatic arrangement for charging, which of the optional charging of certain Drops after a control signal is used, as well as a deflection element, wel-. j 009818 / 11S ¹ J * J ches the deflection- the drops out of their orbits according to the Charging the individual drops is used. .15 · Device according to claim 11, characterized therefor net that the template to be reproduced is a visual representation of the pattern, and that the drive member is a rotatable cylinder having, which along spaced apart optical rays is movable, the arrangement of which aer the arrangement of Corresponds to openings in the rows, the sensors containing a plurality of photoelectric transmission elements, of which each containing light from one of the optical rays and the cylinder along the opposite ends of the optical rays * is movable. Cj 009818/1 157
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