WO2021255773A1 - Image formation device and inkjet head - Google Patents

Image formation device and inkjet head Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021255773A1
WO2021255773A1 PCT/JP2020/023349 JP2020023349W WO2021255773A1 WO 2021255773 A1 WO2021255773 A1 WO 2021255773A1 JP 2020023349 W JP2020023349 W JP 2020023349W WO 2021255773 A1 WO2021255773 A1 WO 2021255773A1
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Prior art keywords
image forming
flow path
forming apparatus
liquid
inkjet head
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PCT/JP2020/023349
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
義朗 戸田
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コニカミノルタ株式会社
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Priority to JP2022531103A priority Critical patent/JPWO2021255773A1/ja
Priority to PCT/JP2020/023349 priority patent/WO2021255773A1/en
Publication of WO2021255773A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021255773A1/en

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/18—Ink recirculation systems

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an inkjet head.
  • an image forming apparatus using an inkjet head that ejects ink from a nozzle to form an image or a structure on a medium.
  • Patent Document 1 describes a technique of spirally winding a flow path around a heater to secure a sufficient heating area for the flow path to heat ink without heating the heater to a high temperature. Has been done. Further, in Patent Document 2, when a flow path is formed by connecting pipes, the pipe connected to the heater with high thermal conductivity is routed as far as possible to the nozzle side, and the heating region is lengthened to increase the ink temperature. Techniques for getting closer to what you want are described.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an inkjet head that enable stable droplet ejection at low cost and easily.
  • the image forming apparatus of the present invention is the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
  • An image forming device that ejects a liquid as droplets to form an image.
  • An inkjet head having a discharge nozzle for discharging the liquid in the tank,
  • a homogenizing member arranged in the flow path and homogenizing the liquid, Have.
  • the invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
  • the flow path has a temperature control section for heating or cooling the liquid flowing through the flow path.
  • the homogenizing member is arranged on the discharge nozzle side of the temperature adjustment section or the temperature adjustment section.
  • the temperature control section is a heating section in which a heater for heating the liquid is installed.
  • the invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3. A part of the homogenizing member and the member heated by the heater are thermally conductively connected.
  • the invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
  • the homogenizing member is a static mixer.
  • the invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
  • the flow of liquid flowing through the flow path immediately before the homogenizing member is a laminar flow.
  • the liquid is a dispersion liquid in which particles are dispersed.
  • the invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
  • the liquid has thixotropic properties.
  • the invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8. It has a circulation flow path that connects the discharge nozzle and the tank.
  • the invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9. At least a part of the flow path section from the homogenizing member to the discharge nozzle is formed of a heat insulating member having a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m ⁇ K or less.
  • the invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 10.
  • the heat insulating member is at least one of a plastic member, a rubber member, and a glass member.
  • the invention according to claim 12 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
  • the homogenizing member is provided in the flow path in the inkjet head.
  • the invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
  • the homogenizing member is provided in the flow path between the tank and the inkjet head.
  • the inkjet head of the invention according to claim 14 is An inkjet head that ejects a liquid as droplets to form an image.
  • the invention according to claim 15 is the inkjet head according to claim 14.
  • the homogenizing member is a static mixer.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1.
  • the image forming apparatus 1 includes an inkjet head 10, an ink tank 20 for temporarily storing ink, and external flow paths 31 and 32 connecting the inkjet head 10 and the ink tank 20.
  • the inkjet head 10 includes a connecting portion 11 that connects to the external flow path 31 and a connecting portion 12 that connects to the external flow path 32.
  • the connecting portion 11 is an ink inlet
  • the connecting portion 12 is an ink outlet.
  • the ink temporarily stored in the ink tank 20 passes through the external flow path 31 and the connection portion 11, reaches the nozzle of the inkjet head 10, and a part of the ink is ejected.
  • the ink that has not been ejected passes through the connection portion 12 and the external flow path 32 and returns to the ink tank 20.
  • the ink circulates between the ink tank 20 and the inkjet head 10, and the external flow path 32 functions as a circulation flow path.
  • the arrows near the external flow paths 31 and 32 in FIG. 1 indicate the direction in which the ink flows.
  • the inkjet head 10 includes a static mixer 13 for agitating and mixing ink between the connection portion 11 and the nozzle to homogenize the temperature, viscosity and the like.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the connection portion 11 of the inkjet head 10.
  • the inkjet head 10 is provided with a nozzle plate 14 on the lower surface thereof, and a plurality of nozzles are formed on the nozzle plate 14.
  • the flow path 15 from the connection portion 11 to the nozzle is connected to the external flow path 31.
  • a static mixer 13 is provided in the flow path 15 below the connection portion 11 which is the ink inlet, and the ink flowing into the flow path 15 in the inkjet head 10 is agitated and mixed. The agitated and mixed ink reaches the nozzle, and a part of the ink is ejected from the nozzle.
  • a heater H is provided around the pipe in the temperature adjusting section 31a of the external flow path 31, and can heat the ink passing through the temperature adjusting section (heating section) 31a.
  • the temperature of the ink near the wall of the pipe in the temperature control section 31a is high, and the temperature of the ink in the center of the pipe is lower than that of the ink near the wall of the pipe.
  • Non-uniformity occurs in the temperature distribution of the ink in the pipe.
  • the ink flow passing through the portion upstream of the ink flow from the location where the static mixer 13 of the external flow path 31 and the flow path 15 is arranged is a laminar flow
  • the static of the external flow path 31 and the flow path 15 is static.
  • the non-uniformity of the temperature distribution of the ink generated in the piping at the location upstream from the location where the mixer 13 is arranged cannot be eliminated.
  • the laminar flow is, for example, one that satisfies the following equation.
  • Re Du ⁇ / ⁇ ⁇ 2300
  • Re Reynolds number
  • D Representative diameter of the flow path (annulus diameter equivalent to the cross-sectional area) [m]
  • u Flow velocity [m / sec]
  • ⁇ Liquid density [kg / m3]
  • ⁇ Liquid viscosity [Pa ⁇ sec]
  • the ink circulating in the image forming apparatus 1 is a dispersion liquid in which particles are dispersed.
  • Ink which is a dispersion liquid, exhibits non-Newtonian rheology, and the non-uniformity of temperature distribution tends to increase.
  • the pigment as particles include the following pigments in the case of organic pigments.
  • magenta or red pigment examples include C.I. I. Pigment Red 2, C.I. I. Pigment Red 3, C.I. I. Pigment Red 5, C.I. I. Pigment Red 6, C.I. I. Pigment Red 7, C.I. I. Pigment Red 15, C.I. I. Pigment Red 16, C.I. I. Pigment Red 48: 1, C.I. I. Pigment Red 53: 1, C.I. I. Pigment Red 57: 1, C.I. I. Pigment Red 122, C.I. I. Pigment Red 123, C.I. I. Pigment Red 139, C.I. I. Pigment Red 144, C.I. I. Pigment Red 149, C.I. I.
  • Pigment Red 166 C.I. I. Pigment Red 177, C.I. I. Pigment Red 178, C.I. I. Pigment Red 202, C.I. I. Pigment Red 222, C.I. I. Pigment Violet 19 and the like.
  • Examples of the pigment for orange or yellow include C.I. I. Pigment Orange 31, C.I. I. Pigment Orange 43, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 12, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 13, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 14, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 15, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 15: 3, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 17, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 74, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 93, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 128, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 94, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 138, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 155 and the like. Especially in the balance between color tone and light resistance, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 155 is preferred.
  • Examples of the pigment for green or cyan include C.I. I. Pigment Blue 15, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 15: 2, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 15: 3, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 16, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 60, C.I. I. Pigment Green 7 and the like.
  • pigment for black for example, C.I. I. Pigment Black 1, C.I. I. Pigment Black 6, C.I. I. Pigment Black 7 and the like.
  • inorganic pigments such as titanium oxide, anatase type, rutile type and blue kite type, but general-purpose ones can be roughly classified into anatase type and rutile type.
  • the rutile type having a large refractive index and high concealing property is preferable. Specific examples include the TR series of Fuji Titanium Industry Co., Ltd., the JR series of TAYCA Corporation, and the type of Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd.
  • the insoluble pigment is not particularly limited, but is not limited to, for example, azo, azomethine, methine, diphenylmethane, triphenylmethane, quinacridone, anthraquinone, perylene, indigo, quinophthalone, isoindoline, isoindoline, azine, oxazine, thiazine, and the like. Dioxazine, thiazole, phthalocyanine, diketopyrrolopyrrole and the like are preferable.
  • the dye as particles include sulfur dyes, bat dyes, and disperse dyes as insoluble dyes.
  • the bat dye include a slene dye and an indigo dye.
  • Disperse dyes include benzeneazo (monoazo and disazo), heterocyclic azo (thiazole azo, penzothiazole azo, pyridone azo, pyrazolone azo, thiophenazo, etc.), anthraquinone, and condensation (quinophthalone, styryl, coumarin, etc.).
  • the binder particles contained in the ink can also be considered as particles in the same manner.
  • examples of the binder particles include latex, resin filler, metal fine particles, ceramic particles, plastic particles, glass particles and the like.
  • the ink circulating in the image forming apparatus 1 has thixotropic properties. Therefore, in places where the flow velocity of the ink near the walls of the pipes of the external flow path 31 and the flow path 15 is small, the viscosity of the ink is higher than that of the central part of the pipe, and it is difficult to mix the ink. Non-uniformity tends to increase.
  • the non-uniform temperature distribution of the ink is reduced by stirring and mixing the ink with the static mixer 13. Further, the member heated by the heater H and the element portion of the static mixer 13 are thermally conductively connected via the connecting portion 11. Therefore, the element portion of the static mixer 13 is also heated by the heater H. The non-uniformity of the ink temperature distribution is further reduced by stirring and mixing the ink by the heated static mixer 13. Therefore, the static mixer 13 functions as a homogenizing member.
  • a heat insulating member having a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m ⁇ K or less is used. Therefore, the static mixer 13 can maintain a state in which the non-uniformity of the temperature distribution of the ink is reduced.
  • the heat insulating member for example, at least one of a plastic member, a rubber member, and a glass member is used.
  • the plastic members include polyethylene (low density), polyethylene (high density), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide, epoxy resin, polyether ether ketone, and polyether.
  • phenol resin polyacetal, acrylic resin, tetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene / ethylene copolymer (ETFE), tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), quaternary Fluoroethylene / perfluorovinyl ether copolymer (PFA), silicone resin, styrene / acrylonitol / butadiene (ABS resin), and not limited to the above, preferably the above can be used.
  • PTFE tetrafluoroethylene resin
  • ETFE tetrafluoroethylene / ethylene copolymer
  • FEP tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer
  • PFA quaternary Fluoroethylene / perfluorovinyl ether copolymer
  • silicone resin styrene / acrylonitol / butadiene
  • the rubber member is silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene / propylene rubber, chloroprene rubber, or natural rubber, and is not limited to the above, but preferably the above can be used.
  • the glass member is soda glass, flint glass, or crown glass, and the above is not limited to the above, but the above can be preferably used.
  • connection portion 12 and the external flow path 32 which are the outlets of the ink, and returned to the ink tank 20, so that the temperature distribution of the ink is non-uniform. Is further reduced.
  • the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus 1 that ejects a liquid as droplets to form an image, and is a tank (ink tank 20) for temporarily storing the liquid and a tank (ink tank 20).
  • An inkjet head 10 having a discharge nozzle for discharging a liquid in the ink tank 20), a flow path (external flow path 31, flow path 15) connecting the tank (ink tank 20) and the discharge nozzle, and a flow path (outside). It has a homogenizing member (static mixer 13) arranged in the flow path 31 and the flow path 15) to homogenize the liquid. Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an inkjet head that enable stable droplet ejection at low cost and easily.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1a of a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the static mixer 13 is provided outside the inkjet head 10.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the inflow port of the inkjet head 10 in the image forming apparatus 1a according to the modified example of the above embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 which shows the vicinity of the inkjet head 10 in the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment, will be mainly described.
  • the static mixer 13 is provided in the temperature control section 31a of the external flow path 31 provided with the heater H, outside the inkjet head 10.
  • Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment. With the above configuration, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an inkjet head that enable stable droplet ejection easily and easily at low cost even when the static mixer 13 cannot be provided in the inkjet head 10.
  • the homogenizing member is the static mixer 13, but the homogenizing member is not limited to this.
  • any kind of filter may be used as long as it can reduce the non-uniformity of the ink temperature distribution as much as possible by causing turbulence in the laminar ink, such as a grid-shaped filter. ..
  • the ink is heated by the heater H provided in a part of the external flow path 31, but the ink is not limited to this.
  • a cooling device may be provided instead of the heater H to cool the ink.
  • the ink may be cooled by natural heat dissipation without providing the heater H and the cooling device.
  • the static mixer 13 is provided in the temperature control section 31a provided in a part of the external flow path 31, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the static mixer 13 may be provided between the temperature adjusting section 31a and the connecting portion 11.
  • the heater H is provided outside the inkjet head 10, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the heater H may be provided in the inkjet head 10.
  • the present invention can be used for an inkjet head and an image forming apparatus.

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  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Abstract

Provided are an image formation device and an inkjet head that are low cost and enable simple and stable droplet discharge.　An image formation device 1 that forms an image by discharging a liquid in the form of droplets. The image formation device 1 has a tank (an ink tank 20) that temporarily holds the liquid, an inkjet head 10 that has a discharge nozzle that discharges the liquid in the tank (the ink tank 20), channels (an external channel 31, a channel 15) that connect the tank (the ink tank 20) and the discharge nozzle, and a homogenizing member (a static mixer 13) that is arranged on the channels (the external channel 31, the channel 15) and homogenizes the liquid.

Description

画像形成装置及びインクジェットヘッドImage forming device and inkjet head
　この発明は、画像形成装置及びインクジェットヘッドに関する。 The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an inkjet head.
　従来、ノズルからインクを吐出させて媒体上に画像や構造などを形成するインクジェットヘッドを用いた画像形成装置がある。 Conventionally, there is an image forming apparatus using an inkjet head that ejects ink from a nozzle to form an image or a structure on a medium.
　インク温度と環境温度に大きな温度差がある場合、画像形成装置のインクを一時貯留するタンクからノズルまでの流路においてインクの放熱が発生したり、ヒーターを用いて流路を加熱することにより、インクの温度分布が不均一になり、安定した液滴吐出を行うことができなくなるという問題がある。 When there is a large temperature difference between the ink temperature and the environmental temperature, heat is dissipated from the ink in the flow path from the tank to the nozzle that temporarily stores the ink in the image forming device, or by heating the flow path using a heater. There is a problem that the temperature distribution of the ink becomes non-uniform and stable droplet ejection cannot be performed.
　これに関連して、特許文献１には、ヒーターに流路を螺旋状に巻き付け、流路のヒーティング面積を十分に確保することで、ヒーターを高温にすることなくインクを加熱する技術が記載されている。
　また、特許文献２には、パイプの連結により流路を形成する場合に、ヒーターと高い熱伝導性で接続されているパイプをできるだけノズル側まで引き回し、加熱領域を長くすることで、インク温度を所望に近づける技術が記載されている。 In relation to this, Patent Document 1 describes a technique of spirally winding a flow path around a heater to secure a sufficient heating area for the flow path to heat ink without heating the heater to a high temperature. Has been done.
Further, in Patent Document 2, when a flow path is formed by connecting pipes, the pipe connected to the heater with high thermal conductivity is routed as far as possible to the nozzle side, and the heating region is lengthened to increase the ink temperature. Techniques for getting closer to what you want are described.
特開２００９－２３３９００号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-233900 特開２０１３－２３０６３３号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-230633
　しかしながら、特許文献１、２の技術では、流路の配管の管壁からインクを加熱するため、配管内のインクの温度分布の不均一性を解消するまでには至らなかった。 However, in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the ink is heated from the pipe wall of the pipe of the flow path, it has not been possible to eliminate the non-uniformity of the temperature distribution of the ink in the pipe.
　この発明の目的は、低コストで簡便に、安定した液滴吐出を可能にする画像形成装置及びインクジェットヘッドを提供することである。 An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and an inkjet head that enable stable droplet ejection at low cost and easily.
　本発明は、上記目的を達成するため、請求項１に記載の発明の画像形成装置は、
　液体を液滴として吐出して画像を形成する画像形成装置であって、
　前記液体を一時貯留するタンクと、
　前記タンク内の液体を吐出する吐出ノズルを有するインクジェットヘッドと、
　前記タンクと前記吐出ノズルとを接続する流路と、
　前記流路に配置され、前記液体を均質化させる均質化部材と、
　を有する。 In order to achieve the above object, the image forming apparatus of the present invention according to claim 1 is the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
An image forming device that ejects a liquid as droplets to form an image.
A tank for temporarily storing the liquid and
An inkjet head having a discharge nozzle for discharging the liquid in the tank,
A flow path connecting the tank and the discharge nozzle,
A homogenizing member arranged in the flow path and homogenizing the liquid,
Have.
　また、請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記流路において、前記流路を流れる前記液体を加熱又は冷却させる温度調整区間を有し、
　前記均質化部材は、前記温度調整区間又は前記温度調整区間よりも前記吐出ノズル側に配置される。 Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The flow path has a temperature control section for heating or cooling the liquid flowing through the flow path.
The homogenizing member is arranged on the discharge nozzle side of the temperature adjustment section or the temperature adjustment section.
　また、請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項２に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記温度調整区間は、前記液体を加熱するヒーターが設置された加熱区間である。 Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The temperature control section is a heating section in which a heater for heating the liquid is installed.
　また、請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項３に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記均質化部材の一部と前記ヒーターにより加熱された部材とが熱伝導的に接続されている。 Further, the invention according to claim 4 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
A part of the homogenizing member and the member heated by the heater are thermally conductively connected.
　また、請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１から４のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記均質化部材は、スタティックミキサーである。 Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The homogenizing member is a static mixer.
　また、請求項６に記載の発明は、請求項１から５のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記均質化部材の直前の前記流路を流れる液体の流れは層流である。 Further, the invention according to claim 6 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The flow of liquid flowing through the flow path immediately before the homogenizing member is a laminar flow.
　また、請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項１から６のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記液体は、粒子が分散された分散液である。 Further, the invention according to claim 7 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The liquid is a dispersion liquid in which particles are dispersed.
　また、請求項８に記載の発明は、請求項１から７のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記液体は、チキソ性を有する。 Further, the invention according to claim 8 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The liquid has thixotropic properties.
　また、請求項９に記載の発明は、請求項１から８のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記吐出ノズルと前記タンクとをつなげる循環流路を有する。 Further, the invention according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
It has a circulation flow path that connects the discharge nozzle and the tank.
　また、請求項１０に記載の発明は、請求項１から９のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記均質化部材から吐出ノズルまでの流路区間の少なくとも一部は、熱伝導率が１．０Ｗ／ｍ・Ｋ以下の断熱部材により形成されている。 Further, the invention according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
At least a part of the flow path section from the homogenizing member to the discharge nozzle is formed of a heat insulating member having a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m · K or less.
　また、請求項１１に記載の発明は、請求項１０に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記断熱部材は、プラスチック部材、ゴム部材、ガラス部材のうち少なくとも１以上の部材である。 Further, the invention according to claim 11 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 10.
The heat insulating member is at least one of a plastic member, a rubber member, and a glass member.
　また、請求項１２に記載の発明は、請求項１から１１のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記インクジェットヘッド内の前記流路に前記均質化部材を備える。 The invention according to claim 12 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
The homogenizing member is provided in the flow path in the inkjet head.
　また、請求項１３に記載の発明は、請求項１から１１のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置において、
　前記タンクと前記インクジェットヘッドとの間の前記流路に前記均質化部材を備える。 The invention according to claim 13 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
The homogenizing member is provided in the flow path between the tank and the inkjet head.
　また、請求項１４に記載の発明のインクジェットヘッドは、
　液体を液滴として吐出して画像を形成するインクジェットヘッドであって、
　前記液体を一時貯留するタンクと吐出ノズルとを接続する流路と、
　前記流路に配置され、前記液体を均質化させる均質化部材と、
　を有する。 Further, the inkjet head of the invention according to claim 14 is
An inkjet head that ejects a liquid as droplets to form an image.
A flow path connecting the tank for temporarily storing the liquid and the discharge nozzle,
A homogenizing member arranged in the flow path and homogenizing the liquid,
Have.
　また、請求項１５に記載の発明は、請求項１４に記載のインクジェットヘッドにおいて、
　前記均質化部材は、スタティックミキサーである。 The invention according to claim 15 is the inkjet head according to claim 14.
The homogenizing member is a static mixer.
　本発明に従うと、低コストで簡便に、安定した液滴吐出を可能にする画像形成装置及びインクジェットヘッドを提供することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an inkjet head that enable stable droplet ejection at low cost and easily.
本発明の実施形態の画像形成装置の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態のインクジェットヘッドの流入口近傍の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the vicinity of the inlet of the inkjet head of embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態の変形例の画像形成装置の構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus of the modification of embodiment of this invention. 本発明の実施形態の変形例のインクジェットヘッドの流入口近傍の断面図である。It is sectional drawing of the vicinity of the inlet of the inkjet head of the modification of the embodiment of this invention.
　以下、本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて説明する。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
　図１は、画像形成装置１の構成を示す図である。
　画像形成装置１は、インクジェットヘッド１０、インクを一時貯留するインクタンク２０、及びインクジェットヘッド１０とインクタンク２０を接続する外部流路３１、３２を備える。
　インクジェットヘッド１０は、外部流路３１と接続する接続部１１、及び外部流路３２と接続する接続部１２を備える。接続部１１はインクの流入口であり、接続部１２はインクの流出口である。 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1.
The image forming apparatus 1 includes an inkjet head 10, an ink tank 20 for temporarily storing ink, and external flow paths 31 and 32 connecting the inkjet head 10 and the ink tank 20.
The inkjet head 10 includes a connecting portion 11 that connects to the external flow path 31 and a connecting portion 12 that connects to the external flow path 32. The connecting portion 11 is an ink inlet, and the connecting portion 12 is an ink outlet.
　インクタンク２０に一時貯留されているインクは、外部流路３１及び接続部１１を通過し、インクジェットヘッド１０のノズルに達し、一部が吐出される。吐出されなかったインクは、接続部１２及び外部流路３２を通過し、インクタンク２０に戻る。このようにインクは、インクタンク２０とインクジェットヘッド１０間を循環しており、外部流路３２は循環流路として機能する。図１の外部流路３１、３２付近の矢印は、インクの流れる方向を示す。
　また、インクジェットヘッド１０は、接続部１１とノズルの間に、インクを撹拌、混合して温度、粘度などを均質化するためのスタティックミキサー１３を備える。 The ink temporarily stored in the ink tank 20 passes through the external flow path 31 and the connection portion 11, reaches the nozzle of the inkjet head 10, and a part of the ink is ejected. The ink that has not been ejected passes through the connection portion 12 and the external flow path 32 and returns to the ink tank 20. In this way, the ink circulates between the ink tank 20 and the inkjet head 10, and the external flow path 32 functions as a circulation flow path. The arrows near the external flow paths 31 and 32 in FIG. 1 indicate the direction in which the ink flows.
Further, the inkjet head 10 includes a static mixer 13 for agitating and mixing ink between the connection portion 11 and the nozzle to homogenize the temperature, viscosity and the like.
　図２は、インクジェットヘッド１０の接続部１１近傍の断面図である。
　インクジェットヘッド１０は、下面にノズルプレート１４を備え、ノズルプレート１４には複数のノズルが形成されている。接続部１１からノズルまでの流路１５は、外部流路３１と接続されている。
　インク流入口である接続部１１の下部の流路１５内にスタティックミキサー１３が備えられ、インクジェットヘッド１０内の流路１５に流入したインクを撹拌、混合する。撹拌、混合されたインクはノズルに達し、当該インクの一部がノズルから吐出される。 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the connection portion 11 of the inkjet head 10.
The inkjet head 10 is provided with a nozzle plate 14 on the lower surface thereof, and a plurality of nozzles are formed on the nozzle plate 14. The flow path 15 from the connection portion 11 to the nozzle is connected to the external flow path 31.
A static mixer 13 is provided in the flow path 15 below the connection portion 11 which is the ink inlet, and the ink flowing into the flow path 15 in the inkjet head 10 is agitated and mixed. The agitated and mixed ink reaches the nozzle, and a part of the ink is ejected from the nozzle.
　外部流路３１のうち温度調整区間３１ａの箇所の配管の周りにはヒーターＨが設けられており、当該温度調整区間（加熱区間）３１ａを通過するインクを加熱することができる。
　温度調整区間３１ａを通過するインクをヒーターＨによって加熱すると、温度調整区間３１ａの配管の壁付近のインクは温度が高く、配管中央部のインクは配管の壁付近のインクに比べ温度が低くなり、配管内のインクの温度分布に不均一性が生じる。
　また、外部流路３１及び流路１５のスタティックミキサー１３が配置された箇所よりインクの流れの上流の箇所を通過するインクの流れは層流であるため、外部流路３１及び流路１５のスタティックミキサー１３が配置された箇所より上流の箇所の配管内に生じたインクの温度分布の不均一性は解消されない。ここで、層流とは、例えば、下式を満たすものである。
　Re　＝　Duρ／μ　≦　2300
Re：レイノルズ数
D：流路の代表径（断面積相当円環径）[m]
u：流速[m/sec]
ρ：液体の密度[kg/m3]
μ：液体の粘度[Pa・sec] A heater H is provided around the pipe in the temperature adjusting section 31a of the external flow path 31, and can heat the ink passing through the temperature adjusting section (heating section) 31a.
When the ink passing through the temperature control section 31a is heated by the heater H, the temperature of the ink near the wall of the pipe in the temperature control section 31a is high, and the temperature of the ink in the center of the pipe is lower than that of the ink near the wall of the pipe. Non-uniformity occurs in the temperature distribution of the ink in the pipe.
Further, since the ink flow passing through the portion upstream of the ink flow from the location where the static mixer 13 of the external flow path 31 and the flow path 15 is arranged is a laminar flow, the static of the external flow path 31 and the flow path 15 is static. The non-uniformity of the temperature distribution of the ink generated in the piping at the location upstream from the location where the mixer 13 is arranged cannot be eliminated. Here, the laminar flow is, for example, one that satisfies the following equation.
Re ＝ Duρ / μ ≦ 2300
Re: Reynolds number
D: Representative diameter of the flow path (annulus diameter equivalent to the cross-sectional area) [m]
u: Flow velocity [m / sec]
ρ: Liquid density [kg / m3]
μ: Liquid viscosity [Pa · sec]
　また、画像形成装置１を循環するインクは、粒子が分散された分散液である。分散液であるインクは、非ニュートン性のレオロジーを示し、温度分布の不均一性が大きくなりやすい。
　粒子としての顔料は、例えば有機顔料では、以下の顔料が挙げられる。 The ink circulating in the image forming apparatus 1 is a dispersion liquid in which particles are dispersed. Ink, which is a dispersion liquid, exhibits non-Newtonian rheology, and the non-uniformity of temperature distribution tends to increase.
Examples of the pigment as particles include the following pigments in the case of organic pigments.
　マゼンタ又はレッド用の顔料としては、例えば、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド２、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド３、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド５、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド６、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド７、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド１５、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド１６、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド４８：１、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド５３：１、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド５７：１、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド１２２、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド１２３、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド１３９、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド１４４、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド１４９、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド１６６、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド１７７、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド１７８、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド２０２、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントレッド２２２、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントバイオレット１９等が挙げられる。 Examples of the magenta or red pigment include C.I. I. Pigment Red 2, C.I. I. Pigment Red 3, C.I. I. Pigment Red 5, C.I. I. Pigment Red 6, C.I. I. Pigment Red 7, C.I. I. Pigment Red 15, C.I. I. Pigment Red 16, C.I. I. Pigment Red 48: 1, C.I. I. Pigment Red 53: 1, C.I. I. Pigment Red 57: 1, C.I. I. Pigment Red 122, C.I. I. Pigment Red 123, C.I. I. Pigment Red 139, C.I. I. Pigment Red 144, C.I. I. Pigment Red 149, C.I. I. Pigment Red 166, C.I. I. Pigment Red 177, C.I. I. Pigment Red 178, C.I. I. Pigment Red 202, C.I. I. Pigment Red 222, C.I. I. Pigment Violet 19 and the like.
　オレンジ又はイエロー用の顔料としては、例えば、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントオレンジ３１、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントオレンジ４３、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー１２、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー１３、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー１４、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー１５、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー１５：３、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー１７、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー７４、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー９３、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー１２８、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー９４、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー１３８、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー１５５等が挙げられる。特に色調と耐光性のバランスにおいて、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントイエロー１５５が好ましい。 Examples of the pigment for orange or yellow include C.I. I. Pigment Orange 31, C.I. I. Pigment Orange 43, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 12, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 13, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 14, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 15, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 15: 3, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 17, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 74, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 93, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 128, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 94, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 138, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 155 and the like. Especially in the balance between color tone and light resistance, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 155 is preferred.
　グリーン又はシアン用の顔料としては、例えば、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントブルー１５、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントブルー１５：２、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントブルー１５：３、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントブルー１６、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントブルー６０、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントグリーン７等が挙げられる。 Examples of the pigment for green or cyan include C.I. I. Pigment Blue 15, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 15: 2, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 15: 3, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 16, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 60, C.I. I. Pigment Green 7 and the like.
　また、ブラック用の顔料としては、例えば、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントブラック１、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントブラック６、Ｃ．Ｉ．ピグメントブラック７等が挙げられる。 Further, as a pigment for black, for example, C.I. I. Pigment Black 1, C.I. I. Pigment Black 6, C.I. I. Pigment Black 7 and the like.
　酸化チタン等の無機顔料としては、アナターゼ型、ルチル型及びブルーカイト型の三つの結晶形態があるが、汎用なものとしてはアナターゼ型とルチル型に大別できる。特に限定するものではないが、屈折率が大きく隠蔽性が高いルチル型が好ましい。具体的には、富士チタン工業株式会社のＴＲシリーズ、テイカ株式会社のＪＲシリーズや石原産業株式会社のタイペークなどが挙げられる。 There are three crystal forms of inorganic pigments such as titanium oxide, anatase type, rutile type and blue kite type, but general-purpose ones can be roughly classified into anatase type and rutile type. Although not particularly limited, the rutile type having a large refractive index and high concealing property is preferable. Specific examples include the TR series of Fuji Titanium Industry Co., Ltd., the JR series of TAYCA Corporation, and the type of Ishihara Sangyo Co., Ltd.
　不溶性顔料としては、特に限定するものではないが、例えば、アゾ、アゾメチン、メチン、ジフェニルメタン、トリフェニルメタン、キナクリドン、アントラキノン、ペリレン、インジゴ、キノフタロン、イソインドリノン、イソインドリン、アジン、オキサジン、チアジン、ジオキサジン、チアゾール、フタロシアニン、ジケトピロロピロール等が好ましい。 The insoluble pigment is not particularly limited, but is not limited to, for example, azo, azomethine, methine, diphenylmethane, triphenylmethane, quinacridone, anthraquinone, perylene, indigo, quinophthalone, isoindoline, isoindoline, azine, oxazine, thiazine, and the like. Dioxazine, thiazole, phthalocyanine, diketopyrrolopyrrole and the like are preferable.
　また、粒子としての染料は、例えば不溶性の染料として、硫化染料、バット染料、分散染料等が挙げられる。
　バット染料としては、スレン染料やインジゴ染料等が挙げられる。
　分散染料としては、ベンゼンアゾ系（モノアゾおよびジスアゾ）、複素環アゾ系（チアゾールアゾ、ペンゾチアゾールアゾ、ピリドンアゾ、ピラゾロンアゾ、チオフェンアゾ等）、アントラキノン系、縮合系（キノフタロン、スチリル、クマリン等）が挙げられる。
　また、インク中に含まれるバインダー粒子も、同様に粒子として考えることができる。例えばバインダー粒子としては、ラテックス、樹脂フィラー、金属微粒子、セラミック粒子、プラスチック粒子、ガラス粒子等が挙げられる。 Examples of the dye as particles include sulfur dyes, bat dyes, and disperse dyes as insoluble dyes.
Examples of the bat dye include a slene dye and an indigo dye.
Disperse dyes include benzeneazo (monoazo and disazo), heterocyclic azo (thiazole azo, penzothiazole azo, pyridone azo, pyrazolone azo, thiophenazo, etc.), anthraquinone, and condensation (quinophthalone, styryl, coumarin, etc.). Can be mentioned.
Further, the binder particles contained in the ink can also be considered as particles in the same manner. For example, examples of the binder particles include latex, resin filler, metal fine particles, ceramic particles, plastic particles, glass particles and the like.
　また、画像形成装置１を循環するインクは、チキソ性を有する。したがって、外部流路３１及び流路１５の配管の壁付近のインクの流速が小さい所では、配管の中央部よりもインクの粘度が高くなり、インクの混合が困難であるため、インクの温度分布の不均一性が大きくなりやすい。 Further, the ink circulating in the image forming apparatus 1 has thixotropic properties. Therefore, in places where the flow velocity of the ink near the walls of the pipes of the external flow path 31 and the flow path 15 is small, the viscosity of the ink is higher than that of the central part of the pipe, and it is difficult to mix the ink. Non-uniformity tends to increase.
　温度分布が不均一であるインクは、スタティックミキサー１３で撹拌、混合されることによって温度分布の不均一性が低減される。
　また、ヒーターＨによって加熱される部材とスタティックミキサー１３のエレメント部は、接続部１１を介して、熱伝導的に接続されている。したがって、ヒーターＨによってスタティックミキサー１３のエレメント部も加熱される。加熱されたスタティックミキサー１３によって、インクが撹拌、混合されることでインク温度分布の不均一性はより低減される。
　よって、スタティックミキサー１３は、均質化部材として機能する。 The non-uniform temperature distribution of the ink is reduced by stirring and mixing the ink with the static mixer 13.
Further, the member heated by the heater H and the element portion of the static mixer 13 are thermally conductively connected via the connecting portion 11. Therefore, the element portion of the static mixer 13 is also heated by the heater H. The non-uniformity of the ink temperature distribution is further reduced by stirring and mixing the ink by the heated static mixer 13.
Therefore, the static mixer 13 functions as a homogenizing member.
　また、スタティックミキサー１３とノズルの間の流路１５の区間は、熱伝導率が１．０Ｗ／ｍ・Ｋ以下の断熱部材が用いられる。したがって、スタティックミキサー１３によってインクの温度分布の不均一性が低減された状態を維持することができる。
　断熱部材は、例えば、プラスチック部材、ゴム部材、ガラス部材のうち、少なくとも一種類が用いられる。
　具体的には、プラスチック部材は、ポリエチレン（低密度）、ポリエチレン（高密度）、ポリカーボネート、ポリエチレンテレフタレート、ポリプロピレン、ポリスチレン、ポリ塩化ビニル、ポリブチレンテレフタレート、ポリアミド、エポキシ樹脂、ポリエーテルエーテルケトン、ポリエーテルサルホン、フェノール樹脂、ポリアセタール、アクリル樹脂、四フッ化エチレン樹脂（PTFE）、四フッ化エチレン・エチレン共重合体（ETFE）、四フッ化エチレン・六フッ化プロピレン共重合体（FEP）、四フッ化エチレン・パーフルオロビニルエーテル共重合体（PFA）、シリコーン樹脂、スチレン・アクリロニトル・ブタジエン（ABS樹脂）であり、上記に限定されないが、好ましくは上記を使うことができる。
　また、ゴム部材は、シリコーンゴム、ポリウレタンゴム、ブチルゴム、エチレン・プロピレンゴム、クロロプレンゴム、天然ゴムであり、上記に限定されないが、好ましくは上記を使うことができる。
　また、ガラス部材は、ソーダガラス、フリントガラス、クラウンガラスであり、上記に限定されないが、好ましくは上記を使うことができる。 Further, in the section of the flow path 15 between the static mixer 13 and the nozzle, a heat insulating member having a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m · K or less is used. Therefore, the static mixer 13 can maintain a state in which the non-uniformity of the temperature distribution of the ink is reduced.
As the heat insulating member, for example, at least one of a plastic member, a rubber member, and a glass member is used.
Specifically, the plastic members include polyethylene (low density), polyethylene (high density), polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polybutylene terephthalate, polyamide, epoxy resin, polyether ether ketone, and polyether. Sarphon, phenol resin, polyacetal, acrylic resin, tetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE), tetrafluoroethylene / ethylene copolymer (ETFE), tetrafluoroethylene / hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), quaternary Fluoroethylene / perfluorovinyl ether copolymer (PFA), silicone resin, styrene / acrylonitol / butadiene (ABS resin), and not limited to the above, preferably the above can be used.
The rubber member is silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene / propylene rubber, chloroprene rubber, or natural rubber, and is not limited to the above, but preferably the above can be used.
Further, the glass member is soda glass, flint glass, or crown glass, and the above is not limited to the above, but the above can be preferably used.
　また、インクジェットヘッド１０で吐出されなかったインクを、インクの流出口である接続部１２及び外部流路３２を通過させ、インクタンク２０に戻す循環を行うことで、インクの温度分布の不均一性はさらに低減される。 Further, the ink not ejected by the inkjet head 10 is circulated through the connection portion 12 and the external flow path 32, which are the outlets of the ink, and returned to the ink tank 20, so that the temperature distribution of the ink is non-uniform. Is further reduced.
　以上のように、本実施形態の画像形成装置１は、液体を液滴として吐出して画像を形成する画像形成装置１であって、液体を一時貯留するタンク（インクタンク２０）と、タンク（インクタンク２０）内の液体を吐出する吐出ノズルを有するインクジェットヘッド１０と、タンク（インクタンク２０）と吐出ノズルとを接続する流路（外部流路３１、流路１５）と、流路（外部流路３１、流路１５）に配置され、液体を均質化させる均質化部材（スタティックミキサー１３）と、を有する。
　従って、低コストで簡便に、安定した液滴吐出を可能にする画像形成装置及びインクジェットヘッドを提供することができる。 As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus 1 that ejects a liquid as droplets to form an image, and is a tank (ink tank 20) for temporarily storing the liquid and a tank (ink tank 20). An inkjet head 10 having a discharge nozzle for discharging a liquid in the ink tank 20), a flow path (external flow path 31, flow path 15) connecting the tank (ink tank 20) and the discharge nozzle, and a flow path (outside). It has a homogenizing member (static mixer 13) arranged in the flow path 31 and the flow path 15) to homogenize the liquid.
Therefore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an inkjet head that enable stable droplet ejection at low cost and easily.
（変形例）
　図３は、本発明の実施形態の変形例の画像形成装置１ａの構成を示す図である。変形例の画像形成装置１ａでは、スタティックミキサー１３はインクジェットヘッド１０外に備えられている。
　また、図４は、上記実施形態の変形例に係る画像形成装置１ａ内のインクジェットヘッド１０の流入口近傍の断面図である。以下では、上記実施形態の画像形成装置１内のインクジェットヘッド１０近傍を示す図２との差異を中心に説明する。 (Modification example)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus 1a of a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. In the image forming apparatus 1a of the modified example, the static mixer 13 is provided outside the inkjet head 10.
Further, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the inflow port of the inkjet head 10 in the image forming apparatus 1a according to the modified example of the above embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference from FIG. 2, which shows the vicinity of the inkjet head 10 in the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment, will be mainly described.
　本変形例の構成では、スタティックミキサー１３は、インクジェットヘッド１０外の、ヒーターＨが設けられている外部流路３１の温度調整区間３１ａに設けられている。その他の構成、動作は上記実施形態の画像形成装置１と同様である。
　以上の構成では、インクジェットヘッド１０内にスタティックミキサー１３を設けられない場合でも、低コストで簡便に安定した液滴吐出を可能にする画像形成装置及びインクジェットヘッドを提供することができる。 In the configuration of this modification, the static mixer 13 is provided in the temperature control section 31a of the external flow path 31 provided with the heater H, outside the inkjet head 10. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the image forming apparatus 1 of the above embodiment.
With the above configuration, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus and an inkjet head that enable stable droplet ejection easily and easily at low cost even when the static mixer 13 cannot be provided in the inkjet head 10.
　なお、本発明は、上記実施の形態に限られるものではなく、様々な変更が可能である。
　例えば、上記実施の形態及び変形例では、均質化部材はスタティックミキサー１３であるとしたがこれに限らない。例えば、格子状のフィルターのように、層流のインクに対して乱流を生じさせることでインク温度分布の不均一性を少しでも低減できるものであれば、どのようなものであっても良い。 The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
For example, in the above-described embodiment and modification, the homogenizing member is the static mixer 13, but the homogenizing member is not limited to this. For example, any kind of filter may be used as long as it can reduce the non-uniformity of the ink temperature distribution as much as possible by causing turbulence in the laminar ink, such as a grid-shaped filter. ..
　また、上記実施の形態及び変形例では、外部流路３１の一部に設けられたヒーターＨによってインクが加熱されるとしたがこれに限らない。ヒーターＨの代わりに冷却装置を設けて、インクを冷却してもよい。または、ヒーターＨ及び冷却装置を設けず、自然放熱によってインクが冷却されるとしてもよい。 Further, in the above-described embodiment and modification, the ink is heated by the heater H provided in a part of the external flow path 31, but the ink is not limited to this. A cooling device may be provided instead of the heater H to cool the ink. Alternatively, the ink may be cooled by natural heat dissipation without providing the heater H and the cooling device.
　また、上記実施の変形例では、外部流路３１の一部に設けられた温度調整区間３１ａにスタティックミキサー１３が備えられているとしたがこれに限らない。温度調整区間３１ａとインクジェットヘッド１０の接続部１１の間が離れている場合、温度調整区間３１ａと接続部１１の間にスタティックミキサー１３を備えてもよい。 Further, in the modification of the above implementation, it is assumed that the static mixer 13 is provided in the temperature control section 31a provided in a part of the external flow path 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the temperature adjusting section 31a and the connecting portion 11 of the inkjet head 10 are separated from each other, the static mixer 13 may be provided between the temperature adjusting section 31a and the connecting portion 11.
　また、上記実施の形態及び変形例では、ヒーターＨはインクジェットヘッド１０外に備えられているとしたが、これに限らない。インクジェットヘッド１０内にヒーターＨを備えてもよい。 Further, in the above-described embodiment and modification, the heater H is provided outside the inkjet head 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The heater H may be provided in the inkjet head 10.
　その他、上記実施の形態で示した構成の具体的な細部は、本発明の趣旨を逸脱しない範囲において適宜変更可能である。 In addition, the specific details of the configuration shown in the above embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
　この発明は、インクジェットヘッド及び画像形成装置に利用することができる。 The present invention can be used for an inkjet head and an image forming apparatus.
１、１ａ　画像形成装置
１０　インクジェットヘッド
１１、１２　接続部
１３　スタティックミキサー（均質化部材）
１４　ノズルプレート
１５　流路
２０　インクタンク
３１　外部流路（流路）
３１ａ　温度調整区間
３２　外部流路（循環流路） 1, 1a Image forming device 10 Inkjet head 11, 12 Connection part 13 Static mixer (homogenization member)
14 Nozzle plate 15 Flow path 20 Ink tank 31 External flow path (flow path)
31a Temperature control section 32 External flow path (circulation flow path)

Claims (15)

  1. 　液体を液滴として吐出して画像を形成する画像形成装置であって、
    　前記液体を一時貯留するタンクと、
    　前記タンク内の液体を吐出する吐出ノズルを有するインクジェットヘッドと、
    　前記タンクと前記吐出ノズルとを接続する流路と、
    　前記流路に配置され、前記液体を均質化させる均質化部材と、
    　を有する画像形成装置。     An image forming device that ejects a liquid as droplets to form an image.
    A tank for temporarily storing the liquid and
    An inkjet head having a discharge nozzle for discharging the liquid in the tank,
    A flow path connecting the tank and the discharge nozzle,
    A homogenizing member arranged in the flow path and homogenizing the liquid,
    An image forming apparatus having.
  2. 　前記流路において、前記流路を流れる前記液体を加熱又は冷却させる温度調整区間を有し、
    　前記均質化部材は、前記温度調整区間又は前記温度調整区間よりも前記吐出ノズル側に配置される請求項１に記載の画像形成装置。     The flow path has a temperature control section for heating or cooling the liquid flowing through the flow path.
    The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the homogenizing member is arranged on the discharge nozzle side of the temperature adjustment section or the temperature adjustment section.
  3. 　前記温度調整区間は、前記液体を加熱するヒーターが設置された加熱区間である請求項２に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the temperature adjustment section is a heating section in which a heater for heating the liquid is installed.
  4. 　前記均質化部材の一部と前記ヒーターにより加熱された部材とが熱伝導的に接続されている請求項３に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a part of the homogenizing member and the member heated by the heater are thermally conductively connected.
  5. 　前記均質化部材は、スタティックミキサーである請求項１から４のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the homogenizing member is a static mixer.
  6. 　前記均質化部材の直前の前記流路を流れる液体の流れは層流である請求項１から５のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flow of the liquid flowing through the flow path immediately before the homogenizing member is a laminar flow.
  7. 　前記液体は、粒子が分散された分散液である請求項１から６のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid is a dispersion liquid in which particles are dispersed.
  8. 　前記液体は、チキソ性を有する請求項１から７のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the liquid has thixotropic properties.
  9. 　前記吐出ノズルと前記タンクとをつなげる循環流路を有する請求項１から８のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which has a circulation flow path connecting the discharge nozzle and the tank.
  10. 　前記均質化部材から吐出ノズルまでの流路区間の少なくとも一部は、熱伝導率が１．０Ｗ／ｍ・Ｋ以下の断熱部材により形成されている請求項１から９のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least a part of the flow path section from the homogenizing member to the discharge nozzle is formed of a heat insulating member having a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m · K or less. Image forming device.
  11. 　前記断熱部材は、プラスチック部材、ゴム部材、ガラス部材のうち少なくとも１以上の部材である請求項１０に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the heat insulating member is at least one member among a plastic member, a rubber member, and a glass member.
  12. 　前記インクジェットヘッド内の前記流路に前記均質化部材を備える請求項１から１１のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the homogenizing member is provided in the flow path in the inkjet head.
  13. 　前記タンクと前記インクジェットヘッドとの間の前記流路に前記均質化部材を備える請求項１から１１のいずれか一項に記載の画像形成装置。 The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the homogenizing member is provided in the flow path between the tank and the inkjet head.
  14. 　液体を液滴として吐出して画像を形成するインクジェットヘッドであって、
    　前記液体を一時貯留するタンクと吐出ノズルとを接続する流路と、
    　前記流路に配置され、前記液体を均質化させる均質化部材と、
    　を有するインクジェットヘッド。     An inkjet head that ejects a liquid as droplets to form an image.
    A flow path connecting the tank for temporarily storing the liquid and the discharge nozzle,
    A homogenizing member arranged in the flow path and homogenizing the liquid,
    Inkjet head with.
  15. 　前記均質化部材は、スタティックミキサーである請求項１４記載のインクジェットヘッド。 The inkjet head according to claim 14, wherein the homogenizing member is a static mixer.
PCT/JP2020/023349 2020-06-15 2020-06-15 Image formation device and inkjet head WO2021255773A1 (en)

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JPH03184855A (en) * 1989-12-14 1991-08-12 Ricoh Co Ltd Non-contact type recording device
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