JP2001138525A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the life of a printer by preventing the deterioration, damage and peeling of the liquid repelling film arranged to the periphery of a nozzle orifice part. SOLUTION: In a printer having a printing head having a pressure chamber into which a medium to be ejected is introduced and the nozzles communicating with the pressure chamber and ejecting the medium to be ejected from the nozzles, the peripheries of at least the nozzle orifice parts on the side of the nozzle orifice surface of the printing head comprise a mixed resin of a polyimide polymer and at least one of a bismaleimide/triazine resin or an epoxy resin.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer for discharging a discharge medium and a printer for mixing and discharging a fixed amount medium and a discharge medium, and more particularly to a printer capable of forming a high-resolution recorded image and having improved productivity. It relates to a printer device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, documents such as desktop publishing have been actively used especially in offices and the like, and recently, not only characters and figures but also natural colors such as photographs and the like have been developed. There has been an increasing demand for outputting images together with characters and figures. Along with this, it is required to print a high-quality natural image, and reproducing halftones is becoming important.

Further, a so-called on-demand type printer device which discharges ink droplets from nozzles only when necessary at the time of printing in accordance with a print signal and prints on a printing medium such as paper, film, etc. has been reduced in size and cost. It is rapidly spreading in recent years because it is possible.

Various methods have been proposed for discharging ink droplets as described above, and a method using a piezo element or a method using a heating element is generally used. The former is a method in which pressure is applied to ink to discharge it by deformation of a piezo element. The latter is a method in which the ink is ejected at a pressure of bubbles generated by heating and boiling the ink by the heating element.

[0005] Various methods have been proposed as methods for reproducing the above-mentioned halftone by an on-demand type printer apparatus which discharges the above-mentioned ink droplets. That is, as a first method, there is a method in which the size of a droplet to be ejected is controlled by changing the voltage or pulse width of a voltage pulse applied to a piezo element or a heating element, and the gradation is expressed by changing the diameter of a print dot. .

However, according to this method, if the voltage or pulse width applied to the piezo element or the heating element is too low, ink cannot be ejected, so that the minimum droplet diameter is limited, and the number of gradation steps that can be expressed is small, and particularly low It is difficult to express the density, which is insufficient for printing out a natural image.

As a second method, one pixel is composed of a matrix of, for example, 4 × 4 dots without changing the dot diameter, and gradation expression is performed using a so-called dither method in units of the matrix. Is mentioned. In this case, 17 gradations can be expressed.

However, in this method, for example, when printing is performed at the same dot density as in the first method, the resolution becomes the first.
And the roughness is conspicuous, which is insufficient for printing out a natural image.

Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have attempted to control the density of the printed dots by changing the density of the discharged ink droplets by mixing the ink and the diluent when discharging the ink. A printer device has been proposed which prints out a natural image without causing deterioration in resolution.

A print head of such a printer device has a first nozzle into which a discharge medium is introduced and a second nozzle into which a quantitative medium is introduced so as to be adjacent to each other. A predetermined amount of the quantitative medium is oozed toward the first nozzle and mixed with the discharge medium in the vicinity of the first nozzle opening, and the discharge medium is discharged from the first nozzle together with the discharge medium mixed with the quantitative medium. There is a print head that extrudes and mixes and discharges a fixed amount medium and a discharge medium in the in-plane direction of the first and second nozzles. In such a printer, the amount of the quantitative medium, which is either ink or diluent, is changed, and the density of the dots is changed by changing the mixing ratio of the ink and the diluent, thereby forming a natural image. Print out. It should be noted that one of the quantitative medium and the ejection medium may be ink, and the other may be a diluent.

[0011]

As described above, in a printer apparatus which mixes and discharges ink and a diluting liquid, the mixing ratio of the ink and the diluting liquid must be accurately adjusted in order to accurately express a gradation corresponding to image data. Need to be controlled. For this purpose, it is necessary that the ink and the diluting liquid are reliably separated in a state where the ink and the diluting liquid are not mixed, that is, in a standby state. If the ink and the diluting liquid are in contact with each other in the standby state, the ink and the diluting liquid flow into nozzles into which the ink and the diluting liquid are respectively introduced, and greatly affect the mixing ratio of the ink and the diluting liquid in the next dot, It is impossible to accurately express gradation, and it is difficult to form a high-resolution recorded image.

Therefore, in such a printer apparatus that mixes and discharges ink and a diluting liquid, it is desired that at least a region sandwiched between the fixed nozzle opening and the discharge nozzle has liquid repellency.

Also, in the above-described printer apparatus which discharges only ink, if ink adheres to the vicinity of the opening of the discharge nozzle, an unstable state of the discharge direction is caused, and a high-resolution recorded image is formed. Therefore, it is desired to provide liquid repellency around the nozzle opening. This is the same in a printer apparatus that mixes and discharges the above-described ink and diluent.

The material having liquid repellency is generally polytetrafluoroethylene or the like. In the above-described printer, such a material is arranged around the nozzle opening. .

By the way, when manufacturing the above-described printer device, the nozzles are generally formed by ablation using an excimer laser.

However, the above polytetrafluoroethylene cannot be subjected to ablation by an excimer laser. Therefore, when such polytetrafluoroethylene is used, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
No. 28698, a material in which a material that absorbs light in the wavelength range of an excimer laser is dispersed in polytetrafluoroethylene, and a nozzle is formed by ablation processing using an excimer laser. . However, it is difficult to achieve both workability using an excimer laser and liquid repellency by using a method as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-328698, and either property must be sacrificed to some extent. Inconvenience occurs.

The present inventors have proposed to use a polyimide polymer that absorbs light in the wavelength range of an excimer laser and to form a nozzle by ablation using an excimer laser. Here, a film of polyimide, polyetherimide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, or the like having excimer laser workability is used as a plate base material for forming a nozzle, and a polyimide polymer is applied to the outside of the film.

However, the properties of this material are low mechanical strength and low adhesiveness to polyimide, polysulfone, etc. used as a plate. The area sandwiched between the openings and the liquid-repellent film around each nozzle opening deteriorates, breaks, or comes off, resulting in a short life span as a head with good characteristics. there were.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and prevents the liquid repellent film disposed around the nozzle opening from being deteriorated, damaged, or torn, and has a long life. It is an object to provide an enhanced printer device.

[0020]

A printing apparatus according to the present invention has a pressure chamber into which a discharge medium is introduced, and a nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber, and a print head that discharges the discharge medium from the nozzle. Wherein at least the periphery of the nozzle opening on the nozzle opening side of the print head is made of a mixed resin of a polyimide polymer and at least one of a bismaleimide triazine resin and an epoxy resin. And

In the printer according to the present invention as described above, at least the periphery of the nozzle opening on the nozzle opening side of the print head is made of a polyimide polymer and at least one of a bismaleimide triazine resin and an epoxy resin. , Liquid repellency and mechanical strength around the nozzle opening are ensured. Further, since the polyimide-based polymer is a material suitable for ablation processing using an excimer laser, in the printer device of the present invention, it is possible to form a nozzle by ablation processing using an excimer laser.

Further, the printer of the present invention has a first pressure chamber into which a discharge medium is introduced, and a second pressure chamber into which a quantitative medium is introduced, and communicates with the first pressure chamber. First
A nozzle and a second nozzle communicating with the second pressure chamber are opened so as to be adjacent to each other, and after the measuring medium is oozed from the second nozzle toward the first nozzle, A printer device having a print head that discharges a discharge medium from one nozzle to mix and discharge a fixed amount medium and a discharge medium, wherein at least the periphery of the nozzle opening on the nozzle opening side of the print head is a polyimide polymer, It is characterized by comprising a mixed resin with at least one of a bismaleimide / triazine resin and an epoxy resin.

In the printer according to the present invention as described above, at least the periphery of the nozzle opening on the nozzle opening side of the print head is formed of a polyimide polymer and at least one of a bismaleimide triazine resin and an epoxy resin. Since it is made of a mixed resin, liquid repellency and mechanical strength around the nozzle opening are ensured. Also,
Since the polyimide-based polymer is a material suitable for ablation processing using an excimer laser, in the printer device of the present invention, it is possible to form a nozzle by ablation processing using an excimer laser.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer that discharges only ink as a discharge medium will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer of this embodiment has an orifice plate member 6 in which a nozzle 1, an ink pressure chamber 2, an ink supply passage 3, and an ink supply port 4 are formed. It has a print head mainly composed of pressure elements 8 arranged at positions corresponding to the ink pressure chambers 2, and it goes without saying that it also has a drive device, a control device and the like.

The orifice plate member 6 forms a first concave portion 9 for forming the ink pressure chamber 2 and an ink supply channel 3, and the second concave portion 1 having a depth smaller than that of the first concave portion 9.
0, a third recess 11 which forms the ink supply port 4 and is deeper than the second recess 10 is continuously opened to the one main surface 12a side; A substrate 12 on which the nozzle 1 is formed as a through hole extending from the bottom surface side to the back surface 12b of the one main surface 12a, and a diaphragm 7 provided on the one main surface 12a side and having a function as a lid member for covering the concave portions.
It consists of.

Each of the concave portions has, for example, a substantially U-shaped cross section and a substantially U-shaped cross section.
The nozzle 1 may be formed as a through-hole having a circular, elliptical, or rectangular cross section that becomes thinner toward the back surface 12b, for example.

That is, the space between the third concave portion 11 and the vibration plate 7 becomes the ink supply port 4, the space between the second concave portion 10 and the vibration plate 7 becomes the ink supply flow path 3, and the space between the first concave portion 9 The space between the vibration plates 7 becomes the ink pressure chamber 2, which is formed as a continuous space, and the nozzle 1 is also formed continuously therewith. An opening 15 is formed in a part of the diaphragm 7 corresponding to the third recess 11.

Then, the opening 15 of the ink supply port 4 is formed.
Is connected to an ink supply pipe 16 for supplying ink from an external ink tank (not shown).

Therefore, the ink 1 is supplied from the external ink tank.
4 is supplied to the ink supply port 4 via the ink supply pipe 16, and the ink supply path 3, the ink pressure chamber 2, and the nozzle 1 are filled from the ink supply port 4.

The vibrating plate 7 is provided as a member with a cut in a part thereof so that a part corresponding to the ink pressure chamber 2 is easily displaced.

Further, as the pressure element 8, a laminated piezo element or the like can be mentioned. In this embodiment, an example using a laminated piezo element is shown. As described above, the pressure element 8 is disposed at a portion corresponding to the ink pressure chamber 2 on the vibration plate 7 so that the longitudinal direction of the pressure element 8 is orthogonal to the vibration plate 7, and the opposite side is fixed by the support 18. ing.

The laminated piezo element constituting the pressure element 8 expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction in response to application of a voltage. At this time, since the one end side is fixed by the support 18, when the pressure element 8 expands, the diaphragm 7 is pressed in a direction indicated by an arrow P in the figure. Accordingly, pressure is applied to the ink 14 in the ink pressure chamber 2, and the ink 14 is ejected from the nozzle 1. At this time, since the ink supply flow path 3 is narrower than the ink pressure chamber 2, a large amount of the ink 14 does not flow backward to the ink supply port 4 side.

When printing is performed by the printer of the present embodiment, the ink 14 in the ink pressure chamber 2 is
, And the ink 14 may be ejected from the nozzle 1 toward a recording material (not shown), and the gradation may be represented by a dot size or a matrix.

In the print head of the printer of the present embodiment, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 2, the opening surface of the nozzle 1 of the orifice plate member 6, that is, the substrate 1
A polymer film 19 is arranged at least around the opening of the nozzle 1 on the back surface 12 b side, which is the opening surface of the second nozzle 1. In the printer of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a polymer film 19 is disposed on the entire back surface 12b.

The polymer film 19 comprises a polyimide polymer and
It is made of a mixed resin obtained by mixing a resin material.

As the polyimide-based polymer, various ones can be mentioned, and among them, a wholly aromatic polyimide is preferable. Further, those having a structure as shown in the following formula 1 are preferable.

[0039]

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Further, those having a structure as shown in the following chemical formula 2 are also preferable.

[0041]

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Incidentally, the above-mentioned polyimide-based polymer is
(° C.) when immersed in water for 24 hours.
It is preferably 4 (%) or less.

Further, the above-mentioned polyimide polymer is 180
It is preferable that the polymer is formed by heating at a temperature of (° C.) or lower.

Further, the polyimide polymer is preferably a polyimide siloxane.

Examples of such a polyimidesiloxane include those having a structure as shown in the following chemical formula (3).

[0046]

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Examples of such a polyimidesiloxane include those having a structure as shown in the following chemical formula 4.

[0048]

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In these polyimide siloxanes, a part of the aromatic hydrocarbon moiety bonded to the nitrogen of the imide bond is replaced by siloxane.
The content of Si to polyimide is 3 (% by weight) to 25.
(% By weight).

As such a polyimide polymer, Upicoat FS-100 manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. is used.
L (trade name) and Iupine Fine FP-100 (trade name).

The resin material mixed with the above-mentioned polyimide polymer includes a bismaleimide-triazine resin (hereinafter referred to as a BT resin), an epoxy resin, or a mixture of a BT resin and an epoxy resin. No.

Here, the BT resin contains a triazine resin (T component) as a main component and a polyfunctional maleimide compound (B
Component) or another modifying compound, and is a general term for a high heat-resistant addition polymerization type thermosetting resin.

The triazine resin, which is a main component of the BT resin, is a compound having an unsaturated triple bond of a cyanate group (—RO—C≡N), and is cured by heating to form a triazine ring. The triazine ring is more stable to heat energy and high-energy radiation than the benzene ring, and does not form an unnecessary other polar group, so that it becomes a resin having excellent heat resistance and electrical properties. By adding a polyfunctional maleimide compound or other modifying compound to the triazine resin, the properties of the triazine resin can be enhanced and workability can be improved.

Since such a BT resin has an active functional group having an active unsaturated double bond in addition to the cyanate group, it easily reacts with compounds having various other functional groups. . Therefore, the BT resin has a great feature that it can be easily modified with various resins and additives, and a wide range of performance and workability can be realized by these modifications.

The above-mentioned estimated structure of the BT resin is represented by the following formula.
Shown in

[0056]

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Specific examples of such a BT resin include BT2060B (trade name) and BT- manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Corporation.
A300 (product name), BT-A301 (product name), BT
-A304 (product name), BT2117 (product name) and the like.

Examples of the epoxy resin include a phenol novolak type epoxy resin and a cresol novolak type epoxy resin. Specific examples include an EPN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gaikey Corporation as shown in Chemical Formula 6, and an ECN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gaikey Corporation as shown in Chemical Formula 7.

[0059]

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[0060]

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In addition to the above-mentioned resins, epoxy resins such as ARALDI manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd.
TE-MY721 (trade name) and ARALITE-E
CN1273 (trade name), AZ15 (trade name) manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd. and the like can be used.

[0062]

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By mixing a BT resin or an epoxy resin with a polyimide polymer, the adhesion between the polymer film 19 and the substrate 12 can be increased, and the mechanical strength of the polymer film 19 can be improved.

The ratio of the BT resin or the epoxy resin as described above is set to be 0.1 to the whole of the mixed resin.
The content is preferably in the range of 01% by weight or more and 90% by weight or less. If the ratio of the BT resin or the epoxy resin is less than 0.01% by weight based on the whole mixed resin, the effect of improving the mechanical strength of the polymer film 19 cannot be sufficiently obtained. If the ratio of the BT resin or the epoxy resin exceeds 90% by weight with respect to the entire mixed resin, the liquid repellency of the polymer film 19 is reduced. Therefore, the ratio of the BT resin or the epoxy resin is set to be 0.1 to the entire mixed resin.
By being in the range of 01% by weight or more and 90% by weight or less,
It is possible to achieve both excellent liquid repellency and mechanical strength of the polymer film 19.

When a mixture of a BT resin and an epoxy resin is mixed with a polyimide polymer, the total of the BT resin and the epoxy resin is 0.01% by weight or more based on the total amount of the mixed resin. , 90% by weight or less. When both the BT resin and the epoxy resin are mixed with the polyimide polymer, it is not necessary to add a curing agent to the polymer film 19. And the polymer film 19
Characteristic deterioration caused by the curing agent can be eliminated.

The mixing ratio of the BT resin and the epoxy resin is not particularly limited as long as the ratio of the epoxy resin to the BT resin is in the range of 0.01% by weight to 99.99%. Absent.

In the printer of the present embodiment, the liquid repellent polymer film 19 is formed at least around the nozzle 1 opening on the nozzle 1 opening side of the print head. The liquid repellency is ensured, and extra ink is prevented from adhering, the ejection stability is enhanced, and a high-resolution image can be formed.

In the printer of this embodiment,
Since the polymer film 19 contains a BT resin or an epoxy resin in addition to the polyimide polymer, the adhesion between the polymer film 19 and the print head is increased, and the polymer film 1
9 is increased in mechanical strength, and peeling of the polymer film 19 is prevented. Thereby, in this printer device, the liquid repellency around the opening of the nozzle 1 is maintained for a long time.

Next, a method of manufacturing the above-described printer will be described. Here, only the method of manufacturing the print head will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 3, a substrate 12 in which a first concave portion 9, a second concave portion 10, and a third concave portion 11 are formed so as to open toward one main surface 12a is manufactured. In addition, these 1st recessed part 9 and 2nd recessed part 1
The 0 and third concave portions 11 are formed continuously, and their shapes are as described above. Examples of a method of manufacturing the substrate 12 include an injection molding method and a compression molding method. The material for the material may be any material used for this type of printer, such as polysulfone or polysulfone. Polyether sulfone is preferred.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a polymer film 19 is formed on the back surface 12b opposite to the one main surface 12a of the substrate 12. At this time, as the polymer film 19, 23
(° C.) when immersed in water for 24 hours.
A mixed resin of polyimide siloxane polymerized by heating at 180 ° C. or less and BT resin or epoxy resin having a thickness of about 10 (μm) to about 30 (μm). preferable.

Examples of the polyimide-based polymer material having a water absorption of 0.4 or less include, for example, a polyimide-based overcoat ink manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd., Upicoat FS
-100 L (trade name). This polyimide-based overcoat ink Upicoat FS-100L (trade name) manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. has a viscosity of 220 ± 20 measured at 25 ° C. using an E-type viscometer.
It is a poise ink.

Examples of the BT resin include BT2060B (trade name) and BT-B manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Ltd.
A300 (product name), BT-A301 (product name), BT
-A304 (product name), BT2117 (product name) and the like.

Further, as the epoxy resin, for example,
EPN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gay Key Co., Ltd.
ECN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gay Key Co., Ltd.
ARALDITE-MY721 (trade name) manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd., ARALDITE-ECN manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd.
1273 (trade name) and AZ15 (trade name) manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.

To dispose the polymer film 19 on the substrate 12,
Dissolve these resins in a solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone,
This solution may be applied by spin coating or the like and then polymerized by heating.

Next, as shown in FIG.
The nozzle 1 penetrating the substrate 12 and the polymer film 19 from the bottom surface of the concave portion 9 is formed using an excimer laser processing machine. In the printer device of this example, polysulfone or polyether sulfone forming the substrate 12 and polyimide-based polymer forming the polymer film 19 are all materials that can be ablated by excimer laser. The nozzle 1 can be formed by ablation using an excimer laser. Therefore, in the printer of the present embodiment, the nozzle forming process is simplified, and the productivity is improved.

Further, since these polysulfone, polyethersulfone, and polyimide polymers have very good ablation characteristics with an excimer laser, the nozzle 1 cannot be used in a process defect such as generation of burrs and the like and peeling. , And the production yield is improved, which also improves the productivity of the printer of the present embodiment. The BT resin or the epoxy resin contained in the polymer film 19 does not hinder the ablation processability of the polymer film 19.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the diaphragm 7 functioning as a lid member is disposed on one principal surface 12a, which is the opening surface of each concave portion, of the substrate 12, and the third concave portion 11 and the diaphragm 7 The space between the first concave portion 9 and the diaphragm 7 is defined as an ink pressure chamber 2, and the space between the second concave portion 10 and the diaphragm 7 is defined as an ink supply passage 3. These are formed as continuous spaces, and the nozzles 1 are also formed continuously. In addition, the third of the diaphragm 7
Needless to say, an opening 15 is formed at a part of the position corresponding to the concave part 11 and a part of the ink supply port 4 is opened.

Further, it is needless to say that a cut is made in a part of the vibration plate 7 so that the position corresponding to the ink pressure chamber 2 is easily displaced.

Further, the ink pressure chamber 2 on the vibration plate 7
A pressure element 8, which is a laminated piezo element, is arranged at a portion corresponding to the above. It goes without saying that the opposite side of the pressure element 8 is supported by the support 18.

Further, an ink supply pipe 16 is arranged so as to be connected to the opening 15 to complete a print head.

In the above-described example, the example in which the substrate 12 having a predetermined concave portion is formed by means such as injection molding has been described. However, instead of the substrate 12, a polymer film made of polyimide or the like is bonded to a metal plate. Alternatively, it may be manufactured by using such a material. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the polymer film 3 is provided on one main surface 32 a side of the metal plate 32.
1, and a first concave portion 29 forming an ink pressure chamber and a third concave portion 3 forming an ink supply port.
0, an ink supply channel 23 connecting the first concave portion 29 and the third concave portion 30 is formed.

The metal plate 32 may be formed of, for example, stainless steel, and the polymer film 31 may be formed of a polyimide film. In addition, since the polyimide film has a nozzle formed on the film, it is preferable that the polyimide film has a certain degree of wettability, and has a water absorption of 1.0 (when immersed in 23 (° C.) water for 24 hours. %) Or more. As such a polyimide film, for example, Kapton film (trade name) manufactured by Du Pont-Toray Co., Ltd. is exemplified. Then, it is preferable that the space between them is bonded with a polyimide material having a low glass transition temperature.

The metal plate 3 formed as described above
The substrate made of 2 and the polymer film 31 is not inferior to the above-mentioned integrally molded substrate in chemical resistance, and is superior in heat resistance to this substrate.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, a polymer film 39 is formed on the polymer film 31. At this time, as the polymer film 39, 23
(° C.) when immersed in water for 24 hours.
A mixed resin of polyimide siloxane polymerized by heating at 180 ° C. or less and BT resin or epoxy resin having a thickness of about 10 (μm) to about 30 (μm). preferable.

Examples of such a polyimide-based polymer material having a water absorption of 0.4 or less include a polyimide-based overcoat ink manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd., Upicoat FS
-100 L (trade name). This polyimide-based overcoat ink Upicoat FS-100L (trade name) manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. has a viscosity of 220 ± 20 measured at 25 ° C. using an E-type viscometer.
It is a poise ink.

As the BT resin, for example, BT2060B (trade name), BT-
A300 (product name), BT-A301 (product name), BT
-A304 (product name), BT2117 (product name) and the like.

As the epoxy resin, for example,
EPN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gay Key Co., Ltd.
ECN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gay Key Co., Ltd.
ARALDITE-MY721 (trade name) manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd., ARALDITE-ECN manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd.
1273 (trade name) and AZ15 (trade name) manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.

In order to dispose the polymer film 39 on the polymer film 31, these resins may be dissolved in a solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone, and this solution may be applied by spin coating or the like, and then polymerized by heating.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9, a nozzle 21 penetrating the polymer film 31 and the polymer film 39 from the bottom surface of the first concave portion 29 of the metal plate 32 is formed by using an excimer laser processing machine. In the printer of the present embodiment, the polyimide forming the polymer film 31 and the polyimide polymer forming the polymer film 39 are both materials that can be ablated by excimer laser. Can be formed by ablation using an excimer laser. Therefore, in the printer of the present embodiment, the nozzle forming process is simplified, and the productivity is improved.

Further, since the ablation characteristics of these polyimide polymers with excimer laser are very excellent, the nozzle 21 is formed without causing any process defects such as generation of burrs and peeling. In addition, the production yield is improved, which also improves the productivity of the printer of this embodiment. In addition,
The BT resin or the epoxy resin contained in the polymer film 19 does not hinder the ablation processability of the polymer film 19.

Subsequently, the print head is completed by arranging the vibration plate, the ink supply pipe, the piezoelectric element and the like as described above.

Therefore, in the printer of this embodiment,
A polymer film having liquid repellency is formed at least around the nozzle opening on the nozzle opening side of the print head,
Since the liquid repellency around the nozzle opening is ensured, the ejection stability of the ink is ensured, and a high-quality recorded image can be formed. Further, since the polyimide polymer is a material suitable for ablation processing using an excimer laser, in the printer device of this example, nozzle formation by ablation processing using an excimer laser is possible, and the manufacturing process is It is simplified and productivity is improved.

Further, in the printer of this embodiment,
The nozzle forming portion of the print head, that is, the portion other than the portion formed by the polyimide polymer of the nozzle forming portion of the print head is exposed to polysulfone or polyethersulfone, and further, to water of 23 (° C.).
Since it is formed of a polyimide-based polymer having a water absorption of 1.0 (%) or more when immersed for a time, it is possible to form a nozzle by processing them by ablation using an excimer laser. In addition, the manufacturing process is simplified, and the productivity is improved.

Also, since the ablation characteristics of these materials by excimer laser are very excellent,
The nozzles are formed without causing process defects such as generation of burrs and the like and occurrence of peeling, and the production yield is improved, which also improves the productivity of the printer of the present embodiment.

In the printer of this embodiment,
Since the polymer film contains a BT resin or an epoxy resin in addition to the polyimide-based polymer, the adhesion between the polymer film and the print head is increased, and the mechanical strength of the polymer film is increased. Separation of the molecular film is prevented. Thereby, in this printer device, the liquid repellency around the opening of the nozzle 1 is maintained for a long time.

Next, an example in which the present invention is applied to a printer apparatus for mixing and discharging ink and a diluting liquid will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, the printer of this embodiment includes a first nozzle 41, a discharge medium pressure chamber 42, a discharge medium supply passage 43, a discharge medium supply port 44, and a second nozzle 5
1. An orifice plate member 46 in which a fixed-medium pressure chamber 52, a fixed-medium supply passage 53, and a fixed-medium supply port 54 are formed, and at least positions corresponding to the discharge medium pressure chamber 42 and the fixed-medium pressure chamber 52, respectively. The first to be distributed
It is needless to say that it has a print head mainly constituted by the pressure element 48 and the second piezoelectric element 58, and further includes a driving device and a control device.

The orifice plate member 46 is composed of a substrate 62 having concave portions forming pressure chambers and nozzles, and a vibrating plate 47 having a function as a cover member for closing the concave portions.
It consists of.

In the substrate 62, a first concave portion 69 forming the discharge medium pressure chamber 42 and a discharge medium supply channel 43 are formed, and a second concave portion 70 having a depth smaller than that of the first concave portion 69.
A third recess 71, which forms the ejection medium supply port 44 and is deeper than the second recess 70, is continuously opened to the one main surface 62 a side, and a bottom surface of the first recess 69. Nozzle 4 which is a through hole extending from the side to the back surface 62b of the one main surface 62a
1 is formed.

Further, the substrate 62 has a fourth concave portion 59 for forming the quantitative medium pressure chamber 52 and a quantitative medium supply flow path 5.
3 is formed, a fifth concave portion 60 having a depth smaller than that of the fourth concave portion 59, and a quantitative medium supply port 54 are formed.
The sixth concave portion 61 having a depth greater than that of the first main surface 6 is continuously formed.
A second nozzle 51 is formed which is opened to the side 2a and is a through hole extending from the bottom surface of the fourth recess 59 to the back surface 62b of the one main surface 62a.

The first nozzle 41 and the second nozzle 51 are formed adjacent to each other, and the discharge and quantitative medium pressure chambers 42, 52, Discharge and metering medium supply channel 43,
53, the discharge and metering medium supply ports 44 and 54 are sequentially formed.

Each of the concave portions has, for example, a substantially U-shaped cross section and a substantially U-shaped cross section.
The first and second nozzles 41 and 51 may be formed as through-holes having a circular, elliptical, or rectangular cross section that becomes thinner toward the back surface 62b, for example.

That is, the space between the third concave portion 71 and the diaphragm 47 becomes the discharge medium supply port 44, the space between the second concave portion 70 and the diaphragm 47 becomes the discharge medium supply flow path 43, and the first concave portion The space between 69 and the diaphragm 47 is the discharge medium pressure chamber 4
2 and these are formed as a continuous space, and the first nozzle 41 is also formed continuously therewith. Note that an opening 65 is formed in a part of the diaphragm 47 corresponding to the third recess 71.

A discharge medium supply pipe 66 for supplying a discharge medium from an external discharge medium tank (not shown) is connected to the opening 65 of the discharge medium supply port 44.

Accordingly, the discharge medium 64 is supplied from the external discharge medium tank to the discharge medium supply port 4 through the discharge medium supply pipe 66.
4, and is filled from the discharge medium supply port 44 into the discharge medium supply flow path 43, the discharge medium pressure chamber 42, and the first nozzle 41.

On the other hand, the space between the sixth concave portion 61 and the diaphragm 47 becomes the quantitative medium supply port 54, the space between the fifth concave portion 60 and the diaphragm 47 becomes the quantitative medium supply channel 53, and the fourth concave portion The space between 59 and the diaphragm 47 becomes the fixed-medium pressure chamber 52, which is formed as a continuous space, and the second nozzle 51 is also formed continuously. An opening 75 is formed in a part of the diaphragm 47 corresponding to the sixth recess 61.

The metering medium supply pipe 76 for supplying a metering medium from an external metering medium tank (not shown) is connected to the opening 75 of the metering medium supply port 54.

Therefore, the measuring medium 74 is supplied from the external measuring medium tank through the measuring medium supply pipe 76 to the measuring medium supply port 5.
4 to be supplied to the fixed-medium supply passage 53, the fixed-medium pressure chamber 52, and the second nozzle 51.

The vibrating plate 47 is provided as a member having a cut in a part thereof so that the part corresponding to the discharge medium pressure chamber 42 and the part corresponding to the fixed medium pressure chamber 52 are easily displaced.

Further, as the pressure elements 48 and 58, a laminated piezo element and the like can be mentioned. In this embodiment, an example using a laminated piezo element is shown. This pressure element 4
8 is the discharge medium pressure chamber 42 on the diaphragm 47 as described above.
The longitudinal direction of the pressure element 48 is
And the other side is fixed by a support 49. The same applies to the other pressure element 58, which is similarly arranged in the portion corresponding to the fixed-medium pressure chamber 52 on the vibration plate 47 as described above, and the opposite side is fixed by the support 50.

The laminated piezo elements constituting the pressure elements 48 and 58 expand and contract in the longitudinal direction in response to application of a voltage.
At this time, since the one end side is fixed by the supports 49 and 50, when the pressure elements 48 and 58 extend, the diaphragm 47 is pressed in the directions indicated by arrows P ₁ and P ₂ in the figure. Along with this, pressure is applied to the discharge medium 64 of the discharge medium pressure chamber 42 and the quantification medium 74 of the quantification medium pressure chamber 52, and the discharge medium 64 is from the first nozzle 41 and the quantification medium 74 is from the second nozzle 51. Extruded. At this time, the discharge and quantification medium supply passages 43 and 53 are narrower than the discharge and quantification medium pressure chambers 42 and 52, so that the discharge and quantification mediums 64 and 74 are discharged and quantified medium supply ports 44 and 5.
There is no large backflow to the 4 side.

When printing is performed by the printer device of this embodiment, first, the pressure element 58 pressurizes the fixed amount medium 74 in the fixed amount medium pressure chamber 52 and a predetermined amount of the fixed amount medium 74 is discharged from the second nozzle 51. Extruded toward the first nozzle 41 side,
The liquid is supplied to the vicinity of the opening of the first nozzle 41 and mixed with the ejection medium 64 in the vicinity of the opening. At this time, the pushing amount of the quantitative medium 74 is controlled by the intensity of the voltage applied to the pressure element 58 or the pulse width.

Next, the discharge medium 64 in the discharge medium pressure chamber 42 is pressurized by the piezoelectric element 48, and the mixed liquid of the quantitative medium 74 and the discharge medium 64 near the opening of the first nozzle 41 together with the discharge medium 64 is not shown. Discharges toward the recording material.
Then, the gradation may be expressed by changing the dot density by changing the amount of extrusion of the quantitative medium. Note that any one of the ejection medium and the measurement medium may be ink and the other may be a diluting liquid.

In the print head of the printer of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the first and second nozzles 41, 5 of the orifice plate member 46 are enlarged.
The polymer film 7 is formed on at least the periphery of the opening of the first and second nozzles 41 and 51 on the side of the back surface 62b which is the opening of the first and second nozzles 41 and 51 of the substrate 62.
9 are arranged. In the printer of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a polymer film 79 is disposed over the entire back surface 62b.

The polymer film 79 includes a polyimide polymer and
It is made of a mixed resin obtained by mixing a resin material.

As the polyimide-based polymer, various ones can be mentioned, and among them, a wholly aromatic polyimide is preferable. Further, those having a structure represented by the following formula 9 are preferable.

[0117]

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Further, those having a structure as shown in the following formula 10 are also preferable.

[0119]

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The above-mentioned polyimide-based polymer is
(° C.) when immersed in water for 24 hours.
It is preferably 4 (%) or less.

The polyimide-based polymer is 180
It is preferable that the polymer is formed by heating at a temperature of (° C.) or lower.

Further, it is preferable that the polyimide polymer is polyimide siloxane.

Examples of such a polyimidesiloxane include those having a structure as shown in the following chemical formula (11).

[0124]

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Examples of such a polyimidesiloxane include those having a structure as shown in the following chemical formula (12).

[0126]

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In these polyimide siloxanes, a part of the aromatic hydrocarbon portion bonded to the nitrogen of the imide bond is substituted by the siloxane.
The content of Si to polyimide is 3 (% by weight) to 25.
(% By weight).

[0128] Such polyimide-based polymers include Upicoat FS-100 manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd.
L (trade name) and Iupine Fine FP-100 (trade name).

The resin material mixed with the polyimide-based polymer may be a bismaleimide-triazine resin (hereinafter, referred to as a BT resin), an epoxy resin, or a mixture of a BT resin and an epoxy resin. No.

As described above, the BT resin contains a triazine resin (T component) as a main component and is composed of a polyfunctional maleimide compound (B component) or another modifying compound. It is a general term for a polymerizable thermosetting resin.

Since such a BT resin has an active functional group having an active unsaturated double bond such as a cyanate group, it easily reacts with other compounds having various functional groups. Therefore, the BT resin has a great feature that it can be easily modified with various resins and additives, and a wide range of performance and workability can be realized by these modifications.

The above-mentioned estimated structure of the BT resin is represented by
3 is shown.

[0133]

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Specific examples of such a BT resin include BT2060B (trade name) and BT- manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Corporation.
A300 (product name), BT-A301 (product name), BT
-A304 (product name), BT2117 (product name) and the like.

Examples of the epoxy resin include a phenol novolak type epoxy resin and a cresol novolak type epoxy resin. Specifically, EPN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gaikey Co., Ltd. shown in Chemical Formula 14, and ECN series manufactured by Ciba-Gaikey Co., Ltd. shown in Chemical Formula 15
Series (product name) and the like.

[0136]

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[0137]

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In addition to the above resins, epoxy resins such as ARALD manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd.
ITE-MY721 (trade name), ARALDITE-
ECN1273 (trade name), AZ15 (trade name) manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd., or the like can be used.

[0139]

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By mixing the BT resin or the epoxy resin with the polyimide polymer, the adhesiveness between the polymer film 79 and the substrate 62 can be increased, and the mechanical strength of the polymer film 79 can be improved.

Then, the ratio of the BT resin or the epoxy resin as described above is 0.1% with respect to the polyimide polymer.
The content is preferably in the range of 01% by weight or more and 90% by weight or less. When the ratio of the BT resin or the epoxy resin is less than 0.01% by weight based on the polyimide polymer,
The effect of improving the mechanical strength of the polymer film 79 cannot be sufficiently obtained. If the ratio of the BT resin or the epoxy resin exceeds 90% by weight based on the weight of the polyimide polymer, the liquid repellency of the polymer film 79 is reduced. Therefore,
By setting the ratio of the BT resin or the epoxy resin in the range of 0.01% by weight or more and 90% by weight or less with respect to the polyimide-based polymer, the polymer film 79 has excellent liquid repellency and mechanical strength. Can be compatible.

When a mixture of a BT resin and an epoxy resin is mixed with a polyimide polymer, the total of the BT resin and the epoxy resin is 0.01% by weight or more based on the polyimide polymer. , 90% by weight or less. When both the BT resin and the epoxy resin are mixed with the polyimide polymer, it is not necessary to add a curing agent to the polymer film 79. And the polymer film 7
The deterioration of characteristics caused by the curing agent of No. 9 can be eliminated.

In the printer of this embodiment, a polymer having liquid repellency is provided at least around the openings of the first and second nozzles 41 and 51 on the opening side of the first and second nozzles 41 and 51 of the print head. Since the film 79 is formed, liquid repellency around the openings of the first and second nozzles 41 and 51 is ensured. In other words, in a standby state in which the ink and the diluent are not mixed, the ink and the diluent are reliably separated, the mixing ratio of the ink and the diluent for each dot is accurately controlled, and the gradation according to the image data is accurately determined. And a high-resolution recorded image can be formed.

Then, in the printer of this embodiment,
Since the polymer film 79 contains a BT resin or an epoxy resin in addition to the polyimide polymer, the polymer film 79
The adhesion between the polymer film 79 and the print head is increased, and the mechanical strength of the polymer film 79 is increased. Thereby, in this printer device, the liquid repellency around the opening of the nozzle 1 is maintained for a long time.

Next, a method of manufacturing the above-described printer will be described. Here, only the method of manufacturing the print head will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 12, a first recess 69, a second recess 70, a third recess 7
1, fourth recess 59, fifth recess 60, sixth recess 61
62 is formed so as to open toward one main surface 62a.
To manufacture. The first concave portion 69, the second concave portion 70, and the third concave portion 71 are formed continuously, and their shapes are as described above. Also, the fourth recess 59,
The fifth concave portion 60 and the sixth concave portion 61 are also formed continuously, and their shapes are as described above. This substrate 62
Examples of the production method include an injection molding method and a compression molding method. As a material constituting the material, any material may be used as long as it is a material used for this type of printer.
Polysulfone or polyethersulfone is preferred.

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, a polymer film 79 is formed on the back surface 62b opposite to the one main surface 62a of the substrate 62. At this time, the polymer film 79 has a water absorption of 0.4 or less and 180 (° C.) or less when immersed in 23 (° C.) water for 24 hours, similarly to the polymer film 19 described above. Mixed resin of polyimide siloxane polymerized and formed with BT resin or epoxy resin
(Μm) to 30 (μm) are preferable.

Examples of such a polyimide-based polymer material having a water absorption of 0.4 or less include a polyimide-based overcoat ink manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. and Upicoat FS
-100 L (trade name). This polyimide-based overcoat ink Upicoat FS-100L (trade name) manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. has a viscosity of 220 ± 20 measured at 25 ° C. using an E-type viscometer.
It is a poise ink.

Examples of the BT resin include BT2060B (trade name) manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Ltd.
A300 (product name), BT-A301 (product name), BT
-A304 (product name), BT2117 (product name) and the like.

Further, as the epoxy resin, for example,
EPN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gay Key Co., Ltd.
ECN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gay Key Co., Ltd.
ARALDITE-MY721 (trade name) manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd., ARALDITE-ECN manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd.
1273 (trade name) and AZ15 (trade name) manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.

For disposing the polymer film 79 on the substrate 12,
Dissolve these resins in a solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone,
This solution may be applied by spin coating or the like and then polymerized by heating.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the substrate 62 and the polymer film 79 are removed from the bottom of the first concave portion 69 of the substrate 62.
Is formed using an excimer laser processing machine. Further, a second nozzle 51 penetrating through the substrate 62 and the polymer film 79 from the bottom surface of the fourth concave portion 59 of the substrate 62 is formed using an excimer laser processing machine.
In the printer device of this example, polysulfone or polyethersulfone forming the substrate 62 and polyimide-based polymer forming the polymer film 79 are all materials that can be ablated by excimer laser. The first and second nozzles 41 and 51 can be formed by ablation using an excimer laser. Therefore, in the printer of this example,
The nozzle forming process is simplified, and the productivity is improved.

Since the polysulfone, polyethersulfone, and polyimide polymers have very good ablation characteristics with an excimer laser, the first and second nozzles 41 and 51 can be used.
Are formed without generating process defects such as generation of burrs and the like and peeling, and the production yield is improved, which also improves the productivity of the printer of the present embodiment. The BT resin or the epoxy resin contained in the polymer film 79 does not hinder the ablation processability of the polymer film 79.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, a vibration plate 47 is arranged on one principal surface 62a side, which is the opening surface of each concave portion of the substrate 62,
The space between the third concave portion 71 and the vibration plate 47 is the discharge medium supply port 44, the space between the second concave portion 70 and the vibration plate 47 is the discharge medium supply flow path 43, and the first concave portion 69 and the vibration plate 47 The space therebetween is defined as a discharge medium pressure chamber 42. These are formed as a continuous space, and further, the first nozzle 41 is also formed continuously. It is needless to say that an opening 65 is formed in a part of the diaphragm 47 at a position corresponding to the third recess 71, and a part of the discharge medium supply port 44 is open.

Further, by disposing the diaphragm 47, the space between the sixth concave portion 61 and the diaphragm 47 is used as the quantitative medium supply port 54, and the space between the fifth concave portion 60 and the diaphragm 47 is defined as the quantitative medium. The supply channel 53 is used as the first recess 59 and the diaphragm 4
The space between 7 is defined as a fixed-medium pressure chamber 52. These are formed as a continuous space, and the second nozzle 51 is also formed continuously. It is needless to say that an opening 75 is formed in a part of the diaphragm 47 at a position corresponding to the sixth recess 61, and a part of the fixed-medium supply port 54 is open.

It is needless to say that a part of the vibrating plate 47 is notched so that the positions corresponding to the discharge and metering medium pressure chambers 42 and 52 are easily displaced.

Further, a pressure element 48, which is a laminated piezo element, is disposed on a portion of the vibration plate 47 corresponding to the discharge medium pressure chamber 42, and a pressure element, which is a laminated piezo element, is disposed also on a portion corresponding to the fixed medium pressure chamber 52. An element 58 is provided. It goes without saying that the opposite sides of the pressure elements 48, 58 are supported by supports 49, 50.

Further, a discharge medium supply pipe 66 is arranged so as to be connected to the opening 65, and a fixed amount medium supply pipe 76 is arranged so as to be connected to the opening 75, thereby completing a print head.

In the above-described example, the example in which the substrate 62 having the predetermined concave portion is formed by means such as injection molding has been described. However, instead of the substrate 62, a polymer film made of polyimide or the like is bonded to a metal plate. Alternatively, it may be manufactured by using such a material. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, a polymer film 91 is bonded to one main surface 92a side of the metal plate 92, and the first concave portion 89 forming the discharge medium pressure chamber and the first concave portion forming the discharge medium supply port are formed by these. The third concave portion 90 and a discharge medium supply flow path 83 connecting the first concave portion 89 and the third concave portion 90 are formed. Further, a fourth concave portion 99 forming the fixed-medium pressure chamber, a sixth concave portion 100 forming the fixed-medium supply port, the fourth concave portion 99 and the sixth concave portion 10.
A fixed-medium supply flow path 93 connecting 0 is formed.

Such a metal plate 92 may be formed of, for example, stainless steel or the like, and the polymer film 91 may be formed of a polyimide film or the like. In addition, since the polyimide film has a nozzle formed on the film, it is preferable that the polyimide film has a certain degree of wettability, and has a water absorption of 1.0 (when immersed in 23 (° C.) water for 24 hours. %) Or more. As such a polyimide film, for example, Kapton film (trade name) manufactured by Du Pont-Toray Co., Ltd. is exemplified. Then, it is preferable that the space between them is bonded with a polyimide material having a low glass transition temperature.

The metal plate 9 thus formed is
The substrate made of 2 and the polymer film 91 is not inferior in chemical resistance to the above-mentioned integrally molded substrate, and is superior in heat resistance to this substrate.

Next, a polymer film 109 is formed on the polymer film 91 as shown in FIG. At this time, the polymer film 109 has a water absorption of 0.4 or less and 180 (° C.) or less when immersed in 23 (° C.) water for 24 hours, similarly to the polymer film 19 described above. A mixed resin of a polyimide siloxane polymerized by heating and a BT resin or an epoxy resin is 10 (μm) to 30 (μm).
It is preferable that the film is formed to a thickness of about the same.

Examples of the polyimide-based polymer material having a water absorption of 0.4 or less include, for example, a polyimide-based overcoat ink manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. and Upicoat FS
-100 L (trade name). This polyimide-based overcoat ink Upicoat FS-100L (trade name) manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd. has a viscosity of 220 ± 20 measured at 25 ° C. using an E-type viscometer.
It is a poise ink.

Examples of the BT resin include BT2060B (trade name) and BT- manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Ltd.
A300 (product name), BT-A301 (product name), BT
-A304 (product name), BT2117 (product name) and the like.

Examples of the epoxy resin include, for example,
EPN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gay Key Co., Ltd.
ECN series (trade name) manufactured by Ciba-Gay Key Co., Ltd.
ARALDITE-MY721 (trade name) manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd., ARALDITE-ECN manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd.
1273 (trade name) and AZ15 (trade name) manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.

In order to dispose the polymer film 109 on the polymer film 91, these resins may be dissolved in a solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone, and this solution may be applied by spin coating or the like, and then polymerized by heating.

Next, as shown in FIG. 18, a first nozzle 101 penetrating the polymer film 91 and the polymer film 109 from the bottom surface of the first concave portion 89 of the metal plate 62 is formed by using an excimer laser processing machine. Form. The fourth of the metal plate 62
The second nozzle 111 penetrating the polymer film 91 and the polymer film 109 from the bottom surface of the concave portion 99 is formed using an excimer laser processing machine.

In the printer of this embodiment, the polyimide forming the polymer film 91 and the polyimide polymer forming the polymer film 109 are both materials that can be ablated by excimer laser. The first and second nozzles 101 and 111 can be formed by ablation using an excimer laser. Therefore, in the printer of the present embodiment, the nozzle forming process is simplified, and the productivity is improved.

Further, since these polyimide polymers have very good ablation characteristics with an excimer laser, the first and second nozzles 10 can be used.
1, 111 are formed without generating process defects such as generation of burrs and the like and occurrence of peeling, and the production yield is improved. Therefore, the productivity is improved in the printer of the present embodiment. Note that the BT resin or the epoxy resin contained in the polymer film 109 does not hinder the ablation processability of the polymer film 109.

Subsequently, the print head is completed by arranging the vibration plate, the ink supply tube, the piezoelectric element and the like as described above.

Therefore, in the printer of this embodiment,
A polymer film having liquid repellency is formed at least around the nozzle opening on the nozzle opening side of the print head,
Liquid repellency around the nozzle opening is ensured. In other words, in a standby state in which the ink and the diluent are not mixed, the ink and the diluent are reliably separated, the mixing ratio of the ink and the diluent for each dot is accurately controlled, and the gradation according to the image data is accurately determined. And a high-resolution recorded image can be formed.

Further, the ejection stability of the ink and the diluting liquid is ensured, which also enables formation of a high-quality recorded image.

Further, since the polyimide polymer is a material suitable for ablation processing using an excimer laser, the printer of the present embodiment can form a nozzle by ablation processing using an excimer laser. The manufacturing process is simplified, and the productivity is improved.

Further, in the printer of this embodiment,
The nozzle forming portion of the print head, that is, the portion other than the portion formed by the polyimide polymer of the nozzle forming portion of the print head is exposed to polysulfone or polyethersulfone, and further, to water of 23 (° C.).
Since it is formed of a polyimide-based polymer having a water absorption of 1.0 (%) or more when immersed for a time, it is possible to form a nozzle by processing them by ablation using an excimer laser. In addition, the manufacturing process is simplified, and the productivity is improved.

Further, since the ablation characteristics of these materials by the excimer laser are very excellent,
The nozzles are formed without causing process defects such as generation of burrs and the like and occurrence of peeling, and the production yield is improved, which also improves the productivity of the printer of the present embodiment.

In the printer of this embodiment,
Since the polymer film contains a BT resin or an epoxy resin in addition to the polyimide-based polymer, the adhesion between the polymer film and the print head is increased, and the mechanical strength of the polymer film is increased. Separation of the molecular film is prevented. Thereby, in this printer device, the liquid repellency around the opening of the nozzle 1 is maintained for a long time.

[0176]

EXAMPLES In order to confirm the effects of the present invention, the following evaluation experiments were performed.

First, in Examples 1 to 3, a BT resin was used as a resin mixed with a polyimide polymer.

<Example 1> First, 90 parts by weight of a polyimide-based polymer and 10 parts by weight of a BT resin were mixed and dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone as a solvent to prepare a liquid repellent solution. The resin content in the liquid repellent solution was about 24% by weight.

[0179] Here, as the polyimide-based polymer, Upicoat FS-100L (trade name) manufactured by Ube Industries, Ltd., which is a polyimidesiloxane-based resin, was used. As the BT resin, BT2060B (trade name) manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co., Ltd. was used. This BT2060B is a methyl ethyl ketone solution having a concentration of 70% by weight.

Next, the obtained liquid repellent solution was applied on a plate substrate to form a liquid repellent film, and the plate substrate was subjected to excimer laser processing to form a nozzle. As a plate base material for forming the nozzle, Kapton V (trade name) manufactured by Du Pont-Toray Co., Ltd., which is a polyimide film, was used.

The liquid repellent solution is applied to the plate substrate using a spin coater, preliminarily cured in an oven at 90 ° C. for about 1 hour, and then further cured in an oven at 180 ° C. for about 1 hour. As a result, a liquid-repellent film was formed on the plate substrate. The thickness of the liquid repellent film was about 2 μm.

Then, nozzles were formed by performing excimer laser processing on the plate substrate on which the liquid-repellent film was formed. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 2 When preparing a liquid repellent solution,
A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 70 parts by weight of the polyimide-based polymer and 30 parts by weight of the BT resin were mixed. Formed. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 3 In preparing a liquid repellent solution,
A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 50 parts by weight of a polyimide polymer and 50 parts by weight of a BT resin were mixed, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. Formed. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Next, in Examples 4 to 14, an epoxy resin was used as the resin mixed with the polyimide polymer.

Example 4 First, 90 parts by weight of a polyimide-based polymer and 10 parts by weight of an epoxy-based resin were mixed, and phthalic anhydride was added as a curing agent, and this was added to methyl ethyl ketone as a solvent. After dissolution, a liquid repellent solution was prepared. The resin content in this liquid repellent solution is about 24
% By weight. Here, as the epoxy resin, ARALITE MY721 manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd. is used.
(Trade name) was used.

A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the liquid-repellent solution was prepared as described above, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 5 When preparing a liquid repellent solution,
Example 4 was repeated except that 70 parts by weight of the polyimide polymer, 30 parts by weight of the epoxy resin, and the curing agent were mixed.
A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as described above, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 6 In preparing a liquid repellent solution,
Example 4 except that 50 parts by weight of the polyimide-based polymer, 50 parts by weight of the epoxy-based resin and the curing agent were mixed.
A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as described above, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 7 When preparing a liquid repellent solution,
Example 4 except that 30 parts by weight of a polyimide polymer, 70 parts by weight of an epoxy resin and a curing agent were mixed.
A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as described above, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 8 In preparing a liquid repellent solution,
Example 4 except that 10 parts by weight of the polyimide-based polymer, 90 parts by weight of the epoxy-based resin and the curing agent were mixed.
A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as described above, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 9 First, 90 parts by weight of a polyimide-based polymer and 10 parts by weight of an epoxy-based resin were mixed, and phthalic anhydride was added as a curing agent. This was added to methyl ethyl ketone as a solvent. After dissolution, a liquid repellent solution was prepared. The resin content in this liquid repellent solution is about 24
% By weight. Here, as the epoxy resin, ARALITE ECN12 manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd. is used.
73 (trade name) was used.

A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the liquid-repellent solution was prepared as described above, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 10 The same procedure as in Example 9 was carried out except that, in preparing the liquid repellent solution, 70 parts by weight of the polyimide polymer, 30 parts by weight of the epoxy resin and the curing agent were mixed. A liquid-repellent film was formed on the plate substrate, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 11 A liquid repellent solution was prepared in the same manner as in Example 9 except that 50 parts by weight of a polyimide polymer, 50 parts by weight of an epoxy resin, and a curing agent were mixed. A liquid-repellent film was formed on the plate substrate, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 12 First, 90 parts by weight of a polyimide polymer and 10 parts by weight of an epoxy resin were mixed, HZ15 was added as a curing agent, and this was dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone as a solvent. Thus, a liquid repellent solution was prepared. The resin content in the liquid repellent solution was about 24% by weight. Here, as the epoxy resin, AZ15 manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd. is used.
(Trade name) was used.

A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the liquid-repellent solution was prepared as described above, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 13 The procedure of Example 12 was repeated except that, in preparing the liquid repellent solution, 70 parts by weight of the polyimide polymer, 30 parts by weight of the epoxy resin, and the curing agent were mixed. To form a liquid-repellent film on the plate substrate,
A nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 14 The same procedure as in Example 12 was carried out except that, in preparing the liquid repellent solution, 50 parts by weight of the polyimide polymer, 50 parts by weight of the epoxy resin and the curing agent were mixed. To form a liquid-repellent film on the plate substrate,
A nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

In Examples 15 to 17, a mixed resin of a BT resin and an epoxy resin was used as the resin mixed with the polyimide polymer.

Example 15 First, a BT resin and an epoxy resin were mixed in advance at a weight ratio of 1: 1 to obtain a mixed resin. Here, BT2060B (trade name) manufactured by Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Ltd. was used as the BT resin. This BT2060B is a methyl ethyl ketone solution having a concentration of 70% by weight. As the epoxy resin, ARALDITE manufactured by Asahi Ciba Co., Ltd. is used.
MY721 (trade name) was used.

Next, 90 parts by weight of the polyimide polymer and 10 parts by weight of the mixed resin were mixed and dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone as a solvent to prepare a liquid repellent solution. Resin content in this liquid repellent solution is about 24% by weight
Met.

A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the liquid-repellent solution was prepared as described above, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 16 When preparing a liquid repellent solution, 70 parts by weight of a polyimide polymer and 3 parts of a mixed resin were used.
Example 15 except that 0 parts by weight and the curing agent were mixed.
A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as described above, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Example 17 In preparing a liquid repellent solution, 50 parts by weight of a polyimide polymer and 5 parts by weight of a mixed resin were used.
Example 15 except that 0 parts by weight and the curing agent were mixed.
A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as described above, and a nozzle was formed on the plate substrate. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

Comparative Example When preparing a liquid repellent solution, B
A liquid-repellent film was formed on a plate substrate in the same manner as in Example 1 except that T-resin or epoxy-based resin was not mixed and that a polyimide-based polymer was used in 100 parts by weight. A nozzle was formed. At this time, the nozzle could be formed neatly without impairing the excimer laser workability.

The mechanical strength of the liquid repellent film formed as described above was evaluated.

As a method of evaluation, first, a plate substrate on which a liquid-repellent film was applied was fixed, and the vicinity of the surface of the application surface where the nozzles were formed was washed with a cotton swab impregnated with ink to about 500 g. Was rubbed with one load per stroke. This was rubbed 500 times.

[0209] Before and after rubbing with a cotton swab, the surface of the liquid-repellent film was visually observed using a microscope, and the contact angle with the ink impregnated into the cotton swab was measured.

Table 1 shows the evaluation results of the mechanical strength of the liquid repellent film. In the observation of the liquid-repellent film surface, the case where no peeling of the liquid-repellent film was confirmed was evaluated as ○, the case where slight peeling was confirmed was evaluated as Δ, and the case where peeling was confirmed was evaluated as x.

[0211]

[Table 1]

As is clear from Table 1, the liquid-repellent films of Examples 1 to 17 in which a BT resin or an epoxy resin is mixed with a polyimide-based polymer also have a comparative structure composed of only a polyimide-based polymer. It can be seen that the liquid repellent film has almost the same liquid repellency as the liquid repellent film of the example. The liquid repellency is 500
It is maintained after repeated rubs.

On the other hand, with respect to the mechanical strength of the liquid-repellent film, the liquid-repellent film of the comparative example was peeled off after rubbing about 300 times. On the other hand, in the liquid-repellent films of Examples 1 to 17, depending on the type and amount of the resin to be mixed, slight peeling was confirmed after rubbing 500 times as in the liquid-repellent films of Example 12 or Example 17. And Example 13 or Example 1
As in the liquid repellent film of No. 4, peeling was observed after rubbing about 300 times, but it was found that the mechanical strength was improved in all cases as compared with the liquid repellent film of the comparative example.

Therefore, the liquid-repellent film formed by mixing the BT resin or the epoxy resin with the polyimide-based polymer has the same liquid-repellent property as the liquid-repellent film composed only of the polyimide-based polymer. It was found that mechanical strength could be improved while having

However, the proportion of the epoxy resin was 90% by weight.
In Example 8 described above, the liquid repellency in the initial stage was slightly lowered although it was at a usable level. for that reason,
By setting the proportion of the resin mixed with the polyimide-based polymer to about 90% by weight or less, preferably about 70% by weight or less of the whole mixed resin, both good liquid repellency and mechanical strength of the liquid-repellent film are achieved. We can see that we can do it. If the proportion of the resin mixed with the polyimide polymer is too small, the mechanical strength of the liquid-repellent film cannot be increased, so that the proportion of the resin mixed with the polyimide polymer is at least 0.1% of the whole mixed resin. It is preferably at least 01% by weight.

[0216]

According to the printer of the present invention, a liquid-repellent polymer film made of a polyimide polymer is formed at least around the nozzle opening on the nozzle opening side of the print head. Liquid repellency in the vicinity of the nozzle opening is ensured, adhesion of extra ink and the like are prevented, ejection stability is enhanced, and high-resolution image formation can be performed.

Further, in the printer of the present invention, the polymer film may be made of BT in addition to polyimide polymer.
Since the resin or the epoxy resin is contained, the adhesiveness between the polymer film and the print head can be increased.

Therefore, in the printer device of the present invention, the peeling of the polymer film is prevented by increasing the mechanical strength of the polymer film, and the liquid repellency in the vicinity of the nozzle opening is kept good for a long time. Can be excellent.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example of a printer device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing an example of a printer device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied, in the order of steps, showing a step of forming a substrate.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a principal part showing an example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied in the order of steps, and showing a step of forming a polymer film.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied in the order of steps, and showing a step of forming a nozzle.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied in the order of steps, and showing a step of disposing a diaphragm and the like.

FIG. 7 shows another example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied in order of steps, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing a step of preparing a metal plate to which a polymer film is attached.

FIG. 8 shows another example of the method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied in order of steps, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing a step of forming a polymer film.

FIG. 9 shows another example of the method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied in order of steps, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing a step of forming a nozzle.

FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view of a main part showing another example of a printer device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing another example of the printer device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a principal part showing still another example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied, in the order of steps, showing steps of forming a substrate.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a principal part showing still another example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied, in the order of steps, showing a step of forming a polymer film.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a principal part showing still another example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied, showing a process of forming nozzles in the order of processes.

FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a principal part showing still another example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied, in the order of steps, showing a step of disposing a diaphragm and the like.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a principal part showing still another example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied in the order of steps, and showing a step of preparing a metal plate on which a polymer film is bonded.

FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a principal part showing still another example of a method of manufacturing a printer device to which the present invention is applied, in the order of steps, showing a step of forming a polymer film.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a principal part showing still another example of a method of manufacturing a printer apparatus to which the present invention is applied, in the order of steps, showing steps of forming nozzles.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 nozzle, 2 ink pressure chamber, 14 ink,
Reference Signs List 19 polymer film, 41 first nozzle, 42 discharge medium pressure chamber, 51 second nozzle, 52 fixed medium pressure chamber, 64 discharge medium, 74 fixed medium

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A printer having a pressure chamber into which a discharge medium is introduced, and a nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber, and having a print head that discharges the discharge medium from the nozzle. At least the periphery of the nozzle opening on the surface side is a polyimide polymer and bismaleimide
A printer device comprising a mixed resin with at least one of a triazine resin and an epoxy resin. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bismaleimide-triazine resin or the epoxy resin is mixed in a range of 0.01% by weight or more and 90% by weight or less based on the mixed resin. Printer device. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the polyimide polymer has a water absorption of 0.4 (%) or less when immersed in water at 23 (° C.) for 24 hours. Printer device. 4. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the polyimide-based polymer is polymerized by heating at a temperature of 180 ° C. or lower. 5. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the polyimide-based polymer is polyimide siloxane. 6. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle forming portion of the print head is made of polysulfone. 7. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle forming portion of the print head is made of polyether sulfone. 8. The print head according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle forming portion has a nozzle forming portion.
2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the printer device is made of a polyimide polymer having a water absorption of 1.0 (%) or more when immersed in water of 3 (.degree. C.) for 24 hours. 9. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle is formed by ablation using an excimer laser. 10. A first pressure chamber into which a discharge medium is introduced, and a second pressure chamber into which a fixed amount medium is introduced, and a first nozzle and a second nozzle which communicate with the first pressure chamber. And a second nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber is opened so as to be adjacent to each other, and after the fixed medium is exuded from the second nozzle toward the first nozzle, the second nozzle is discharged from the first nozzle. In a printer device having a print head that discharges a medium and mixes and discharges a fixed amount medium and a discharge medium, at least the periphery of the nozzle opening on the nozzle opening side of the print head includes a polyimide polymer and bismaleimide.
A printer device comprising a mixed resin with at least one of a triazine resin and an epoxy resin. 11. The bismaleimide-triazine resin or the epoxy resin may be used in an amount of 0.01 to 0.01% with respect to the mixed resin.
11. The printer device according to claim 10, wherein the mixture is in a range of not less than 90% by weight and not more than 90% by weight. 12. The polyimide polymer has a water absorption of 0.4 (%) when immersed in water of 23 (° C.) for 24 hours.
The printer device according to claim 10, wherein: 13. A polyimide-based polymer having a temperature of 180 ° C.
The printer device according to claim 10, wherein the printer device is formed by polymerization under the following heating. 14. The printer according to claim 10, wherein the polyimide polymer is polyimide siloxane. 15. The nozzle forming portion of the print head,
The printer device according to claim 10, wherein the printer device is made of polysulfone. 16. The nozzle forming portion of the print head,
11. The printer according to claim 10, wherein the printer is made of polyether sulfone. 17. The nozzle forming portion of the print head,
11. The printer device according to claim 10, comprising a polyimide polymer having a water absorption of 1.0 (%) or more when immersed in water at 23 (C) for 24 hours. 18. The printer according to claim 10, wherein the nozzle is formed by ablation using an excimer laser.