JP2001310465A - Method for splitting gas-liquid phase, phase splitter, method of forming image, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently split a gas from a segment flow in the case where the segment flow which consists of a liquid segment and a gas segment and is continuously introduced into a common segment flow passage. SOLUTION: The segment flow passage is divided into a liquid segment flow and a gas segment flow on a branch section at the downstream side thereof. The gas segment included in the segment flow is introduced into the gas segment flow passage and the liquid segment included in the segment flow is temporally trapped by a trapping means provided to the liquid segment flow passage. The liquid segment trapped by the trapping means is extruded by the following liquid segment. It is preferable to trap one gas segment, however, it is possible to continuously trap a plurality of liquid segments and to extrude the top liquid segment one by one on a first-in first-out basis every time when the new liquid segment passes through the branch section. It is possible to make the trapping means to be a liquid repellent treatment section having a liquid repellent characteristic with respect to the liquid segment and to form the trapping means by drawing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas-liquid phase separation method for separating a segment flow, which is obtained by segmenting a liquid by a gas into a common segment flow path, into a gas segment and a liquid segment, and a gas-liquid phase separator. , An image forming method, and an image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an analyzer such as a clinical chemistry analyzer, a liquid sample is segmented by a gas and flows into a thin tube, and a liquid segment flowing through the tube is processed to perform various analytical measurements. . Such segmentation and analysis of liquid samples such as, for example, serum and urine is widely practiced.

[0003]

The liquid segmented by the gas (sample, liquid segment)
May be collected again after branching and sent to the next process. In this case, the gas used for segmentation is mixed in the liquid. At this time, since the volumes of the gas segment and the liquid segment are extremely small, the gas segment becomes fine bubbles and enters the liquid, and it is very troublesome to remove these bubbles.

[0004] It is conceivable that the liquid mixed with the air bubbles is gently left to wait for the air bubbles to be naturally separated by gravity, but in this case, there is a problem that it takes a long time. Further, depending on the physical properties of the liquid, it may not be possible to sufficiently separate the liquid even if it is left.

On the other hand, the applicant of the present application is studying the formation of an image using such ink segmented by gas. In this method, a segment flow obtained by segmenting a transparent carrier ink with a gas (such as air) is supplied to a segment flow path (ink flow path), and a colored ink flowing into the segment flow path is converted into a color ink into an image signal. Add based on the amount. Then, an image is formed by transferring the liquid segment to which the colored ink has been added to an image receiver (print paper or the like) (referred to as a premixing method or a pre-mixing method). In this method, 1
One pixel is drawn by one liquid segment,
Reliable separation of this liquid segment from the gas segment is necessary to obtain good image quality.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a gas-liquid phase separation method capable of efficiently separating a gas from a segment flow obtained by segmenting a liquid with the gas. Aim. It is a second object to provide a gas-liquid phase separator for use directly in carrying out this method. A third object is to provide an image forming method using this gas-liquid phase separator. A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus directly used for carrying out the image forming method.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a first object is to separate a segment flow composed of a liquid segment and a gas segment continuously led to a common segment flow path into a gas segment and a liquid segment. A phase separation method,
The segment flow path is branched into a liquid segment flow path and a gas segment flow path at a branch portion on the downstream side, and the gas segment included in the segment flow is guided to the gas segment flow path, while the segment flow is included in the segment flow. This is achieved by a gas-liquid phase separation method, wherein a liquid segment is temporarily trapped by trap means provided in the liquid segment flow path.

The liquid segment trapped in the trap means can be pushed out of the trap means by a liquid segment sent later. That is, since the segment flow is sent from the segment flow supply means at a predetermined pressure, the subsequent liquid segment blocks the gas segment flow path across the branch of the gas segment flow path for removing the gas segment. The liquid segment trapped in the above can be pressed and pushed out of the trap means.

According to the present invention, a second object is to separate a gas segment and a liquid segment from a segment flow composed of the liquid segment and the gas segment continuously led to a common segment flow path. A liquid segment flow path and a gas segment flow path formed continuously on the downstream side of the segment flow path, and a trap means formed in the liquid segment flow path to temporarily trap the liquid segment. This is achieved by a gas-liquid phase separator.

In this case, it is preferable that the trap means trap one gas segment. However, it is also possible to trap a plurality of liquid segments in succession and to extrude the leading liquid segment in sequence, so to speak, each time a new liquid segment passes through the branch. In these cases, it is desirable to keep each liquid segment at a substantially constant volume at all times.

The trap means may be a liquid-repellent treatment section having a property of repelling liquid segments (herein referred to as liquid-repellency). For example, if the liquid segment is a hydrophilic liquid, the trap means is subjected to a water-repellent treatment. Conversely, if the liquid segment is a hydrophobic liquid,
This trap means may be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.

Instead of such a liquid repellent treatment, the trap means may be formed by a throttle having a slightly reduced inner diameter. The aperture may be subjected to the above-described liquid-repellent treatment. The trap means may use an electromagnetic force such as an electrostatic force. For example, while the liquid segment is charged as being insulative, an electrode is provided as a trap means, and the liquid segment is trapped or sent out using an electrostatic attraction or electrostatic repulsion acting between the liquid segment and the electrode. Can be.

[0013] The trapping means may provide a slight flow resistance to the liquid segment so that the pressure of the subsequent liquid segment allows the already trapped liquid segment to easily pass over the trapping means. In this case, the length of the trap means is preferably shorter than the length occupied by the liquid segment in the liquid segment flow path.

According to the present invention, a third object is as set forth in claim 3
An image forming method using a gas-liquid phase separator according to any one of claims 10 to 10, wherein a segment flow obtained by segmenting a carrier ink that does not substantially form an image after drying into a segment flow path by a gas is supplied. Adding a colored ink which substantially forms an image after drying to the liquid segment flowing in the passage, separating the liquid segment added with the colored ink from the segment stream by the gas-liquid phase separator, In which an image is formed by transferring an image to an image receptor that moves relative to the discharge port.

By changing the mixing ratio of the carrier ink and the colored ink based on the image signal, the density can be controlled to multiple gradations. By adding a plurality of colored inks of different colors to the liquid segment for the same pixel,
A color image can be formed.

According to the present invention, a fourth object is as follows.
10. An image forming apparatus using any one of the gas-liquid phase separators according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein a carrier stream that does not substantially form an image after drying in a segment flow path is segmented by a gas into a liquid segment and a gas segment. A segment flow supply means for supplying, an ink supply pump which joins the segment flow path and adds a color ink which substantially forms an image after drying on the liquid segment, and a liquid segment to which the color ink is added from the segment flow. This is achieved by an image forming apparatus comprising: the gas-liquid phase splitter to be separated; and a liquid segment transfer unit that transfers the separated liquid segment to an image receptor that moves relative to the discharge port. Is done.

[0017]

The segment flow obtained by segmenting the liquid with the gas is supplied to the segment flow path. The volume of the liquid segment is substantially constant. The downstream side of the segment flow path branches into a liquid segment flow path and a gas segment flow path, and the liquid segment flows into the liquid segment flow path.

In order to prevent the liquid segment from flowing into the liquid segment flow path and into the gas segment flow path as described above, it is necessary to perform a liquid-repellent treatment at least near the junction of the gas segment flow path. Good. Alternatively, the segment flow path may be curved in an arc shape near the junction to use the centrifugal force acting on the liquid segment. Furthermore, the included angle between the segment flow path and the gas segment flow path may be an acute angle in the downflow direction of the segment flow.
Still further, the plurality of small-diameter gas segment flow paths may be joined to the segment flow path at the merging portion and divided into small-diameter gas segment flow paths so that the liquid segment may be less likely to enter the gas segment flow path.

The liquid segment enters the liquid segment flow path through the branch, and is trapped by the trap means. At this time, the rear end of the liquid segment whose front end is captured is located near the branch portion. For this reason, the gas (gas segment) between the liquid segment and the next liquid sent to the branch portion is pushed out to the gas segment flow path. Then, the front end of the next liquid segment approaches or abuts on or is integrated with the rear end of the liquid segment already trapped by the trap means. In this way, the gas segment is separated from the liquid segment, and the liquid segment is transferred to the image receiver by the liquid segment transfer means.

The liquid segment transferring means may be a means for discharging by an ink jet method or a means for discharging as a continuous flow by a continuous coating method. In the case of using the ink jet method, it is also possible to eject the liquid segments as droplets (ink droplets) using the pressure of the gas used by the segment flow supply means for segmenting the liquid.

[0021]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an image forming apparatus as an example of use of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an ink path for one pixel of an image forming section used here, and FIG. Similarly, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a substrate on which an ink passage for one pixel is formed, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV (a) (A) and a line IV-IV (b) in FIG. ) Shows the electrode structure of the actuator of the ink supply pump. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a drive system of the ink supply pump, and FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a platen, and 12 denotes a printing paper as an image receptor wound around the platen 10. This print paper 12 is a platen 1
With the rotation in the clockwise direction in FIG.

Reference numeral 14 denotes an undercoat portion, which applies an undercoat liquid to the printing paper 12 in order to improve ink adhesion and improve image quality. Depending on the quality of the print paper 12, the undercoat 14 may be omitted. Reference numeral 16 denotes an image forming unit, which forms an image on the print paper 12 by mixing a plurality of inks and guiding the mixture to the print paper 12 as a fluid (ink) of a color (and / or density) corresponding to an image signal. This method is here premixed or Pr
We will use the e-mix method. Reference numeral 18 denotes the image forming unit 1
6 is a heater for heating the print paper 12 on which the image is formed and drying the ink.

The image forming section 16 may be of an ink jet type in which ink is ejected as droplets (ink droplets) on print paper, or may be of a continuous coating type in which ink is applied to the print paper as a continuous flow. . According to the present invention, a transparent carrier ink, that is, a carrier ink which does not substantially form an image after drying, is partitioned into fixed volumes by air (which may be a gas such as air or gas) (segmentation). The fluid (segmented flow) flows through the ink flow path, which is a segment flow path. The colored ink is added to the liquid segment composed of the carrier ink in the ink flow path.

Since the fluid flowing through the flow path is thus segmented, it is convenient to transfer the liquid segment by the ink jet method. However, if the gas (gas segment) entering between the carrier inks is removed, a continuous coating method can be used with a continuous flow. The ink may be applied by an ink jet method after a continuous flow.

The image forming section 16 is formed by laminating a large number of substrates 20 each having an ink passage for one pixel as shown in FIG. 2 via a partition plate 22 (see FIG. 4). Substrate 20
The partition plate 22 is formed, for example, by reactive ion etching (RIE, Reactive Io) on a plate of glass (such as Pyrex glass).
n Etching) to form various flow paths, and a conductive layer is formed at a predetermined position by vapor deposition or coating. In this embodiment, the substrate 20 and the partition plate 22 are stacked in the transport direction of the printing paper 12 in parallel with the width direction of the printing paper 12, and the printing is performed while reciprocating (main scanning) in the width direction of the printing paper 12. By feeding the paper 12, an image can be formed.

An ink flow path 24 serving as one segment flow is formed in the substrate 20, and one end of the ink flow path 24 is supplied with the segment flow. The segment flow supply means for forming the segment flow includes an external pump P ₁ (FIG. 1) for supplying the carrier ink Ca at a constant pressure, and an air pump Pair (FIG. 1) for intermittently supplying air into the ink flow path 24. And formed. The other end of the ink flow path 24 is an ink discharge port 26 that opens to the end surface of the substrate 20. The substrate 20 may be separately provided with an ink supply pump for continuously or intermittently sending the carrier ink Ca at a constant flow rate.

The air supplied by the air pump Pair flows from the air inflow path 28 into the ink flow path 24 into the carrier ink C.
a, and the carrier ink Ca is divided into fixed volumes by this injected air (Segmentation).
Is done. That is, the carrier ink C is segmented.
a fluid segment S (L) and air gas segment S
(Air) is formed. The fluid segment S (L) of the carrier ink Ca segmented in this way moves in the ink flow path 24 and reaches the ink discharge port 26, and the fluid segment S (L) is provided by the gas-liquid phase separator 30 provided immediately before. The gas segment S (Air) consisting of the air injected during S (L) is withdrawn. The gas-liquid phase separator 30 will be described later. One liquid segment S (L) corresponds to one pixel.

Color inks C, M, and Y are sequentially added to the liquid segment S (L) while moving in the ink flow path 24 by an amount necessary for pixel formation, and finally a clear ink (transparent ink) CL Is added to form a fixed volume ink droplet 64. Here, the colored inks C are cyan, M is magenta,
Y is yellow, and these are two ink supply pumps 32 (32C, 32M, 32Y) and 34, respectively.
(34C, 34M, 34Y). The clear ink CL is supplied by one ink supply pump 36.

The ink supply pump 32 has a smaller maximum discharge amount and a smaller capacity than the ink supply pump 34. Pump 32C for ejecting color ink C, and ink C of a constant pressure from the external pump P ₂ shown in FIG. 1 is supplied to 34C. Similarly, a pump 32 for discharging colored inks M and Y
M, 34M and 32Y, the 34Y, ink M of a constant pressure by an external pump P _3, P ₄ respectively, Y is supplied. Further the pump 36 for discharging the clear ink CL is the external pump P ₅ shown in FIG. 1 is clear ink CL of a constant pressure is supplied.

The ink supply pumps 32, 34 and 36 have the same structure and differ only in the discharge capacity. Therefore, it is sufficient to describe the structure of one ink supply pump 34C with reference to FIG. These pumps 32, 34, and 36 form an ink channel 40 communicating with the ink flow path 24, a cavity 42 formed in the middle of the ink channel 40, a diaphragm 44 forming a wall of the chamber 42, and a diaphragm 44. And an actuator 46 for vibrating. The ink channel 40, the cavity 42, and the diaphragm 44 are formed by the RIE processing method.

In the ink channel 40, resistance applying portions are formed on the upstream and downstream sides of the cavity 42. The resistance applying section is located in the ink flowing direction (ink flow path 2).
(4 directions), the flow resistance to the flow in the opposite direction is small, and the flow resistance to the flow in the opposite direction can be formed by a throttle having a geometric shape. For example, it can be a diffuser nozzle whose diameter increases smoothly in the flowing direction.

The actuator 46 includes a diaphragm 44
And a common electrode 46a and a drive electrode 46b respectively formed on the partition plate 22 facing the opposite side of the cavity 42, and an electrostatic attractive force generated when a voltage is applied between the electrodes 46a and 46b. Alternatively, the diaphragm 44 is vibrated by electrostatic repulsion. The common electrode 46a is formed of, for example, a conductive layer formed between layers of the substrate 20 having a multilayer structure. This conductive layer is used for each pump 3
The common electrodes 46a are formed on the 2, 34, and 36 diaphragms 44 (only one is shown in FIG. 4). This conductive layer extends near the edge of the substrate 20 and becomes the pad 50.

The drive electrode 46b is formed of a conductive layer formed on the partition plate 22 side. This conductive layer is provided for each of the pumps 32, 3
The pad 52 is formed separately for each of the pads 4 and 36, and each extends independently near the edge of the partition plate 22 to become a pad 52. Therefore, although the number of pads 50 of the common electrode 46a is one, the drive electrode 46
The number of the pads 52 of b is equal to the number of the pumps 32, 34 and 36. That is, there are seven pads 52. FIG. 2 shows only one drive electrode 46b. Electrodes 46a, 46b
The conductive layer to be formed can be formed by a thin film forming method such as vapor deposition, a thick film forming method of applying a conductive ink, or the like.

The pad 50 is connected to a common potential, for example, a ground voltage. As shown in FIG. 5, the pads 52 are independent drivers 54 (54C, 54M, 54Y) and 56, respectively.
(56C, 56M, 56Y) and 58.
These drivers 54, 56, 58 are connected to a control unit 60 (FIG. 1).
See). The control unit 60 calculates the ejection amounts of the color inks C, M, and Y required to form the pixels corresponding to the image signal based on the image signal (density signal), and sends the result to the drivers 54 and 56. I do. Driver 5
The pumps 4 and 56 drive the pumps 32 and 34 so that the discharge amounts of the pumps 32 and 34 match the calculated amounts.

Here, the controller 60 drives only the small-capacity pump 32 when the ink discharge amount is small.
When the ink ejection amount is large, only the large-capacity pump 34 or both the small-capacity pump 32 and the large-capacity pump 34 are driven. Since the amount of the color ink discharged from the pumps 32 and 34 changes according to the image signal, the total capacity of the carrier ink Ca and the color inks C, M and Y changes according to the image signal. The control unit 60 calculates the additional amount of the transparent ink CL necessary for keeping the total capacity constant, and sends it to the driver 58. The driver 58 discharges the transparent ink CL in an amount corresponding to the calculation result.

The discharge amount of the pumps 32, 34, 36 can be controlled, for example, by the number of vibrations of the diaphragm 44 (see FIG. 4). Further, the amplitude of the diaphragm may be changed by changing the drive voltage. Further, the ejection amount may be controlled by using both the driving voltage and the number of vibrations.

The control unit 60 controls each of the ink supply pumps 32,
The control is performed so that the ejection timings of the fluids 34 and 36 coincide when the fluid segment S (L) exists at the ink outlet (secondary side). In addition, each ink supply pump 32, 3
Control is performed such that the replenishment timings of 4, 36 are made coincident with each other when the gas segment S (Air) exists at the ink outlet. The replenishment timing is determined by pumps 32 and 3
This is the timing at which new ink is replenished in the cavities 42 and 36 (FIG. 4), and is also referred to as refill timing.

Such discharge and replenishment timings can be obtained as follows. In the first method, the timing at which the segment flow supply means sends out the fluid segment S (L) and the gas segment S (Air) is stored, and these segments S (L) and S (Air) are stored in the ink flow path 24. Segment S using the speed at which
The flow positions of (L) and S (Air) are obtained by calculation. In the second method, as shown in FIG. 2, a detecting means (sensor) 62 for detecting the segments S (L) and S (Air) is provided in the ink flow path 24. In this case, the segment detecting means 62 may be an optical detecting means or an electrical detecting means. Although only one segment detecting means 62 is shown in FIG. 2, a large number may be provided at appropriate positions. For example, the pumps 32, 34, and 36 may be separately provided at the ink outlets.

When there is a liquid segment S (L) at the ink outlet of each of the pumps 32, 34 and 36, the control unit 60 discharges the ink necessary for the pixel recorded by the liquid segment S (L). Liquid segment S corresponding to pixel
No ink is mixed with (L). Pump 3
Since there is no air at the ink outlets 2, 34, and 36 and there is a liquid-liquid interface, the surface tension does not act on the tip of the ink to be ejected, and the ink flows smoothly from the pumps 32, 34, 36 to the liquid segment S ( L). Further, since the adjacent gas segment S (Air) is compressible at the time of ink ejection, the pump ejection pressure can be reduced.

On the other hand, the control unit 60 controls the pumps 32, 34, 3
When the gas segment S (Air) is present at the ink outlet of No. 6, new ink is supplied (Refill), so that the liquid segment S (L) does not flow back into the pumps 32, 34 and 36, and color mixing of ink occurs. do not do. In addition, since a gas-liquid interface is formed at the ink outlet, surface tension acts on the ink of the pumps 32, 34, 36, and backflow into the pumps 32, 34, 36 is prevented. Therefore, the ink is supplied smoothly, and the efficiency of the pumps 32, 34, 36 is improved.

As described above, the ink droplet 64 whose color and density are adjusted and whose volume is controlled to be constant is
As shown in FIG. 2, a gas phase (air) is generated by a gas-liquid phase separator 30.
And the ink droplet 64 are separated, and only the ink droplet 64 is guided to the ink ejection port 26. The ink droplets 64 can be ejected toward the print paper 12 by, for example, an inkjet method.

As the ink jet method, for example, a known piezo ink jet method, thermal ink jet method, continuous ink jet method, electrostatic suction ink jet method, ultrasonic ink jet method and the like can be applied. Further, the ink droplet 64 is formed by utilizing the pressure of air used for segmenting the carrier ink Ca.
It is also possible to inject. The ink droplet 64 may be applied to the print paper 12 as a continuous flow instead of the ink jet system.

Next, the phase splitter 30 will be described. Phase splitter 30
A liquid segment flow path 66 and a gas segment flow path 68 continuously formed on the downstream side of the ink flow path 24;
Trap means 70 formed in liquid segment flow path 66
And The trapping means 70 is provided in these flow paths 6.
It is provided at a position a certain distance a away from the 6, 68 branching portions 72 on the downstream side. Here, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the liquid segment flow path 66 be larger than the inner diameter of the gas segment flow path 68 so that the liquid segment does not easily enter the gas segment flow path 68. Further, it is preferable that the angle between the flow paths 66 and 68 and the segment flow path 24 is reduced so that the liquid and gas flow smoothly (see FIG. 2).

The region at the constant distance a is a trap region, and when the leading end of the liquid segment S (L) is trapped by the trap means 70, the rear end of the liquid segment S (L) is located downstream of the branch portion. Is set to be close to. This distance a is one liquid segment S within this distance a.
(L) may be set, but a plurality of liquid segments S (L) enter, and the rear ends of the plurality of liquid segments S (L) entered here are close to the downstream side of the branch portion. May be set.

Here, when the rear end of the liquid segment S (L) is close to the downstream side of the branch portion 72, the rear end of the liquid segment S (L) is open to the branch portion 72 (the gas segment flow path 68 opens to the segment flow path 24). ) Or slightly downstream of the branch 72. That is, the rear end occupies the inside of the branch portion 72 and the liquid segment S
It is sufficient that (L) does not block the gas segment flow channel 68.

The trap means 70 is provided for the liquid segment S
A liquid-repellent portion having the property of repelling (L) can be provided. The liquid-repellent processing section 70 is, for example, a liquid segment S (L)
When is a hydrophilic liquid, water-repellent (hydrophobic) treatment is performed. As such a repelling treatment, for example, Au (gold),
A process of forming a thin film of Si (silicon) can be used. Although the trap means 70 is shown thick in FIG. 6 for convenience, it is actually sufficiently thin.

For this water repellent treatment, a process generally used for micromachining can be used. For example, sputtering, CVD, ion beam assisted CV
D, an electrostatic powder coating method, a spin coating method, a method of applying a solvent-drying type water-repellent agent, heating, and ablating the coating film by laser irradiation can be used. The water-repellent portion can also be formed by performing nickel electrolytic plating containing fine fluorine particles.

The length of the trap means 70, that is, the length b (FIG. 6) of the water-repellent portion is preferably shorter than the length occupied by the liquid segment S (L) in the liquid segment flow path 66. In this way, the liquid segment S (L) trapped here can be pushed out by the subsequent liquid segment S (L) and easily escape from the trap means 70.

Such a water-repellent treatment (liquid-repellent treatment) is preferably performed not only on the trap means 70 but also on the inner surface of the gas segment flow path 68. In FIG. 6, reference numeral 74 denotes such a processing unit. The water-repellent treatment section 74 may be applied to the entire gas segment flow path 68, or may be applied only to a region close to the branch section 72. Such a water-repellent processing section 7
By providing 4, the liquid segment S (L) is less likely to flow into the gas segment flow path 68, and gas separation can be performed more reliably.

When the hydrophilic liquid segment S (L) is used as in this embodiment, the above-described trap means 70 and the water-repellent treatment section 74 of the gas segment flow path 68 are used.
For example, the inner surface of the segment flow path 24 and the inner surface of the liquid segment flow path 66 other than the trap unit 70 are made hydrophilic. When glass is used for the substrate 20 (FIGS. 3 and 4), since the glass itself is hydrophilic, its properties may be used as it is. Other hydrophilic materials than glass may be used. The hydrophilic treatment may be performed using a mixed solution of a saturated aqueous solution of potassium dichromate and concentrated sulfuric acid.

Next, the operation of the phase splitter 30 will be described with reference to FIG. The liquid segments S (L) flowing through the segment flow path 24 are provided with the ink supply pumps 32 and 3 described above.
4, the amount of colored ink corresponding to the image signal is added, and the clear ink CL is further added by the pump 36 to form a liquid segment S (L) having a constant volume. This liquid segment S (L) is a gas segment S (Air)
Are alternately guided to the phase splitter 30. Liquid segment S
(L) enters the liquid segment flow path 66 through the branch portion 72 and is trapped by the trap means 70 (FIG. 6A)
State).

The liquid segment S trapped at this time is
(L) is a gas segment flow path 6 branched at the branch portion 72.
8, the next liquid segment S (L
1) moves while pushing the gas segment S (Air) between the liquid segment S (L) and the liquid segment S (L) into the gas segment flow path 68. In addition, the pressure by the air supply pump Pair of the segment flow supply means is applied to the segment flow.
Therefore, the liquid segment S (L1) presses the preceding liquid segment S (L) and pushes it into the trap means 70. FIG. 6B shows this state.

When the liquid segment S (L1) is further pressed, the preceding liquid segment S (L) escapes from the trap means 70. Then, this time, the liquid segment S (L1) obtained by extruding the preceding liquid segment S (L) is trapped by the trap means 70. FIG.
(C) shows this state. The leading liquid segment S (L) extruded from the trap means 70 is pushed out of the liquid segment flow path 66 by the pressure when the liquid segment S (L) is extruded from the trap means 70, that is, the pressure of the air supply pump Pair of the segment flow supply means. Ink outlet 2
6, FIGS. 2 and 3) are ejected as droplets (ink droplets). The droplet flies to the image receptor and draws an image.

The carrier ink Ca used in the pre-mix method in this embodiment needs to have appropriate viscosity and surface tension in order to form a good image. The viscosity of the carrier ink Ca in the state of containing a color ink or clear ink (viscosity) is, 2.2～40CP (centipoise, 1 poise ^{1dyn · s / cm 2 = 1gcm} - 1
s ^-1 = 10 ^-1 Ns / m ² ). Particularly, the range of 2.5 to 30 cP is preferable. If the viscosity is 40 cP or more, it becomes difficult to discharge, which is not preferable.

The surface tension of the carrier ink Ca is 15 to 60 dyne /
cm. Particularly, 20 to 55 dyne / cm is preferable. In addition, if it is 15 dyne / cm or less, liquid dripping occurs, which is not preferable.

The diaphragm 44 is formed of the material of the substrate 20 (eg, Pylex glass) in FIG. 4, but may be formed of another material, for example, a silicon thin film. It is desirable that the dimensions such as the size and shape of the cavity 42 and the diaphragm 44 and the thickness of the diaphragm 44 be different between the pumps 32 and 34, but this is troublesome in manufacturing. Therefore, the maximum discharge amount may be changed by changing the flow path area and the flow resistance of the ink channel 40 with the pumps 32 and 34 having the same specifications. Further, both pumps 32 and 34 may have the same capacity (therefore, the maximum discharge amount is the same).

[0058]

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another embodiment.
In this embodiment, the trap means 70A is formed by a throttle. That is, a throttle having a reduced inner diameter is provided in the liquid segment flow path 66, and the liquid segment S (L)
Is to trap. Gas segment flow path 6
In No. 8, a liquid-repellent portion 74 (water-repellent portion) was formed only near the branch portion 72.

[0059]

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another embodiment.
In this embodiment, the trap means 70B is formed by a diaphragm having a liquid-repellent treatment (water-repellent treatment) on the surface. Therefore, the function of trapping the trap means 70 and 70A shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be improved.

In this embodiment, the inlet of the gas segment flow channel 68 (the junction with the branch portion 72) is divided into a plurality of small-diameter flow channels 76. With this configuration, the liquid segment S (L) is caused by the surface tension of the liquid segment S (L).
Makes it difficult for the gas segment S (L) to enter the gas segment flow path 68. If a liquid-repellent treatment (water-repellent treatment) is performed in the vicinity of the small-diameter flow passage 76, gas-liquid separation can be performed more reliably.

[0061]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the liquid segment and the gas segment are separated at the branch portion, and the separated liquid segment is temporarily trapped by the trap means. As the next liquid segment continues to move, the gas segment interposed between the two liquid segments can be pushed out to the gas segment flow path.

In this case, the liquid segment trapped in the trap means is pushed out by the subsequent liquid segment,
If the pieces are made to escape from the trap means one by one in a so-called poking state, the liquid segments can be sent out with a very simple structure (claim 2).

According to the third to tenth aspects of the present invention, there is provided a gas-liquid phase separator directly used for carrying out this method. Claim 1
According to the inventions of 1 to 13, an image forming method using the gas-liquid phase separator can be obtained. According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus directly used for carrying out the image forming method.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of use of one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an ink path for one pixel of an image forming unit.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a substrate on which an ink system for one pixel is formed.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV (a) (A) and a sectional view taken along line IV-IV (b) of FIG. 2 (B).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a drive system of an ink supply pump.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the gas-liquid phase separator.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 12 Print paper as image receptor 16 Image forming unit 20 Substrate 22 Partition plate 24 Ink flow path (segment flow path) 26 Ink ejection port 30 Gas-liquid phase splitter 32, 34 Colored ink supply pump 36 Clear ink ink Supply pump 66 Liquid segment flow path 68 Gas segment flow path 70, 70A, 70B Trap means 72 Branch part 74 Liquid repellent (water) processing part 76 Small diameter flow path S (L) Liquid segment S (Air) Gas segment

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G01N 35/08 B41J 3/04 103X (72) Inventor Ryoichi Yamamoto 798, Miyadai, Kaisei-cho, Ashigaruga-gun, Kanagawa Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (72) Keishi Kato, Inventor 798, Miyadai, Kaisei-cho, Ashigara-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture Photo Film Co., Ltd. (72) Nobuo Matsumoto 798, Miyadai, Kaisei-cho, Ashigara-gun, Kanagawa Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masayoshi Esashi 1-11-11, Yagiyama-Minami, Taihaku-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 9F F-term (reference) 2C056 EA11 EC03 EC07 EC15 EC43 ED07 ED08 EE11 FA03 FA04 FA07 HA05 HA42 HA46 2C057 AF39 AG99 AH11 AH13 AL31 AM03 AM14 AP32 AP52 AP53 AP54 AP55 AP57 AP59 AP60 AQ01 BB04 CA07 CA08 2G045 AA01 AA15 CA26 CB03 JA07 2G058 AA09 DA05

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A gas-liquid phase separation method for separating a segment flow composed of a liquid segment and a gas segment continuously led to a common segment flow channel into a gas segment and a liquid segment, wherein the segment flow channel is provided. At the downstream branch portion into a liquid segment flow path and a gas segment flow path, while guiding the gas segment included in the segment flow to the gas segment flow path, while the liquid segment included in the segment flow is A gas-liquid phase separation method comprising temporarily trapping by a trap means provided in a liquid segment flow path. 2. A subsequent liquid segment moving in the segment flow path following the liquid segment trapped by the trap means is trapped by the trap means by moving across the branch and closing the gas segment flow path. 2. The gas-liquid phase separation method according to claim 1, wherein the preceding liquid segment is pushed out and the trap means is escaped. 3. A gas-liquid phase separator for separating a gas segment and a liquid segment from a segment flow composed of a liquid segment and a gas segment continuously guided to a common segment flow path, wherein the segment flow path is provided. A liquid-segment flow path and a gas-segment flow path formed continuously on the downstream side of the liquid-segment flow path; and a trapping means formed in the liquid-segment flow path to temporarily trap the liquid segment. . 4. The gas-liquid phase separator according to claim 3, wherein the trap means is formed by a liquid-repellent treatment section formed in the liquid segment flow path downstream of the branch of the segment flow path and repelling the liquid segment. 5. The gas-liquid phase separator according to claim 3, wherein the trap means is formed by a throttle that reduces the inner diameter of the liquid segment flow path. 6. The gas-liquid phase separator according to claim 5, wherein a liquid repellent treatment is applied to a throttle provided in the liquid segment flow path. 7. The gas-liquid according to claim 3, wherein the trapping means is formed at a position where the rear end of the trapped liquid segment is brought closer to the downstream side of the branch portion in a state where the liquid segment is trapped. Phase splitter. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the trapping means and the branch portion is approximately one.
The gas-liquid phase separator of claim 7, wherein one liquid segment is trapped. 9. The gas-liquid system according to claim 7, wherein a plurality of liquid segments are trapped between the trap means and the branch, and the leading liquid segment is pushed out of the trap means each time a new liquid segment passes through the branch. Phase splitter. 10. The gas-liquid phase separator according to claim 3, wherein the length of the liquid segment flow path of the trap means in the length direction is shorter than the length occupied by the liquid segment in the liquid segment flow path. 11. An image forming method using the gas-liquid phase separator according to claim 3, wherein the carrier ink that does not substantially form an image after being dried in the segment flow path is segmented by a gas. Supplying a flow, adding a colored ink that substantially forms an image after drying to the liquid segment flowing in the segment flow path, and applying the colored ink added from the segment flow to the liquid segment by the gas-liquid phase separator. An image forming method, comprising forming an image by separating and transferring the separated liquid segment to an image receptor which moves relative to the discharge port. 12. The image forming method according to claim 11, wherein the density is controlled to multi-gradation by changing the mixing ratio of the carrier ink and the color ink based on the image signal. 13. The image forming method according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of colored inks having different colors are added to a liquid segment corresponding to the same pixel. 14. An image forming apparatus using the gas-liquid phase separator according to claim 3, wherein the carrier ink that does not substantially form an image after being dried in the segment flow path is segmented by a gas. A segment flow supply unit for supplying a segment flow composed of a segment and a gas segment; an ink supply pump that joins the segment flow path and adds a colored ink that substantially forms an image after drying the liquid segment; A gas-liquid phase separator that separates the liquid segment to which the colored ink is added; and a liquid segment transfer unit that transfers the separated liquid segment to an image receptor that moves relative to the discharge port. Characteristic image forming apparatus.