JPH03272859A - Droplet discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To discharge bubbles to a second reservoir together with liquid by operating a lever device, blocking an air vent of a cap, blocking a drain hole of the second reservoir with a second tap, removing a first tap to push the cap with pressure so as to apply a pressure to a first reservoir. CONSTITUTION:When a pressure chamber 4 sucks in a bubble 36 and a base of a lever 24 is pressed downward by a finger 37, an air vent 15 of a cap 14 is blocked by a blocking member 28. At the same time, a drain hole 12 is blocked. A shaft 17 and a first tap 16 are lifted, so that a bubble venting passage outlet 11 is opened. An airtightness occurs in a first reservoir 5, and in this state, the base of the lever 24 is further pushed with pressure so that the cap 14 becomes compressed. Then, a liquid 35 in the first reservoir 5 is pressurized to flow into a second reservoir 10 through the bubble venting passage outlet 11 and stored. In this process, the bubble 36 which was in the pressure chamber 4 is removed together with the liquid 35 flowed out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application This defense is directed to, for example, the use of hot-melt ink, which is solid at room temperature and becomes liquid when melted by force, or expensive liquid crystals, fragrances, etc., to form minute droplets. The present invention relates to a droplet ejecting device that ejects droplets in response to electrical signals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventionally, in a droplet ejection device using a droplet-melt type ejection medium, O' in the ejection medium or in the flow path of the ejection medium due to volume changes during cooling and heating processes of the ejection medium. Air bubbles may be inhaled, and before the discharge starts,
Or, if air bubbles were inhaled for some reason during use, it was necessary to remove the inhaled air bubbles. This inhalation of air bubbles is not unique to hot melt tights droplet ejection devices, and is a common problem with on-float type droplet ejection devices that use liquid. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 49-937 filed by the present applicant
In the November bulletin, US Pat.

1-1 σ) Refer to the drawings regarding the conventional droplet ejection device 14. Let me explain from the start.

FIG. 3 (-i) is a sectional view showing a conventional droplet ejecting device.

In Figure 2, 101 Uinno 7jilot record--
The partition plate 103 is located inside the body member 102.
The front ink chamber 104 and the rear pressure chamber 105iC
The ink chamber 104 and the pressure chamber 105 are connected by a passage 1.06.
06, a force 71 is formed, and the ink nozzle 107 opens to the outside at Jl. Ink chamber 10
Ink supply passages 108 and 109 are communicated with the body member 102 such as the partition plate 103 for the laxative of No. 4, and the ink supply passage 1
09 is the ink reservoir 110. ! “Ink supply f-b II
H is connected to f+-. The ink chamber 104 and the top 4 of the IF power chamber (2) 5 communicate with each other through the air bubble removal passageway 12.1.13, which is open to the outside. .4 and 11; 5 are closed by screws 116 and 117.
There is mlJ and C5.

The above configuration (/ζ, ma7・i゛(2, hereinafter, its operation (
・Explain about ζ.

B〉 ′ り 溜 溜】】】】】】）））））））】】】】】】】】】】】】】】】】】】】】】】】〕】】】】】】〕〕〕】〕】 通 通 通 通】 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通 通
1 JM K, A path H) 6 ``cFE blade chamber J blade chamber all 05/ζ, I〉・removal chamber 104 and f1 Openings of air bubble passages 112 and 113 communicated with the top of the force chamber 105 1
14 and 15 are then closed with the first screws 116 and 117.

Zoshi, 7te, IJ: Birr constituting the back of entrance 105,
When an image signal is applied to the vibration 118, the volume of the sweat chamber 105 changes due to the drive of the vibration vibrator 118. Ink droplets are ejected from the ink nozzle 107K to form a layer for recording characters, figures, etc. on the recording medium. Here, from the cause W of the question, inkji X-,)l-record-・
, 101GI) Jjyri chamber 104, sweet pressure chamber 1
05 ('C inhalation of bubbles (, if 2, ink reservoir 1
10 Lifting resistance - Lifting Te J, In; 711.9 (Apply 'm static pressure or 1 force in) 7 Reservoir 110 i"'12 Ki n
Multiply T ('-' R1N9KIIE force, [:
'S 116, '-1:27i': Remove 117,
After that, remove the air bubbles with P2 711D. Then, close the air vent passage 1N2 or 113 opening 011.4. V-ko!:,!Ill,
Ink Jief To Record - Henodo 101 in normal state (
, (returning to recording operation of characters, figures, etc. as described above).

In addition, in the above operation explanation (Lj, during use, the ink chamber 10
4, or H: 1.05 VC air bubbles have entered the chamber, but if the air bubbles appear when the ink 119 is filled with ink 119 and the air bubbles appear after starting use. It is also possible to remove the bubbles in the same way.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention [7]However, as in the above conventional example, air bubble removal passages 112i and 113 are provided in the ink chamber 104 and pressure chamber 105 of the inkjet I recording unit (1, 01). Connecting 2, its 1M11j1.14 and 115 with screw 116
ID: , Since the operation target is small (・Difficult to operate, 1 pass 116,
The number 7 is 1.7, and it's in:! 119 J: A+
-It costs a lot of time and effort, and it takes time and effort.Which problem is b.)
Ta. When using 7J/Sotomeno D)C7:) for the lees, place the Ioo"C' side before and after 7) at high temperature.
Because of that, J! V17 must be handled with care 1-1, it takes longer to work, etc. C) There are problems hQ 2 inventions d1, soil 1i1. There is a fan 1 that solves the technical problem of 7 such as i, and it is a simple substitute, ``〕5
Is it okay to remove Ki'K in B speed? (2, 6 -)
It can improve the operability, sweetness Δ5, liquid 1
It is possible to completely affix - to ρj-), improve cutting depth efficiency, improve maintainability, and reduce wasteful liquid consumption. It is an object of the present invention to provide a droplet ejecting device that can be protected from damage.

The technical solution of the present invention to achieve the objective is as follows:
I] 22 Base chamber, JT force blade chamber communication 17, responds to electrical signals (2,'C nozzle which bends and bends minute droplets, I-Pressure blade chamber (, (supplies liquid) The first liquid storage tank and L 1f
A second liquid storage tank is connected to the top of the blade chamber and the first liquid storage tank, which communicates with the outlet of the liquid tank through holes, Human life (7,
A cap that can pressurize the liquid in this first liquid storage tank by closing this air vent hole and pressing τ, and a second cap that closes the outlet and drain holes, respectively. 1 and the second stopper, and the first stopper and the second stopper (
C is linked, and the lever is operated: At the same time, the air vent hole of the hand knob is closed, and the second plug is used to close the drain hole, and the first plug is removed from the opening. Output rE 'f release L2, by releasing the lever, j
, a lever that simultaneously opens the air vent hole of the cap, closes the 11 outlet with the first plug, removes the second plug from the +-' hole, and opens the 1" one hole; It is equipped with a mechanism.

The cap for the liquid pressure can be formed into a hemispherical, sweet or bellows shape.

Effect 17 Therefore, according to the present invention, when the pressure chamber is empty or when the IF force chamber - air bubbles are suctioned, the lever mechanism is operated], 7. The liquid storage tank of construction 1. (/C) Close the air handling hole of the cap with the second stopper.
1. Block the drain hole of the liquid storage tank. Make the first liquid storage tank airtight (7. Remove the first stopper from the outlet [] and then remove the first stopper from the outlet L])
to be opened. Then press the cap, ffEL, go 1st
By applying pressure to the liquid storage tank, the liquid fn in the first liquid storage tank is supplied to the blade chamber, or the air bubbles in the pressure chamber are discharged from the first liquid storage tank to the second liquid storage tank. can do. Liquid can be quickly supplied L2 or air bubbles can be removed by simple operation of the lever mechanism. By releasing the lever mechanism, the air vent hole of the cap is opened, and the first plug closes the field r1 (7, the second
Remove the plug from the drain hole and open the drain hole 17
, the liquid accumulated in the second reservoir can be returned to the first reservoir.

Examples Below, Example V of the present invention! ：″：）I kept the drawing(
5 while explaining.

FIG. 1 (ai = (C) shows a droplet discharge device in one embodiment of the present invention5, and FIG. 1(a) shows a pressure chamber (・L'
Figure 1 ())) is a cross-sectional view of the state in which air bubbles have entered the liquid. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the liquid is returned to the first liquid storage tank after being stored in the first liquid storage tank.

Referring to Figure 1 (a), (h), and (C), 1 is a droplet 1.
! 1 output - rad, and there is a partition plate 3 inside the body member 2.
← The pressure chamber 4 on the lower front side and the first liquid storage tank 5 on the back side are divided by force 1. −). The pressure chamber 4 and the first liquid storage tank 5 are communicated through a lower liquid supply passage 6, and a filter 7 is provided on the side of the first liquid storage tank 5 that is connected to the liquid supply passage 6. On the front side of the body member 2, there is a position L? at the top of the pressure chamber 4. A nozzle 8 that opens to the outside is formed, and a bubble removal passage 9 is formed at the top of the pressure chamber 4. A second liquid storage tank 10 is defined in the upper part of the front side of the body member 2, and this second liquid storage tank 11) is connected to the air bubble removal passage 9 and the first liquid storage tank 5, respectively. The outlet 11 and the F-ton hole 12 communicate with each other. For air bubble removal passage "]]1 and drain hole x2 (/i 7'1 sof'l
, is formed in the shape of an inverted truncated round nail that gradually expands as it reaches the second liquid storage tank 10 side. ζ is ji; Cap 140F for adding liquid using elasticity of molecules etc. The open side is attached C
). The upper side of the cap 14 is
A, it is formed in a hemispherical shape, and a pungent relief 315 is formed in the upper center. D11 for bubble removal passage
i", i opened and closed by the first stopper 16. The first stopper 1
6 is formed into a truncated conical shape whose diameter gradually decreases as it reaches the lower end so as to match the shape of the outlet 11, and the end of the shaft 170F in the mounting direction is connected to the lower end of the shaft 170F. The upper end of the shaft 17 is inserted into a guide hole 18 formed in the large plate of the second liquid storage tank 10 so as to be movable. A compression spring 19 is interposed between the top plate of the second liquid storage tank 10 and the J-th stopper 16 on the outer periphery of the shaft 17, and this compression spring 19 allows the tenth stopper 16 to be used as a bubble removal passage. c''i, i as a closed part (tζ+1-f
:Sare-C is there. t”L・N hole 12 (P, ↓Second stopper 2
It is opened and closed by 0. The second stopper 20 is formed into an inverted truncated cone shape that becomes smaller in diameter as it reaches the T end, so that the diameter of the second plug 20 corresponds to the shape of the hole 12. The upper end of the shaft 21 is connected to the top plate of the second liquid storage tank 10C. Hole 22i
It is inserted so that it can move horizontally. Second. A support g (12:3) is provided on the first side of the top plate of the triD tank 10,
In which case, the position near the tip of the lever -24 is supported by the connecting member 25, which serves as a rotational fulcrum. Lever I') 4 (1)
At the tip (・zu, i5/, yahu;・I7 upper end is 1[1
[The connecting part 26, which serves as a dynamic fulcrum, connects to the same dynamic fulcrum 2
1″1, shi・＜−24 intermediate part (′ζ−(fj support part 2
: At the connecting part with 乍, 111, and on the opposite side of the connecting part with 7)
The dynamic fulcrum and Z) connection part 27 allows for ``1 movement tapping ■ ability (・'
ζ God tied il, i iru 1, iz gover 40 basis autopsy jO
When the flame 1 is drunk, the rotation of 24 leads to Ki...G1
Closing the air vent hole 15 of 4 to obtain 7 blockage 81) Material 2
8 is taken and 4 is removed.
c'j) When the base is pushed and the connecting member: 25 is set as the co-moveable fulcrum (5" (-3 rotations i), firstly, as shown in Fig. 1 (
b+t, as shown by closing '4', part U28 K!
lp), the air vent hole 15 is in the closed state G. Yokoto-1 First 4. /τ1121 The second stopper 20 is lowered by 1.7, and the second stopper 20 is lowered by 1.7.・2 holes 12 are blocked, +> Yat 1
7 Ma... and $I C) Stopper 11. is EEE compression spring concave elasticity resistance [at 7], Aoi 5, air bubble passage exit 11 is open ノ 12, continuation, r: = 49 Yano)"i4 Meba 1 (
The force c is Ilt ((-lever ~ 2
The push force of 4 is released,
Sale i51'5. i, 1st [1(a),
(',) KX 2j": So, '+' LLj opening iI', i where the air vent hole I5 of Ya Nozo 14 is opened
2. Y'ani Z +-17;
g1zllll j , Question 1-...? - Air bubble removal passage "111" is blocked from stopper 16f'ζ, i,?
f)211.・Upper No. 2 C> Plug 20 rises to 5, F lens hole]? χ1; It will be released, 5 + q mechanism will be formed L (・)
Ru. Risk of pressure chamber 4 18 ('i' is vibration - 29
c! : Bi and Shibu 1 completed: 30 is on the front: Kera 711, Kofi et al. oscillator 2g, L, Bi] Zo element 30 is A, No. 7 source, 3
Every 1V = connected. Boraifl) 'l'J'
t□! The T' fill is heated with 1... and a suitable name for the main heater, 111 of 2 made by Bob-H Department.
jHowever, 11(,7'2(・4yo.

-'s, IL8's F power (/Kochii C main [Knee 9:3
2 + Force [] to be removed A. Required liquid board 3
3 is taken (=JKera J-+, below liquid me! Ido board: 33
The f・-force (te° (Zu two anxiety liquid receiving eyes; the eyes are provided Z).

The configuration ``i'''' below will also be explained in 1. and 2) below.

Now, Fig. 1(d) It'''l small r, 1: '),
6c, Q droplet pi f-+'l-1,1・1 to main heater 32+/1'-upward force 1] heat τ! 1. Bon!・Metsu L Toink 35C) Like l,! The liquid 35 in the liquid storage tank 5 of 1 is melted (-heated and becomes a low viscosity liquid), and the liquid 35 in the liquid storage tank 5 passes through the Noiltough and liquid supply passages 6. 1 knife - The blade chamber 4 is completely cleared, the bubble removal passage L 11 is closed with the first σ) stopper 16 which is supported by the compression spring 19, and the second stopper 20 is removed from the tray hole 12. It is assumed that the F vent hole 12 of the lever is open.・So, vibration 1 at the bottom of pressure chamber 4! -29
To the piezo element 30, -1° from the source 3I to the image @ (ia
The number is Eu)y1]・＼frイ)4〕”、B-ding-′・
1-element 301 and oscillator 29cp drive set 19Z2, moon-blade chamber 4ζ・'2) volume, is purple f[-11, this (
・Two accompaniments/near',, rb 8 to produce minute droplets 1, target object-top (゛・neej'j'k 1YGjj
If you put fJ and d, then two, J, and the main character (
ru,) j, 7-te? , I'+ilX@kaC,
',) Iji'jL's first (J- from Ff-blade chamber 43'-
If you inhale ``bubble; 36''('('' means Figure 1 (1
)）
2 = 10 bases 37-1, t:, 8 +'81 riga, ・F"14's (g"
Kikuku 7 (15 wa; blockage] L Z), 5 ia] time (,・'・=, the previous evening'i, ya -;') 71: dry,・,ko:bi4'12G") B', ro is "Descending L1.1.1,
;ge, 12 ;5't'V'l blocked, 42-yasol'
, 741゛ and the stopper of the confectionery 1 16 piva Ef-condensed 1・-": ne 11) Go0'y*'e+: (/C anti 1.-C,,
,,-E-n 1. ,,=, iT: l f
,)'f'f i 61'<A fig 'n
A route 11-i 1iillii 1. leave i,
'7-Bubble removal passage ']11, t' Open: hr. Ch,, i<[, isugB 1 cy)y
;Liquid tank 51i becomes airtight. In this state “your lever”
24 B7) The base is further pressed (t cap] 4
is in the BE collapsed state RT-'i: Then, the pressure in the first liquid storage tank 5 increases by -1 7, and the internal liquid 35 is increased. power 1
] The depressurized liquid 35 flows out into the second liquid storage tank 10 through the filter 7, the liquid supply passage 6, the pressure 4↓... and the bubble handling passage 9 through the air bubble removal passage C] 11 2' +,
It can be accumulated. This process-r ratio Air bubbles formed in the blade chamber 4, 3
6 is the flow '2', and the liquid ': W can be removed together with s5. At this time, the front body: 3Jid, )"Although it also flows out from the nozzle 1°8, this 11. The liquid 35 that flows out from the nozzle L8 flows down the front of the body anatomy 2 and flows down the small liquid guide. The liquid droplets flow through the plate 33 and are stored in the liquid receiver 34.・-・：32, ffi L, te, ・su, if the liquid is like botmets 1, t type, C in the middle
' Rei E-ko unnecessary liquid IF board: S3 (・' this attached; 4
1. It is possible to prevent growth.

After removing 1 sweat and 30 air bubbles in the blade chamber 4 as described in L, Figure 1 (c) Ki, knee t'-yo ('(
``2. Lever 240 Pressing force can be released J-, G, As shown in (1.
- Due to the restoring force V of Yadzo 14, it is returned to the state of 1, and the empty false extraction hole 15 of 1 (Sap 14t'9 is opened, and the bitterness 11E p, 'i' in the fifth liquid storage tank 5 is When it is returned to the atmospheric pressure of -, shut off at l'iij.
and the first stopper 16 is 13: compression spring 190 elastic elastic rise T
Then, the air bubble removal passage outlet 11 is closed with the first stopper 16 and returns to the first operating state, and the shut 21 and second stopper 2 are closed.
0]-, JA, Schiff, second stopper 20 is drain hole 12
The drain/hole 12 is opened.

The liquid 35i, ii was poured into the second liquid storage tank 10 after opening the F rare hole 12. i: Force enters the first liquid storage tank 5 (Cm.Liquid flowing into this tank: 35
Since the temperature of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 5 is approximately the same as that of the liquid in the first liquid storage tank 5, the service life can be started in 1μ.

In addition, the operation explanation C is that air bubbles 36 enter the pressure chamber 4 during fψ use. ”As explained in case jr7-,),
At the start of use, the air bubbles 36 can be removed in the same way. - J'E
The liquid tank 5 can be filled with the liquid 35'.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

Figure 2 shows the droplet ejecting device fff, muff, and gear used in the second embodiment of the present invention, and the pressure chamber (/) shows the air bubbles in the pressure chamber Inhalation ty' f?: state ter,
S1:, cross section [! ``', 1, N)ru, -1 According to this embodiment, C is, for example, a liquid. 35 NrU-liquid crystal is used and the medium to be coated is an fj ffi substrate: 37
tJ
Go 1 ki (go・'distribution is also 0te"chiru.

In this case (7), the droplet ejecting device (, Goll! 5) 7jj inputs ("74t, ・(・), blood receiving medium: 37 C, 1q 5, -; i(, j′ moves,
There is a droplet in the west position.

Liquid crystal gold glass substrate (... When using 1 piece, Pp
A1] Mouse's Ba'...yki to a minimum of 0'1''',...,λ
Toto 1: Heaviest P 7Th Double XεQ) --,,
,',) There is T.

Normally, liquid crystals have a viscosity of several tens of Cp at room temperature. Therefore, when driven at room temperature, it is difficult to discharge the liquid completely due to the flow resistance of the filter 7, liquid supply passage 6, nozzle 8g, etc. In order to reduce the viscosity within the dischargeable range 1 and to keep the viscosity constant and control the discharge amount, a repeater 32 and a temperature stage control sensor 38 are provided. 40-7 (l and set 91 demand box (,
-Pair 1. ? -Yo, 1°(-"su, F(・'Here>'
f 1ff-rule.

Otsu・4.・, the action is called, 明YO, ・Yubi code r pa) The name is the 1st tyv* example (!ー, ria U na no r' Otsugo, i
r tp explanation (・1 saving.

Book (1, ;? Akira (...), j/bar 24's so-called wonder, ・f' operation C is easy for anyone (Me!: Liquid: Fill pressure chamber 4 with 25 t,,,' :Ay: The consumption of liquid is also low.・, ゛), especially 1>7.:;
power (ko, 1, evening (X'') 1. Operating temperature, brim 1
Around 00"C (/1 = Monaru Bot [Taru 1 Taigu's f'n 7 ill' :n II) (・LCD, fragrance (1)
It is suitable for discharging a liquid with a high @1i Vζ].

The cap 14 provided in the first liquid storage tank 5 can also be formed in the form of a plate.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the $ invention, the lever mechanism is now operated i. P of the second liquid tank with stopper 2
Close the L/N hole E, and make the first storage tank airtight.
7. 1117) Remove the stopper from 1 to open this outlet. Next, press the cap to apply pressure to the first liquid storage tank to release the inside of the first liquid storage tank. liquid of S
= Force blade chamber supply 17, size or H = Air bubbles in the force chamber can be discharged together with the liquid from 1 to the 2nd liquid storage tank.In this way, the simple operation of the lever mechanism allows for rapid (, ( Supply liquid 12 or remove air bubbles, so
It can improve operability, prevent your hands from getting dirty with liquid, and improve work efficiency.Furthermore, anyone can perform liquid filling and bubble removal operations. It is possible to improve maintainability.

Also, go up to the release lever mechanism [with], open the air vent hole of the cap, close the outlet with the first plug 7, remove the second plug from the F. 1-1 Since the liquid accumulated in the second liquid storage tank can be returned to the liquid storage tank of nest 1, wasteful consumption of liquid for removing air bubbles can be minimized.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figures 1 (a) to (C) show a droplet ejection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. )) is a cross-sectional view of the state in which air pressure is applied to the liquid to expel air bubbles and expand the size, Fig. 1 (C
) is a sectional view of the state in which the liquid stored in the second liquid storage tank □ and ) is returned to the first liquid storage tank, and Figure 2 shows the pressure of the droplet discharge device that can be pressed according to the 20th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the chamber is full of air bubbles; FIG. 1. Droplet discharge head, 2. Body cutting material, 4. Pressure chamber, 5. First liquid tank, 6. Liquid supply passage,
8 nozzle, 9...Bubble removal passage, 10...Second liquid storage tank, 11 - Air bubble removal passage outlet, ]2...Drain hole,
14...Cap, 15.Air, handling hole, 16.First plug, 20.Second plug, 24.Lever 29.
・Vibrator, 30... Piezo element, 32-... Heater,
35 liquid, 36...bubble, 38-...temperature control sensor. Name of agent: Patent attorney Akira Kokaji and two others

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A pressure chamber, a nozzle that communicates with the pressure chamber and discharges minute droplets in response to an electrical signal, a first liquid storage tank that supplies liquid to the pressure chamber, and a top portion of the pressure chamber. and a second liquid storage tank that communicates with the first liquid storage tank through an outlet and a drain hole, respectively, and a second liquid storage tank that is provided in the first liquid storage tank and has an air vent hole, and the air vent hole is closed and pressed. A cap that can pressurize the liquid in the first liquid storage tank, first and second stoppers that open and close the outlet and drain holes, respectively, and are linked to the first and second stoppers. By operating the lever, the air vent hole of the cap is closed, and at the same time, the second plug closes the drain hole, the first plug is removed from the outlet, and this outlet is opened. The liquid includes a lever mechanism that opens the air vent hole of the cap when released, simultaneously closes the outlet with the first plug, and releases the second plug from the drain hole to open the drain hole. Droplet ejection device. (2) The droplet ejecting device according to claim 1, wherein the cap for pressurizing the liquid is formed in a bellows shape.