MXPA98004376A - Method for downloading liquid, head for discharge of liquid and an apparatus for downloading liquid - Google Patents
Method for downloading liquid, head for discharge of liquid and an apparatus for downloading liquidInfo
- Publication number
- MXPA98004376A MXPA98004376A MXPA/A/1998/004376A MX9804376A MXPA98004376A MX PA98004376 A MXPA98004376 A MX PA98004376A MX 9804376 A MX9804376 A MX 9804376A MX PA98004376 A MXPA98004376 A MX PA98004376A
- Authority
- MX
- Mexico
- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- discharge
- mobile
- bubble
- flow path
- Prior art date
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a liquid discharge method for discharging liquid using pressure exerted by the creation of a bubble in a bubble generating area to create the bubble in the liquid, comprising: moving a movable member provided with its free end on one side of the discharge orifice, with respect to its movable support point, wherein the bubble generating area and the movable member are positioned to be in two sets to orient themselves at least partially, and to allow the two movable members to be close one to the other, to discharge the liquid through the discharge orifice
Description
METHOD FOR DOWNLOADING LIQUID, HEAD FOR DISCHARGE OF LIQUID AND AN APPARATUS FOR DOWNLOADING LIQUID
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for discharging liquid, a liquid injection head and an apparatus for discharging liquid to discharge a desired liquid using air bubbles created by the application of thermal energy that acts about the liquid. More specifically, the invention relates to a liquid discharge head and an apparatus for discharging liquid provided with a movable member and / or a movable separation film which is displaced by use of the air bubbles thus created. The present invention is also applicable to a printer for registering on a recording medium, such as paper, fibers, cloth, clothing, leather, plastic, glass or ceramic, as well as applicable to a copying machine, a facsimile equipment provided with communication systems, a word processor and other devices that have a printer unit for these. Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to a recording system for industrial use, which is combined in a complex manner with various processing apparatuses.
In the present the term "registration" referred to in the description of the present invention means not only the arrangement of images having characters, graphics or other meaningful representation, but also means the arrangement of those images, such as patterns, which have no meaning specific.
BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART Up to now, the so-called injection or bubble jet recording method has been known, which is an ink-jet recording method by means of which images are formed on a recording medium by unloading the ink from the ink holes. discharge by means of the acting force exerted by the change in the state of the ink that is carried out through sudden changes in volume (creation of air bubbles when thermal energy or the like is applied in the ink in accordance with the registration signals For the recording apparatus using the Jtaribarjas jet recording method, generally practiced, as described in the specifications of U.S. Patent No. 4,723,129 and © it-ras * that the apparatus is provided with the holes of discharge discharging ink, the trajectories of the i-ta conductively connected to the discharge orifices, and electrothermal transducer elements to fixed < eam each of the ink paths as means to generate the energy to discharge the ink. According to this recording method, it is possible to record images of superior quality at high speeds with a lower amount of noise. At the same time, the head performing this registration method makes it possible to arrange the discharge orifices to discharge the ink at a high density, with the excellent advantage, among many others, that the images become recordable at a high resolution, and that Color images are easily obtained by using a smaller device. In recent years, therefore, the bubble jet recording method was widely adopted for different kinds of office equipment such as printers, copying machines, facsimile equipment. In addition, this method of registration is still used for industrial systems such as textile printers, among others. Also, to obtain superior quality images, a drive state has been proposed for the arrangement of a liquid discharge method or the like which may be capable of performing excellent ink discharges on the basis of the creation of stabilized air bubbles that allow that the ink is discharged at higher speeds. Also, for the purpose of making superior registration possible, an improved flow path configuration has been proposed to obtain a liquid discharge head that can be capable of filling the liquid higher each time the liquid is discharged. An example of this proposal is described in the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 63-199972. The invention thus described is such that the residual waves or separating waves, which are generated together with the creation of the air bubble (the pressure exerted in the opposite direction of the discharge orifice, that is, the pressure directed to the liquid chamber 1012), are arranged to reside in the initial position which is far from the creation area of the air bubbles formed by each of the heat generating devices. Then, the valve, which is placed on the opposite side of the discharge orifice with respect to the heat generating device, is positioned as if it were joined to the upper wall by the presence of these return waves. This valve is then manually lowered to the flow path along with the creation of each air bubble. This invention is to suppress the loss of energy by controlling part of these return waves using the valve in. such as described in the specification of the aforementioned application. On the other hand, they have been described in the specifications of the Japanese patent application open to the public.
No. 61-S9467, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-81172 and USP 4,480,259 among others, a method for discharging liquid allowing the pressure exerted by the formation of the bubbles to be carried over the
liquid discharge, while the arrangement makes use of the liquid (liquid forming bubbles) that creates air bubbles by applying heat, and the liquid that performs the discharge (discharge liquid) separately. In the specification of these publications, the ink that serves
as the discharge liquid and the bubble-forming liquid are completely separated by means of a mobile separation film formed by silicone rubber or the like. In this way, the descara liquid does not make contact with the heat generating devices
directly. In these, at the same time, the structure is arranged so that the pressure exerted by the formation of bubbles of the bubble-forming liquid passes into the discharge liquid using the deformation of the mobile separation film. With the structure thus arranged, it can be
It is also possible to avoid the formation of an accumulated deposit on the surface of each of the heat generating devices, as well as making it possible to select the discharge liquids more freely. In addition, the structure that uses a large movie
to separate the complete body from one. head in the part •
upper and lower part thereof is described in the specification of Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 59-26270. The large film thus described is held by the two plate members that form the
trajectories of liquid flow. The plate members are provided for purposes of preventing the liquids from being mixed together in the two flow paths thus provided. Likewise, in the application of the Japanese Patent opened
No. 5-229122 discloses the structure under which, while providing special characteristics for a bubble-forming liquid, this liquid is used at a lower boiling point than a discharge liquid to maintain the formation characteristics.
bubbles of this liquid. Also the structure using a conductive liquid as a bubble-forming liquid as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-329148. However, the head that separates the discharge liquid
and the bubble-forming liquid completely as described above is structured to transfer the pressure exerted at the time of formation of the bubbles to the discharge liquid by means of the deformation of the mobile separation film which may result from its
Finally, the mobile separation film absorbs a considerable amount of pressure due to the formation of the bubbles. Also, the amount of deformation can not be quite large. Therefore, although it is possible to separate the discharge liquid and the bubble-forming liquid, there is a possibility that the energy efficiency and the discharge force are reduced after all.
COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention is designed from the points of view not taken into account by the conventional technique. The main objects of the invention are to improve the basic characteristics of the discharge of the method in which the liquid is discharged fundamentally by the formation. conventional air bubbles in the liquid flow paths (particularly the creation of air bubbles followed by each boil of the film). That is elevated to a higher standard than has ever been attainable by the application of conventional technique. The present inventors have comprehensively studied the fundamental principle of liquid droplet discharges in order to provide a new method for discharging droplets of liquid, head and the like by using aie bubbles which can not be obtained by application of the conventional technique. In the present, while the type studies were done, the inventors of the present have made a first technical analysis beginning with the operation of the mobile member in each of the liquid flow paths, as it can be to analyze the principle of the mechanism of the liquid. moving member in the flow path; a second technical analysis beginning with the principle of liquid droplet discharges through the creation of air bubbles; and a third technical analysis beginning with the area of the formation of air bubbles for the heat generating devices that are used for the formation of air bubbles. Then, it has been known that taking into account the energy provided by the air bubbles themselves, the amount of discharge, the most important factor that contributes to the improvement of the characteristics of the discharge in a remarkable way is the development component on the downstream side of air bubbles between those factors taken into account in this regard. In this case, in other words, it has been found that the improvement of the discharge efficiency and the discharge velocity is carried out by the effective transformation of the development component on the downstream side of the air bubbles so that they are guided in the direction of liquid discharge. With this finding, the inventors hereby have acquired an extremely high technical standard, compared to the prior art, in which the developing component on the downstream side of the bubbles can be positively transferred to the free end side of the mobile member. In addition, it has been found preferable that the structural elements should be considered with respect to the heat generating area for the formation of air bubbles, such as that which is on the downstream side of the line running to the center of the area in the direction of the flow of the liquid for each of the electrothermal transducer devices or with respect to the moving members, the flow paths and the like which are related to the development of the air bubbles on the downstream side of the center of the area or similar on the surface on which the formation of the bubbles is effected. Also, with this optimum structure provided, the air bubble forming area and the moving Member are arranged facing each other along the flow paths to make it possible to reduce and eliminate the smallest droplets (satellites) traveling with a light retardation of most of the ink drops when these drops and the remaining ink are cut in the flow path by the tensile force of the surface tension of the ink in the vicinity of the discharge orifice. Meanwhile, it is also found that it is possible to significantly improve the filling speed taking into account the structural arrangement of the mobile member and the supply path. With the knowledge and overview acquired by these studies as described above, the inventors hereby have found the principle of excellent liquid discharge and finally designed the invention described herein. The main objects of the present invention are as follows: A first objective of the invention is to provide a liquid discharge method, a liquid jet head and a liquid discharge apparatus capable of increasing the quantity of liquid discharged from the orifices of discharge, and improve the filling speed at the same time. Another object of the invention is to offer a liquid discharge method, a liquid cborro head and an apparatus for discharging the liquid, capable of improving the durability of the fixed mobile member in each flow path.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a liquid discharge method, a liquid jet head, and an apparatus for discharging the liquid, capable of stabilizing the conditions of discharge of the droplets from the discharge orifices. Another object of the invention is to provide a liquid discharge method, a liquid jet head and an apparatus for discharging the liquid, capable of controlling the amount of displacement of the mobile members. Meanwhile, the inventors of the present have solved the problem that arises when the space must be made smaller for the formation of a gap that must become the air bubble forming area. In other words, when the air bubble is to be created in the air bubble forming area, these air bubbles are created on the upstream side of the discharge orifice in the flow direction of the discharge liquid. However, since the amplitude and length of the formation area of the air bubbles are equal to those of the heat generating unit, the moving member becomes vertically displaceable only by creating each air bubble with respect to the direction of the discharge liquid. Therefore, it becomes impossible to obtain a sufficient discharge speed for the effective discharge operation. The present invention is designed to *
materializing the efficient discharge operation paying particular attention to the fact that this drawback is carried out by repeated use of the same bubble-forming liquid only in the small space closed in
every moment. Therefore, still another objective of the present invention is to offer a liquid discharge method and a liquid discharge apparatus structured to essentially separate the discharge liquid and the formed liquid:
of bubbles, or more preferably structured to completely separate them from the use of the movable film, which is capable not only of preventing pressure from escaping from the upstream side, but also, by diverting the pressure in the direction of the discharge orifices to do not lose the
discharge efficiency when the pressure is guided in the direction of liquid discharge by the deformation of the movable film by applying the pressure exerted by the formation of foam. In this way, the amount of liquid discharge is increased and the speed is improved
of filling. Still another object of the invention is to provide a liquid discharge method, a liquid jet head, an apparatus for discharging liquids capable of attempting to stabilize the discharge state of the liquid droplets from each of the discharge orifices. Likewise, another object of the invention is to offer a liquid discharge method, an apparatus for discharging the liquid capable of reducing the amount of deposit accumulated in each of the heat generating devices by adopting the structure described above and capable of unloading liquid in good efficiency without affecting thermally the liquid that is going to be discharged. Still another object of the invention is to offer a method of discharge of liquid and an apparatus for discharging liquid, with greater freedom of selection of the discharge liquids without taking into account their viscosities and compositions of materials. Also, another objective of the invention is to offer a liquid discharge method for discharging liquid using the pressure exerted at the time of creating the air bubbles in an air bubble forming area to create them in the liquid. In this case, the two air bubble forming areas are arranged at least partially opposite one another. Then, the liquid is discharged by using the pressure exerted in the two bubble-forming areas.
Also, another object of the invention is to provide a liquid discharge method for discharging liquid using the pressure exerted at the time of creating the air bubbles in an air bubble forming area to create them in the liquid by displacing a movable member provided with its free end on the side of the discharge hole with respect to its movable fulcrum. In this case, the air bubble forming area and the movable member are arranged to be in two series facing each other at least partially, and allowing the two moving members to be close to each other to discharge the liquid. Also, another object of the invention is to provide a liquid discharge head that contains at least one discharge orifice to discharge liquid; a discharge liquid flow path with the air bubble forming area to create air bubbles connected conductively with the discharge orifice. In. In this case, the two air bubble forming areas are arranged at least partially opposite one another. Another object of the invention is to provide a liquid discharge head containing the discharge orifices for discharging liquid; flow paths of discharge liquid each provided with the air bubble forming area to create air bubbles and conductively connected to the discharge orifice; a substrate provided with heat generating devices each arranged in the air bubble forming area to generate heat in order to create the air bubbles; mobile members each provided with their free end on the side of the discharge orifice and arranged in each of the paths of the discharge liquid in front of the heat generating device. Then, the liquid is discharged from the discharge orifices when the moving members each move by the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubbles. Here, the heat generating device and the movable member are arranged to be in two series facing each other at least partially. Another object of the invention is to provide a liquid discharge head containing the discharge orifices for discharging liquid; the flow paths of the discharge liquid each provided with the area forming air bubbles and conductively connected to the discharge orifice; a substrate provided with heat generating devices, each mno arranged in the air bubble forming area to generate heat, to create the air bubbles; movable members, each provided with its free end on the side of the discharge orifice arranged in each of the flow paths of the discharge liquid in front of the heat generating device. In this case, the liquid is discharged from the discharge orifices when the mobile members each move by the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubble, and the heat generating device and the mobile member are arranged to be in two. series to allow the mobile members to face each other, at least partially. Also, another object of the invention is to provide a method for discharging liquid to discharge liquid by displacing the movable separation film substantially by separating a discharge liquid flow path conductively connected to a discharge orifice to discharge liquid, and a flow path of Bubble forming liquid provided with an air bubble forming area to create bubble of air in the liquid from each one at all times on the different upstream side of the side of the discharge orifice with respect to the flow of liquid in the flow path of discharge liquid. In this case, the air bubble forming area, the bubble forming liquid flow path and the mobile separation film are arranged to be in two series to allow the mobile regions of the mobile separation films to meet one another. the other, at least partially, with the discharge liquid flow path between them, and the two moving separation films move to be closer to each other. Also, another object of the present invention is to provide a head of liquid discharge liquid containing flow paths of discharge liquid conductively connected with discharge orifices to discharge liquid; bubble flow liquid flow path each provided with the air bubble forming area to create air bubbles in the liquids; heat generating devices each arranged in the air bubble-forming area to generate heat to create the air bubbles; and movable separating films for separating the discharge liquid flow path and the bubble-forming liquid flow path substantially from one another at all times. In this case, the liquid is discharged from the discharge orifices, moving the separation films moving by the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubbles, and the liquid discharge head is provided with the heat generating device, the flow path of bubble-forming liquid and mobile separation film arranged to be in two series to allow at least parts of the mobile ranges of the mobile separation films to be •
one against the other with the flow path of the discharge liquid between them. According to the present invention structured as described above, a set of a generating device
heat arranged in the air bubble forming area to generate heat to create air bubbles, and a movable member provided with its free end on the side of the discharge orifice, is arranged in the discharge flow path of the discharge liquid. to the generator device
heat, and then, the two sets of these are arranged facing each other at least partially so that two moving members move to be closer to each other during the creation of the air bubble. It is assumed that the structure thus arranged to download
Liquid in the discharge liquid flow path from each of the discharge orifices is the optimal structure, but it should be understood that variations of this structure that will be described below are also within the scope of the present invention. The example of the optimum structure makes it possible to discharge liquid in the discharge liquid flow path from each of the discharge orifices by means of the displacements of the two movable members. Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of
liquid discharge, as well as improve the durability of the moving members compared to the case where the displacement is performed by a mobile member. Also, the floating force is generated in the portion intercalated between the two moving members when each of the air bubbles is extended to the maximum. This floating force contains the component perpendicular to the flow of the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the filling speed when the moving members return to their original positions before the displacement. Also, if the two mobile members are arranged to be in contact with each other, at least partially, when each of the air bubbles is extended to the maximum, it is possible to implement the stabilization of the amount of liquid discharged from each one. of the discharge orifices. Also, with the adjustment of the ratio of the area between the two heat generating devices, it becomes possible to control the amount of liquid discharged from each of the discharge orifices. Also, if the structure is arranged so that two mobile members are moved at different times from one another, it becomes possible to suppress the meniscus regression while enhancing the filling of the liquid.
•
Also, if the structure is arranged so that one of the two movable members can regulate the displacement of the other movable member when each of the air bubbles extends, it becomes possible to stabilize the discharges.
In addition, the structure is arranged so as to provide the arranged heat generating device in the air bubble forming area to generate heat to create them; the flow path of bubble-forming liquid provided with the bubble-forming area of
air; and the mobile separation film that separates the discharge liquid flow path and the flow path of the bubble-forming liquid substantially from each other at all times in two series, facing each other with the path of the liquid flow download
among these. In this case, then, if the two moving separation films move to be closer to each other it is possible to discharge liquid in the flow path of discharge liquid from each of the discharge orifices, as well as increase more the quantity
of the discharged liquid compared to the case where the displacement is effected by the use of a mobile separation film. Also, the floating force is generated in the interspersed portion between the two moving separation films
when each of the air bubbles extends to the maximum. This floating force contains the perpendicular component for the flow of the liquid in the path of the discharge liquid flow. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve the filling speed when the moving members return to the original positions before the displacement. The structure is arranged so that, when the mobile separation films move towards the side of the discharge liquid flow path together with the creation and development of each of the air bubbles, the portion of the separation film The mobile on the downstream side is displaced more extensively towards the side of the discharge liquid flow path than the portion thereof on the upstream side. Therefore, it becomes possible to discharge liquid into the discharge liquid flow path from each of the discharge orifices efficiently by creating each of the air bubbles in the path of the discharge liquid flow. In the case where the means for regulating the direction, which is provided with its free end on the downstream side of the end portion of the air bubble forming area on the upstream side and its fulcrum on the upstream side with respect to the aforementioned free end on the side of the discharge liquid flow path of the movable separation film, respectively, in which they are arranged adjacent to the movable separation film, it becomes possible to suppress the displacement of the film from moving separation towards the flow path of bubble-forming liquid when the air bubble disappears, and also, to implement the improvement of the filling characteristics and the reduction of interferences. When for each of the mobile separation films there is provided a weakened portion that pushes towards the side of the bubble-forming liquid flow path at the time when there is no foaming, and pushes towards the side of the path of the flow of discharge liquid at the time of foam formation, it becomes possible to steadily guide the pressure exerted by the creation of each air bubble in the air bubble forming area towards the side of the discharge hole of the trajectory of the discharge liquid flow. Therefore, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path can be discharged from each of the discharge orifices by means of the efficiently and stably created air bubble.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1A, IB, IC and ID are cross-sectional views illustrating a structural example of a liquid discharge head according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a partly broken perspective view showing the liquid discharge head presented in Figures IA, IB, IC and ID. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the propagation of pressure from an air bubble created in the conventional liquid jet head. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing schematically the propagation of pressure from an air bubble created in the liquid discharge head according to the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the flow of liquid in the liquid discharge head according to the present invention. Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E and 6F are cross sectional views schematically illustrating the discharge head of the liquid according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing schematically the liquid waste head according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing schematically the liquid discharge head according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figures 9A and 9B are views illustrating the operation of the liquid discharge head shown in Figure 8: Figure 9A shows the heat signal applied to the heat generating device of the liquid discharge head shown in Figure 6; and Figure 9B shows the heat signal applied to the heat device of the liquid discharge head shown in Figure 8. Figures 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are cross-sectional views showing schematically the operation when the heat signal shown in Figures 9B is applied to the liquid discharge head shown in Figure 8. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the liquid discharge head according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figures 12A, 12B, 12c and 12D are cross-sectional views illustrating schematically the operation of the liquid discharge head depicted in Figure 11. Figure 13 is a view schematically showing the heat signal applied to the liquid discharge head which is depicted in Figures 12A, 12B, 12C and
12D. Figure 14 is a view showing an example of the method of manufacturing the liquid discharge head according to the present invention. Figures 15A and 15B are views illustrating a structural example of the liquid discharge head according to the present invention. Figure 15a is joins. view showing the discharge head of the liquid observed from the side of the discharge orifice; and Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view showing the discharge head of the liquid observed in the direction of the flow path of the liquid. Figures 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E, 16F, 16G, 16H and 161 are cross-sectional views illustrating the liquid discharge method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the trajectory of the flow of the liquid. Figures 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, 17F, 17G, 17H and 171 are cross-sectional views illustrating the method of discharge of the liquid according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the trajectory of liquid flow. Figures 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D and 18E are cross-sectional views illustrating the liquid discharge method according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the liquid flow path. Figures 19A, 19B and 19C are cross-sectional views illustrating the liquid discharge method according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the liquid flow path. Figures 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, and 20F are cross-sectional views illustrating the liquid discharge method according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the liquid flow path. Figures 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D are cross sectional views illustrating the liquid discharge method according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention taken in the direction of the liquid flow path. Figures 22A and 22B are views illustrating the moment of displacement of the mobile separation film according to the liquid discharge method illustrated in Figures 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D. Figures 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D and 23E are cross sectional views illustrating a first example of the liquid discharge method applicable to the present invention. Figures 24A, 23B, 23C, 23D and 24E are cross sectional views illustrating a second example of the liquid discharge method applicable to the present invention. Figures 25A, 25B and 25C are cross-sectional views illustrating the displacement processes of the mobile separation film according to the liquid discharge method applicable to the present invention, taken in the direction of the flow path. Figure 26A and Figure 26B are views illustrating a structural example of the liquid discharge head according to the present invention. Figure 26A shows the liquid discharge head observed from the side of the discharge orifice; Figure 26B is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid discharge head observed in the direction of the liquid flow path.
Figure 27 is a view showing schematically the structure of the liquid discharge apparatus according to the present invention. Figure 28 is a block diagram showing the entire structure of the apparatus which operates the ink discharge register to which the liquid discharge method and the liquid discharge head according to the present invention is applied.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Before describing the modalities specifically according to the present invention, the description will be made, first of all, of the most fundamental structure that allows the discharge force and the discharge efficiency to be improved by controlling the direction of propagation of the pressure exerted by the formation of foam, and the direction of the development of the air bubble as well as when the liquid is discharged according to the present invention. Figures IA to ID are cross sectional views illustrating a structural example of the liquid discharge head of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partially broken away perspective view showing the liquid discharge head shown in Figure 1.
Now, as shown in Figures IA to ID, the heat generating device 2 (a heat generating resistor of 40μ x 105μ for the present embodiment) is arranged on a substrate element 1 such as that adopted to activate thermal energy in the liquid which is to be discharged from the liquid discharge head of the present modality. Then, the liquid flow path 10 is arranged in the substrate element corresponding to the heat generating device 2. The liquid flow path 10 is conductively connected to the discharge orifice 18. At the same time, it is conductively connected with the common liquid chamber 13 from which the liquid is supplied to a plurality of liquid flow path 10, each of which receives liquid from the common liquid chamber 13 in an amount corresponding to the amount of liquid that It will be discharged from each of the discharge orifices. On the elementary substrate, where each of the liquid flow paths is accommodated, the plate-like moving member 31 is arranged in an inclined mode, with a flat portion, which is formed by an elastic material, such as metal , opposite the heat generating device 2. One end of the movable member is fixed to a base (a support member) 34 or the like, which is formed on the wall of the flow path of liquid 10 or on the elemental substrate in photosensitive resin patterns or similar. In this way, the movable member is supported and provided with a fulcrum or support point (support portion) 33. The movable member 31 is provided with the fulcrum (supporting portion; fixed end) 33 on the upstream side of the flow greater that runs from the common liquid chamber 13 towards the side of the discharge orifice 18 through the mobile member 31 by the operation of the discharge of the liquid. This member is arranged in a position in front of the heat generating device 2 with a space of approximately 15μ from the heat generating device 2 to cover it so that its free end (free end portion) 32 is placed on the downstream side with with respect to the point of support 33. The space between the heat generating device and the mobile member is transformed into the area generating air bubbles. In this regard, the classes, configurations and arrangement of the heat generating device and the mobile member are not necessarily limited to those described above. It would be enough if only the configuration of this arrangement are such as to be able to control the development of the air bubble and the propagation of the pressure as well. In this case, the liquid flow path 10 described above is divided into two regions with the mobile member 31 serving as the boundary of these: that is, the portion that is conductively directly connected to the discharge orifice 18 is defined as the first liquid flow path 14, and the one provided with the air bubble forming area 11 and the liquid supply path 12 as the second liquid flow path 16. With this division the description of the flow will be made of liquid that will be treated later. When the heat generating device 2 is heated, the liquid that is in the air bubble forming area 11 between the mobile member 31 and the heat generating device 2 is thermally activated. In this way, the air bubble is created by means of the boiling phenomenon with film formation that occurs in the liquid as described in specification USP 4,723,129. The pressure exerted and the air bubble, created as a function of the creation of the air bubble, act preferably on the mobile member. Therefore, the movable member is centrally displaced at the fulcrum 33 as shown in Figures IB, ÍC, or as shown in Figure 2, to allow it to open widely on the side of the discharge orifice. By moving the mobile member 31, or according to the open state of the latter, the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubble propagates to the side of the discharge orifice, and also, the development of the air bubble itself is guided to it. Now the description of one of the fundamental principles of the discharge will be made, which applies to the present invention. For the present invention, one of the most important principles is that the free end of the movable member, which is arranged in front of the air bubble forming area, preferably moves from the first position in the steady state to the second position after the displacement by means of the pressure exerted by the air bubble or the air bubble itself. Then, with the movable member 31 thus displaced, the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubble and the air bubble itself are guided to the downstream side where each of the discharge orifices 18 is arranged. Now, this discharge principle will be described in more detail with the comparison between Figure 3 which shows schematically the conventional structure of the liquid flow path without using any moving member, and Figure 4 which shows as schematic the structure of the liquid flow path of the present invention. Figure 3 is a view showing schematically the propagation of the air pressure in the conventional liquid injection head. Figure 4 is a view showing in schematic form the propagation of the pressure of the air bubble in the liquid discharge head of the present invention. Here, the direction of the propagation of the pressure towards the discharge orifice is designated by a reference mark VA and the direction of propagation of the pressure to the upstream side as VB. As shown in Figure 3, the conventional head is not provided with any structure that controls the direction of propagation of the pressure exerted by the created air bubble 40. As a result, the directions of propagation of the pressure exerted by the bubble of air 40 is transformed into normal lines on the surface of the air bubble as indicated by the reference marks Vi to V8, and the propagation of the pressure is directed in different directions. Of these addresses, those designated by the marks Vi to V4 are provided with the components in the directions of propagation of the pressure towards the VA which particularly affects the bulk of the liquid discharge, ie the components in the propagation directions of the pressure closest to the discharge orifice from the almost middle position of the air bubble. These are found in the important portions that directly contribute to the effectiveness of the discharge efficiency, the force of the discharge, the speed of the discharge and some others. In addition, the one designated by the Vi brand works efficiently because it is closer to the VA address. On the contrary, the one designated by the V4 mark contains a comparatively small directional component towards VA. In comparison with this structural arrangement, the structure of the present invention shown in Figure 4 is arranged to propose the movable member 31 which functions to orient the various directions of propagation of the pressure Vi to V4 of the air bubble, as shown in Figure 3 to the downstream side (the side of the discharge orifice) and convert them in the direction of propagation of the pressure designated by the reference mark VA. In this way, the development of the air bubble 40 is also directed towards the discharge orifice. Then, the pressure exerted by the air bubble 40 contributes directly to the efficient discharge. Also, the direction of development of the air bubble itself is directed to the downstream side as the pressure propagating in the directions V to V4. As a result, the air bubble has a greater development on the downstream side than on the upstream side. Therefore, the direction of development of the air bubble itself is controlled by the use of the mobile member, and the direction of propagation of the pressure of the air bubble is also controlled making it possible to achieve a basic improvement of the discharge efficiency. , the strength of the discharge and the speed of the discharge among other things. Now, returning to Figures 1A to ID, a detailed description of the discharge operation of the liquid discharge head described above will be made. Figure IA shows the state before the application of energy, such as electric power, to the heat generating device 2. What is important in this case is that the mobile member 31 is placed in a place where a bubble of The air is in front of at least the portion on the downstream side with respect to the air bubble created by the application of the heat generated by the heat generating device. In other words, the movable member 31 is arranged in the structure of the liquid flow path and is set in the position to cover at least the portion downstream of the center of the area 3 of the heat generating device (the downstream of the the line orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the liquid flow path, which runs through the center of area 3 of the heat generating device). Figure IB shows the state in which electric power or the like is applied to the disposilt-o © heat generator 2 to energize it, and by the heat thus generated, a part of the filled liquid in the air-bubble forming area 11 is heated , thereby creating an air bubble after boiling with film formation. In this state, the moving member 31 is moved from the first position to the second position by the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubble 40 so that the direction of propagation of the pressure of the air bubble 40 is guided in the direction to the discharge hole. As described above, what is important in this case is that the free end 32 of the movable member 31 is arranged on the downstream side (side of the discharge orifice), while the fulcrum 33 is arranged to be positioned in the upstream side
(side of the common liquid chamber), so that at least a part of the mobile member must be facing the downstream portion of the heat generating device, ie, the downstream portion of the air bubble. Figure IC shows the state in which the air bubble 40 has developed further. Here, according to the pressure that is exerted after the creation of the air bubble 40, the movable member 31 moves further. The created air bubble has a greater development on the downstream side than on the upstream side. At the same time, its development is greater beyond the first position (the position indicated by the dotted line) of the mobile member. In this way the movable member 31 moves gradually as the air bubble 40 develops. With this gradual displacement, the direction of development of the air bubble is guided uniformly in the direction in which the propagation of the pressure and the sedimentary displacement of the air bubble 40 is facilitated, that is, the direction towards the side of the free end of the movable member and, in an imaginable way this gradual displacement contributes to the improvement of the efficiency of the discharge. When the air bubble and the pressure of the air bubble are guided in the direction towards the discharge orifice, the moving member does not prevent this propagation in any direction. This can control the direction of propagation of the pressure and the direction of the development of the air bubble efficiently according to the size of the pressure that propagates. Figure ID shows the state in which the air bubble 40 contracts due to the reduction of its internal pressure after boiling with film formation described above, and extinguishes. The mobile member 31 which has been moved to the second position returns to the initial position (the first position) as shown in Figure IA by restoring the force exerted by the negative pressure that is generated by the contraction of the bubble. air and the proper elasticity of the mobile member itself also. Also, when the disappearance of the foam is carried out, the liquid flows from the upstream side at B, ie, the side of the common liquid chamber, as indicated by the reference marks VD? And VD2, as well as from the side of the discharge orifice as indicated by the reference mark Vc, to compensate for the contracted volume of the air bubble, and also, to compensate for the voluminal portion of the liquid that has been discharged. So far the description of the operation of the movable member has been made after the creation of the air bubble and the operation of the discharge of the liquid as well. Hereinafter, a detailed description of the filling of liquid for the discharge head applicable to the present invention will be made. After the state shown in Figure 1C, the air bubble 40 enters the extinction process through its maximum voluminous state. Then, the liquid flows into the air bubble forming area from the first liquid flow path 14 at the discharge orifice side 18, as well as from the second liquid flow path 16 at the side of the liquid chamber. common 13, in a volume to compensate for the volume of acid extinguished. For the structure of the conventional liquid flow path where a movable member 31 is not located, the volume of the liquid flowing in the position of disappearance of the bubbles from the side of the discharge orifice, and the volume of the flowing liquid in this from the side of the common liquid chamber are determined by the intensity of the flow resistance between the portion closest to the discharge orifice that the air bubble forming area, and the portion closest to the common liquid chamber (that is, caused by the resistance of the flow path and the inertia of the liquid). So, if the flow resistance is smaller on the side closest to the discharge orifice, a larger amount of liquid flows into the foam disappearing position from the side of the discharge orifice to allow the regressive amount of the Menisco to be greater . Particularly, the more it is proposed to improve the efficiency of the discharge by making the flow resistance smaller in the lake closest to the discharge orifice, the greater the regression of the meniscus M at the time of the removal of the bubbles. As a result, the replenishment time becomes larger to prevent the implementation of a superior impression.
On the contrary, since the movable member 31 is provided for the structure of this, the meniscus regression is interrupted at the point where the movable member has returned to the original position when the bubbles are removed, provided that the upper side of the volume W of the air bubble is defined as Wl and the side of the forming area 'of air bubbles 11 as W2 with the first position of the moving member 31 serving as a limit. After this, the remainder of the voluminous portion of W2 is mainly compensated by the liquid supplied from the second flow path 16, which flows as indicated by the reference mark VD2. Thus, although the amount corresponding to about one-half of the volume W of the air bubble has become the regressive amount of the meniscus according to the conventional technique, it is possible for the present invention to suppress the regressive amount of the meniscus to approximately a medium of the volume W1 that is already much smaller than the regressive amount necessary for the conventional technique. In addition, it is possible to compulsively drive the liquid supply for the voluminous portion of the W2 mainly from the upstream side (VD2) of the second liquid flow path along the movable member 31 on the surface side of the generator device. heat by using the pressure exerted at the time of removal of the bubbles. As a result, a superior filling can be realized.
In the present, characteristically, when the filling is executed using the pressure exerted at the time of deformation for the conventional head, the meniscus vibration becomes greater, causing the degradation of the quality of the image. However, with the filling at a higher speed of this, it is possible to make the meniscus vibration extremely small, because the flow of the liquid is suppressed in the area of the first liquid flow path 14 on the side of the discharge orifice and the air bubble forming area 11 on the side of the discharge hole as well. In this way, with the structure applicable to the present invention, it is possible to achieve forced filling towards the air bubble forming area through the second liquid flow path 16 of the liquid supply path 12, and it is also it is possible to achieve filling at a higher speed by suppressing meniscus regression and vibration as indicated above. As a result, stabilized discharges and high-speed repetition of discharges can be performed reliably. Also, when applied to the record, it is possible to materialize the improvement of image quality and registration at higher speed, furthermore, the structure applicable to the present invention provides in dual mode the effective functions as given below. In other words, it is possible to suppress the spread of pressure
(the return waves) resulting from the creation of the air bubble to the upstream side. Within an air bubble created in a heat generating device 2, most of the pressure exerted by it on the side of the common liquid chamber (the upstream side) becomes a force (return waves) that rejects the liquid to the upstream side. The return waves not only result in the pressure that exists on the upstream side, but also the amount of fluid displacement that can be caused by them, which inevitably exerts the force of inertia after the displacement of the liquid flow . The presence of the return waves can also have an unfavorable effect on the operation of the liquid filling in the liquid flow paths, thus preventing the proposed higher speed drive. In this case, with the structure applicable to the present invention, such unfavorable action working on the upstream side is first suppressed by the means of the movable member 31. Then, it becomes possible to further improve the operation of the refilling supply. of the liquid.
Now the description of the structure and the effects that are most characteristic of the structure, applicable to the present invention will be made. The second liquid flow path of 16 of this structure is provided with a liquid supply path 12 having an internal wall (where the surface of the heat generating device does not fall extensively), which is essentially connected to the generating device of heat 2 in the flat part in the current above this. In such a case, the supply of liquid to the air bubble forming zone 11 and to the surface of the heat generating device is executed along the surface of the movable member 31 on the side closest to the air bubble forming area 11. as indicated by the reference mark VD2. As a result, the stagnation of liquid on the surface of the heat generating device 2 is suppressed, facilitating the elimination of the deposit of gas remaining in the liquid, as well as the so-called remaining bubbles are still going to disappear. Also, there is no possibility that the accumulation of heat in the liquid is too high. In this sense, it is possible to perform a more stabilized creation of the air bubbles repeatedly at higher speeds. Here the description has been made of the liquid supply path 12 with an irnternational wall, which is essentially flat, but this structure is not necessarily limited to this configuration. It will be sufficient and only the liquid supply path as a smooth inner wall connects to the surface of the heat generating device in a uniform manner, and is configured so that there is no possibility of the liquid becoming stagnant in each of the heat generating devices, nor is there a possibility of a large flow disturbance occurring when the liquid is supplied. Also, the liquid supply to the air bubble forming area is made from the Adi through the side portion (slot 35 of the movable member). However, to guide the pressure towards the discharge orifice with greater effectiveness at the time of formation of the foam, a large-sized movable member is used as shown in FIGS. 1A to ID to cover the bubble-forming area of FIG. air completely (to cover the surface of the heat generating device). Then, if the mode is such that the liquid flow resistance becomes greater in the air bubble forming area 11 and the area closest to the discharge orifice of the first liquid flow path 14, the flow of liquid is prevented. liquid from VDi, mentioned above, towards the air bubble forming area 11. However, the structure of the head thereof is provided with the flow VD2 to supply the liquid to the air bubble forming area. Therefore, the operation of the liquid supply is extremely high, and there is no possibility that the operation of the liquid supply is reduced even if the structure is arranged so that the mobile member 31 covers the air bubble forming area 11 for the improvement of the efficiency of the discharge efficiency. Now, the free end 32 and the fulcrum 33 of the movable member 31 are arranged so that the free end is relatively positioned in the downstream 1 in relation to the fulcrum as shown in Figure 5, by example. Figure 5 is a list schematically illustrating the flow of liquid in the liquid discharge head according to the present invention. The present embodiment is structured as shown in Figure 5, which makes it possible to efficiently materialize the function of and the effect in the guide of the propagation direction of the present invention and the direction of development of the air bubble in the direction towards the side of the discharge orifice at the time of formation of the bubble as described above. further, the positional relationship as shown in Figure 5 not only presents the function and the effect with respect to the discharge of the liquid, but also makes possible the decrease in the resistance of the flow with respect to the liquid flowing in the flow path of liquid 10 when the liquid is supplied. Therefore, a higher filling speed is effectively achieved. This is possible because the free end and the fulcrum 33 are arranged to not present any resistance to the flows Si, S2 and S3 that run in the liquid flow path 10 (including the first liquid flow path 14, and the flow path of liquidol6) when the regressive meniscus M caused by the discharge operation is restored to the discharge orifice 18 by means of capillary attraction or when the liquid is supplied at the time of elimination of the bubbles. To complement the description of this arrangement, the free end 32 of the mobile member 31 is extensively arranged or coped with the heat generating device 2 as described above with respect to the structure shown in Figures IA to ID so that this end is placed on the downstream side of the center of area 3 (the line orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the liquid flow path, which runs through the center of the area (the center) of the heat generating device) that divides the heat generating device 2 in the region upstream of the downstream region. In this way, the pressure or air bubble created on the downstream side to the center of the area 3 of the heat generating device, which contributes greatly to the discharge of the liquid is received by the mobile member 31 to guide this pressure or this bubble of air towards the side of the discharge orifice, thereby materializing the basic improvement of the discharge efficiency and the force of the discharge. Aguí, moreover, various effects are obtained also by initializing the upstream side of the air bubble. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the instantaneous mechanical displacement of the free end of the movable member 31, which is made with the structure arranged as is applicable to the present invention, must contribute effectively to the execution of the liquid discharges. Now, with reference to the accompanying drawings, description of the embodiments according to the present invention will be made.
(First mode). Figures 6A to 6F are views illustrating the head of discharge of liquid according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in Figures 6A to 6F, the present embodiment is provided with a discharge orifice 18 arranged for a plate with holes 18A; the heat generating devices 2A and 2B arranged in the elementary substrates la and Ib, respectively, to cause the thermal energy to act on the liquid; the discharge liquid flow path 15 having in this bubble forming areas lia and 11b positioned opposite the heat generating devices 2a and 2b to create the air bubble of the liquid, which is conductively connected to the orifice of the liquid. download 18; and movable members 31a and 31b arranged in the discharge liquid flow path 15, having the free end on the side of the discharge orifice 18, and each of these is arranged to cope with the heat-forming devices 2a and 2b respective. The mobile members 31a and 31b are fixed to the elementary substrates la and Ib, respectively, through each of the bases 33a and 33b. Here, a reference number 18b indicates the adhesive layer for fixing the plate with holes 18a. Now, the description of the operation of the structured liquid discharge head as described below will now be made. In the state shown in Fig. 6A, when the heat generating devices 2a and 2b are heated, the air bubbles 40a and 40b are created in the air bubble forming areas lia and 11b, respectively. By means of the pressure exerted by the created air bubbles, the mobile members 31a and 31b move, respectively, in the opposite directions to the heat generating devices 2a and 2b. In other words, the moving members 31 and 31b move in the directions to allow them to be closer to each other, and then to be in contact with each other (see Figure 6B). In this state, in the portion that is sandwiched between the moving members 31a and 31b, the stagnant portion Y is carried out in the flow of the ink. Here, when the moving members 31a and 31b move in the direction to allow them to be closer to each other, the pressure waves generated by the creation of the air bubbles are activated on the side of the discharge orifice 18 symmetrically in the upper and lower parts in Figure 6B along the discharge liquid flow path 15. Also, the moving members 31a and 31b contact each other when the air bubbles 40a and 40b are created. Therefore, it is possible to stabilize the volume of the liquid to be discharged from the discharge orifice 18. After this, when the air bubbles 40a and 40b are extinguished, respectively, the mobile members 31a and 31b are restored to the original positions before the displacement. In this way, a drop 45 is discharged from the discharge hole 18 (see FIG. 6C). Here, since the liquid flows in the discharge liquid flow path 15 are symmetrical in the upper and lower portions in FIG. 6C, the satellite discharge is reduced when the drop 45 is discharged from the discharge port 18. Likewise, in the stagnant Y portion, there is presented the floating force that contains the component perpendicular to the liquid flow. As a result, attenuation of the vibration of the movable member 31a and 31b is facilitated thereby making it possible to improve the filling speed. In this sense, the improvement of the filling speed can also be obtained by suppressing the return waves formed by the mobile members 31a and 31b. At this point, the heat generating devices are arranged on both sides, upper and lower, of the discharge liquid flow path 15 as shown in Figures 6A to 6F, thus making it possible to disperse the rectification flow to the substrates. elementary 1A and IB from the amount of heat generated in each of the heat generating devices (see Figure 6F).
(Second embodiment) Figure 7 is a view showing the discharge head of the liquid according to a second embodiment of the present invention and illustrating it in a state at the time of creation of the air bubble. As shown in Figure 7, the present embodiment is different from that illustrated in Figures 6A to 6F only in that, although the mobile members 31a and 31b move in the direction to allow them to be closer to each other, the members are not in contact with each other when the air bubbles 40a and 40b are created. With the so-formed discharge head, the contact between the air bubbles 40a and 40b is favored, and at the same time, it is easier for them to develop towards the side of the discharge orifice 18.
(Third embodiment) Figure 8 is a view showing the liquid discharge head according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the present embodiment is different from that illustrated in Figures 6A and 6F only in that the sizes of the heat generating devices ÍA and 2B are different from one another.
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. Figures 9A and 9B are views illustrating the operation of the liquid discharge head shown in Figure 8. Figure 9A shows the heat signals applicable to the heat generating devices 2A and 2B of the discharge head of FIG. liquid shown in Figures 6A to 6F. Figure 9B shows heat signals applicable to the heat generating devices 2A and 2B of the liquid discharge head in Figure 8. For the liquid discharge head shown in Figures 6A to 6F, the signals that have the synchronized timing are applied to the heat devices 2A and 2B respectively, as shown in Figure 9A. However, for the liquid discharge head shown in Figures 9A to 9B, the signals having different timing from each other, are applied to the heat generating devices 2A and 2b, respectively, as shown in Figure 9B. Next, operation description will be made when the heat signals shown in Figure 9B are applied to the heat generating devices 2A and 2B of the liquid discharge head as shown in Figure 8.
Figures 10A to 10B are views illustrating operation when the heat signals shown in Figure 9B are applied to the heat generating devices 2A and 2B of the liquid discharge head shown in Figure 8. Al In principle, when the heat signal is applied to the heat generating device 2B, an air bubble 40b is created only in the heat generating device 2b. Then, the movable member 31b is displaced in the opposite direction to the heat generating device 2b. In this way, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 15 is pushed from the discharge orifice 18 (see FIG. 10A). After this, when the heat signal is no longer applied to the heat generating device 2b, the air bubble 40b created in the heat generating device 2b is defoamed. The mobile member 31b is restored to the original position before displacement. In this way, a drop 44 is discharged from the discharge orifice 18. Then, when the heat signal is applied to the heat generating device 2a, an air bubble 40a is created only in the heat generating device 2a. Then, the movable member 31a is displaced in the opposite direction to the heat generating device 2a (Fig. 2B>.) With the creation of the air bubble 40a, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 15 is filled with liquid. In this way, when the heat signal is no longer applied to the heat generating device 2a, the air bubble 40a created in the heat generating device 2a becomes foam.The mobile member 31a is reset to the original position before the displacement (figure IC and figure 10D).
* With the series of operations described above it is possible to suppress the movement of the meniscus and the filling is also favored. Also, by adjusting the area ratio between the heat generating devices 2a and 2b, it becomes possible to control the amount of liquid discharge in the discharge liquid flow path 15. 15 (Fourth mode) Figure 11 is a view showing the liquid discharge head according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 11, the present embodiment is different from that shown in Figure 8 and Figures 10a to 10b only in that the heat generating device 2a is placed more on the upstream side than the heat generating device. 2b and, also, the free end of the mobile member 31a is arranged more on the upstream side than the mobile member 31b, respectively. Now, the operation of the present embodiment will be described below. Figures 12a to 12b are views illustrating the operation of the liquid discharge head shown in Figure 11. Also, Figure 13 is a view showing the heat signals applied to the heat generating devices 2a and 2b of the liquid discharge head shown in Figures 12A to 12D.
When the heat generating devices 2a and 2b are heated in a state as shown in Figure 12A, the air bubbles 40a and 40b are created in the air bubble forming areas lia and ilb, respectively. Then, by the pressure exerted by the creation of each air bubble, each of the moving members 31a and 31b is displaced in the opposite direction to each of the heat generating devices 2a and 2b. In other words, the moving members 31a and 31b move in the directions to allow them to be closer to each other, and then, to be in contact with each other l (Figure 12B). In this state, the portion Y in which the ink flow stagnates is carried out in the interleaved portion between the moving members 31a and 31b.
At this point, when the movable member 31a and 31b move in the direction to allow them to be closer to each other, the pressure waves generated by the creation of the air bubbles are activated on the side of the discharge hole 18 symmetrically at the top and bottom in Figure 12B. In this state, however, since the heat generating device 2a is placed more on the upstream side than the heat generating device 2b and, likewise, the free end of the mobile member 31a is arranged more on the upstream side of the mobile member 31B, the displacement of the mobile member 31b is regulated by the presence of the mobile member 31a. After this, when the air bubbles 40a and 40b are extinguished, the moving members 31a and 31b are restored to the original positions before displacement, respectively. Then, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 15 is discharged from the discharge port 18. However, if a delay time is established as shown in FIG. 13 among the heat signals applicable to the generating devices of heat 2a and 2b, it becomes possible to modulate the amount of liquid discharge (Figures 12C and 12D). For the present embodiment the description has been made of the structure in which the mobile member 31a and 31b are in contact with each other when the air bubbles are created, but it is still possible for the mobile member 31a to regulate the displacement of the mobile member 31b even if the moving members 31 a and 31 b are not allowed to be in contact with each other when the air bubbles are created. Now, a description will now be given of a method of manufacturing the liquid discharge head described above. Figure 14 is a view showing an example of the method of manufacturing the liquid discharge head of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 14, this head is structured by the combination of a member that is provided with the supply port of the discharge liquid 102, the nozzle walls 103 and an elementary substrate 101a; a member provided with a common liquid chamber 102, an elemental substrate 101b having electrical connection pads 122 therein, and nozzle walls 103; an electrical connector 121 to be coupled with the electrical connection pads 122; the moving members 131 and a plate with holes 123. In this sense, the orifice plate 123 is adhesively bonded to the end face of the nozzle walls 103 in alignment therewith after the bonding agent is applied (not shown) ).
Figures 15A and 15B are views illustrating an example of the structure of the liquid discharge head of the present invention. Figure 15A is a view of this, seen from the side of the discharge orifice. Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view of this, observed in the section of the flow path of the liquid. Figures 15A and 15B are views illustrating an example of the structure of the liquid discharge head of the present invention. Figure 15A is a view of this, seen from the side of the discharge orifice. Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view of this, observed in the direction of the liquid flow path. As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the discharge liquid flow path x! 4 and the common liquid chamber 120 are arranged to be interleaved between the two elementary substrates 101a and 101b. In the vicinity of the elementary substrates 101 a and 101 b arranged for the discharge liquid flow path 114, the movable members 131 a and 131 b, each with the free end on the side of the discharge orifice, are provided along the elementary substrates 101a and 101b, respectively. Also, the elementary substrates 101a and 101b are connected to the electrical connector 121 through the shoulders 124. In this way, the electrical signals are received from the outside.
The liquid discharge method and the liquid discharge apparatus utilizing "the mobile members having free ends", which are described as the first to fourth embodiments thereof, are the preferable modes embodied by the present invention in the assumption of that at least one part of a mobile member is facing the other of another mobile member, respectively. However, according to the technical thinking of the invention, the structures formed by the following combinations are also included in the modes of incorporating the present invention. According to the present invention, the structural examples, which are arranged to achieve the improvement of the speed of the discharge and the uniformity of the volume, including the efficiency of the anticipated discharge, which can also be developed by means of the analysis of the technical thinking under which modalities are carried out as described above. In other words, the above embodiments are important because there are the air bubbles that are controlled and developed in the direction of discharge or towards the side of the discharge orifice by means of the movable members each having the free end, respectively . From the different point of view, the representative constituent can be defined as a plurality of the developed air bubbles, at least a part of these being arranged in front of the others (more preferably, in front of all in a symmetrical way). Therefore, as a means of forming the air bubbles that are regulated and developed as described above, it may be possible to use the separation films themselves (which may exhibit elastic deformation or changes in configuration by means of the air bubbles created. ) or the use, in combination, of the movable members, each with the free end that can regulate the deformation of the separation films, which will be described later. These means demonstrate excellent performance in a better state than conventional ones, although the operation of the discharge is slightly inferior to the structural example that utilizes the plurality of moving members as described above.
(Fifth embodiment) Figures 16a to 161 are cross-sectional views illustrating the liquid discharge head according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the flow path thereof. As shown in Figures 16A to 161, the liquid supplied from the common liquid chamber (not shown) for discharge use is filled in the flow path of discharge liquid 53 which is conductively connected to the discharge orifice. 51 directly. Likewise, the liquid for use in forming the bubble is filled in the first and second flow paths of bubble forming liquid 50a and 50b, which are provided with the air bubble forming areas 57a and 57b, respectively. The bubble-forming liquid generates a bubble (s) when the thermal energy is provided by means of the heat generating devices 51a and 52b, respectively. In this sense, the discharge liquid flow path 53 is interleaved by the bubble-forming liquid flow paths 54a and 54b, and between the discharge liquid flow paths 53, and the liquid flow paths of the liquid. Bubble forming liquid 54a and 54b, the moving separation films 55a and 55b are arranged facing each other to separate the discharge liquid flow path 43 and the liquid flow paths of the bubble forming liquid 54a and 54b a of the other. Likewise, the heat generating device 42a and 52b are arranged facing each other. In this case, the movable separation films 55a and 55b, and 1 placate with holes 59 are tightly adjusted to each other. As a result, there is no possibility that the liquids found in the respective liquid flow paths mix.
In the initial state shown in Figure 16A, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 53 is sucked closer to the discharge orifice 51 by means of the capillary tube attraction. In this case, according to the present embodiment, the discharge hole 51 is placed on the downstream side in the direction of flow of the liquid with respect to the projection areas of the heat generating devices 52a and 52b towards the path of the liquid. flow of discharge liquid 53. In this state, when heat energy is provided to the heat generating devices 52a and 52b, the heat generating devices 52a and 52b are suddenly heated. The surfaces of these, which are in contact with the bubble-forming liquid in the air bubble forming areas 57a and 57b, provide heat to the bubble-forming liquid to form the bubble (see Figure 16B). The air bubbles 56a and 56b created by this generation of heat bubbles are based on the boiling phenomenon with film formation as described in specification USP 4,723,129, which are created with extremely high pressure. The pressure thus generated is transformed into the pressure waves to propagate the bubble-forming liquid in the bubble-forming liquid flow paths 54a and 54b, thereby acting on the mobile separation films 55a and 55b.
In this way, the portions of the mobile separation films 55a and 55b, which face the air bubble forming areas 57a and 57b, respectively, travel in the directions to depart from the heat generating devices 52a and 52b that is, they move in the direction to allow them to be closer to one another. In this way liquid discharge is initiated in the discharge liquid flow path 53. The air bubbles 56a and 56b created on all surfaces of the heat generating devices 52a and
52b develop suddenly, and expand after having presented the state of the movie, respectively
(see Figure 16C). The expansion of the air bubbles 56a and 56b, which is carried out by the extremely high pressure exerted in the initial state of its creation, allows each of the moving separation films 55a and 55b to move further. Therefore, the liquid discharge in the liquid discharge flow path 53 of the discharge orifice 51 is in progress. After this, when the air bubbles 56a and 56b are further developed, the displacements of the mobile separation films 55a and 55b become larger (Figure 16D). Here, in the state shown in Fig. 16D, the moving separation films 55a and 55b are continuously stretched in such a way that the displacement on the upstream side at 55a and the displacement on the downstream side at 55b are almost equal with respect to the central portion 55c of the area where the mobile separation films 55a and 55b are facing the heat generating devices 52a and 52b. Then, when the air bubbles 56a and 56b are further developed, the portion 5b of the air bubbles 56a and 56b and the mobile separation films 55a and 55b moving continuously on the downstream side move relatively larger towards the side of discharge hole 51 that portion 55a thereof on the upstream side. At this point, the portions that have moved the most are closer and one facing the other. In this form, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 53 moves to the side of the discharge orifice directly (FIG. 16E). As described above, there is a process in which the movable separation films 55a and 55b move in the direction of discharge on the downstream side so that the liquid is caused to move towards the discharge orifice side directly. . So, the efficiency of the discharge is improved more. In this regard, with the arrangement of two mobile separation films that face one another, the action of each of the mobile separation films 55a and 55b can cooperate with each other to improve the discharge efficiency even more. Also, with the elongation of the mobile separation films 55a and 55b arranged opposite each other, the amplitude of the discharge liquid flow path 53 becomes narrower. In this state, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 53 moves towards the side of the discharge orifice 51. As a result, the loss of energy on the upstream side is further reduced, thereby increasing the amount of the discharge of liquid accordingly. Also, the elongation of the mobile separation films 55a and 55b is smaller on the upstream side. Therefore, the movement of the liquid towards the upstream side becomes relatively smaller to make it possible to act effectively filling the liquid (from the upstream side) to the moving area of the mobile separation films 55a and 55b, particularly in the nozzles After this, when the air bubbles 56a and 56b begin to disappear (FIG. 16F), the displacement amounts of the mobile separation films 55a and 55b become smaller accordingly. In this way, the liquid is discharged from the discharge orifice 51 (Figure 16G).
Further, as the air bubbles 56a and 56b disappear, the amount of displacement of the mobile separation films 55a and 55b becomes still smaller (Figure 16H), and the mobile separation films 55a and 55b are restored to the original positions before the displacement when the air bubbles 56a and 56b have disappeared completely (figure 161). At this point, in Figure 16D the Y portion stagnated in the interleaved portion between the mobile separation films 55a and 55b is presented where the liquid flow becomes slower in the discharge liquid flow path 53. Thus , even if some vibration component is contained in each of the mobile separation films 55a and 55b, attenuation is favored, thereby improving the stabilization of the discharges.
(Sixth embodiment) Figures 17a to 171 are cross-sectional views illustrating the head of liquid discharge according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the flow path thereof. As shown in Figures 17A to 171, the liquid supplied from the common liquid chamber (not shown) for discharge use is filled in the discharge liquid flow path 513 which is conductively connected to the discharge orifice 511 directly. Also, the liquid for use in forming the bubble is filled in the first and second flow paths of bubble-forming liquid 514a and 514b, which are provided with the air bubble forming areas 517a and 517b, respectively. The bubble-forming liquid is caused to generate the bubble when the thermal energy is provided by means of the heat generating devices 512a and 512b, respectively. In this sense, the discharge liquid flow path 513 is sandwiched between the flow paths of the bubble-forming liquid 514a and 514b, and between the discharge liquid flow path 513, and the liquid flow paths of the liquid Bubbleformer 514a and 514b, the mobile separation films 515a and 515b are arranged facing each other to separate the discharge liquid flow path 513, and the bubble-forming liquid flow paths 514a and 514b from one another . Likewise, the heat generating device 512a and 512b are arranged facing each other. Here, the mobile separation films 515a and 515b, and the orifice plate 519 fit closely together. As a result, there is no possibility that the liquids in the respective liquid flow paths are mixed.
In the initial state shown in Fig. 17A, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 513 is sucked closer to discharge orifice 511 by means of the capillary tube attraction. At this point, according to the present embodiment, the discharge orifice 511 is placed on the downstream side in the direction of the liquid flow with respect to the projection areas of the heat generating devices 512a and 512b towards the path of discharge liquid flow 513. In this state, when the thermal energy is provided to the heat generating devices 512a and 512b, the heat generating devices 512a and 512b are suddenly heated. The surfaces of these, which are in contact with the bubble-forming liquid in the air bubble-forming areas 517a and 517b, provide heat to the bubble-forming liquid to form the bubble (see Figure 17b). In this state, the pressure thus exerted by the formation of bubbles is converted into pressure waves to propagate the bubble-forming liquid in the flow paths of the bubble-forming liquid 514a and 514b, thereby acting on the separation films. mobile phones 515a and 515b. In this way, the portions of the mobile separation films 515a and 515b, which are in front of the air bubble forming areas 517a and 517b, respectively, move in the directions to depart from the heat generating devices 512a and 512b, ie, they move in the direction to allow them to be closer to one another. of the other. In this way liquid discharge is initiated in the discharge liquid flow path 513. The air bubbles 516a and 516b created in the entire surfaces of the heat generating devices 512a and 512b develop suddenly, and are presented in a of film, respectively (see Figure 17C). The expansion of the air bubbles 516a and 516b, which is carried out by the extremely high pressure exerted in the initial state of its creation, allows each of the mobile separation films 515a and 515b to move further. Therefore, liquid discharge in the liquid discharge flow path 513 from discharge orifice 511 is in progress. In this state, as shown in FIG. 17C, the portion of the mobile separation films 515a and 515b on the downstream side at 515b from the relatively larger initial state in the mobile area than on the upstream side at 515A. In this form, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 513 can move efficiently to the discharge orifice 511 from the initial state.
After this, when the air bubbles 516a and 516b are further developed the developments of the air bubbles 516a and 516b are favored from the state shown in Figure 17C. Along with the favored developments of the air bubbles 516a and 516b, the displacements of the mobile separation films 515a and 515b become larger (Figure 17D). At this point, particularly, the portion of the moving area on the downstream at 515b is still widely displaced toward the discharge orifice than the portion on the upstream at 515A and the central portion at 515C. As a result, the direct movement of the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 513 to the of the discharge orifice 511 is accelerated. At the same time, since the displacement in the upstream portion at 515A is' smaller throughout the process of this operation, the movement of the liquid towards the upstream becomes smaller. In this way, it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of the discharge, and in particular the speed of the discharge. At the same time, it becomes possible to effectively activate the filling of the liquid in the nozzles particularly in the displacement area of the mobile separation films 515a and 515b. Then, when the air bubbles 516a and 516b further develop, the portion 516a and 516b on the downstream at 515b and the central portion at 515C move further and elongate towards the discharge orifice 511, implementing by this means the effects described above, that is, improving the efficiency of the discharge and the speed of the discharge (Figure 16E). In particular, with the configuration of the mobile separation films 515a and 515b in this case, not only those represented by the sectional shape, but also, the displacement and elongation of this becomes greater in the direction of the amplitude of the trajectory. of the liquid flow. As a result, the acting region becomes larger for the proposed movement of the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 513 towards the discharge orifice 511, and the effect of the discharge is improved synergistically. At this point, since the configuration of the displacement of the mobile separation films 515a and 515b resembles that of the human nose, this configuration is known as "nose type" in particular. In this sense, it should be understood that this nose type also includes the "letter type S" where, as shown in Figure 17E, the point B present on the upstream in the initial state is placed on the downstream from point A present on the downstream in the initial state and the configuration in which points A and B are equally placed. Also, according to the present embodiment, the mobile separation films 515a and 515b are lengthened until these films are in contact with each other. In this way, it becomes easier to obtain the effect as described above. Now, after this, when the air bubbles 516a and 516b begin to disappear (FIG. 17S), the displacement amounts of the mobile separation films 515a and 515b become smaller accordingly. In this form, the liquid is discharged from the discharge orifice 511 (FIG. 17G). Further, as the air bubbles 516a and 516b disappear, the amount of displacement of the mobile separation films 515a and 515b becomes even smaller (Figure 17H), and the mobile separation films 515a and 515b are restored to the original positions before displacement when the air bubbles 516a and 516b have completely disappeared (Fig. 171).
(Seventh embodiment) Figures 18A to 18E are cross-sectional views illustrating the head of liquid discharge according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the flow path thereof. As shown in figures 18A to 18E, the liquid supplied from the common liquid chamber (not shown) for discharge use is filled in the discharge liquid flow path 523 which is connected conductively to the discharge port 521 directly. Also, the liquid for use in the formation of the bubbles is filled in the first and second flow paths of bubble-forming liquid 524a and 524b, which are provided with the air bubble-forming areas 527a and 527b, respectively. The bubble-forming liquid forms the bubble when thermal energy is provided by means of the heat generating devices 522a and 522b, respectively. In this regard, the discharge liquid flow path 523 is sandwiched between the bubble-forming liquid flow paths 524a and 524b, and between the discharge liquid flow path 523, and the fluid flow paths of the liquid Bubbler 524a and 524b, the mobile separation films 525a and 525b are arranged to face one another to separate the discharge liquid flow path 523, and the liquid flow paths of the bubble-forming liquid 524a and 524b facing each other. Likewise, the heat generating device 522a and 522b are arranged to meet one another. Also, the mobile separation films 525a and 525b are provided with weakened portions 525c and 525d that are greatly weakened on the downstream side where these portions face the heat generating devices 522a and 522b, respectively. The mobile separation films 525a and 525b and the placate with orifices 529 are tightly fixed together. In the initial state shown in Figure 18A, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 523 is sucked closer to the discharge orifice 521 by means of the capillary tube attraction. At this point, according to the present embodiment, the discharge orifice 521 is placed on the downstream side in the direction of liquid flow with respect to the projection areas of the heat generating devices 522a and 522b towards the path of flow of discharge liquid 523. Likewise, weakened portions 524c and 525d weaken to extend towards the sides of the bubble-forming liquid flow paths 524a and 524b, respectively. In this state, when thermal energy is provided to the heat generating devices 522a and 522b, the heat generating devices 522a and 522b are suddenly heated. The surfaces of these, which are in contact with the bubble-forming liquid in the air bubble-forming areas 527a and 527b, provide heat to the bubble-forming liquid to form the bubble.
In this state, the pressure thus exerted by the formation of bubbles is transformed in the pressure waves to propagate the bubble-forming liquid in the bubble-forming liquid flow paths 524a and 524b, thus acting on the separation films. 525a phones and
525b. In this form, the weakened portions 525c and 525d of the mobile separation films 525a and 525b move in the directions from the heat generating devices 522a and 522b, that is, they move in the direction to allow them to be closer each other and causing them to extend towards the side of the discharge liquid flow path 523, respectively. In this way, discharge of the liquid into the discharge liquid flow path 523 is initiated (see FIG. 18B). Then, when the air bubbles 526a and 526b are further developed, the developments of the air bubbles 526a and 526b are favored from the state in which they are shown in Figure 18B. Along with this state, the displacements of the weakened portions 525c and 525d of the mobile separation films 525a and 526b become larger (Figure 18C). At this point, since the mobile separation films 525a and 526b are arranged facing each other, the propagation direction of the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubbles 526a and 526b is in the stabilized state on the discharge hole 521.
After this, when the air bubbles 526a and 526b begin to disappear (Figure 18C), the displacement amounts of the weakened portions 525c and 525d of the moving separation films 525a and 525b become more glued accordingly. In this way, the liquid is discharged from the discharge orifice 521 (FIG. 18D). In addition, the air bubbles 526a and 526b begin to disappear, and when the air bubbles 526a and 526b have completely disappeared, the mobile separation films 525a and 525b are restored to the original position before displacement by means of 1 negative pressure exerted after the contraction of the air bubbles 526a and 526b, as well as by the elastic property of the mobile separation films 525a and 525b properly (Figure 18E). According to the present embodiment it is possible to improve the efficiency of the discharge even more by applying the energy used for the elongation of the film, because at this point the weakened portions are provided as already described.
(Eighth embodiment) Figures 19A to 19C are cross-sectional views illustrating the liquid discharge head according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the flow path thereof.
As shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, the liquid supplied from the common liquid chamber (not shown) for discharge use is filled in the discharge liquid flow path 533 which is conductively connected to the discharge orifice. download 531 directly. Also, the liquid for use in forming the bubble is filled in the first and second bubble-forming liquid flow paths 534a and 534b, which are provided with the air bubble forming areas 537a and 537b, respectively. The bubble-forming liquid forms the bubble when thermal energy is provided by means of the heat generating devices 532a and 532b, respectively. In this sense, the discharge liquid flow path 533 is interleaved by the bubbler flow paths 534a and 534b, and between the discharge liquid flow path 533, and the liquid flow paths of the liquid. Bubble forming liquid 534a and 534b, the mobile separation films 535a and 535b are arranged facing each other to separate the discharge liquid flow path 533, from the liquid flow paths of the bubble forming liquid 534a and 534b . Likewise, the heat generating device 532a and 532b are arranged facing each other. Also, on the side of the liquid flow path 533 of the mobile separation films 535a and 535b, free ends 538c are provided in the air bubble forming areas 537a and 537b and the support points 538d and 538d furthest away in the upstream side, while the mobile members 538a and 538b, which serve as a means for regulating the directions in which these members are movable, are arranged along the mobile separation films 535a and 535b, respectively. The mobile separation films 535a and 535b and the orifice plate 539 are closely fixed to one another. In the initial state shown in Figure 19A, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path
533 is sucked closer to the discharge hole 531 by
• middle of the attraction of the capillary tube. At this point, according to the present embodiment, the discharge hole 531 is placed on the downstream side in the direction of the liquid flow with respect to the projection areas of the heat generating devices 532a and 532b towards the path of discharge liquid flow 533. In this state, when the thermal energy is provided to the heat generating devices 532a and 532b, the heat generating devices 532a and 532b are suddenly heated. The surfaces of these, in contact with the bubble-forming liquid 3 in the air bubble-forming areas 537a and 537b, provide heat for foaming of the bubble-forming liquid. In this state, the pressure thus exerted by the formation of bubbles is converted into pressure waves to propagate the bubble or bubble liquid in the bubble-forming liquid flow paths 534a and 534b, thereby acting on the films of mobile separation 535a and 535b. In this way, the mobile separation films 535a and 535b move in the directions from the heat generating devices 532a and 532b, that is, they move in the direction that allows them to be closer to one another. In this way, the liquid discharge in the discharge liquid flow path 523, is pushed from the liquid discharge orifice 531 of the discharge liquid flow path 533. In this state, however, the displacements of the mobile separation films 535a and 535b are regulated by means of the mobile members 538a and 538b (Figure 19B). At this point, since the free ends of the movable members 538a and 538b are positioned in the air bubble forming areas 537a and 537b, while the points of support of these are provided further on the upstream side, the films mobile spacing 535 a and 535 b move more widely on the downstream side than on the upstream side.
After this, when the air bubbles 536a and 536b begin to disappear, the displacement amounts of the mobile separation films 535a and 535b become smaller accordingly. In this way, the liquid is discharged from the discharge orifice 531. Then when the air bubbles 536a and 536b have completely disappeared, the mobile separation films 535a and 535b are restored to the original position before displacement.
(Figure 19C). In this sense, for the present embodiment the description has been made of the example in which the mobile members are provided for the two mobile separation films. However, it may be possible to fix the mobile member only for one of them. In this case it is possible to implement the balance of the displacements of the two mobile separation films more appropriately for the greater stabilization of the discharge direction. Also, by arranging the movable members, it is possible to suppress the movement of the liquid to the upstream side thus implementing the improvement of the filling characteristics and the reduction of the interferences also, among other things. Effects such as these become more evident when two sets of the pair of the mobile member and the mobile separation film are arranged facing each other.
(Ninth embodiment) Figures 120A to 20F are cross sectional views illustrating the liquid discharge head according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the flow path thereof. As shown in Figures 20A to 20F, the liquid supplied from the common liquid chamber (not shown) for discharge use is filled in the discharge liquid flow path 543 which is conductively connected to the discharge orifice. download 541 directly. Likewise, the liquid used for the formation of the bubble is filled in the first and second flow paths of bubble forming liquid 544a and 544b, which are provided with the air bubble forming areas 547a and 547b, respectively. The bubble-forming liquid forms the bubble when thermal energy is applied by means of the heat generating devices 542a and 542b, respectively. In this regard, the discharge liquid flow path 543 is sandwiched between the bubble-forming liquid flow paths 544a and 544b, and between the discharge liquid flow path 543, and the liquid flow paths of L bubble forming liquid 544a and 544b, moving separation films 545a and 545b are arranged facing each other to separate the discharge liquid flow path 543, and the liquid flow paths of bubble forming liquid 544a and 544b each. Likewise, the heat generating device 542a and 542b are arranged facing each other. Also, the heat generating device 542a is arranged on the downstream side with respect to the heat generating device 524b. Likewise, the mobile separation films 545a and 545b and the recess with holes 549 are fixed closely together. In the initial state shown in Figure 20A, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 543 is sucked closer to the discharge orifice 541 by means of the capillary tube attraction. At this point, according to the present embodiment, the discharge orifice 541 is placed on the downstream side in the direction of the liquid flow with respect to the projection areas of the heat generating devices 542a and 542b towards the path of discharge liquid flow 543. In this state, when thermal energy is provided to the heat generating devices 542a and 542b, the heat generating devices 542a and 542b are suddenly heated. The surfaces of these, which are in contact with the bubble-forming liquid in the air bubble forming areas 547a and 547b, provide heat to the bubble-forming liquid to form the bubble
(Figure 20B) .. In this state, the pressure thus exerted by the formation of the bubble becomes the pressure waves to propagate the bubble-forming liquid in the
trajectories of bubbler fluid 544a and
544b, thereby acting on the mobile separation films 545a and 545b. In this way, the
< fl ^ portions of the mobile separation films 545a and
545b, which are in contact with the training areas of
air bubbles 547a and 547b, move in the directions to depart from the heat generating devices 542a and 542b. After. The discharge of liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 543, starts from the discharge hole 541. 15 The air bubbles created over the entire surface of
^ heat generating devices .542a and 542b develop rapidly to present themselves in the film form (Figure 20C). The expansion of air bubbles
546a and 546b, carried out by pressure
extremely exerted in the initial state, causes the mobile separation films 545a and 545b to move further. In this way, the discharge of the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 543 from the discharge orifice 541 is in progress.
Then, from this, when the air bubbles 546a and 546b are further developed, the mobile separation films 545a and 545b move further, acting one on the other. In this way, the liquid in the discharge fluid flow path 543 moves directly to the side of the discharge orifice 541. With the arrangement of this process, in which the mobile separation films 545a and 545b move in the Direction of the discharge on the downstream side to move the liquid directly to the side of the discharge orifice 541, the efficiency of the discharge is improved. At this point, since the two mobile separation films are arranged facing each other, the actions of the mobile separation films 545a and 545b may cooperate with each other to further improve the efficiency of the discharge. According to the present embodiment, the heat generating devices 542a and 542b are arranged to be in the displaced positions. Therefore, the mobile separation films 545a and 545b move along these displaced positions to allow the area having greater resistance to flow to be larger. As a result, the movement of the liquid towards the upstream side becomes relatively smaller, which effectively contributes to filling the lyauid in the nozzles, particularly to the displacement areas of the mobile separation films 545a and 545b. After this, when the air bubbles 546a and 546b begin to disappear, the displacement amounts of the mobile separation films 545a and 545b become smaller accordingly. In this way, the liquid is discharged from the discharge orifice 541 (FIG. 20E). Then, when the air bubbles 546a and 546b have completely disappeared, the mobile separation films 545a and 545b are restored to the original position before displacement (FIG. 20F). In this regard, for the present embodiment, the heat generating device 542a is arranged further away on the downstream side than the heat generating device 545b. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this positional arrangement. The same effects as those already described are obtained if only the heat generating devices 542a and 542b are accommodated in the displaced positions. Also, by displacing the bubble formation time of the heat-forming devices 542a and 542b from one another, it may be possible to implement the reduction of the energy loss with respect to the upstream side, and the improvement of the characteristics of stuffed too, among some things.
Now, next, the description will be made of the modalities in which the bubble formation time of the heat generating devices is displaced from each other.
(Tenth embodiment) Figures 21A to 21D are cross-sectional views illustrating the head of liquid discharge according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention, taken in the direction of the flow path thereof. Also, Figures 22A and 22B are views illustrating the travel time of the mobile separation films according to the liquid discharge method shown in Figures 21A to 21B: Figure 22A shows the travel time of the mobile separation film 555b; and Figure 22B shows the travel time of the mobile separation film 555a. As shown in Figures 21A to 21D, the liquid supplied from the common liquid chamber (not shown) for discharge use is filled in the discharge liquid flow path 553 which is conductively connected to the orifice download 551, directly. Also, the liquid for the use of the bubble formation is filled in the first and second bubble-forming liquid flow paths 554a and 554b, which are provided with the air bubble forming areas 557a and 557b, respectively. The bubble-forming liquid forms the bubble when thermal energy is provided by means of the heat generating devices 552a and 552b, respectively. In this regard, the discharge liquid flow path 553 is sandwiched between the bubble-forming liquid flow paths 554a and 554b, and between the discharge liquid flow path 553, and the liquid liquid flow paths. Bubble former 554a and 554b, at least portions of the displacement areas of the mobile separation films 545a and 545b are arranged facing each other to separate the discharge liquid flow path 553 from the flow paths of liquid of the liquid forming bubbles 554a and 554b. Likewise, the heat generating device 552a and 552b are arranged facing each other. Also, the heat generating device 552a is arranged on the downstream side in relation to the heat generating device 552b. As shown in Figures 22A and 22B, the thermal energy for use of the bubble formation is first provided to the heat generating device 552b, and then, with a slight delay, the thermal energy is provided to the heat generating device 552a. Also, the movable separation films 555a and 555b and the plate with holes 559 are closely fixed to each other. In the initial state shown in Figure 21A, the liquid in the discharge liquid flow path 553 is sucked closer to the discharge orifice 551 by means of the capillary tube attraction. At this point, according to the present embodiment, the discharge orifice 551 is placed on the downstream side in the direction of the liquid flow with respect to the projection areas of the heat generating devices 552a and 552b towards the path of discharge liquid flow 553. In this state, when the thermal energy is provided to the heat generating devices 552a and 552b, the heat generating devices 552a and 552b are suddenly heated. The surfaces of these, which are in contact with the bubble-forming liquid in the air bubble forming areas 557a and 557b, provide heat to the bubble-forming liquid for foaming. In this state, according to the present embodiment, the arrangement is made so that the thermal energy for use in the formation of bubbles is first provided to the heat generating device 552b, and then, with a slight delay, the thermal energy is provides the 552a heat generating device. So, an air bubble 546b is initially created in the air bubble formation area 557b in the heat generating device 552b. In this way, the movable separation film 555b is moved to the side of the flow path of the discharge liquid 553. After this, an air bubble 556a is created in the air bubble formation area 557a in the device heat generator 552a to allow the movable separation film 555a to move to the side of the discharge liquid flow path 553 (FIG. 21B). In this way, it is possible to reduce the movement of liquid in the flow path of discharge liquid 553 to the upstream side to improve the efficiency of the discharge. When the movable separation film 555a has moved to the side of the discharge liquid flow path 553 to elongate, the movable separation film 555b has already begun to contract. Therefore, the liquid is sucked more from the upstream side than from the side of the discharge orifice 551, thereby contributing to the improvement of the refill effectively (Figure 21C). After this when the air bubbles 546a and 546b begin to disappear, the displacement amounts of the mobile separation films 545a and 545b become smaller accordingly. In this way, the liquid is discharged from the discharge orifice 541 (Figure 21D).
In this regard, the mode, in which the portion of the movable separation film on the downstream side is displaced towards the side of the discharge orifice relatively more than towards the upstream side with respect to the liquid flow direction in the discharge liquid flow path is one of the preferable modes that are incorporated in the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the mode described above. For example, the mode, in which the portions of the mobile separation films on the downstream and upstream sides are displaced almost equally in the processes after that depicted in Figure 16B, is also within the scope of the present invention. Also, a major reflection of the present invention is that it would be very good if the means for improving the force of the discharge are such that at least a part of them are facing each other, and then one is the means for unloading for guide the development of the air bubble towards the side of the discharge orifice and the other is the means to form the air bubble for the use of the discharge. With this superior reflection in mind, it would be quite good if only a frontal area for a structure or for the development of the air bubble is provided towards the side of the discharge orifice in relation to the film or the air bubble itself. At this point, therefore, among others, the following combinations may be enumerated: (1) A method or apparatus that performs the discharge, in which the developed air bubble that is formed by the first movable member provided with the free end aforementioned (hereinafter referred to as structure A) and the air bubble formed by the second movable member provided with the aforementioned free end (hereinafter referred to as area B) is facing each other at least partially. (2) A method or apparatus that performs the discharge in which the separation film developed by means of the air bubble towards the outlet of the discharge orifice, which is formed by the orientation of the displacement of the separation film towards the side of the discharge orifice (hereinafter referred to as structure C, the details of which will be described later) and the portion that contributes to the discharge of the air bubble by means of boiling with formation of the created film (in further mentioned as structure D) is at least partially opposite each other. (3) A method or apparatus performing the discharge in which the developed separation film obtainable by forming the structure C described above by the mobile member having the aforementioned free end (hereinafter referred to as structure E) and structure D described above is at least partially opposite one another. (4) A method or apparatus that performs the discharge and that the "structure A and structure C already described" or "structure A and structure D already described" are facing each other at least partially.
(Examples of the separation film applicable to the execution of the present invention) The description of the examples of separation films for use in the present invention will be described below as described above. Figures 23A to 23E, Figures 24A to 24E and Figures 25A to 25C are views illustrating examples of the liquid discharge method applicable to the present invention. The discharge orifice is arranged in the extreme portion of the first liquid flow path. On the upstream side of the discharge orifice (with respect to the flow direction of the discharge liquid in the first liquid flow path), the displacement area of the mobile separation film which is displaceable according to the development of an air bubble created. Likewise, the second liquid flow path contains the bubble-forming liquid or it is filled with the bubble-forming liquid (preferably, capable of being filled or, more preferably, capable of being filled or, more preferably, capable of move the bubble-forming liquid), which is provided with the air bubble-forming area. According to this example, the air bubble forming area is also located in the upstream zone in relation to the side of the discharge orifice with respect to the flow direction of the discharge liquid described above. In addition, the separation film becomes larger than the length of the electrothermal transducer device that forms the air bubble forming area, which is provided as the moving area. However, with respect to the flow direction described above, the separation film should be provided with a fixed portion (not shown) between the end portion of the electrothermal transducer device on the upstream side and the common liquid chamber of the first liquid flow path or, preferably, at the aforementioned end portion on the upstream side. Therefore, the essential range in which the separation film can be moved is easily understood from the representation of Figures 23A to 23E, Figures 24A to 24E and Figures 25A to 25C.
- Each state of the mobile separation film shown in Figures 23A to 23E, Figures 24A to 24E and Figures 25A to 25C is the element representing all those obtainable from the elasticity of the separation film itself. mobile, the thickness of this or any other additional structure. In this sense, according to the structures that specifically implement the aforementioned displacement processes, which are characteristic of the present invention, the following modalities can be mentioned as illustration; furthermore, however, the present invention includes any other structure under which the aforementioned displacement processes can be achieved within the range of the technical reasoning of the present invention. At this point, the representative structural example of the apparatus is described in accordance with the present invention. The term "control of the steering" mentioned hereinafter includes constituents such as the structure of the mobile separation film (for example, the distribution of the elastic modules and the combination of the portions having deformation by elongation and non-deformation, among other things) or additional members acting on the mobile separation film or some other mobile members described above, which are incorporated in the present invention, or the structure formed by the first path of the liquid or the like, as well as any other formed by the combinations of these elements.
(First example) Figures 23A to 23E are cross sectional views illustrating the first example of the method of "liquid discharge applicable to the present invention taken in the direction of the flow path of the latter, (the case where the process displacement of the present invention is carried out from the middle of the discharge process.) As shown in Figures 23A to 23E, in accordance with the present mode, the first liquid supplied for the first common liquid chamber 243 is filled in the first liquid flow path 203 that connects directly with the discharge hole 201. Likewise, in the second liquid flow path 204 that is provided with the air bubble forming area 207, the liquid is filled for in the formation of the bubble, which causes the bubble to be generated when thermal energy is applied by means of the heat generating device 202. In this sense, between the first trajectory The liquid flow 203 and the second liquid flow path 204 arrange a movable separation film 205 to separate them from each other. At this point, the movable separation film 205 and the orifice plate 209 closely match one another. As a result, there is no possibility that the liquids in each of the flow paths are mixed. Here, the mobile separation film 205 is not usually provided with any directivity when traveling by creating the air bubble in the air bubble formation area 207. In some cases, the mobile separation film can be move more towards the side of the common liguid chamber where a greater degree of freedom is available for loosening. For this example, attention is paid to this movement of the mobile separation film 205. The means for controlling the displacement is provided by the mobile separation film 205 itself, which can act on this directly or indirectly. With the arrangement of this means, it becomes possible to direct the displacement of the mobile separation film 205 resulting from the creation of the air bubble towards the side of the discharge orifice. In the initial state shown in Figure 23A, the liquid in the first liquid flow path 203 is sucked closer to the discharge orifice 201 by means of the capillary tube attraction. In this point, according to the present example, the discharge orifice 201 is placed on the downstream side in the direction of liquid flow with respect to the projection area of the heat generating device 202 towards the first liquid flow path 203. In This state, when thermal energy is provided to the heat generating devices 202 (for the present example, a heat generating resistor in the form of 40 μ x 105 μ), the heat generating device 202 is suddenly heated. The surface thereof, which is in contact with the second liquid in the air bubble forming area 207 provides heat to the liquid to form the bubble (Figure 23B). The air bubble 2C6 thus created by the formation of the bubble by heat is an air bubble created on the basis of boiling with film formation as described in the specification of USP 4,723,129. This is created on the entire surface of the heat generating device at the same time accompanied by extremely high pressure. In this state, the pressure thus exerted is transformed into pressure waves to propagate the second liquid in the second liquid flow path 204, thereby acting on the movable separation film 205. In this way, the separation film movable 205 moves to initiate discharge of the second liquid in the first liquid flow path 203. The air bubble 206 created on the entire surface of the heat generating device 202 rapidly develops to present itself in the shape of the film (FIGS. 23C). The expansion of the air bubble 206 made by the extremely high pressure exerted in the initial state causes the mobile separation film 205 to move further. In this way, the discharge of the first liquid in the first liquid flow path 203 from the discharge orifice 201 is in progress. After this, the air bubble 206 develops further. Then, the displacement of the mobile separation film 205 becomes larger (Figure 23D). At this point, the mobile separation film 205 is continuously stretched in the state shown in Figure 23D so that the displacement thereof at the portion at 205A on the upstream side and at the portion at 205B on the current side below are made substantially equal with respect to the central portion 205C of the area of the mobile separation film 205 that faces the heat generating device 202. After this, when the air bubble 206 is further developed, the portions of the air bubble 206 and moving movable separating film 205 on the downstream side at 205b move relatively more in the direction toward the discharge orifice side than portions thereof on the upstream side at 205A. In this form, the first liquid in the first liquid flow path 203 moves directly in the direction toward the discharge orifice 201 (FIG. 23E). In this case, with the arrangement of the displacement process of the mobile separation film 205 in the discharge direction on the downstream side thereof, which allows the liquid to move directly in the direction towards the discharge orifice, it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of the discharge. In addition, the movement of the liquid towards the upstream side becomes relatively smaller, which effectively acts on the filling of the liquid (the supply of the liquid from the upstream side) in the nozzles, particularly in the area of displacement of the film. of mobile separation 205. Also, in the case where the mobile separation film 205 itself moves in the direction towards the discharge orifice so that its state can change as shown in Figures 23D and 23E, respectively, it becomes possible not only improve the efficiency of the discharge as well as the efficiency of the filling, but also, implementing the increase of the discharge amount by carrying the first liquid residing in the projection area of the heat generating device 202 in the first liquid flow path in the direction towards the discharge orifice.
(Second Example) Figures 24A to 24E are cross sectional views illustrating the second example of the liquid discharge method applicable to the present invention, taken in the direction of the flow path thereof, (the example is such that the The displacement process of the present invention is arranged from the initial stage of the process provided for the method). This example is structured essentially in the same way as the first example. As shown in Figures 24A to 24E, the first liquid supplied to the first common liquid chamber 243 is filled in the first liquid flow path 213 that is directly connected to the discharge orifice 211. Likewise, in the second path of liquid flow 214 which is provided with the air bubble forming area 217, the liquid is filled for use in forming the bubble, which forms the bubble when thermal energy is applied by means of the heat generating device 212 In this regard, between the first liquid flow path 213 and the second liquid flow path 214 a mobile separation film 215 is arranged to separate them from each other. At this point, the mobile separation film 215 and the orifice plate 219 closely match each other. As a result, there is no possibility that the liquids in each of the flow paths mix. In the initial state shown in Figure 24A, the liquid in the first liquid flow path 213 is sucked closer to the discharge orifice 211 by means of the capillary tube attraction. Here, according to the present example, the discharge orifice 211 is placed on the downstream side in the direction of the liquid flow with respect to the projection area of the heat generating device 212 towards the first liquid flow path 203. In this state, when heat energy is provided to the heat generating devices 212 (for the present example, a heat generating resistor in the form of 40 μ x 115 μ), the heat generating device 212 is suddenly heated. The surface of this, which is in contact with the second liquid in the formation area of the air bubble 217 provides the heat to the liquid to form the bubble (Figure 24B). The air bubble 216 thus created by the formation of the bubble by heat is an air bubble created on the basis of boiling with film formation as described in the specification of USP 4,723,129. This is created on the entire surface of the heat generating device in a time accompanied by extremely high pressure. In this state, the pressure thus exerted is transformed in the pressure waves to propagate the second liquid in the second flow paths of the liquid 214, thus acting on the movable separation film 215. In this way, the mobile separation film 215 it moves to initiate the discharge of the second liquid in the first liquid flow path 213. The air bubble 216 created on the entire surface of the heat generating device 212 rapidly develops to present itself in the shape of the film
(Figure 24C). The expansion of the air bubble 216 made by the extremely high pressure exerted in the initial state causes the mobile separation film 215 to move further. In this way, the discharge of the first liquid in the first liquid flow path 213 from the discharge orifice 201 is in progress. In this state, as shown in Figure 24C, the portion of the mobile separation film 215 on the downstream side at 215B is widely displaced in the moving area from the initial stage of the portion thereof on the upstream side in 215A. In this form, the first liquid in the first liquid flow path 213 moves efficiently to the side of the discharge orifice 211 from the initial stage. After that, when the air bubble 216 develops further, the displacement of the mobile separation film 215 and the development of the air bubble are as in the state shown in Figure 24C. Along with this promotion, the displacement of the mobile separation film 215 moves even further (Figure 24D). Particularly, the displacement of the mobile separation film 215 in the portion on the downstream side at 215B becomes larger than the displacement of the portion on the downstream side at 215A and the central portion at 215C. Therefore, the movement of the first liquid in the first liquid flow path 213 is accelerated in the direction towards the discharge port directly, while the displacement of the portion on the upstream side in 215A is smaller throughout the process . As a result, the movement of the liquid is smaller in the direction towards the upstream side. In this way, it becomes possible to improve the efficiency of the discharge particularly the discharge speed and to produce the favorable effect in filling the liquid in the nozzles, and the voluminal stabilization of the discharge drops as well.
After this, when the air bubble 213 is further developed, the portions of the mobile separation film 205 on the downstream side on the downstream side at 215B and on the central portion at 215C are displaced and further elongated in the direction towards the side of the discharge orifice that portions thereof on the upstream side at 205A. In this way, the improvement of the aforementioned effects, namely, discharge efficiency and discharge velocity are implemented (Figure 24C). Particularly in this case, the displacement and elongation become larger not only with respect to the transverse configuration of the movable separation film 205, but also in the direction of the amplitude of the liquid flow path. Therefore, the area of action, in which the first liquid is in the direction towards the discharge orifice, becomes greater, thereby making it possible to improve the efficiency of the discharge in a multiple quantity. Here, the displacement configuration of the mobile separation film 215 resembles the shape of the human nose. In this way, this is known as "nose type". Also, it should be understood that as shown in Figure 24E, the nose type includes the "letter S" type where the point S placed on the upstream side of the initial stage is allowed to be placed on the downstream side of the point A placed on the downstream side in its initial stage, as well as the configuration where, as shown in Figure 8, points A and B are placed in the same way.
(Example of the displacement of the mobile separation film) Figures 24A to 25C are cross sectional views
M - illustrating the process of displacement of the mobile separation film for the liquid desaturation method
applicable to the present invention, taken in the direction of the flow path thereof. In this sense, the description will be made paying more attention particularly to the mobile range and the displacement of the mobile separation film, and the arrangement of the
Figures of the air bubble, the first liquid flow path and the discharge orifice will be omitted. However, in any of Figures 24A to 25C, the fundamental structure is arranged in such a way that the surroundings of the projection area of the generating device
heat 222 is the formation area of the air bubble 227 in the second liquid flow path 224, and this second liquid flow path 224 and the first liquid flow path 223 are essentially separated by means of the mobile separation film
225 at all times from the initial stage. Also, with the end portion of the heat generating device 222 (indicated by line H in Figures 25A to 25C) serving as the limit, the discharge orifice is arranged on the downstream side, and the first supply unit Liquid is arranged on the upstream side. In this case, the term "upstream side" and the term "downstream side" referred to in the present example and the following are meant to describe the direction of flow of the liquid in the flow path, observed from the central portion of the mobile range of mobile separation film. In Figure 25A, the mobile separation film 225 is displaced in the order of: (1), (2) and (3) from the initial state, and therein is provided from the initial stage the process in which the current side down moves more than the upstream side. This process, in particular, makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the discharge, and at the same time implements the improvement of the discharge velocity, because it can act on the displacement on the downstream side to push the first liquid in the first path of liquid flow 223 in the direction toward the side of the discharge orifice. Thus, in Figure 25A, it is assumed that the mobile range described above is substantially constant.
In Figure 25B, as the movable separation film 225 moves in the order of (1), (2) and '3), the movable range of the movable separation film 225 is displaced or extended to the side of the orifice. discharge. In this mode, the upstream side of the mobile range is fixed. At this point, the downstream side of the mobile separation film 225 moves more than the upstream side, and at the same time, the development of the air bubble itself is also made in the direction towards the side of the discharge orifice. . Therefore, the efficiency of the discharge is further improved. In Figure 25C, the mobile separation film 225 moves from the initial stage indicated by the number (1) to the state indicated by the number (2) in a uniform manner both on the upstream and downstream sides or in the state that the upstream side moves htly larger. However, when the air bubble develops further from the state indicated by the number (3) to the number (4), the downstream side moves larger than the upstream side. In this way, the first liquid still in the upper part of the movable region can move in the direction towards the side of the discharge port, thereby improving the efficiency of the discharge, as well as increasing the amount of the discharge.
In addition, in Figure 25C, the point U where the mobile separation film 225 exists in the process indicated by the number (4) moves farther on the side of the discharge hole than the point D placed farther on the side downstream of the point U in the initial state. Therefore, the portion that extends and extrudes towards the side of the discharge orifice makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the discharge still further. At this point, this configuration is known as the "nose type" as described above. The liquid discharge methods provided with the processes described above are applicable to the present invention. Each of the processes represented in Figures 25A to 25C are not necessarily adopted individually, but rather a process that contains the respective components is also assumed to apply to the present invention. Also, the process that contains the "nose type" is not necessarily limited to the one depicted in Figure 25C. This process can be introduced in those represented in Figures 25A and 25B. Also, the mobile separation films that are used for the structure depicted in Figures 18A through 18E may be like those provided with pre-weakened portions regardless of whether the films are stretched or not. Also, the thickness of any of the mobile separation films shown in the Figures does not have any specific meaning in terms of dimensions. In the present, the "means to control the address" referred to in the specification herein includes all means that may give rise to the "displacement" defined in the application herein, but derives from the structure or characteristics of the same mobile separation film, and uses at least one of the actions or arrangement relationships of the mobile separation films with the formation areas of the air bubble, the relationships with the flow resistance at the circumference of the training areas of the air bubble, the members acting on the mobile separation films directly or indirectly, or the members (means) to control the displacement or extension of the mobile separation films. Therefore, the invention herein includes in the embodiments thereof a plurality (more than two) of means for regulating the direction described above as a subject of course. However, in the modalities that have been provided before, there is no description for any arbitrary combination of plural means to control the direction. In the present, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the modalities described above.
Figures 26A and 26B show an arrangement of the liquid discharge head according to the present invention.
Figure 26A. is a view from the discharge port 118 and Figure 26B is a cross-sectional view in one direction of the liquid flow path. As shown in Figures 26A and 26B, a discharge liquid flow path 114 is sandwiched between two substrate elements 101a and 101b, and the bubble-forming liquid flow paths 114a and 114b are provided on and under the path of the discharge liquid flow 114. The mobile separation films 131c and 131d for separating in a substantially permanent manner the discharge liquid flow path and the bubble-forming liquid flow paths are provided between the liquid flow path of discharge and the trajectories of flow of liquid forming bubbles. In addition, the substrate elements 101a and 101b are connected to an electrical connection member 121 by a rim 114 and therefore an electrical signal from the outside is introduced to the substrates 101a and 101b. A reference numeral 103 designates a nozzle wall. Now, the description of a liquid discharge device having a liquid discharge head already described will be described hereinafter.
Figure 27 is a view schematically showing this liquid discharge apparatus according to the present invention. For the present embodiment, the description will be made of an ink-jet recording apparatus that uses particularly ink as its discharge liquid. The carriage HC of this is mounted to a front cartridge in which the liquid tank unit 90 and a liquid discharge head unit 200 are installed so that they can be separated. The carriage has reciprocating movements in the direction of the amplitude of a recording medium 150, such as a record sheet, which will be carried by the medium to transport the recording medium. When the drive signals are provided from the medium to supply the motor signals (not shown) to the liquid discharge means in the carriage, the recording liquid is discharged from the liquid discharge head to the recording medium in accordance with the signals thus provided. Also, for the liquid discharge apparatus of the present embodiment, a motor 111 is provided which serves as the driving force driving the means for transporting the recording medium, and the carriage as well; and gears 112 and 113, and the axis of the carriage 115 that transmits the motive force from the power source to the carriage, among some others.
With this recording apparatus and the liquid discharge method used for this, it is possible to obtain objects recorded in good images by dropping liquid towards various kinds of recording media. Figure 28 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the entire body of the apparatus for operation of the ink jet register to which the
• Liquid discharge method and liquid discharge head of the present invention are applicable. The recording apparatus receives printing information from a host computer 300 as control signals. The print information is stored temporarily at the input interface 301 inside the printing device. Then, at the same
In the meantime, the printing information is converted into the data that can be processed in the recording apparatus, and entered into the UPC 302 these serve in dual form as a means to supply the driving signals of the head. Using the RAM 304 and other peripheral units, the UPC
302 processes the data thus received by the UPC according to the control program stored in ROM 303, thereby converting it into the print data (the image data).
Claims (36)
1. A method of liquid discharge, to discharge liquid using the pressure exerted at the time of creating air bubbles in an area forming air bubbles to create air bubbles in the liquid, two of the areas of formation of the air bubble arranged at least partially opposite one another, and the liquid to be discharged by using the pressure exerted in the two air bubble formation areas.
2. A liquid discharge method for discharging liquid using the pressure exerted at the time of creating air bubbles in an air bubble formation area to create air bubbles in the liquid by displacing a movable member provided with its free end on the side of the discharge orifice with respect to its movable fulcrum, the area of formation of the air bubble and the movable member are arranged to be in two series facing each other at least partially, and allow the two moving members to come together to discharge the liquid.
3. The liquid discharge method of claim 2, wherein two movable members are provided with a process to allow them to be in contact with each other, at least partially, during the creation of the air bubbles and the development thereof.
4. The method of liquid discharge, according to claim 2, wherein the two mobile members move at different times from one another.
The liquid discharge method, according to claim 2, wherein the free end of one of the movable members, of the two movable members, regulates the displacement of the other movable member at the moment of the expansion of the bubble of air.
The liquid discharge method, according to claim 1, wherein a movable member provided with its free end on the side of the discharge orifice with respect to its movable fulcrum is arranged in one of two forming areas of air bubble and the moving member is displaced by the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubbles to discharge liquid using the displacement of the moving member, and the pressure exerted in the air bubble formation area has no moving member arranged for this.
7. A liquid discharge head consisting of at least: a discharge orifice, for discharging liquid; a flow path of the discharge liquid provided with the formation area of the air bubble to create air bubbles, and connected conductively with the discharge orifice, two of the air bubble formation areas arranged one facing the another, at least partially.
8. A discharge head of. liquid consisting of: discharge orifices to discharge liquid; discharge liquid flow paths each provided with an air bubble formation area to create air bubbles, and conductively connected to the discharge orifice; a substrate provided with the heat generating devices each arranged with the air bubble formation area to generate heat to create the air bubbles; movable members each provided with their free end on the side of the discharge orifice, and arranged in each of the discharge liquid flow paths in front of the heat generating device; and the liquid being discharged from the discharge orifices when the moving members each move by the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubble, the heat generating device and the movable member arranged to be in two series one facing the another at least partially.
9. The liquid discharge head according to claim 8, wherein the two movable members and the two heat generating devices are of the same size one and the other. 1-0.
The liquid discharge head, according to claim 8, wherein the two movable members make contact with each other, at least partially, during the maximum expansion of the air bubbles.
The liquid discharge head according to claim 8, wherein the two movable members are of the same size one and the other, and the two heat generating devices are of different size from one another.
12. The liquid discharge head according to claim 8, wherein the two movable members move at different times from one another.
13. A liquid discharge head consisting of: discharge orifices for discharging liquid flow paths of the discharge liquid, each provided with the formation area of the air bubble, to create air bubbles, and conductively connected with the discharge hole; a substrate provided with heat generating devices each arranged in the formation area of the air bubble to generate heat to create the air bubbles; movable members each provided with their free end on the side of the discharge orifice and arranged in each of the discharge liquid flow paths in front of the heat generating device; and the liquid being discharged from the discharge orifices when the mobile members are each displaced by the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubble, the heat generating device and the mobile member, arranged to be in two series, allow mobile members are facing each other, at least partially.
14. The liquid discharge head according to claim 13, wherein the two movable members are in contact with one another at least partially in the maximum expansion of the air bubbles.
15. The liquid discharge head according to claim 7, wherein the movable separating film is provided to substantially separate at all times the moving members, which have their free ends on the side of the discharge orifice, with respect to to its mobile support point, in one of the two air bubble formation areas, and the flow path of the discharge liquid and the formation area of the air bubble in the other of these.
16. The method for discharging liquid, for discharging liquid by displacing a movable separation film that substantially separates a discharge fluid flow path connected conductively to the discharge orifice, for discharging liquid, and a liquid flow path for forming of bubbles provided with a bubble formation area provided with an air bubble formation area, to create the air bubble in the liquid from each, at all times, on the upstream side of the discharge orifice side with respect to the liquid flow in the discharge liquid flow path, the air bubble formation area, the bubble forming liquid flow path and the mobile separation film arranged to be in two series allow the regions mobile mobile separation films are facing each other, at least partially, with the trajectory of the a of the discharge liquid flow sandwiched between them, and the two mobile separation films being displaced to approach each other.
17. The method of liquid discharge, according to claim 16, wherein the method is provided with a process in which the portion of at least one separation film Mobile on the downstream side of the two mobile separation films, with respect to the direction of liquid flow, it travels relatively more than the portion of the mobile separation film on the downstream side thereof.
18. The liquid discharge method according to claim 17, wherein the maximum displacement portions of the two movable separation films are allowed to face each other closely.
19. The liquid discharge method according to claim 17, wherein the process is carried out during the development process, or thereafter, of the air bubble.
20. The method of liquid discharge, according to claim 17, wherein the process continues substantially from the initial state, and thereafter, in the process of developing the air bubble.
21. The liquid discharge method according to claim 17, wherein the process includes the period of the displacement range of the mobile separation film extending gradually from its initial state to at least the downstream side.
22. The liquid discharge method, according to claim 17, wherein the process is performed by means of steering control to control the discharge direction of at least one of the mobile separation films of the two separation members mobile [sic].
23. The liquid discharge method, according to claim 17, wherein the process is performed in the configuration of mobile separation films that are regulated in advance.
24. The liquid discharge method according to claim 17, wherein the process is performed by regulating the development of the air bubble in the flow path of the bubble-forming liquid.
25. The liquid discharge method according to claim 17, wherein the process is performed by moving the portion of the mobile separation film on the downstream side relatively more than the portion of the latter on the upstream side with respect to to the central portion of the mobile region.
26. The liquid discharge method according to claim 17, wherein the mobile separation film is configured in a nose type in the bubble-forming liquid flow path to the discharge liquid flow path, in This process.
27. The method of liquid discharge, according to claim 25, wherein the mobile separation film is displaced, in the process, to allow a point of the mobile separation film, placed on the upstream side of the predetermined point in this in the initial state, is placed on the downstream side of the predetermined point.
The liquid discharge method, according to claim 16, wherein the stagnation portions are generated to delay the flow of liquid, in the path of the discharge liquid flow, between the displacement ranges of the two films mobile separation mobile [sic].
29. One. liquid discharge head, for a liquid discharge apparatus, consisting of: flow paths of the discharge liquid conductively connected to the discharge orifices to discharge liquid; flow paths of the bubble-forming liquid, each provided with the formation area of the air bubble to create air bubbles in the liquids; heat generating devices, each arranged in the formation area of the air bubble, to generate heat to create the air bubbles; and moving separation films to separate the flow path of discharge liquid and the flow path of bubble-forming liquid substance 1 from each other, at all times, the liquid to be discharged from the discharge orifices displacing the mobile separation films by the pressure exerted by the creation of the air bubbles, the liquid discharge head, provided with the heat generating device, the bubble-forming liquid flow path and the mobile separation film arranged to be in two series allowing at least parts of the mobile ranges of the mobile separation films to be facing each other with the discharge liquid flow path between them.
30. The riser head according to claim 29, wherein the means for controlling the direction is provided for moving the two moving separation films on the upstream side of the discharge orifice, with respect to the liquid flow, in the flow path of the discharge liquid, at the same time, at least a portion of one of the two mobile separation films, on the downstream side, moves relatively more on the side of the discharge orifice than the portion of the latter. on the upstream side.
31. The liquid discharge head according to claim 30, wherein the means for controlling the direction is the mobile separation film itself, and the mobile separation film is provided with elasticity.
32. The liquid discharge head according to claim 31, wherein the means for controlling the direction is a movable member arranged adjacent to the movable separating film.
33. The liquid discharge head according to claim 32, wherein the movable member is provided with its free end on the downstream side of the upstream side of the portion facing the area of the formation of the liquid. air bubble, and a point of support on the upstream side of the free end, respectively.
34. The liquid discharge head according to claim 32, wherein the movable member is arranged on the side of the flow path of the discharge liquid of the movable separation film.
35. The liquid discharge head according to claim 30, wherein the means for controlling the direction is a weakened portion, arranged for the portion facing the air bubble formation area of the separation film. mobile, which extrudes to the side of the flow path of bubble-forming liquid when bubble formation is not made, and which extends to the side of the discharge liquid flow path when the formation of the liquid is made bubble.
36. The liquid discharge head according to claim 35, wherein the weakened portion is formed to present an extrusion on the downstream side greater than the height of the extrusion on the upstream side.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP9-149382 | 1997-06-06 | ||
| JP9-149379 | 1997-06-06 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| MXPA98004376A true MXPA98004376A (en) | 1999-12-10 |
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