US20100054960A1 - Pulsation generating mechanism, connecting flow channel tube, and fluid ejecting apparatus - Google Patents

Pulsation generating mechanism, connecting flow channel tube, and fluid ejecting apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100054960A1
US20100054960A1 US12/548,019 US54801909A US2010054960A1 US 20100054960 A1 US20100054960 A1 US 20100054960A1 US 54801909 A US54801909 A US 54801909A US 2010054960 A1 US2010054960 A1 US 2010054960A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
flow channel
fluid
fluid chamber
wall surface
ejecting apparatus
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Abandoned
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US12/548,019
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English (en)
Inventor
Takeshi Seto
Kazuo Kawasumi
Hideki Kojima
Yasuhiro Ono
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Seiko Epson Corp
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Seiko Epson Corp
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Assigned to SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION reassignment SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KAWASUMI, KAZUO, KOJIMA, HIDEKI, ONO, YASUHIRO, SETO, TAKESHI
Publication of US20100054960A1 publication Critical patent/US20100054960A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods
    • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
    • A61B17/3203—Fluid jet cutting instruments
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods
    • A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
    • A61B2017/00137—Details of operation mode
    • A61B2017/00154—Details of operation mode pulsed

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pulsation generating mechanism configured to discharge fluid with pulsation, a connecting flow channel tube to be inserted into the pulsation generating mechanism, and a fluid ejecting apparatus having the same and being configured to eject the fluid in a pulsed manner.
  • Operation with ejected fluid enables incision of organ substances while maintaining vasculature such as blood vessels and, in addition, an incidental damage applied to anatomy other than the portion to be incised is small and hence a burden applied to a patient is small. Furthermore, since the amount of bleeding is small, visibility of an operation field is not hindered by blood, and hence quick operation is enabled, so that this technology is applied to many clinical surgeries specifically such as hepatic resection which causes medical personnel hardship due to the bleeding from small blood vessels.
  • a fluid ejecting apparatus configured to incise or remove anatomy
  • a fluid ejecting apparatus including a pulsation generating mechanism configured to reduce the volume of a fluid chamber to discharge fluid and a connecting flow channel tube having a nozzle connected at one end thereof to an outlet flow channel of the pulsation generating mechanism and being reduced in diameter at the other end thereof to a diameter smaller than that of the outlet flow channel is known (for example, see JP-A-2005-152127).
  • the fluid (liquid) includes gas (air) although the quantity is not much.
  • gas air
  • the gas gradually gets together to form air bubbles and stays therein.
  • the air bubbles stay in the fluid chamber, the internal pressure cannot rise sufficiently when the volume is reduced, so that a pulsation discharge might not be achieved.
  • An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problem mentioned above and the invention can be embodied in the following aspects or application examples.
  • Application example 1 is directed to a fluid ejecting apparatus having a fluid chamber, an inlet flow channel, and a nozzle configured to eject fluid supplied from the inlet flow channel to the fluid chamber from the nozzle in a pulsed manner by changing the volume of the fluid chamber including: a diaphragm; a wall surface provided so as to oppose the diaphragm; a spacer being provided between the diaphragm and the wall surface and having a cylindrical through hole; a piezoelectric element configured to displace the diaphragm; and a connecting flow channel tube communicated with the fluid chamber, in which the nozzle is provided at an end of the connecting flow channel tube opposite to the fluid chamber, the fluid chamber is defined by the diaphragm, the wall surface, and an inner surface of the through hole of the spacer, and the inlet flow channel is defined by a groove provided on the wall surface and the spacer and is communicated with the fluid chamber.
  • the inlet flow channel is formed with an arcuate shaped inlet flow channel on the wall surface which constitutes part of the fluid chamber. Therefore, an inertance on the inlet flow channel side of the fluid chamber may be set to a value sufficiently larger than an inertance on an outlet flow channel side of the fluid chamber from both facts that a long flow channel length of the inlet flow channel is secured, and that the cross-sectional area in the vertical direction with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid can be set to be small. In this configuration, a simple structure in which a check valve is not provided is realized.
  • the groove on the wall surface includes a first end portion provided with a hole through which the fluid is supplied into the groove of the wall surface, is formed to extend from the first end portion in an arcuate shape along the wall surface, is formed to extend from the opposite side of the portion formed into the arcuate shape to the first end portion to the inner surface of the spacer along a direction of a tangent line of the inner surface of the spacer, and is formed from the opposite side of the portion formed along a direction of a tangent line of the inner surface of the spacer opposite to the arcuate portion along an edge of the inner surface of the spacer.
  • the fluid is caused to flow along the inner surface of the through hole of the spacer (that is, the inner peripheral surface of the fluid chamber), so that a whirling flow is generated in the fluid chamber.
  • the fluid By causing the fluid to whirl, the fluid is directed outward from the fluid chamber by a centrifugal force, and the air bubbles get together at the center portion and is discharged to the outside in association with discharge of the fluid through the connecting flow channel tube. Therefore, the air bubbles are prevented from staying in the fluid chamber, and the pressure in the interior of the fluid chamber may be increased sufficiently, so that a reliable pulsation discharge is achieved.
  • a terminal end portion of the groove on the wall surface formed along the edge of the inner surface of the spacer is formed into an inclined surface continuing from a bottom surface of the groove on the wall surface which defines the inlet flow channel to the wall surface.
  • the fluid chamber is formed with a coating layer on an inner wall surface thereof
  • the coating layer for example, a membrane layer formed by plating may be employed.
  • Gas contained in liquid generates from the fluid when the pressure in the fluid chamber is reduced.
  • the air bubbles get together to the center of the fluid chamber by the whirling flow.
  • the air bubbles might be adhered to these points and hence might not be discharged.
  • the fluid ejecting apparatus includes a holding portion configured to hold a peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm, and the piezoelectric element is disposed in the interior of the holding portion and resin is filled in a space between the piezoelectric element and the holding portion.
  • the resin to be filled preferably has low water absorbability.
  • the resin has thermal conductivity.
  • a connecting portion between the inner wall of the connecting flow channel tube and the inner wall of the fluid chamber is connected into a substantially arcuate shape.
  • the nozzle is inserted into the connecting flow channel tube and the groove is provided along a joint surface of the nozzle with respect to the connecting flow channel tube.
  • the nozzle and the connecting flow channel tube are coupled by press-fitting and the joint portion between these members is reinforced by the adhesive agent, and the joint portion is hermetically sealed.
  • the adhesive agent it is difficult to apply the adhesive agent uniformly over the entire portion of the joint portion. Therefore, by forming the groove on the joint surface of the nozzle to provide an adhesive agent trap, reinforcement and hermeticity are ensured.
  • the connecting flow channel tube is detachably attached.
  • a screwing structure may be employed.
  • the shape of the connecting flow channel tube may be selected and attached as needed according to the object of usage by preparing a plurality of shapes of the connecting flow channel tube.
  • Application example 10 is directed to a pulsation generating mechanism having a fluid chamber and an inlet flow channel, and being configured to discharge fluid supplied from the inlet flow channel to the fluid chamber in a pulsed manner from a flow channel being in communication with the fluid chamber by changing the volume of the fluid chamber including: a diaphragm; a wall surface provided so as to oppose the diaphragm; a spacer being provided between the diaphragm and the wall surface and having a cylindrical through hole; and a piezoelectric element configured to displace the diaphragm, in which the fluid chamber is defined by the diaphragm, the wall surface, and an inner surface of the through hole of the spacer, and the inlet flow channel is defined by a groove provided on the wall surface and the spacer and is communicated with the fluid chamber.
  • an inertance of the inlet flow channel side of the fluid chamber may be set to a value sufficiently larger than that on the outlet flow channel side of the fluid chamber from both facts that a long flow channel length of the inlet flow channel is secured, and that the cross sectional area in the vertical direction with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid can be set to be small. Accordingly, the pulsation flow is achieved. Accordingly, a pulsation generating mechanism having a simple structure in which a check valve is not provided is realized.
  • Application example 11 is directed to a connecting flow channel tube which is detachably attached to a pulsation generating mechanism configured to discharge fluid from an outlet flow channel in a pulsed manner being in communication with the fluid chamber by changing the volume of the fluid chamber, being configured to be communicatable with the outlet flow channel and having a fluid ejecting opening having a smaller cross-sectional area in the vertical direction with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid than the cross-sectional area of the outlet flow channel at an end opposite to the side which communicates with the outlet flow channel.
  • the shape of the connecting flow channel tube may be selected and used as needed according to the object of usage by preparing a plurality of shapes of the connecting flow channel tube.
  • the connecting flow channel tube may be detachably attached to the pulsation generating mechanism, the convenience may be further enhanced.
  • FIG. 1 is an explanatory drawing showing a schematic configuration of a fluid ejecting system
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a principal configuration of a pulsation generating mechanism according to a first embodiment taken along the direction of flow channel of liquid;
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the pulsation generating mechanism viewed from the right side;
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the pulsation generating mechanism viewed from the left side;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a joint portion between a first machine frame and a second machine frame according to the first embodiment in detail;
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the first machine frame in a state of viewing from the side of a piezoelectric element according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an inlet port portion in an enlarged scale according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a joint structure between a nozzle and a connecting flow channel tube according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing part of a fluid ejecting apparatus according to a second embodiment
  • FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing part of the fluid ejecting apparatus according to a third embodiment.
  • FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E in FIG. 10A .
  • FIG. 1 shows a fluid ejecting system
  • FIGS. 2 to 8 show a fluid ejecting apparatus according to a first embodiment
  • FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B show a third embodiment.
  • fluid ejecting system and the fluid ejecting apparatus in the invention may be employed in various applications such as drawing using ink or the like, washing of precise substances or structures, surgical knife, and so on.
  • a fluid ejecting apparatus suitable for incising or removing anatomy is exemplified for description. Therefore, fluid used in the embodiments is liquid such as water or physiologic saline and the fluid is sometimes expressed as the liquid.
  • FIG. 1 is an explanatory drawing showing a schematic configuration of the fluid ejecting system.
  • a fluid ejecting system 1 includes a control device 20 having a liquid container configured to store the liquid and a pump (not shown) as a pressure generating unit as a basic configuration, a fluid ejecting apparatus 10 configured to eject the liquid supplied from the pump with pulsation, and a connecting tube 25 configured to communicate the fluid ejecting apparatus 10 with the pump.
  • the fluid ejecting apparatus 10 includes a pulsation generating mechanism 30 configured to discharge supplied liquid at a high pressure and a high frequency in a pulsed manner, a connecting flow channel tube 90 connected to the pulsation generating mechanism 30 , and a nozzle 95 having a fluid ejection opening 97 reduced in cross-section of a flow channel is attached to a distal end of the connecting flow channel tube 90 .
  • the liquid stored in the liquid container provided in the control device 20 is supplied to the pulsation generating mechanism 30 via the connecting tube 25 at a constant pressure by the pump.
  • the pulsation generating mechanism 30 includes a fluid chamber 120 (see FIG. 2 ), and a volume changing device for the fluid chamber 120 , and ejects the liquid from the fluid ejection opening 97 at a high speed in a pulsed manner by driving the volume changing device and generating pulses. Detailed description of the pulsation generating mechanism 30 will be described later in conjunction with FIG. 2 to FIG. 7 .
  • the pressure generating unit is not limited to the pump, and a configuration in which an infusion solution bag as the liquid container is held at a position higher than the pulsation generating mechanism 30 by a stand or the like is also applicable.
  • the pump is not necessary and hence the configuration is simplified, and in addition, sterilization of a liquid flow channel is easily achieved.
  • a discharge pressure of the pump is set to approximately three atmospheric pressure (0.3 MPa) or lower.
  • the difference in height between the pulsation generating mechanism 30 and a liquid level of the infusion solution bag corresponds to the pressure, so that the height difference is preferably set to be approximately 0.1 to 0.15 pressure (0.01 to 0.015 MPa).
  • the connecting tube 25 to be connected to the pulsation generating mechanism 30 is preferably flexible as much as possible. In order to do so, a soft and thin tube is used, and the pressure of the liquid is preferably as low as possible within a range which allows delivery of the liquid to the pulsation generating mechanism 30 .
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a principal structure of a pulsation generating mechanism according to the first embodiment taken along the direction of the flow channel of the liquid
  • FIG. 3 is a side view showing the pulsation generating mechanism from the right side
  • FIG. 4 is a side view showing the pulsation generating mechanism from the left side.
  • the fluid ejecting apparatus 10 includes the pulsation generating mechanism 30 including a pulsation generating device which generates the pulsation of the liquid and the connecting flow channel tube 90 having an outlet connecting flow channel 92 and the nozzle 95 configured to discharge the liquid.
  • the pulsation generating mechanism 30 includes the fluid chamber 120 configured by tightly clamping a ring-shaped spacer 60 and a peripheral edge of a diaphragm 70 formed of a disk-shaped metallic thin plate by opposed surfaces of a first machine frame 80 and a second machine frame 50 as a machine frame and being surrounded by a wall surface 82 on the second machine frame 50 side of the first machine frame 80 , the diaphragm 70 , and an inner peripheral wall surface of the spacer 60 .
  • a tube connecting pipe 81 is formed on an outer side surface of the first machine frame 80 so as to project therefrom, and an inflow connecting flow channel 84 is opened in the tube connecting pipe 81 .
  • a connecting flow channel 85 which communicates with the fluid chamber 120 is connected to the inflow connecting flow channel 84 , and is in communication with an inlet flow channel 83 formed on the wall surface 82 .
  • the inlet flow channel 83 will be described in detail in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6 .
  • the connecting tube 25 is fitted to the tube connecting pipe 81 , and the connecting tube 25 is connected to the pump provided in the interior of the control device 20 (see FIG. 1 ), so that the liquid is supplied to the fluid chamber 120 via the inlet flow channel 83 .
  • the connecting flow channel tube 90 is inserted into the first machine frame 80 at the substantially center of the wall surface 82 thereof substantially vertically with respect to the diaphragm 70 (that is, the wall surface 82 ).
  • the connecting flow channel tube 90 includes an outlet flow channel 91 in communication with the fluid chamber 120 and the outlet connecting flow channel 92 in communication with the outlet flow channel 91 , and the nozzle 95 is fitted to an end opposite to the outlet flow channel 91 .
  • the nozzle 95 includes a nozzle flow channel 96 in communication with the outlet connecting flow channel 92 and the fluid ejection opening 97 .
  • the outlet connecting flow channel 92 and the nozzle flow channel 96 have the same cross-sectional area, and this cross-sectional area is larger than the cross-sectional area of the outlet flow channel 91 . Then, the cross-sectional area of the fluid ejection opening 97 is reduced to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the outlet connecting flow channel 92 .
  • cross-sectional area means the cross-sectional area of the flow channel when it is cut vertically with respect to the direction of flow of the liquid.
  • the second machine frame 50 is a cylindrical member having an outer flange portion 56 and a cylindrical portion 51 , and the outer shapes of the outer flange portion 56 and the cylindrical portion 51 are both square. Then, a cylindrical hole 51 a penetrating through the second machine frame 50 is formed.
  • a piezoelectric element 40 as a drive source is provided inside the hole 51 a.
  • the piezoelectric element 40 is a laminated piezoelectric element and constitutes a column shaped actuator.
  • One end of the piezoelectric element 40 is secured to the diaphragm 70 via an upper panel 110 and the other end thereof is secured to the inner surface of the lower panel 100 .
  • Opposing side surfaces of the piezoelectric element 40 are each provided with a drive electrode (not shown) and connecting leads 151 and 152 provided with insulating coatings thereon are connected to these drive electrodes.
  • the connecting leads 151 and 152 are respectively drawn to the outside through lead insertion holes 54 and 55 formed on the side surfaces of the cylindrical portion 51 of the second machine frame 50 , and are connected to a drive circuit unit (not shown) of the control device 20 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • the first machine frame 80 and the second machine frame 50 are fixed to each other at four corners with fixing screws 161 in a state in which the peripheral portion of the diaphragm 70 and the spacer 60 clamped therebetween, and are brought into tight contact with each other (see FIG. 4 ).
  • the second machine frame 50 and the lower panel 100 are fixed at four corners with the fixing screws 160 after dimensions are adjusted so as to prevent the diaphragm 70 to be deformed by the piezoelectric element 40 in an assembled state (see FIG. 3 ).
  • resin 140 is filled in a space defined between the cylindrical portion 51 of the second machine frame 50 and the piezoelectric element 40 .
  • the filling range includes the interior of the lead insertion holes 54 and 55 in which the connecting leads 151 and 152 are inserted.
  • the resin 140 to be filled is preferably a material having a low water absorbability (or a material having water repellency). Also, materials having a high coefficient of thermal conductivity by itself, or resin mixed with a material having a high coefficient of thermal conductivity are preferable, and inorganic ceramics powder, carbon powder, and the like having a high coefficient of thermal conductivity are applicable as the material to be mixed. Materials which satisfy both conditions of a low water absorbability and a high coefficient of thermal conductivity are further preferable.
  • the resin being filled to coat the periphery of the piezoelectric element 40 , has flexibility to an extent which does not hinder the drive of the piezoelectric element 40 .
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the joint portion between the first machine frame and the second machine frame. Therefore, description is given with the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 .
  • the first machine frame 80 includes a ring-shaped recess 86 around the wall surface 82
  • the second machine frame 50 is formed with a ring-shaped projection 53 opposing the ring-shaped recess 86 .
  • the diaphragm 70 and the spacer 60 are interposed between the wall surface 82 at the center portion of the first machine frame 80 and an inner periphery flange portion 52 provided inside the ring-shaped projection 53 of the second machine frame 50 in a compressed state.
  • Diameters of an inner peripheral wall 61 of the spacer 60 and the inner periphery flange portion 52 of the second machine frame 50 are set to be substantially the same, and the supporting positions with respect to displacement of the diaphragm 70 are the same.
  • a packing 130 as a sealing member is interposed between a bottom portion of the ring-shaped recess 86 of the first machine frame 80 and the distal end portion of the ring-shaped projection 53 of the second machine frame 50 .
  • the packing 130 is deformed by being pressed in a state in which the diaphragm 70 and the spacer 60 are interposed in the compressed state, so that the movement of the liquid between the outside and the fluid chamber 120 is restrained.
  • the connecting flow channel tube 90 is press-fitted into the first machine frame 80 to a position where the end portion reaches the fluid chamber 120 , and the outlet flow channel 91 is in communication with the fluid chamber 120 .
  • the end surface of the connecting flow channel tube 90 is machined so as to be flush with the surface of the wall surface 82 in the fluid chamber 120 .
  • a connecting portion (communicating portion) of the outlet flow channel 91 with respect to the fluid chamber 120 is smoothly connected into a substantially arcuate shape.
  • the machining as described above is realized by press-fitting the connecting flow channel tube 90 from the wall surface 82 so as to project slightly into the fluid chamber 120 , then grinding the connecting flow channel tube 90 to be flush with the surface of the wall surface 82 , and then by grinding inner corner of the outlet flow channel 91 .
  • the inlet flow channel 83 is configured by a groove formed on the wall surface 82 of the first machine frame 80 and the spacer 60 which seals the opening of the groove.
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the first machine frame in a state of viewing from the side of the piezoelectric element.
  • the inlet flow channel 83 is formed as the groove on the wall surface 82 of the first machine frame 80 , and is formed into a substantially arcuate shape extending from the connecting portion with respect to the connecting flow channel 85 as a proximal end and to an inlet port portion 83 a as a distal end which communicates with the fluid chamber 120 .
  • This groove extends from the connecting portion with respect to the connecting flow channel 85 to a position A in the drawing as a concentric circle having the outlet flow channel 91 as the center, and extends in the direction of a tangent line of the inner peripheral wall 61 of the spacer 60 (that is, in the direction of the tangent line of the side wall of the fluid chamber 120 ) in a range from the positions B to C in the drawing. In addition, in the range from the positions C to D, the groove extends along the inner peripheral wall 61 of the spacer 60 .
  • the range from the positions A to B is connected as a small arc which changes the direction of flow of the liquid smoothly.
  • a most part of an opening of the groove formed in this manner is sealed by the ring-shaped spacer 60 to define the inlet flow channel 83 , and the inlet port portion 83 a is in communication with the fluid chamber 120 .
  • the inlet flow channel 83 By forming the inlet flow channel 83 in this manner, the liquid flowing from the connecting tube 25 at a constant pressure assumes a whirling flow along the inner peripheral wall 61 of the spacer 60 .
  • the inlet port portion 83 a of the inlet flow channel 83 into the fluid chamber 120 is continued by an inclined surface 83 d from the bottom surface to the wall surface 82 .
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the inlet port portion in an enlarged scale.
  • the inlet port portion 83 a is continued to the wall surface 82 via the inclined surface 83 d from a groove bottom surface 83 b substantially within a range from the positions C to D (see also FIG. 6 ) of the inlet flow channel 83 .
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the joint structure between the nozzle and the connecting flow channel tube.
  • the nozzle 95 includes a distal end flange portion 98 and an insertion portion 99 , and includes the nozzle flow channel 96 which communicates with the outlet connecting flow channel 92 of the connecting flow channel tube 90 and the fluid ejection opening 97 .
  • a groove 99 a is formed on a midsection in terms of the longitudinal direction on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 99 , and a smaller-diameter tube portion 99 b having a smaller outer diameter is formed at the distal end portion on the insertion side.
  • a nozzle insertion hole 90 f is formed at the end portion of the connecting flow channel tube 90 .
  • the nozzle 95 is press-fitted into the nozzle insertion hole 90 f.
  • an end surface 99 c of the nozzle 95 is brought into tight contact with a bottom surface 94 of the nozzle insertion hole 90 f.
  • the nozzle 95 is press-fitted into the connecting flow channel tube 90 after an adhesive agent is applied on the outer peripheral side surface of the insertion portion 99 for reinforcement of the press-fitting strength.
  • the adhesive agent is accumulated in the groove 99 a. Therefore, the groove 99 a in this embodiment corresponds to the adhesive agent trap, and has a function to enhance the adhesive strength and a function to prevent liquid leakage or entry of air at the joint portion between the nozzle 95 and the connecting flow channel tube 90 .
  • the smaller-diameter tube portion 99 b serves to stop the adhesive agent within the range of the smaller-diameter tube portion 99 b and prevent the adhesive agent from entering the interior of the outlet connecting flow channel 92 or the nozzle flow channel 96 .
  • the liquid discharge of the pulsation generating mechanism 30 in this embodiment is performed by the difference between an inertance L 1 on the inlet flow channel side (also referred to as synthetic inertance L 1 ) and an inertance L 2 on the outlet flow channel side (also referred to as synthetic inertance L 2 ).
  • the inertance L shows a degree of influence applied to the change of flow rate with time and, the larger the inertance L, the smaller the change of flow rate with time is, and the smaller the inertance L, the larger the change of flow rate with time is.
  • the synthetic inertance L 1 is calculated within the range of the inlet flow channel 83 .
  • the connecting tube 25 since the connecting tube 25 has flexibility, it may be eliminated from the calculation of the synthetic inertance L 1 .
  • the synthetic inertance L 2 may be considered to be sum of the outlet flow channel 91 and the outlet connecting flow channel 92 .
  • the flow channel length and the cross-sectional area of the inlet flow channel 83 , the flow channel length and the cross-sectional area of the outlet flow channel 91 and the outlet connecting flow channel 92 are set so that the synthetic inertance L 1 is larger than the synthetic inertance L 2 in this embodiment.
  • the liquid at an always constant pressure is supplied to the inlet flow channel 83 by the pump. Consequently, when the piezoelectric element 40 is not operated, the liquid flows into the fluid chamber 120 due to the difference between the discharge pressure of the pump and a fluid resistance value of the entire inlet flow channel side.
  • the pressure in the fluid chamber 120 rises quickly to several tens atmospheric pressure if the synthetic inertances L 1 and L 2 on the inlet flow channel side and the outlet flow channel side have a sufficient magnitude. Since this pressure is larger than the pressure by the pump applied to the inlet flow channel 83 by far, inflow of the liquid from the inlet flow channel 83 into the fluid chamber 120 is reduced by the pressure, and outflow of the liquid from the outlet flow channel 91 is increased.
  • the synthetic inertance L 1 on the inlet flow channel side is larger than the synthetic inertance L 2 on the outlet flow channel side, the amount of increase of the liquid discharged from the outlet flow channel 91 is larger than the amount of decrease of the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the fluid chamber 120 from the inlet flow channel 83 . Therefore, a fluid discharge in a pulsed manner, that is, a pulsation flow is generated in the outlet flow channel 91 .
  • the interior of the fluid chamber 120 is brought into a vacuum state immediately after the pressure rise because of the mutual action of the reduction of an amount of inflow liquid from the inlet flow channel 83 and the increase of the amount of liquid outflow from the outlet flow channel 91 . Consequently, the liquid in the inlet flow channel 83 is restored to flow toward the fluid chamber 120 at a speed similar to that before the operation of the piezoelectric element 40 after having elapsed a certain period of time by the pressure from the pump and the vacuum state in the fluid chamber 120 . If the expansion of the piezoelectric element 40 occurs after having restored the flow of the liquid in the inlet flow channel 83 , the liquid from the nozzle 95 may be continuously ejected in a pulsed manner.
  • This embodiment has a structure to form the inlet flow channel 83 on the wall surface 82 of the first machine frame 80 as a groove and seal the opening by the spacer 60 .
  • the synthetic inertance L 1 on the inlet flow channel side may be set to a value sufficiently larger than the synthetic inertance L 2 on the outlet flow channel side from both facts that a long flow channel length of the inlet flow channel 83 is secured, and that the cross sectional area in the vertical direction with respect to the direction of flow of the liquid can be set to be small. Therefore, a simple structure in which a check valve is not provided is realized.
  • the inlet flow channel 83 extends along an arcuate portion extending from the connecting portion (proximal end) with respect to the connecting flow channel 85 , in the direction of the tangent line of an inner peripheral wall 93 of the spacer 60 from the arcuate portion, and along the inner peripheral wall 93 , and finally communicates with the fluid chamber 120 from the inlet port portion 83 a. Therefore, the whirling flow is generated in the fluid chamber 120 .
  • the liquid is directed outward from the fluid chamber 120 by a centrifugal force, and the air bubbles get together at the center portion and are discharged to the outside in association with discharge of the liquid from the outlet flow channel 91 . Therefore, the air bubbles are prevented from staying in the fluid chamber 120 , and the pressure in the interior of the fluid chamber 120 may be raised sufficiently, so that a high-pressure pulsation discharge is achieved.
  • the groove bottom surface 83 b which defines the inlet flow channel 83 is continued to the wall surface 82 via the inclined surface 83 d, the fluid resistance at the connecting portion between the inlet port portion 83 a and the fluid chamber 120 is reduced, and the turbulence of the whirling flow due to a vortex flow generated by the sudden change of the flow channel is restrained.
  • the space in the cylindrical portion 51 of the second machine frame 50 in which the piezoelectric element 40 is disposed is filled with the resin 140 . Since the resin 140 has a low absorbability, entry of the water content into the space is prevented, so that inter-electrode short circuit due to attachment of the water content to the piezoelectric element 40 is prevented.
  • the joint portion with respect to the wall surface 82 of the outlet flow channel 91 is connected by a substantially arcuate shape and rounded smoothly, reduction of the fluid resistance at the joint portion between the fluid chamber 120 and the outlet flow channel 91 is achieved and, in addition, generation of the vortex flow at the joint portion is restrained, and the pressure waves generated when reducing the volume of the fluid chamber 120 is propagated to the nozzle 95 without being attenuated.
  • the groove 99 a as the adhesive agent trap is formed on the joint surface between the nozzle 95 and the connecting flow channel tube 90 .
  • the nozzle 95 and the connecting flow channel tube 90 are coupled by press-fitting and the coupled portion between these members is reinforced by the adhesive agent. In this case, with the provision of the adhesive agent trap, the reinforcement of the strength and the hermeticity are secured.
  • the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the outlet flow channel is provided on the first machine frame, and the outlet connecting flow channel provided in the connecting flow channel tube is in communication with the outlet flow channel. Therefore, the points different from the first embodiment will mainly be described.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing part of the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the second embodiment.
  • an outlet flow channel 88 in communication with the fluid chamber 120 is formed on the first machine frame 80
  • a connecting flow channel insertion portion 80 a is formed on the opposite side to the fluid chamber 120 so as to project therefrom, and the center portion is formed with an insertion hole 80 c.
  • connecting flow channel tube 90 is fitted to the connecting flow channel insertion portion 80 a.
  • the outlet connecting flow channel 92 is formed in the connecting flow channel tube 90 , so that the outlet flow channel 88 and the outlet connecting flow channel 92 are communicated.
  • the flow channel lengths and the cross-sectional areas (diameters) of the outlet flow channel 88 and the outlet connecting flow channel 92 are set to similar values as those in the first embodiment.
  • the connecting flow channel tube 90 is press-fitted until a distal end portion 90 g comes into tight contact with a bottom portion 80 b of the insertion hole 80 c.
  • a groove portion 90 d is provided at a midsection of a range of the connecting flow channel tube 90 which is joined with the insertion hole 80 c and a smaller-diameter tube portion 90 e having a smaller outer diameter is provided at a distal end portion thereof.
  • the connecting flow channel tube 90 is press-fitted into the insertion hole 80 c after the adhesive agent is applied on the outer peripheral surface for reinforcement of the press-fitting strength.
  • the adhesive agent is accumulated in the groove portion 90 d. Therefore, the groove portion 90 d in this embodiment corresponds to the adhesive agent trap, and has a function to enhance the adhesive strength and a function to prevent liquid leakage or entry of air at the joint portion between the connecting flow channel tube 90 and the first machine frame 80 .
  • the smaller-diameter tube portion 90 e serves to stop the adhesive agent within the range of the smaller-diameter tube portion 90 e and prevent the adhesive agent from entering the interior of the outlet flow channel 88 or the outlet connection flow channel 92 .
  • the outlet flow channel 88 is formed in the first machine frame 80 . Therefore, since the outlet flow channel 88 continues with the same surface of the wall surface 82 which constitutes part of the fluid chamber 120 , the joint portion between the connecting flow channel tube 90 and the wall surface 82 is not formed in the fluid chamber 120 , so that generation of the air bubbles caused by the existence of a joint surface is restrained.
  • the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. While the connecting flow channel tube 90 is press-fitted into and fixed to the pulsation generating mechanism 30 (first machine frame 80 ) in the first and second embodiment, the connecting flow channel tube 90 is detachable with respect to the pulsation generating mechanism 30 in the third embodiment. Therefore, the different points from the above-described first and second embodiments will mainly be described.
  • FIGS. 10A and 10B show the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing part of the fluid ejecting apparatus
  • FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along the line E-E in FIG. 10A .
  • the fluid ejecting apparatus 10 is configured in such a manner that the connecting flow channel tube 90 is fixedly screwed to the pulsation generating mechanism 30 with screw portions of the partner members.
  • the connecting flow channel insertion portion 80 a is provided on the first machine frame 80 which constitutes the pulsation generating mechanism 30 opposite to the fluid chamber 120 so as to project therefrom, and the outlet flow channel 88 and a connecting flow channel 89 which are in communication with the fluid chamber 120 are formed in the connecting flow channel insertion portion 80 a.
  • a female screw 80 d is formed in the range from the distal end portion of the connecting flow channel insertion portion 80 a to the connecting flow channel 89 .
  • the outlet connecting flow channel 92 is formed in the connecting flow channel tube 90 , and a male screw 90 a is formed on the outer periphery of the distal end portion. By screwing these screw portions, the connecting flow channel tube 90 is fixed to the pulsation generating mechanism 30 . Therefore, the connecting flow channel tube 90 has a configuration which is detachable with respect to the pulsation generating mechanism 30 (that is, the first machine frame 80 ).
  • the connecting flow channel tube 90 is screwed in until the distal end portion 90 g comes into tight contact with the bottom portion 80 b of the female screw 80 d.
  • the diameters of the connecting flow channel 89 and the outlet connecting flow channel 92 are the same, and the flow channel length and the cross-sectional area (diameter) of the outlet flow channel 88 , the connecting flow channel 89 , and the outlet connecting flow channel 92 , that is, the synthetic inertance L 2 on the outlet flow channel side is set in the same manner as in the first embodiment 1.
  • a cut portion 90 b is formed on the outer peripheral portion at a midsection of the connecting flow channel tube 90 in terms of the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 10B , the cut portion 90 b is formed by cutting the outer periphery of the connecting flow channel tube 90 into plane surfaces opposing to each other. The cut portion 90 b is used for mounting to and demounting from the pulsation generating mechanism 30 of the connecting flow channel tube 90 by rotating the same by a jig or the like.
  • the shape of the connecting flow channel tube 90 may be selected and attached as needed according to the object of usage by preparing a plurality of shapes of connecting flow channel tube 90 .
  • the fourth embodiment is characterized in that a coating layer is formed on an inner wall surface of the fluid chamber. Although not shown, description will be given on the basis of FIG. 5 .
  • the fluid chamber 120 is defined by a space surrounded by the wall surface 82 of the first machine frame 80 , the inner peripheral wall 61 of the spacer 60 , and the diaphragm 70 .
  • a joint portion and corners of the first machine frame 80 and the wall surface 82 , a joint portion and corners of the inner peripheral wall 61 of the spacer 60 and the diaphragm 70 , and a joint portion between the connecting flow channel tube 90 and the wall surface 82 are formed.
  • the coating layer is formed over the entire periphery of the inner wall surface of the fluid chamber 120 .
  • a metal plated layer may be employed as an example of the coating layer.
  • the material of the plated layer is not specifically limited, a material having a resistance against the liquid to be used is selected.
  • Formation of the plated layer is achieved by inserting the connecting flow channel tube 90 into the pulsation generating mechanism 30 and then immersing the same in plating solution, and by forcing the plating solution to flow from the inflow connecting flow channel 84 through the inlet flow channel 83 to the outlet connecting flow channel 92 , the plating solution is circulated to minute portions in the respective flow channels, so that the plated layer may be formed over the entire flow channels.
  • the coating layer is also formed at the corners formed between the bottom portion and the side walls of the groove of the inlet flow channel 83 and the corners of the joint portion between the groove and the spacer 60 which seals the groove.
  • the coating layer is formed also at the joint portions between the nozzle 95 and the connecting flow channel tube 90 .
  • the continuous thin coating layer is formed over the entire flow channel for the liquid.
  • the gas contained in the flowing liquid gets together to small gaps or corners at the joint portions of the components gradually to generate air bubbles. If the air bubbles exist in the fluid chamber 120 , the internal pressure might not rise sufficiently when reducing the volume of the fluid chamber 120 by the diaphragm 70 .

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US12/548,019 2008-08-27 2009-08-26 Pulsation generating mechanism, connecting flow channel tube, and fluid ejecting apparatus Abandoned US20100054960A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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JP2008-217671 2008-08-27
JP2008217671A JP2010051430A (ja) 2008-08-27 2008-08-27 脈動発生機構、接続流路管、流体噴射装置

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EP2476383A3 (en) * 2011-01-18 2014-01-29 Seiko Epson Corporation Liquid ejecting apparatus

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JP5609194B2 (ja) * 2010-03-23 2014-10-22 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体噴射装置
JP2011200264A (ja) * 2010-03-24 2011-10-13 Seiko Epson Corp 液体噴射装置
JP5696484B2 (ja) * 2011-01-12 2015-04-08 セイコーエプソン株式会社 流体噴射装置、医療機器
JP5870565B2 (ja) * 2011-09-08 2016-03-01 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体噴射装置
JP5668485B2 (ja) * 2011-01-18 2015-02-12 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体収容部、液体噴射部および液体噴射装置
JP2013215548A (ja) * 2012-03-15 2013-10-24 Seiko Epson Corp 液体循環装置および医療機器
JP6186798B2 (ja) * 2013-03-28 2017-08-30 セイコーエプソン株式会社 流体噴射装置、及び、医療機器
JP6186831B2 (ja) * 2013-04-18 2017-08-30 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体噴射装置
JP2015051179A (ja) * 2013-09-09 2015-03-19 セイコーエプソン株式会社 医療器具収容装置
JP2015054030A (ja) * 2013-09-11 2015-03-23 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体噴射装置、液体噴射方法および医療機器
JP2015062469A (ja) * 2013-09-24 2015-04-09 セイコーエプソン株式会社 制御装置、検査方法
CN106264671B (zh) * 2015-05-14 2018-11-23 惠州海卓科赛医疗有限公司 一种高切割力医用水刀
CN107822696A (zh) * 2017-10-12 2018-03-23 徐州市妇幼保健院 一种医用腔镜水刀喷枪及其使用方法

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