Spraying device for improving droplet consistency

Abstract

The utility model relates to a jet device capable of improving droplet consistency, which is used for jetting fluid and comprises a chamber main body, a plurality of fluid chambers and a plurality of micro-droplets, the fluid chambers are communicated with the fluid path, and at least one spray hole is formed in each fluid chamber; an actuator configured to perform a mechanical motion in response to the pulse signal; the linear actuating piece comprises a connecting part which is connected with the actuator and an actuating part which is linearly inserted into the fluid chamber; wherein one connecting part is connected with a plurality of actuating parts, and one fluid cavity is correspondingly inserted with the actuating part of one linear actuating piece; and the actuating part is configured to do reciprocating rectilinear motion along the linear path relative to the chamber main body under the action of the actuator so as to form fluctuation acting on the fluid in the corresponding fluid chamber. And the homologous actuation arrangement is adopted, so that the consistency of ink droplets is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a spraying device, in particular to a spraying device capable of improving the consistency of microdroplets. Background Art

[0002] Using the principle of traditional droplet generators, such as the traditional pressure pulse extrusion principle, the diameter of the generated droplets is usually close to or equal to the size of the nozzle. Based on the existing manufacturing process and cost, it is still difficult to spray ultra-precise micron or nanometer droplets. Even if the spraying of tiny droplets is achieved, it is difficult to control the consistency of the droplet size. Summary of the invention

[0003] The utility model aims at the problems existing in the prior art and provides a spraying device which can improve the consistency of micro-droplets, thereby improving the spraying precision and the accuracy and consistency of the droplet landing position.

[0004] The utility model discloses a spraying device for improving the consistency of microdroplets, which is used for spraying fluid and comprises:

[0005] A chamber body, which has a fluid path and a plurality of fluid chambers therein; the fluid chambers are connected to the fluid path, and at least one spray hole is provided in each of the fluid chambers;

[0006] an actuator configured to perform mechanical motion in response to the pulse signal;

[0007] A linear actuator, comprising a connecting portion connected to the actuator, and an actuating portion linearly inserted into the fluid chamber;

[0008] Among them, one connecting part connects multiple actuating parts, and one fluid chamber corresponds to an actuating part of the linear actuator; the actuating part is configured to make reciprocating linear motion along a linear path relative to the chamber body under the action of the actuator, so as to form waves acting on the fluid in the corresponding fluid chamber.

[0009] As an embodiment, the actuating portion of the linear actuator has a first central axis, the linear path is parallel to the first central axis; the spray hole has a second central axis; the first central axis is aligned with the second central axis.

[0010] As an embodiment, the inner wall of the fluid chamber is symmetrically arranged around the third central axis, and the first central axis is aligned with the third central axis.

[0011] As an embodiment, the actuating parts of the linear actuator are arranged in a circular array around the center line of the connecting part; wherein the center line of the connecting part is parallel to the linear path.

[0012] As an embodiment, the distance between the first central axis of the linear actuator and the central axis of the connecting portion is the same, and the distance between the end surface of the actuating portion of the linear actuator and the end surface of the spray hole is the same.

[0013] As an embodiment, the actuating parts of the linear actuator are arranged in a rectangular array; wherein the connecting part is located at the center of the rectangular array, and the center line of the connecting part is parallel to the linear path.

[0014] As an embodiment, the fluid chambers have the same shape and size characteristics; the linear actuators have the same shape and size characteristics; and the nozzle holes have the same shape and size characteristics.

[0015] After adopting the above structure, the utility model has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0016] The utility model adopts the actuation principle of the linear actuator making reciprocating linear motion along a linear path, which can form micron-level or nanometer-level droplets with a droplet diameter smaller than the nozzle diameter, thereby improving the injection accuracy. The same source actuation setting is adopted to improve the consistency of ink droplets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the appearance structure of the utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the linear actuator of the utility model.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the chamber body of the utility model.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a first state diagram of the fluid at the spray hole of the utility model.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a second state diagram of the fluid at the nozzle of the utility model.

[0023] 1. Chamber body, 11. Fluid path, 12. Fluid chamber, 13. Spray hole, 14. Insert hole, 15. Second center axis, 16. Third center axis;

[0024] 2. Actuator;

[0025] 3. Linear actuator; 31. First central axis; 32. Actuating part; 33. Connecting part.

[0026] 4. Sealing ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The utility model is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] The development of droplet generation technology began in the 1970s with the emergence of piezoelectric jet technology, which used piezoelectric ceramics to form droplets. In the 1980s, capillary ejectors solved the problem of nozzle spacing. In the 1990s, thermal bubble jet technology used electric heat to cause pressure increase. In 2000, piezoelectric jet technology was further developed, and through more advanced ceramic processing and innovative shared wall drive solutions, nozzle spacing of 13 was achieved with a smaller spacing. Jetting technology has experienced a development process from continuous, piezoelectric to thermal bubble, continuously improving the accuracy of nozzle 13 and the compatibility of fluid components, laying the foundation for the ejection of tiny droplets.

[0029] However, due to the limitation mechanism of droplet injection, the accuracy of traditional injection is limited by the size of its nozzle; and due to the limitations of processing technology and cost, it is difficult to achieve ultra-fine micron (less than 10 microns) or nanometer size or even smaller droplet volume.

[0030] The utility model systematically studies that a driving pulse stimulates the fluid to produce damped oscillation in the liquid, thereby triggering the fluid to form droplets through the liquid surface constraint of the nozzle 13. Under the premise of achieving a droplet diameter printing accuracy of micrometer or nanometer size or even smaller, the manufacturing cost is effectively reduced.

[0031] like Figures 1 to 4 A spraying device for improving the consistency of microdroplets, used for spraying fluid, comprising:

[0032] The chamber body 1 is provided with a fluid path 11 and a plurality of fluid chambers 12; the fluid chambers 12 are connected to the fluid path 11, and at least one spray hole 13 is provided in each of the fluid chambers 12;

[0033] An actuator 2, configured to perform mechanical motion in response to a pulse signal;

[0034] The linear actuator 3 comprises a connecting portion 33 connected to the actuator 2 and an actuator portion 32 linearly inserted into the fluid chamber;

[0035] Among them, one connecting part 33 connects multiple actuating parts 32, and one actuating part 32 of the linear actuator 3 is correspondingly inserted into one fluid chamber 12; the actuating part 32 is configured to be able to make reciprocating linear motion along a linear path relative to the chamber body under the action of the actuator, so as to form waves acting on the fluid in the corresponding fluid chamber 12.

[0036] The specific principle of the utility model is described as follows. From a microscopic perspective, under the driving action of the actuator 2, the actuating portion 32 moves along a linear path away from the spray hole 13, such as Figure 5 As shown, the fluid surface at the nozzle 13 contracts slightly to form a curved liquid surface. Under the action of the reverse drive applied by the actuator 2, the actuating portion 32 reciprocates along a linear path toward the nozzle 13, and the formed vibration wave propagates axially along the first central axis 31 of the linear actuator 3, generating a pressure wave at the nozzle 13, causing the liquid surface to bulge outward. The liquid surface at the nozzle 13 is driven to extend outward by moving linearly toward or away from the nozzle 13 until it reaches a deformation peak. The actuating portion 32 moves along a linear path away from the nozzle 13, and the viscous force and inertial force hinder the backflow of the fluid outside the hole. The newly formed liquid surface continues to expand outward under the action of residual energy, and small droplets detach from the curved liquid surface due to the surface vibration, and under the action of the flow field in the fluid chamber 12, as shown Figure 6 As shown, the liquid surface shrinks from the edge of the nozzle 13 to form droplets. Each actuator 32 forms a vibration wave, forming a wave acting on the fluid. In order to better understand the droplet generation principle of this scheme, reference may be made to the Worthington jet principle. Among them, the linear actuator 3, its connecting portion 33 is used to connect with the actuator 2, and at the same time, one connecting portion 33 connects multiple actuators 32, so as to achieve the purpose of homologous actuation of multiple actuators 32. In order to achieve the same effect of frequency and amplitude of the vibration waves formed by multiple actuators 32, the difference caused by the difference of the actuator 2 is reduced.

[0037] The chamber body 1, as shown in the figure, includes the fluid path 11 including an inlet and an outlet. The fluid enters from the inlet and passes through the internal space to guide the fluid at a constant pressure. The fluid chamber 12 contains the fluid within a range and helps the fluid to be accurately ejected from the nozzle 13. The chamber body 1 is usually designed with a filtering function to prevent impurities from clogging the nozzle 13. Multiple fluid chambers 12 are independent of each other to avoid crosstalk between adjacent chambers. In terms of material selection, polymers are widely used because of their lightness and chemical stability, while metals or ceramics are used for applications that require higher heat resistance and chemical resistance. The manufacture of the chamber body 1 usually relies on injection molding and machining, both of which can efficiently produce components with precise structures and reliable performance. Overall, the optimized design of the chamber body 1 is crucial to improving the performance of the nozzle head, improving the injection quality and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the equipment. Among them, the fluid can be ink, additives, liquid metal or other fluid liquids that need to be ejected.

[0038] The actuator 2 is used to realize the energy conversion from pulse signal to mechanical energy. For example, the piezoelectric actuator 2 will change shape and produce displacement due to the action of the electrical signal; the stepper motor or servo motor will move precisely according to the received electrical pulse. The signal generating module applies the energy driving pulse, and the actuator 2 is the component that responds to these pulses and performs mechanical movement. Among them, the signal generating module can be an arbitrary waveform generator, a direct digital synthesizer, a microcontroller, a phase-locked loop, etc., which generate voltage or current pulses according to a predetermined program or algorithm. The signal generating module generates appropriate electrical signals according to the required control strategy. The electrical signal is transmitted to the actuator 2 via a cable. The actuator 2 receives the pulse signal and converts it into mechanical movement to perform the required task.

[0039] For example, the actuator 2 may be a piezoelectric actuator 2, which drives a piezoelectric material to deform by voltage, thereby generating mechanical motion. Their response time can be very fast, reaching microseconds or even shorter. The piezoelectric actuator 2 not only has a fast response speed, but also has very high position accuracy and repeatability, and is suitable for applications requiring high-precision control. In addition, other materials may also be used, for example, when photosensitive materials or structures are used, some photoactuators 2 can achieve very fast responses. These materials deform rapidly under the stimulation of light; shape memory alloy materials (such as nickel-titanium alloys) can rapidly change shape under the influence of temperature or current to generate mechanical motion. Although the response time of a general electromagnetic actuator 2 (such as a solenoid valve or relay) may be in the millisecond range, a high-performance electromagnetic actuator 2 can be designed to have an extremely short response time.

[0040] The linear actuator 3, such as Figure 3 As shown, the connecting portion 33 may include a plate-like structure having a plane perpendicular to the linear path, and the plane is used to connect with the actuating portion 32; it may also include a rod-like structure for connecting with the actuator 2. The actuating portion 32 may be a piston or a push rod, and its shape may be circular, conical, or other components capable of achieving linear reciprocating motion. The material may be a metal alloy, or piezoelectric ceramics, piezoelectric polymers, composite materials, or silicon-based materials. When the linear actuator 3 and the actuator 2 are made of the same material, they may be a whole. When the linear actuator 3 and the actuator 2 are made of different materials, an adhesive may be used for bonding; other flexible materials may also be provided between the linear actuator 3 and the actuator 2, for example, to help seal the chamber body 1.

[0041] In some embodiments, the actuating portion 32 of the linear actuator 3 has a first central axis, the linear path is parallel to the first central axis; the spray hole has a second central axis; the first central axis is aligned with the second central axis.

[0042] The linear actuator 3 has a first central axis 31, and the linear path is parallel to the first central axis 31, so as to form a vibration wave transmitted in the direction of the linear path, and the vibration wave propagates axially along the first central axis 31 of the linear actuator 3. The nozzle 13 has a second central axis 15, and the first central axis 31 is aligned with the second central axis 15. The vibration wave propagates axially along the first central axis 31, that is, the pressure wave of the fluid can be propagated axially along the second central axis 15. The fluid at the nozzle 13 generates pressure waves uniformly distributed along the circumference of the second central axis 15, causing the fluid surface to bulge outward uniformly with the second central axis 15 as the center. Under the action of the flow field in the fluid chamber 12, the liquid surface shrinks uniformly from the edge of the nozzle 13 with the second central axis 15 as the center to form droplets. This is conducive to achieving the accuracy and consistency of the droplet droplet position, and can be particularly used in application scenarios with extremely high precision requirements. In addition, the pressure wave of the fluid propagates axially along the second central axis 15, so that the kinetic energy component along the axial direction of the second central axis 15 is maximized, thereby improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0043] As an implementation manner, the inner wall of the fluid chamber 12 is symmetrically arranged around the third central axis, and the first central axis is aligned with the third central axis.

[0044] Among them, the fluid chamber 12 is for the linear actuator 3, and the vibration wave propagates axially along the first central axis 31 of the linear actuator 3, generating a pressure wave at the nozzle 13, causing the liquid surface to bulge outward. At this time, the fluid chamber 12 plays a role in reflecting the pressure wave to enhance the energy of the synthetic wave along the second central axis 15. The inner wall of the fluid is arranged symmetrically around the third central axis 16, and the first central axis 31 is aligned with the third central axis 16, so that the reflected pressure wave uniformly distributed along the circumference of the second central axis 15 can be obtained, so as to obtain the synthetic wave uniformly distributed along the circumference of the third central axis 16.

[0045] As an implementation manner, the actuating portions 32 of the linear actuator are arranged in a ring array around the center line of the connecting portion 33; wherein the center line of the connecting portion 33 is parallel to the linear path.

[0046] The actuating portion 32 of the linear actuator is arranged in a ring with the actuator 2 as a vibration source, so that the vibration energy is evenly distributed on the circumference, which helps to achieve a more consistent treatment effect or force application. The phase and amplitude of each vibration source in the ring arrangement can control the directionality of the vibration and achieve precise control of the vibration propagation direction.

[0047] As an embodiment, the distance between the first central axis of the linear actuator 3 and the central axis of the connecting portion 33 is the same, and the distance between the end surface of the actuating portion 32 of the linear actuator 3 and the end surface of the spray hole is the same. Specifically, for example, one connecting portion 33 can be connected to 4 to 8 actuating portions 32 arranged in an annular manner, and of course the number can be determined according to specific circumstances.

[0048] The same spacing between the first central axis of the linear actuator and the central axis of the connecting portion 33 ensures that the vibration wave received by the actuator portion 32 of each linear actuator is attenuated in the same manner at the connecting portion 33 of the linear actuator. The same spacing between the end surface of the actuator portion 32 of the linear actuator and the end surface of the nozzle hole ensures that the vibration wave formed by each actuator portion 32 has the same effect on the nozzle hole when the wave acts on the fluid. When an actuator is actuated, the ejected droplets form a ring-shaped point array.

[0049] As an implementation method, Figure 3 As shown, the actuating parts 32 of the linear actuator 3 are arranged in a rectangular array; wherein, the connecting part 33 is located at the center of the rectangular array, and the center line of the connecting part 33 is parallel to the linear path.

[0050] Generally speaking, the arrangement of the actuators 32 can be designed according to the installation requirements of the nozzle module. When an actuator is actuated, the ejected droplets form a rectangular dot array.

[0051] As an implementation manner, the fluid chambers 12 have the same shape and size characteristics; the linear actuators 3 have the same shape and size characteristics; and the spray holes 13 have the same shape and size characteristics.

[0052] The consistency of structural design can improve the consistency of ink drops.

[0053] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the utility model. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0054] Although the embodiments of the utility model have been shown and described above, they cannot be understood as limiting the claims. The utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and its specific structure is allowed to be changed. All changes made within the protection scope of the independent claims of the utility model are within the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A spraying device for improving the consistency of droplets, used for spraying fluid, characterized in that: include: A chamber body, which has a fluid path and a plurality of fluid chambers therein; the fluid chambers are connected to the fluid path, and at least one spray hole is provided in each of the fluid chambers; an actuator configured to perform mechanical motion in response to the pulse signal; A linear actuator, comprising a connecting portion connected to the actuator, and an actuating portion linearly inserted into the fluid chamber; Among them, one connecting part connects multiple actuating parts, and one fluid chamber corresponds to an actuating part of the linear actuator; the actuating part is configured to make reciprocating linear motion along a linear path relative to the chamber body under the action of the actuator, so as to form waves acting on the fluid in the corresponding fluid chamber.

2. A spraying device for improving droplet consistency according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuating portion of the linear actuator has a first central axis, and the linear path is parallel to the first central axis; the spray hole has a second central axis; and the first central axis is aligned with the second central axis.

3. A spraying device for improving droplet consistency according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner wall of the fluid chamber is symmetrically arranged around the third central axis, and the first central axis is aligned with the third central axis.

4. A spraying device for improving droplet consistency according to claim 2, characterized in that: The actuating parts of the linear actuator are arranged in a ring array around the center line of the connecting part; wherein the center line of the connecting part is parallel to the linear path.

5. A spraying device for improving the consistency of droplets according to claim 4, characterized in that: The distance between the first central axis of the linear actuator and the central axis of the connecting portion is the same, and the distance between the end surface of the actuator portion of the linear actuator and the end surface of the spray hole is the same.

6. A spraying device for improving droplet consistency according to claim 2, characterized in that: The actuating parts of the linear actuator are arranged in a rectangular array; wherein the connecting part is located at the center of the rectangular array, and the center line of the connecting part is parallel to the linear path.

7. The spraying device for improving the consistency of droplets according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid chambers have the same shape and size characteristics; the linear actuators have the same shape and size characteristics; and the spray holes have the same shape and size characteristics.

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