Apparatus for manufacturing a molded body containing settling particles and method for manufacturing a molded body containing settling particles

Abstract

The present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus for molded articles containing settling particles and a method for manufacturing molded articles containing settling particles, which enables the continuous mass production of molded articles containing a fixed amount of settling particles. [Solution] A manufacturing apparatus for a molded body containing settling particles, comprising: a discharge head that discharges a liquid containing settling particles as droplets to a droplet attachment section; and a supply device that supplies liquid to the discharge head, wherein the supply device extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and has a storage section for storing liquid; a supply section that supplies liquid from within the storage section from one end in the central axis direction of the storage section; and a stirring section that rotates the storage section in the circumferential direction of the central axis of the storage section and stirs the liquid within the storage section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a molded body containing sedimentable particles and a method for manufacturing a molded body containing sedimentable particles.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a technique for discharging a liquid (liquid) such as ink to a desired position, an inkjet type droplet forming apparatus is known.

[0003] In recent years, in a droplet forming apparatus, it is required to discharge various liquids that replace the ink used in conventional two-dimensional printing. For example, the liquid to be discharged includes, in addition to a solution, a dispersion liquid. Examples of the dispersed substance (particles) contained in the dispersion liquid include materials derived from a living body such as cells and genes.

[0004] When discharging the above-described dispersion liquid in a droplet discharge apparatus, the dispersed substance may settle in the liquid chamber. In the following description, the dispersed substance that settles in the dispersion liquid may be referred to as "sedimentable particles". When the sedimentable particles settle, even if the amount of the discharged droplets is constant, the concentration of the sedimentable particles contained in the discharged liquid changes, and it becomes difficult to stably discharge a desired amount of the dispersed substance. When discharging a large amount of the dispersion liquid over a long period of time, the sedimentable particles are likely to settle in the dispersion liquid as the working time elapses, and the above problem is particularly likely to occur.

[0005] To address these conventional challenges, a droplet dispensing means configuration has been proposed in which two suction / discharge members are connected to a liquid holding section that stores a dispersion containing sedimentary particles (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the device configuration of Patent Document 1, the two suction / discharge members alternately switch between sucking the dispersion in the liquid holding section using one suction / discharge member and discharging (supplying) the dispersion into the liquid holding section using the other suction / discharge member. In this case, by making the discharge amount greater than the suction amount of the dispersion, the dispersion can also be supplied to the liquid holding section. This causes the dispersion in the liquid holding section to flow and be stirred, suppressing the sedimentation of sedimentary particles. Furthermore, it also becomes possible to supply the dispersion to the liquid holding section. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when switching between suction and discharge operations in each suction / discharge member, there is a period of time when no liquid is supplied from any of the suction / discharge members, meaning the liquid supply is interrupted, resulting in intermittent supply. Furthermore, when discharging droplets continuously for a long period of time, there is a risk of temporary decrease or depletion of the dispersion liquid in the liquid holding section. In this case, the droplet discharge state may change, or droplets may not be able to be discharged at all.

[0007] Therefore, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of continuously and stably dispensing droplets with a stable content of dispersed phase (sedimentary particles).

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a manufacturing apparatus for molded articles containing settling particles and a method for manufacturing molded articles containing settling particles that can continuously produce a large quantity of molded articles containing a certain amount of settling particles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus for a molded body containing settling particles, comprising: a discharge head that discharges a liquid containing settling particles as droplets to a droplet attachment section; and a supply device that supplies the liquid to the discharge head, wherein the supply device extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and has a storage section for storing the liquid, a supply section that supplies the liquid from the storage section from one end of the storage section in the central axis direction, and a stirring section that rotates the storage section in the circumferential direction of the central axis of the storage section and stirs the liquid in the storage section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a manufacturing apparatus for a molded article containing a certain amount of settling particles and a method for manufacturing a molded article containing settling particles, which enables the continuous mass production of molded articles containing a certain amount of settling particles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the manufacturing apparatus 1 for a sedimentation particle-containing molded body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a partially enlarged view of the manufacturing apparatus 1 for molded bodies containing settling particles. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partially enlarged view of the manufacturing apparatus 1 for molded bodies containing settling particles. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view showing a modified example of a manufacturing apparatus for a molded body containing settling particles. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing apparatus 3 for a sedimentation particle-containing molded body according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing apparatus 4 for a sedimentation particle-containing molded body according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing apparatus 5 for a sedimentation particle-containing molded body according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] [First Embodiment] The manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for a sedimenting particle-containing molded body according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Note that in all the following drawings, the dimensions and proportions of each component have been appropriately altered for clarity.

[0013] In the following explanation, we will set up an xyz Cartesian coordinate system and describe the positional relationships of each member while referring to this xyz Cartesian coordinate system. Here, a predetermined direction in the horizontal plane is defined as the x-direction, a direction perpendicular to the x-direction in the horizontal plane is defined as the y-direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the x-direction and the y-direction (i.e., the vertical direction) is defined as the z-direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the vertically upward direction is defined as the +z direction, and the vertically downward direction is defined as the -z direction. In the following explanation, "upper" in "upper surface" and "upper surface" have the same meaning, as do "down" in "lower surface" and "lower surface".

[0015] Furthermore, in the following explanation, "planar view" refers to viewing the object from above (+z direction), and "planar shape" refers to the shape of the object as viewed from above.

[0016] [Manufacturing equipment for molded bodies containing settling particles] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the manufacturing apparatus 1 for a sedimenting particle-containing molded body according to this embodiment. Figures 2 and 3 are partially enlarged views of the manufacturing apparatus 1 for a sedimenting particle-containing molded body. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view showing a modified example of the manufacturing apparatus for a sedimenting particle-containing molded body.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the manufacturing apparatus 1 for the sedimenting particle-containing molded body includes a discharge unit 10, a supply unit 20A, and a drip unit 30. The manufacturing apparatus 1 for the sedimenting particle-containing molded body also includes a mounting unit 40 and a control unit 50. In the following description, the manufacturing apparatus for the sedimenting particle-containing molded body may be simply referred to as the "manufacturing apparatus."

[0018] In the manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for a molded article containing settling particles of this embodiment, it is possible to manufacture a desired molded article using settling particles.

[0019] In this specification, "sedimentable particles" refers to the dispersed substances that sediment in a dispersion. Examples of sedimentable particles include biological materials, pigments contained in industrial inks, wet toners, and resin particles.

[0020] In this specification, "biological materials" refers to materials derived from living organisms. Examples of biological materials include biopolymers such as proteins, cells, spheroids, and microorganisms. When such biological materials are dispersed in a dispersion medium such as a buffer solution without using a dispersant, they sediment gently. Therefore, these biological materials correspond to the sedimentable particles in the present invention.

[0021] Also, in this specification, "formed bodies containing sedimentable particles" refers to formed bodies obtained by molding using sedimentable particles as materials. Examples of formed bodies containing sedimentable particles include microcapsules encapsulating sedimentable particles, cell sheets manufactured by spreading cells that are sedimentable particles, tissues (three-dimensional shaped objects) manufactured by stacking proteins and cells, and the like.

[0022] In the present embodiment, as a formed body containing sedimentable particles, it will be described as manufacturing a microcapsule MC that contains a biological material, which is a sedimentable particle, as a core C and is covered with a hydrogel membrane HM. That is, in the manufacturing apparatus 1 and the manufacturing method of the formed body containing sedimentable particles of the present embodiment, droplets DR of a liquid L1 containing a biological material, which is a sedimentable particle, and a first substrate are discharged and brought into contact with a liquid L2 containing a second substrate that reacts with the first substrate to form a hydrogel. Thereby, a microcapsule MC in which the core C is covered with a hydrogel membrane HM can be manufactured (see FIG. 1).

[0023] (First substrate, second substrate) The first substrate and the second substrate are not particularly limited as long as they form a crosslinked structure and gelate when mixed with each other, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0024] Examples of the first substrate include bio-derived polymers such as collagen, elastin, gelatin, and fibroin; coagulation factors such as fibrinogen; adhesion factors such as fibronectin, laminin, and recombinant peptides; polysaccharide compound metal salts such as alginic acid and gellan gum; and synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid and polyethylene glycol. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0025] Examples of secondary substrates include polysaccharides, polyvalent metal salts, fibrinogen, thrombin, fibronectin, laminin, recombinant peptides, chitosan, chitin, and tetrafunctional polyethylene glycol (Tetra-PEG). These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0026] It is advisable to conduct preliminary experiments beforehand to determine the combination of the first and second substrates that yields a hydrogel with the desired properties.

[0027] When using biomaterials such as cells as settling particles, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the resulting hydrogel is made of a material that does not adversely affect the biomaterial, such as reducing its viability. For example, when sodium alginate is used as the first substrate and calcium salts such as calcium chloride are used as the second substrate, the resulting hydrogel (calcium alginate) is preferably made of a material commonly used as a cell scaffold.

[0028] The solvent (dispersion medium) for liquid L1 is not particularly limited as long as it is an aqueous solution capable of dissolving the first substrate and dispersing the settling particles. When using biomaterials (e.g., cells) as settling particles, known buffers such as phosphate-buffered saline or Hank's Balanced Salt Solution, a culture medium suitable for the cells used, or the extracellular matrix (ECM) can be used as the dispersion medium.

[0029] The solvent (dispersion medium) for liquid L2 is not particularly limited as long as it is an aqueous solution capable of dissolving the second substrate and dispersing the settling particles. The same solvent (dispersion medium) as for liquid L1 described above can be used for liquid L2.

[0030] (cell) Cells, which are biomaterials, are typically used as settling particles in liquid L1. By using cells as settling particles, the resulting microcapsules MC become hydrogel particles containing cells.

[0031] There are no particular restrictions on the type of cells used; they can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose. Taxonomically, all cells can be used, regardless of whether they are nuclear cells, prokaryotic cells, multicellular organism cells, or unicellular organism cells.

[0032] Examples of eukaryotic cells include animal cells, insect cells, plant cells, and fungi. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Among these, animal cells are preferred, and if the cells form a cell aggregate, adherent cells that adhere to each other and have sufficient cell adhesion to not require isolation without physicochemical treatment are more preferred.

[0033] There are no particular restrictions on the type of adherent cells used; they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples include differentiated cells and undifferentiated cells.

[0034] Differentiated cells include, for example, hepatocytes (parenchymal cells of the liver); stellate cells; Kupffer cells; vascular endothelial cells; endothelial cells such as endothelial cells and corneal endothelial cells; fibroblasts; osteoblasts; osteoclasts; periodontal ligament-derived cells; epidermal cells such as keratinocytes; tracheal epithelial cells; gastrointestinal epithelial cells; cervical epithelial cells; epithelial cells such as corneal epithelial cells; mammary gland cells; pericytes; muscle cells such as smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes; renal cells; pancreatic islet cells; nerve cells such as peripheral nerve cells and optic nerve cells; chondrocytes; and osteocytes. The aforementioned adherent cells may be primary cells directly collected from tissues or organs, or they may be cells that have been passaged through several generations.

[0035] There are no particular restrictions on the undifferentiated cells used, and they can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include undifferentiated embryonic stem cells, pluripotent stem cells such as mesenchymal stem cells with multipotency, unipotent stem cells such as vascular endothelial progenitor cells with monopotency, and iPS cells.

[0036] The cells described above may also constitute cell aggregates (spheres, spheroids, or organoids).

[0037] The microcapsules MC obtained in this way have a core-shell structure in which liquid L1 is encapsulated as core C and core C is surrounded by a membrane HM. Since core C contains the first substrate, core C may also solidify (gel) as the first substrate of core C reacts with the second substrate.

[0038] 《Discharge part》 As shown in Figure 1, the discharge unit 10 has a discharge head 110 and a transport unit 120.

[0039] <Dispensing head> The ejection head 110 employs a so-called inkjet method, ejecting the liquid L1 contained within the ejection head 110 to form droplets DR.

[0040] The "inkjet method" is a method of precisely ejecting small amounts of liquid, which is the material for droplets, from the nozzle of an ejection head. In an ejection head employing the inkjet method, energy caused by pressure, inertia, etc., is instantaneously applied to the liquid stored in the ejection head. As a result, the liquid near the nozzle in the ejection head separates into minute liquid particles according to the applied energy, forming droplets.

[0041] The discharge unit 10 may have only one discharge head 110, or it may have multiple discharge heads 110. The discharge unit 10 shown in Figure 1 has three discharge heads 110a, 110b, and 110c. The three discharge heads 110a, 110b, and 110c are collectively referred to as the discharge unit 110L.

[0042] The discharge heads 110a, 110b, and 110c may each have the same configuration, or they may have different configurations.

[0043] The three discharge heads 110a, 110b, and 110c are arranged in a direction (in the x-direction in the diagram) that intersects the discharge direction (in the -z direction in the diagram) of the liquid discharged from the discharge head 110.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the discharge head 110 has a liquid holding section 111, a vibration section 115, and a fixing member 117.

[0045] The space enclosed by the liquid holding section 111 and the vibration section 115 is the liquid chamber 110S of the discharge head 110. The liquid chamber 110S holds the liquid L1 that will become the droplet DR.

[0046] The amount of liquid L1 held in the liquid chamber 110S is not particularly limited. For example, the amount of liquid L1 held in the liquid chamber 110S can range from approximately 1 μl to 10 ml.

[0047] The discharge heads 110a, 110b, and 110c may each hold the same liquid L1, or they may each hold different liquids L1.

[0048] (liquid holding part) The liquid-holding portion 111 is a cylindrical member with openings at both ends in the z-direction. The liquid-holding portion 111 may be, for example, a cylindrical member. Examples of materials for the liquid-holding portion 111 include metals such as stainless steel, nickel, and aluminum; plastics (resin materials) such as ABS, polycarbonate, and fluororesin; ceramics such as silicon dioxide, alumina, and zirconia; and silicon. The liquid-holding portion 111 may be light-transmitting in at least a portion of it, or it may be opaque.

[0049] The lower end of the liquid-holding section 111, which is one end, is covered and sealed by the vibration section 115. The upper end of the liquid-holding section 111, which is the other end, is open to the atmosphere. When the upper part of the liquid-holding section 111 is open to the atmosphere, the liquid L1 held in the liquid-holding section 111 is less likely to be pressurized when droplets are discharged. Therefore, if the liquid L1 contains cells, damage to the cells can be suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, the upper end of the liquid-holding section may be partially covered with a lid in order to suppress the evaporation of the dispersion medium of the liquid L1.

[0051] (Vibration section) The vibration section 115 includes a nozzle plate (membrane member) 112 and a vibration member 113. In the vibration section 115 shown in Figure 2, the vibration member 113 is located above and the nozzle plate 112 is located below, but it is not limited to this configuration; the nozzle plate 112 may be located above and the vibration member 113 below.

[0052] (Nozzle plate (membrane member)) The nozzle plate 112 is a membrane-like member having a discharge port 112x. The nozzle plate 112 closes the lower end of the liquid holding portion 111 and forms a liquid chamber 110S that holds the liquid L1 together with the liquid holding portion 111. The discharge port 112x is in communication with the liquid holding portion 111.

[0053] There are no particular restrictions on the planar shape, size when viewed from above, material, and structure of the nozzle plate 112, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0054] Examples of planar shapes for the outer edge of the nozzle plate 112 include circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, and rhombus shapes. For example, if the outer edge of the nozzle plate 112 is circular, the nozzle plate 112 will be an annular member.

[0055] If the nozzle plate 112 is too thick, it will vibrate less easily, and if it is too thin, the vibration will not subside easily, reducing the stability of droplet ejection. Therefore, the thickness of the nozzle plate 112 is preferably 5 μm to 500 μm, and more preferably 20 μm to 100 μm.

[0056] For example, the nozzle plate 112 can be a circular component with a diameter of 20 mm and an average thickness of 0.05 mm.

[0057] The nozzle plate 112 is not supported at the end facing the discharge port 112x and can vibrate vertically. The vibration of the end facing the discharge port 112x of the nozzle plate 112 applies a downward force to the liquid L1 near the discharge port 112x, causing it to be discharged as a droplet DR from the discharge port 112x.

[0058] As for the material of the nozzle plate 112, if it is too soft, the nozzle plate 112 will easily vibrate, and it will be difficult to immediately suppress the vibration when it does not dispense. Therefore, it is preferable to use a material that has a certain degree of hardness.

[0059] Furthermore, if the discharged liquid L1 is a dispersion containing cells as settling particles B, the material of the nozzle plate 112 is preferably one that has low cytotoxicity and to which cells do not easily adhere. As such a material, a material with high hydrophilicity is preferred.

[0060] Examples of such materials include metals, ceramics, and polymer materials.

[0061] More specifically, the materials for the nozzle plate 112 include stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, silicon dioxide, alumina, zirconia, ABS, polycarbonate, and fluororesin. Furthermore, a composite material can be used in which the surface of the nozzle plate 112, formed from a material different from the above, is coated with the aforementioned metal, ceramic, or synthetic phospholipid polymer that mimics a cell membrane (for example, Lipidure, manufactured by NOF Corporation).

[0062] There are no particular restrictions on the number of outlets 112x arranged, their arrangement pattern, spacing (pitch), opening shape, and opening size; these can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0063] The opening shape of the discharge port 112x can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples of opening shapes for the discharge port 112x include circular, elliptical, and rectangular shapes. Among these, a circular shape is preferred for the opening shape of the discharge port 112x.

[0064] There are no particular restrictions on the average opening diameter of the discharge port 112x, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. In order to prevent the discharge port 112x from becoming clogged with the settling particles B dispersed in the discharged liquid L1, it is preferable that the opening shape of the discharge port 112x be at least twice the maximum diameter of the settling particles B.

[0065] When the settling particles B are animal cells, particularly human cells, it is preferable that the average opening diameter of the discharge port 112x be between 10 μm and 1000 μm.

[0066] The size of human cells varies depending on the cell type, but is generally between 5 μm and 50 μm. Furthermore, when the settling particles B are cell aggregates (spheres, spheroids, organoids), the size of these cell aggregates ranges from several tens of μm to several millimeters. Therefore, by setting the discharge port 112x to the above size and ensuring that the discharge port 112x has an appropriate average opening diameter depending on the cells being discharged, blockage of the discharge port can be suppressed.

[0067] Furthermore, while a larger opening diameter of the discharge port 112x allows for the discharge of relatively larger cell clumps, there is a relationship where stable discharge becomes more difficult as the opening diameter increases. By setting the average opening diameter of the discharge port 112x to 1000 μm or less, a large number of cell clumps can be discharged stably. In addition, to achieve stable discharge, it is preferable that the upper limit of the average opening diameter of the discharge port 112x be 700 μm or less.

[0068] Furthermore, the smaller the opening diameter of the discharge port 112x, the more likely the cells or cell aggregates passing through the discharge port 112x are to experience shear stress. Therefore, a larger average opening diameter of the discharge port 112x is preferable.

[0069] There are no particular restrictions on the position of the discharge port 112x on the nozzle plate 112, and it can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, it may be at the center of the nozzle plate 112 when viewed from above, or it may be at a position other than the center of the nozzle plate 112 when viewed from above.

[0070] Furthermore, the number of discharge ports 112x on the nozzle plate 112 may be one or multiple. A nozzle plate 112 having multiple discharge ports 112x can be suitably used in a cylindrical liquid holding section 111. In the nozzle plate 112 exposed to the internal space of the liquid holding section 111, the multiple discharge ports 112x should be arranged at equidistant distances from the central axis of the liquid holding section 111. With this arrangement, the vibration state at each discharge port 112x of the nozzle plate 112 is equivalent, that is, the amplitude and vibration mode at multiple discharge ports 112x are equivalent, making it possible to equalize the presence or absence of discharge, and the droplet size and discharge speed when discharged.

[0071] Furthermore, the liquid holding section that can employ a nozzle plate 112 having multiple discharge ports 112x is not limited to a cylindrical shape. As long as the vibration state of the nozzle plate 112 at the multiple discharge ports 112x is equivalent, it can be used in liquid holding sections of various shapes. For example, in the case of an elliptical cylindrical liquid holding section, if discharge ports are provided at positions that coincide with the foci in the xy cross-section (rectangle) of the liquid holding section, the amplitude and vibration mode of the nozzle plate 112 at each discharge port will be equivalent. This makes it possible to make discharge or not, and to make the droplet size and discharge speed equal when discharged, and to discharge droplets simultaneously.

[0072] Similarly, when the liquid holding part is rectangular, by assuming an xy cross-section of the liquid holding part, providing a discharge port at an arbitrary point in the cross-section, and providing a discharge port at a position symmetrical (line symmetry, point symmetry) to that arbitrary point in the cross-section, the amplitude and vibration mode of the nozzle plate 112 at each discharge port become equivalent.

[0073] (Vibration-generating member) The vibration member 113 vibrates the nozzle plate 112 based on the input electrical signal, causing droplets DR to be discharged from the discharge port 112x.

[0074] The vibration excitation member 113 is installed on the upper surface of the nozzle plate 112.

[0075] There are no particular restrictions on the shape, size, material, and structure of the vibration-exciting member 113, and they can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.

[0076] The shape and arrangement of the vibration member 113 are not particularly limited as long as they do not hinder the effects of the invention, and can be appropriately designed to match the shape of the nozzle plate 112. For example, if the planar shape of the nozzle plate 112 is annular, it is preferable to provide the vibration member 113 concentrically around the discharge port 112x.

[0077] Examples of the vibration-exciting member 113 include a piezoelectric element and an electromagnetic solenoid, with a piezoelectric element being preferred. The piezoelectric element can have a structure in which electrodes for applying voltage are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of a piezoelectric material. In this case, by applying a voltage between the upper and lower electrodes of the piezoelectric element from the control unit 50, compressive stress is applied in the lateral direction of the film surface, causing the nozzle plate 112 to vibrate in the vertical direction of the film surface.

[0078] There are no particular restrictions on the piezoelectric material, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include lead zirconate titanate (PZT), bismuth iron oxide, niobate metals, barium titanate, or these materials with metals or different oxides added. Among these, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is preferred.

[0079] There are no particular restrictions on the vibration mode of a piezoelectric element, and it can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Examples include the longitudinal mode and the bend mode. As a piezoelectric element for the longitudinal mode, for example, a multilayer piezoelectric element stacked in the z direction can be used, which expands in the longitudinal direction (z direction) and contracts in the transverse direction (x and y directions) when a voltage is applied.

[0080] Furthermore, as a bend-mode piezoelectric element, for example, a bimorph-type piezoelectric element can be used, in which the piezoelectric element deforms and bends when a voltage is applied, causing a displacement at one end of the piezoelectric element.

[0081] (Fixing member) The fixing member 117 is a cylindrical member that surrounds the liquid holding section 111. The fixing member 117 holds the vibration section 115 at its lower end. The fixing member 117 is also used to attach the discharge head 110 to the transport section 120.

[0082] The shape of the fixing member 117 is not limited to a cylindrical shape; various shapes can be adopted as long as they can hold the vibration unit 115 and allow the discharge head 110 to be attached to the conveying unit 120.

[0083] When a predetermined electrical signal (voltage pulse) is applied to the vibration member 113, the central part of the vibration member 113, which is not fixed to the fixing member 117, deforms vertically. This deformation locally applies pressure to the liquid L1 near the nozzle plate 112 in the liquid chamber 110S, generating a flow of liquid L1 toward the discharge port 112x. A portion of this flow is discharged as droplets from the discharge port 112x.

[0084] In manufacturing apparatus 1, the above operation prevents a large pressure from being applied to the entire liquid chamber, unlike known inkjet heads with a closed liquid chamber. Therefore, when dispensing a dispersion containing cells, the cells in the dispersion are less likely to be damaged, which is preferable.

[0085] Furthermore, the discharge head 110 is provided at the upper end 111x of the liquid holding portion 111, and an extension member 119 may be provided that extends at least a portion of the upper end 111x of the liquid holding portion 111 radially outward from the liquid holding portion 111. The extension member 119 can be made of the same material as the liquid holding portion 111. In this embodiment, the extension member 119 is described as a separate component from the liquid holding portion 111, but the extension member 119 and the liquid holding portion 111 may be integrated.

[0086] The extension member 119 may be provided in an annular shape in plan view, and may extend (increase in diameter) the upper end 111x of the liquid holding portion 111 radially outward over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction.

[0087] If the liquid L1 is supplied directly into the liquid chamber 110S, a problem is anticipated where the liquid L1 will scatter into the surrounding area. In addition, air bubbles may be mixed into the liquid L1 in the liquid chamber 110S, which may affect the discharge state of the liquid droplets from the discharge head 110.

[0088] The term "droplet discharge state" refers to the state of liquid L1 discharge by the discharge head 110, or the state in which discharge is not possible. When the droplet discharge state changes, the size of the droplets DR discharged from the discharge head 110 is affected, and there is a risk that the size will vary among multiple droplets DR. If the size of the droplets DR differs, the amount of dispersion medium (settling particles) contained in each droplet is likely to differ among multiple droplets DR.

[0089] In contrast, because the liquid holding section 111 has an extension member 119, the liquid L1 supplied from the supply device 20A to the discharge head 110 is less likely to splash into the surroundings. Also, as shown in Figure 2, by supplying the liquid L1 from the supply device 20A to the liquid chamber 110S via the extension member 119, air bubbles are less likely to be mixed into the liquid L1 stored in the liquid chamber 110S. This makes it possible to suppress discharge failures of the discharge head 110 caused by air bubbles.

[0090] <Transportation Department> The transport unit 120 has a first moving unit 121 and a second moving unit 122.

[0091] (First mobile section) The first movable part 121 has a support member 121a and a linear motion part 121b. The first movable part 121 is a pair of members provided at the +x side end and the -x side end of the second movable part 122.

[0092] The support member 121a is a rectangular member in the field of view from the +y direction and supports the second movable part 122.

[0093] The linear motion unit 121b is a long member extending in the z direction. The linear motion unit 121b moves the support member 121a up and down in the z direction. The linear motion unit 121b can employ, for example, a known linear actuator equipped with a stepping motor as a drive source.

[0094] The first moving part 121 moves the support member 121a in the z direction, thereby moving the discharge unit 110L supported by the second moving part 122 in the z direction.

[0095] (Second mobile section) The second movable part 122 has a support member 122a and a linear motion part 122b.

[0096] The support member 122a is a rectangular member in the field of view from the +y direction and supports the discharge unit 110L.

[0097] The linear motion section 122b is a long member extending in the x-direction. The linear motion section 122b moves the support member 122a horizontally in the x-direction. Both ends of the linear motion section 122b are supported by the support members 121a of the first moving section 121.

[0098] The linear motion unit 122b can employ, for example, a known linear actuator equipped with a stepping motor as a drive source.

[0099] The second moving part 122 moves the support member 122a in the x direction, thereby moving the discharge unit 110L supported by the support member 122a in the x direction.

[0100] 《Feeding device》 A supply device 20A is provided for each discharge head 110 and supplies liquid L1 to the discharge head 110. The supply device 20A has a storage section 21A, a supply section 23, and a stirring section 25.

[0101] <Storage section> The storage section 21A extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction (z direction) and is a component that stores the liquid L1 supplied to the discharge head 110. The storage section 21A shown in Figure 2 extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (x direction). The storage section 21A may be cylindrical, but is not limited to this, and may be elliptical or rectangular. Furthermore, the cylindrical storage section 21A may have a constant outer diameter or a varying outer diameter. If the outer diameter changes, it may gradually decrease or increase towards one end, and it may have a shape with a partial change in outer diameter and irregularities.

[0102] The storage section 21A includes a storage section body 21 for storing liquid L1, and a flow path member 22A provided at one end of the storage section body 21 in the direction of the central axis AR. The flow path member 22A may be cylindrical, but is not limited to this, and may be elliptical or rectangular. Furthermore, the cylindrical storage section 21A may have a constant outer diameter, or its outer diameter may vary. If the outer diameter varies, it may gradually decrease or gradually increase towards one end, and it may have a shape with a partial change in outer diameter and irregularities.

[0103] The storage section 21A can employ, for example, a syringe piston.

[0104] The flow channel member 22A is a pipe connected to the storage unit body 21. For the flow channel member 22A, materials commonly used in biochemical experiments, such as glass tubes, resin pipes, or rubber tubes, can be used, provided that no adverse effects on biological materials have been substantially confirmed.

[0105] The tip of the flow channel member 22A is spaced apart from the liquid holding section 111, and the tip 22x of the flow channel member 22A is positioned to overlap planarly with the opening at the upper end of the liquid holding section 111. As a result, the liquid L1 supplied from the storage section 21A is dripped into the liquid chamber 110S from above the liquid holding section 111.

[0106] <Supply Department> The supply unit 23 discharges the liquid L1 from the storage unit 21A from one end in the direction of the central axis AR (the tip 22x of the flow path member 22A) and supplies the liquid L1 to the discharge head 110. The supply unit 23 can employ, for example, a plunger used simultaneously with the storage unit 21A, which is a syringe piston.

[0107] The supply unit 23 is controlled to move in the direction of the central axis AR by a drive device (not shown). A known syringe pump can be used as such a drive device.

[0108] It is also possible to use a pump (not shown) as the supply unit 23. In this case, the liquid L1 pushed out by the pump (supply unit) is supplied to the discharge head 110 via the storage unit 21A. When cells or spheroids are used as the settling particles B, it is preferable to use a plunger as the supply unit 23 to avoid damage to the cells due to the operation of the pump.

[0109] <Agitation section> The stirring unit 25 rotates the storage unit 21A in the circumferential direction of its central axis AR. As a result, the liquid L1 inside the storage unit 21A flows and is stirred within the storage unit 21A.

[0110] The stirring unit 25 can rotate the storage unit 21A in various patterns. For example, the rotation speed and direction of the storage unit 21A by the stirring unit 25 may be constant or varied. "Changing the direction of rotation" means switching between the forward and reverse directions of rotation.

[0111] When changing the rotation speed and direction, they may be changed periodically, intermittently, or randomly. They may also be changed according to predetermined criteria such as the amount of liquid stored in the liquid holding section 111. These changes can be configured to suit the suspension being used.

[0112] The stirring unit 25 includes a motor 251, a motor shaft 252 that transmits the rotational motion of the motor 251, a pulley 253 provided on the motor shaft 252, and a belt 254 stretched between the pulley 253 and the storage unit 21A.

[0113] When the motor 251 is driven, rotational motion is transmitted to the pulley 253 via the motor shaft 252. When the pulley 253 rotates, rotational motion is transmitted to the storage unit 21A via the belt 254, causing the storage unit 21A to rotate in the circumferential direction of the central axis AR.

[0114] Preferably, the outer surface of the storage section 21A (storage section body 21) is provided with a pulley section over which the belt 254 is stretched.

[0115] Furthermore, the stirring section 25 has a support member 255 that rotatably supports the storage section 21A. The support member 255 can be, for example, a known ball bearing. The support member 255, being an annular ball bearing, can support the storage section 21A by inserting the storage section 21A into the hole.

[0116] The stirring unit 25 shown in the figure connects the motor shaft 252 and the storage unit 21A using a pulley 253 and a belt 254 to transmit rotational motion, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a chain may be used instead of the belt 254, or gears that mesh with each other may be provided on the motor shaft 252 and the outer surface of the storage unit 21A, and rotational motion may be transmitted via the gears. Alternatively, the storage unit 21A may be placed on a roller, and the storage unit 21A may be rotated by rotating the roller using gears or the like.

[0117] 《Dripping part》 The droplet application section 30 is positioned in the direction of droplet DR discharge and is the component upon which the droplet DR is deposited. The droplet application section 30 is a container that stores the liquid L2 containing the second substrate and has an opening at the top (+z direction). For the droplet application section 30, either a shallow container such as a petri dish or a deep container such as a beaker can be used.

[0118] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the drip-in section 30; organic materials such as synthetic resins, inorganic materials such as glass, and metal materials can be used as appropriate.

[0119] The drip section 30 may have a stirring device for agitating the stored liquid L2. This can suppress the precipitation and aggregation of microcapsules MC formed in the liquid L2. Known configurations can be used as the stirring device.

[0120] Mounting section The mounting section 40 supports the drip application section 30. The mounting section 40 includes an x-stage 41, a y-stage 42, and a base 43.

[0121] The x-stage 41 supports and fixes the drip application section 30. The x-stage 41 also moves the drip application section 30 horizontally in the x-direction.

[0122] The y-stage 42 moves the x-stage 41 horizontally in the y-direction. The base 43 supports the y-stage 42.

[0123] The mounting section 40 can adopt a known configuration as an xy stage. The mounting section 40 may also be an xyz stage that can move in the z direction. For the liquid L1 discharged from the discharge head 110 to become a droplet DR, a certain distance is required between the discharge head 110 and the liquid surface of the liquid L2. However, when a large amount of droplet DR is discharged, the liquid surface of the liquid L2 may rise, and the above-mentioned "certain distance" may not be maintained. Therefore, the droplet attachment section 30 may be moved in the z direction by the z stage in accordance with the rise in the liquid surface of the liquid L2, thereby appropriately controlling the distance between the discharge head 110 and the liquid surface of the liquid L2.

[0124] Control Unit The control unit 50 generates electrical signals to operate each part of the manufacturing apparatus 1 and supplies them to control each part. For example, the control unit 50 generates drive signals to supply to the dispensing unit 10, the supply device 20A, and the mounting unit 40, and supplies them to control the operation of each part.

[0125] Other components In addition, the manufacturing apparatus 1 may have a detection device 60 that detects the discharge of droplets DR by the discharge head 110. As the detection device 60, for example, a detection device can be employed that has a light source 61 that emits detection laser light L into the flight path of the droplet DR discharged from the discharge head 110, and a light receiving unit 62 that receives the laser light L. With such a detection device 60, if the droplet DR blocks the laser light L, the light receiving unit 62 will no longer detect the laser light L, and thus the discharge of the droplet DR can be detected.

[0126] The detection device 60 is designed to detect droplet DR in flight using laser light L, but is not limited to this. Alternatively, an imaging device may be used as the detection device 60 to detect droplet DR by observing the droplet DR in flight.

[0127] Alternatively, the mounting section 40 may be made capable of detecting mass, and the discharge of the droplet DR may be detected by comparing the discharge timing of the droplet DR by the discharge head 110 with the change in mass detected in the mounting section 40.

[0128] As shown in Figure 3, the manufacturing apparatus 1 may have liquid volume measuring members 71 and 72 for measuring the amount of liquid L1 stored in the liquid chamber 110S of the discharge head 110. In Figure 3, liquid volume measuring members 71 and 72 are shown, but either one is sufficient.

[0129] The liquid level measuring member 71 is a known liquid level sensor that detects the liquid level LS of the liquid L1 in the liquid chamber 110S. The liquid level measuring member 71 emits a measuring laser beam L from above the liquid holding section 111 toward the liquid level LS and detects the position of the liquid level LS by detecting the reflected light of the laser beam L at the liquid level LS. A detection float that reflects the laser beam L may be floated on the surface of the liquid L1.

[0130] The liquid volume measuring member 72 is an imaging device that captures the liquid level LS within its field of view. When the liquid volume measuring member 72 is used, imaging by the liquid volume measuring member 72 becomes possible by providing a light-transmitting configuration to at least a portion of the liquid holding section 111.

[0131] The liquid volume measuring member is not limited to the above configuration; a known liquid level gauge can be used.

[0132] The control unit 50 may control the operation of the supply device 20A based on the measurement results from the liquid volume measuring members 71 and 72. That is, if the amount of liquid L1 in the liquid chamber 110S reaches a preset supply standard based on the measurement results from the liquid volume measuring members 71 and 72, the control unit 50 may operate the supply device 20A to supply liquid L1 to the discharge head 110.

[0133] In other words, the supply of liquid L1 to the discharge head 110 by the supply device 20A may be performed continuously or intermittently. When liquid L1 is supplied intermittently, it may be done based on the measurement results as described above, or a fixed amount may be supplied periodically.

[0134] [Method for manufacturing a molded body containing settling particles] The method for manufacturing a molded article containing settling particles according to this embodiment can be suitably carried out using the manufacturing apparatus 1 described above, as an example. The method for manufacturing a molded article containing settling particles comprises the steps of supplying a liquid L1 containing settling particles B from a supply device 20A that stores liquid L1 to an inkjet type ejection head 110, and ejecting the liquid L1 from the ejection head 110 as droplets DR, and forming a molded article (microcapsule MC) containing settling particles in a droplet attachment section 30 arranged in the ejection direction of the droplets DR.

[0135] The supply device 20A has a storage section 21A for storing liquid L1, and supplies liquid L1 to the discharge head 110 from one end of the storage section 21A in the direction of the central axis AR.

[0136] In the supply process, the storage unit 21A is rotated in the circumferential direction of its central axis AR to agitate the liquid L1, which is then supplied to the discharge head 110.

[0137] In the forming process, the stirred liquid L1 is discharged as droplets DR.

[0138] In the manufacturing apparatus and the method for manufacturing a molded article containing settling particles described above, the liquid L1 is stirred and then supplied to the discharge head 110. By discharging the liquid L1 from the discharge head 110 without allowing it to remain in the discharge head for a long time, the settling of the settling particles B within the discharge head 110 can be suppressed.

[0139] Furthermore, since the liquid L1 is stirred in the supply device 20A, the stirring of liquid L1 does not affect the discharge operation of the discharge head 110. Therefore, the discharge head 110 can continuously and stably discharge liquid L1.

[0140] Furthermore, even when discharging a large volume of liquid L1 continuously, by continuously supplying liquid L1, which has been stirred in the supply device 20A and in which the settling particles B have been suitably dispersed, to the discharge head 110, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the liquid chamber 110S of the discharge head 110.

[0141] Therefore, according to the above-described manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for sedimenting particle-containing molded articles, it is possible to continuously manufacture a large quantity of sedimenting particle-containing molded articles containing a certain amount of sedimenting particles (i.e., of a certain quality).

[0142] In this embodiment, the liquid holding portion 111 is exemplified as a prism or cylinder with the same cross-section, but it may also be a cone-shaped or funnel-shaped object with an inner diameter that gradually decreases downwards (and an inner diameter that gradually increases upwards). When liquid L1 is supplied directly from the supply device 20A to the liquid chamber 110S, droplets of liquid L1 that have left the tip 22x fall into the liquid L1 inside the liquid holding portion 111. At this time, if the tip 22x of the supply member 22A is positioned directly above the discharge port 112x, the droplets that have fallen into the liquid L1 inside the liquid holding portion 111 may apply downward pressure toward the liquid L1 near the discharge port 112x, potentially affecting the discharge state of the droplets DR discharged from the discharge head 110.

[0143] In contrast, by making the liquid holding section 111 weight-shaped or funnel-shaped, the liquid L1 can be supplied not directly above the discharge port 112x, but near the side wall of the upper end of the enlarged liquid holding section 111, thereby suppressing the influence on the discharge state described above.

[0144] Furthermore, in inkjet ejection systems, it is generally important to suppress fluctuations in the hydrostatic pressure of the ejection port, that is, the liquid level in the liquid holding section, in order to stabilize the ejection state. By making the liquid holding section 111 weight-shaped or funnel-shaped, the consumption of liquid L1 due to droplet ejection and the fluctuations in the liquid level in the liquid holding section 111 due to the supply of liquid L1 to the liquid holding section 111 can be reduced. This increases the stability of the ejection state.

[0145] Furthermore, in the manufacturing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the tip portion of the flow path member 22A of the supply device 20A is spaced apart from the liquid holding portion 111, but this is not limited to this configuration.

[0146] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of a modified manufacturing apparatus 2. The supply device 20B of the manufacturing apparatus 2 has a storage section 21B having a storage section body 21 and a flow path member 22B. In the manufacturing apparatus 2, the outer surface of the flow path member 22B is in contact with the upper end of the liquid holding section 111.

[0147] In this configuration, if the flow path member 22B (storage section 21B) restricts the movement of the discharge head 110 via the liquid holding section 111, the operation of the vibration member 113 is limited. As a result, the film-like member 112 in the discharge head 110 may not vibrate as desired, potentially causing problems with the discharge of liquid droplets DR.

[0148] To address these anticipated issues, the flow channel member 22B is formed from a soft resin material such as silicone rubber. As a result, the flow channel member 22B deforms synchronously with vibrations emitted from the vibration excitation member 113 and transmitted to the storage section 21B via the liquid holding section 111. Therefore, such a flow channel member 22B does not restrict the movement of the discharge head 110 and does not hinder the discharge of liquid droplets DR. The flow channel member 22B corresponds to the synchronous structure in the present invention.

[0149] The synchronous structure of the supply device 20B is not limited to the flow path member 22B described above. For example, the supply device 20B may have a gimbal that supports the storage unit 21B. The gimbal moves the storage unit 21B in synchronization with vibrations propagated to the storage unit 21B, and maintains a constant relative position between the storage unit 21B and the discharge head 110. As a result, the flow path member 22B does not restrict the movement of the discharge head 110 and does not hinder the discharge of droplets DR.

[0150] [Second Embodiment] Figures 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams of a manufacturing apparatus for a sedimentation particle-containing molded body according to the second embodiment. Components common to the first embodiment in this embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0151] The manufacturing apparatus 3 shown in Figure 5 includes a dispensing unit 10, a supply device 20C, a dripping unit 30, a mounting unit 40, and a control unit 50.

[0152] The supply device 20C includes a storage section 21C, a supply section 23, and a stirring section 25. The storage section 21C includes a storage section body 21 for storing liquid L1, and a flow path member 22C provided at one end of the storage section body 21 in the direction of the central axis AR.

[0153] The flow path member 22C is a pipe connected to the storage unit body 21. The flow path member 22C includes a cylindrical first member 221 connected to the storage unit body 21, a cylindrical second member 222 forming the tip of the flow path member 22C, and a connecting member 223 connecting the first member 221 and the second member 222.

[0154] The first member 221 and the second member 222 can adopt the same configuration as the flow channel members 22A and 22B described above.

[0155] The connecting member 223 is a rotary joint that allows the first member 221 and the storage unit body 21 to rotate independently of the second member 222.

[0156] The flow path member 22C is bent at the connecting member 223. The second member 222 extends vertically downward (in the z direction) from the connecting member 223. The tip of the second member 222 is inserted into the internal space (liquid chamber 110S) of the liquid holding portion 111 through the opening at the upper end of the liquid holding portion 111.

[0157] In the manufacturing apparatus 3, the liquid volume L1 in the liquid chamber 110S is controlled to maintain the state in which the tip of the second member 222 (the tip of the storage section 21C) is below the liquid surface of the liquid L1. Such control can be easily performed, for example, by checking the liquid level position using the liquid volume measuring members 71 and 72 described above.

[0158] In this manufacturing apparatus 3, liquid L1 can be supplied directly from the supply device 20C to below the liquid surface in the liquid chamber 110S. This suppresses splashing of liquid L1 into the surroundings when supplying liquid L1 from the supply device 20C to the discharge head 110. Furthermore, by supplying liquid L1 directly to below the liquid surface in the liquid chamber 110S, it is difficult for air bubbles to be mixed into the liquid L1. This suppresses discharge defects in the discharge head 110 caused by air bubbles.

[0159] The manufacturing apparatus 4 shown in Figure 6 includes a dispensing unit 10, a supply device 20D, a dripping unit 30, a mounting unit 40, and a control unit 50.

[0160] The supply device 20D includes a storage section 21D, a supply section 23, and a stirring section 25. The storage section 21D includes a cylindrical storage section body 21 for storing liquid L1, and a cylindrical flow path member 22D provided at one end of the storage section body 21 in the direction of the central axis AR.

[0161] The flow path member 22D is a pipe connected to the storage unit body 21. The flow path member 22D includes a first member 221, a second member 222, and a connecting member 224 that connects the first member 221 and the second member 222.

[0162] The connecting member 224 is a rotary joint that allows the first member 221 and the storage unit body 21 to rotate independently of the second member 222. The connecting member 224 coaxially connects the first member 221 and the second member 222.

[0163] The second member 222 is detachably fitted into a through hole 111a provided in the side wall of the liquid holding portion 111, and is connected to the liquid holding portion 111. The second member 222 is formed from a soft resin material such as silicone rubber. The second member 222 corresponds to the synchronous structure in the present invention.

[0164] In the manufacturing apparatus 4, the liquid volume L1 in the liquid chamber 110S is controlled to maintain a state in which the liquid level of L1 is above the through-hole 111a. Such control can be easily performed, for example, by checking the liquid level position using the liquid volume measuring members 71 and 72 described above.

[0165] In this manufacturing apparatus 4, liquid L1 can be supplied directly from the supply device 20D to below the liquid surface in the liquid chamber 110S. This suppresses splashing of liquid L1 into the surroundings when supplying liquid L1 from the supply device 20D to the discharge head 110. In addition, by supplying liquid L1 directly to below the liquid surface in the liquid chamber 110S, it is difficult for air bubbles to be mixed into the liquid L1. This suppresses discharge failures of the discharge head 110 caused by air bubbles.

[0166] Furthermore, by forming the second member 222 from a soft resin material, the second member 222 deforms synchronously with respect to vibrations emitted from the vibration member 113 and transmitted to the storage section 21D via the liquid holding section 111. As a result, the flow path member 22D does not restrict the movement of the discharge head 110 and does not obstruct the discharge of the liquid droplets DR.

[0167] Furthermore, similar to the manufacturing apparatus 2 described above, the synchronous structure of the supply apparatus 20D may be a gimbal supporting the storage section 21D instead of the second member 222 described above. This ensures that the flow path member 22D does not restrict the movement of the discharge head 110 and does not obstruct the discharge of droplets DR.

[0168] With the manufacturing apparatus 3 and 4 described above, the settling of sedimentary particles B within the discharge head 110 can be suppressed, and liquid L1 can be continuously and stably discharged from the discharge head 110. This makes it possible to continuously produce a large quantity of molded articles containing sedimentary particles of a consistent quality.

[0169] [Third Embodiment] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing apparatus for a sedimentation particle-containing molded body according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, components common to the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0170] The manufacturing apparatus 5 shown in Figure 7 includes a discharge unit 10, a supply unit 80, an adhesion unit 90, a mounting unit 40, and a control unit 50.

[0171] The supply device 80 includes a storage section 81, a supply section 82, and a stirring section 83.

[0172] The storage unit 81 is positioned vertically above the liquid chamber 110S of the discharge head 110 and stores the liquid L1.

[0173] The storage section 81 is a tank sealed from the atmosphere. The lower part of the storage section 81 shown in Figure 7 is formed in a weight-like shape with a gradually decreasing inner diameter. A through hole is formed at the lower end of the storage section 81, and a pipe 811 connecting the inside and outside of the storage section 81 is connected to it. The lower end of the pipe 811 is the supply port 811x of the storage section 81. The shape of the storage section 81 is not limited to this, and a known liquid tank having a supply port at the lower end can be used.

[0174] The supply unit 82 is a pressure control device that adjusts the air pressure in the gas phase section 81s of the storage section 81. By reducing the pressure in the gas phase section 81s, the supply unit 82 prevents leakage of liquid L3 from the supply port 811x and retains the liquid L3 in the storage section 81. The supply unit 82 also supplies (discharges) liquid L3 from the supply port 71x by pressurizing the gas phase section 81s.

[0175] The stirring unit 83 stirs the liquid L1 in the storage unit 81. The stirring unit 83 has a motor 831, a shaft 832 that transmits the rotational motion of the motor 831, and a stirring blade 833 provided at the lower end of the shaft 832. By driving the stirring unit 83, the liquid L1 in the storage unit 81 is stirred. At that time, in order not to damage the settling particles B, it is preferable that the stirring speed be as low as possible within the range in which the stirring effect can be obtained.

[0176] At this time, by making the piping 811 of the storage section 81 as short and wide as possible, the flow of liquid L1 formed by the stirring section 83 is transmitted to the inside of the piping 811, improving the stirring efficiency.

[0177] The adhesion portion 90 is a plate that is held on the mounting portion 40, which is an xy stage, and onto which the droplet DR adheres. The adhesion portion 90 may be a container with an open top. The adhesion portion 90 corresponds to the droplet attachment portion in this invention.

[0178] The droplets DR discharged from the discharge head 110 land on the attachment portion 90. By supplying a gelling agent (second substrate) to the droplets DR on the attachment portion 90 from a discharge head (not shown), a molded body S can be formed. The biomaterial (sedimenting particles B) contained in the droplets DR connect with each other in the planar direction on the surface 90a of the attachment portion 90, and are further stacked to form the molded body S.

[0179] The surface 90a of the attachment portion 90 may be treated to facilitate the adhesion of settling particles B (molded body S).

[0180] Furthermore, the discharge section 10 (discharge head 110) shown in Figure 7 is provided at the upper end 111x of the liquid holding section 111 and has an extension member 119 that extends at least a portion of the upper end 111x of the liquid holding section 111 radially outward from the liquid holding section 111. This makes it possible to suppress discharge defects of the discharge head 110 caused by air bubbles.

[0181] [Method for manufacturing a molded body containing settling particles] The method for manufacturing a molded article containing settling particles according to this embodiment can be suitably carried out using the manufacturing apparatus 5 described above, as an example. The method for manufacturing a molded article containing settling particles comprises the steps of supplying a liquid L1 containing a biomaterial which is settling particles B from a supply device 20A that stores liquid L1 to an inkjet type ejection head 110, and ejecting the liquid L1 from the ejection head 110 as droplets DR, and forming a molded article S containing settling particles at a droplet attachment part (adhesion part 90) arranged in the ejection direction of the droplets DR.

[0182] The supply device 80 is positioned vertically above the discharge head 110 and has a storage section 81 for storing liquid L1, and supplies liquid L1 to the discharge head 110 from a supply port 811x at its lower end.

[0183] In the supply process, the liquid L1 stirred in the storage section 81 is supplied to the discharge head 110.

[0184] In the forming process, the stirred liquid L1 is discharged as droplets DR.

[0185] In the attachment section 90, a molded body S can be formed by supplying a gelling agent (second substrate) to the discharged liquid L1. An example of a method for supplying the gelling agent is to use a discharge head (not shown) to discharge droplets containing the gelling agent onto the liquid L1 attached to the attachment section 90.

[0186] In the manufacturing apparatus 5 and the method for manufacturing a molded article containing settling particles described above, the settling of the settling particles B within the discharge head 110 can be suppressed, and the liquid L1 can be continuously and stably discharged from the discharge head 110. This makes it possible to continuously manufacture a large quantity of molded articles containing settling particles of a consistent quality.

[0187] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. The shapes and combinations of the constituent members shown in the above examples are merely examples, and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0188] For example, in the above-described manufacturing apparatus 1 to 5 for the sedimenting particle-containing molded body, the control unit 50 may be connected to a server via a wired or wireless line. The server may be located within the facility where the manufacturing apparatuses 1 to 5 are installed, in a facility managed by the manufacturer of the manufacturing apparatuses 1 to 5, or configured on a cloud network.

[0189] Furthermore, it is preferable to allow the control unit 50 to input the molding results of the molded product under the manufacturing conditions set during use.

[0190] In the above configuration, it is preferable that manufacturing devices 1 to 5 can upload the manufacturing conditions for the molded body set during use, as well as the manufacturing results of the molded body under those conditions, to the server. Furthermore, it is preferable that manufacturing devices 1 to 5 can download from the server the manufacturing conditions set by other users when they used manufacturing devices 1 to 5 in a different environment, as well as the manufacturing results under those conditions. The uploadable and downloadable manufacturing conditions include not only those conditions under which a suitable molded body was obtained, but also those under which a suitable molded body was not obtained.

[0191] By enabling multiple manufacturing devices 1-5 to share information on manufacturing conditions and results via a server, users of manufacturing devices 1-5 can easily obtain suitable manufacturing conditions for their desired molded products and easily manufacture the desired molded products without extensive trial and error.

[0192] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0193] [1] A manufacturing apparatus for a molded body containing settling particles, comprising: a discharge head for discharging a liquid containing settling particles as droplets to a droplet portion; and a supply device for supplying the liquid to the discharge head, wherein the supply device extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and includes a storage portion for storing the liquid, a supply portion for supplying the liquid from the storage portion from one end in the central axis direction of the storage portion, and a stirring portion for rotating the storage portion in the circumferential direction of the central axis of the storage portion and stirring the liquid in the storage portion.

[0194] [2] The apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded body according to [1], wherein the storage section comprises a storage section body for storing the liquid and a flow channel member provided at one end of the storage section body in the central axis direction.

[0195] [3] The flow channel member comprises a first member connected to the storage unit body, a second member constituting the tip of the flow channel member, and a connecting member connecting the first member and the second member, wherein the connecting member is a rotary joint that allows the first member and the storage unit body to rotate independently of the second member, the apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded body as described in [2].

[0196] [4] The apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded body according to [3], wherein the flow channel member is bent at the connecting member, and the discharge head has a liquid-holding portion with an open upper end, and the liquid is supplied from the tip of the second member to the liquid-holding portion.

[0197] [5] The apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded body according to [2], wherein the discharge head has a liquid-holding portion with an open upper end, and the tip of the flow channel member is positioned to overlap planarly with the opening at the upper end.

[0198] [6] A manufacturing apparatus for a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to any one of [1] to [5], comprising a liquid volume measuring member for measuring the amount of liquid stored in the discharge head, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the supply device based on the measurement result from the liquid volume measuring member.

[0199] [7] A manufacturing apparatus for a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to any one of [1] to [6], comprising a detection device for detecting the discharge of the droplets by the discharge head.

[0200] [8] A manufacturing apparatus for a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to any one of [1] to [7], comprising, as the droplet attachment part, an attachment part to which the droplet adheres, and an xy stage for moving the attachment part in the horizontal direction.

[0201] [9] The dispensing head comprises a liquid holding portion, a dispensing port for dispensing the liquid droplets and a membrane member that together with the liquid holding portion forms a liquid chamber for holding the liquid, and a vibrating member for vibrating the membrane member, the apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to any one of [1] to [8].

[0202]

[10] An extension member is provided at the upper end of the liquid-holding portion, having a shape that extends at least a portion of the upper end of the liquid-holding portion to the outside of the liquid-holding portion. [9] The apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded article.

[0203]

[11] A method for manufacturing a molded body containing settling particles, comprising the steps of: supplying a liquid containing settling particles from a supply device that stores a liquid to an inkjet type ejection head; ejecting the liquid from the ejection head as droplets and forming a molded body containing the settling particles in a droplet attachment section arranged in the ejection direction of the droplets, wherein the supply device has a storage section for storing the liquid, supplies the liquid to the ejection head from one end of the storage section in the axial direction of its central axis, in the supply step, rotates the storage section in the circumferential direction of its central axis to agitate the liquid and supplies it to the ejection head, and in the forming step, ejects the agitated liquid as droplets.

[0204]

[12] The method for producing a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to

[11] , wherein the molded article comprises a hydrogel obtained by the reaction of a first substrate and a second substrate, the liquid comprises either the first substrate or the second substrate, and the droplet portion comprises either the first substrate or the second substrate.

[0205]

[13] The sedimenting particles are a biomaterial.

[11] or

[12] A method for producing a molded article containing sedimenting particles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0206] 1,2,3,4,5…Manufacturing equipment, 20A,20B,20C,20D,80…Supplying equipment, 21…Storage unit body, 21A,21B,21C,21D,81…Storage unit, 22A,22B,22C,22D…Flow path members, 22x…Tip, 23,82…Supply unit, 25,83…Agitation unit, 30…Drip application unit, 40…Placement unit (xy stage), 50…Control unit, 60…Detection device, 71,72…Liquid volume measuring member, 71x,811x…Supply port, 9 0...Attachment part (droplet application part), 110, 110a...Discharge head, 110S...Liquid chamber, 111...Liquid holding part, 111a...Through hole, 111x...Upper end, 112...Nozzle plate (membrane member), 112x...Discharge port, 113...Vibration member, 115...Vibration part, 119...Extension member, 221...First member, 222...Second member, 223, 224...Connecting member, S...Molded body, AR...Central axis, B...Sedating particle, DR...Droplet, HM...Membrane, L1, L2...Liquid [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0207] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7187786

Claims

1. A dispensing head that dispenses liquid containing settling particles as droplets onto the droplet attachment point, A supplying device that supplies the liquid to the discharge head, Equipped with, The supply device is A storage section extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction and storing the liquid, A supply unit that supplies the liquid from the storage unit from one end of the storage unit in the central axis direction, A stirring unit rotates the storage unit in the circumferential direction of the central axis of the storage unit and stirs the liquid inside the storage unit, A manufacturing apparatus for molded bodies containing settling particles.

2. The storage unit comprises a storage unit body for storing the liquid, The apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded body according to claim 1, further comprising a flow channel member provided at one end of the storage body in the central axis direction.

3. The flow channel member comprises a first member connected to the storage unit body, The second member that constitutes the tip of the flow channel member, It has a connecting member that connects the first member and the second member, The apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded body according to claim 2, wherein the connecting member is a rotary joint that allows the first member and the storage unit body to rotate independently of the second member.

4. The flow channel member is bent at the connecting member, The discharge head has a liquid-holding portion with an open upper end, The apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to claim 3, wherein the liquid is supplied from the tip of the second member to the liquid-holding portion.

5. The discharge head has a liquid-holding portion with an open upper end, The apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded body according to claim 2, wherein the tip of the flow channel member is arranged to overlap in plan with the opening at the upper end.

6. A liquid volume measuring member for measuring the amount of liquid stored in the discharge head, A manufacturing apparatus for a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the supply device based on the measurement results from the liquid volume measuring member.

7. A manufacturing apparatus for a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a detection device for detecting the discharge of the droplets by the discharge head.

8. The aforementioned droplet attachment area includes an attachment area to which the droplet adheres, A manufacturing apparatus for a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an xy stage for moving the attachment portion in the horizontal direction.

9. The aforementioned discharge head is Liquid holding section, A membrane-like member having a discharge port for discharging the aforementioned droplets and forming a liquid chamber for holding the liquid together with the liquid holding portion, A manufacturing apparatus for a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an excitation member for vibrating the aforementioned film-like member.

10. The apparatus for manufacturing a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to claim 9, wherein an extension member is provided at the upper end of the liquid-holding portion, the extension member having a shape that extends at least a portion of the upper end of the liquid-holding portion to the outside of the liquid-holding portion.

11. A process of supplying liquid containing settling particles from a supply device to an inkjet-type ejection head, The process includes discharging the liquid as droplets from the discharge head and forming a molded body containing the settling particles in a droplet attachment section arranged in the direction of droplet discharge, The supply device has a storage section for storing the liquid, and supplies the liquid to the discharge head from one end of the storage section in the central axis direction. In the supplying process, the liquid is agitated by rotating the storage unit in the circumferential direction of the central axis of the storage unit and supplied to the discharge head. A method for manufacturing a molded article containing settling particles, wherein in the step of forming the article, the stirred liquid is discharged as droplets.

12. The molded body comprises a hydrogel obtained by the reaction of a first substrate and a second substrate. The liquid comprises either the first substrate or the second substrate. The method for producing a sedimenting particle-containing molded article according to claim 11, wherein the droplet-receiving portion is the other of either the first substrate or the second substrate.

13. The method for producing a molded article containing settling particles according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the settling particles are made of a biomaterial.

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