Multi-nozzle and method for applying fluids using a multi-nozzle

Abstract

To provide a multi nozzle equipped with a plurality of nozzles and can discharge a desired amount of fluid without being provided with a valve mechanism.SOLUTION: A multi nozzle 12 according to one embodiment includes a nozzle body 30 having a chamber 30a, and reference nozzles 31 and 32 and a specific nozzle 33 which are provided in the nozzle body 30. Respective inflow ends 31a, 32a and 33a of the nozzles 31, 32 and 33 are communicated with the chamber 30a. Respective outflow ends 31b, 32b and 33b of the nozzles 31, 32 and 33 protrude from an end face 30c of the nozzle body 30. At least either of a nozzle length and a nozzle inner diameter of the specific nozzle 33 is set to be different from nozzle lengths or nozzle inner diameters of the reference nozzles 31 and 32, in accordance with target discharge amounts of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 and a target discharge amount of the specific nozzle 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-nozzle for applying a viscous liquid fluid to a workpiece, and a method for applying the fluid using the multi-nozzle.

Background Art

[0002] In order to cope with the high recording density of disk devices such as hard disk drives (HDDs), a suspension for a disk device provided with a micro actuator element made of a piezoelectric body or the like is known. Small electronic components such as the micro actuator element are usually fixed to a workpiece with an adhesive in the manufacturing process of the suspension. In addition, a conductive adhesive may be used to electrically connect the terminals of the electronic component and the wiring part. The liquid or paste adhesive is an example of the fluid referred to in this specification.

[0003] Depending on the workpiece (for example, the suspension), it is desired to apply an adhesive simultaneously to a plurality of locations on the workpiece in the manufacturing process of the workpiece. In order to efficiently apply an adhesive to a plurality of application parts such as the suspension, it is necessary to simultaneously supply an appropriate amount of adhesive to the plurality of application parts by an automated coating device.

[0004] For this reason, as described in Patent Document 1, it has been proposed to use a multi-nozzle having a plurality of nozzles. Alternatively, as described in Patent Document 2, it has also been proposed to supply an appropriate amount of adhesive from a nozzle to a workpiece by an automated coating device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] To simultaneously apply the appropriate amount of adhesive to multiple locations on a workpiece using a multi-nozzle system, it is crucial to control the amount of adhesive dispensed from each nozzle of the multi-nozzle system to an amount suitable for each application area. For this reason, in the case of the multi-nozzle system described in Patent Document 1, the amount dispensed from each nozzle is adjusted by a valve mechanism provided in the nozzle body.

[0007] As shown in Patent Document 1, a multi-nozzle equipped with a valve mechanism increases the size of the multi-nozzle due to the valve mechanism. Moreover, the structure of the multi-nozzle becomes more complex and its weight increases. For this reason, in devices that apply adhesive at high speed to multiple coating areas of a minute workpiece, such as a suspension for a disk drive, it becomes difficult to move the multi-nozzle at high speed or to control the position of the multi-nozzle with high precision.

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a multi-nozzle that can apply an appropriate amount of fluid with a simple configuration without providing a valve mechanism, and a method for applying fluid using the multi-nozzle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the multi-nozzle is, A multi-nozzle comprising: a nozzle body having a chamber into which a fluid flows; a standard nozzle having a predetermined nozzle length and a predetermined nozzle inner diameter, consisting of a first tube inserted and fixed into a through hole formed in the nozzle body, with an inlet end opening to the inner surface of the chamber and an outlet end protruding to the outside from the end face of the nozzle body; a specific nozzle having a second tube inserted and fixed into a through hole formed in the nozzle body at a distance from the standard nozzle, with an inlet end communicating with the chamber and an outlet end protruding to the outside from the end face; and a recess formed on the inner surface of the nozzle body at a position corresponding to the inlet end of the specific nozzle, with an inner diameter larger than the nozzle inner diameter of the specific nozzle and through which the inlet end of the specific nozzle opens, wherein the length of the second tube is smaller than the length of the first tube depending on the depth of the recess, and the discharge amount of the specific nozzle consisting of the second tube is greater than the discharge amount of the standard nozzle consisting of the first tube. .

[0010] The inner surface of the nozzle body may have a recess at a position corresponding to the inlet end of the specific nozzle, the recess having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the specific nozzle, where the inlet end of the specific nozzle is positioned. The nozzle length of the specific nozzle may be smaller than the nozzle length of the reference nozzle, depending on the depth of the recess. In a multi-nozzle in which the nozzle body, the reference nozzle, and the specific nozzle are integrated, the length from the end face of the nozzle body to the outlet end of the reference nozzle and the length from the end face to the outlet end of the specific nozzle may be equal to each other.

[0011] The reference nozzle, which is made of a tube, may be fixed in a state where it is inserted into a through hole formed in the nozzle body, and the specific nozzle, which is made of a tube, may be fixed in a state where it is inserted into another through hole formed in the nozzle body. The inlet end of the reference nozzle and the inlet end of the specific nozzle may each protrude into the chamber, and the length from the inner surface of the chamber to the inlet end of the specific nozzle may be less than the length from the inner surface to the inlet end of the reference nozzle. The reference nozzle and the specific nozzle may also be arranged parallel to each other, and the length from the end face of the nozzle body to the outlet end of the reference nozzle may be equal to the length from the end face to the outlet end of the specific nozzle.

[0012] The nozzle body, the reference nozzle, and the specific nozzle are integrated, and the inlet end of the reference nozzle and the inlet end of the specific nozzle protrude into the chamber, and the length from the inner surface of the chamber to the inlet end of the specific nozzle may be smaller than the length from the inner surface to the inlet end of the reference nozzle. Alternatively, the reference nozzle and the specific nozzle may be arranged parallel to each other, and the length from the end face of the nozzle body to the outlet end of the specific nozzle may be larger than the length from the end face to the outlet end of the reference nozzle. The nozzle inner diameter of the specific nozzle may be smaller than the nozzle inner diameter of the reference nozzle.

[0013] One embodiment of a fluid coating method is a fluid coating method in which a fluid is simultaneously discharged towards multiple coating areas of a workpiece using a multi-nozzle, wherein the multi-nozzle is The nozzle body includes a reference nozzle consisting of a first tube that discharges the fluid to one of the plurality of coating sections, and a specific nozzle consisting of a second tube that discharges the fluid to the other coating section. A recess is formed on the inner surface of the nozzle body at a position corresponding to the inlet end of the specific nozzle, the inner diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the specific nozzle. This reduces the length of the second tube to less than the length of the first tube in proportion to the depth of the recess, thereby discharging the fluid from the reference nozzle towards the one coating section, and simultaneously discharging more fluid from the specific nozzle towards the other coating section than from the reference nozzle. The aforementioned fluid is discharged.

[0014] If the discharge amount of the specific nozzle is less than or greater than the target value, it may be replaced with a nozzle having a different nozzle length or nozzle inner diameter from the specific nozzle. Alternatively, if the discharge amount of the specific nozzle is less than the target value, the nozzle length of the specific nozzle may be reduced by cutting a part of the specific nozzle. Also, the nozzle inner diameter of the specific nozzle may be increased by cutting the inner surface of the specific nozzle. The discharge amount of the reference nozzle and the discharge amount of the specific nozzle may be calculated based on the Hagen-Poiseuille's equation, and the nozzle length or nozzle inner diameter of the specific nozzle may be determined according to the target discharge amount of the specific nozzle.

Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, an appropriate amount of fluid can be discharged from each nozzle without providing a valve mechanism in the multi-nozzle. Also, it is possible to suppress the complication of the structure and the increase in weight of the multi-nozzle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] Perspective view schematically showing an example of a coating apparatus. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of a multi-nozzle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the multi-nozzle taken along line F3-F3 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] Diagram showing an example of the relationship between nozzle length and discharge amount (when the discharge time is 0.5 seconds). [Figure 5] Diagram showing an example of the relationship between nozzle length and discharge amount (when the discharge time is 0.2 seconds). [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of a multi-nozzle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of a multi-nozzle according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of a multi-nozzle according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of a multi-nozzle according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10]Cross-sectional view of the multi-nozzle according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the relationship between the nozzle inner diameter and the discharge amount (when the discharge time is 0.5 seconds). [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of the relationship between the nozzle inner diameter and the discharge amount (when the discharge time is 0.2 seconds).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, the coating apparatus 10 provided with the multi-nozzle according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The coating apparatus 10 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, but the coating apparatus 10 of the present embodiment has a multi-nozzle 12 for simultaneously applying the adhesive 11 to a plurality of locations on the work W.

[0018] An example of the work W is a suspension for a disk device. The viscous liquid adhesive 11 is an example of a fluid. An electronic component (for example, a piezoelectric element) is fixed to the work W by the adhesive 11. Note that a conductive adhesive may be used for the purpose of electrically connecting the terminals of the electronic component and the wiring portion of the work W.

[0019] An example of the coating apparatus 10 schematically shown in FIG. 1 includes a movable stage 20, a drive mechanism 21, a lifting stage 22, a dispenser 23, a pressure supply source 24, a stage controller 25, a control unit 26, and the like. A plurality of works W are arranged on the movable stage 20 at a predetermined pitch. [[ID=2.]

[0020] The drive mechanism 21 moves the movable stage 20 in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow M1 in FIG. 1. The lifting stage 22 moves in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrow M2 by the lifting mechanism 27. The dispenser 23 includes a syringe 28 provided on the lifting stage 22. The liquid adhesive 11 is discharged from the multi-nozzle 12 toward the work W by the pressure supplied from the pressure supply source 24 to the syringe 28. The pressure supplied to the syringe 28 can be adjusted by a pressure adjusting mechanism.

[0021] An example of adhesive 11 includes an organic resin binder such as epoxy resin and conductive particles mixed into the binder. An example of the binder is a thermosetting fluid, but it may also be an ultraviolet curing type. This adhesive 11 hardens by low-temperature firing.

[0022] A multi-nozzle 12 is provided at the tip of the syringe 28, specifically at the bottom of the syringe 28. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the multi-nozzle 12 along the vertical direction. Figure 3 shows a horizontal cross-section of the multi-nozzle 12 along the arrow F3-F3 in Figure 2. The multi-nozzle 12 has a hollow nozzle body 30 and a plurality (for example, three) of nozzles 31, 32, and 33 provided on the nozzle body 30.

[0023] A chamber 30a into which adhesive flows is formed inside the nozzle body 30. The materials of the nozzle body 30 and the nozzles 31, 32, and 33 are not limited, but for example, the nozzle body 30 is made of metal or resin. The nozzles 31, 32, and 33 consist of substantially straight metal tubes.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the first nozzle 31 has a predetermined first nozzle length L1. The second nozzle 32 has a predetermined second nozzle length L2. The first nozzle length L1 and the second nozzle length L2 are equal to each other. For convenience, in this specification, the first nozzle 31 and the second nozzle 32 may be referred to as reference nozzles 31 and 32, respectively.

[0025] The third nozzle 33 has a third nozzle length L3. The third nozzle length L3 is shorter than the first and second nozzle lengths L1 and L2. For convenience, in this specification, the third nozzle 33 may be referred to as the specific nozzle 33. The nozzles 31, 32, and 33 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the axes X1, X2, and X3 of each nozzle 31, 32, and 33 are substantially straight. In this specification, "substantially straight" means straight within the range of shape errors (or tolerances) that inevitably occur during the manufacturing process of the multi-nozzle 12.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the reference nozzles 31 and 32 and the specific nozzle 33 each have predetermined nozzle inner diameters d1, d2, and d3, respectively. The nozzle inner diameters d1, d2, and d3 of each nozzle 31, 32, and 33 are equal to each other. The outer diameters D1, D2, and D3 of each nozzle 31, 32, and 33 are also equal to each other.

[0028] The standard nozzles 31 and 32 are fixed to the nozzle body 30 when inserted into the through holes 41 and 42 formed in the nozzle body 30. The specific nozzle 33 is fixed to the nozzle body 30 when inserted into another through hole 43 formed in the nozzle body 30. Brazing can be applied as a means of fixing these nozzles 31, 32, and 33 to the nozzle body 30. Alternatively, the nozzles 31, 32, and 33 may be fixed by press-fitting them into the through holes 41, 42, and 43.

[0029] One standard nozzle 31 has an inlet end (hereinafter referred to as the inlet end 31a) that opens to the inner surface 30b of the chamber 30a, and an outlet end (hereinafter referred to as the outlet end 31b) that opens toward the workpiece W. The other standard nozzle 32 also has an inlet end 32a and an outlet end 32b. The specific nozzle 33 also has an inlet end 33a and an outlet end 33b.

[0030] The inlet ends 31a and 32a of the standard nozzles 31 and 32 open into the inner surface 30b of the chamber 30a and communicate with the chamber 30a. In contrast, the inlet end 33a of the specific nozzle 33 is located inside a recess (so-called counterbore) 50 formed in the inner surface 30b and communicates with the chamber 30a. The recess 50 is circular when viewed from above. In order to make the flow resistance of the adhesive 11 flowing into the recess 50 negligibly small, the diameter D4 of the recess 50 (shown in Figure 3) is made sufficiently larger than the inner nozzle diameter d3 of the specific nozzle 33. The recess 50 formed in the inner surface 30b of the chamber 30a is located in a position corresponding to the inlet end 33a of the specific nozzle 33.

[0031] The outlet ends 31b and 32b of the reference nozzles 31 and 32, respectively, and the outlet end 33b of the specific nozzle 33, protrude outward from the end face 30c of the nozzle body 30 by a length L4 (shown in Figure 2) that is substantially equal to each other. In this specification, "substantially equal length" means that the lengths are equal to each other within the range of shape errors (or tolerances) that inevitably occur during the manufacturing process of the multi-nozzle 12.

[0032] Liquid adhesive 11 is supplied to the syringe 28 of the dispenser 23. The adhesive 11 in the syringe 28 is discharged from the multi-nozzle 12 toward the coating areas W11, W12, and W13 (shown in Figure 2) of the workpiece W by the pressure of air or the like supplied from the pressure supply source 24. The outlet ends 31b and 32b of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 correspond to one of the coating areas (the first coating area W11 and the second coating area W12). In contrast, the outlet end 33b of the specific nozzle 33 corresponds to the other coating area (the third coating area W13).

[0033] One reference nozzle 31 and the other reference nozzle 32 simultaneously apply adhesive 11 to the first application area W11 and the second application area W12, respectively. In contrast, the specific nozzle 33 simultaneously applies adhesive 11 to the third application area W13 at the same time as the reference nozzles 31 and 32. In the example shown in Figure 2, the amount of adhesive 11 applied to the third application area W13 is greater than the amount of adhesive 11 applied to the first application area W11 and the second application area W12.

[0034] Figure 4 shows one example of the relationship between nozzle length and discharge volume when the discharge time is 0.5 seconds. Figure 5 shows one example of the relationship between nozzle length and discharge volume when the discharge time is 0.2 seconds. The white circles in Figures 4 and 5 represent values ​​estimated from the discharge volume based on images of the fluid discharged from the nozzle. The black circles in Figures 4 and 5 represent values ​​estimated from the discharge volume based on the weight of the fluid discharged from the nozzle. In both cases, with a discharge time of 0.5 seconds and 0.2 seconds, the discharge volume decreases as the nozzle length increases.

[0035] The line segments V1 in Figure 4 and V2 in Figure 5 represent values ​​obtained by calculation for discharge volume. The flow rate Q and flow velocity can be calculated using Hagen-Poiseuille's equation (1). The discharge volumes shown by white circles in Figures 4 and 5, and the discharge volumes shown by black circles in Figures 4 and 5, are in close agreement with the flow rate Q obtained using Hagen-Poiseuille's equation (1). The discharge volumes of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 and the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 can be calculated based on Hagen-Poiseuille's equation (1), and the length or inner diameter of the specific nozzle 33 can be determined according to the target discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33.

number

[0036] In the multi-nozzle 12 shown in Figure 2, the length L3 of the specific nozzle 33 is smaller than the lengths L1 and L2 of the standard nozzles 31 and 32. Therefore, the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 is greater than the discharge volumes of the standard nozzles 31 and 32. Because the discharge volumes of the standard nozzles 31 and 32 and the specific nozzle 33 are different, the nozzles 31, 32, and 33 are arranged so that an appropriate amount of adhesive 11 is discharged for the application areas W11, W12, and W13.

[0037] In this embodiment, the multi-nozzle 12 has the inlet end 33a of a specific nozzle 33 positioned in a recess 50. Moreover, the protruding lengths L4 of each nozzle 31, 32, and 33 are equal. Therefore, the length L3 of the specific nozzle 33 decreases according to the depth H1 of the recess 50. Consequently, the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 becomes greater than the discharge volume of the standard nozzles 31 and 32. In other words, it is possible to adjust the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 according to the depth H1 of the recess 50. If the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 is less than the target value, the inner surface 33c of the specific nozzle 33 may be shaved down to increase the nozzle inner diameter of the specific nozzle 33, thereby bringing the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 closer to the target value.

[0038] [Second Embodiment] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the multi-nozzle 12A according to the second embodiment. In this multi-nozzle 12A, the nozzle body 30 and the nozzles 31, 32, and 33 are made up of a single integrated part. The nozzles 31, 32, and 33 are formed integrally with the nozzle body 30 by so-called machining. The length from the end face 30c of the nozzle body 30 to the respective outlet ends 31b and 32b of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 is equal to the length from the end face 30c to the outlet end 33b of the specific nozzle 33.

[0039] Similar to the multi-nozzle 12 of the first embodiment (Figure 2), this nozzle-integrated multi-nozzle 12A also allows for adjustment of the discharge amount of a specific nozzle 33 according to the depth H2 of the recess (counterbore) 50. Regarding other configurations and operations, the nozzle-integrated multi-nozzle 12A is the same as the multi-nozzle 12 of the first embodiment (Figure 2), so common reference numerals are used for parts common to the multi-nozzle 12 of the first embodiment, and their explanation is omitted.

[0040] [Third Embodiment] Figure 7 shows a cross-section of the multi-nozzle 12B according to the third embodiment. In this multi-nozzle 12B, the inlet ends 31a and 32a of the reference nozzles 31 and 32, respectively, and the inlet end 33a of the specific nozzle 33 all protrude into the chamber 30a from the inner surface 30b of the chamber 30a. The lengths from the inner surface 30b to the inlet ends 31a and 32a of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 are equal. In contrast, the length from the inner surface 30b to the inlet end 33a of the specific nozzle 33 is shorter than the length from the inner surface 30b to the inlet ends 31a and 32a of the reference nozzles 31 and 32.

[0041] The height of the inlet end 33a of the specific nozzle 33 is lower than the height of the inlet ends 31a and 32a of the reference nozzles 31 and 32. The outlet ends 31b and 32b of the reference nozzles 31 and 32, and the outlet end 33b of the specific nozzle 33, protrude from the end face 30c of the nozzle body 30 by an equal length L5. That is, the length from the end face 30c of the nozzle body 30 to the outlet ends 31b and 32b of the reference nozzles 31 and 32, respectively, is equal to the length from the end face 30c to the outlet end 33b of the specific nozzle 33.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, the lengths of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 are the same. In contrast, the length of the specific nozzle 33 is shorter than the lengths of the reference nozzles 31 and 32. The inner diameters of each nozzle 31, 32, and 33 are the same. Therefore, in the multi-nozzle 12B of the third embodiment (Figure 7), similar to the multi-nozzle 12 of the first embodiment (Figure 2), the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 is greater than the discharge volume of the reference nozzles 31 and 32.

[0043] The multi-nozzle 12B shown in Figure 7 allows for the reduction of the length of a specific nozzle 33 by machining the inlet end 33a of the specific nozzle 33 if the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 is less than the target value. This increases the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33. Alternatively, the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 can be changed by replacing it with another nozzle of a different length.

[0044] [Fourth Embodiment] Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the multi-nozzle 12C according to the fourth embodiment. This multi-nozzle 12C consists of a nozzle body 30, reference nozzles 31 and 32, and a specific nozzle 33, all integrated into a single part. The nozzles 31, 32, and 33 are formed integrally with the nozzle body 30 by so-called machining. The inlet ends 31a and 32a of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 and the inlet end 33a of the specific nozzle 33 protrude into the chamber 30a.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, the length from the inner surface 30b of the chamber 30a to the inlet end 33a of the specific nozzle 33 is shorter than the length from the inner surface 30b to the inlet ends 31a and 32a of the reference nozzles 31 and 32. This multi-nozzle 12C is the same as the multi-nozzle 12B of the third embodiment (Figure 7) except that it is a nozzle-integrated type, so the parts common to the multi-nozzle 12B of the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0046] The multi-nozzle 12C (Figure 8), similar to the multi-nozzle 12B (Figure 7) of the third embodiment, allows the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 to change according to the height of the inlet end 33a of the specific nozzle 33 (length from the inner surface 30b of the chamber 30a). For example, when the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 is less than the target value, the length from the inner surface 30b to the inlet end 33a is reduced by machining the inlet end 33a. This reduces the nozzle length of the specific nozzle 33, thereby increasing the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33. If the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 is less than the target value, the inner surface 33c of the specific nozzle 33 may be machined to increase the nozzle inner diameter of the specific nozzle 33, thereby increasing the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33.

[0047] [Fifth Embodiment] Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the multi-nozzle 12D according to the fifth embodiment. Similar to the multi-nozzle 12 of the first embodiment (Figure 2), this multi-nozzle 12D has a reference nozzle 31, 32 and a specific nozzle 33, which are straight tubes. The reference nozzles 31, 32 and the specific nozzle 33 are arranged parallel to each other. The inlet end 33a of the specific nozzle 33 is located inside a recess (counterbore) 50 formed on the inner surface 30b of the chamber 30a.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, the protruding lengths L6 (length from end face 30c to outlet ends 31b, 32b) of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 are equal. In contrast, the protruding length L7 (length from end face 30c to outlet end 33b) of the specific nozzle 33 is located lower than the outlet ends 31b, 32b of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 by the depth H3 of the recess 50. For this reason, the multi-nozzle 12D of the fifth embodiment is suitable for applying adhesive 11 to the first coating section W11 and the second coating section W12, and to the third coating section W13, which has a difference in height. Note that the length of the tube of the specific nozzle 33 and the lengths of the tubes of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 may be different.

[0049] [Sixth Embodiment] Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the multi-nozzle 12E according to the sixth embodiment. In this multi-nozzle 12E, the inner diameters d4 and d5 of the reference nozzles 31 and 32 are equal. In contrast, the inner diameter d6 of the specific nozzle 33 is smaller than the inner diameters d4 and d5 of the reference nozzles 31 and 32. The lengths of each nozzle 31, 32, and 33 are common to one another.

[0050] The inlet ends 31a, 32a, and 33a of each nozzle 31, 32, and 33 are open on the inner surface 30b of the chamber 30a. The heights (lengths from the end face 30c) of the outlet ends 31b, 32b, and 33b of each nozzle 31, 32, and 33 are the same. The lengths of each nozzle 31, 32, and 33 are equal. In addition, the inner diameter d6 of the specific nozzle 33 is smaller than the inner diameters d4 and d5 of the reference nozzles 31 and 32. Therefore, the discharge volume of the specific nozzle 33 is less than the discharge volume of the reference nozzles 31 and 32. As for the other configurations and operations, this multi-nozzle 12E is common to the multi-nozzle 12 of the first embodiment (Figure 2), so common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the explanation is omitted.

[0051] Figure 11 shows one example of the relationship between nozzle inner diameter and discharge volume when the discharge time is 0.5 seconds. Figure 12 shows one example of the relationship between nozzle inner diameter and discharge volume when the discharge time is 0.2 seconds. The white circles in Figures 11 and 12 represent values ​​estimated from images of the adhesive discharged from the nozzle. The black circles in Figures 11 and 12 represent values ​​estimated from the weight of the adhesive discharged from the nozzle. In both cases, with a discharge time of 0.5 seconds and 0.2 seconds, the discharge volume increases as the nozzle inner diameter increases.

[0052] The line segments V3 in Figure 11 and V4 in Figure 12 represent the discharge volume calculated using Hagen-Poiseuille's equation (1) described earlier. The larger the nozzle inner diameter, the larger the discharge volume. Therefore, if the discharge volume of a particular nozzle 33 is too high or too low, the discharge volume of that particular nozzle 33 can be optimized by replacing it with another nozzle with a different inner diameter.

[0053] As described above, the discharge volume of the reference nozzle and the specific nozzle can be optimized by making at least one of the nozzle length or nozzle inner diameter of the specific nozzle different from the nozzle length or nozzle inner diameter of the reference nozzle. Alternatively, both the nozzle length and nozzle inner diameter of the specific nozzle may be different from those of the reference nozzle.

[0054] In implementing the present invention, the workpiece to which the adhesive is applied may be other than a suspension for a disk drive. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the specific shapes and dimensions of the nozzle body and each nozzle (standard nozzle and specific nozzle) constituting the multi-nozzle can be varied. The number of nozzles can also be determined as needed. The fluid may be other than an adhesive, and may be a paste-like fluid. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] W...workpiece, W11, W12, W13...coating section, 10...coating device, 11...adhesive, 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E...multi-nozzle, 23...dispenser, 30...nozzle body, 30a...chamber, 30b...inner surface, 30c...end face, 31, 32...reference nozzle, 31a, 32a...inlet end, 31b, 32b...outlet end, 33...specific nozzle, 33a...inlet end, 33b...outlet end, 41, 42, 43...through hole, 50...recess.

Claims

1. A nozzle body having a chamber into which a fluid flows, A reference nozzle comprising a first tube inserted into and fixed in a through hole formed in the nozzle body, having an inlet end that opens to the inner surface of the chamber and an outlet end that protrudes to the outside from the end face of the nozzle body, and having a predetermined nozzle length and a predetermined nozzle inner diameter, A specific nozzle comprising a second tube inserted and fixed into a through hole formed in the nozzle body at a distance from the reference nozzle, having an inlet end communicating with the chamber and an outlet end protruding to the outside from the end face, The inner surface of the nozzle body has a recess formed at a position corresponding to the inlet end of the specific nozzle, the inner diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the specific nozzle, and the inlet end of the specific nozzle opens into this recess. Depending on the depth of the recess, the length of the second pipe becomes smaller than the length of the first pipe. A multi-nozzle characterized in that the discharge volume of the specific nozzle consisting of the second pipe is greater than the discharge volume of the reference nozzle consisting of the first pipe.

2. In the multi-nozzle according to claim 1, The reference nozzle and the specific nozzle are arranged parallel to each other. A multi-nozzle in which the length from the end face of the nozzle body to the outlet end of the reference nozzle and the length from the end face to the outlet end of the specific nozzle are equal to each other.

3. In the multi-nozzle according to claim 1, The reference nozzle and the specific nozzle are arranged parallel to each other. A multi-nozzle in which the length from the end face of the nozzle body to the outlet end of the specific nozzle is greater than the length from the end face to the outlet end of the reference nozzle.

4. In the multi-nozzle according to claim 1, A multi-nozzle in which the inner diameter of the specified nozzle is smaller than the inner diameter of the reference nozzle.

5. A method for applying a fluid, wherein the multi-nozzle simultaneously discharges the fluid towards multiple application areas of a workpiece, the multi-nozzle includes a nozzle body, a reference nozzle consisting of a first pipe that discharges the fluid to one of the multiple application areas, and a specific nozzle consisting of a second pipe that discharges the fluid to the other application area. By forming a recess on the inner surface of the nozzle body at a position corresponding to the inlet end of the specific nozzle, the inner diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the specific nozzle, the length of the second pipe is made smaller than the length of the first pipe in proportion to the depth of the recess. A method for applying a fluid, characterized in that the fluid is discharged from the reference nozzle toward one of the application areas, and at the same time, a larger amount of the fluid than that from the reference nozzle is discharged from the specific nozzle toward the other application area.

6. In the method for applying a fluid according to claim 5, A method for applying a fluid, wherein if the discharge volume of the specified nozzle is less than or more than a target value, the specified nozzle is replaced with another nozzle with a different nozzle length or inner diameter.

7. In the method for applying a fluid according to claim 5, A method for applying a fluid, wherein if the discharge volume of the specified nozzle is less than a target value, the nozzle length of the specified nozzle is reduced by removing a portion of the specified nozzle. Law.

8. In the method for applying a fluid according to claim 5, A method for applying a fluid, comprising calculating the discharge rate of the reference nozzle and the discharge rate of the specific nozzle based on Hagen-Poiseuille's formula, and determining at least one of the nozzle length or nozzle inner diameter of the specific nozzle according to the target discharge rate of the specific nozzle.

Images