Application device

Abstract

Provided is an application device that can improve the reliability of severing strands of a high-viscosity body.　This application device comprises: a metal support part that supports a discharge-receiving medium; a syringe that has, at a tip end thereof, a nozzle for applying a high-viscosity body to the discharge-receiving medium; a power source that applies a voltage between the nozzle and the support part; a drive part that causes the syringe, the support part, or the syringe and the support part to move such that the nozzle relatively approaches the discharge-receiving medium or is distanced from the discharge-receiving medium; and a control device, wherein the control device performs a first process to cause the high-viscosity body to be discharged from the nozzle onto the discharge-receiving medium during a condition in which the power source has applied the voltage between the nozzle and the support part, a second process to use the drive part to bring the support part closer to the nozzle and use the nozzle to compress the high-viscosity body on the discharge-receiving medium after the completion of the first process, and a third process to use the drive part to distance the support part from the nozzle after the completion of the second process.

Description

Coating Equipment

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an application device that applies a highly viscous material to an ejection receiving medium.

[0002] Conventionally, it is known that an insulating ink in which electrostatically charged colorant particles are dispersed in a solvent is used as an ink composition, electrostatic force is applied to the ink composition to form a thread of the ink composition, and vibrations at a frequency within a predetermined range are applied to the thread to break the thread and form ink droplets (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent No. 4421888

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned prior art inventions, there is a risk that the thread will not be cut or that it will be cut after a certain time has passed since vibration was applied, which results in the problem of the highly viscous material remaining around the nozzle tip or on the ejection receiving medium.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an application device that can improve the reliability of cutting threads of high-viscosity material.

[0006] The application device disclosed herein is an application device that applies a high-viscosity material to a receiving medium, and includes a metal support part that supports the receiving medium, a syringe having a nozzle at its tip that applies the high-viscosity material to the receiving medium, a power source that applies a voltage between the nozzle and the support part, a drive part that moves the syringe, the support part, and any one of the syringe and the support part so that the nozzle moves relatively closer to or away from the receiving medium, and a control device, wherein the control device performs a first process in which the high-viscosity material is ejected from the nozzle to the receiving medium while applying a voltage between the nozzle and the support part using the power source, a second process in which, after the first process is completed, the drive part moves the support part closer to the nozzle and the nozzle compresses the high-viscosity material on the receiving medium, and a third process in which, after the second process is completed, the drive part moves the support part away from the nozzle.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the second process, which is executed after the first process, moves the support unit closer to the nozzle, thereby compressing the high-viscosity material on the ejection medium using the nozzle. This causes the high-viscosity material between the ejection medium and the nozzle to be crushed, reducing its surface area and increasing the surface tension of the high-viscosity material. From this state, the third process moves the support unit away from the nozzle, making it easier to cut the string of high-viscosity material. This improves the reliability of cutting the string of high-viscosity material. Furthermore, by moving the support unit closer to the nozzle in the second process, the amount of high-viscosity material remaining around the nozzle tip can be reduced. This also reduces the possibility of the high-viscosity material forming a string during the third process.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an application device that can improve the reliability of cutting threads of high-viscosity material.

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a coating device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the coating device of FIG. 1; (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the discharge control of a high-viscosity material; and (c) is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the coating device. (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the discharge control of a high-viscosity material. (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the discharge control of a high-viscosity material.

[0010] Hereinafter, a coating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The coating device described below is merely one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment, and additions, deletions, and modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a coating apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the coating apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1.

[0012] The coating device 100 ejects a high-viscosity material (so-called hot-melt ink) Hv, which is solid at room temperature and melts when heated, onto a receiving medium W, as described below in FIG. 3 . After the high-viscosity material Hv is ejected onto the receiving medium W, it solidifies on the receiving medium W, resulting in printing. Conventional hot-melt inks can be used, including, for example, those containing oil-soluble dyes of various colors, such as black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, a fatty acid that dissolves or disperses the oil-soluble dyes, a mixed solvent consisting of an organic solvent such as polyethylene or a mixture thereof, an antioxidant, a preservative, and a polymerization inhibitor. The high-viscosity material Hv has a viscosity greater than 10 Pa·s. The receiving medium W may be, for example, a metal plate.

[0013] 1, the coating apparatus 100 includes a syringe 2 having a nozzle 1, a support unit 3, a power source 4, a ceramic tube 5, a tube heater 6, an infrared heater 7, a first temperature controller 9, a second temperature controller 10, a reflecting unit 11, a temperature sensor 12, an air pressure supply system 20, and a control device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the coating apparatus 100 further includes a drive circuit 40, a drive unit 41, a third temperature controller 42, and a heater 43. The tube heater 6 corresponds to a first heating unit, and the infrared heater 7 corresponds to a second heating unit.

[0014] The syringe 2 extends in a predetermined direction and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The syringe 2 has a nozzle 1 at its tip. At least a portion of the outer surface of the nozzle 1 is black. Alternatively, the entire outer surface of the nozzle 1 may be black. The high-viscosity material Hv inside the syringe 2 melts and is then ejected from the nozzle 1 toward the ejection receiving medium W. An air pressure supply system 20 is also connected to the syringe 2. The air pressure supply system 20 will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, a drive unit (not shown) may be provided that moves the syringe 2 back and forth in three axial directions. This makes it possible for the tip of the nozzle 1 to move closer to or farther away from the support unit 3.

[0015] The support unit 3 supports the ejection receiving medium W. The support unit 3 is made of metal. The support unit 3 is capable of reciprocating movement in three axial directions by a drive unit 41 including, for example, a ball screw or a rack and pinion. This allows the support unit 3 to move closer to or farther away from the tip of the nozzle 1. Note that it is only necessary for the support unit 3 to be able to move relatively closer to or farther away from the tip of the nozzle 1, so it is sufficient to provide at least one of the drive unit and drive unit 41.

[0016] Furthermore, the support part 3 is provided with a temperature sensor 12. The temperature sensor 12 detects the temperature of the support part 3. Temperature information of the support part 3 detected by the temperature sensor 12 is sent to the first temperature controller 9.

[0017] The power supply 4 is, for example, a high-voltage power supply, and applies a voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support portion 3. The power supply 4 is connected to the nozzle 1 by an electric wire 4a, and is also connected to the support portion 3 by an electric wire 4b. As a result, a predetermined voltage is applied between the nozzle 1 and the support portion 3, and the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 is ejected onto the ejection receiving medium W so as to be attracted to the support portion 3, as will be described later.

[0018] The ceramic tube 5 is provided on the outer periphery of the syringe 2. Specifically, the ceramic tube 5 is wound around the outer periphery of the syringe 2. The ceramic tube 5 has a thermal conductivity higher than 1 W / (m·k). A material having high thermal conductivity and insulating properties is used as the insulating portion.

[0019] The tube heater 6 is provided on the outer periphery of the ceramic tube 5. Specifically, the tube heater 6 is wound around the outer periphery of the ceramic tube 5. An example of the tube heater 6 is an electric heater made of ceramic. The second temperature controller 10 is connected to the tube heater 6 by a power supply line 10a and is also connected to the tube heater 6 by a temperature control line 10b. This supplies power to the tube heater 6, and the second temperature controller 10 controls the heating of the tube heater 6. Therefore, the heat from the tube heater 6 is conducted to the syringe 2 via the ceramic tube 5, thereby heating the syringe 2.

[0020] Infrared heater 7 indirectly heats nozzle 1 and syringe 2. Infrared heater 7 has a heating element 8, such as a halogen lamp, and a reflecting mirror 18, such as a semicircular mirror, arranged behind heating element 8. First temperature controller 9 is connected to heating element 8 by a power supply line 9b and to temperature sensor 12 by a temperature control line 9a. This allows power to be supplied to heating element 8, and first temperature controller 9 controls the heat generation of heating element 8. Therefore, nozzle 1 and syringe 2 are heated by infrared rays from heating element 8. In this case, reflecting mirror 18 reflects the infrared rays from heating element 8 toward nozzle 1. This makes it easier for nozzle 1 and syringe 2 to be heated.

[0021] The reflecting portion 11 reflects the infrared rays emitted by the heating element 8 toward the nozzle 1. Furthermore, the reflecting portion 11 focuses the infrared rays emitted by the heating element 8 toward the nozzle 1. The reflecting portion 11 is formed, for example, in an arc shape. The reflecting portion 11 is disposed, for example, on the outer side in the radial direction of the nozzle 1. The reflecting portion 11 is provided so as to surround the nozzle 1 from the radial direction of the nozzle 1.

[0022] The air pressure supply system 20 includes a compressor 21, a regulator filter 22, a pressure gauge 23, and an air supply pipe 24. The compressor 21 compresses the outside air it takes in and introduces the compressed air into the air supply pipe 24. The regulator filter 22 removes water droplets, dust, and the like contained in the compressed air and reduces the pressure of the compressed air to a predetermined pressure. The pressure gauge 23 measures the pressure of the compressed air flowing through the air supply pipe 24. The downstream end of the air supply pipe 24 is connected to the inside of the syringe 2. In this configuration, the compressed air generated by the compressor 21 is supplied into the syringe 2 via the air supply pipe 24. As a result, the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 is pushed out by the compressed air and ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W. By supplying compressed air into the syringe 2 in this way, the high-viscosity material Hv can also be ejected onto the ejection receiving medium W.

[0023] 2, the control device 30 has a calculation unit 31, a storage unit 32, and an interface 33. The control device 30 may be a single controller or may be configured with multiple controllers.

[0024] The interface 33 is connected to an external device 34 such as a computer, a network, or a recording medium, and receives various data such as print data from the external device 34. The print data is data for forming an image by discharging the high-viscosity material Hv onto the ejection receiving medium W. Note that the print data may be data stored in the storage unit 32, or may be data input by the user using an input device 35 such as a keyboard and mouse provided in the coating apparatus 100.

[0025] The storage unit 32 is a storage medium accessible by the calculation unit 31, and is composed of, for example, RAM and ROM. The RAM temporarily stores various data. Examples of this data include print data, thickness information about the ejection receiving medium W, and data calculated by the calculation unit 31. The ROM stores programs for performing various processes. Note that the programs may be stored in a storage medium other than the storage unit 32.

[0026] The calculation unit 31 is configured by a processor such as a CPU and an integrated circuit such as an ASIC, etc. The calculation unit 31 executes various controls by executing programs stored in a ROM.

[0027] The control device 30 is connected to the drive unit 41 via the drive circuit 40, and outputs a control signal based on print data to the drive circuit 40. The drive circuit 40 generates a drive signal based on the control signal and outputs it to the drive unit 41. This causes the drive unit 41 to drive the support unit 3 in accordance with the drive signal. In this case, the drive unit 41 moves the support unit 3 so that the position of the ejection receiving medium W in the three axial directions relative to the nozzle 1 is a predetermined position.

[0028] The control device 30 controls the application of voltage by the power supply 4. The control device 30 ejects the high-viscosity material Hv from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W while applying a voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support part 3 by the power supply 4. When a predetermined voltage is applied between the nozzle 1 and the support part 3 by the power supply 4, an electric field (electrostatic field) is generated between the nozzle 1 and the support part 3. At this time, an electrostatic force (Coulomb force) in the electric field is applied to the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2. As a result, the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 is ejected onto the ejection receiving medium W as it is attracted to the support part 3.

[0029] In this embodiment, the control device 30 applies voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support part 3 using the power source 4, causing the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 to be ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejected medium W, but in addition, compressed air may be supplied into the syringe 2 using the air pressure supply system 20 to assist the nozzle 1 in ejecting the high-viscosity material Hv.

[0030] After the high-viscosity material Hv is ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W as described above, the control device 30 causes the drive circuit 40 to continuously move the support part 3 that supports the ejection receiving medium W in two axial directions, i.e., in a plane. As a result, the high-viscosity material Hv is drawn in lines on the ejection receiving medium W.

[0031] Furthermore, the control device 30 transmits control signals to the first temperature controller 9, the second temperature controller 10, and the third temperature controller 42. The first temperature controller 9 controls the heat generation of the heating element 8 of the infrared heater 7 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 12 in accordance with the control signal from the control device 30. This heats the nozzle 1 to a predetermined temperature. Furthermore, the second temperature controller 10 controls the heating of the tube heater 6 in accordance with the control signal from the control device 30. This heats the syringe 2, and the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0032] The heater 43 heats the ejection receiving medium W and the support unit 3. The heater 43 may be provided, for example, on the surface of the support unit 3 opposite to the surface that supports the ejection receiving medium W. The third temperature controller 42 controls the heating of the heater 43 in accordance with a control signal from the control device 30. As a result, the ejection receiving medium W and the support unit 3 are heated to a predetermined temperature. The control device 30 also controls the pressure reduction operation by the regulator filter 22 based on the measurement results from the pressure gauge 23.

[0033] Next, the discharge control of the high-viscosity material Hv in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 3(a) to 3(c) are diagrams for explaining the discharge control of the high-viscosity material Hv.

[0034] First, the control device 30 raises the temperature of the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 to a predetermined value. In this case, the control device 30 causes the second temperature controller 10 to execute heating control of the tube heater 6. As a result, the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 is heated and melted. Note that the predetermined value may be any temperature equal to or higher than the melting temperature of the high-viscosity material Hv.

[0035] Next, the control device 30 moves the ejection receiving medium W supported by the support unit 3 to a predetermined position relative to the nozzle 1. In this case, the support unit 3 is driven by the drive unit 41, which causes the ejection receiving medium W to move to a predetermined position relative to the nozzle 1. At this time, the distance between the tip of the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W is L1, as shown in Figure 3(a).

[0036] Next, the control device 30 applies a voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support part 3 using the power supply 4, thereby executing a process (first process) in which the high-viscosity material Hv is ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W, as shown in Fig. 3A. In this case, the ejection of the high-viscosity material Hv by the nozzle 1 may be assisted by supplying compressed air into the syringe 2 using the air pressure supply system 20. The high-viscosity material Hv is applied onto the ejection receiving medium W by the first process.

[0037] The control device 30 then causes the drive unit 41 to continuously move the support unit 3 in a plane. As a result, the high-viscosity material Hv is drawn as a line on the ejection receiving medium W. After this line drawing is completed, the control device 30 stops the application of voltage by the power supply 4. Note that if the air pressure supply system 20 is also used to eject the high-viscosity material Hv, the control device 30 also stops the supply of pressure to the syringe 2 by the compressor 21.

[0038] Next, the control device 30 executes a process (second process) in which the drive unit 41 moves the support unit 3 closer to the nozzle 1 from the state shown in Fig. 3(a). As a result, as shown in Fig. 3(b), the ejection receiving medium W supported by the support unit 3 moves closer to the nozzle 1, and the nozzle 1 compresses the high-viscosity material Hv on the ejection receiving medium W. At this time, the distance between the tip of the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W is L2 (<L1).

[0039] Here, a specific example of the second process will be given. In the second process, the control device 30 may use the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 closer to the nozzle 1 so that the tip of the nozzle 1 is positioned between the surface of the high-viscosity material Hv ejected onto the ejection receiving medium W and the ejection receiving medium W. In this case, the control device 30 acquires thickness information (i.e., line height information) of the high-viscosity material Hv from the print data stored in the memory unit 32. The control device 30 also acquires height information of the surface of the ejection receiving medium W based on vertical position information of the support unit 3 and thickness information of the ejection receiving medium W stored in the memory unit 32. The control device 30 moves the support unit 3 using the drive unit 41 based on the acquired thickness information of the high-viscosity material Hv and height information of the surface of the ejection receiving medium W. Note that the surface of the high-viscosity material Hv may be the topmost part of the surface of the high-viscosity material Hv applied to the ejection receiving medium W (i.e., the topmost part of the line formed by application). In this case, the tip of the nozzle 1 is positioned between the top of the high-viscosity material Hv ejected onto the receiving medium W and the surface of the receiving medium W, and the distance between the tip of the nozzle 1 and the receiving medium W at that position is the above-mentioned L2.

[0040] Alternatively, in the second process, the control device 30 may use the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 closer to the nozzle 1 so that the tip of the nozzle 1 is located at a position that is a distance away from the ejection receiving medium W that is equal to or less than the distance equivalent to the inner diameter D1 (see FIG. 6A) of the nozzle 1. In this case, the distance L2 between the tip of the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W at the above position is the distance from the surface of the ejection receiving medium W to a point that is a distance away that is equal to or less than the distance equivalent to the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 1.

[0041] Next, the control device 30 executes a process (third process) in which the drive unit 41 moves the support unit 3 away from the nozzle 1 from the state shown in Fig. 3(b). As a result, the ejection receiving medium W supported by the support unit 3 moves away from the nozzle 1, as shown in Fig. 3(c). At this time, the distance between the tip of the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W is L3 (greater than the distance L2 and, for example, greater than the distance L1). As a result, the drawn thread of high-viscosity body Hv stretching between the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W is cut. Note that the distance L3 may be greater than the distance L2 and less than or equal to the distance L1.

[0042] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the coating apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 30 increases the temperature of the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 to a predetermined value (step S1).

[0043] Next, the control device 30 moves the ejection receiving medium W supported by the support part 3 to a predetermined position relative to the nozzle 1 (step S2). Next, the control device 30 applies a voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support part 3 using the power supply 4, thereby ejecting the high-viscosity material Hv from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W (step S3). As a result, the high-viscosity material Hv is applied onto the ejection receiving medium W. Note that in step S3, in addition to the application of voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support part 3 by the power supply 4, pressure may also be supplied to the syringe 2 by the compressor 21.

[0044] Next, the control device 30 causes the drive unit 41 to continuously move the support unit 3 in a plane (step S4), thereby drawing lines of the high-viscosity material Hv on the ejection receiving medium W. Thereafter, the control device 30 stops the application of voltage by the power supply 4, and in some cases also stops the supply of pressure to the syringe 2 by the compressor 21 (step S5).

[0045] Next, the control device 30 uses the drive unit 41 to bring the support unit 3 closer to the nozzle 1 (step S6). As a result, the distance between the tip of the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W becomes L2, which is a predetermined value or less. Next, the control device 30 uses the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 away from the nozzle 1 (step S7). As a result, the string of high-viscosity body Hv coming from the nozzle 1 is cut.

[0046] In addition to the above-described discharge control of the high-viscosity material Hv, the following discharge control can be mentioned. Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are diagrams for explaining an example of discharge control of the high-viscosity material Hv. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams for explaining another example of discharge control of the high-viscosity material Hv. Note that the configurations other than the discharge control of the high-viscosity material Hv are the same as those described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0047] As described above, the control device 30 first raises the temperature of the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 to a predetermined value. Next, the control device 30 moves the ejection receiving medium W supported by the support unit 3 to a predetermined position relative to the nozzle 1. At this time, as shown in Figure 5(a), the control device 30 moves the support unit 3 using the drive unit 41 so that the tip of the nozzle 1 is positioned at a height position corresponding to the height position of the surface of the high-viscosity material Hv to be ejected onto the ejection receiving medium W. In this case, the distance between the tip of the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W is defined as L4.

[0048] The control device 30 then applies a voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support portion 3 using the power supply 4, causing the high-viscosity material Hv to be ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W, thereby drawing a line with the high-viscosity material Hv on the ejection receiving medium W. At this time, the compressor 21 may supply pressure to the syringe 2 in conjunction with the application of voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support portion 3 by the power supply 4. Thereafter, the control device 30 stops the application of voltage by the power supply 4. Furthermore, if the compressor 21 is also supplying pressure to the syringe 2, the control device 30 stops the supply of pressure by the compressor 21.

[0049] Next, the control device 30 causes the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 so that the nozzle 1 moves away from the ejected high-viscosity material Hv from the state shown in Fig. 5(a). As a result, the ejection receiving medium W supported by the support unit 3 moves away from the nozzle 1, as shown in Fig. 5(b). At this time, the distance between the tip of the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W is L5 (>L4). As a result, the string of high-viscosity material Hv stretching from the nozzle 1 to the ejection receiving medium W is cut.

[0050] Alternatively, the following discharge control may be executed. As described above, the control device 30 first raises the temperature of the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 to a predetermined value. Next, the control device 30 moves the ejection receiving medium W supported by the support unit 3 to a predetermined position relative to the nozzle 1. At this time, the control device 30 moves the support unit 3 using the drive unit 41 so that the tip of the nozzle 1 is positioned at a distance away from the ejection receiving medium W that is equal to or less than the distance corresponding to the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 1, as shown in FIG. 6( a). In this case, the distance between the tip of the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W is defined as L6.

[0051] The control device 30 then applies a voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support portion 3 using the power supply 4, causing the high-viscosity material Hv to be ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W, thereby drawing a line with the high-viscosity material Hv on the ejection receiving medium W. At this time, the compressor 21 may supply pressure to the syringe 2 in conjunction with the application of voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support portion 3 by the power supply 4. Thereafter, the control device 30 stops the application of voltage by the power supply 4. Furthermore, if the compressor 21 is also supplying pressure to the syringe 2, the control device 30 stops the supply of pressure by the compressor 21.

[0052] Next, the control device 30 causes the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 so that the nozzle 1 moves away from the ejected high-viscosity material Hv from the state shown in Fig. 6(a). As a result, the ejection receiving medium W supported by the support unit 3 moves away from the nozzle 1, as shown in Fig. 6(b). At this time, the distance between the tip of the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W is L7 (>L6). As a result, the string of high-viscosity material Hv stretching from the nozzle 1 to the ejection receiving medium W is cut.

[0053] As described above, with the coating device 100 of this embodiment, after the high-viscosity material Hv is ejected onto the ejection receiving medium W, the support unit 3 is brought closer to the nozzle 1, causing the nozzle 1 to compress the high-viscosity material Hv on the ejection receiving medium W. As a result, the high-viscosity material Hv between the ejection receiving medium W and the nozzle 1 is crushed, reducing its surface area and increasing the surface tension of the high-viscosity material Hv. From this state, the support unit 3 moves away from the nozzle 1, making it easier to cut the string of high-viscosity material Hv. This improves the reliability of cutting the string of high-viscosity material Hv. Furthermore, by bringing the support unit 3 closer to the nozzle 1 through the second process, the amount of high-viscosity material Hv remaining around the nozzle tip can be reduced. This also reduces the possibility of the high-viscosity material Hv forming a string during the third process.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 30 may use the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 closer to the nozzle 1 so that the tip of the nozzle 1 is positioned between the surface of the high-viscosity material Hv ejected onto the ejection receiving medium W and the ejection receiving medium W. In this case, there is a higher possibility that the thread of the high-viscosity material Hv will be cut.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 30 may use the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 closer to the nozzle 1 so that the tip of the nozzle 1 is positioned at a distance away from the ejection receiving medium W that is equal to or less than the distance corresponding to the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 1. In this case, the possibility of the thread of the high-viscosity body Hv being cut increases.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the high-viscosity material Hv has a viscosity higher than 10 Pa·s, the possibility that the thread of the high-viscosity material Hv will be cut is increased by the above-mentioned discharge control.

[0057] In this embodiment, the tube heater 6 is wound around the outer periphery of the syringe 2 via the ceramic tube 5. This makes it difficult for the electrostatic force generated when the power source 4 applies a voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support part 3 to be conducted to the tube heater 6 via the syringe 2, and also ensures that the high-viscosity material Hv in the syringe 2 is melted effectively by the heat of the tube heater 6.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle 1 is indirectly heated by the infrared heater 7. Therefore, even if the nozzle 1 has a shape that makes it difficult to attach a heating means, such as a conical shape, the nozzle 1 can be heated well.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heater 43 heats the ejection receiving medium W and the support part 3. This allows the high-viscosity material Hv ejected from the nozzle 1 to land on the ejection receiving medium W and adhere to the ejection receiving medium W at the same time.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 30 may use the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 so that the tip of the nozzle 1 is positioned at a height position corresponding to the height position of the surface of the high-viscosity material Hv to be ejected onto the ejection receiving medium W. The control device 30 may then use the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 so that the nozzle 1 moves away from the ejected high-viscosity material Hv. In this manner, the high-viscosity material Hv is ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W with the tip of the nozzle 1 positioned at a height position corresponding to the height position of the surface of the high-viscosity material Hv. Therefore, the high-viscosity material Hv between the ejection receiving medium W and the nozzle 1 may be crushed, reducing its surface area, compared to when the high-viscosity material Hv is ejected with the tip of the nozzle 1 positioned at a height position higher than the height position corresponding to the height position of the surface of the high-viscosity material Hv. This increases the surface tension of the high-viscosity material Hv. Moving the support unit 3 away from the nozzle 1 from this state makes it easier for the thread of high-viscosity material Hv to be cut.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 30 may use the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 so that the tip of the nozzle 1 is positioned at a distance away from the ejection receiving medium W corresponding to the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 1. Then, the control device 30 may use the drive unit 41 to move the support unit 3 so that the nozzle 1 moves away from the ejected high-viscosity material Hv. In this manner, the high-viscosity material Hv is ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W with the tip of the nozzle 1 positioned at a distance away from the ejection receiving medium W corresponding to the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 1. Therefore, the high-viscosity material Hv between the ejection receiving medium W and the nozzle 1 may be crushed, reducing its surface area, compared to when the high-viscosity material Hv is ejected with the tip of the nozzle 1 positioned at a position higher than the distance away from the ejection receiving medium W corresponding to the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 1. This increases the surface tension of the high-viscosity material Hv. From this state, moving the support unit 3 away from the nozzle 1 makes it easier for the thread of high-viscosity material Hv to be cut.

[0062] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Although several modifications have been given in the above-described embodiment, the following modifications can also be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the high-viscosity material Hv is ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W with the tip of the nozzle 1 positioned at a height position corresponding to the height position of the surface of the high-viscosity material Hv, but this is not limited to this. The high-viscosity material Hv may also be ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W with the tip of the nozzle 1 positioned at a height position lower than the height position corresponding to the height position of the surface of the high-viscosity material Hv.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the high-viscosity material Hv is ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W with the tip of the nozzle 1 positioned at a distance away from the ejection receiving medium W that corresponds to the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 1, but this is not limited to this. The high-viscosity material Hv may also be ejected from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W with the tip of the nozzle 1 positioned at a lower position than the position away from the ejection receiving medium W that corresponds to the inner diameter D1 of the nozzle 1.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the nozzle 1 is indirectly heated by infrared rays from the infrared heater 7, but this is not limiting. Instead of or in addition to the infrared rays from the infrared heater 7, the nozzle 1 may be indirectly heated by laser irradiation.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the nozzle 1 is heated by the infrared heater 7, but this is not limiting. For example, the nozzle 1 may be formed into a cylindrical shape including the tip of the nozzle 1, and a heater may be wrapped around the outer periphery of the nozzle 1 to heat the nozzle 1 and apply an electrostatic force to it.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the power supply 4 applies a voltage between the nozzle 1 and the support part 3, but this is not limited to this. The power supply 4 may apply a voltage between the nozzle 1 and the metallic ejection receiving medium W. In this case, the control device 30 ejects the high-viscosity material Hv from the nozzle 1 onto the ejection receiving medium W while the power supply 4 applies a voltage between the nozzle 1 and the ejection receiving medium W. According to this aspect, the support part 3 that supports the ejection receiving medium W does not have to be made of metal, and can be made of resin, for example, which widens the range of materials that can be used for the support part 3.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the ceramic tube 5 is used as the insulating portion, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the ceramic tube 5, an insulating member such as a rubber material may be used.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the air pressure supply system 20 is provided, but the air pressure supply system 20 is not an essential component.

[0070] The above-described embodiments should be construed as examples only, and are provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure. Details of the structure and / or function thereof may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0071] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 nozzle 2 syringe 3 support portion 4 power supply 5 ceramic tube 6 tube heater 7 infrared heater 8 heating element 11 reflecting portion 18 reflecting mirror 30 control device 41 driving portion 43 heater 100 coating device W ejection receiving medium

Claims

1. An application device that applies a high-viscosity material to a discharge-receiving medium, comprising: a metal support part that supports the discharge-receiving medium; a syringe having a nozzle at its tip that applies the high-viscosity material to the discharge-receiving medium; a power supply that applies a voltage between the nozzle and the support part; a drive part that moves the syringe, the support part, and one of the syringe and the support part so that the nozzle moves relatively closer to or farther away from the discharge-receiving medium; and a control device, wherein the control device performs the following steps: a first process of discharging the high-viscosity material from the nozzle to the discharge-receiving medium while the power supply applies a voltage between the nozzle and the support part; a second process of, after the first process is completed, moving the support part closer to the nozzle using the drive part to compress the high-viscosity material on the discharge-receiving medium using the nozzle; and a third process of, after the second process is completed, moving the support part away from the nozzle using the drive part.

2. The coating device described in claim 1, wherein the control device, in the second process, uses the drive unit to bring either the syringe, the support unit, or both the syringe and the support unit closer to the nozzle so that the tip of the nozzle is positioned between the surface of the high-viscosity body ejected onto the ejected medium and the ejected medium.

3. The coating device described in claim 1, wherein the control device, in the second process, uses the drive unit to bring either the syringe, the support unit, or one of the syringe and the support unit closer to the nozzle so that the tip of the nozzle is positioned at a distance from the medium to be ejected that is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the nozzle.

4. The coating device according to claim 1, wherein the high-viscosity material has a viscosity higher than 10 Pa·s.

5. The coating device according to claim 1, further comprising a first heating unit that heats the syringe.

6. The coating device according to claim 1, further comprising a second heating section that heats the nozzle.

7. The coating device according to claim 1, further comprising a heater that heats the ejection receiving medium or the support portion.

8. An application device that applies a high-viscosity material to a discharge receiving medium, comprising: a metal support part that supports the discharge receiving medium; a syringe having a nozzle at its tip that applies the high-viscosity material to the discharge receiving medium; a power source that applies a voltage between the nozzle and the support part; a drive part that moves the syringe, the support part, and any one of the syringe and the support part so that the nozzle moves relatively closer to the discharge receiving medium or moves away from the discharge receiving medium; and a control device, wherein the control device performs a first process of moving the syringe, the support part, and any one of the syringe and the support part using the drive part so that the tip of the nozzle is positioned at a height position corresponding to the height position of the surface of the high-viscosity material to be discharged onto the discharge receiving medium; and a second process of, after the first process is completed, discharging the high-viscosity material from the nozzle onto the discharge receiving medium while applying a voltage between the nozzle and the support part by the power source. After the second process is completed, the coating device performs a third process in which the drive unit moves the syringe, the support unit, or one of the syringe and the support unit so that the nozzle moves away from the ejected high-viscosity material.

9. The coating device according to claim 8, wherein the high-viscosity material has a viscosity higher than 10 Pa·s.

10. The coating device according to claim 8, further comprising a first heating unit that heats the syringe.

11. The coating device according to claim 8, further comprising a second heating section that heats the nozzle.

12. The coating device according to claim 8, further comprising a heater that heats the ejection receiving medium or the support portion.

13. An application device that applies a high-viscosity material to a discharge receiving medium, comprising: a metal support part that supports the discharge receiving medium; a syringe having a nozzle at its tip that applies the high-viscosity material to the discharge receiving medium; a power source that applies a voltage between the nozzle and the support part; a drive part that moves the syringe, the support part, and any one of the syringe and the support part so that the nozzle relatively approaches or moves away from the discharge receiving medium; and a control device, wherein the control device performs a first process of moving the syringe, the support part, and any one of the syringe and the support part using the drive part so that the tip of the nozzle is positioned at a distance away from the discharge receiving medium by a distance equivalent to the diameter of the nozzle; and a second process of, after the first process is completed, discharging the high-viscosity material from the nozzle onto the discharge receiving medium while applying a voltage between the nozzle and the support part by the power source. After the second process is completed, the coating device performs a third process in which the drive unit moves the syringe, the support unit, or one of the syringe and the support unit so that the nozzle moves away from the ejected high-viscosity material.

14. The coating device according to claim 13, wherein the high-viscosity material has a viscosity higher than 10 Pa·s.

15. The coating device according to claim 13, further comprising a first heating unit that heats the syringe.

16. The coating device according to claim 13, further comprising a second heating section that heats the nozzle.

17. The coating device according to claim 13, further comprising a heater that heats the ejection receiving medium or the support portion.

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