JP2009045166A - Fluid ejection device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a fluid ejecting apparatus that can be gripped in a well-balanced manner and has good operability in accordance with a user's preference while being small and light.
A fluid ejecting apparatus 10 includes a fluid chamber 85 whose volume can be changed by a diaphragm 70 driven by a piezoelectric element 120 and inlet passages 86 and 87 communicating along an inner peripheral side wall 80b of the fluid chamber 85. The pulsation generating mechanism 40 having one end communicates with the outlet flow channel 83 and communicates with the connection flow channel tube 90 having the nozzle 92 at the other end and the inlet flow channels 86 and 87, and is connected to the diaphragm 70. Inflow connection flow paths 57 and 58 connected to connection tubes 25a and 25b that extend in the driving direction of the piezoelectric element 120 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the connection flow path pipe 90 and supply the liquid. And are provided.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a small and lightweight fluid ejecting apparatus that pulsates and ejects a fluid at a high frequency.

  Conventionally, as a fluid ejecting apparatus for incising or excising biological tissue, one end is connected to a micropump that changes the volume of a pump chamber and performs a fluid discharge operation, and an outlet flow path of the micropump, and the other end A connecting channel provided with an opening (nozzle) whose portion is smaller than the diameter of the outlet channel, and a pulsation of fluid flowing from the micropump by drilling the connecting channel can be transmitted to the opening. What is provided with the connection pipe which has rigidity is known. In this fluid ejecting apparatus, the fluid is caused to flow repeatedly by the pulsating wave group and the resting portion, and is ejected from the opening at high speed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-152127 (7, 8, 13, 15 pages, FIGS. 1, 6, 7)

  In such a fluid ejecting apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of Patent Document 1, the inlet connecting pipe into which the fluid flows and the connecting flow path pipe through which the fluid is discharged extend in the linear direction, and the fluid ejecting apparatus is downsized. It is easy to operate. However, the piezoelectric element that drives the diaphragm that changes the volume of the pump chamber is provided so as to project in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the inlet connecting pipe and the connecting flow pipe, and the position thereof is fixed. is there. For this reason, when gripping and operating the fluid ejection device, it is difficult to make the configuration easy to operate according to the requirements of each user.

  Moreover, in such a fluid ejecting apparatus, a cover that covers the main part is provided. However, since the connection channel pipe is set to a length of 10 to 20 mm, the cover that covers the pulsation generating mechanism at a fixed position. It is conceivable that the overall balance is lost when gripping the hand, making it difficult to perform fine treatment.

  Furthermore, in Example 3 of Patent Document 1, since the inlet connection pipe extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the connection flow path pipe, the inlet connection pipe is arranged in the palm when gripping and operating. It is difficult to operate. In addition, since a connection tube for supplying fluid is connected to the inlet connection tube, it is expected that the connection tube becomes an obstacle or is difficult to balance when grasped.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid ejecting apparatus that can be gripped in a balanced manner for each user while being small and light, and has good operability.

  The fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a diaphragm, and a fluid chamber whose volume can be changed by displacement of the diaphragm, a piezoelectric element that expands and contracts by a driving signal and displaces the diaphragm, and communicates with the fluid chamber substantially perpendicularly. A pulsation generating mechanism having an outlet flow path and an inlet flow path communicating along the inner peripheral side wall of the fluid chamber; and the outlet flow extending from the pulsation generating mechanism along the expansion / contraction direction of the piezoelectric element. A connecting channel tube having one end communicating with the path and having a nozzle at the other end, and extending from the pulsation generating mechanism to the opposite side of the connecting channel along the expansion / contraction direction of the piezoelectric element. And an inflow connection flow path having one end communicating with the inlet flow path and the other end connected to a connection tube for supplying a liquid.

  According to this invention, the connection flow channel tube, the pulsation generating mechanism, and the inflow connection flow channel extend in a substantially linear direction with respect to the driving direction of the piezoelectric element, and greatly project in the lateral direction with respect to the extending direction. There is no part. Therefore, since the connection channel pipe and the inflow connection channel are formed in an elongated shape as a whole, the holder to be described later can be simplified, the size and weight can be reduced, the gripping is easy, and the gripping position is in the vicinity of the pulsation generating mechanism. Therefore, it is possible to realize a fluid ejecting apparatus that is easy to operate.

  In addition, since the connection flow path pipe is arranged in the tip direction and the connection tube is arranged in the tail direction with respect to the pulsation generating mechanism, the connection tube does not get in the way when gripping and operating the fluid ejection device, and the center of gravity There is an effect that it is easy to balance.

Moreover, it is preferable that a plurality of the inflow connection flow paths are provided.
By providing a plurality of inflow connection flow paths, a sufficient fluid supply amount to the fluid ejecting apparatus can be ensured. In addition, the number of inflow connection flow paths can be selected according to a desired fluid supply amount.

Moreover, it is preferable that a plurality of the inlet channels are provided.
Although details will be described in an embodiment described later, the synthetic inertance on the inlet channel side can be adjusted by the number of inlet channels, and the length and cross-sectional area of the inlet channel can be easily adjusted. is there.

  Moreover, it is preferable that a lead wire for inputting a drive signal is connected to the piezoelectric element, and the lead wire extends along the connection tube.

  By extending the lead wire along the connecting tube, the lead wire does not get in the way when the fluid ejecting apparatus is operated, and the operation becomes easy.

Furthermore, it is desirable that at least one of the connection channel pipe and the nozzle is electrically grounded.
Even if the piezoelectric element or the lead wire leaks during operation, the grounding (grounding) of the piezoelectric element or the lead wire can ensure the safety of the user.
Further, the electric charge of the fluid flowing in the connection flow channel pipe or the nozzle can be maintained at the GND potential, and the fluid ejection direction can be stabilized.

  The fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a diaphragm, a fluid chamber whose volume can be changed by displacement of the diaphragm, a piezoelectric element for displacing the diaphragm, and an outlet channel communicating with the fluid chamber substantially perpendicularly. A pulsation generating mechanism having an inlet flow path communicating along the inner peripheral side wall of the fluid chamber, and a connection flow path having one end communicating with the outlet flow path and a nozzle at the other end. A pipe, an inflow connection channel communicating with the inlet channel, extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the diaphragm and in a direction opposite to the connection channel tube, and connected to the inflow connection channel A connection tube, and covers and holds the vicinity of the connection portion between the pulsation generating mechanism and the pulsation generation mechanism of the connection flow channel pipe and the vicinity of the connection portion of the connection tube with the inflow connection flow channel. But more It is characterized in that is.

A holder is provided in the fluid ejecting apparatus, and the holder is shaped so as to be easily operated. The gripping position can be arbitrarily changed, and the operability can be further improved.
In addition, if the holder is made of a material having low thermal conductivity, it is possible to suppress the transmission of temperature changes to the holder during operation.

  Further, the holder is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion between the pulsation generation mechanism of the connection flow path pipe and the holder case that holds the pulsation generation mechanism and the vicinity of the connection portion between the inflow connection flow path and the connection tube. Preferably, the holder case and the stagnation member are provided with an attachment / detachment mechanism.

  In many cases, the fluid ejecting apparatus of the present invention is operated by being held by a user's hand. Therefore, with the structure as described above, a plurality of types and sizes of the holder case or the stagnation member are prepared, and the combination of the holder case and the stagnation member is selected and installed according to the user's preference. In particular, there is an effect of facilitating a fine operation especially in an operation or the like.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said holder is provided with the balancer which can move with respect to the said holder case.

  In this fluid ejecting apparatus, a pulsation generating mechanism is provided at the center, a connection flow channel pipe is provided in the distal direction, and a connection tube and a lead wire are extended behind the pulsation generating mechanism. And since there are many cases where the fluid ejecting apparatus is held and operated by hand, it is required that the balance of the center of gravity is good. Therefore, by providing the balancer and making the balancer movable, the balancer can be moved to make the fine operation easy by making the position and the center of gravity balance with the best operability.

  Furthermore, it is desirable that the holder includes a gripping member that is movable with respect to the pulsation generating mechanism.

In this way, in order to make it easy to grip the fluid ejecting apparatus, it is possible to improve the operability by providing a gripping part that fits in the palm. In addition, it is possible to easily balance the center of gravity by enabling movement with respect to the pulsation generating mechanism having the largest weight.
Note that if the balancer described above is provided on the gripping member, the balance of the center of gravity can be further facilitated.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 is a fluid ejection system according to the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are Embodiment 1, FIG. 4 is Embodiment 2, FIGS. 5 and 6 are Embodiment 3, FIG. 7 is Embodiment 4, and FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of a fluid ejecting apparatus according to FIG. The drawings referred to in the following description are schematic views in which the vertical and horizontal scales of members or portions are different from actual ones for convenience of illustration and easy understanding of the description.

In addition, the fluid ejection system and the fluid ejection device according to the present invention can be used in various ways such as drawing using ink, cleaning fine objects and structures, scalpels, and the like in the embodiments described below. A fluid ejecting apparatus suitable for incising or excising a living tissue will be described as an example. Therefore, the fluid used in the embodiment is a liquid such as water or physiological saline.
(Fluid injection system)

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a fluid ejection system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a fluid ejection system 1 includes a liquid container 30 that stores liquid as a basic configuration, a pump 20 as a pressure generation unit, a fluid ejection device 10 that pulsates and ejects liquid supplied from the pump 20, and fluid ejection The connecting tube 25 communicates the apparatus 10 and the pump 20, and the connecting tube 15 communicates the pump 20 and the liquid container 30.

  The fluid ejecting apparatus 10 includes a pulsation generating mechanism 40 that pulsates the supplied liquid at a high pressure and a high frequency, a connection flow channel tube 90 connected to the pulsation generation mechanism 40, and a flow channel at the tip of the connection flow channel tube 90. A nozzle 92 with a reduced diameter is inserted, and the nozzle 92 is provided with a liquid ejection opening 93.

  The flow of liquid in the fluid ejection system 1 will be briefly described. The liquid stored in the liquid container 30 is sucked by the pump 20 through the connection tube 15 and is supplied to the pulsation generating mechanism 40 through the connection tube 25 at a constant pressure. The pulsation generating mechanism 40 includes a fluid chamber 85 (see FIG. 2A) and a volume changing means for the fluid chamber 85. The volume changing means is driven to generate pulsation and generate a liquid ejection opening 93. The liquid is ejected in a pulse form at high speed. Details of the pulsation generating mechanism 40 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The pressure generating unit is not limited to the pump 20, and an infusion bag as a fluid container may be held at a position higher than the pulsation generating mechanism 40 by a stand or the like. Therefore, the pump 20 is unnecessary, and the configuration can be simplified, and there are advantages that sterilization and the like are facilitated.

  The discharge pressure of the pump 20 is generally set to 0.3 atm (0.03 MPa) or less. Moreover, when using an infusion bag, the altitude difference between the pulsation generating mechanism 40 and the top surface of the infusion bag is the pressure. When using an infusion bag, it is desirable to set the altitude difference to be about 0.1 to 0.15 atm (0.01 to 0.015 MPa).

  Note that when performing an operation using the fluid ejection system 1, the main part gripped by the operator is the pulsation generating mechanism 40. Therefore, it is preferable that the connection tube 25 to the pulsation generating mechanism 40 is as flexible as possible. For this purpose, it is preferable that the pressure is reduced within a range in which the liquid can be fed to the pulsation generating mechanism 40 with a flexible and thin connection tube.

In particular, as in the case of brain surgery, when there is a possibility that a failure of the fluid ejection system 1 may cause a serious accident, it is inevitable that high-pressure fluid is ejected when the connection tube 25 is disconnected. In view of this, it is required to keep the pressure low.
(Fluid ejection device)
(Embodiment 1)

Next, the structure of the fluid ejection device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 shows the structure of the pulsation generating mechanism according to the first embodiment, (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the main structure of the pulsation generating mechanism, (b) is a front view viewed from the AA direction of (a), (c) is the front view visually recognized from the arrow B direction of (a), (d) is sectional drawing which shows the front-end | tip part of a connection flow-path pipe | tube. In FIG. 2A, a pulsation generating mechanism 40 includes a pulsation generating means for generating pulsation of liquid, and a connection flow channel tube 90 having an outlet connection flow channel 91 as a flow channel for discharging liquid is connected. Yes.

  The pulsation generating mechanism 40 is configured such that the machine casing 50 and the lid machine casing 80 are closely in contact with each other. The machine frame 50 is a cylindrical member having a flange 51, and one end is closed with a bottom plate 100. A piezoelectric element 120 as a drive source is disposed in a space formed by the inner wall 53 of the machine frame 50.

  The piezoelectric element 120 is a stacked piezoelectric element and constitutes a columnar actuator. One end of the piezoelectric element 120 is fixed to the diaphragm 70 via the upper plate 125, and the other end is fixed to the upper surface 101 of the bottom plate 100.

  The diaphragm 70 is made of a disk-shaped thin metal plate, and a peripheral edge portion thereof is closely fixed to the bottom surface of the concave portion 56 in the concave portion 56 provided in the machine frame 50. By inputting a drive signal to the piezoelectric element 120, the volume of the fluid chamber 85 is changed via the diaphragm 70 as the piezoelectric element 120 expands and contracts.

  The lid machine frame 80 has a recess formed of a sealing surface 80 a and an inner peripheral side wall 80 b at the center of the surface facing the machine frame 50. A space in the shape of a rotating body constituted by the recess and the diaphragm 70 is a fluid chamber 85. That is, the fluid chamber 85 is a space surrounded by the sealing surface 80a, the inner peripheral side wall 80b, and the diaphragm 70 of the lid machine frame 80 as shown in FIG. A liquid reservoir 84 formed of a ring-shaped groove deeper than the concave portion formed of the sealing surface 80a and the inner peripheral side wall 80b is formed at the peripheral edge of the inner peripheral side wall 80b. In addition, inlet channels 86 and 87 are provided for communicating the liquid reservoir 84 and the fluid chamber 85. The inlet channels 86 and 87 communicate along the inner peripheral side wall 80 b of the fluid chamber 85, and the openings on the liquid reservoir 84 side of the inlet channels 86 and 87 are directed toward the inflow connection channels 58 and 57.

  In addition, an outlet channel 83 is formed at a substantially central portion of the fluid chamber 85. The outlet channel 83 penetrates from the fluid chamber 85 to an outlet channel pipe 82 projecting from the lid machine frame 80. In addition, the connection part with the fluid chamber 85 of the exit flow path 83 is rounded smoothly in order to reduce fluid resistance.

  The liquid supplied at a constant pressure from the pump 20 (see FIG. 1) to the inlet channels 86 and 87 flows in the fluid chamber 85 along the inner peripheral wall 80b to generate a swirling flow. In the swirling flow, the liquid is pressed against the inner peripheral side wall 80b by the centrifugal force caused by the swirling, and the bubbles contained in the fluid chamber 85 are concentrated at the center of the swirling flow.

  Then, the bubbles collected at the center are excluded from the outlet channel 83. Therefore, it is more preferable that the outlet channel 83 is provided in the vicinity of the center of the swirling flow, that is, in the axial center portion of the rotating body. Therefore, even in a minute volume change of the fluid chamber 85 by the piezoelectric element 120, a sufficient pressure increase can be obtained without the pressure fluctuation being hindered by the bubbles. As described above, in the present embodiment, the inlet flow paths 86 and 87 are also a swirl flow generating portion.

The inlet channels 86 and 87 may communicate with the fluid chamber 85 in a straight line, but the inlet channels 86 and 87 may be curved in order to obtain a desired inertance in a narrow space.
Further, the plurality of inlet channels may have different planar shapes, channel lengths, and cross-sectional areas.

  The shape of the fluid chamber 85 described above is a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends sealed in the present embodiment (see FIG. 2A). However, the shape of the fluid chamber 85 is conical, trapezoidal, or hemispherical when viewed from the side. The shape is not particularly limited. For example, if the connecting portion between the outlet channel 83 and the sealing surface 80a is shaped like a funnel, the bubbles in the fluid chamber 85 can be easily discharged.

  A connection channel tube 90 is connected to the outlet channel tube 82. An outlet connection channel 91 is perforated in the connection channel tube 90, and the diameter of the outlet connection channel 91 is larger than the diameter of the outlet channel 83. Further, the thickness of the pipe portion of the connection flow path pipe 90 has a rigidity that does not absorb the pressure pulsation of the liquid.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), a nozzle 92 is inserted at the tip of the connection flow channel tube 90. The nozzle 92 is provided with a liquid ejection opening 93. The diameter of the liquid ejection opening 93 is smaller than the diameter of the outlet channel 83.

  Next, the configuration of the machine casing 50 will be described. The machine casing 50 is provided with inflow connection flow paths 57 and 58 communicating with the liquid reservoir 84. In addition, connecting pipes 60 and 62 communicating with the inflow connecting flow paths 57 and 58 are inserted into the machine frame 50, and the tip portions 61 and 63 project from the bottom plate 100. The tip portions 61 and 63 penetrate through the notches 102 and 103 provided on the outer peripheral portion of the bottom plate 100 (see also FIG. 2C), and the connection tubes 25a and 25b are connected.

  Moreover, although two inflow connection flow paths are formed in FIG. 2, the number of inflow connection flow paths may be one, or three or more. At this time, since the liquid reservoir 84 is formed by a ring-shaped groove, the inflow connection flow path can be disposed at an arbitrary position in the circumferential direction as long as the condition communicating with the liquid reservoir 84 is satisfied.

Similarly, although a structure in which two inlet channels are formed is illustrated, the number of inlet channels may be one or three if the liquid is arranged so as to flow along the inner peripheral side wall 80b. That's all. Further, since the liquid reservoir 84 is provided, the end of the inlet channel on the liquid reservoir side does not necessarily have to be disposed near the position of the inflow connection channel.
In addition, the number of inflow connection channels and the number of inlet channels need not be matched.

The machine casing 50 and the lid machine casing 80 are fixed in close contact with each other by joining at the flange portions 51 and 81. Specifically, a ring-shaped protrusion 55 that protrudes toward the cover machine frame 80 is provided at the edge of the flange 51 of the machine frame 50, and this protrusion 55 is connected to the periphery of the flange 81 of the cover machine frame 80. It can be fixed by upsetting.
At this time, the joint surface 89 (see FIG. 2B) of the peripheral portion of the fluid chamber 85 is brought into close contact with the diaphragm 70, and the joint surface 88 of the peripheral portion of the lid machine frame 80 is connected to the joint surface 54 of the machine frame 50. Closely.

  Further, a packing 130 as a seal member is provided on the outer periphery of the liquid reservoir 84 to prevent the liquid from leaking from the fluid chamber 85 or the liquid reservoir 84 to the outside.

In addition, if a sealing agent is applied to the contact surface between the flange 81 and the protrusion 55 in order to prevent liquid leakage, liquid leakage from the coupling portion can be further suppressed.
Further, a sealing agent may be applied to the joint surfaces 88 and 89 described above.

  Lead wires 110 and 111 for inputting drive signals are connected to the piezoelectric element 120 (see FIGS. 2A and 2C). The lead wires 110 and 111 are insulatively coated, pass through notches 59 provided at two opposing positions of the cylinder portion 52 of the machine frame 50, and extend along the outer peripheral side surface of the cylinder portion 52. Furthermore, it extends along the extending direction of the connecting tubes 25 a and 25 b through the notches 104 and 105 provided in the bottom plate 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the bottom plate 100 is provided with screw holes 135 at four corners, and is fixed to the machine frame 50 by fixing screws (not shown). With the bottom plate 100 fixed, the connection tubes 25a and 25b branched from the connection tube 25 (see FIG. 1) are inserted into the tip portions 61 and 63 of the connection tubes 60 and 62 protruding from the bottom plate 100, respectively. ing. The connection tubes 25a and 25b may be directly connected to the pump 20.

  In addition, a GND line 112 is connected to the bottom plate 100. The GND line 112 extends along the extending direction of the lead wires 110 and 111. In the present embodiment, since the machine casing 50, the lid machine casing 80, the connection flow path pipe 90, and the bottom plate 100 are made of metal and are in close contact with each other, the entire pulsation generating mechanism 40 is grounded to GND. Become. Here, any one of the machine frame 50, the lid machine frame 80, and the bottom plate 100 may be formed of a non-metal, but the connection channel tube 90 is a thin tube having a length of about 10 to 20 mm. It is made of metal in terms of structural strength and manufacturing. In the case of such a structure, it is desirable that at least the connection channel tube 90 is grounded to GND.

  Next, the operation of the fluid ejection device 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The liquid discharge of the pulsation generating mechanism 40 of the present embodiment is performed by the difference between the inertance L1 on the inlet flow path side (sometimes referred to as synthetic inertance L1) and the inertance L2 on the outlet flow path side (sometimes referred to as synthetic inertance L2). Is called.

First, inertance will be described.
The inertance L is expressed by L = ρ × h / S where the density ρ of the liquid, the cross-sectional area S of the flow path, and the length h of the flow path are set. When the pressure difference ΔP in the flow path, the flow rate Q of the liquid flowing in the flow path, and the time t are used, the relationship of ΔP = L × dQ / dt is obtained by modifying the equation of motion in the flow path using the inertance L. Derived.

  That is, the inertance L indicates the degree of influence on the time change of the flow rate. The larger the inertance L, the less the time change of the flow rate, and the smaller the inertance L, the greater the time change of the flow rate.

  In addition, the combined inertance related to the parallel connection of a plurality of flow paths and the series connection of a plurality of flow paths having different shapes is obtained by combining the inertance of individual flow paths in the same way as the parallel connection or series connection of inductances in an electric circuit. Can be calculated.

  Note that the synthetic inertance L1 is calculated in the range of the inlet flow paths 86, 87 because the inflow connecting flow paths 57, 58 are set to have a sufficiently large diameter with respect to the inlet flow paths 87, 86. The At this time, since the connection tubes 25a and 25b connecting the pump 20 and the inlet channels 86 and 87 have flexibility, they may be deleted from the calculation of the combined inertance L1.

Further, the synthetic inertance L2 has a diameter of the outlet connecting flow path 91 that is much larger than that of the outlet flow path 83, and the fluid inside the connecting flow path pipe 90 and the pipe portion (tube wall) are slightly elastically deformed to the synthetic inertance L2. The impact of is minor. Therefore, the synthetic inertance L2 may be replaced with the inertance of the outlet channel 83.
In addition, the thickness of the tube wall of the connection flow path tube 90 has sufficient rigidity for the pressure propagation of the fluid.

  In this embodiment, the flow path length and cross-sectional area of the inlet flow paths 86 and 87 and the flow path length and cross-sectional area of the outlet flow path 83 are set so that the synthetic inertance L1 is larger than the synthetic inertance L2. Therefore, in order to obtain a desired synthetic inertance L1, the number of inlet channels, the corresponding channel length and cross-sectional area are set.

Next, the operation of the pulsation generating mechanism 40 will be described.
Liquid is always supplied to the inlet channels 86 and 87 by the pump 20 at a constant hydraulic pressure. As a result, when the piezoelectric element 120 does not operate, the liquid flows into the fluid chamber 85 due to the difference between the discharge force of the pump 20 and the fluid resistance value on the entire inlet channel side.

  Here, if a drive signal is input to the piezoelectric element 120 and the piezoelectric element 120 is suddenly expanded, the combined inertances L1 and L2 on the inlet channel side and the outlet channel side are sufficiently large in the pressure in the fluid chamber 85. If it has, it will rise rapidly and reach several tens of atmospheres. Since this pressure is much larger than the pressure by the pump 20 applied to the inlet channels 86 and 87, the inflow of liquid from the inlet channel side into the fluid chamber 85 is reduced by the pressure, and from the outlet channel 83. Increased outflow.

  However, since the combined inertance L1 of the inlet channels 86 and 87 is larger than the combined inertance L2 of the outlet channel 83, the outlet is more than the amount of decrease in the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the fluid chamber 85 from the inlet channels 86 and 87. The increase amount of the liquid discharged from the flow path 83 is larger. As a result, a pulsed fluid discharge, that is, a pulsating flow is generated in the outlet channel 83. The pressure fluctuation at the time of discharge propagates through the connection flow channel tube 90, and the liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection opening 93 of the nozzle 92 at the tip. Since the diameter of the liquid ejection opening 93 is smaller than the diameter of the outlet channel 83, the liquid is ejected as a high-pressure, high-speed pulsed droplet.

  On the other hand, the inside of the fluid chamber 85 is in a vacuum state immediately after the pressure rises due to the interaction between the decrease in the amount of liquid inflow from the inlet channels 86 and 87 and the increase in the outflow of liquid from the outlet channel 83. As a result, the liquid in the inlet channels 86 and 87 moves into the fluid chamber 85 at the same speed as before the operation of the piezoelectric element 120 after a predetermined time has passed due to both the pressure of the pump 20 and the vacuum state in the fluid chamber 85. The flow returns. After the flow of the liquid in the inlet channels 86 and 87 is restored, if the piezoelectric element 120 is expanded, the pulsating flow from the nozzle 92 can be continuously ejected.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment described above, the connection flow channel tube 90, the pulsation generating mechanism 40, and the inflow connection flow channels 57 and 58 (including the connection tubes 25a and 25b) are substantially in the drive direction of the piezoelectric element 120. There is no portion that extends in the linear direction and protrudes greatly in the lateral direction with respect to the extending direction. Therefore, the fluid ejection device 10 can be reduced in size and weight, can be easily gripped, and can be freely changed in the gripping position in the vicinity of the pulsation generating mechanism 40, so that the fluid ejecting apparatus 10 can be easily operated.

  In addition, since the connection tube 25a and 25b are disposed in the distal direction (rear direction) with respect to the pulsation generating mechanism 40 in the distal direction, when the fluid ejecting apparatus 10 is gripped and operated. The connection tubes 25a and 25b do not get in the way, and there is an effect that the center of gravity can be easily balanced by changing the gripping position.

  Further, by providing a plurality of inflow connection flow paths, a sufficient amount of liquid supply to the fluid ejecting apparatus 10 can be ensured. In addition, the number of inflow connection flow paths can be selected according to a desired fluid supply amount.

  In addition, since a plurality of inlet channels are provided, the synthetic inertance L1 can be adjusted by the number of inlet channels, and the length and cross-sectional area of the inlet channel can be easily adjusted.

  In addition, lead wires 110 and 111 for inputting a drive signal are connected to the piezoelectric element 120. By extending the lead wires 110 and 111 along the connection tubes 25a and 25b, the lead wires 110 and 111 are operated when the fluid ejecting apparatus 10 is operated. It becomes easy to operate without getting in the way.

Furthermore, since the pulsation generating mechanism 40 is grounded to GND, it is possible to ensure the safety of the user even if the piezoelectric element 120 or the lead wires 110 and 111 are short-circuited during operation.
In addition, it is conceivable that the liquid to be ejected is charged during driving. In such a case, it is predicted that the ejection direction will vary, but the charge of the fluid flowing in the connection channel tube 90 is maintained at the GND potential. And the liquid ejection direction can be stabilized.
(Modification)

Next, a modification of the pulsation generating mechanism according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. This modification is characterized in that the fixing structure of the machine frame and the lid machine frame is screwed and fixed. Therefore, only differences from the first embodiment will be described. The same functional parts are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.
3A and 3B show a pulsation generating mechanism according to a modification of the first embodiment, in which FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 3B is a front view of a lid machine frame viewed from the AA direction. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the machine frame 50 has a male screw 152 formed on the outer periphery of the collar 151, and a female screw 182 formed on the inner periphery of the collar 181 of the lid machine frame 80. ing.

  By screwing and fixing the male screw 152 and the female screw 182, the machine frame 50 and the lid machine frame 80 are fixed with their joint surfaces in close contact with each other. A tightening groove 183 provided in the lid machine frame 80 is used for the screwing operation.

  In such a fixed structure, since the liquid reservoir 84 is formed by a ring-shaped groove, the arrangement positions of the inflow connection flow paths 57 and 58 correspond to the center portion of the lid machine frame 80 (corresponding to the outlet flow path 83). If the center distance from the center is adjusted, there is an advantage that the position in the circumferential direction is not concerned.

  Further, since the machine casing 50 and the lid machine casing 80 are detachable, the machine casing 50 and the lid machine casing 80 can be sterilized individually.

  As another modification, although not shown, there is a structure in which the lid machine frame 80 is formed of a nonmetal (for example, ceramic). In such a structure, since the structural strength is not sufficient for screwing and fixing as in the modification shown in FIG. 3, a fixing structure using a fixing screw is employed. Specifically, the fixing structure of the bottom plate 100 and the machine casing 50 shown in FIG.

  Further, when the lid machine frame 80 is made of ceramic, a joining means such as anodic bonding can be used for joining the lid machine frame 80 and the machine frame 50, and the fixing structure is simplified. can do.

  When the lid machine frame 80 is made of a non-metal, it is not possible to connect the GND line to the bottom plate 100. Therefore, it is preferable to employ a structure in which the GND line is provided in the connection flow channel tube 90.

  When the lid frame 80 is made of ceramic, the inlet channels 86 and 87 can be formed by etching, and the number, length, cross-sectional area, and planar shape of the inlet channels can be easily formed. Can do.

In the first embodiment and the modification, the liquid reservoir 84 is a ring-shaped groove. However, this shape is not limited to the ring shape, and is individually provided at a position communicating with the inflow connection flow path according to the inflow connection flow path. It is good also as a structure.
(Embodiment 2)

Subsequently, a fluid ejecting apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is characterized in that a holder that covers and holds the pulsation generating mechanism is provided. Since the structure other than the holder conforms to the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic structure of the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 4, the fluid ejecting apparatus 10 is provided with a holder. The holder is located near the connection portion between the pulsation generating mechanism 40, the connection pipes 60 and 62 (see FIG. 2A), and the connection tubes 25a and 25b. The holder case 140 to be held and the stagnation member 190 provided in the vicinity of the connection part between the pulsation generating mechanism 40 of the connection flow channel pipe 90 are configured. An attachment / detachment mechanism is provided between the holder case 140 and the kneading member 190.

The holder case 140 has a cylindrical shape and has an inner peripheral portion that matches the cross-sectional shape of the pulsation generating mechanism 40. The tail portion is provided with a guide hole 141 narrowed so as to converge the connection tubes 25a and 25b, the lead wires 110 and 111, and the GND wire 112.
Further, a hook portion 142 as an attaching / detaching mechanism is provided at the tip portion in the direction opposite to the tail portion. A rubbing member 190 is attached to the hook portion 142.

  The kneading member 190 is a cylindrical member provided with a hook fixing portion 191 on the hook portion 142 side and a holding portion 192 on the distal end side. The rubbing member 190 has a through hole 193 formed in the center thereof, and the hook portion 142 as an attaching / detaching mechanism is inserted into the through hole 193 until the connection channel tube 90 is in contact with the upper surface 80c of the lid frame 80. The hook fixing portion 191 is engaged and integrated. The through-hole 193 and the connection flow path pipe 90 are set in a slidable fitting relationship using the elasticity of the kneading member 190.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the fluid ejection device 10 has the connection case tube 90 at the tip, the connection tubes 25 a and 25 b, the lead wires 110, 111 and the GND line 112 are extended to have an elongated shape as a whole. The connection tubes 25a and 25b, the lead wires 110 and 111, and the GND wire 112 are pseudo-bundled through the guide hole 141. The inner end of the guide hole 141 is rounded so that the connection tubes 25a and 25b, the lead wires 110 and 111, and the GND wire 112 are not damaged during operation.

The fluid ejecting apparatus 10 having the structure according to the second embodiment described above is operated by holding as if it had a pencil. Therefore, if a fluid ejecting apparatus is provided with a holder and the holder is shaped to be easy to operate, the operability can be improved. Further, when the fluid ejecting apparatus 10 is gripped and operated, the connection tubes 25a and 25b, the lead wires 110 and 111, and the GND wire 112 are pseudo-bundled, and there is an effect that the center of gravity is easily balanced.
Further, if the holder is made of a material having low thermal conductivity, it is possible to suppress the temperature change during operation to the holder.

  In addition, as described above, the holder case 140 and the stagnation member 190 are configured to be detachable, whereby the size and shape of the holder case 140 or the stagnation member 190 can be arbitrarily changed. Specifically, a plurality of combinations of the length, diameter, and cross-sectional shape of the holding portion 192 supported by the fingers of the kneading member 190 are prepared (indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure), and depending on the user's preference It can be selected and mounted, and has the effect of facilitating fine operations particularly in surgery and the like.

The attachment / detachment mechanism between the holder case 140 and the kneading member 190 is not limited to the hook structure. For example, a structure in which a female screw is formed at a position corresponding to the hook part 142 of the holder case 140 and a male screw is formed at a position of the hook fixing part 191 of the rubbing member 190 and screwed and fixed can be adopted.
(Embodiment 3)

Next, a fluid ejecting apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment is characterized in that the fluid ejecting apparatus is provided with a balancer for balancing the center of gravity. Except for the balancer, the basic structure is the above-described second embodiment (see FIG. 4).
5A and 5B show a fluid ejecting apparatus according to a third embodiment, wherein FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing an overall schematic structure, FIG. 5B is a front view showing an example of a balancer, and FIG. 5C is a balancer and a holder case. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing typically a contact surface. 5A to 5C, the balancer 200 is attached to the holder case 140.

The balancer 200 includes a ring part 201 attached to the holder case 140 and a weight part 202 held in the palm. Then, the holding hole portion 203 opened in the ring portion 201 is attached to the holder case 140. As shown in FIG. 5C, small irregularities are formed in the holding hole 203 and the outer peripheral portion 143 of the holder case 140, respectively. A tightening margin is provided between the holding hole 203 and the outer peripheral portion 143 of the holder case 140, and the position is maintained in the mounted state. However, the holder case 140 is made of plastic having elasticity on the surface. By forming, it can be moved to an arbitrary position using its elasticity.
The balancer 200 can move in the circumferential direction and the longitudinal direction (arrow direction) of the holder case 140.

  FIG. 6 shows a modification of the balancer, where (a) is a front view and (b) is a side view. 6A and 6B, the balancer 200 includes a ring portion and a weight portion, and the ring portion includes a fixed end 201a and a fixed end 201b. The fixed end 201a and the fixed end 201b are formed by dividing into two in the thickness direction as shown in FIG. 6B. And the stagnation part 204 is provided in the front-end | tip part of the fixed end 201a, and the stagnation part 205 is provided in the front-end | tip part of the fixed end 201b. The holding hole 203 can be moved (that is, detachable) with respect to the holder case 140 by pinching the stagnation portions 204 and 205 in the inner direction (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). 201a and 201b are fixed by pressing the holder case 140 by its own elastic force.

The fluid ejecting apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a pulsation generating mechanism 40 at the center, a connection channel tube 90 in the distal direction, and connection tubes 25a and 25b, lead wires 110 and 111, and a GND wire 112 behind the pulsation generating mechanism 40. Is extended and arranged. Since the fluid ejecting apparatus is gripped and operated by hand, it is required that the balance of the center of gravity is good. Therefore, by providing the balancer 200 and making the balancer 200 movable, the balancer 200 can be moved according to the user's preference to facilitate the fine operation by bringing the balancer 200 to the best operability position. Can do.
If unnecessary, it can be removed and operated in the same form as in the second embodiment (see FIG. 4).
(Embodiment 4)

Subsequently, a fluid ejecting apparatus according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The fourth embodiment is characterized in that a plurality of weights are provided as a balancer. Therefore, the description will focus on the differences from the third embodiment described above.
7A and 7B show a fluid ejecting apparatus according to Embodiment 4, wherein FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing an overall schematic structure, and FIG. 7B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a DD cut surface of FIG. 7A and 7B, the holder case 210 includes a holding portion 211 that holds the pulsation generating mechanism 40, a holding portion 212, weights 220 to 223 that are mounted in the holding portion 212, and a holding portion lid 215. It is composed of

  The holding part 211 has substantially the same form as that of the above-described third embodiment (see FIG. 6A), and a holding part 212 is further provided. The grip portion 212 has a flat shape that can be easily gripped in the palm, and is formed with a recess 213, and weights 220 to 223 are disposed in the recess 213. As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the weights 220 to 223 are respectively disposed in the corresponding concave portions, and the grip portion lid 215 is fixed to the grip portion 212 with a fixing screw 216 (not shown). It is installed by.

  Here, the weights 220 to 223 are provided for the same purpose as the weight portion 202 according to the third embodiment, and can be stably held in the palm while balancing the center of gravity of the fluid ejection device 10. Yes.

It should be noted that the weights 220 to 223 can be partially changed to a desired weight or center of gravity. Accordingly, the weights are not limited to the four shown in the figure, but may be more or less, and the shape is not limited to a cylindrical shape.
Furthermore, the arrangement positions of the weights may be arbitrarily arranged other than the aligned arrangement as shown in the figure.

As described above, it is possible to improve the operability by providing the grip 212 that fits in the palm. Moreover, it is possible to easily balance the center of gravity by providing weights 220 to 223 for the pulsation generation mechanism 40 having the largest weight and making it movable.
In addition, since the center of gravity is in the palm of the palm by providing the weights 220 to 223 in the grip portion 212, the fluid ejection device 10 can be gripped more stably and the operability is improved.
(Embodiment 5)

Subsequently, a fluid ejecting apparatus according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The fifth embodiment is characterized in that a gripping member is provided with respect to the structure of the fourth embodiment described above (see FIG. 7), and the gripping member is movable with respect to the holder case. Therefore, the difference from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the overall schematic structure of the fluid ejecting apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 8, a holding member 230 is attached to the holder case 140.

  The gripping member 230 includes a holding part 231 and a gripping part 232. As the mounting structure of the gripping member 230 to the holder case 140, a structure similar to the fixing structure of the holder case 140 and the balancer 200 of the third embodiment (see FIG. 5) described above can be employed. Although not shown in the drawing, the weight portion 232 may be provided with a weight as shown in the fourth embodiment (see FIG. 7), as in the third embodiment (see FIGS. 5B and 6). Such a balancer 200 may be insert-molded on the gripping member 230.

  Accordingly, the gripping member 230 is rotated and held in the circumferential direction of the holder case 140, moved in the longitudinal direction (shown, arrow (direction)), or changed in the number and number of weights as appropriate. Is possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the fluid injection system which concerns on this invention. The structure of the pulsation generating mechanism according to Embodiment 1 is shown, (a) is a cross-sectional view showing the main structure of the pulsation generating mechanism, (b) is a front view viewed from the AA direction of (a), (c) is The front view visually recognized from the arrow B direction of (a), (d) is sectional drawing which shows the front-end | tip part of a connection flow-path pipe | tube. The pulsation generation | occurrence | production mechanism which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 1 is shown, (a) is sectional drawing, (b) is the front view which visually recognized the lid machine frame from the AA direction. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic structure of a fluid ejection device according to a second embodiment. 4 shows a fluid ejecting apparatus according to Embodiment 3, wherein (a) is a cross-sectional view showing an overall schematic structure, (b) is a front view showing an example of a balancer, and (c) is a contact surface between the balancer and a holder case. The fragmentary sectional view which represents typically. The modification of the balancer which concerns on Embodiment 3 is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view. The fluid injection apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 is shown, (a) is sectional drawing which shows the whole schematic structure, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the DD cut surface of (a). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall schematic structure of a fluid ejection device according to a fifth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Fluid injection apparatus, 25a, 25b ... Connection tube, 40 ... Pulsation generating mechanism, 50 ... Machine frame, 57, 58 ... Inflow connection flow path, 70 ... Diaphragm, 80 ... Lid machine frame, 80b ... Inner peripheral side wall, 83 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Outlet flow path, 85 ... Fluid chamber, 86, 87 ... Inlet flow path, 90 ... Connection flow path pipe, 91 ... Outlet connection flow path, 93 ... Liquid injection opening part, 100 ... Bottom plate, 120 ... Piezoelectric element.

Claims (9)

A fluid chamber having a diaphragm, the volume of which can be changed by displacement of the diaphragm; a piezoelectric element that expands and contracts by a drive signal to displace the diaphragm; an outlet channel that communicates substantially perpendicularly to the fluid chamber; and the fluid chamber A pulsation generating mechanism having an inlet channel communicating along the inner peripheral wall of
A connecting flow channel tube extending from the pulsation generating mechanism along the expansion / contraction direction of the piezoelectric element, having one end communicated with the outlet flow channel and having a nozzle at the other end,
Extending from the pulsation generating mechanism along the expansion / contraction direction of the piezoelectric element to the opposite side of the connection flow path, one end communicates with the inlet flow path and the other end supplies liquid An inflow connecting flow path connected to the connecting tube,
A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising: The fluid ejection device according to claim 1,
A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising a plurality of the inflow connection flow paths. The fluid ejection device according to claim 1 or 2,
A fluid ejecting apparatus comprising a plurality of the inlet channels. In the fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A lead wire for inputting a drive signal is connected to the piezoelectric element,
The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lead wire extends along the connection tube. The fluid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
At least one of the connection channel pipe and the nozzle is electrically grounded to GND. A fluid chamber having a diaphragm, the volume of which can be changed by displacement of the diaphragm, an outlet channel communicating with the fluid chamber substantially perpendicularly, and an inlet channel communicating with the inner peripheral side wall of the fluid chamber. A pulsation generating mechanism having
A connecting channel pipe having one end communicating with the outlet channel and having a nozzle at the other end;
An inflow connection flow path that communicates with the inlet flow path and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the diaphragm and in a direction opposite to the connection flow path pipe;
A connection tube connected to the inflow connection flow path,
A holder for covering and holding the vicinity of the connection portion between the pulsation generation mechanism and the pulsation generation mechanism of the connection flow path pipe and the connection portion between the connection tube and the inflow connection flow path; A fluid ejecting apparatus. The fluid ejection device according to claim 6, wherein
The holder is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion between the pulsation generating mechanism, the connection portion between the inflow connection flow path and the connection tube, and the connection flow pipe and the pulsation generation mechanism. With a member,
The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holder case and the stagnation member include an attachment / detachment mechanism. The fluid ejection device according to claim 7, wherein
The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holder includes a balancer movable with respect to the holder case. The fluid ejection device according to claim 7 or 8,
The fluid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holder includes a gripping member movable with respect to the pulsation generating mechanism.

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