Patent Description:
In a liquid dispensing apparatus, a liquid is dispensed through a liquid discharging device. The liquid discharging device can be detachable from the liquid dispensing apparatus so that it can be discarded after a single use to prevent contamination. For example, US patent application <CIT> discloses a reagent management system including an automated biological reaction apparatus including at least one reagent dispenser, a memory device containing data for a reagent device selected from the group consisting of a reagent dispenser or a reagent kit used in the automated biological reaction apparatus, a host device comprising a processor and a host device memory connected to the processor.

However, there is a problem in existing dispensing systems in that the discharging device might be reused or kept in service even though the discharging is designed, or at least intended, only for single use.

To solve the above-cited problems, there is provided a liquid dispensing apparatus, as defined in claim <NUM>. There is also provided a liquid discharging system defined in claim <NUM>. There is further provided a method for discharging a liquid from a liquid dispensing apparatus defined in claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are defined in dependent claims.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The present invention is directed to a liquid dispensing apparatus according to appended claim <NUM>.

Hereinafter, liquid dispensing apparatuses and liquid discharging systems according to certain example embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted, that the particular embodiments explained below are some possible examples of liquid dispensing apparatuses and chemical liquid discharging systems according to the present disclosure and do not limit the possible configurations, specifications, or the like of liquid dispensing apparatuses and liquid discharging systems according to the present disclosure. The drawings are schematic and are in some instances drawn with exaggeration and omissions for purposes of explanatory convenience. In general, components are not drawn to scale. The number of components, the dimensional ratio between different components, or the like does not necessarily match between different drawings or to actual devices.

A discharging system according to a first embodiment discharges a predetermined liquid by a piezo jet method. For example, the discharging system discharges several picoliters (pL) to several microliters (µL) of a liquid into a microplate, a multi-well plate, or the like according to a user operation. For example, the discharging system is used in a laboratory in a technical field such as biology, chemistry, or pharmacy research.

A configuration example of the discharging system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic perspective view of the discharging system <NUM>. <FIG> is a top view of a chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of a surface of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> from which a liquid is discharged. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line F4-F4 in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line F5-F5 in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the discharging system <NUM> includes a chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>, the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>, a host computer <NUM>, a server <NUM> (also referred to as an information processing device or external device), and the like. The discharging system <NUM> may have more elements in addition to the elements depicted in <FIG>, or some of the elements depicted in <FIG> may be omitted in some embodiments.

The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> controls the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> to dispense a liquid from the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>.

The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> includes a base <NUM> of a rectangular flat plate shape, and a mounting module <NUM> that mounts the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> dispenses the liquid into a microplate <NUM> having <NUM> wells. Here, the front to rear direction of the base <NUM> is referred to as an X direction, and the right to left direction of the base <NUM> is referred to as a Y direction. The X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal.

The microplate <NUM> is fixed to the base <NUM>. The microplate <NUM> includes a plurality of wells <NUM>. Each well <NUM> of the microplate <NUM> holds a predetermined volume of a liquid. For example, the liquids in the microplate can be chemicals, reagents, solutions, solvents, or the like and/or may include cells, blood cells, bacteria, plasma, antibodies, DNA, nucleic acids or proteins.

The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> includes a pair of right and left X direction guide rails 6a and 6b extending in the X direction on both sides of the microplate <NUM> on the base <NUM>. Both ends each of the X direction guide rails 6a and 6b are fixed to fixing bases 7a and 7b protruding on the base <NUM>.

A Y direction guide rail <NUM> extending in the Y direction is installed between the X direction guide rails 6a and 6b. Both ends of the Y direction guide rail <NUM> are fixed to an X direction moving base <NUM> that is slidable in the X direction along the X direction guide rails 6a and 6b, respectively.

The Y direction guide rail <NUM> includes a Y direction moving base <NUM> that allows a mounting module <NUM> to move in the Y direction along the Y direction guide rail <NUM>. The mounting module <NUM> is mounted on the Y direction moving base <NUM>. The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is fixed to the mounting module <NUM>.

The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is supported so as to be movable to an arbitrary position in the XY directions orthogonal to each other by a combination of an operation of a movement in the Y direction moving base <NUM> along the Y direction guide rail <NUM> in the Y direction and an operation of a movement in the X direction moving base <NUM> along the X direction guide rails 6a and 6b in the X direction.

In the mounting module <NUM>, a slit <NUM> for fixing the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is formed. When the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is inserted into the slit <NUM> from a front surface opening portion side of the slit <NUM>, the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is fixed to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>.

The mounting module <NUM> includes a driving circuit <NUM>, a reader <NUM> (also referred to as an acquisition unit) and the like.

The driving circuit <NUM> drives the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> based on a signal from the processor <NUM>. For example, the driving circuit <NUM> supplies a signal, electric power, and the like to the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> to discharge the liquid from the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>.

The reader <NUM> is a reading unit that reads a code <NUM> specific to the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. The reader <NUM> captures an image of the code <NUM> and decodes the code <NUM>. The reader <NUM> transmits the decoded result to the processor <NUM>.

For example, the reader <NUM> includes an imaging unit such as a CCD. The reader <NUM> may include a light or the like that illuminates the code <NUM>.

The reader <NUM> is installed at a position corresponding to the code <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. That is, the reader <NUM> is installed at a position where the code <NUM> may be read when the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is set in the mounting module <NUM>.

The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> discharges the liquid based on a control of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>.

The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> includes a base member <NUM> of a flat planar shape that is a plate of a rectangular plate shape. As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of chemical liquid holding containers <NUM> is arranged in a row in the Y direction, on a surface side of the base member <NUM>. In the first embodiment, eight chemical liquid holding containers <NUM> are included. However, the number is not limited to eight. As shown in <FIG>, the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> is a container of a cylindrical shape having a bottom, of which a top surface is opened. A chemical liquid holding container recessed portion 21a of a cylindrical shape is formed at a position corresponding to each chemical liquid holding container <NUM>, on the surface side of the base member <NUM>.

The bottom portion of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> is adhered and fixed to the recessed portion 21a for the chemical liquid holding container. A bottom surface opening portion 22a serving as a liquid outlet port is formed at the center position on the bottom portion of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM>. The opening area of a top surface opening portion 22b is larger than the opening area of the bottom surface opening portion 22a of the liquid outlet port.

At both ends of the base member <NUM>, mount fixing notches <NUM> for mounting and fixing the mounting module <NUM> are formed respectively. The mount fixing notch <NUM> is engaged with the mounting module <NUM>. Two notches <NUM> of the base member <NUM> are formed in a notch shape of a semi-long circular shape. The mount fixing notch <NUM> may be a notch shape of a semi-circular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, a triangular shape, or the like. In the first embodiment, the shapes of the two notches <NUM> are different from each other. Therefore, the left and right shapes of the base member <NUM> are different, and it is easy to identify the posture of the base member <NUM>.

In the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>, the code <NUM> is on the base member <NUM>. The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is set in the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> such that the code <NUM> on the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> can be readable by the reader <NUM>.

The code <NUM> indicates an identifier (that is identification information) for specifying the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. For example, the code <NUM> includes a character string, a numerical value, or a combination thereof as the identifier encoded. That is, the code <NUM> includes the identifier for specifying the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> when the code <NUM> is decoded. The code <NUM> may be a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, or the like.

The code <NUM> is attached to the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> in advance at the time of manufacturing the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, the same number of electrical substrate <NUM> as the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> are arranged in row in the Y direction, on a rear surface side of the base member <NUM>. The electrical substrate <NUM> is a flat plate member of a rectangular shape. As shown in <FIG>, an electrical substrate recessed portion 21b for mounting the electrical substrate <NUM> and a chemical liquid discharge array portion opening 21d connected with the electrical substrate recessed portion 21b are formed, on the rear surface side of the base member <NUM>. A base end portion of the electrical substrate recessed portion 21b extends to the vicinity of an upper end portion of the base member <NUM> in <FIG> (the position in the vicinity of the right end portion in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, a distal end portion of the electrical substrate recessed portion 21b extends to a position overlapping a portion of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM>. The electrical substrate <NUM> is adhered and fixed to the electrical substrate recessed portion 21b.

An electrical substrate wiring <NUM> is patterned and formed on a surface opposite to an adhesive fixing surface of the electrical substrate recessed portion 21b, on the electrical substrate <NUM>. Wiring patterns 24a and 24b respectively connected to a driving element <NUM> are formed on the electrical substrate wiring <NUM>.

A control signal input terminal <NUM> for inputting an electrical signal (also referred to as a driving signal) from the driving circuit <NUM> is formed at one end portion of the electrical substrate wiring <NUM>. An electrode terminal connection portion <NUM> is provided at the other end portion of the electrical substrate wiring <NUM>.

The base member <NUM> is provided with the chemical liquid discharge array portion opening 21d. As shown in <FIG>, the chemical liquid discharge array portion opening 21d is an opening portion of a rectangular shape and is formed at a position overlapping with the chemical liquid holding container recessed portion 21a on the rear surface side of the base member <NUM>.

A chemical liquid discharge array <NUM> is adhered and fixed to the bottom surface of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> with the chemical liquid discharge array <NUM> covering the bottom surface opening portion 22a of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM>. The chemical liquid discharge array <NUM> is disposed at a position corresponding to the chemical liquid discharge array portion opening 21d of the base member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the chemical liquid discharge array <NUM> is formed by laminating a nozzle plate <NUM> and a pressure chamber structure <NUM>. The nozzle plate <NUM> includes a nozzle <NUM> that discharges the liquid, a diaphragm <NUM>, the driving element <NUM> that is a driving unit, an insulation film <NUM> that insulates the driving element <NUM>, a protection film <NUM> that is protection layer, a liquid repellant film <NUM>. An actuator <NUM> includes the diaphragm <NUM> and the driving element <NUM>. For example, a plurality of nozzles <NUM> is arranged in 3x3 rows. The plurality of nozzles <NUM> is positioned inside the bottom surface opening portion 22a of the liquid outlet port of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM>. The chemical liquid holding container <NUM>, the pressure chamber structure <NUM>, the actuator <NUM>, and the like form a discharging portion that discharges the liquid.

For example, the diaphragm <NUM> is integrated with the pressure chamber structure <NUM>. When a heat treatment is performed on a silicon wafer <NUM> in an oxygen atmosphere, a SiO<NUM> (silicon oxide) film is formed on the surface of the silicon wafer <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> uses the SiO<NUM> film on the surface of the silicon wafer <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> may be formed by depositing the SiO<NUM> film on the surface of the silicon wafer <NUM> by a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method.

The film thickness of the diaphragm <NUM> is preferably in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>. The diaphragm <NUM> may use a semiconductor material such as SiN (silicon nitride), Al<NUM>O<NUM> (aluminum oxide), or the like, instead of the SiO<NUM> film.

The driving element <NUM> is formed in each nozzle <NUM>. The driving element <NUM> is an annular shape surrounding the nozzle <NUM>. The shape of the driving element <NUM> is not limited, and may be, for example, a C shape in which a portion of the circular ring is cut out.

The driving element <NUM> is electrically connected to the electrode terminal connection portion <NUM>. The driving element <NUM> is driven by electric power supplied from the electrode terminal connection portion <NUM>.

The driving element <NUM> includes a piezoelectric film that is a piezoelectric material, and uses PZT (Pb(Zr, Ti)O<NUM>: lead zirconate titanate). For example, a piezoelectric film included in the driving element <NUM> may use a piezoelectric material such as PTO (PbTiO<NUM>: lead titanate), PMNT (Pb(Mg<NUM>/<NUM>Nb<NUM>/<NUM>)O<NUM>-PbTiO<NUM>), PZNT (Pb(Zn<NUM>/<NUM>Nb<NUM>/<NUM>)O<NUM>-PbTiO<NUM>), KNN (a compound of KNbO<NUM> and NaNbO<NUM>), ZnO, and AlN may be used.

The piezoelectric film included in the driving element <NUM> generates a polarization in the thickness direction. When an electric field in the same direction as the polarization is applied to the driving element <NUM>, the driving element <NUM> extends or contracts in a direction orthogonal to the electric field direction. That is, the driving element <NUM> contracts or extends in a direction orthogonal to the film thickness direction.

The nozzle plate <NUM> includes the protection film <NUM>. The protection film <NUM> includes a chemical liquid passage portion <NUM> of a cylindrical shape that is connected to the nozzle <NUM> of the diaphragm <NUM>.

The nozzle plate <NUM> includes the liquid repellant film <NUM> that covers the protection film <NUM>. For example, the liquid repellant film <NUM> is formed by spin-coating, for example, a silicon type resin having a characteristic of repelling a liquid. The liquid repellant film <NUM> may also be formed by a fluorinated resin material.

The pressure chamber structure <NUM> includes a warp reduction film <NUM> that is a warp reduction layer on a surface opposite to the diaphragm <NUM>. The pressure chamber structure <NUM> includes a pressure chamber <NUM> that penetrates the warp reduction film <NUM>, is positioned at the position of the diaphragm <NUM>, and is connected to the nozzle <NUM>. For example, the pressure chamber <NUM> is formed in a circular shape positioned in the same axis as the nozzle <NUM>.

The pressure chamber <NUM> includes an opening portion connected to the bottom surface opening portion 22a of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM>. It is preferable that the size L in the depth direction of the opening portion of the pressure chamber <NUM> is larger than the size D in the width direction of the opening portion of the pressure chamber <NUM>. The size L in the depth direction is set to be larger than the size D in the width direction. Therefore, the pressure applied to the liquid in the pressure chamber <NUM> may delay an escape to the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> by a vibration of the diaphragm <NUM> of the nozzle plate <NUM>.

In the pressure chamber structure <NUM>, the side on which the diaphragm <NUM> of the pressure chamber <NUM> is disposed is referred to as a first surface 200a and the side on which the warp reduction film <NUM> is disposed is referred to as a second surface 200b. The chemical liquid holding container <NUM> is adhered to the side of the warp reduction film <NUM> of the pressure chamber structure <NUM> by, for example, an epoxy type adhesive. The pressure chamber <NUM> of the pressure chamber structure <NUM> is connected to the bottom surface opening portion 22a of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> by an opening portion of the side of the warp reduction film <NUM>.

The diaphragm <NUM> deforms in the thickness direction by an operation of the driving element <NUM> of a surface shape. The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> discharges the liquid supplied to the nozzle <NUM> by a pressure change generated in the pressure chamber <NUM> of the pressure chamber structure <NUM> due to the deformation of the diaphragm <NUM>.

Next, a control system of the discharging system <NUM> will be described.

As described above, the discharging system <NUM> includes the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>, the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>, the host computer <NUM>, the server <NUM> and the like.

The host computer <NUM> controls the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> according to a user operation. The host computer <NUM> includes an operation unit 18a, a display unit 18b, and the like. The host computer <NUM> is configured with a processor, a RAM, a ROM, a non-volatile memory (NVM), and the like.

The operation unit 18a receives an operation instruction from the user. For example, the operation unit 18a is a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, or the like.

The display unit 18b displays various kinds of information by a control of the processor <NUM>. For example, the display unit 18b includes a liquid crystal display. When the operation unit 18a includes a touch panel or the like, the display unit 18b may be integrated with the operation unit 18a.

The host computer <NUM> receives various inputs through the operation unit 18a. For example, the host computer <NUM> receives an input indicating that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been filled with a liquid. The host computer <NUM> receives an input selection for discharging the liquid from the chemical liquid holding container <NUM>.

When the host computer <NUM> receives the input selection for discharging the liquid from the chemical liquid holding container <NUM>, the host computer <NUM> transmits a discharge signal for discharging the liquid to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>.

The host computer <NUM> may receive inputs for each chemical liquid holding container <NUM>. For example, the host computer <NUM> may receive an input indicating that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been filled with a liquid or an input selection for discharging a liquid for each chemical liquid holding container <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> includes the X direction moving base control circuit 9a, the X direction moving base motor 9b, the Y direction moving base control circuit 10a, the Y direction moving base motor 10b, the driving circuit <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the interface <NUM>, the reader <NUM>, a reader driving circuit <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, and the like. Such units are connected to each other through a data bus. The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> may have more elements in addition to the elements depicted in <FIG>, or some of the elements depicted in <FIG> may be omitted in some embodiments.

The processor <NUM> (also referred to as a control unit or a first control unit) has a function of controlling all operations of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include an internal cache, various interfaces, and the like. The processor <NUM> realizes various processes by executing a program stored in advance in the internal cache, the memory <NUM>, or the like.

Some of the various functions realized by the execution of the program by the processor <NUM> may be realized by a hardware circuit. In this case, the processor <NUM> controls a function executed by the hardware circuit.

The memory <NUM> stores various data. For example, the memory <NUM> stores a control program, a control data, and the like. The control program and the control data are incorporated in advance according to a specification of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>. The control program is a program or the like supporting the function realized by the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> temporarily stores data or the like under processing of the processor <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may store data necessary for executing an application program, an execution result of the application program, and the like.

The interface <NUM> is an interface for communicating data to and from the host computer <NUM>. For example, the interface <NUM> is connected to the host computer <NUM> through a wired or wireless line. For example, the interface <NUM> may support a LAN connection, a USB connection, or a Bluetooth® connection.

The interface <NUM> (referred to as a first interface) is an interface for communicating data to and from the server <NUM>. For example, the interface <NUM> is connected to the server <NUM> through a wired or wireless line. For example, the interface <NUM> may support a LAN connection, a USB connection, or a Bluetooth connection.

The interfaces <NUM> and <NUM> may be integrally formed.

The X direction moving base control circuit 9a drives the X direction moving base motor 9b based on a signal from the processor <NUM>. The X direction moving base control circuit 9a drives the X direction moving base motor 9b by supplying a signal or electric power to the X direction moving base motor 9b.

The X direction moving base motor 9b moves the X direction moving base <NUM> in the X direction. For example, the X direction moving base motor 9b is connected to the X direction moving base <NUM> through a gear or the like and moves the X direction moving base <NUM> in the X direction.

The Y direction moving base control circuit 10a drives the Y direction moving base motor 10b based on a signal from the processor <NUM>. The Y direction moving base control circuit 10a drives the Y direction moving base motor 10b by supplying a signal or electric power to the Y direction moving base motor 10b.

The Y direction moving base motor 10b moves the Y direction moving base <NUM> in the Y direction. For example, the Y direction moving base motor 10b is connected to the Y direction moving base <NUM> through a gear or the like and moves the Y direction moving base <NUM> in the Y direction.

The reader driving circuit <NUM> drives the reader <NUM> according to a signal from the processor <NUM>. For example, the reader driving circuit <NUM> supplies electric power to the reader <NUM>. The reader driving circuit <NUM> transmits data output from the reader <NUM> to the processor <NUM>.

The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>, the driving circuit <NUM> and the reader <NUM> are as described above.

Next, the server <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> shows a configuration example of the server <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the server <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a ROM <NUM>, a RAM <NUM>, a non-volatile memory (NVM) <NUM> (referred to as a storage unit), a communication unit <NUM>, an operation unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, and the like. Such units are connected to each other through a data bus. The server <NUM> may have more elements in addition to the elements depicted in <FIG>, or some of the elements depicted in <FIG> may be omitted in some embodiments.

The processor <NUM> (referred to as a second control unit) has a function of controlling all operations of the server <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include an internal cache, various interfaces, and the like. The processor <NUM> realizes various processes by executing a program stored in advance in the internal memory, the ROM <NUM>, or the NVM <NUM> in.

The ROM <NUM> is a nonvolatile memory in which a control program, control data, and the like are stored in advance. The control program and the control data stored in the ROM <NUM> are incorporated in advance according to a specification of the server <NUM>. For example, the ROM <NUM> stores a program (for example, BIOS) for controlling a circuit board of the server <NUM>.

The RAM <NUM> is a volatile memory. The RAM <NUM> temporarily stores data or the like during processing of the processor <NUM>. The RAM <NUM> stores various application programs based on instructions from the processor <NUM>. The RAM <NUM> may store data necessary for executing the application program, an execution result of the application program, and the like.

The NVM <NUM> is a nonvolatile memory capable of writing and rewriting data. For example, the NVM <NUM> is configured with a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a Solid State Drive (SSD), an EEPROM® (registered trademark), a flash memory, or the like. The NVM <NUM> stores a control program, an application, various data, and the like according to intended operations of the server <NUM>.

The NVM <NUM> includes a storage area 54a that stores the use history. The use history will be described in detail later.

The communication unit <NUM> (referred to as a second interface) is an interface for communicating data to and from the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>. For example, the communication unit <NUM> is connected to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> through a wired or wireless line. For example, the communication unit <NUM> may support a LAN connection, a USB connection, or a Bluetooth connection.

The operation unit <NUM> receives an operation instruction from the user. The operation unit <NUM> transmits a signal indicating the received instruction to the processor <NUM>. For example, the operation unit <NUM> includes a keyboard, a ten key, and a touch panel.

The display unit <NUM> displays various kinds of information by a control of the processor <NUM>. For example, the display unit <NUM> includes a liquid crystal display. When the operation unit <NUM> includes a touch panel or the like, the display unit <NUM> may be integrated with the operation unit <NUM>.

Next, the use history stored in the storage area 54a will be described.

The storage area 54a stores the use history for each chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. For example, the storage area 54a stores an identifier obtained by decoding the code <NUM> and a use history specific to the chemical liquid discharging device corresponding to the identifier.

The use history indicates whether or not the corresponding chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used. The use history may also indicate whether or not the liquid has been discharged from the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. When the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has discharged a liquid once from at least one chemical liquid holding container <NUM>, the use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used.

The use history may be recorded in a bit or the like indicating whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used. For example, "<NUM>" indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has not been used (that is unused), "<NUM>" indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used.

The use history may be entered by a user through the operation unit <NUM>. For example, the user stores the use history of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> mounted on the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> in the storage area 54a through the operation unit <NUM> or the like. Prior to an initial use of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>, the use history indicates that the corresponding chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has not been used (unused).

Next, a function realized by the processor <NUM> of the server <NUM> will be described. The following function is realized by the processor <NUM> executing the program stored in the NVM <NUM> or the like.

First, the processor <NUM> has a function of transmitting the use history to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> through the communication unit <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> receives an acquisition request to acquire a use history corresponding to a chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> through the communication unit <NUM>. The acquisition request may include an identifier for specifying the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. When the processor <NUM> receives the acquisition request, the processor <NUM> acquires the use history of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> from the storage area 54a. The processor <NUM> may acquire the use history corresponding to the identifier included in the acquisition request. When the processor <NUM> acquires the use history, the processor <NUM> transmits a response including the use history to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> through the communication unit <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> has a function of rewriting the use history according to an update request from the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> receives the update request for rewriting the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used from the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> through the communication unit <NUM>. When the processor <NUM> receives the update request, the processor <NUM> rewrites the use history (e.g., in a bit) indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used the storage area 54a. The processor <NUM> may store the use history indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> corresponding to the identifier included in the update request has been previously used in the storage area 54a.

When the processor <NUM> rewrites the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used in the storage area 54a, the processor <NUM> transmits a response indicating that the rewriting is successful to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> through the communication unit <NUM>.

When the processor <NUM> stores the information indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used as the use history, the processor <NUM> may lock the storage area 54a from further rewriting of the corresponding use history.

Next, the function realized by the processor <NUM> of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> will be described. The following function is realized by the processor <NUM> executing the program stored in the memory <NUM> or the like.

First, the processor <NUM> has a function of acquiring the identifier from the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> determines whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is set in the mounting module <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is set in the mounting module <NUM> according to a signal from a sensor (not specifically depicted).

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is set in the mounting module <NUM>, the processor <NUM> acquires (e.g., causes to read and decode) the code <NUM> on the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> through the reader <NUM>. The reader <NUM> transmits the decoded code to the processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> acquires the identifier indicating the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> based on the decoded code transmitted from the reader <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may decode the code <NUM> that is read by the reader <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> has a function of acquiring the use history of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> corresponding to the acquired identifier from the server <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> generates the acquisition request for acquiring the use history of the corresponding chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may store the obtained identifier in the acquisition request. When the processor <NUM> generates the acquisition request, the processor <NUM> transmits the acquisition request to the server <NUM> through the interface <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> receives a response including the use history of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> corresponding to the identifier as a response to the acquisition request from the server <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> has a function of discharging the liquid from the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> based on the acquired use history.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has not been used based on the acquired use history, the processor <NUM> causes a liquid to be discharged from the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>.

For example, the user supplies a predetermined amount of the liquid to the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> from the top surface opening portion 22b of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> by a pipette or the like. The liquid is held inside the chemical liquid holding container <NUM>. The bottom surface opening portion 22a of the bottom portion of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> is connected to the chemical liquid discharge array <NUM>. The liquid in the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> is filled in each pressure chamber <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharge array <NUM> through the bottom surface opening portion 22a of the bottom surface of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM>.

The liquid in the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> includes any of, for example, a low molecular weight compound, a fluorescent reagent, a protein, an antibody, a nucleic acid, a plasma, a bacteria, a blood cell or a cell. In general, a main solvent in the liquid (substance having the largest weight ratio or volume ratio) is water, glycerin, or dimethylsulfoxide.

The user inputs an operation instruction for discharging the liquid to the operation unit 18a of the host computer <NUM>. The user may input the operation instruction for discharging the liquid from a specific chemical liquid holding container <NUM>.

When the host computer <NUM> receives the operation of discharging the liquid, the host computer <NUM> transmits a discharge signal instructing the discharge of the liquid with respect to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>. The discharge signal may be an instruction of the discharge of the liquid from a specific chemical liquid holding container <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> receives the discharge signal through the interface <NUM>. When the acquired use history indicates that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has not been used, the processor <NUM> causes the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> to discharge the liquid based on the discharge signal.

The processor <NUM> controls the X direction moving base motor 9b and the Y direction moving base motor 10b to move the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> set in the mounting module <NUM> to a predetermined position. For example, the processor <NUM> moves the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> to a position where the plurality of nozzles <NUM> is inserted into a well <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may move the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> to the predetermined position according to the discharge signal.

When the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is moved to the predetermined position, the processor <NUM> applies a voltage for discharging the liquid to the driving element <NUM> using the driving circuit <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> transmits a signal to the driving circuit <NUM>, and a voltage control signal is input from the driving circuit <NUM> to the driving element <NUM>. In response to the application of the voltage control signal, the driving element <NUM> deforms the diaphragm <NUM> to change the volume of the pressure chamber <NUM>. Therefore, the liquid is discharged as a droplet from the nozzle <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharge array <NUM>. As a result, the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> dispenses a predetermined amount of liquid from the nozzle <NUM> to the well <NUM> of the microplate <NUM>.

To dispense the predetermined amount of liquid to each well <NUM> of the microplate <NUM>, the processor <NUM> repeats an operation instruction for transmitting a signal to the X direction moving base control circuit 9a, the Y direction moving base control circuit 10a, and the driving circuit <NUM>.

The number of times and the position at which the processor <NUM> causes the liquid to be discharged are not limited to a specific configuration.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has not been used based on the acquired use history, the processor <NUM> may transmit a signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has not been used to the host computer <NUM>. The host computer <NUM> may display that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has not been used on the display unit 18b or the like, based on the corresponding signal.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used based on the acquired use history, the processor <NUM> does not causes the liquid to be discharged from the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used based on the acquired use history, the processor <NUM> does not causes the liquid to be discharged even when the processor <NUM> receives the discharge signal. The processor <NUM> transmits a signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used to the host computer <NUM> through the interface <NUM>.

When the host computer <NUM> receives the signal, the host computer <NUM> displays a warning or the like indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used on the display unit 18b or the like.

The processor <NUM> has a function of transmitting the update request for storing the information indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used for rewriting the use history of the corresponding chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> in the server <NUM> when the processor <NUM> causes the liquid to be discharged.

When the discharge of the liquid has been completed, the processor <NUM> generates the update request for rewriting the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used. For example, the processor <NUM> stores the acquired identifier in the update request. When the processor <NUM> generates the update request, the processor <NUM> transmits the generated update request to the server <NUM> through the interface <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> receives a response indicating that the rewriting has been completed from the server <NUM> through the interface <NUM>. When the processor <NUM> receives a response indicating that the rewriting has been failed or when the processor <NUM> does not receive the response, the processor <NUM> may transmit the generated update request to the server <NUM> again.

Next, an operation example of the processor <NUM> of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> will be described.

<FIG> is a flowchart for describing an operation example of the processor <NUM> of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM>.

First, the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is set in the mounting module <NUM> (ACT11). When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is not set in the mounting module <NUM> (ACT11, NO), the processor <NUM> causes the process to return to ACT11.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is set in the mounting module <NUM> (ACT11, YES), the processor <NUM> reads the identifier from the code <NUM> on the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> (ACT12). When the processor <NUM> reads the identifier, the processor <NUM> acquires the use history of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> corresponding to the identifier from the sever <NUM> (ACT13).

When the processor <NUM> acquires the use history, the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used according to the use history (ACT14).

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has not been used (is previously unused) according to the use history (ACT14, NO), the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the discharge signal has been received through the interface <NUM> (ACT15). When it is determined that the discharge signal has not been received through the interface <NUM> (ACT15, NO), the processor <NUM> causes the process to return to ACT15.

When it is determined that the discharge signal has been received through the interface <NUM> (ACT15, YES), the processor <NUM> causes the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> to discharge the liquid according to the discharge signal (ACT16).

When the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is caused to discharge the liquid, the processor <NUM> transmits the update request for rewriting the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used to the server <NUM> (ACT <NUM>).

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used according to the use history (ACT14, YES), the processor <NUM> transmits the signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used to the host computer <NUM> through the interface <NUM> (ACT18).

When the use history indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device has been used is stored in the server <NUM> (ACT17), or when the signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used is transmitted to the host computer <NUM> (ACT18), the processor <NUM> ends the operation.

The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> may include an IC module or a Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) storing the identifier. In this case, the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> includes a reader that read the identifier from the IC module or the RFID. The processor <NUM> of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> acquires the identifier from the IC module or the RFID.

The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> may include a character string indicating the identifier. In this case, the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> includes a camera or the like that images the character string. The processor <NUM> of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> performs an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) process or the like on a captured including the character string to acquire the identifier.

The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> may indicate the identifier by the shape of the base member <NUM> or the like. In this case, the processor <NUM> of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> may acquire the identifier using a captured image indicating the shape.

The host computer <NUM> and the server <NUM> may be integrally formed. For example, the host computer <NUM> may have a function of the server <NUM>.

The storage area 54a of the server <NUM> may store the use history of each chemical liquid holding container <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. That is, the storage area 54a stores information indicating whether or not the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been used.

The processor <NUM> acquires the use history of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> specified by the identifier from the server <NUM>. When the processor <NUM> acquires the use history, the processor <NUM> receives the discharge signal from the host computer <NUM>. When the discharge signal is received, the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been used according to the use history. When it is determined that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has not been used (that is unused) by the use history, the processor <NUM> causes the liquid to be discharged from the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> according to the discharge signal. When the discharge operation has been completed, the processor <NUM> transmits an update request for rewriting the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been used to the server <NUM>.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been used according to the use history, the processor <NUM> will not perform the discharge operation even when the processor <NUM> receives the discharge signal. In this case, the processor <NUM> may transmit a signal indicating that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been used to the host computer <NUM>.

The discharging system configured as described above acquires the identifier from the liquid discharging device. The discharging system acquires the use history of the chemical liquid discharging device corresponding to the identifier from the server. The discharging system checks the use history before the liquid is discharged from the liquid discharging device. When it is determined that the liquid discharging device has been used by the use history, the discharging system will not cause the liquid discharging device to discharge the liquid.

Once the liquid discharging device has discharged the liquid, the discharging system updates the use history indicating that the liquid discharging device has been used in the server.

As a result, the discharging system can prevent the discharge of a liquid via the reuse of a liquid discharging device that has been previously used.

A chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> according to a second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment transmits an update request for updating the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used once the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been filled with the liquid. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the components that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description of repeated components may be omitted.

The host computer <NUM> receives an input indicating that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been filled with the liquid through the operation unit 18a. For example, when the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been filled with the liquid, the user enters an input that indicates filling has been completed to the operation unit 18a.

When the host computer <NUM> receives an input indicating the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been filled with the liquid, the host computer <NUM> transmits a filling signal indicating that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been filled with the liquid to the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> through the interface <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> has a function of detecting that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> is filled with the liquid.

For example, the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the filling signal has been received from the host computer <NUM>. When it is determined that the filling signal has been received from the host computer <NUM>, the processor <NUM> determines that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been filled with the liquid.

The chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> or the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> may include a sensor for detecting a filling of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> with the liquid. The processor <NUM> may detect a filling of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> using the corresponding sensor.

A method of detecting a filling of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> by the processor <NUM> is not limited to any specific method.

The processor <NUM> has a function of transmitting the update request for rewriting the use history of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> when the processor <NUM> detects that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been filled with the liquid.

The operation of transmitting the update request for rewriting the use history of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> in the server <NUM> by the processor <NUM> is the same as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

First, the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is set in the mounting module <NUM> (ACT21). When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is not set in the mounting module <NUM> (ACT21, NO), the processor <NUM> causes the process to return to ACT21.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is set in the mounting module <NUM> (ACT21, YES), the processor <NUM> reads the identifier from the code <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> (ACT22). When the processor <NUM> reads the identifier, the processor <NUM> acquires the use history of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> specified by the identifier from the server <NUM> (ACT23).

When the processor <NUM> acquires the use history, the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> specified by the identified has been used according to the use history (ACT24).

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has not been used (is previously unused) according to the use history (ACT24, NO), the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the filling signal has been received through the interface <NUM> (ACT25). When it is determined that the filling signal has not been received through the interface <NUM> (ACT25, NO), the processor <NUM> returns to ACT25.

When it is determined that the filling signal has been received through the interface <NUM> (ACT25, YES), the processor <NUM> transmits the update request for rewriting the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used (ACT26).

When the update request for rewriting the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used is transmitted, the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the discharge signal has been received through the interface <NUM> (ACT27). When it is determined that the discharge signal has not been received through the interface <NUM> (ACT27, NO), the processor <NUM> causes the process to return to ACT27.

When it is determined that the discharge signal has been received through the interface <NUM> (ACT27, YES), the processor <NUM> causes the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> to discharge the liquid according to the discharge signal (ACT28).

When it is determined that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been previously used according to the use history (ACT24, YES), the processor <NUM> transmits the signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used to the host computer <NUM> through the interface <NUM> (ACT29).

When the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> is caused to discharge the liquid (ACT28), or when the signal indicating that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been previously used is transmitted to the host computer <NUM> (ACT29), the processor <NUM> ends the operation.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the storage area 54a of the server <NUM> may store the use history of each chemical liquid holding container <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>. That is, the storage area 54a stores information indicating whether or not the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been previously used for each chemical liquid holding container <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>.

For example, the processor <NUM> acquires the use history of each chemical liquid holding container <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> specified by the identifier from the server <NUM>. When the processor <NUM> acquires the use history, the processor <NUM> receives the filling signal from the host computer <NUM>. When the processor <NUM> receives the filling signal, the processor <NUM> determines whether or not the corresponding chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been used according to the use history corresponding to the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> indicated filled by the filling signal. When it is determined that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has not been used (unused) according to the use history, the processor <NUM> transmits an update request for rewriting the use history to indicate the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been used to the server <NUM>.

When it is determined that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been used according to the use history, the processor <NUM> will not perform the discharge operation even when the processor <NUM> receives the discharge signal. In this case, the processor <NUM> may transmit a signal indicating that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> has been previously used to the host computer <NUM>.

The discharging system configured as described above transmits the update request for rewriting the use history of the liquid discharging device to indicate that the liquid discharging device has been used to the server once the liquid holding container has been filled with the liquid. As a result, the discharging system can store the information indicating that the liquid discharging device has been used in the server even when the discharge operation of the liquid from the liquid holding container filled with the liquid will not be performed.

Therefore, the discharging system can prevent contamination even when the discharge operation of the liquid from the liquid holding container filled with the liquid is not performed.

A liquid discharging device according to a third embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the liquid discharging device according to the third embodiment discharges the liquid by a thermal jet method. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the components that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description of repeated components may be omitted.

The discharging system <NUM>' according to the third embodiment includes a chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>'.

The chemical liquid discharging device <NUM>' includes a chemical liquid discharge array <NUM>' in place of the chemical liquid discharge array <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line F10-F10 of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the chemical liquid discharge array <NUM>' is formed by laminating a silicon substrate <NUM> and a photosensitive resin <NUM>. An inlet port <NUM> connected to the bottom surface opening portion 22a of the liquid outlet port of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> is formed on a surface side (also referred to as a second surface 400a) of the silicon substrate <NUM>. A thin film heat transfer heater <NUM> that is an actuator and a wiring that is connected to the thin film heat transfer heater <NUM> and is not shown in the drawing are formed on a rear surface side (also referred to as a first surface 400b) of the silicon substrate <NUM>. The thin film heat transfer heater <NUM> is electrically connected to the electrode terminal connection portion <NUM>.

The photosensitive resin <NUM> is a substrate on which a pressure chamber <NUM> is formed. A flow path <NUM> connected to the inlet port <NUM>, the pressure chamber <NUM>, and the nozzle <NUM> are formed on the photosensitive resin <NUM>. The pressure chamber <NUM> is an area where the thin film heat transfer heater <NUM> is formed in the flow path <NUM>. The thin film heat transfer heater <NUM> generates heat by electric power supplied from a wiring. The liquid in the pressure chamber <NUM> is heated and boiled by the thin film heat transfer heater <NUM>, and thus the liquid is discharged from the nozzle <NUM>.

For example, a plurality of nozzles <NUM> is arranged in six rows in the X direction and two rows in the Y direction. The plurality of nozzles <NUM> is positioned inside the bottom surface opening portion 22a of the liquid outlet port of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM>.

Next, an operation of discharging the liquid will be described. The bottom surface opening portion 22a of the lower portion of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> is connected to the inlet port <NUM> and the flow path <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharge array <NUM>'. The liquid in the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> is filled from the bottom surface opening portion 22a of the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> to each pressure chamber <NUM> in the flow path <NUM> formed on the photosensitive resin <NUM> through the inlet port <NUM> formed on the silicon substrate <NUM>.

In this state, the voltage control signal input to the control signal input terminal <NUM> of the electrical substrate wiring <NUM> from the driving circuit <NUM> is applied to a plurality of thin film heat transfer heater <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharge array <NUM>'. Therefore, the plurality of thin film heat transfer heater <NUM> generates heat, and the liquid in the pressure chamber <NUM> is heated and boiled. As a result, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle <NUM> as a liquid droplet. A predetermined amount of liquid is dispensed from the nozzle <NUM> to the well <NUM> of the microplate <NUM>.

In the thermal jet method, the liquid is come into contact with the thin film heat transfer heater <NUM> having a temperature equal to or higher than <NUM>. Therefore, in the thermal jet method, it is preferable that the liquid have a high thermal heat resistance (that is, not be a material that is substantially deteriorated by contact with a heater having a temperature equal to or higher than <NUM>).

The discharging system configured as described above acquires the identifier from the liquid discharging device. The discharging system acquires the use history of the liquid discharging device indicated by the identifier from the server. The discharging system checks the use history when the liquid is to be discharged from the liquid discharging device. When it is determined that the liquid discharging device has been previously used according to the use history, the discharging system will not discharge the liquid from the liquid discharging device.

When the liquid discharging device discharges the liquid, the discharging system stores the use history indicating that the liquid discharging device has been used in the server.

The discharging system <NUM>' may have a characteristic of the second embodiment. That is, the processor <NUM> of the chemical liquid dispensing apparatus <NUM> of the discharging system <NUM>' transmits the update request rewriting the use history to indicate that the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been used in the server <NUM> when the processor <NUM> detects that the chemical liquid holding container <NUM> of the chemical liquid discharging device <NUM> has been filled with the liquid.

The liquid discharging device configured as described above has a simpler structure as compared to that required for a piezo jet method, and thus it is possible to miniaturize the actuator. Therefore, a liquid discharging device can have nozzles at a higher density that one based on the piezo jet method.

In the example embodiments described above, the driving element <NUM> has a circular shape. However, the shape of the driving unit is not limited. For example, the shape of the driving element <NUM> may be a diamond shape, an elliptical shape, or the like. The shape of the pressure chamber <NUM> is not limited to a circular shape, and the pressure chamber <NUM> may be a diamond shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, or the like.

In the example embodiments described above, the nozzle <NUM> is disposed at the center of the driving element <NUM>. However, as long as the liquid of the pressure chamber <NUM> can be discharged, the position of the nozzle <NUM> is not particular limited. For example, the nozzle <NUM> may be formed on an outer periphery of the driving element <NUM> rather than within an interior region of the driving element <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A liquid dispensing apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a base (<NUM>);
a mounting module (<NUM>) configured to mount a liquid discharging device (<NUM>) for discharging a liquid;
an interface (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to communicate with an external device (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a driving circuit (<NUM>) configured to supply driving voltages to an actuator (<NUM>) of the liquid discharging device (<NUM>),
characterized by comprising a reader (<NUM>) configured to acquire an identifier of the liquid discharging device, and a control unit (<NUM>) configured to:
determine whether a liquid discharging device is set in the mounting module,
upon determining that the liquid discharging device is set in the mounting module, acquire the identifier of the liquid discharging device,
generate a request to acquire a use history of the liquid discharging device and transmit the request including the acquired identifier to the external device through the interface, the use history being stored in the external device,
receive a response including the use history of the liquid discharging device from the external device, and
cause the driving circuit to supply a signal for discharging a liquid to the actuator if the acquired use history indicates that the liquid discharging device has not been used, wherein
the control unit is further configured not to cause the liquid to be discharged if the acquired use history indicates that the liquid discharging device has been used.