JP7216330B2 - liquid ejection head, head module, head unit, liquid ejection unit, device for ejecting liquid - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection head, a head module, a head unit, a liquid ejection unit, and an apparatus for ejecting liquid.

In a liquid ejection head that ejects liquid, it is necessary to suppress crosstalk, which causes pressure fluctuations accompanying liquid ejection to propagate to other pressure chambers via a common flow path, causing variations in ejection characteristics such as the ejection speed and the amount of ejected droplets. There is

Conventionally, for example, in a liquid ejection head in which nozzles are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, pressure chambers having nozzle openings, ink supply paths communicating with the pressure chambers, a plurality of tributaries connected to the openings of the ink supply paths, and a plurality of and a main stream to which the tributaries are connected, and provided with a film-like damper that constitutes a part of the tributaries at positions facing the ink supply ports of the plurality of tributaries (Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-082394 A

By the way, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a damper (displaceable member) is arranged on the wall surface of a tributary, the vibration suppression effect can be enhanced by shortening the distance between the damper and the supply port.

However, if the distance between the damper and the supply port is shortened, the flow channel cross-sectional area of the tributary stream becomes small, and the fluid resistance increases. When the fluid resistance of the tributary stream increases, the difference in pressure loss between the nozzles connected to the upstream side of the tributary stream and the nozzles connected to the downstream side of the tributary stream increases, resulting in a problem of increased variation in ejection characteristics such as ejection speed and ejection amount.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce variations in ejection characteristics.

In order to solve the above problems, the liquid ejection head according to claim 1 of the present invention includes:
a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid;
a plurality of pressure chambers each communicating with the plurality of nozzles;
a plurality of individual supply flow paths respectively communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers;
a plurality of common supply channel tributaries each communicating with the two or more individual supply channels via supply ports;
a common supply channel main stream communicating with the plurality of common supply channel tributaries;
a plurality of individual recovery channels communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers;
a plurality of common recovery channel tributaries communicating with the two or more individual recovery channels through recovery ports, respectively;
a common recovery channel main stream communicating with the plurality of common recovery channel tributaries ;
a part of the wall surface of the common supply channel tributary is a displaceable wall surface;
The wall surface of the common supply channel branch facing the displaceable wall surface has a supply port arrangement region where the supply port is arranged and a supply port non-arrangement region where the supply port is not arranged,
the distance between the supply port arrangement region and the displaceable wall surface is shorter than the distance between the supply port non-arrangement region and the displaceable wall surface;
A part of the wall surface of the common recovery channel tributary is a displaceable wall surface,
The wall surface of the common recovery channel branch facing the displaceable wall surface has a recovery port arrangement region where the recovery port is arranged and a recovery port non-arrangement region where the recovery port is not arranged,
The distance between the recovery port arrangement region and the displaceable wall surface is shorter than the distance between the recovery port non-arrangement region and the displaceable wall surface.
It was configured.

According to the present invention, variations in ejection characteristics can be reduced.

1 is an external perspective explanatory view of a liquid ejection head according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is similarly an exploded perspective explanatory view. It is a plane explanatory view similarly explaining a flow-path structure. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view taken along line AA of FIG. 3; FIG. It is similarly an important part enlarged cross-sectional perspective explanatory view of a common supply-flow-path branch part. FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the flow channel configuration of the liquid ejection head according to the second embodiment of the present invention; It is similarly an important part enlarged cross-sectional perspective explanatory view of a common supply-flow-path branch part. FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining the flow channel configuration of the liquid ejection head according to the second embodiment of the present invention; It is similarly an important part enlarged cross-sectional perspective explanatory view of a common supply-flow-path branch part. It is an exploded perspective explanatory view of an example of a head module concerning the present invention. It is an exploded perspective explanatory view of the same head module as seen from the nozzle surface side. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of a device for ejecting liquid according to the present invention; FIG. It is a plane explanatory view of an example of the head unit of the apparatus. It is a block explanatory view of an example of a liquid circulation device. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a main portion of another example of a printing device as a device for ejecting liquid according to the present invention; It is an explanatory side view of the main part of the device. FIG. 10 is an explanatory plan view of a main portion of another example of the liquid ejection unit according to the present invention; FIG. 11 is a front explanatory view of still another example of the liquid ejection unit according to the present invention;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. FIG. 1 is an external perspective explanatory view of a liquid ejection head according to the same embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective explanatory view of the same. 3 is an explanatory plan view for explaining the structure of the flow channel, FIG. 4 is an explanatory cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG. 3, and FIG. be.

The liquid ejection head 1 includes a nozzle plate 10, a channel plate (individual channel member) 20, a vibration plate member 30, a common channel member 50, a damper member 60, a frame member 80, and a drive circuit 102. A substrate (flexible wiring substrate) 101 and the like are provided.

The nozzle plate 10 has a plurality of nozzles 11 for ejecting liquid. The plurality of nozzles 11 are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix to form a nozzle group NG (NG1, NG2: FIG. 2).

The individual channel member 20 includes a plurality of pressure chambers (individual liquid chambers) 21 communicating with the plurality of nozzles 11, a plurality of individual supply channels 22 respectively communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers 21, and the plurality of pressure chambers 21. A plurality of individual recovery flow paths 23 are formed that communicate with each other.

The diaphragm member 30 forms a diaphragm 31 which is a deformable wall surface of the pressure chamber 21, and a piezoelectric element 40 is provided integrally with the diaphragm 31. As shown in FIG. Further, the vibrating plate member 30 is formed with a supply side opening 32 communicating with the individual supply channel 22 and a recovery side opening 33 communicating with the individual recovery channel 23 . The piezoelectric element 40 is pressure generating means for deforming the vibration plate 31 and pressurizing the liquid in the pressure chamber 21 .

The common channel member 50 alternately adjoins a plurality of common supply channel branches 52 leading to two or more individual supply channels 22 and a plurality of common recovery channel branches 53 leading to two or more individual recovery channels 23. It is formed by

The common channel member 50 has a through hole that serves as a supply port 54 that communicates with the supply side opening 32 of the individual supply channel 22 and the common supply channel branch 52, and the recovery side opening 33 of the individual recovery channel 23 and the common recovery stream. A through hole is formed as a recovery port 55 through which the channel branch 53 passes.

In addition, the common channel member 50 includes one or more common supply channel main streams 56 leading to the plurality of common supply channel branches 52 and one or more common recovery channel main streams leading to the plurality of common recovery channel branches 53. 57 is formed. Note that FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration in which the common supply channel main stream 56 and the common recovery channel main stream 57 are arranged on both sides of one nozzle group NG for easy understanding of the explanation.

The common supply channel main stream 56 communicates with a supply port 81 provided on the frame member 80 , and the common recovery channel main stream 57 communicates with a recovery port 82 provided on the frame member 80 .

The damper member 60 constitutes a supply-side damper 62 that forms part of the wall surface of the common supply channel branch 52 and a recovery-side damper 63 that forms part of the wall surface of the common recovery channel branch 53 . The supply-side damper 62 forms a displaceable wall surface facing the supply port 54 of the common supply channel branch 52 . The recovery-side damper 63 forms a displaceable wall surface facing the recovery port 55 of the common recovery channel branch 53 .

As the damper material for the damper member 60, it is preferable to use a metal thin film or an inorganic thin film that is resistant to organic solvents. The thickness of the supply side damper 62 and the recovery side damper 63 of the damper member 60 is preferably 10 μm or less.

Here, among the wall surfaces of the common supply channel branch 52, a wall surface (bottom surface in this embodiment) 152 facing the displaceable wall surface formed by the supply-side damper 62 is a supply port where the supply port 54 is arranged. There are an arrangement region 152a and a supply port non-arrangement region 152b where the supply port 54 is not arranged.

In the cross-sectional shape of the common supply channel branch 52 in the direction orthogonal to the liquid flow direction, the distance h1 between the supply port arrangement region 152a and the displaceable wall surface (supply side damper 62) is equal to the supply port non-arrangement region. The shape is shorter than the distance h2 between 152b and the displaceable wall surface (supply-side damper 62) (h1<h2).

Here, a recess is provided between the supply port arrangement regions 152a on both sides of the common supply channel branch 52, and the supply port non-arrangement region 152b is made deeper than the supply port arrangement region 152a with respect to the displaceable wall surface. there is In this case, the common supply channel branch 52 has a convex cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the liquid flow direction, and the supply port arrangement regions 152a are arranged on both sides of the supply port non-arrangement region 152b.

Similarly, of the wall surfaces of the common recovery channel branch 53, a wall surface (bottom surface in this embodiment) facing the displaceable wall surface formed by the recovery-side damper 63 has a recovery port 55 disposed thereon. There are an arrangement region 153a and a recovery port non-arrangement region 153b in which the recovery port 55 is not arranged.

In the cross-sectional shape of the common recovery channel branch 53 in the direction orthogonal to the liquid flow direction, the distance h11 between the recovery port arrangement region 153a and the displaceable wall surface (recovery side damper 63) is equal to the recovery port non-arrangement region. The shape is shorter than the distance h12 between 153b and the displaceable wall surface (recovery damper 63) (h11<h12).

Here, a concave portion is provided between the recovery port arrangement regions 153a on both sides of the common recovery channel branch 53, and the recovery port non-arrangement region 153b is set to the recovery port arrangement region with respect to the displaceable wall surface (recovery side damper 63). It is deeper than 153a. In this case, the common recovery channel branch 53 has a convex cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the liquid flow direction, and the recovery port arrangement regions 153a are arranged on both sides of the recovery port non-arrangement region 153b.

In the liquid ejection head 1 , the liquid passes through the common supply flow channel main stream 56 and the common supply flow channel branch stream 52 , is supplied from the supply port 54 to the pressure chamber 21 , and is discharged from the nozzle 11 . The liquid that is not discharged from the nozzle 11 flows from the recovery port 55 through the common recovery channel branch 53, into the common recovery main stream 57, from the recovery port 82, through the external circulation device, through the supply port 81, and again into the common supply channel. It is supplied to the main stream 56 .

Here, when the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 11, the pressure fluctuation generated in the pressure chamber 21 propagates to the common supply channel branch 52, but the pressure fluctuation is suppressed by the supply side damper 62 forming a displaceable wall surface.

For example, in FIG. 3, the pressure vibration propagated from the supply port 54A leading to the pressure chamber 12 due to liquid ejection from the nozzle 11 spreads in the common supply channel branch 52 from the supply port 54A on a spherical surface. The nozzles 11 adjacent to the nozzle 11A corresponding to the supply port 54A are the nozzles 11B and 11C, and the supply ports 54 corresponding to these are the supply ports 54B and 54C.

At this time, the distance h1 between the supply port 54A and the supply side damper 62 is shorter than the distance b between the supply port 54A and the supply port 54B and the distance c between the supply port 54A and the supply port 54C. The propagating pressure vibration can be suppressed by reaching the supply-side damper 62 before reaching the supply ports 54B and 54C.

Therefore, the shorter the distance h1 between the supply port 54A and the supply-side damper 62, the better. As a result, the difference in pressure loss between the nozzles 11 connected to the upstream side of the tributary stream and the nozzles 11 connected to the downstream side of the tributary stream becomes large, and variations in ejection characteristics such as ejection speed and ejection amount become large. It becomes impossible to earn the flow rate of

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a concave portion is provided in the supply port non-arranged region 152b where the supply port 54 of the bottom surface 152 of the common supply channel branch 52 is not formed, and the channel cross-sectional area of the common supply channel branch 52 is secured. Meanwhile, the distance h1 between the supply port arrangement region 152a and the supply side damper 62 is kept short.

As a result, pressure vibration (crosstalk) during liquid ejection can be suppressed, variation in ejection characteristics can be reduced, and a circulation flow rate in the common supply channel branch 52 can be ensured.

The common recovery channel branch 53 is configured in the same manner as the above-described common supply channel branch 52, thereby suppressing pressure vibration (crosstalk) during liquid ejection, reducing variations in ejection characteristics, and reducing the common recovery flow. A circulation flow rate in the channel branch 53 can be ensured.

In this embodiment, the common supply channel branch 52 and the common recovery channel branch 53 have the same configuration, but only one of them may have the configuration of this embodiment. In other words, only the relationship between the supply port arrangement region 152a and the supply port non-arrangement region 152b of the common supply channel branch 52 can be configured according to this embodiment. Alternatively, only the relationship between the recovery port arrangement region 153a and the recovery port non-arrangement region 153b of the common recovery channel branch 53 can be configured according to this embodiment.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory plan view for explaining the structure of the flow path of the liquid ejection head according to the same embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective explanatory view of a main part of a tributary portion of the common supply flow path.

In this embodiment as well, the common supply channel branch 52 has a cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the liquid flow direction, and the distance h1 between the supply port arrangement region 152a and the displaceable wall surface (supply side damper 62) is equal to the supply port. It has a shape that is shorter than the distance h2 between the non-placement area 152b and the displaceable wall surface (supply side damper 62) (h1<h2).

Here, a convex portion is provided in the central portion of the bottom surface 152 of the common supply channel branch 52, and the supply port non-arrangement region 152b is supplied to the displaceable wall surface (supply side damper 62) of the supply port arrangement region 152a. It is deeper than the mouth placement region 152a. In this case, the common supply channel branch 52 has a concave cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the liquid flow direction, and the supply port non-arrangement regions 152b are arranged on both sides of the supply port arrangement region 152a.

As a result, as in the first embodiment, pressure vibration (crosstalk) during liquid ejection can be suppressed, variation in ejection characteristics can be reduced, and a circulation flow rate in the common supply channel branch 52 can be ensured. .

Further, the common recovery channel branch 53 is configured in the same manner as the common supply channel branch 52, thereby suppressing pressure vibration (crosstalk) during liquid ejection, as in the first embodiment. Variation in characteristics can be reduced, and a circulation flow rate in the common recovery channel branch 53 can be ensured.

Also in this embodiment, the common supply channel branch 52 and the common recovery channel branch 53 have the same configuration, but only one of them may have the configuration of this embodiment. In other words, only the relationship between the supply port arrangement region 152a and the supply port non-arrangement region 152b of the common supply channel branch 52 can be configured according to this embodiment. Alternatively, only the relationship between the recovery port arrangement region 153a and the recovery port non-arrangement region 153b of the common recovery channel branch 53 can be configured according to this embodiment.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory plan view for explaining the structure of the flow path of the liquid ejection head according to the same embodiment, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of a branch portion of the common supply flow path.

The liquid ejection head 1 of this embodiment is a non-circulating head, and does not have the recovery-side flow path in the first and second embodiments.

In other words, the common channel member 50 is formed with a through hole serving as a supply port 54 that communicates with the supply side opening 32 of the individual supply channel 22 and the common supply channel branch 52 . The common channel member 50 also forms one or more common supply channel main streams 56 leading to the plurality of common supply channel tributaries 52 .

The damper member 60 constitutes a supply-side damper 62 that forms part of the wall surface of the common supply channel branch 52 . The supply-side damper 62 forms a displaceable wall surface facing the supply port 54 of the common supply channel branch 52 .

Here, among the wall surfaces of the common supply channel branch 52, a wall surface (bottom surface in this embodiment) 152 facing the displaceable wall surface formed by the supply-side damper 62 is a supply port where the supply port 54 is arranged. There are an arrangement region 152a and a supply port non-arrangement region 152b where the supply port 54 is not arranged.

In the cross-sectional shape of the common supply channel branch 52 in the direction orthogonal to the liquid flow direction, the distance h1 between the supply port arrangement region 152a and the displaceable wall surface (supply side damper 62) is equal to the supply port non-arrangement region. The shape is shorter than the distance h2 between 152b and the displaceable wall surface (supply-side damper 62) (h1<h2).

Here, the bottom surface 152 of the common supply channel branch 52 has a stepped shape, and the supply port non-arrangement region 152b is deeper than the supply port arrangement region 152a with respect to the displaceable wall surface.

As a result, pressure vibration (crosstalk) during liquid ejection can be suppressed, variation in ejection characteristics can be reduced, and a circulation flow rate in the common supply channel branch 52 can be ensured.

Next, an example of the head module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the head module, and FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the head module viewed from the nozzle surface side.

The head module 100 includes a plurality of heads 1 that are liquid ejection heads that eject liquid, a base member 103 that holds the plurality of heads 1 , and a cover member 113 that serves as a nozzle cover for the plurality of heads 1 .

The head module 100 also includes a heat dissipation member 104, a manifold 105 forming a flow path for supplying liquid to a plurality of heads, a printed circuit board (PCB) 106 connected to the flexible wiring member 101, and a module case. 107.

Next, an example of an apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic explanatory view of the same device, and FIG. 13 is a plane explanatory view of an example of a head unit of the same device.

A printing apparatus 500, which is a device for ejecting liquid, includes loading means 501 for loading a continuous body 510; It includes printing means 505 for printing to form an image by ejecting liquid onto 510 , drying means 507 for drying the continuous body 510 , carrying out means 509 for carrying out the continuous body 510 , and the like.

The continuous body 510 is sent out from the main winding roller 511 of the carry-in means 501 , guided and carried by rollers of the carry-in means 501 , the guide/conveyance means 503 , the drying means 507 and the carry-out means 509 , and is wound by the take-up roller 591 of the carry-out means 509 . is taken up by

The continuum 510 is transported on the transport guide member 559 facing the head unit 550 in the printing means 505 , and an image is printed by the liquid ejected from the head unit 550 .

Here, the head unit 550 has two head modules 100A and 100B according to the present invention on a common base member 552 .

When the direction in which the heads 1 are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the head module 100 is defined as the head arrangement direction, the head rows 1A1 and 1A2 of the head module 100A eject liquid of the same color. Similarly, the head rows 1B1 and 1B2 of the head module 100A are paired, the head rows 1C1 and 1C2 of the head module 100B are paired, and the head rows 1D1 and 1D2 are paired, and liquid of a desired color is ejected.

Next, an example of the liquid circulation device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a block explanatory diagram of the circulation device. Although only one head is shown here, in the case of arranging a plurality of heads, a supply side liquid path and a recovery side liquid path are connected to the supply side and the recovery side of the plurality of heads via a manifold or the like. will connect.

The liquid circulation device 600 includes a supply tank 601, a recovery tank 602, a main tank 603, a first liquid-sending pump 604, a second liquid-sending pump 605, a compressor 611, a regulator 612, a vacuum pump 621, a regulator 622, and a supply-side pressure sensor 631. , recovery side pressure sensor 632 and the like.

Here, the compressor 611 and the vacuum pump 621 constitute means for creating a differential pressure between the pressure in the supply tank 601 and the pressure in the recovery tank 602 .

The supply-side pressure sensor 631 is connected to the supply-side liquid path connected to the supply port 81 of the head 1 between the supply tank 601 and the head 1 . The recovery side pressure sensor 632 is connected to the recovery side liquid path connected to the recovery port 82 of the head 1 between the head 1 and the recovery tank 602 .

One of the recovery tanks 602 is connected to the supply tank 601 via the first liquid-sending pump 604 , and the other of the recovery tanks 602 is connected to the main tank 603 via the second liquid-sending pump 605 .

As a result, the liquid flows from the supply tank 601 into the head 1 through the supply port 81 , is recovered from the recovery port 82 to the recovery tank 602 , and is transferred from the recovery tank 602 to the supply tank 601 by the first liquid feeding pump 604 . A circulation path through which the liquid circulates is constructed by being sent.

Here, a compressor 611 is connected to the supply tank 601 and controlled so that a predetermined positive pressure is detected by the supply side pressure sensor 631 . On the other hand, a vacuum pump 621 is connected to the collection tank 602 and controlled so that a predetermined negative pressure is detected by the collection side pressure sensor 632 .

Thereby, the negative pressure of the meniscus can be kept constant while the liquid is circulated through the inside of the head 1 .

Further, when the liquid is discharged from the nozzles 11 of the head 1, the amount of liquid in the supply tank 601 and the recovery tank 602 decreases. Therefore, the recovery tank 602 is replenished with liquid from the main tank 603 using the second liquid-sending pump 605 as appropriate.

The timing of liquid replenishment from the main tank 603 to the recovery tank 602 is set within the recovery tank 602, such as when the liquid level in the recovery tank 602 drops below a predetermined level. It can be controlled by the detection result of a liquid level sensor or the like.

Next, another example of a printing apparatus as an apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory plan view of the essential parts of the device, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory side view of the essential parts of the same device.

The printing apparatus 500 is a serial type apparatus, and a main scanning movement mechanism 493 reciprocates the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction. The main scanning movement mechanism 493 includes a guide member 401, a main scanning motor 405, a timing belt 408, and the like. The guide member 401 is bridged between the left and right side plates 491A and 491B to movably hold the carriage 403 . A main scanning motor 405 reciprocates the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction via a timing belt 408 stretched between a drive pulley 406 and a driven pulley 407 .

The carriage 403 is equipped with a liquid ejection unit 440 in which the head 1, which is the droplet ejection head according to the present invention, and a head tank 441 are integrated. The head 1 of the liquid ejection unit 440 ejects yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K) liquids, for example. Further, the liquid ejection head 1 is mounted so that the nozzle row, which is composed of a plurality of nozzles, is arranged in the sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and the ejection direction faces downward.

The liquid ejection head 1 is connected to the liquid circulation device 600 described above, and liquid of a desired color is circulated and supplied.

This printing apparatus 500 includes a transport mechanism 495 for transporting the paper 410 . The transport mechanism 495 includes a transport belt 412 as transport means and a sub-scanning motor 416 for driving the transport belt 412 .

The transport belt 412 attracts the paper 410 and transports it at a position facing the head 1 . The conveying belt 412 is an endless belt and stretched between a conveying roller 413 and a tension roller 414 . Adsorption can be performed by electrostatic adsorption, air suction, or the like.

The conveying belt 412 rotates in the sub-scanning direction when the conveying roller 413 is rotationally driven by the sub-scanning motor 416 via the timing belt 417 and the timing pulley 418 .

Further, on one side of the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, a maintenance/recovery mechanism 420 for maintaining/recovering the liquid ejection head 1 is arranged on the side of the transport belt 412 .

The maintenance/recovery mechanism 420 includes, for example, a cap member 421 for capping the nozzle surface of the head 1, a wiper member 422 for wiping the nozzle surface, and the like.

The main scanning movement mechanism 493, maintenance recovery mechanism 420, and transport mechanism 495 are attached to a housing including side plates 491A and 491B and a back plate 491C.

In the printing apparatus 500 configured as described above, the paper 410 is fed onto the conveying belt 412 and attracted thereto, and the conveying belt 412 is rotated to convey the paper 410 in the sub-scanning direction.

Therefore, by driving the head 1 according to the image signal while moving the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, the liquid is ejected onto the stationary paper 410 to form an image.

Next, another example of the liquid ejection unit according to the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an explanatory plan view of the main part of the same unit.

Among the members constituting the liquid ejection unit 440 and the apparatus for ejecting the liquid, a housing portion composed of side plates 491A and 491B and a back plate 491C, a main scanning movement mechanism 493, a carriage 403, and a head 1.

It should be noted that a liquid ejection unit can be constructed in which the maintenance recovery mechanism 420 described above is further attached to the side plate 491B of the liquid ejection unit 440, for example.

Next, still another example of the liquid ejection unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is an explanatory front view of the same unit.

This liquid ejection unit 440 is composed of a head 1 to which a channel component 444 is attached and a tube 456 connected to the channel component 444 .

Note that the channel component 444 is arranged inside the cover 442 . A head tank 441 can also be included in place of the channel component 444 . A connector 443 for electrical connection with the liquid ejection head 1 is provided above the channel component 444 .

In the present application, the liquid to be ejected is not particularly limited as long as it has a viscosity and surface tension that can be ejected from the head. It is preferable to be More specifically, solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, functional-imparting materials such as polymerizable compounds, resins, and surfactants, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids, proteins, and calcium. , edible materials such as natural pigments, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, etc. These are, for example, inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, components of electronic elements and light emitting elements, and formation of electronic circuit resist patterns It can be used for applications such as liquids for liquids and material liquids for three-dimensional modeling.

Piezoelectric actuators (laminated piezoelectric element and thin film piezoelectric element), thermal actuators that use electrothermal conversion elements such as heating resistors, and electrostatic actuators that consist of a diaphragm and a counter electrode are used as energy sources for liquid ejection. includes those that

A "liquid ejection unit" is a liquid ejection head integrated with functional parts and mechanisms, and includes an assembly of parts related to ejection of liquid. For example, the "liquid ejection unit" includes a combination of at least one of a head tank, a carriage, a supply mechanism, a maintenance and recovery mechanism, a main scanning movement mechanism, and a liquid circulation device with a liquid ejection head.

Here, integration means, for example, that the liquid ejection head and functional parts or mechanisms are fixed to each other by fastening, adhesion, or engagement, or that one is held movably with respect to the other. include. Also, the liquid ejection head, the functional parts, and the mechanism may be configured to be detachable from each other.

For example, there is a liquid ejection unit in which a liquid ejection head and a head tank are integrated. Also, there is a type in which a liquid ejection head and a head tank are integrated by being connected to each other by a tube or the like. Here, it is also possible to add a unit including a filter between the head tank and the liquid ejection head of these liquid ejection units.

Further, there is a liquid ejection unit in which a liquid ejection head and a carriage are integrated.

Further, as a liquid ejection unit, there is one in which the liquid ejection head is movably held by a guide member constituting a part of the scanning movement mechanism, and the liquid ejection head and the scanning movement mechanism are integrated. Also, there is a type in which the liquid ejection head, the carriage, and the main scanning movement mechanism are integrated.

There is also a liquid ejection unit in which the liquid ejection head, the carriage, and the maintenance and recovery mechanism are integrated by fixing a cap member, which is a part of the maintenance and recovery mechanism, to a carriage to which the liquid ejection head is attached. .

Further, as a liquid ejection unit, there is one in which a tube is connected to a liquid ejection head to which a head tank or a channel component is attached, and the liquid ejection head and the supply mechanism are integrated. The liquid in the liquid storage source is supplied to the liquid ejection head through this tube.

It is assumed that the main scanning movement mechanism also includes a single guide member. Also, the supply mechanism includes a single tube and a single loading unit.

Here, the "liquid ejection unit" is described in combination with the liquid ejection head. It also includes those in which parts and mechanisms are integrated.

The "apparatus for ejecting liquid" includes a device that includes a liquid ejection head, a liquid ejection unit, a head module, a head unit, and the like, and ejects liquid by driving the liquid ejection head. Devices that eject liquid include not only devices that can eject liquid onto an object to which liquid can adhere, but also devices that eject liquid into air or liquid.

The "liquid ejecting device" can include means for feeding, transporting, and ejecting an object to which liquid can adhere, as well as a pre-processing device, a post-processing device, and the like.

For example, as a "device that ejects liquid", an image forming device that ejects ink to form an image on paper, and powder is formed in layers to form a three-dimensional object (three-dimensional object). There is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus (three-dimensional modeling apparatus) that ejects a modeling liquid onto a formed powder layer.

Further, the "apparatus for ejecting liquid" is not limited to one that visualizes significant images such as characters and figures with the ejected liquid. For example, it includes those that form patterns that have no meaning per se, and those that form three-dimensional images.

The above-mentioned "substance to which a liquid can adhere" means a substance to which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, such as a substance to which a liquid adheres and adheres, a substance which adheres and permeates, and the like. Specific examples include media such as recording media such as paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, and cloth, electronic components such as electronic substrates and piezoelectric elements, powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and test cells. Yes, and unless otherwise specified, includes anything that has liquid on it.

The material of the above-mentioned "thing to which a liquid can adhere" may be paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics, etc., as long as the liquid can adhere even temporarily.

Further, the ``device for ejecting liquid'' includes a device in which a liquid ejection head and an object to which liquid can be adhered move relatively, but is not limited to this. Specific examples include a serial type apparatus in which the liquid ejection head is moved and a line type apparatus in which the liquid ejection head is not moved.

In addition, the "apparatus for ejecting liquid" also includes a treatment liquid coating device that ejects a treatment liquid onto the paper for the purpose of modifying the surface of the paper. There is an injection granulator that granulates fine particles of the raw material by injecting a composition liquid in which raw materials are dispersed in a solution through a nozzle.

The terms used in the present application, such as image formation, recording, printing, copying, printing, and molding, are synonymous.

1 liquid ejection head 10 nozzle plate 11 nozzle 20 individual channel member 21 pressure chamber 22 individual supply channel 23 individual recovery channel 30 diaphragm member 40 piezoelectric element 50 common channel member 52 common supply channel branch 53 common recovery channel Branch 54 Supply port 55 Recovery port 56 Common supply channel main stream 57 Common recovery channel main stream 100 Head module 152 Bottom surface of common supply channel branch 152a Supply port arrangement region 152b Supply port non-arrangement region 153 Bottom surface of common recovery channel branch 153a Recovery port arrangement region 153b Recovery port non-arrangement region 403 Carriage 440 Liquid ejection unit 500 Printer (device for ejecting liquid)
550 head unit 600 liquid circulation device

Claims (13)

a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid;
a plurality of pressure chambers each communicating with the plurality of nozzles;
a plurality of individual supply flow paths respectively communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers;
a plurality of common supply channel tributaries each communicating with the two or more individual supply channels via supply ports;
a common supply channel main stream communicating with the plurality of common supply channel tributaries;
a plurality of individual recovery channels communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers;
a plurality of common recovery channel tributaries communicating with the two or more individual recovery channels through recovery ports, respectively;
a common recovery channel main stream communicating with the plurality of common recovery channel tributaries ;
a part of the wall surface of the common supply channel tributary is a displaceable wall surface;
The wall surface of the common supply channel branch facing the displaceable wall surface has a supply port arrangement region where the supply port is arranged and a supply port non-arrangement region where the supply port is not arranged,
the distance between the supply port arrangement region and the displaceable wall surface is shorter than the distance between the supply port non-arrangement region and the displaceable wall surface;
A part of the wall surface of the common recovery channel tributary is a displaceable wall surface,
The wall surface of the common recovery channel branch facing the displaceable wall surface has a recovery port arrangement region where the recovery port is arranged and a recovery port non-arrangement region where the recovery port is not arranged,
The distance between the recovery port arrangement region and the displaceable wall surface is shorter than the distance between the recovery port non-arrangement region and the displaceable wall surface.
A liquid ejection head characterized by: 2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the supply port arrangement regions are provided on both sides of the supply port non-arrangement region. 2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the supply port non-arrangement regions are provided on both sides of the supply port arrangement region. 2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein the recovery port arrangement regions are provided on both sides of the recovery port non-arrangement region. 2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1 , wherein the recovery port non-arrangement regions are provided on both sides of the recovery port arrangement region. a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid;
a plurality of pressure chambers each communicating with the plurality of nozzles;
a plurality of individual supply flow paths respectively communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers;
a plurality of common supply channel tributaries each communicating with the two or more individual supply channels via supply ports;
a common supply channel main stream communicating with the plurality of common supply channel tributaries;
a plurality of individual recovery channels communicating with the plurality of pressure chambers;
a plurality of common recovery channel tributaries communicating with the two or more individual recovery channels through recovery ports, respectively;
a common recovery channel main stream communicating with the plurality of common recovery channel tributaries;
a displaceable member forming a wall surface of a portion of the common recovery channel tributary;
The wall surface of the common recovery channel branch facing the displaceable member has a recovery port arrangement region where the recovery port is arranged and a recovery port non-arrangement region where the recovery port is not arranged,
A liquid ejection head, wherein a distance between the recovery port arrangement area and the displaceable member is shorter than a distance between the recovery opening non-arrangement area and the displaceable member. 7. The liquid ejection head according to claim 6 , wherein the recovery port arrangement regions are provided on both sides of the recovery port non-arrangement region. 7. The liquid ejection head according to claim 6 , wherein the recovery port non-arrangement regions are provided on both sides of the recovery port arrangement region. A head module comprising a plurality of the liquid ejection heads according to any one of claims 1 to 8 arranged. A head unit comprising the head modules according to claim 9 arranged side by side. A liquid ejection unit comprising the liquid ejection head according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , the head module according to claim 9 , or the head unit according to claim 10 . a head tank for storing the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection head, a carriage for mounting the liquid ejection head, a supply mechanism for supplying the liquid to the liquid ejection head, a maintenance and recovery mechanism for maintaining and recovering the liquid ejection head, and the liquid 12. The liquid ejection unit according to claim 11 , wherein at least one of main scanning movement mechanisms for moving the ejection head in the main scanning direction is integrated with the liquid ejection head. At least one of the liquid ejection head according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , the head module according to claim 9 , the head unit according to claim 10 , and the liquid ejection unit according to claim 11 or 12 . A device for ejecting liquid, comprising:

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