CN107009744A - Liquid discharging head and liquid discharge method - Google Patents

Abstract

A kind of liquid discharging head and liquid discharge method are provided.The liquid discharging head includes the outlet for being configured as producing the recording element of heat energy and being arranged at the position of record-oriented element.Bubble is produced by heat energy in a liquid, the pressure for the bubble that the liquid between bubble and outlet passes through generation is discharged from outlet, and bubble is connected with air in the outside of outlet.

Description

Liquid discharging head and liquid discharge method

Technical field

The present invention relates to liquid discharging head and liquid discharge method, near the outlet of discharge liquid Configuration.

Background technology

From the drop of the first-class liquid discharging head discharge of such as ink-jet main droplet is generally separated into discharge and adjoint Sub- drop (hereinafter, also referred to as " satellite droplet ").The desired location of main droplet land on the recording medium, it can be difficult to control The landing positions of satellite droplet.In the case of the liquid discharging head of use requirement high-throughput, satellite droplet may cause record to be schemed As the notable deterioration of quality.Especially small satellite droplet does not reach recording medium, and becomes the ink droplet floated (hereinafter also referred to " mist ").Mist can pollute recording equipment, and this pollution of recording equipment may be transferred to recording medium and make record Jie dirty Matter.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open 2008-290380 discloses a kind of outlet of the shape by formation than circular to subtract The method of the generation of few satellite droplet, to prevent the deterioration of the picture quality caused by satellite droplet.U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0205303 discloses a kind of shortening the distance between recording element and outlet to reduce the length of drop (hereafter In also referred to as " tail length "), so as to reduce satellite droplet generation method.However, the research table that the present inventor is carried out Bright, Japanese Patent Laid-Open 2008-290380 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0205303 configuration are not carried out tail The further reduction of minister's degree.This let us recognizes the new problem for having many difficulties on control satellite droplet.

Expect to provide a kind of liquid discharging head and liquid discharge method of the tail length that can reduce drop.

The content of the invention

According to a kind of liquid discharging head of the present invention, it includes：Recording element, it, which is configured as producing, is used to discharge liquid Heat energy；Balancing gate pit, it is internal with the recording element；Outlet, it is configured as discharging liquid；And outlet mouth, It makes to connect between the outlet and the balancing gate pit, wherein, bubble, institute are produced in the balancing gate pit by the heat energy The bubble of generation enters in the outlet mouth, and liquid is discharged by the pressure of the bubble from the outlet, and The bubble come into the outlet mouth is in the outside of the outlet and atmosphere.

According to following description referring to the drawings to exemplary embodiment, further feature of the invention will be apparent.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is the figure of the illustrative arrangement for the recording equipment for showing the first application example according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the figure in the first circulation path for showing the liquid circulation in recording equipment.

Fig. 3 is the figure for showing the second circulation path in recording equipment.

Fig. 4 A and 4B are the stereograms of the liquid discharging head of the first application example according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is the exploded perspective view of the liquid discharging head in Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 A~6F is to show first~third channel structure included by the channel component that the liquid discharging head in Fig. 4 has The figure of the configuration of part.

Fig. 7 is the figure for describing the annexation between the passage in channel component.

Fig. 8 is the sectional view along the line VIII-VIII interceptions in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 A and 9B are the figures for showing to discharge module, and Fig. 9 A are stereograms, and Fig. 9 B are decomposition views.

Figure 10 A~10C is the figure for the configuration for showing recording element plate.

Figure 11 is the stereogram of the configuration of the recording element plate and lid that show to include the section XI-XI in Figure 10 A.

Figure 12 is the flat of the partial enlarged drawing for the adjacent part for showing the recording element plate in two adjacent discharge modules Face figure.

Figure 13 is the figure of the configuration for the recording equipment for showing the second application example according to the present invention.

Figure 14 A and 14B are the stereograms of the liquid discharging head of the second application example according to the present invention.

Figure 15 is the exploded perspective view of the liquid discharging head in Figure 14.

Figure 16 A~16E be show included by the channel component that the liquid discharging head in Figure 14 has first and second lead to The figure of the configuration of road component.

Figure 17 is the figure for describing the annexation of the liquid in recording element plate and channel component.

Figure 18 is the sectional view along the line XVIII-XVIII interceptions in Figure 17.

Figure 19 A and 19B are the figures for showing to discharge module, and Figure 19 A are stereograms, and Figure 19 B are decomposition views.

Figure 20 A~20C is the figure for the configuration for showing recording element plate.

Figure 21 A and 21B are the concept maps for the inside for showing the liquid discharging head according to first embodiment.

Figure 22 A~22G is the schematic diagram for showing to discharge the transient process of phenomenon.

Figure 23 A~23C is the figure for showing the relation between the internal pressure of the pressure distribution and bubble inside bubble.

Figure 24 A~24D is the figure for showing the relation between the distance from recording element to outlet and atmosphere time.

Figure 25 is thickness, the height of access road and the relation between the atmosphere time for showing outlet formation component Figure.

Figure 26 A and 26B are to show the pass between the atmosphere position of distance and bubble from recording element to outlet The figure of system.

Figure 27 A and 27B are to show the pass between the atmosphere position of distance and bubble from recording element to outlet The figure of system.

Figure 28 A~28F is the concept map for showing the drop from outlet discharge.

Figure 29 is the figure for showing the atmosphere time on various discharge mouth-shapeds.

Figure 30 is the figure for showing the atmosphere position on various discharge mouth-shapeds.

Figure 31 A and 31B are the concept maps for the inside for showing the liquid discharging head according to another embodiment.

Figure 32 A and 32B are the concept maps for the inside for showing the liquid discharging head according to second embodiment.

Figure 33 A and 33B are the concept maps for the inside for showing the liquid discharging head according to reference example.

Figure 34 A~34H is the concept map of the discharge for the drop for showing second embodiment and comparative example.

Embodiment

The liquid discharging head of application according to the present invention example and embodiment is described below with reference to accompanying drawings.Although various skills Preferred condition is associated with application example described below and embodiment in art, as long as but following the thought of the present invention, sheet Invention is not limited to these using the condition in example and embodiment.Note, the liquid of discharge ink etc. according to the present invention's The liquid discharge apparatus of liquid discharging head and the installation liquid discharging head can be applied to such as printer, duplicator, with communication The picture unit of system, word processing device with printer unit etc., and further can be applied in a complex manner with it is various The industrial recording apparatus of the processing unit combination of type.For example, the present invention can be used for manufacture biochip, printed electronic electricity Road, manufacture semiconductor substrate and other such purposes.

Embodiments of the invention are described referring to the drawings.The model described below for not limiting the present invention Enclose.Although being related to the shape for making the liquid of ink etc. be circulated between black holder and liquid discharging head using example and embodiment The ink jet recording device (or being referred to as " recording equipment ") of formula, but other forms can also be used.It is for instance possible to use following Form：Wherein instead of making black circulation, two black holders are set, a upstream side in liquid discharging head, another is in downstream Side, and advance to another black holder to flow the ink in balancing gate pit by making ink from a black holder.

Lift one's head in addition, being related to the length so-called linear row corresponding with the width of recording medium using example and embodiment, But the present invention can also be the so-called serial liquid discharging head (pagewidth) recorded when scanning recording medium.String The example of row liquid discharging head is that for example respectively have the configuration of a recording element plate for record black ink and recording colour ink. However, this is not restricted, and following arrangement can be carried out：Multiple recording element plates are formed with mouth in outlet line direction Short-term type discharge head that upper overlapping mode is arranged, shorter than the width of recording medium, and the short-term type is discharged head to record Medium is scanned.

First applies example

Being described below can be suitably using the application example of the present invention.

The description of ink jet recording device

Fig. 1 shows the ink jet recording device 1000 discharged the device of liquid, recorded more particularly through discharge ink The illustrative arrangement of (hereinafter also referred to as " recording equipment ").Recording equipment 1000 has the supply unit 1 of conveying recording medium 2 And it is continuously or intermittently defeated with the conveying direction for being approximately perpendicular to recording medium 2 and the line style liquid discharging head 3 set The continuous recording line style recording equipment of single pass is carried out while sending multiple recording medium 2.Recording medium 2 is not limited to cut sheet material, And can be continuous web sheet.Liquid discharging head 3 (can be abbreviated as using cyan, magenta, yellow and black " CMYK ") the panchromatic printing of ink progress.There is description as after, liquid discharging head 3 liquid connected by fluidly connecting to supply To unit, main memory and buffer (referring to Fig. 2), wherein fluid supply unit is used as supplying ink to liquid discharging head 3 Feed path.Liquid discharging head 3 is also connected electrically to electric power and discharge control signal being sent to the electric control of liquid discharging head 3 Unit.Liquid path and electrical signal path in liquid discharging head 3 will be described later.

The description in first circulation path

Fig. 2 is the first circulation of the first form of the circulating path for being shown as the recording equipment applied to this application example The schematic diagram in path.Fig. 2 be show to be connected to by fluidly connecting the first circulation pump (high-pressure side) 1001 of liquid discharging head 3, The figure of first circulation pump (low-pressure side) 1002 and the grade of buffer 1003.Although Fig. 2 only shows for the succinct of description The path that flows through of a kind of colors of ink in CMYK ink, there are in fact and provide to liquid discharging head 3 and recording equipment master unit The circulating path of four kinds of colors.Connect as the buffer 1003 for the storage secondary being connected with main memory 1006 with air A mouthful (not shown) is opened up, so that the inside and outside connection of holder, and bubble in ink can be to outside discharge.It is slow Holder 1003 is rushed also to be connected with make-up pump 1005.For example, by discharging ink to be recorded, be attracted to reclaim etc. come from liquid When the outlet discharge (injection) of discharge first 3 is black in the case of consumption ink at liquid discharging head 3, make-up pump 1005 is for will be with The ink of the amount identical amount of consumption is sent to buffer 1003 from main memory 1006.

Two first circulation pumps 1001 and 1002 are used to extract out of ink from the fluid connection 111 of liquid discharging head 3 and made Ink flows to buffer 1003.First circulation pump 1001 and 1002 is preferably the volume with quantitative fluid transmitting capacity Pump.Specific example can include tube pump, gear pump, membrane pump, syringe pump etc..Such arrangement can also be used, wherein for example By setting the permanent flow valve shared and relief valve to ensure constant flow rate in the exit of pump.When liquid discharging head 3 is driven, First circulation pump (high-pressure side) 1001 and first circulation pump (low-pressure side) 1002 make the ink of constant basis flow through common feed path 211 With shared recovery approach 212.It is preferred that flow set is not influenceed for the temperature difference between the recording element plate 10 of liquid discharging head 3 The level of recording image quality is higher.On the other hand, it is logical in liquid deliverying unit 300 if flow set obtains too high The influence of pressure drop in road causes the Negative Pressure Difference between recording element plate 10 excessive, causes the uneven concentration in image.Cause This, it is considered preferred to temperature difference and Negative Pressure Difference between recording element plate 10 set flow.

Vacuum cavitations unit 230 is set between the path of second circulation pump 1004 and liquid deliverying unit 300.Negative pressure control Unit 230 processed has the effect that：In the case that the flow of the circulatory system is fluctuated due to duty difference when recording, Also so that the pressure of the downstream of vacuum cavitations unit 230 (that is, in the side of liquid deliverying unit 300) can maintain current constant pressure Power.Any mechanism can be used as two pressure regulating mechanisms included by vacuum cavitations unit 230, as long as its own downstream Pressure may be controlled to fluctuate in the constant range centered on desired setting pressure or in smaller scope.It is used as one Example, can use the mechanism equivalent with so-called " pressure reducing regulator ".In the case of using pressure reducing regulator, vacuum cavitations The upstream side of unit 230 is preferably pressurizeed by second circulation pump 1004 via fluid supply unit 220, as shown in Figure 2.This makes The influence that can suppress buffer 1003 for the head pressure of liquid discharging head 3 is obtained, so that buffer 1003 exists There is the bigger free degree in terms of layout in recording equipment 1000.The used black circulation when driving liquid discharging head 3 In the range of flow, second circulation pump 1004 has certain adherence pressure or bigger, and can use turbine pump, displacement pump Deng.Specifically, membrane pump etc. can be used.Or, instead of second circulation pump 1004, it can use for example on vacuum cavitations list Member 230 has the head holder of certain head difference.

As shown in Fig. 2 vacuum cavitations unit 230 has the two pressure regulation machine for being provided with different control pressures each other Structure.In the two negative pressure regulating mechanisms, (being represented in fig. 2 by H) relatively high pressure sets side and (represented in fig. 2 by L ) relatively low pressure sets side to be connected respectively to common feed path in liquid deliverying unit 300 via fluid supply unit 220 211 and shared recovery approach 212.In common feed path 211, share connection between recovery approach 212 and recording element plate 10 Indivedual feed paths 213 and indivedual recovery approaches 214 set arrive liquid deliverying unit 300.Due to indivedual Hes of feed path 213 Indivedual recovery approaches 214 are connected with common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212, therefore it is black from shared to occur a part Feed path 211 (passes through the arrow in Fig. 2 by what the inner passage of recording element plate 10 and flow direction shared recovery approach 212 Indicate) flowing.Reason is that pressure regulating mechanism H is connected to common feed path 211, and pressure regulating mechanism L is connected to Recovery approach 212 is shared, therefore pressure differential is produced between two common-use tunnels.

Therefore, ink flow through common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 it is each when, in liquid deliverying unit The flowing that part ink passes through recording element plate 10 occurs in 300.Therefore, the heat produced at recording element plate 10 can be by Discharged by the flowing of common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 from recording element plate 10.This configuration also makes Can in the case where being recorded by liquid discharging head 3, be not used at the outlet of record and balancing gate pit produce it is black Flowing, therefore the thickening of the ink at these parts can be suppressed.In addition, the foreign matter in the ink and ink of thickening can be reclaimed to shared Passage 212 is discharged.Therefore, high-speed record can be carried out with high picture quality according to the liquid discharging head 3 of this application example.

The description in second circulation path

Fig. 3 is to show to be applied in the circulating path according to the recording equipment of this application example and above-mentioned first circulation Path belongs to the schematic diagram in the second circulation path of different circulation forms.With the main difference in above-mentioned first circulation path such as Under.First, two pressure regulating mechanisms that vacuum cavitations unit 230 includes, which all have, to be used for vacuum cavitations unit 230 Swim side Stress control into by it is desired setting pressure centered on constant range in fluctuate mechanism (have with it is so-called The mechanism part of " back pressure regulator " operation of equal value).Then, second circulation pump 1004 is used as negative pressure source, to vacuum cavitations list Depressurized in the downstream of member 230.In addition, first circulation pump (high-pressure side) 1001 and first circulation pump (low-pressure side) 1002 are set In the upstream side of liquid discharging head 3, and vacuum cavitations unit 230 is arranged on the downstream of liquid discharging head 3.

Vacuum cavitations unit 230 in Fig. 3 is used to account for even in due to record when being recorded using liquid discharging head 3 Empty difference and in the case of flowed fluctuation, also by the pressure oscillation of the upstream side (that is, the side of liquid deliverying unit 300) of its own It is maintained in the constant range centered on pressure set in advance.As shown in figure 3, it is preferred that by second circulation pump 1004 via Fluid supply unit 220 pressurizes to the downstream of vacuum cavitations unit 230.This makes it possible to suppression buffer 1003 and is directed to The effect of the head pressure of liquid discharging head 3, the layout for the buffer 1003 in recording equipment 1000 provides broader Range of choice.Or, second circulation pump 1004 can be replaced to use vacuum cavitations unit 230 is for example provided with certain head The head holder of difference.

Identical with the arrangement shown in Fig. 2, the vacuum cavitations unit 230 shown in Fig. 3, which has, sets control different from each other Two pressure regulating mechanisms of pressure.In two negative pressure regulating mechanisms, (being represented in Fig. 3 by H) relative high pressure sets side (being represented in Fig. 3 by L) relative low pressure sets side to be connected respectively to liquid deliverying unit via fluid supply unit 220 Common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 in 300.Cause common feed path by two negative pressure regulating mechanisms 211 pressure is relatively higher than the pressure of shared recovery approach 212.Therefore, occurs ink from common feed path 211 by leading to individually Road 213 and 214 and the inner passage in recording element plate 10 and flow direction shares recovery approach 212 and (referred to by the arrow in Fig. 3 Show) flowing.Therefore, second circulation path is produced in liquid deliverying unit 300 flows with first circulation path identical ink State, but there are two advantages different from first circulation path.

One advantage is, for second circulation path, and vacuum cavitations unit 230 is arranged on the downstream of liquid discharging head 3, Therefore it there's almost no the danger that the dust and foreign matter produced at vacuum cavitations unit 230 will flow into the liquid discharging head.The Two advantages are, compared with the situation in first circulation path, in second circulation path, are arranged from buffer 1003 to liquid The maximum of required flow of 3 supplies of lifting one's head can be smaller.Reason is as follows.In the case where recording standby period circulation, share Total flow in feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 will be represented by A.A value is defined as to record the standby phase Between carry out the temperature adjustment of liquid discharging head 3 in the case of, the temperature difference in liquid deliverying unit 300 maintained into expected range Interior required minimum discharge.In addition, by the case where discharging the situation (full discharge) of ink from all outlets of liquid deliverying unit 300 Delivery flow be defined as F.Therefore, in the case of first circulation path (Fig. 2), first circulation pump (high-pressure side) 1001 and One circulating pump (low-pressure side) 1002 sets flow as A, therefore is supplied for the liquid to liquid discharging head 3 needed for full discharge The maximum of amount is A+F.

On the other hand, in the case of second circulation path (Fig. 3), the liquid of required liquid discharging head 3 when recording standby Body quantity delivered is flow A.It means that the quantity delivered to liquid discharging head 3 needed for full discharge is flow F.Therefore, second In the case of circulating path, the setting flow of first circulation pump (high-pressure side) 1001 and first circulation pump (low-pressure side) 1002 it is total The higher value that value, the maximum of i.e. required quantity delivered are A and F.Therefore, if using the liquid deliverying unit 300 similarly configured, The maximum (A or F) of required quantity delivered in second circulation path is consistently less than the required supply flow rate in first circulation path Maximum (A+F).Therefore, in the case of second circulation path, the free degree of applicable circulating pump is higher, and for example The inexpensive circulating pump with simple structure can be used, the cooler being arranged on master side path can be reduced (in figure It is not shown) on load, so as to reduce the cost of recording equipment master unit.The relatively large line style of value of the advantage for A or F It is more useful in the case that discharge head becomes apparent, and the length in line style discharge head on long side direction is longer.

However, on the other hand, there is the first circulation path point more favourable than second circulation path.That is, for Second circulation path, the flow that liquid deliverying unit 300 is flowed through when recording standby is maximum, therefore the record duty of image Lower, bigger negative pressure is applied to nozzle.Therefore, especially, common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 are being reduced Channel width (length on the direction orthogonal with black flow direction) to reduce head width, (liquid discharging head is in horizontal direction On length) in the case of, this may cause the influence of satellite droplet bigger.Reason is, in uneven significant low duty (low-duty) in image, high negative pressure is applied to nozzle.On the other hand, high duty figure is formed in the case of first circulation path During picture, high negative pressure is applied to outlet, therefore the satellite droplet of any generation is less obvious, this is conducive to forming small to picture quality Influence.Can be according to the specification of liquid discharging head and recording equipment master unit (in delivery flow F, minimal circulation flow A and head Channel resistance) come select in the two circulating paths which be more highly preferred to.

The description of the configuration of liquid discharging head

Configuration according to first using the liquid discharging head 3 of example will be described.Fig. 4 A and 4B are according to this application example The stereogram of liquid discharging head 3.Liquid discharging head 3 is line style liquid discharging head, wherein tetra- kinds of colors of C, M, Y and K can be discharged Black 15 recording element plate 10 be arranged in a straight line (tandem layout).As shown in Figure 4 A, liquid discharging head 3 includes record member Part plate 10 and the signal input terminal 91 and power supply terminal electrically connected via flexible printed circuit board 40 and electric wiring plate 90 92.Signal input terminal 91 and power supply terminal 92 are electrically connected to the control unit of recording equipment 1000, and each to record member Electric power needed for the supply of part plate 10 discharge drive signal and discharge.The merging carried out by the circuit in electric wiring plate 90 is connected up So that the quantity that signal input terminal 91 compares recording element plate 10 with the quantity of power supply terminal 92 is reduced.This causes by liquid The quantity of the electrical connections removed is needed to subtract when discharge first 3 is assembled into recording equipment 1000 or when changing liquid discharging head 3 It is few.The fluid connection 111 for being arranged on the two ends of liquid discharging head 3 is connected with the liquid-supplying system of recording equipment 1000, is such as schemed Shown in 4B.Therefore, the ink of tetra- kinds of colors of CMYK is supplied to liquid discharging head 3 from the feed system of recording equipment 1000, and The feed system of recording equipment 1000 is recycled to through the ink by liquid discharging head 3.By this way, the ink of each color can be with Circulated by the path of recording equipment 1000 and the path of liquid discharging head 3.

Fig. 5 shows the exploded perspective view of the part that liquid discharging head 3 includes and unit.Liquid deliverying unit 300, liquid are supplied Housing 80 is attached to unit 220 and electric wiring plate 90.Fluid connection 111 (Fig. 3) is set to fluid supply unit 220, And it is arranged on for the filter 221 (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) of each color in fluid supply unit 220, the filter 221 and liquid Each open communication of connecting portion 111 is to remove the foreign matter in supplied ink.Two fluid supply units 220 are each provided with pin To the filter 221 of two kinds of colors.Accordingly provided to fluid supply unit by black and each color of filter 221 The corresponding vacuum cavitations unit 230 set on 220.Each vacuum cavitations unit 230 is adjusted with the pressure for respective color The unit of valve.Vacuum cavitations unit 230 makes the ripple of the flow due to ink by the operation of the valve and spring member that are provided with etc. Pressure drop caused by dynamic in the feed system (feed system in the upstream side of liquid discharging head 3) of recording equipment 1000 Significantly decay occurs for change.Therefore, it is possible to by the change of the negative pressure of the downstream of pressure control unit (side of liquid deliverying unit 300) Change stabilization within the specific limits.As shown in Fig. 2 each vacuum cavitations unit 230 for each color there are two built-in pressure to adjust Valve is saved, and the two pressure-regulating valves are each set as to different control pressures.Two pressure-regulating valves are supplied via liquid To unit 220, connected in high-pressure side with the common feed path 211 in liquid deliverying unit 300, in low-pressure side with sharing recovery Passage 212 is connected.

Housing 80 is configured to include liquid deliverying unit supporting member 81 and electric wiring plate supporting member 82, supports liquid Deliverying unit 300 and electric wiring plate 90, and ensure the rigidity of liquid discharging head 3.Electric wiring plate supporting member 82 is used for Electric wiring plate 90 is supported, and is connected through a screw thread to liquid deliverying unit supporting member 81 and is fixed.Liquid discharge is single First supporting member 81 is used for warpage and the deformation for correcting liquid deliverying unit 300, so that it is guaranteed that the phase of multiple recording element plates 10 To positional precision, so as to suppress to record the inhomogeneities in thing.Therefore, liquid deliverying unit supporting member 81 preferably has enough Rigidity.The example of appropriate material includes the ceramics of the metal material and aluminum oxide of stainless steel and aluminium etc. etc.. Liquid deliverying unit supporting member 81 has the opening 83 and 84 of insertion engagement rubber components 100.Supplied from fluid supply unit 220 The black third channel structure by engaging rubber component 100 and being directed to the part as composition liquid deliverying unit 300 given Part 70.

Liquid deliverying unit 300 includes multiple discharge modules 200 and channel component 210, and The lid component 130 is installed to liquid The face of the record-oriented medium of body deliverying unit 300.The lid component 130 is the component with the frame-shaped face provided with elongated opening 131. As shown in figure 5, recording element plate 10 and containment member 110 (Fig. 9 A) that discharge module 200 includes expose from opening 131.Open Frame portion on the periphery of mouth 131 is used as the contact surface with the The lid component of covering liquid discharge first 3 when recording standby.Therefore, when The periphery of opening 131 is coated with the outlet of liquid filling body deliverying unit 300 by using adhesive, sealant, packing material etc. Bumps and gap on face, preferably form closing space in covering.

Next, the configuration that channel component 210 included in liquid deliverying unit 300 will be described.As shown in figure 5, logical Road component 210 be by being laminated first passage component 50, product formed by second channel component 60 and third channel component 70. Channel component 210 is that the ink supplied from fluid supply unit 220 is assigned into each discharge module 200 and made from discharge module 200 The ink of recycling returns to the channel component of fluid supply unit 220.Channel component 210 is arranged by screw member fixed to liquid Go out unit supports component 81, so as to suppress warpage and the deformation of channel component 210.

Fig. 6 A to Fig. 6 F are to show to constitute first to the front side of the channel component of third channel component and the figure of rear side.Fig. 6 A The side of the installation discharge module 200 of first passage component 50 is shown, Fig. 6 F show being discharged with liquid for third channel component 70 The face that unit supports component 81 is contacted.First passage component 50 and second channel component 60 have that as shown in Fig. 6 B and Fig. 6 C The channel component contact surface of this adjoining, second channel component 60 and third channel component 70 have as shown in figs. 6 d and 6e each other Adjacent channel component contact surface.Adjacent second channel component 60 and third channel component 70 is formed on common-use tunnel groove 62 and 71, when facing with each other, extend eight of long side direction of the formation of common-use tunnel groove 62 and 71 along channel component share logical Road.This is in channel component 210 for each color formation common feed path 211 and the set (figure of shared recovery approach 212 7).The connected entrance 72 of third channel component 70 is connected with the hole in engagement rubber component 100, to be supplied by fluidly connecting with liquid Connected to unit 220.Multiple connected entrances 61 are formed on the bottom surface in the common-use tunnel groove 62 of second channel component 60, logical with first One end connection of the respective channel groove 52 of road component 50.The other end formation connection of the respective channel groove 52 of first passage component 50 Mouthfuls 51 by fluidly connecting via connected entrance 51 with multiple discharge modules 200 to be connected.These respective channel grooves 52 allow these Passage merges in the middle of channel component.

First has corrosion resistance to third channel component preferred pair is black, and utilizes the material with low linear expansion coefficient Material is formed.Appropriate examples of materials includes aluminum oxide, liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and composite (resin material), wherein such as The inorganic filler of the fine grained of silica or fiber etc. etc. has added to such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polysulfones (PSF) or changed The base material of property polyphenylene oxide (PPE) etc..Channel component 210 can be by being laminated three channel components and being bonded using adhesive , can be by welding by these three channel components to be formed, or in the case where selection composite resin material is used for material Engagement.

Next, reference picture 7 to be described to the annexation of the passage in channel component 210.Fig. 7 is from first passage component The side observation of 50 installation discharge module 200, by engaging formed channel component by first to third channel component The enlarged partial isometric view of passage in 210.Channel component 210 has the long side direction in liquid discharging head 3 for each color The common feed path 211 (211a, 211b, 211c and 211d) and shared recovery approach 212 (212a, 212b, 212c of upper extension And 212d).The multiple indivedual feed paths 213 (213a, 213b, 213c and 213d) formed by respective channel groove 52 are via connecting Mouth 61 is connected to the common feed path 211 of each color.The multiple indivedual recovery approaches 214 formed by respective channel groove 52 (214a, 214b, 214c and 214d) is connected to the shared recovery approach 212 of each color via connected entrance 61.Passage configuration makes It is black can from common feed path 211 via indivedual feed paths 213 in the recording element plate 10 in the middle of channel component Place merges.Ink can also be made to be recovered to shared recovery approach 212 from recording element plate 10 via indivedual recovery approaches 214.

Fig. 8 is the sectional view along the line VIII-VIII interceptions in Fig. 7, and it shows indivedual recovery approaches (214a and 214c) Connected via connected entrance 51 with discharge module 200.Although Fig. 8 only shows indivedual recovery approaches (214a and 214c), individually Feed path 213 is connected with discharge module 200 in different cross-sections, as shown in Figure 7.The branch included in discharge module 200 Passage is formed in support part part 30 and recording element plate 10.These passages be used for by ink from first passage component 50 be supplied to setting to The recording element 15 (Figure 10 B) of recording element plate 10 and be fed to recording element 15 it is part or all of ink collect (follow again Ring) arrive first passage component 50.The common feed path 211 of each color is connected to correspondence face via its fluid supply unit 220 The vacuum cavitations unit 230 (high-pressure side) of color, and shared recovery approach 212 is connected to negative pressure via fluid supply unit 220 Control unit 230 (low-pressure side).Vacuum cavitations unit 230 is generated between common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 Differential pressure (pressure differential).Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7 and 8 by the channel attached liquid discharging head 3 according to the application example, pin Each color occurs the flowing of following order：Common feed path 211 → indivedual 213 → recording elements of feed path plate 10 → individual Other recovery approach 214 → share recovery approach 212.

Discharge the description of module

Fig. 9 A show the stereogram of a discharge module 200, and Fig. 9 B show its decomposition view.Discharge the manufacture of module 200 Method is as follows.First, recording element plate 10 and flexible printed circuit board 40 are adhered to and has been pre-formed fluid connection mouthful 31 Supporting member 30.Then, the terminal 16 on recording element plate 10 is electrically connected to flexible printed circuit board 40 by wire bonding On terminal 41, then with sealant 110 covering and sealing wire bonding part (electrical connections).By flexible printed circuit board The terminal 42 of 40 other end relative with recording element plate 10 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 93 (Fig. 5) of electric wiring plate 90. Supporting member 30 is the supporting member for supporting recording element plate 10, and still by being fluidly coupled to recording element plate 10 and leading to The channel component connected between road component 210.Therefore, supporting member 30 should have high flatness, and should also be able to High-reliability is joined to recording element plate 10.The example of appropriate material includes aluminum oxide and resin material.

The description of the structure of recording element plate

By configuration of the description according to the recording element plate 10 of this application example.Figure 10 A are the formation rows of recording element plate 10 The plan of the side of outlet 13, Figure 10 B are the enlarged drawings for the part that the XB in Figure 10 A is represented.Figure 10 C are the sides with Figure 10 A The plan at the back side of the relative recording element plate 10 in face.As shown in Figure 10 A, recording element plate 10, which has, forms and black color pair The outlet formation component 12 for the four outlet rows answered.Note, hereinafter, the outlet row of multiple outlets 13 will be arranged The direction of extension is referred to as " outlet line direction ".

As shown in Figure 10 B, it is arranged on and discharges as the recording element 15 of heating element heater for making ink be bubbled due to heat energy 13 corresponding positions of mouth.Balancing gate pit 23 comprising recording element 15 is separated by dividing plate 22.Recording element 15 is by being arranged at note The electric wiring (not shown) of record element board 10 is electrically connected to the terminal 16 in Figure 10 A.Recording element 15 is based on from note The control circuit of recording apparatus 1000 and the pulse inputted via electric wiring plate 90 (Fig. 5) and flexible printed circuit board 40 (Fig. 9 B) Signal come produce heat so that ink seethe with excitement.The bubbling power produced due to the boiling makes ink be discharged from outlet 13.Such as Figure 10 B institutes Show, side extension of the liquid supply passage 18 along each outlet row, and liquids recovery passage 19 extends along opposite side.Liquid is supplied It is the passage of the direction extension of the outlet row set along along recording element plate 10 to passage 18 and liquids recovery passage 19, and Connected respectively via supply mouth 17a and recovery port 17b with outlet 13.

As shown in Figure 10 C and 11, sheet cover 20 is layered in the back of the body in the face of the formation outlet 13 of recording element plate 10 On face, cover 20 has what is connected with liquid supply passage 18 as will be described and liquids recovery passage 19 multiple to open Mouth 21.In this application example, for each liquid supply passage 18, three openings 21 of setting in cover 20, and for Each liquids recovery passage 19, sets two openings 21.From the angle of pressure drop, the quantity of the opening 21 set for passage is preferably It is multiple.In the present embodiment, it is not necessary to set multiple openings 21 for each passage, as long as being returned for liquid supply passage 18 and liquid It is sufficient that any one received in passage 19 sets at least two openings 21.For example, there are two for liquid supply passage 18 It is sufficient that opening 21 and the configuration for liquid discharging head 3 of the liquids recovery passage 19 with an opening 21.Such as Figure 10 B Shown, the opening 21 of cover 20 is each connected with multiple connected entrances 51 shown in Fig. 6 A.As shown in figure 11, cover 20 is used as The liquid supply passage 18 and a part for the side of liquids recovery passage 19 formed in the substrate 11 for forming recording element plate 10 Lid.The preferred pair of cover 20 ink has enough corrosion resistances, and from the perspective of colour mixture is prevented, it is necessary to have on The opening shape of opening 21 and the high accuracy of aperture position.It is therefore preferable that using photonasty resin material or silicon plate as The material of cover 20, wherein passing through photoetching process formation opening 21.Therefore, cover 20 is used to pass through the ALT-CH alternate channel of opening 21 Spacing.In view of pressure drop, cover 20 is preferably thin, and is formed preferably by resins in film form material.

Next, the black flowing that will be described in recording element plate 10.Figure 11 is to show the plane XI-XI along in Figure 10 A The recording element plate 10 of interception and the stereogram of the cross section of cover 20.Recording element plate 10 will be by that will utilize silicon (Si) formation Substrate 11 and component 12 is formed by the outlet that photosensitive resin is formed be laminated and formed, its middle cover assembly 20 is bonded on substrate 11 The back side on.Recording element 15 is formed in another surface side (Figure 10 B) of substrate 11, wherein constituting liquid supply passage 18 and liquid The groove of recovery approach 19 extends along the outlet row formed in its rear side.The liquid supply formed by substrate 11 and cover 20 Passage 18 and liquids recovery passage 19 are respectively connecting to common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach in channel component 210 212, and there is pressure differential between liquid supply passage 18 and liquids recovery passage 19.When ink is from the more of liquid discharging head 3 When individual outlet 13 is discharged and recorded, following flow is produced at without the outlet 13 for carrying out discharging operation. That is, in the liquid supply path 18 being arranged in substrate 11 ink due to the pressure differential from liquid supply passage 18 via Supply mouth 17a, balancing gate pit 23 and recovery port 17b flow (flowing that the arrow C in Figure 11 is indicated) to liquids recovery passage 19.Should Flowing causes the outlet 13 that ink, bubble, foreign matter for being thickened due to the evaporation from outlet 13 etc. are never recorded Liquids recovery passage 19 is recovered to balancing gate pit 23.This also allows for suppressing the black increasing at outlet 13 and balancing gate pit 23 It is thick.The ink of liquids recovery passage 19 is recovered to via the opening 21 of cover 20 and the (ginseng of fluid connection mouthful 31 of supporting member 30 See Fig. 9 B) returned according to the order of the connected entrance 51 in channel component 210, indivedual recovery approaches 214 and shared recovery approach 212 Receive.The ink is finally recovered to the feed path of recording equipment 1000.

That is, being supplied to the ink of liquid discharging head 3 by by sequential flow described below from recording equipment master unit Move and be supplied to and reclaim.First, ink discharges first 3 from the influent of liquid connections 111 of fluid supply unit 220.Connect Get off, ink is sequentially supplied to engagement rubber component 100, sets the connected entrance 72 and common-use tunnel groove for arriving third channel component 70 71st, the common-use tunnel groove 62 and connected entrance 61 of second channel component 60 are arranged at and of first passage component 50 is arranged at Other channel slot 52 and connected entrance 51.Then, according to being arranged at the fluid connection mouthfuls 31 of supporting member 30, be arranged at cover 20 Opening 21 and the liquid supply passage 18 of substrate 11 and supply mouth 17a order are arranged at, by ink supply to balancing gate pit 23. Have been supplied to balancing gate pit 23 but not from the black according to the recovery port 17b and liquids recovery for being arranged at substrate 11 of the discharge of outlet 13 Passage 19, the opening 21 for being arranged at cover 20 and be arranged at supporting member 30 fluid connection mouthfuls 31 sequential flowing.So Afterwards, ink is according to being arranged at the connected entrance 51 and respective channel groove 52 of first passage component 50, be arranged at second channel component 60 Connected entrance 61 and common-use tunnel groove 62, the common-use tunnel groove 71 and connected entrance 72 that are arranged at third channel component 70 and engagement The sequential flowing of rubber component 100.Ink is also from the fluid connection 111 of fluid supply unit is arranged to liquid discharging head 3 Flows outside.In the first circulation path shown in Fig. 2, the ink flowed into from fluid connection 111 passes through vacuum cavitations unit 230, it is then fed to engagement rubber component 100.In second circulation path as shown in Figure 3, reclaimed from balancing gate pit 23 Ink by engaging rubber component 100, then via vacuum cavitations unit 230 from fluid connection 111 to liquid discharging head 3 outside Flowing.

In addition, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, being flowed into from one end of the common feed path 211 of liquid deliverying unit 300 All ink are all supplied to balancing gate pit 23 via indivedual feed path 213a.Flowed through in the presence of the other end from common feed path 211 And the ink by fluid supply unit 220, without entering indivedual feed path 213a.Therefore it provides black obstructed overwriting element Plate 10 and the passage that flows causes in the case that recording element plate 10 has the big micro-channel of flow resistance, also can Suppress the situation of the backflow, such as this application example in black recycle stream.Therefore, it can be pressed down according to the liquid discharging head of this application example Black thickening in pressing pressure room and near outlet, is not discharged so as to suppress bad discharge direction with black, therefore conduct As a result high image quality record can be carried out.

The description of position relationship between recording element plate

Figure 12 is the partial enlargement of the adjacent part for the recording element plate 10 for showing the discharge module adjacent for two Plan.As shown in Figure 10 A~10C, almost parallel quadrangle is configured to according to the recording element plate 10 of this application example.As schemed Shown in 12, the outlet row of outlet 13 is arranged on recording element plate 10Relative to the conveying of recording medium Direction tilts certain angle.Therefore, exist at least one outlet of the outlet row of the adjacency section office of recording element plate 10 It is overlapping on the conveying direction of recording medium.In fig. 12, two outlets on line D are in overlapped relation.This cloth Office causes in the case that the position of recording element plate 10 is slightly offset from precalculated position, can also pass through overlapping outlet Drive control and black streaking and blank parts in record image is become unobvious.Multiple recording element plates 10 can be with straight line Arrange (tandem) rather than be laid out with being staggered.In this case, also can be due to all configurations as shown in figure 12 Suppress the company between processing recording element plate 10 while length increase of the liquid discharging head 3 on the conveying direction of recording medium Black streaking and blank parts at socket part.Although being parallel four side according to the shape of the interarea of the recording element plate 10 of the present embodiment Shape, but this is not restricted., can also be suitably even in being for example shaped as rectangle, in the case of trapezoidal or other shapes Using the configuration of the present invention.

Second applies example

It will describe according to the ink jet recording device 1000 and liquid discharging head 3 that can apply the second application example of the invention Configuration.Note, below by the only main description part different from the first application example, and omission pair is applied into example with first The description of identical part.

The description of ink jet recording device

Figure 13 shows the ink jet recording device of the second application example according to the present invention.According to the record of the second application example The difference of equipment 1000 and the first application example is, by arranging four monochromatic (each liquid discharging heads of liquid discharging head 3 It is corresponding with one of CMYK ink) carry out panchromatic record on the recording medium.Although each color in the first application example can The quantity of the outlet row used is a line, but the quantity of outlet row workable for each color is in the second application example 20 rows (Figure 19 A).This makes it possible to carry out high speed recording by the way that record data is suitably allocated into multiple outlet rows. Even if in the presence of the outlet for showing not venting, also by the corresponding position on the conveying direction of recording medium on the outlet The ejiction opening of row put, another, which is compensated, ejects raising reliability, therefore this arrangement is suitable for industrial printing.With first Identical using example, feed system, buffer storage case 1003 and the main storage bin 1006 (Fig. 2) of recording equipment 1000 pass through fluid Connection is connected with liquid discharging head 3.Each liquid discharging head 3 is also connected electrically to control to the transmission electric power of liquid discharging head 3 and discharge The electric control unit of signal.

The description of circulating path

It is identical with the first application example, the first circulation path and second circulation path shown in Fig. 2 and 3 can be used as Liquid circulation path between recording equipment 1000 and liquid discharging head 3.

The description of the structure of liquid discharging head

Structure to the liquid discharging head 3 of the second application example according to the present invention is described.Figure 14 A and 14B are According to the stereogram of the liquid discharging head 3 of this application example.Liquid discharging head 3 has on the long side direction of liquid discharging head 3 16 recording element plates 10 being arranged in a straight line, and be that can record head with a kind of ink-jet molded line of the ink record of color.With First application example is identical, and liquid discharging head 3 has fluid connection 111, signal input terminal 91 and power supply terminal 92.According to The liquid discharging head 3 of this application example and the difference of the first application example are, because the quantity of outlet row is larger, because This signal input terminal 91 and power supply terminal 92 are arranged on the both sides of liquid discharging head 3.This is to be arranged at record to reduce Pressure drop and signal transferring lag that the wiring portion of element board 10 occurs.

Figure 15 is the exploded perspective view of liquid discharging head 3, and it is shown according to included by the liquid discharging head 3 of Function Decomposition Each component or unit.The order that the effect of component and unit and liquid flow through liquid discharging head substantially applies example with first It is identical, but ensure that the rigid function of liquid discharging head is different.In the first application example, the rigidity of liquid discharging head is main Ensured by liquid deliverying unit supporting member 81, but in the second application example, by being wrapped in liquid deliverying unit 300 The second channel component 60 that includes ensures the rigidity of liquid discharging head.In this application example, liquid deliverying unit supporting member 81 are connected to the two ends of second channel component 60.The liquid deliverying unit 300 is mechanically coupled to the support of recording equipment 1000, Thus liquid discharging head 3 is positioned.Fluid supply unit 220 and electric wiring plate 90 with vacuum cavitations unit 230 are joined to Liquid deliverying unit supporting member 81.Filter (not shown) is built in two fluid supply units 220.Two negative pressure Control unit 230 is arranged to by different toward each other high negative pressure and lower negative pressure come control pressure.When high-pressure side negative pressure control Unit 230 and low-pressure side vacuum cavitations unit 230 processed is when being arranged on the end of liquid discharging head 3 (such as Figure 14 A to Figure 15 institutes Show), the Mo Liuxiang on the common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 of the long side direction extension along liquid discharging head 3 Mutually reversely.This promotes the heat exchange between common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 so that can reduce two altogether With the temperature difference between passage.This is favourable, because being not easy between the multiple recording element plates 10 set along common-use tunnel Generation temperature difference, therefore be less likely to occur due to recording uneven caused by temperature difference.

Next it will be described in the channel component 210 of liquid deliverying unit 300.As shown in figure 15, channel component 210 is The first passage component 50 and second channel component 60 of stacking, and the ink supplied from fluid supply unit 220 is distributed to row Go out module 200.Channel component 210 is also served as returns to the logical of fluid supply unit 220 by the ink recycled from discharge module 200 Road component.The second channel component 60 of channel component 210 is to have formed common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 Channel component, and also mainly undertake the rigidity of liquid discharging head 3.Therefore, the material of second channel component 60 is preferably to ink With enough corrosion resistances and with high mechanical properties.The specific example of suitably used material include stainless steel, titanium (Ti), Aluminum oxide etc..

Figure 16 A show the face of the side of the installation discharge module 200 of first passage component 50, and Figure 16 B are to show and second The figure of reverse side that channel component 60 is contacted, above-mentioned face.It is different from the situation of the first application example, according to the second application example First passage component 50 is using the arrangement mode that multiple components corresponding with discharge module 200 are abutted to arrangement.Use this point Structure is cut to make it possible to realize length corresponding with the length of liquid discharging head by arranging multiple modules, thus it is particularly suitable In the liquid discharging head of relatively long size for example corresponding with sheet material more than B2 sizes.As shown in Figure 16 A, first passage component 50 connected entrance 51 is connected by fluidly connecting with discharge module 200, and as shown in fig 16b, of first passage component 50 Other connected entrance 53 is connected by fluidly connecting with the connected entrance 61 of second channel component 60.Figure 16 C show second channel component 60 The face contacted with first passage component 50, Figure 16 D show through-thickness interception second channel component 60 center section Section, Figure 16 E are the figures in the face contacted with fluid supply unit 220 for showing second channel component 60.Second channel component The function phase of 60 passage and the function of connected entrance and a kind of color in the first application example is same.Second channel component 60 is total to It is the common feed path 211 shown in Figure 17 with one in channel slot 71, and another is to share recovery approach 212.Two Person supplies ink along the long side direction of liquid discharging head 3 from the lateral another side in one end.In the present embodiment, show with the first application Situation difference in example is, anti-each other for the black flow direction of common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 To.

Figure 17 is the stereogram for showing the annexation on ink between recording element plate 10 and channel component 210.Such as Shown in Figure 17, the one group of common feed path 211 and shared recovery approach 212 extended along the long side direction of liquid discharging head 3 is set Put in channel component 210.Each connected entrance 61 of second channel component 60 and indivedual connected entrances of first passage component 50 53 Put consistent and be connected thereto, so as to be formed from the connected entrance 72 of second channel component 60 via common feed path 211 to the The fluid delivery path of the connected entrance 51 of one channel component 50.In an identical manner, the company from second channel component 60 is also formed Port 72 via the connected entrance 51 of shared recovery approach 212 to first passage component 50 liquid supply path.

Figure 18 is to show the sectional view along the XVIII-XVIII interceptions in Figure 17.Figure 18 shows common feed path 211 such as What is connected to discharge module 200 by connected entrance 61, indivedual connected entrances 53 and connected entrance 51.Although eliminating figure in figure 18 Show, but it can be clearly seen that another section will show to be connected to the individual of discharge module 200 by similar path from Figure 17 Other recovery approach 214.With first application example it is identical, discharge module 200 and recording element plate 10 on formed passage with row Outlet 13 is connected, and part or all black supplied is recirculated through without the outlet 13 for carrying out discharging operation (balancing gate pit 23).Identical with the first application example, via fluid supply unit 220, common feed path 211 is connected to negative pressure control Unit 230 (high-pressure side) processed and share recovery approach 212 via fluid supply unit 220 to be connected to vacuum cavitations unit 230 (low Press side).Therefore, by its pressure difference, (the balancing gate pit of outlet 13 for passing through recording element plate 10 from common feed path 211 is produced 23) flowing for sharing recovery approach 212 is flowed to.

Discharge the description of module

Figure 19 A are the stereograms of a discharge module 200, and Figure 19 B are its decomposition views.It is different from the first application example, Multiple terminals 16 are arranged in both sides (the long side of recording element plate 10 of the recording element plate 10 along the direction of multiple outlet rows Portion), and two flexible printed circuit boards 40 are arranged at a recording element plate 10 and are electrically connected to terminal 16.Reason exists In the quantity for the outlet row being arranged on recording element plate 10 is 20 rows, and this is compared to eight rows in the first application example significantly Increase.The purpose is to keep short from terminal 16 to the ultimate range of the recording element 15 set corresponding to outlet row, so as to drop The low pressure drop and signal transferring lag occurred in the wiring portion for being arranged at recording element plate 10.The fluid connection mouthful of supporting member 30 31 are set to recording element plate 10, and are to cross over all outlet rows by opening.Other points are identical with the first application example.

The description of the structure of recording element plate

Figure 20 A are the schematic diagrames in the face for the side for being provided with outlet 13 for showing recording element plate 10, and Figure 20 C are to show The schematic diagram at the back side in the face shown in Figure 20 A.Figure 20 B are to show to remove the back side for being arranged on recording element plate 10 in Figure 20 C The schematic diagram in the face of recording element plate 10 in the case of the cover 20 of side.As shown in fig. 20b, liquid supply passage 18 and liquid Recovery approach 19 along outlet line direction, be alternately located on the back side of recording element plate 10.Although the quantity of outlet row It is more than the first application example, but be with the substantive difference of the first application example, as described above, terminal 16 is arranged on along row Export the both sides of the recording element plate 10 of line direction.Basic structure is identical with the first application example, is such as discharged for each Mouth row sets one group of liquid supply passage 18 and liquids recovery passage 19, sets the liquid with supporting member 30 for cover 20 Opening 21 that connected entrance 31 is connected etc..

First embodiment

Tail length reduces the relation between vent size

Figure 21 A and 21B show the inside of liquid discharging head.Figure 21 A are the plan of recording element 15 and passage, Figure 21 B It is the sectional view along the line XXIB-XXIB interceptions in Figure 21 A.In substrate 11 and outlet the formation component 12 of recording element plate 10 Between set each with outlet 13 multiple balancing gate pits 23 and the access road 24a connected with each balancing gate pit 23 and outlet Passage 24b.Balancing gate pit 23 is separated by wall member 26.The liquid supply passage 18 that is connected with access road 24a and logical with outlet The liquids recovery passage 19 of road 24b connections is set on the substrate 11.Supply mouths of the access road 24a in liquid supply passage 18 Connected at 17a from the branch of liquid supply passage 18 and with balancing gate pit 23, ink is supplied to balancing gate pit 23.Exit passageway 24b is in pressure The side relative with access road 24a of room 23 is connected with balancing gate pit 23, and makes the ink do not discharged from outlet 13 via liquid The recovery port 17b of recovery approach 19 leads to liquids recovery passage 19.

Multiple supply mouth 17a formation supply mouth rows, multiple recovery port 17b formation recovery port rows.In supply mouth row and recovery The outlet row of the multiple outlets 13 of arrangement is formed between mouth row.In the present embodiment, outlet row and recovery port row are arranged on The both sides of supply mouth row.As it was previously stated, providing pressure differential between liquid supply passage 18 and liquids recovery passage 19.The pressure Difference produces ink and is directed in balancing gate pit 23 and is directed to from exit passageway 24b by access road 24a from supply mouth 17a Recovery port 17b flowing.That is, ink is by liquid supply passage 18, supply mouth 17a and access road 24a, into pressure Room 23, and discharged from outlet 13.The ink do not discharged is by exit passageway 24b, recovery port 17b and the quilt of liquids recovery passage 19 Reclaim.The ink of recovery is supplied again to liquid supply passage 18 by the circulation canal omitted from diagram.

The recording element 15 for producing heat energy is arranged on towards on the bottom surface of the balancing gate pit 23 of outlet 13.Outlet mouth (spray Mouth) 25 the position towards balancing gate pit 23 through outlet formation component 12.Outboard end in outlet mouth 25, i.e. with record The relative end of element 15 forms the outlet 13 of discharge ink.Outlet mouth 25 and outlet 13 are arranged on record-oriented element 15 Position.In this manual, outlet 13 is the opening of the outside for the record-oriented medium for being located at outlet formation component 12, And outlet mouth 25 is the part for making outlet 13 be connected with balancing gate pit 23, as the through hole through outlet formation component 12.

Figure 22 A to 22G are the schematic diagrames for showing to discharge the transient process of phenomenon.Figure 22 A are the amplifications of the XXIB in Figure 21 A Figure.Figure 22 B~22G is the sectional view intercepted along the line XXIIB to XXIIG-XXIIB to XXIIG in Figure 22 A.Figure 22 A~22G In eliminate the projection of outlet 13 shown in Figure 21 A.Ink is supplied to balancing gate pit 23 from access road 24a (referring to Figure 22 B). Recording element 15 produces the heat energy for discharging liquid by the electric energy being applied to thereon.Ink near recording element 15 is by the warm It can heat and evaporate, form bubble B (referring to Figure 22 C).Bubble B is very high in the pressure of the starting stage of generation, and bubble B is by gas Ink between bubble B and outlet 13 pushes outlet 13 to (see the arrow in Figure 22 C).Bubble B enters while continued growth In outlet mouth 25.Bubble B internal pressure changes to rapidly the negative pressure of subatmospheric power due to its growth from normal pressure (see Figure 22 D).The negative pressure returns the rear end of drop to the layback of recording element 15, forms the afterbody of extension (referring to Figure 22 E).Work as gas Bubble B is when advancing further through outlet part 25, and bubble B is inside or outside outlet part 25 and atmosphere.Knot Really, bubble B negative pressure is lost suddenly, and the growth of tail length also stops (referring to Figure 22 F).By said process, in institute Ink between the bubble B and outlet 13 of generation is discharged by bubble B pressure from outlet 13.The ink of discharge is mainly as master Ink droplet is discharged, but also occurs satellite droplet S and mist at main ink droplet rear (see Figure 22 G).In the present embodiment, bubble B is internally Pressure be negative pressure and volume increase (expansion) in the state of with atmosphere.Therefore, the discharge rate of drop is stable, and discharges speed Degree is faster.As in this embodiment outlet 13 set jut 27 structure in, the area of outlet is smaller, thus row Go out speed and normally tend to decline.However, bubble B makes it possible to suppress satellite droplet with atmosphere in growth to discharge drop Occur, while suppressing the decline of the velocity of discharge.

Figure 23 A show the relation between the internal pressure in pressure distribution and bubble in bubble.Transverse axis represents the time, indulges Axle represents internal pressure.Figure 23 A show Mode A and Mode B, and wherein vent size is identical, and the pressure only in bubble point Cloth is different.Figure 23 B schematically show the mode that ink is discharged according to Mode A, and Figure 23 C show to discharge the mode of ink according to Mode B. Mode A and Mode B all show the rapid increase of the internal pressure of bubble, then switch to negative pressure, then connect in bubble and air Atmospheric pressure is risen to when logical.In Mode B, bubble is in time T_BIt is maintained at the internal pressure in atmosphere, therefore bubble The time quantum of negative pressure is long.The afterbody that can be seen that drop from Figure 23 C is longer compared to Mode A, and satellite droplet is easily formed.Mould Bubble in formula A is than T_BEarly time T_AThe time quantum of negative pressure is maintained at the internal pressure in atmosphere, therefore bubble It is short.Therefore, as shown in fig. 23b, afterbody is relatively short, and suppresses the generation of satellite droplet.Therefore, the time quantum of negative pressure is reduced simultaneously It is effective for suppressing afterbody elongated with atmosphere in early stage to make bubble, therefore is effective to suppressing satellite droplet.

Figure 24 A to 24D are shown from recording element 15 to outlet 13 apart from OH (Figure 22 B) and since recording element 15 It is heated to the relation between the time quantum of bubble and atmosphere (hereinafter referred to as " atmosphere time Tth ").It is equal to apart from OH The height H1 (being also the height of outlet mouth 25) of outlet formation component 12 in the setting perpendicular to balancing gate pit 23 with recording member The height H2 sums of access road 24a on the direction of the bottom surface of part 15, i.e. OH=H1+H2 (referring to Figure 22 B).Herein for row The shape of outlet considers three kinds of patterns, with round-shaped pattern 1 (Figure 24 A) and with being protruded towards the center of outlet 13 The pattern 2 and 3 (Figure 24 B and 24C) of two juts 27.Two juts 27 in pattern 2 and 3 are located across outlet 13 On center Cn straight line L, centrally disposed Cn both sides and it is of similar shape.Compared with pattern 2, in pattern 3, dash forward Play that portion 27 forms longer and gap 28 between jut 27 is smaller.

In any pattern, OH is identical with the effective diameter of outlet 13, and OH is less than 12 μm, and outlet 13 Effective diameter is more than 11 μm (aperture area >=100 μm²).Effective diameter is defined as the real area that area is equal to outlet 13 Diameter of a circle.Note, the aperture area of outlet 13 is preferably 100 μm²More than.Circular (figure is shaped as in outlet 13 Case 1) in the case of, it can be seen that, it is necessary to reduce OH to reduce Tth, so as to shorten afterbody.In order to reduce OH, outlet is formed Component 12 needs to be formed relatively thin (reduce H1) or reduction access road 24a height (reducing H2).Both the problem of, exists In the former causes outlet formation component 12 to be easier rupture etc., and reliability may decline.There may be handling capacity by the latter The misgivings that may be deteriorated due to increased flow resistance.

On the other hand, in the case where jut 27 to be arranged to outlet 13 (pattern 2 and 3), Tth is compared to pattern 1 more It is low.Particularly, in the case of the gap narrow (pattern 3) between jut 27, Tth is obviously reduced.This causes shorter afterbody, And inhibit the generation of satellite droplet.Although describing the configuration for setting two juts 27 in the present embodiment, it is not limited to This, the present invention is readily applicable to set the situation of a jut or the jut of more than three, and this will be described later.With The situation of two juts 27 is identical, in these cases it is preferred to have narrower gap (prominent at one between jut 27 In the case of rising, the gap between the top of projection and the edge of outlet), because this causes shorter afterbody.

Figure 25 shows thickness H1, access road 24a the height H2 and atmosphere time Tth of outlet formation component 12 Between relation.Transverse axis represents access road 24a height H2, and the longitudinal axis represents the thickness H1 of outlet formation component 12.It is contour Line represents Tth.The size of standard A, standard B and standard C in Figure 25 are as follows.

Standard A：OH=12 μm, H1=7 μm, H2=5 μm, the μ s of Tth ≈ 1.4

Standard B：OH=12 μm, H1=6 μm, H2=6 μm, the μ s of Tth ≈ 1.5

Standard C：OH=12 μm, H1=5 μm, H2=7 μm, the μ s of Tth ≈ 1.6

Therefore, Figure 25 is shown when OH is fixed on 12 μm and access road 24a of height H2 (or outlet formation components 12 Thickness H1) change when atmosphere time Tth change.Tth is sequentially increased according to standard A, B and C's.Therefore, it is constant in OH In the case of, by reducing access road 24a height H2, the atmosphere time, Tth can further reduce.Access road 24a height H2 is preferably less than 7 μm, and preferably less than half of OH.Between outlet 13 and recording element 15 away from It it is preferably less than 12 μm from OH.

Reduce the mechanism of atmosphere time

It is described below reducing the mechanism of atmosphere time Tth.Figure 26 A to 27B are shown apart from the big of OH and bubble Relation between gas communicating position.Direction dz and z is defined in Figure 26 A.The dz is represented In the case of positive direction, with outlet 13 for origin, the position of bubble and atmosphere in a z-direction.Therefore, it is positive in dz In the case of, atmosphere position is in the outside of outlet mouth 25 or the outside of outlet 13, and in dz in the case of negative, greatly Gas communicating position is in the inside of outlet mouth 25 or the inner side of outlet 13.

In Figure 26 B, transverse axis represents OH, and the longitudinal axis represents dz.In the situation for being shaped as circular (pattern 1) of outlet 13 Under, reducing OH makes dz progressively close to 0.That is, reducing OH causes that air company occurs at the position near outlet 13 It is logical.Therefore, as can be seen from Figure 23A, Tth reduces.In the case where outlet 13 has jut 27 (pattern 2 and 3), The dz when OH≤12 μm>0, atmosphere occurs in the outside of outlet 13.In the narrower pattern 3 in projection gap, dz is bigger, Therefore Tth correspondingly reduces.

Direction dx and x is defined in Figure 27 A.The dx represent away from outlet 13 center direction be positive direction feelings Under condition, using the edge of outlet 13 as origin, the position of bubble and atmosphere in the x direction.In Figure 27 B, transverse axis is represented OH, the longitudinal axis represents dx.Outlet 13 be shaped as circular (pattern 1) in the case of, reduction OH hardly causes in dx Any change.In the case where outlet 13 has jut 27 (pattern 2 and 3), dx is close to 0, and dx is with OH reductions Increase.The dx is larger in the narrower pattern 3 in projection gap.

Figure 28 A to 28F are the simulation drawings for showing the drop from the discharge of outlet 13, and wherein Figure 28 A are the shapes of outlet 13 Shape is the stereogram for discharging drop in the case of circular (pattern 1), and Figure 28 B and Figure 28 C are the speed for showing bubble and air It is distributed the figure of the transient changing with the time.Figure 28 D are the vertical of the discharge drop in the case where outlet 13 has jut 27 Body figure, 28E and 28F are the VELOCITY DISTRIBUTIONs for showing bubble and air with the figure of the transient changing of time.Figure 28 E and 28F are that edge is worn Cross the sectional view of the line interception at two juts 27 of the outlet 13 being arranged in Figure 28 D and the center of outlet 13.Direction x With z as defined in Figure 27 A.Outlet 13 be shaped as circular (pattern 1) in the case of, the transient state in outlet mouth 25 shows As follows, as shown in Figure 28 B and 28C.

In the stage 1, produced bubble B enters outlet mouth 25, and is grown in outlet mouth 25.Therefore, because The effect of the wall (the side wall of outlet mouth 25) of outlet formation component 12, bubble B has towards the center (x=0) of outlet 13 Velocity component (referring to the arrow (i) in Figure 28 B).

In the stage 2, with air bubble growth, air G outside outlet 13 due to discharge ink and along away from outlet The direction at 13 center is temporarily pushed out (referring to the arrow (ii) in Figure 28 B).

In the stage 3, air G is pulled (referring to the arrow in Figure 28 C due to the negative pressure in bubble B into outlet 13 Head (iv)).

In the stage 4, due to the negative pressure in bubble B, bubble B is also pulled towards the center of outlet mouth 25 in itself, and And further pulled due to the effect of the power at black interface towards the center of outlet mouth 25 (referring to the arrow in Figure 28 C (iii))。

Therefore, air G tends to connect inside outlet mouth 25 with bubble B.Bubble B is not easy with air G in discharge The ft connection of oral area 25, and Tth tends to be elongated.

On the other hand, outlet 13 have jut 27 configuration in the case of, bubble B due to ink interface power and Towards the outer expandable of outlet 13 (referring to the arrow (iii) in Figure 28 F).Come into the bubble B of outlet mouth 25 extremely Small part has the velocity component from the centrally directed side wall of outlet mouth 25.Especially, in outlet 13 due to projection Portion 27 and curvature it is non-constant in the case of, surface tension functions such that gas-liquid interface formation with stable shaped spherical.Greatly Gas G is pulled into outlet mouth 25, and bubble B is extended up in the side at the center away from outlet mouth 25.Therefore, air G There is mutually opposing velocity component with bubble B, acted on direction impinging one another, so as to promote bubble B atmosphere. It can also be seen that atmosphere position is in outlet mouth 25 or the outside of outlet 13 from Figure 28 F.

Therefore, by reducing OH (make the distance between outlet 13 and recording element 15 be less than 12 μm), and also to Outlet 13 sets jut 27, obtains following characteristics：

Feature 1：Shorter atmosphere time Tth

Feature 2：Bubble B is connected with air G in the outside of outlet mouth 25

Feature 3：Bubble B with air G before connecting to external expansion

Therefore, afterbody is shorter, it is suppressed that the generation of satellite droplet and mist, and can realize that high image quality and height are handled up Amount.

Figure 29 and 30 is the figure for showing Tth and dz on variously-shaped outlet 13.Discharge mouth-shaped 1 to 6 has Following characteristics.

Discharge mouth-shaped 1：Circular outlet

Discharge mouth-shaped 2：Outlet with two symmetrical relief widths between jut 27 and jut 27

Discharge mouth-shaped 3：With the narrow outlet in two symmetrical gaps between jut 27 and jut 27

Discharge mouth-shaped 4：Outlet with four symmetrical relief widths between jut 27 and jut 27

Discharge mouth-shaped 5：Discharge with a jut 27 and the relief width between jut 27 and relative edge Mouthful

Discharge mouth-shaped 6：The narrow discharge in gap with a jut 27 and between jut 27 and relative edge Mouthful

Discharging mouth-shaped 2~6 each has at least one jut 27, and wherein jut 27 is located across outlet 13 On the straight line at center.Compared with discharging mouth-shaped 1, all discharge mouth-shapeds 2~6 have less Tth.In addition, all discharges Mouth-shaped 2~6 has positive dz, it means that atmosphere occurs in the outside of outlet mouth 25.Therefore, mouth-shaped 2~6 is discharged It is preferred embodiment, because they can shorten afterbody and suppress satellite droplet and mist.Note, however, in the quantity of jut 27 In increased discharge mouth-shaped 4, the flow resistance increase at outlet mouth 25, and expulsion efficiency deterioration.Therefore, jut 27 Quantity should not be too many.On the other hand, discharge mouth-shaped 5 and 6 has a jut 27, the flowing at outlet mouth 25 This is preferred from the perspective of resistance.However, discharge mouth-shaped is asymmetric, therefore it is easier to occur ink droplet with skewed The situation of state injection.From this view, outlet 13 is more preferably symmetric shape.Therefore, most preferred embodiment is that have Across the discharge mouth-shaped 2 and 3 of two juts 27 of the both sides for being symmetrically arranged on outlet 13 of outlet 13.From From the perspective of shorter Tth, discharge mouth-shaped 3 is it is furthermore preferred that being symmetrically disposed in because it has on outlet 13 Gap between two juts 27 and jut 27 is narrow.

Although as described in above-mentioned embodiment, fluid passage is arranged on the both sides of recording element 15, such as Figure 31 A and 31B It is shown, by only in the side of recording element 15 structure of fluid passage can be set to obtain identical effect.

Second embodiment

Relation between passage and loop direction

Figure 32 A and 32B are the figures for showing the second embodiment of the present invention.Figure 32 A show recording element 15 and passage Plan, Figure 32 B are the sectional views along the line XXXIIB-XXXIIB interceptions in Figure 32.Recycle stream is in the projection with outlet 13 On the parallel direction in portion 27.The arrangement only difference is that with the first embodiment shown in Figure 21 A and Figure 21 B, recovery port Row is provided only on the side of supply mouth row, and all other point is identical.The first implementation is should refer to accordingly, with respect to details Example.

The difference of arrangement and the arrangement in Figure 32 A and 32B shown in Figure 33 A and 33B is, the jut of outlet 13 27 upwardly extend in the side orthogonal with recycle stream.Figure 34 A and 34B are one of balancing gate pits 23 for concentrating in each Figure 32 A and 32B Figure.In figure 34 a, recycle stream is identical (substantially parallel) with the jut 27 of outlet 13 direction extended, and in Figure 34 B In, (substantially orthogonal) is intersected in the direction that the jut 27 of recycle stream and outlet 13 extends.Figure 34 C and 34D are shown on figure 34A and 34B continuously discharge, i.e. the influence of break period section it is small in the case of, the numerical result on droplet formation.Figure 34E and 34F are shown respectively on Figure 34 A and 34B, after section of predetermined break period, due to the black steaming from outlet 13 When the influence of black thickening is larger caused by hair, the numerical result on droplet formation.

From Figure 34 E and 34F as can be seen that with recycle stream compared with the parallel configuration of jut 27 (Figure 34 A), recycle stream The influence of ink thickening is not readily susceptible to perpendicular to the arrangement (Figure 34 B) of jut 27.It is thought that due to small in radius of curvature The evaporation rate at part (part that circle is surrounded in Figure 34 G and 34H) place of the base portion of jut 27 is larger, therefore recycle stream stream The arrangement for crossing the region is not susceptible to the influence of concentration.

Therefore, although the present embodiment can apply to any one in Figure 34 E and 34F, but in order to recycle stream Configuration in further suppress concentration in outlet 13, recycle stream intersect in the jut 27 with outlet 13 (it is highly preferred that It is orthogonal) the arrangement that flows up of side be preferred.In other words, it is preferably that the straight line where expecting jut 27 is relative In the passage axle of connection feed path and recovery approach be in more than 45 degree of angle, and in order to suppress dense in outlet 13 Contracting, particularly preferably be that straight line where jut 27 is vertical with passage axle.

The discharge direction that also there is the drop for being caused to have discharged due to the change and deformation of the shape of jut 27 is occurred The situation of deviation.In consideration of it, following arrangement is preferred, i.e. relative motion of the recording medium on liquid discharging head 3 The direction that direction and jut 27 extend is consistent (it is highly preferred that parallel).According to the configuration, even if due to the change of jut 27 Shape etc. and cause the injection direction of drop to deviate, to record image influence will also be minimized.

Although describing the present invention with reference to exemplary embodiment, but it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to disclosed Exemplary embodiment.Scope of the following claims meets broadest explanation, so as to including it is all it is such modification and Equivalent structure and function.

Claims (18)

1. a kind of liquid discharging head, it includes：

Recording element, it is configured as producing the heat energy for being used for discharging liquid；

Balancing gate pit, it is internal with the recording element；

Outlet, it is configured as discharging liquid；And

Outlet mouth, it makes to connect between the outlet and the balancing gate pit,

Wherein, bubble is produced in the balancing gate pit by the heat energy, produced bubble enters in the outlet mouth, and And liquid is discharged by the pressure of the bubble from the outlet, and

The bubble come into the outlet mouth is in the outside of the outlet and atmosphere.

2. liquid discharging head according to claim 1, wherein,

The distance between the outlet and the recording element are less than 12 μm.

3. liquid discharging head according to claim 1, wherein,

The liquid discharging head include liquid supply passage, the liquid supply passage connected with the balancing gate pit and be configured to The balancing gate pit supplies liquid, and the liquid supply passage with the height on the direction of the plane perpendicular of the balancing gate pit For less than half of the distance between the outlet and the recording element.

4. a kind of liquid discharging head, it includes：

Recording element, it is configured as producing the heat energy for being used for discharging liquid；

Balancing gate pit, it is internal with the recording element；

Outlet, it is configured as discharging liquid；And

Outlet mouth, it makes to connect between the outlet and the balancing gate pit,

Wherein, bubble is produced in the balancing gate pit by the heat energy, the bubble enters the outlet mouth, and liquid Discharged by the pressure of the bubble from the outlet, and

Come into speed of at least part with the centrally directed side wall from the outlet mouth of the bubble of the outlet mouth Spend component.

5. the liquid discharging head according to claim 1 or 4, wherein,

The liquid discharging head include liquid supply passage, the liquid supply passage connected with the balancing gate pit and be configured to The balancing gate pit supplies liquid, and the liquid supply passage with the height on the direction of the plane perpendicular of the balancing gate pit For less than 7 μm.

6. the liquid discharging head according to claim 1 or 4, wherein,

The aperture area of the outlet is 100 μm²More than.

7. the liquid discharging head according to claim 1 or 4, wherein,

The outlet has at least one jut protruded towards the center of the outlet.

8. liquid discharging head according to claim 7, wherein,

The liquid discharging head includes being located on the straight line by the center and being arranged on two institutes of the both sides at the center State jut.

9. the liquid discharging head according to claim 1 or 4, wherein,

The liquid discharging head includes liquid supply passage and liquids recovery passage, the liquid supply passage and the balancing gate pit Connect and be configured to supply liquid to the balancing gate pit, and the liquids recovery passage is in the balancing gate pit and the liquid The relative side of feed path connects with the balancing gate pit and is configured to withdrawal liquid.

10. liquid discharging head according to claim 9, wherein,

The outlet has two juts protruded towards the center of the outlet, and described two protruding parts are in passing through On the straight line at the center and it is arranged on the both sides at the center, the straight line is relative to connecting the liquid supply passage and institute The passage axle for stating liquids recovery passage is in more than 45 degree of angle.

11. liquid discharging head according to claim 10, wherein,

The straight line and the passage axle intersect each other.

12. liquid discharging head according to claim 4, wherein,

The bubble come into the outlet mouth is in the outside of the outlet and atmosphere.

13. the liquid discharging head according to claim 1 or 4, wherein,

Liquid in the balancing gate pit is circulated between the inside of the balancing gate pit and the outside of the balancing gate pit.

14. a kind of liquid discharging head, it includes：

Recording element, it is configured as producing the heat energy for being used for discharging liquid；

Balancing gate pit, it is internal with the recording element；

Liquid supply passage, it connects with the balancing gate pit and is configured to supply liquid to the balancing gate pit；And

Outlet, it is configured to discharge liquid,

Wherein, the outlet has at least two juts protruded towards the center of the outlet, and

The height of the liquid supply passage is less than 7 μm.

15. liquid discharging head according to claim 14, wherein,

The distance between the outlet and the recording element are less than 12 μm.

16. a kind of liquid discharge method, it includes：

Bubble is produced by the recording element for being configured as producing heat energy in a liquid；

Liquid is discharged from the outlet set at the position towards the recording element by the pressure of produced bubble；With And

Make bubble in the outside of the outlet and atmosphere.

17. a kind of liquid discharge method of liquid discharging head, wherein, the liquid discharging head includes：Recording element, it is configured To produce the heat energy for being used for discharging liquid；Balancing gate pit, it is internal with the recording element；Outlet, it is configured as discharge Liquid；And outlet mouth, it makes to connect between the outlet and the balancing gate pit,

Methods described includes：

Bubble is produced by the recording element for being configured as producing the heat energy for being used for discharging liquid in a liquid；

Produced bubble is set to enter in the outlet mouth；And

Liquid is discharged from the outlet by the pressure of produced bubble,

Wherein, having been enter at least part of the bubble of the outlet mouth has from the centrally directed side wall of the outlet mouth Velocity component.

18. a kind of liquid discharge method of liquid discharging head, wherein, the liquid discharging head includes：Recording element, it is configured To produce the heat energy for being used for discharging liquid；Balancing gate pit, it is internal with the recording element；Outlet, it is configured to discharge Liquid；And outlet mouth, it makes to connect between the outlet and the balancing gate pit,

Methods described includes：

Bubble is produced by the recording element for being configured as producing the heat energy for being used for discharging liquid in a liquid；

Produced bubble is set to enter in the outlet mouth；And

The liquid in the outlet mouth is discharged from the outlet by the pressure of produced bubble,

Wherein, the bubble having been enter into the outlet mouth is in the outside of the outlet and atmosphere.