CN113352754B - Flow path component, liquid ejecting unit, and device for ejecting liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid ejecting unit and a liquid ejecting apparatus, which have a channel component for ink ejection with high ink adaptability and high reliability. A flow path component (100) for allowing a liquid to flow through a flow path formed by connecting a first member (110) having a first flow path (111) and a second member (120) having a second flow path (121) includes a fusion portion (20) formed by fusion-joining a first convex shape (112) provided on the first member and a second convex shape (122) provided on the second member, and a fitting portion (30) formed by fitting a first fitting shape (113) provided on the first member and a second fitting shape (123) provided on the second member on the side of the fusion portion close to the flow path. The fitting portion has a structure in which the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape are in contact and the first member and the second member are positioned in a direction intersecting with the flow of the liquid before the first convex shape and the second convex shape are fusion-joined.

Description

Flow path component, liquid ejecting unit, and device for ejecting liquid

Technical Field

The invention relates to a flow path component, a liquid ejecting unit and a device for ejecting liquid.

Background

In a channel unit for supplying ink from a plurality of ink tanks to an inkjet head, a technique of stacking a plurality of channel substrates is used, for example, to change the pitch of channels from the outlet of each ink tank having a wide interval to the ink supply port of a head having a narrow interval.

When a plurality of flow path substrates are laminated, the structure in which the flow path substrates are bonded to each other using an adhesive, a packing rubber, or the like has a problem that the reliability of the head is lowered because the liquid-contacting property cannot be secured by using solvent-based ink.

As a technique for solving this problem, for example, patent document 1 discloses a configuration in which two flow path components are ultrasonically welded and a melt of a component is prevented from flowing out into the flow path. However, there is room for improvement in terms of, for example, insufficient dust-proofing function for preventing the outflow of molten material and difficulty in downsizing due to a structure for preventing dust.

The invention aims to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus having a channel component for ejecting ink with high ink adaptability and high reliability.

[ patent document 1 ] Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2004-351839

Disclosure of Invention

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention relates to a flow path component for flowing a liquid through a flow path formed by connecting a first member having a first flow path and a second member having a second flow path, the flow path component comprising: a fusion-bonded part formed by fusion-bonding a first convex shape provided on the first member and a second convex shape provided on the second member; and a fitting portion that is formed by fitting a first fitting shape provided on the first member and a second fitting shape provided on the second member on the side of the flow path of the welded portion, wherein the fitting portion is configured to position the first member and the second member in a direction intersecting with the flow of the liquid while the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape are in contact with each other before the first convex shape and the second convex shape are welded and joined.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid ejecting apparatus having a channel member for ejecting ink with high ink responsiveness and high reliability.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front explanatory view of an example of a liquid ejecting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2(a) - (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a flow path unit according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the flow channel component according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 4(a) - (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating positional relationships of the flow path, the convex shape, and the fitting shape of the joint surface of the first member and the second member.

Fig. 5(a) to (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a flow channel member of a comparative example.

Fig. 6(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the flow channel component of embodiment 2.

Fig. 7(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a flow channel component according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 8(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the flow channel component according to embodiment 4.

Fig. 9(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a flow channel component according to embodiment 5.

Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating a main part of an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a side view showing a main part of the apparatus.

Fig. 12 is a plan view illustrating a main part of another example of the liquid ejecting unit according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, and the like may be modified within the scope of those skilled in the art, and any of the embodiments is within the scope of the present invention as long as the operation and effect of the present invention are achieved. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the components and the corresponding parts having the same configurations and functions, and the description thereof is omitted.

One aspect of the flow path component of the present invention is characterized in that the two components are joined by infrared welding, and the flow path component has a fitting structure for preventing resin from flowing out to the ink flow path when the two components are welded by infrared welding. For example, the flow channel component of one embodiment flows a liquid into a flow channel formed by connecting a first member having a first flow channel and a second member having a second flow channel. The flow path component has a welded portion and a fitting portion.

First, an outline of a liquid discharge unit using a flow path component of one embodiment and an outline of a configuration example of the flow path unit will be described.

An example of a liquid discharge unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a front explanatory view of the unit.

The liquid discharge unit includes a liquid discharge head 404 having a flow path component 444 mounted thereon, and a tube 456 connected to the flow path component 444.

The flow path component 444 is disposed inside the cover 442. A head tank 441 may be included instead of the flow path member 444. Further, a connector 443 electrically connected to the liquid ejecting head 404 is provided above the channel member 444.

Next, a configuration example of a flow path unit used for the flow path component 444 (a region of a broken line) in fig. 1 will be described.

Fig. 2(a) - (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a flow path unit according to an embodiment, and correspond to a schematic view in the vertical direction of the flow path component 444 shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 2(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section of a flow path unit having a plurality of components.

The channel unit 500 includes three components, i.e., an ink port 510, a filter unit 520, and an adapter 530, and forms channels 501 and 502. The filter unit 520 includes the filter 90 in the flow paths 501 and 502. The adapter 530 is a component connected to the liquid discharge head 404 shown in fig. 1.

The ink port 510 and the parts of the filter unit 520 and the adapter 530 are connected by, for example, O-rings.

Fig. 2(B) is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of members connected to each other, and a broken line shown in each member indicates a boundary between two members.

The ink port 510 is formed by fusion bonding an ink port upper portion 511 and an ink port lower portion 512.

The filter unit 520 is formed by fusion-bonding the filter sleeve upper portion 521 and the filter sleeve lower portion 522.

The adapter 530 is formed by fusion-bonding an upper adapter part 531 and a lower adapter part 532.

The parts have the above-mentioned characteristics in the fusion joint. The flow path component of one embodiment may be one or more components (for example, the ink port 510) having a flow path formed by fusion bonding having the above-described characteristics, and the flow path unit 500 shown in fig. 2(a) to (B) is an example of the flow path component of one embodiment.

Hereinafter, a flow channel component according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In embodiments 1 to 5, a filter unit (a portion shown by a chain line in fig. 2 a) will be described as an example, with an upper portion of a filter sleeve as a first member and a lower portion of the filter sleeve as a second member.

Embodiment mode 1

Fig. 3(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the flow channel component according to embodiment 1.

The flow path component 100 includes a first member 110 and a second member 120.

The first member 110 is provided with a first flow path 111, a convex shape 112, and a fitting shape 113.

The second member 120 is provided with a second flow path 121, a convex shape 122, and a fitting shape 123.

Hereinafter, the convex shapes 112 and 122 are also referred to as a first convex shape 112 and a second convex shape 122, as appropriate. Similarly, the fitting shapes 113 and 123 are also referred to as a first fitting shape 113 and a second fitting shape 123.

Fig. 4(a) - (B) are schematic diagrams illustrating positional relationships of the flow path, the convex shape, and the fitting shape of the joint surface of the first member 110 and the second member 120, where (a) shows the joint surface of the first member 110, and (B) shows the joint surface of the second member 120. Although the flow path, the convex shape, and the fitting shape are illustrated as an example as an ellipse, the shape is not limited to this, and may be appropriately selected according to the flow path component. In fig. 4(a) - (B), the convex shapes 112, 122 and the fitting shapes 113, 123 are hatched.

In fig. 3(a) - (C) and fig. 4(a) - (B), the direction in which the liquid flows from the inlet to the outlet of the flow path is defined as the Z direction, and the bonding surface is defined as the X-Y surface. The inlet of the flow channel is defined as the end of the first flow channel 111 (the end opposite to the bonding surface), and the outlet is defined as the end of the second flow channel 121 (the end opposite to the bonding surface).

The flow channel component 100 is formed by fusion bonding convex shapes 112 and 122 provided on the first member 110 and the second member.

The fusion-bonded portion 20 fusion-bonds the protruding portions 112 and 122 by infrared fusion bonding.

The fitting portion 30 is formed by fitting the fitting shapes 113 and 123 provided in the first member 110 and the second member 120 on the flow path side of the fusion portion 20.

In fig. 3(a) - (C), (a) shows a state before joining two parts, (B) shows a state in which a part of the fitting shape is engaged while being in contact and the convex shape is before fusion joining (before contact), and (C) shows a state after fusion joining of the convex shape.

The fitting portion 30 has a function of self-alignment for positioning the first member 110 and the second member 120. Specifically, the fitting portion 30 has a structure in which the fitting shape 113 and the fitting shape 123 contact (engage) and position the first member 110 and the second member 120 in the width direction of the flow path (the direction intersecting the flow of the liquid) before or simultaneously with the fusion joining of the convex shape 112 and the convex shape 122. In the fitting portion 30, the fitting shape 113 and the fitting shape 123 preferably contact with each other before the convex shape 112 and the convex shape 122.

As shown by the chain line in fig. 3(B), the function of self-alignment is active when the end of the fitting shape 113 is aligned with the height of the end of the fitting shape 123 in the direction of liquid flow before the convex shapes 112, 122 come into contact. The fitting structure of the fitting portion 30 is such that the ends of the fitting shapes 113, 123 are aligned in position in the direction of liquid flow before the convex shapes 112, 122 come into contact.

The fitting portion 30 has a contact structure, and the amount of press-fitting of the convex shapes 112 and 122 into the fusion-spliced portion 20 is controlled by this structure. The abutting structure is a structure that determines the length of the welded portion 20 along the direction in which the liquid flows when the fitting shape (the first fitting shape 113 or the second fitting shape 123) of one of the first member 110 and the second member 120 abuts against the other member. Fig. 3(a) - (C) show a structure in which the first fitting shape 113 abuts against the second member 120.

In order to realize the above-described self-alignment function and the abutting structure, the flow path component 100 is configured such that the sum of the lengths of the fitting shapes 113 and 123 is larger than the sum of the lengths of the convex shapes 112 and 113. Here, the length refers to a distance (height) of a portion from the joint surface to be ejected in the direction in which the liquid flows. In the abutting structure, the length of the fitting shape (the fitting shape 113 in fig. 3(a) to (C)) provided in one member is longer than the length of the fitting shape (the fitting shape 123 in fig. 3(a) to (C)) provided in the other member.

The flow path component of the present embodiment is characterized in that a fitting portion 30 having a fitting structure having an abutting structure is provided while forming a flow path by joining a plurality of components by welding (infrared welding). For example, in the technique of joining a plurality of members by ultrasonic welding as in patent document 1, foreign matter is generated in a portion where the fitting structure contacts or a butting portion, and therefore, the technique cannot be employed.

The filter 90 is joined to the lower portion of the filter sleeve by thermal fusion bonding of the heater chip before infrared fusion bonding.

The infrared welding device has a function of melting only the resin in the target region using a mask, and bonds the two parts by pressing during the melting time.

In fig. 3(a) - (C), for convenience of explanation, the junction areas where the convex shapes 112 and 122 are fused by infrared fusion are shown in dot diagrams, but the convex shapes 112 and 122 are a part of the first member 110 or the second member 120, and do not mean other members. The same applies to the following embodiments.

Here, the features of the flow channel component 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to a comparative example.

Fig. 5(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a flow channel component of a comparative example, and the views (a) - (C) are the same as those in fig. 3(a) - (C).

As shown in fig. 5(a) - (C), in the joining of the first member 110p and the second member 120p, the fusion joining of the convex shapes 112p, 122p is performed prior to (or simultaneously with) the engagement of the fitting shapes 113p, 120p (fig. 5 (B)). This is because the fitting shape 113p is a size (length in the liquid flow direction) of contact after the convex shapes 112p and 122p when the first member 110p is pressed against the second member 120 p.

In contrast, in the configuration example of fig. 3(a) - (C), since the first member 110 and the second member 120 are in contact with the fitting shapes 113 and 123 and are in sliding engagement, the positional accuracy of the engagement surfaces can be easily ensured as compared with fig. 5(a) - (C).

Further, since the amount of press-fitting between the fitting portion 30 and the welding portion 20 having the abutting structure can be controlled with the dimensional accuracy, the structure is less likely to be affected by the thickness variation of the entire component.

This makes it possible to easily manage the bonding volume of infrared welding and to bond the infrared welding with stable bonding strength or the like. In addition, the dimensional accuracy of the joined parts, particularly the accuracy in the height direction of the joined two members, can be ensured.

In addition, it is preferable that the fitting portion 30 of the fitting structure has a fitting shape that abuts against another member, and is provided on the flow path side with respect to the fusion-joined portion 20. In fig. 3(a) - (C), the abutting structure is a member abutting the first member 110 and the second member, and the fitting shape 113 is an abutting convex portion. A part of the fitting shape 113 becomes a part of the side surface of the flow path. This makes it possible to improve the filling property and the cleaning property of the liquid.

If the abutting convex portion is provided on the opposite side (the side of the welded portion), a gap is formed on the flow path side, and a dead space formed by the gap is not preferable because it is extremely difficult to clean the ink entering the gap while the filling property is impaired. In the case of an ink jet head, there are cases where a defect is caused by only mixing fine foreign matter at the time of assembly, and since it is difficult to distinguish the defect only by process capability, it is often the case that a discharge inspection of a head is performed to judge whether the defect is acceptable or not. Since ink and the like are passed through in the ejection inspection, it is also an important function for the flow path components of the inkjet head to be easily cleaned. Further, when the ink is used with changing the color type of the ink, the cleaning property is also required.

As described above, the flow channel component of the present embodiment includes the welding portion 20 for joining two members by infrared welding and the fitting portion 30 as a fitting structure.

The welded portion 20 is welded by infrared welding, and can ensure liquid contact properties with solvent-based inks such as UV inks and eco-inks.

The fitting portion 30 has a butting structure, so that management of the press-fitting amount becomes easy. By controlling the press-fitting amount, it is possible to prevent outflow of the molten resin (prevent outflow of foreign matters, prevent a change in the shape of the flow path due to inflow of the molten resin into the flow path, etc.), suppress poor joining due to insufficient press-fitting, and ensure dimensional accuracy of the two members after welding in the height direction.

Further, since the fitting portion 30 has a self-aligning function on the joint surface, it is possible to ensure positional accuracy of the joint surface and prevent the welding joint position from being deviated.

Embodiment mode 2

Fig. 6(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the flow channel component according to embodiment 2, and (a) - (C) are views similar to fig. 3(a) - (C).

In embodiment 2, an example in which a contact convex portion is formed in the second member 120a (filter sleeve lower portion) to which the filter 90 is thermally welded will be described. In embodiment 1, the fitting shape 113 of the first member 110 is defined as an abutting convex portion, but in embodiment 2, the fitting shape 123a of the second member 120a is defined as an abutting convex portion.

Thus, since the periphery of the filter 90 is surrounded by the wall of the fitting shape 123a as the abutting convex portion, positioning of the filter welding can be easily performed by simply putting the filter 90 along the wall. Therefore, the flow channel member 100a of the present embodiment has a unique effect when used in a filter unit, in addition to the effect of embodiment 1.

Embodiment 3

Fig. 7(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the flow channel component according to embodiment 3, and the states (a) - (C) are the same as those in fig. 3(a) - (C).

In embodiment 3, a wire that is reliably pressed in is formed by providing a convex portion that is narrower than the infrared ray welding range around the flow path without interruption in any of the bonding regions of the infrared ray welding. The flow channel component 100b is an example in which the convex shape 112b of the first member 110b is formed as a convex portion narrower than the infrared ray welding range.

When two members are press-fitted to join a weld region having a width to each other, there is a risk that air bubbles will bite into the joint portion due to the order of contact of the welding resins. When the air bubbles bite into the joint portion, they cause leakage.

Further, the outflow of the resin due to pressing in the welded state varies depending on the posture and position of the component, and if the pressing amount is designed to be large so as to reliably contact the entire welding region, there is a problem that the resin flows out and overflows from the outer shape of the component. This problem also occurs when the fitting portion prevents the flow path side.

In the present embodiment, the thin convex portions (having a small volume) that are in contact with each other are provided as seal lines in the joint region. Thus, even if the pushing amount is set to be large, the outflow amount is reduced. Further, since the narrow projections are initially in contact, the risk of the air bubbles biting into the joint portion becomes small. Reliable seal lines are formed, and defective bonding such as leakage can be prevented.

In fig. 7(a) - (C), the convex shape 112b is formed in a triangular shape, but the invention is not limited thereto. The shape of the convex shapes 112b and 122b may be reversed, as long as one of the convex shapes 112b and 122b is a thin convex shape.

Fig. 7(a) - (C) show an example in which the fitting portion 30b has the fitting shape 123a as the abutting convex portion (the same as fig. 6(a) - (C)), but the fitting shape 113a may be applied as an example of the configuration of the abutting convex portion as shown in fig. 3(a) - (C).

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiments, a bonding failure such as a leak can be prevented.

Embodiment 4

Fig. 8(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the flow channel component according to embodiment 4, and (a) - (C) are views similar to fig. 3(a) - (C).

In embodiment 4, there is a step between the abutting portion (fitting shape) of the fitting portion 30c as the fitting structure and the welding portion 20 b.

Fig. 8(a) - (C) show an example in which the fitting shape 113C of the first member 110C is formed as a step difference against the fitting shape 123C of the second member 120C.

By providing the step between the abutting convex portion of the fitting portion 30C and the welding portion 20b in this way, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiments, the shape of the fitting shape (the fitting shape 113C in fig. 8(a) to (C)) close to the welding portion 20b can be simplified, and the rigidity of the fitting portion 30C can be ensured. Further, since the fitting portion 30c is distant from the fusion-bonded portion 20b, the influence on the fitting portion 30c (fitting shape 113c) during infrared ray irradiation can be reduced. For example, the fitting portion 30c is less susceptible to temperature rise, and dimensional accuracy can be ensured.

Further, fig. 8(a) - (C) show an example of a configuration in which the features of the present embodiment are applied to the flow channel components in fig. 7(a) - (C), but the features of the present embodiment may be applied to the fitting shapes of the flow channel components in the above-described embodiments.

Embodiment 5

Fig. 9(a) - (C) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the flow channel component according to embodiment 5, and (a) - (C) are views similar to fig. 3(a) - (C).

In embodiment 5, the fitting shape is formed to be concave-convex, and the fitting portion 30d is configured to abut the convex fitting shape against the concave fitting shape.

The fitting portion 30d has a contact surface (abutting portion) for fitting arranged on the flow path side, and a convex fitting shape 123d is fitted into a concave fitting shape 113 d. Thus, a part of the fitting shape 123d is fitted into the first member 110d, and the rigidity of the fitting portion 30d of the flow path component 100d can be ensured. Further, since the fitting portion 30d is distant from the welded portion 20d, it is less susceptible to the influence of temperature at the time of infrared irradiation, and dimensional accuracy can be ensured.

Fig. 9(a) - (C) show an example of a configuration in which the features of the present embodiment are applied to the flow channel component of fig. 7(a) - (C), but the features of the present embodiment may be applied to the fitting shapes of the flow channel components of embodiments 1-3.

Other embodiments

In the above embodiments, the description has been made by using the filter unit as an example of the flow path member, but the present invention can be applied to, for example, an ink port, an adapter, and the like.

The flow channel component of one embodiment is preferably applied to the following flow channel, for example.

(1) The flow path having a larger cross-sectional area inside than the cross-sectional areas of the inlet and the outlet of the liquid is, for example, the filter unit of each of the above embodiments.

(2) The tortuous flow paths not visible from the inlet and outlet of the liquid are, for example, the ink ports 510 and adapters 530 in fig. 2(a) - (B).

(3) As for the flow path obtained by combining the above (1) and (2), the flow path component of one embodiment is effective for a flow path component that cannot be produced by die molding and a flow path that cannot be formed without joining two members.

The flow path member of one embodiment can be used for a liquid ejecting unit having a head connected to the flow path member.

The flow path member according to one embodiment can be used for a liquid discharge unit having a head and a head tank connected to the flow path member. Further, the flow path component of one embodiment can be used for a device for ejecting liquid, which includes a liquid cartridge and a supply mechanism for supplying liquid from the liquid cartridge to a head tank, in addition to the liquid ejection unit.

As described above, since the flow channel component of each of the above embodiments uses infrared welding, the two members can be engaged while being in contact with each other, unlike ultrasonic welding. This reduces the risk of foreign matter flowing out of the gap and ink entering the gap and being difficult to clean.

Further, the above-described abutting structure and self-alignment function solve the problems of joining accuracy at the time of welding in infrared welding, in particular, difficulty in managing the amount of press-fit between parts, stability of infrared welding, and easiness in variation in joining strength, and can provide a highly reliable flow path part with improved joining accuracy.

Further, since the above embodiments use infrared welding, the following problems can be solved as compared with ultrasonic welding.

Ultrasonic welding is a processing method that is originally prone to dust generation.

Since the fitting structure comes into contact with the ultrasonic welding to become a dust generation source, a gap needs to be provided in the fitting structure.

It is necessary to manage the positioning accuracy and the pressing amount of the parts, and the ultrasonic welding apparatus is expensive and has insufficient function of preventing the foreign matter from flowing out by the fitting structure.

In order to prevent the foreign matter from flowing out, it is preferable to provide gaps formed by the fitting structures on both sides of the joint region and protect them, and therefore, the fitting structures occupy an area and cannot be miniaturized.

Since the rigidity of the flow path substrate is required to transmit the ultrasonic vibration to the bonding region, it is difficult to bond the flow path components formed in a complicated shape.

Further, the size of the flow path component of each of the above embodiments can be reduced as compared with a case where the size is increased for pitch conversion in a flow path unit in which a flow path is formed obliquely and injection-molded integrally, for example.

Next, an example of a liquid discharge apparatus using the flow path component described in each of the above embodiments will be described with reference to fig. 10 and 11. Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating a main portion of the apparatus, and fig. 11 is a side view illustrating a main portion of the apparatus.

This apparatus is a tandem type apparatus, and the carriage 403 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by the main scanning movement mechanism 493. The main scanning movement mechanism 493 includes a guide member 401, a main scanning motor 405, a timing belt 408, and the like. The guide member 401 is mounted on the left and right side plates 491A, 491B, and movably holds the carriage 403. Then, the carriage 403 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by the main scanning motor 405 via the timing belt 408 stretched between the drive pulley 406 and the driven pulley 407.

The carriage 403 is mounted with a liquid discharge unit 440 in which the liquid discharge head 404 and the head tank 441 according to the present invention are integrated. The liquid ejection head 404 of the liquid ejection unit 440 ejects liquid of each color, such as yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). The liquid ejection head 404 is also mounted with a nozzle row including a plurality of nozzles 11 arranged in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction and with the ejection direction facing downward.

The liquid stored in the liquid cartridge 450 is supplied into the head tank 441 by the supply mechanism 494 for supplying the liquid accumulated outside the liquid ejection head 404 into the liquid ejection head 404.

The supply mechanism 494 is constituted by a cartridge holding unit 451 as a filling unit to which the liquid cartridge 450 is attached, a hose 456, an infusion unit 452 including an infusion pump, and the like. The liquid cartridge 450 is detachably mounted on the cartridge holding portion 451. In the head tank 441, liquid is delivered from the liquid cartridge 450 through the infusion unit 452 by means of the hose 456.

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

The conveying belt 412 sucks and conveys the paper 410 to a position facing the liquid ejection head 404. The conveying belt 412 is an endless belt, and is stretched between a conveying roller 413 and a tension roller 414. The adsorption may be performed by electrostatic adsorption, air suction, or the like.

Then, the conveying belt 412 is moved around in the sub-scanning direction by the sub-scanning motor 416 by the rotational drive of the conveying roller 413 by the timing belt 417 and the timing pulley 418.

Further, a maintenance recovery mechanism 420 that performs maintenance recovery of the liquid ejection head 404 is disposed on one end of the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction on the side of the conveyor belt 412.

The maintenance recovery mechanism 420 is configured by, for example, a cap member 421 that covers the nozzle surface (the surface on which the nozzles 11 are formed) of the liquid ejection head 404, a wiper member 422 that wipes the nozzle surface, and the like.

The main scanning movement mechanism 493, the feeding mechanism 494, the maintenance/restoration mechanism 420, the conveying mechanism 495, and the like are mounted in a housing including the side plates 491A, 491B and the back plate 491C.

In the apparatus thus configured, the sheet 410 is fed and attracted onto the conveyor belt 412, and the sheet 410 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the circulating movement of the conveyor belt 412.

Therefore, by driving the liquid ejection head 404 in accordance with an image signal while moving the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, liquid is ejected on the stopped paper 410 to form an image.

As described above, in this apparatus, since the liquid ejecting head according to the present invention is provided, it is possible to stably form a high-quality image.

Next, another example of the liquid ejecting unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a plan view illustrating a main part of the unit.

Among the components constituting the liquid ejecting apparatus, the liquid ejecting unit is constituted by a frame portion constituted by the side plates 491A, 491B and the back plate 491C, a main scanning movement mechanism 493, the carriage 403, and the liquid ejecting head 404.

Further, for example, the side plate 491B of the liquid ejecting unit may be configured as a liquid ejecting unit to which at least one of the maintenance/recovery mechanism 420 and the supply mechanism 494 is further attached.

In the present application, a "liquid ejecting apparatus" is an apparatus that includes a liquid ejecting head or a liquid ejecting unit and ejects liquid by driving the liquid ejecting head. The liquid ejecting apparatus includes not only an apparatus capable of ejecting a liquid to an object to which the liquid can adhere, but also an apparatus ejecting a liquid in the air or in a liquid.

The "liquid discharge apparatus" may include a mechanism for supplying, transporting, and discharging a liquid-adherable object, a pretreatment apparatus, a post-treatment apparatus, and the like.

For example, as the "liquid ejection device", there are an image forming apparatus which ejects ink to form an image on a sheet, and a three-dimensional modeling apparatus (three-dimensional modeling apparatus) which ejects a modeling liquid onto a powder layer formed by layering powder in order to model a three-dimensional modeled object (three-dimensional modeled object).

The "liquid ejecting apparatus" is not limited to visualizing interesting images such as characters and figures with the liquid ejected. For example, the present invention also includes the formation of a figure not intended by itself and the modeling of a three-dimensional image.

The term "liquid-adherable substance" refers to a substance to which a liquid can be at least temporarily adhered, and refers to a substance which adheres after adhesion and permeates after adhesion. Specific examples thereof include recording media such as paper, recording paper, film, and cloth, electronic components such as electronic boards and piezoelectric elements, and media such as powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and inspection units, and all of them are capable of adhering to liquids, unless otherwise specified.

The material of the "substance to which a liquid can be adhered" may be any material as long as it is a material to which a liquid such as a building material such as paper, yarn, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramic, wall paper, floor material, or textile for clothing can be temporarily adhered.

The term "liquid" also includes ink, treatment liquid, DNA reagent, resist, pattern material, binder, molding liquid, or solution or dispersion containing amino acid, protein, and calcium.

In addition, the "liquid ejection device" includes a device in which a liquid ejection head and a substance to which a liquid can be attached are moved relative to each other, but is not limited thereto. Specific examples thereof include a tandem type device in which the liquid ejection head is moved, and a linear type device in which the liquid ejection head is not moved.

In addition, as the "liquid discharge device", there are a treatment liquid application device which discharges a treatment liquid onto a paper sheet for the purpose of, for example, modifying the surface of the paper sheet to apply the treatment liquid onto the surface of the paper sheet, and a spray granulation device which sprays a composition liquid in which a raw material is dispersed into a solution through a nozzle to granulate fine particles of the raw material.

The "liquid discharge unit" is a member in which functional components and mechanisms are integrated in a liquid discharge head, and is an assembly of components related to liquid discharge. For example, the "liquid ejection unit" includes a combination of at least one of the configurations of the head tank, the carriage, the supply mechanism, the maintenance recovery mechanism, and the main scanning movement mechanism with the liquid ejection head.

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

For example, as the liquid discharge unit, there is a liquid discharge head and head tank integrated device such as the liquid discharge unit 440 shown in fig. 11. In addition, there is a device in which a liquid discharge head and a head tank are integrated by being connected to each other through a hose or the like. Here, a unit including a filter may be added between the head tank and the liquid discharge head of these liquid discharge units.

In addition, as the liquid ejecting unit, there is a device in which a liquid ejecting head and a carriage are integrated.

In addition, as the liquid ejecting unit, there is also a liquid ejecting head and a scanning movement mechanism which are integrated by movably holding the liquid ejecting head on a guide member which constitutes a part of the scanning movement mechanism. As shown in fig. 12, the liquid discharge unit includes a liquid discharge head, a carriage, and a main scanning movement mechanism which are integrated.

In addition, as the liquid ejecting unit, there is also a configuration in which a cap member as a part of a maintenance recovery mechanism is fixed to a carriage on which a liquid ejecting head is mounted, and the liquid ejecting head, the carriage, and the maintenance recovery mechanism are integrated.

As a liquid discharge unit, as shown in fig. 1, there is a liquid discharge head in which a head tank or a flow path component is attached, and a hose is connected to the liquid discharge head so that the liquid discharge head and a supply mechanism are integrated.

The main scanning movement mechanism also includes a guide member single body. In addition, the supply mechanism further comprises a hose single body and a filling part single body.

The "liquid ejection head" is not limited to the pressure generation mechanism used. For example, in addition to the piezoelectric actuators described in the above embodiments (a multilayer piezoelectric element may be used), a thermal actuator of an electric-heat conversion element such as a heating resistor, an electrostatic actuator including a vibrating plate and a counter electrode, or the like may be used.

In the wording of the present application, image formation, recording, printing, imprinting, printing, modeling, and the like are synonymous terms.

Claims (10)

1. A flow channel component for allowing a liquid to flow through a flow channel formed by connecting a first member having a first flow channel and a second member having a second flow channel, the flow channel component comprising:

a welded portion formed by welding and joining a first convex shape provided on the first member and a second convex shape provided on the second member;

a fitting portion formed by fitting a first fitting shape provided on the first member and a second fitting shape provided on the second member on the flow path side of the welded portion,

the fitting portion has a structure in which the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape are in contact and position the first member and the second member in a direction intersecting with a flow of the liquid before the first convex shape and the second convex shape are fusion-joined.

2. A flow channel component for allowing a liquid to flow through a flow channel formed by connecting a first member having a first flow channel and a second member having a second flow channel, the flow channel component comprising:

a fusion-bonded part formed by fusion-bonding a first convex shape provided on the first member and a second convex shape provided on the second member;

a fitting portion formed by fitting a first fitting shape provided on the first member and a second fitting shape provided on the second member on the side of the weld portion closer to the flow path,

the fitting portion has a structure that determines a length of the welded portion along a direction in which the liquid flows when one of the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape abuts against the other member.

3. The flow path component according to claim 1, wherein:

the fitting portion has a structure in which positions of an end of the first fitting shape and an end of the second fitting shape along a liquid flow direction are aligned before the first convex shape and the second convex shape meet.

4. The flow path component according to claim 3, wherein:

the flow path has a portion having a cross-sectional area larger than cross-sectional areas of the inlet and the outlet of the liquid in the interior.

5. The flow path component of claim 4, wherein:

the flow path has a curved shape, and the other end is not visible from one end.

6. The flow path component according to claim 5, wherein:

a part of either one of the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape forms a side surface of the flow path.

7. The flow path component of claim 6, wherein:

the welded portion is formed by joining the first convex shape and the second convex shape by infrared welding.

8. The flow path component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein:

one of the first convex shape and the second convex shape is formed to be smaller toward an end.

9. A liquid ejection unit characterized by comprising:

the flow path component of any one of claims 1 to 8, and

and a head connected to the flow path member.

10. A liquid ejection device characterized by comprising:

the liquid ejection unit according to claim 9 having a head tank;

liquid cartridge, and

and a supply mechanism for supplying the liquid from the liquid cartridge to the head tank.

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