JP2011177620A - Droplet discharge head - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a droplet discharge head which can prevent generation of crosstalk. <P>SOLUTION: A first common supply passage CS1 and a second common supply passage CS2 are disposed along the arrangement direction of pressure chambers PC1, PC2, .... The pressure chambers of odd numbers PC1, PC3, ... communicate with the first common supply passage CS1 through individual supply passages, and the pressure chambers of even numbers PC2, PC4, ... communicate with the second common supply passage CS2 through individual supply passages, whereby the adjacent pressure chambers communicate with different common supply passages to prevent a pressure wave from being transmitted to the adjacent pressure chamber through the common supply passage. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a droplet discharge head, and more particularly to a droplet discharge head in which liquid is supplied from a common flow path to each pressure chamber.

  In a droplet discharge head configured to supply liquid to each pressure chamber from a common flow path, when nozzles are arranged at high density, the pressure waves in the pressure chamber propagate to the adjacent pressure chambers via the common flow path, and ink There is a problem that the discharge of water becomes unstable (crosstalk).

  As a technique for suppressing the occurrence of such crosstalk, Patent Document 1 describes that the cross-sectional shape of the pressure chamber and the common flow path is a triangular shape and is arranged so as to be inverted with respect to the horizontal direction. Yes. Patent Document 2 describes a technique for preventing the occurrence of crosstalk by setting the volume of the common flow path to be not less than twice the total volume of the pressure chambers. Further, Patent Documents 3 and 4 describe that a pressure buffering means such as an air damper or a pressure absorber is provided to the common flow path.

JP 2002-370351 A JP-A-56-75863 JP 52-49034 A JP-A-9-141864

  However, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are merely optimizations of the shape of the pressure chamber and the common flow path, and have not yet solved the fundamental crosstalk problem.

  On the other hand, the techniques described in Patent Documents 3 and 4 have drawbacks that the number of parts increases and the structure becomes complicated.

  In addition, it is conceivable to optimize the individual flow path for introducing the liquid from the common flow path to each pressure chamber. However, if the individual flow path is optimized to suppress the occurrence of crosstalk, the refill performance (nozzle There is a problem that the performance of refilling the ink with the tip deteriorates.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a droplet discharge head capable of preventing the occurrence of crosstalk.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 allows the volume of the pressure chamber to be expanded / contracted by an actuator, so that liquid droplets stored in the pressure chamber are discharged from a nozzle connected to the pressure chamber. A liquid discharge head for discharging, wherein a plurality of the pressure chambers are arranged at a constant pitch along a predetermined arrangement direction, and a common supply flow path is arranged along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers. In the liquid discharge head in which the liquid is supplied to the pressure chambers via the individual supply flow paths communicated with a path, a plurality of the common supply flow paths are arranged along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers, and the adjacent There is provided a droplet discharge head characterized in that a pressure chamber communicates with a different common supply channel via the individual supply channel.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of common supply channels are arranged along the direction in which the pressure chambers are arranged, and adjacent pressure chambers communicate with different common supply channels via the individual supply channels. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the pressure wave from propagating to the pressure chambers close to each other through the common flow path, and to prevent the occurrence of crosstalk.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the plurality of common supply flow paths are formed by dividing the inside of one flow path into a plurality of upper and lower layers. A droplet discharge head described in 1 is provided.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of common supply channels are formed by dividing the inside of one channel into a plurality of upper and lower layers. Thereby, the space required for installation of the common supply channel can be made compact.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 divides the substrate forming the one flow path into a plurality of parts, and disposes a separation plate between the divided substrates. The droplet discharge head according to claim 2, wherein the inside of the flow path is divided into a plurality of upper and lower layers.

  According to the present invention, the substrate forming one flow path is divided into a plurality of parts, and the inside of one flow path is divided into a plurality of upper and lower layers by disposing a separation plate between the divided substrates. Thus, a plurality of common supply channels are formed. Thereby, a some common supply flow path can be formed easily.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the volumes of the individual supply channels are formed to be the same. A discharge head is provided.

  According to the present invention, the volumes of the individual supply channels are formed to be the same. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the discharge performance from being varied between the nozzles, and more stable discharge is possible.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the volume of the pressure chamber is expanded and contracted by an actuator, and a liquid droplet stored in the pressure chamber is discharged from a nozzle communicated with the pressure chamber. A liquid discharge head for discharging, wherein a plurality of the pressure chambers are arranged at a constant pitch along a predetermined arrangement direction, and a common supply channel and a common recovery channel are arranged along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers The liquid is supplied to the pressure chambers via the individual supply channels communicated with the common supply channel, and the pressures are supplied via the individual recovery channels communicated with the common recovery channel. In the liquid discharge head in which the liquid in the chamber is collected and the liquid is circulated and supplied to the pressure chamber, a plurality of the common supply flow paths are arranged along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers, and the adjacent pressure chambers The individual supply flow And a plurality of common recovery channels are arranged along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers, and the adjacent pressure chambers are different from each other through the individual recovery channels. Provided is a droplet discharge head that is communicated with a recovery channel.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of common supply channels and a plurality of common recovery channels are arranged along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers, and adjacent pressure chambers are connected to different common supply channels via the individual supply channels. In addition to being communicated, it communicates with different common recovery channels via individual recovery channels. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the pressure wave from propagating to the pressure chambers close to each other through the common flow path, and to prevent the occurrence of crosstalk.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the plurality of common supply channels and the plurality of common recovery channels are both formed by dividing the inside of one channel into a plurality of upper and lower layers. The droplet discharge head according to claim 5 is provided.

  According to the present invention, the plurality of common supply channels and the plurality of common recovery channels are both formed by dividing the inside of one channel into upper and lower layers. Thereby, the space required for installation of the common supply channel and the common recovery channel can be made compact.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 7 divides the substrate forming the one flow path into a plurality of parts, and disposes the one plate by arranging a separation plate between the divided substrates. The droplet discharge head according to claim 6, wherein the inside of the flow path is divided into a plurality of upper and lower layers.

  According to the present invention, the substrate forming one flow path is divided into a plurality of parts, and the inside of one flow path is divided into a plurality of upper and lower layers by disposing a separation plate between the divided substrates. Thus, a plurality of common supply channels are formed. Similarly, the substrate forming one flow path is divided into a plurality of upper and lower parts, and a separation plate is disposed between the divided substrates, whereby the inside of one flow path is divided into a plurality of upper and lower layers. The common recovery flow path is formed. Thus, a plurality of common supply channels and common recovery channels can be easily formed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the object, the individual supply channel and the individual recovery channel communicated with the same pressure chamber communicate with the common supply channel and the common recovery channel at the same level. A droplet discharge head according to any one of claims 6 to 7 is provided.

  According to the present invention, the individual supply channel and the individual recovery channel communicated with the same pressure chamber are communicated with the common supply channel and the common recovery channel at the same level. Thereby, the expansion of the water head difference can be avoided, and it is possible to prevent the discharge performance from being varied among the nozzles.

  The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the volumes of the individual supply channels are formed to be the same, and the volumes of the individual recovery channels are formed to be the same. A droplet discharge head according to any one of claims 5 to 8 is provided.

  According to the present invention, the volumes of the individual supply channels are formed to be the same, and the volumes of the individual recovery channels are formed to be the same. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the discharge performance from being varied between the nozzles, and more stable discharge is possible.

  In order to achieve the object, the invention according to claim 10 is characterized in that a plurality of rows of the pressure chambers arranged at a constant pitch along a predetermined arrangement direction are arranged at a constant pitch in a fixed direction. A droplet discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided.

  According to the present invention, the pressure chambers are arranged in a matrix. Thereby, the density of the nozzle can be increased.

  According to the present invention, occurrence of crosstalk can be prevented.

The bottom view of 1st Embodiment of the droplet discharge head which concerns on this invention 2-2 sectional view of FIG. 3-3 sectional view of FIG. 4-4 sectional view of FIGS. 2 and 3 2-5 cross-sectional view of FIG. 6-6 sectional view of FIGS. 2 and 3 The conceptual diagram which shows the communication relationship between each pressure chamber and the common supply flow path in the droplet discharge head of 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing of other embodiment of the droplet discharge head based on this invention FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a communication relationship between each pressure chamber and a common supply channel in the droplet discharge head according to another embodiment shown in FIG. The bottom view of 2nd Embodiment of the droplet discharge head which concerns on this invention 11-11 sectional view of FIG. 12-12 sectional view of FIG. The conceptual diagram which shows the communication relationship between each pressure chamber, the common supply flow path, and the common collection | recovery flow path in the droplet discharge head of 2nd Embodiment. The bottom view of 3rd Embodiment of the droplet discharge head which concerns on this invention The conceptual diagram which shows the communication relationship between each pressure chamber in the droplet discharge head of 3rd Embodiment, a common supply flow path, and a common collection | recovery flow path.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a droplet discharge head according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
[Constitution]
FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a droplet discharge head according to the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the droplet discharge head 10 of the present embodiment is formed in a rectangular shape, and a nozzle surface 10A is formed on the bottom surface thereof. A large number of nozzles N1, N2,... Are formed on the nozzle surface 10A at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction.

  Each of the nozzles N1, N2,..., Nn (n is a multiple of 2) is communicated with the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,... Via the nozzle channels NC1, NC2, ..., NCn (see FIGS. 2 and 3), respectively. By expanding and contracting the volume of the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,..., PCn with piezoelectric elements PZ1, PZ2,..., PZn (see FIGS. 2 and 3), droplets are generated from the nozzles N1, N2,. Discharged.

  Each of the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,..., PCn communicates with the first common supply flow path CS1 or the second common supply flow path CS2 via the individual supply flow paths IS1, IS2,. , PCn-1 are connected to the first common supply flow path CS1, and the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn are connected to the second common supply flow path CS2. ). Each of the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,..., PCn is supplied with liquid from the first common supply channel CS1 or the second common supply channel CS2 via the individual supply channels IS1, IS2,.

  The first common supply flow path CS1 and the second common supply flow path CS2 are arranged along the arrangement direction (the longitudinal direction of the head) of the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,. (The first common supply flow path CS1 is disposed at the lower stage, and the second common supply flow path CS2 is disposed at the upper stage.)

  In addition, the first common supply flow path CS1 and the second common supply flow path CS2 each have one end (the upper end in FIG. 1) communicated with the common supply section S, and the common supply section S communicates with each other. A supply port SP communicated with the outside of the head communicates with the common supply unit S, and liquid is supplied from the supply port SP to the common supply unit S. And the liquid supplied to this common supply part S branches and is supplied to 1st common supply flow path CS1 and 2nd common supply flow path CS2.

  2 and FIG. 3 are 2-2 sectional view and 3-3 sectional view of FIG. 1, respectively. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 are sectional views taken along lines 4-4, 5-5, and 6-6 of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.

  As shown in the figure, the droplet discharge head 10 mainly includes a nozzle plate 12 in which nozzles N1, N2,... Nn are formed, and a nozzle channel plate in which nozzle channels NC1, NC2,. 14, the pressure chamber plate 16 in which the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,... PCn are formed, the first common supply channel plate 18 in which the first common supply channel CS1 is formed, and the first common supply channel CS1 A separation plate 20 that separates the second common supply flow path CS2, a diaphragm 22 that expands and contracts the volume of the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,... PCn, and piezoelectric elements PZ1, PZ2,. It is composed of PZn, a pressure chamber upper plate 24, and a second common supply channel plate 26 in which a second common supply channel CS2 is formed.

  The nozzle plate 12 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is arranged in the lowermost layer. A number of nozzles N1, N2,..., Nn are formed on the nozzle plate 12 at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction. The nozzles N1, N2,..., Nn are formed as vertical through holes, and are formed in a tapered shape in this example.

  The nozzle flow path plate 14 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is disposed on the nozzle plate 12. In the nozzle channel plate 14, nozzle channels NC1, NC2,..., NCn are formed at a constant pitch corresponding to the nozzles N1, N2,.

  The nozzle channels NC1, NC2,..., NCn are formed as vertical through holes, and are communicated with the nozzles N1, N2,..., Nn when the nozzle channel plate 14 is joined onto the nozzle plate 12.

  The pressure chamber plate 16 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is disposed on the nozzle channel plate 14 in parallel with the first common supply channel plate 18. In the pressure chamber plate 16, pressure chambers PC 1, PC 2,..., PCn are formed at a constant pitch corresponding to the nozzle channels NC 1, NC 2,.

  The pressure chambers PC1, PC2,..., PCn are formed as a rectangular parallelepiped space, and the upper surface portion and the right side surface portion are opened. In addition, communication holes are formed in the lower surface portion corresponding to the connection positions of the nozzle channels NC1, NC2,. When the pressure chamber plate 16 is joined onto the nozzle channel plate 14, the communication holes communicate with the nozzle channels NC1, NC2,..., NCn formed in the nozzle channel plate 14.

  The first common supply flow path plate 18 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is disposed on the nozzle flow path plate 14 in parallel with the pressure chamber plate 16. The first common supply flow path plate 18 has a first common supply flow path CS1, an odd number of individual supply flow paths IS1, IS3,... Part (vertical part) of the individual supply channels IS2, IS4,.

  The first common supply flow path CS1 is formed in a groove shape having an upper opening, and is formed along the longitudinal direction of the head (arrangement direction of nozzles and pressure chambers) with a predetermined width and a predetermined depth.

  The odd numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1 are formed corresponding to the odd numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1, and formed at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction of the head. Is done. The odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1 are composed of horizontal portions IS1a, IS3a,..., ISn-1a and vertical portions IS1b, IS3b,. IS1a, IS3a, ..., ISn-1a are formed in the first common supply flow path plate 18.

  Further, the even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4, ..., ISn are formed corresponding to the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4, ..., PCn, and are formed at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction of the head. . .., ISn is composed of horizontal portions IS2a, IS4a,..., ISna and vertical portions IS2b, IS4b,..., ISnb, and vertical portions IS2b, IS4b,. ISnb is formed in the first common supply flow path plate 18.

  The odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3, ..., ISn-1 and the even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4, ..., ISn are all formed to have the same volume. Therefore, vertical portions IS1b, IS3b,..., ISn-1b are formed in the odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,. In this way, by making the volumes of all the individual supply flow paths IS1, IS2,..., ISn the same, it is possible to prevent variation in the discharge performance, and a stable liquid from each nozzle N1, N2,. Droplets can be ejected.

  The horizontal portions IS1a, IS3a,..., ISn-1a of the odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1 are formed in a groove shape having an open top and have a predetermined width and a predetermined depth. It is formed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Further, one end (right end) thereof is communicated with the first common supply flow path CS1, and the other end (left end) is formed to be opened on the left side surface of the first common supply flow path plate 18.

  .., ISn vertical portions IS2b, IS4b,..., ISnb are formed in a groove shape having an opening at the top, and have a predetermined width and a predetermined depth and are orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the head. It is formed in the direction. Further, one end (right end) thereof is closed, and the other end (left end) is formed to open to the left side surface of the first common supply flow path plate 18.

  When the first common supply flow path plate 18 having the above configuration is arranged in parallel with the pressure chamber plate 16 and disposed on the nozzle flow path plate 14, the odd number pressure chambers PC1, PC3,. , ISn-1 are connected (the odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1 horizontal portions IS1a, IS3a,..., ISn-1a are connected. ) Further, the even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4,..., ISn communicate with the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn (the even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4,. The parts IS2b, IS4b,..., ISnb are communicated. Further, each pressure chamber PC1, PC2,..., PCn is closed at the opened right side surface by the left side surface of the first common supply flow path plate 18.

  The separation plate 20 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is disposed on the pressure chamber plate 16 and the first common supply flow path plate 18 that are disposed in parallel. As shown in FIG. 5, the separation plate 20 is formed with pressure chamber openings 20A1, 20A2,..., 20An corresponding to the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,. , IS2, vertical portions IS1b, IS2b,..., ISnb of the ISn, individual supply channel openings 20B1, 20B2,. An opening is formed corresponding to the common supply unit S (not shown).

  In this example, the pressure chamber openings 20A1, 20A2, ..., 20An and the individual supply flow path openings 20B1, 20B2, ..., 20Bn are integrally formed.

  The pressure chamber openings 20A1, 20A2,..., 20An are formed corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,..., PCn (planar cross-sectional shape), and the individual supply flow channel openings 20B1, 20B2,. 20Bn is formed corresponding to the sectional shape (planar sectional shape) of the vertical portions IS1b, IS2b,..., ISnb of the individual supply channels IS1, IS2,.

  When the separation plate 20 having the above configuration is disposed on the pressure chamber plate 16 and the first common supply flow path plate 18, the upper surface portion of the first common supply flow path CS1 is closed (however, the common supply section) Excluding the part corresponding to S). In addition, the upper surfaces of the odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1 are closed (except for the portion corresponding to the connecting portion with the vertical portions IS1b, IS3b,. . Thereby, the first common supply flow path CS1 is formed, and the odd-numbered individual supply flow paths IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1 horizontal portions IS1a, IS3a,. The vertical portions IS2b, IS4b, ..., ISnb of the supply flow paths IS2, IS4, ..., ISn are formed.

  The pressure chamber openings 20A1, 20A2, ..., 20An constitute a part of the pressure chambers PC1, PC2, ..., PCn, and the individual supply channel openings 20B1, 20B2, ..., 20Bn are the individual supply channels. IS1, IS2,..., ISn vertical parts IS1b, IS2b,.

  The diaphragm 22 is formed in a rectangular thin plate shape having a predetermined thickness and is disposed on the separation plate 20. The diaphragm 22 is formed corresponding to the planar shape of the pressure chamber plate 16 and is disposed above the position where the pressure chamber plate 16 is disposed. The upper surfaces of the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,..., PCn are closed when the diaphragm 22 is arranged. That is, the diaphragm 22 constitutes the upper surface of each pressure chamber PC1, PC2,..., PCn formed in the pressure chamber plate 16.

  The piezoelectric elements PZ1, PZ2,..., PZn are disposed on the diaphragm 22 corresponding to the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,. Each of the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,..., PCn is driven to drive the piezoelectric elements PZ1, PZ2,.

  The pressure chamber upper plate 24 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is disposed on the diaphragm 22. The pressure chamber upper plate 24 is formed corresponding to the planar shape of the diaphragm 22, and the lower surface thereof has rectangular recesses 24A1, 24A2,..., 24An corresponding to the piezoelectric elements PZ1, PZ2,. Is formed.

  When the pressure chamber upper plate 24 having the above configuration is disposed on the diaphragm 22, the piezoelectric elements PZ1, PZ2,..., PZn are accommodated inside the recesses 24A1, 24A2,. Thereby, each piezoelectric element PZ1, PZ2,..., PZn is attached to be displaceable.

  The second common supply flow path plate 26 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is disposed on the separation plate 20 in parallel with the pressure chamber upper plate 24. The second common supply flow path plate 26 is formed corresponding to the planar shape of the first common supply flow path plate 18, and has a second common supply flow path CS 2 and an even-numbered individual supply flow on the lower surface portion thereof. ISn horizontal sections IS2a, IS4a, ..., ISna and odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3, ..., ISn-1 vertical sections IS1b, IS3b, ..., ISn-1b It is formed. In addition, a supply port SP (not shown) corresponding to the common supply part S is formed on the upper surface part so as to penetrate the second common supply flow path CS2.

  The second common supply flow path CS2 is formed in a groove shape with an opening at the bottom, and is formed along the longitudinal direction of the head (arrangement direction of nozzles and pressure chambers) with a predetermined width and a predetermined depth. The second common supply flow path CS2 is formed with the same width and depth as the first common supply flow path CS1, and when the second common supply flow path plate 26 is disposed on the separation plate 20, the first common supply flow path CS1 is formed. It arrange | positions on the common supply flow path CS1.

  The even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4,..., ISn horizontal portions IS2a, IS4a,..., ISna are the even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4,. , ISn corresponding to the vertical portions IS2b, IS4b,..., ISnb, and formed at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction of the head. The horizontal portions IS2a, IS4a,..., ISna are formed in a groove shape having an opening at the bottom, and are formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the head with a predetermined width and a predetermined depth. Further, one end (right end) thereof is communicated with the second common supply flow path CS <b> 2, and the other end (left end) is formed to open on the left side surface of the second common supply flow path plate 26.

  The vertical portions IS1b, IS3b,..., ISn-1b of the odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1 are odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1 formed in the first common supply channel plate 18. , IS3,..., ISn-1 corresponding to the horizontal portions IS1a, IS3a,..., ISn-1a, and formed at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction of the head. The vertical portions IS1b, IS3b,..., ISn-1b are formed in a groove shape having an opening at the bottom, and are formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the head with a predetermined width and a predetermined depth. Further, one end (right end) is closed and the other end (left end) is formed to open to the left side surface of the second common supply flow path plate 26.

  When the second common supply flow path plate 26 having the above configuration is arranged in parallel with the pressure chamber upper plate 24 and disposed on the separation plate 20, the lower surface portion of the second common supply flow path CS2 is closed (however, it is common) The portion corresponding to the supply unit S is excluded). Further, the lower surface portions of the even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4,..., ISn are closed (except for the connecting portions with the vertical portions IS2b, IS4b,..., ISnb). Thereby, the second common supply channel CS2 is formed, and the even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4,..., ISn horizontal portions IS2a, IS4a,. , IS3, ..., ISn-1 vertical portions IS1b, IS3b, ..., ISn-1b are formed.

  Then, the odd-numbered individual supply flow paths IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1 vertical portions IS1b, IS3b,..., ISn-1b are formed in the separation plate 20 with the odd-numbered individual supply flow path openings 20B1, .., ISn− horizontal portions IS1a, IS3a,..., ISn− of odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1 formed in the first common supply channel plate 18 via 20B3,. 1a is communicated.

  Further, even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4,..., ISn horizontal portions IS2a, IS4a,..., ISna are formed in the separation plate 20 with even-numbered individual supply channel openings 20B2, 20B4,. Through the 20Bn, the even numbered individual supply flow paths IS2, IS4,..., ISn vertical portions IS2b, IS4b,.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a communication relationship between each pressure chamber and the common supply flow path. FIG. 4A shows the communication relationship between the first common supply flow path CS1 and each pressure chamber, and FIG. 4B shows the communication relationship between the second common supply flow path CS2 and each pressure chamber. Show.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, odd-numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1 are connected to the first common supply flow through odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,. It communicates with the road CS1. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4B, the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn are connected to the second common supply flow path CS2 via the even-numbered individual supply flow paths IS2, IS4,. Communicated with Thereby, the adjacent pressure chambers are communicated with different common supply flow paths.

  The first common supply flow path CS1 and the second common supply flow path CS2 communicate with each other through an opening (not shown) formed in a portion corresponding to the common supply section S of the separation plate 20. .

[Action]
The operation of the droplet discharge head 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above is as follows.

  Liquid discharged from the nozzles N1, N2,..., Nn is supplied from a liquid tank (not shown) to the supply port SP via a supply line (not shown).

  The liquid supplied from the supply port SP is supplied to the first common supply channel CS1 and the second common supply channel CS2 via the common supply unit S.

  As described above, the first common supply flow path CS1 has odd-numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1 via odd-numbered individual supply flow paths IS1, IS3,. It is connected (refer to Drawing 7 (a)). Further, the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn communicate with the second common supply channel CS2 through the even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4,. (See (b)).

  Therefore, the liquid supplied to the first common supply flow path CS1 is supplied to the odd-numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1 via the odd-numbered individual supply flow paths IS1, IS3,. To be supplied. Further, the liquid supplied to the second common supply flow path CS2 is supplied to the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn via the even-numbered individual supply flow paths IS2, IS4,. .

  As described above, in the droplet discharge head 10 of the present embodiment, the adjacent pressure chambers are communicated with different common supply flow paths, and the liquid to be discharged is supplied.

  Thereby, the influence of the pressure wave of the adjacent pressure chamber can be physically separated, and the occurrence of crosstalk can be prevented. Moreover, since the freedom degree of design of each individual supply flow path becomes high by this, the improvement of refill performance can also be aimed at.

  Further, in the droplet discharge head 10 of the present embodiment, when forming the first common supply flow path CS1 and the second common supply flow path CS2, one flow path is divided into two vertically and the separation plate 20 is interposed. Since the first common supply channel CS1 and the second common supply channel CS2 are formed, a plurality of common supply channels can be easily formed.

  Further, in the droplet discharge head 10 of the present embodiment, since the volumes of the individual supply channels IS1, IS2,..., ISn are the same, there is no variation in discharge performance between the nozzles, and stable discharge is performed. It can be carried out.

  In the above embodiment, the odd-numbered individual supply flow paths IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1 are formed with the vertical portions IS1b, IS3b,. , IS3,..., ISn-1 have the same volume as the even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4,..., ISn, for example, as shown in FIG. Are shifted in the horizontal direction to increase the horizontal channel length of the odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,..., ISn-1, and the individual supply channels IS1, IS2,. The volume of ISn may be the same.

  As described above, the first common supply flow path CS1 and the second common supply flow path CS2 do not necessarily have to be arranged at the same upper and lower positions. However, space saving can be achieved by arranging the first common supply flow path CS1 and the second common supply flow path CS2 in the same vertical position as in the above embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, two common supply channels are provided, but a plurality of common supply channels can also be formed. Thereby, occurrence of crosstalk can be prevented.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a droplet discharge head provided with four common supply channels.

  In the example shown in the figure, four common supply channels CS1 to CS4 are stacked in four stages and arranged hierarchically.

  Similar to the above embodiment, the first common supply flow path CS1 is formed in the first common supply flow path plate 18, and a separation plate (first separation plate) 20 is disposed on the first common supply flow path plate 18.

  A second common supply flow path plate 26 is disposed on the upper stage of the first separation plate 20, and a second common supply flow path CS 2 is formed in the second common supply flow path plate 26.

  A second separation plate 32 is disposed on the upper stage of the second common supply flow path plate 26, and a third common supply flow path plate 34 is disposed on the upper stage thereof. The third common supply flow path CS3 is formed in the third common supply flow path plate 34.

  A third separation plate 36 is disposed on the upper stage of the third common supply flow path plate 34, and a fourth common supply flow path plate 38 is disposed on the upper stage. The fourth common supply flow path CS4 is formed in the fourth common supply flow path plate 38.

  The first common supply channel CS1 is separated from the second common supply channel CS2 via the first separation plate 20, and the second common supply channel CS2 is separated from the third common supply channel CS2 via the second separation plate 32. Separated from the road CS3. The third common supply flow path CS3 is separated from the fourth common supply flow path CS4 via the third separation plate 36.

  Further, one end of each of the common supply channels CS1 to CS4 is connected to a common supply unit, and the common supply channels CS1 to CS4 are connected to each other at the common supply unit.

  FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the communication relationship between each pressure chamber and the common supply flow path. 2A is a communication relationship between the first common supply flow path CS1 and each pressure chamber, and FIG. 2B is a communication relationship between the second common supply flow path CS2 and each pressure chamber. ) Shows the communication relationship between the third common supply flow path CS3 and each pressure chamber, and FIG. 4D shows the communication relationship between the fourth common supply flow path CS4 and each pressure chamber.

  As shown in the figure, each common supply flow path CS1 to CS4 is connected to pressure chambers arranged in parallel at intervals of three skips.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first common supply flow path CS1 includes the first, fifth, ninth,..., N-3th pressure chambers PC1, PC5, PC9,. -3 is communicated (n is a multiple of 4).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the second common supply flow path CS2 includes the second, sixth, tenth,..., N-2th pressure chambers PC2, PC6, PC10,. -2 is communicated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, the third common supply flow path CS3 has third, seventh, eleventh,..., N−1th pressure chambers PC3, PC7, PC11,. -1 is communicated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, the fourth common supply flow path CS4 communicates with the fourth, eighth, twelfth,..., Nth pressure chambers PC4, PC8, PC12,. Is done.

  Each pressure chamber communicates with a corresponding common supply channel via an individual supply channel. That is, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first, fifth, ninth,..., N-3th pressure chambers PC1, PC5, PC9,. ,..., The n-3th individual supply channel IS1, IS5, IS9,..., ISn-3, and communicated with the first common supply channel CS1.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the second, sixth, tenth,..., N-2th pressure chambers PC2, PC6, PC10,. ,..., The (n-2) th individual supply flow path IS2, IS6, IS10,..., ISn-2 are communicated with the second common supply flow path CS2.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9C, the third, seventh, eleventh,..., N−1th pressure chambers PC3, PC7, PC11,. ,..., The (n−1) th individual supply flow path IS3, IS7, IS11,.

  9 (d), the fourth, eighth, twelfth,..., Nth pressure chambers PC4, PC9, PC12,..., PCn are fourth, eighth, twelfth,. , ISn communicated with the fourth common supply channel CS4 through the nth individual supply channel IS4, IS8, IS12,.

  Thus, by forming a plurality of common supply channels, the influence of pressure waves in adjacent pressure chambers can be reduced, and the occurrence of crosstalk can be prevented more efficiently.

<< Second Embodiment >>
[Constitution]
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the droplet discharge head according to the present invention. 11 and 12 are a sectional view taken along line 11-11 and a sectional view taken along line 12-12, respectively, of FIG.

  As shown in the figure, the droplet discharge head 50 of the present embodiment includes common recovery channels CC1, CC2, and the liquid is circulated and supplied to the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,..., PCn.

  Since the configuration is the same as that of the droplet discharge head 10 of the first embodiment except that the common recovery channels CC1 and CC2 are provided, only the configuration of the common recovery channels CC1 and CC2 will be described here. To do.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the nozzle flow paths NC1, NC2,..., NCn communicated with the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,..., PCn have individual recovery flow paths IC1, IC2,. .., ICn and communicated with the first common recovery channel CC1 or the second common recovery channel CC2 (odd-numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,... PCn-1 is communicated with the first common recovery channel CC1, and even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn are communicated with the second common recovery channel CC2. The liquid in each pressure chamber PC1, PC2,..., PCn is supplied from the nozzle channels NC1, NC2,..., NCn via the individual recovery channels IC1, IC2,. It is recovered in the recovery channel CC2.

  The first common recovery channel CC1 and the second common recovery channel CC2 are arranged along the arrangement direction (the longitudinal direction of the head) of the pressure chambers PC1, PC2,. (The first common recovery channel CC1 is disposed at the lower stage and the second common recovery channel CC2 is disposed at the upper stage.)

  In addition, each of the first common recovery channel CC1 and the second common recovery channel CC2 has one end (the lower end in FIG. 10) communicated with the common recovery unit C, and the common recovery unit C communicates with each other. The common recovery part C communicates with a recovery port CP that communicates with the outside of the head, and recovers liquid from the recovery port CP to the outside.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first common recovery channel CC <b> 1 and the second common recovery channel CC <b> 2 are formed in a common recovery channel plate 52 arranged in parallel with the nozzle channel plate 14. . The common recovery channel plate 52 includes a first common recovery channel plate 54, a recovery channel separation plate 56, and a second common recovery channel plate 58.

  The first common recovery flow path plate 54 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is disposed on the nozzle plate 12 in parallel with the nozzle flow path plate 14. The first common recovery flow path plate 54 includes a first common recovery flow path CC1, an odd number of individual recovery flow paths IC1, IC3,..., A part (horizontal portion) of ICn-1 and an even number on the upper surface. Part of the numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4,..., ICn (second horizontal portion) are formed.

  The first common recovery flow path CC1 is formed in a groove shape having an upper opening, and is formed along the longitudinal direction of the head (arrangement direction of nozzles and pressure chambers) with a predetermined width and a predetermined depth.

  .., ICn-1 are formed corresponding to the odd-numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1, and are formed at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction of the head. Is done. .., ICn-1 is composed of horizontal parts IC1a, IC3a,..., ICn-1a and vertical parts IC1b, IC3b,. IC1a, IC3a,..., ICn-1a are formed in the first common recovery flow path plate 54.

  .., ICn are formed corresponding to the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn, and are formed at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction of the head. . .., ISn is composed of a first horizontal part IC2a, IC4a,..., ICna, and a second horizontal part IC2b, IC4b,. IC2b, IC4b,..., ICnb are formed in the first common recovery flow path plate 54.

  .., ICn−1 and the even-numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4,..., ICn are all formed to have the same volume. Therefore, the vertical portions IC1b, IC3b,..., ICn-1b are formed in the odd-numbered individual recovery flow paths IC1, IC3,. In this way, by making the volumes of all the individual recovery flow paths IC1, IC2,..., ICn the same, it is possible to prevent variations in the discharge performance, and a stable liquid from each nozzle N1, N2,. Droplets can be ejected.

  The horizontal parts IC1a, IC3a,..., ICn-1a of the odd-numbered individual recovery flow paths IC1, IC3,. It is formed in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Further, one end (left end) thereof is communicated with the first common recovery flow path CC1, and the other end (right end) is formed to open on the right side surface of the first common recovery flow path plate 54.

  The second horizontal portions IC2b, IC4b,..., ICnb of the even-numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4,..., ICn are formed in a groove shape having an open top, and have a predetermined width and a predetermined depth, and the longitudinal direction of the head It is formed in the direction orthogonal to. Further, one end (left end) thereof is closed, and the other end (right end) is formed to open to the right side surface of the first common recovery flow path plate 54.

  The nozzle flow path plate 14 arranged in parallel with the first common recovery flow path plate 54 has communication holes 14A1, 14A2,..., 14An corresponding to the nozzle flow paths NC1, NC2,. ing. Each of the communication holes 14A1, 14A2,..., 14An is formed at the same interval as the nozzle channel NC1, NC2,..., NCn, and one end (left end) opens to the left side surface of the nozzle channel plate 14. The other end (right end) is formed in communication with the nozzle channels NC1, NC2,..., NCn.

  When the first common recovery flow path plate 54 is arranged in parallel with the nozzle flow path plate 14 and disposed on the nozzle plate 12, odd-numbered individual recovery flow paths IC1, IC3,..., ICn-1 horizontal portions IC1a, IC3a ,..., ICn-1a communicate with odd-numbered communication holes 14A1, 14A3,. Further, the even-numbered individual recovery flow paths IC2, IC4,..., ICn second horizontal portions IC2b, IC4b,.

  The recovery flow path separation plate 56 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is disposed on the first common recovery flow path plate 54. This recovery flow path separation plate 56 has an odd number of individual recovery flow paths IC1, IC3,..., ICn-1 vertical portions IC1b, IC3b,. 56A1, 56A3,..., 56An-1 are formed, and even-numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4,. ..., individual recovery flow path openings 56A2, 56A4, ..., 56An communicating with ICnb are formed.

  When the recovery flow path separation plate 56 having the above configuration is disposed on the first common recovery flow path plate 54, the upper surface portion of the first common recovery flow path CC1 is closed (however, the common recovery section C includes Excluding the corresponding part). Further, the upper surface portions of the odd-numbered individual recovery flow paths IC1, IC3,..., ICn-1 are closed (except for the portion corresponding to the connecting portion with the vertical portions IC1b, IC3b,..., ICn-1b). . Further, the even-numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4,..., ICn second horizontal portions IC2b, IC4b,. Excluding the part corresponding to the connecting part. Thereby, the first common recovery channel CC1 is formed, and the odd-numbered individual recovery channels IC1, IC3,..., ICn-1 horizontal parts IC1a, IC3a,. The second horizontal portions IC2b, IC4b,..., ICnb of the recovery flow paths IC2, IC4,.

  The second common recovery flow path plate 58 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a predetermined thickness, and is disposed on the recovery flow path separation plate 56. On the lower surface of the second common recovery channel plate 58, there are provided a second common recovery channel CC2 and even-numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4,..., ICn first horizontal portions IC2a, IC4a,. .., ICn-1 vertical portions IC1b, IC3b,..., ICn-1b are formed. In addition, a recovery port CP (not shown) is formed on the upper surface portion so as to correspond to the common recovery portion C (the pressure chamber plate 16, the separation plate 20, Similarly, the recovery port CP is formed in the vibration plate 22 and the pressure chamber upper plate 24.

  The second common recovery channel CC2 is formed in a groove shape having an opening at the bottom, and is formed along the longitudinal direction of the head (arrangement direction of nozzles and pressure chambers) with a predetermined width and a predetermined depth. The second common recovery channel CC2 is formed with the same width and the same depth as the first common recovery channel CC1, and when the second common recovery channel plate 58 is disposed on the separation plate 20, the first common recovery channel CC2 is formed. It arrange | positions on the common collection | recovery flow path CC1.

  .., ICn first horizontal portions IC2a, IC4a,..., ICna are even-numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4 formed in the first common recovery channel plate 54. ,..., ICn are formed corresponding to the second horizontal portions IC2b, IC4b,..., ICnb, and are formed at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction of the head. The first horizontal portions IC2a, IC4a,..., ICna are formed in a groove shape having an opening at the bottom, and are formed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the head with a predetermined width and a predetermined depth. One end (left end) thereof is communicated with the second common recovery channel CC2, and the other end (right end) is closed.

  .., ICn-1 vertical portions IC1b, IC3b,..., ICn-1b are odd-numbered individual recovery flow paths IC1 formed in the first common recovery flow path plate 54. , IC3,..., ICn-1 are formed corresponding to the horizontal portions IC1a, IC3a,..., ICn-1a, and are formed at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction of the head. The vertical portions IC1b, IC3b,..., ICn-1b are formed on the lower surface of the second common recovery flow path plate 58 with a predetermined depth as a recess having the same cross section as the horizontal portions IC1a, IC3a,. It is formed.

  When the second common recovery flow path plate 58 having the above configuration is disposed on the recovery flow path separation plate 56, the lower surface portion of the second common recovery flow path CC2 is closed (however, a portion corresponding to the common recovery section C). Except). Thereby, the 2nd common recovery channel CC2 is formed.

  In addition, even-numbered individual recovery flow paths IC2, IC4,..., ICn first horizontal portions IC2a, IC4a,. , 56A4,..., 56An communicated with the even-numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4,..., ICn second horizontal portions IC2b, IC4b,. Is done. As a result, even-numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4,..., ICn are formed.

  In addition, odd-numbered individual recovery flow paths IC1, IC3,..., ICn-1 vertical portions IC1b, IC3b,. The odd-numbered individual recovery flow paths IC1, IC3,..., ICn-1 horizontal portions IC1a, IC3a,... Formed in the first common recovery flow path plate 54 via the parts 56A1, 56A3,. , ICn-1a. Thereby, individual collection flow paths IC1, IC3,..., ICn-1 are formed.

  The first common recovery channel CC1 and the second common recovery channel CC2 are communicated with each other via an opening (not shown) formed in a portion corresponding to the common recovery unit C of the separation plate 20. .

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a communication relationship between each pressure chamber, a common supply channel, and a common recovery channel. FIG. 4A shows a communication relationship with odd-numbered pressure chambers, and FIG. 4B shows a communication relationship with even-numbered pressure chambers.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the odd-numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1 are connected to the first common supply flow through the odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,. It communicates with the road CS1. Moreover, it communicates with the first common recovery channel CC1 via odd-numbered individual recovery channels IC1, IC3,..., ICn-1.

  On the other hand, the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn are connected to the second common supply flow path CS2 through the even-numbered individual common flow paths IS2, IS4,. Communicated with Moreover, it communicates with the second common recovery channel CC2 via the even-numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4,..., ICn.

  In this way, the adjacent pressure chambers communicate with different common supply channels and communicate with different common recovery channels. At this time, the odd-numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1 communicate with the first common supply flow path CS1 located at the lower stage and communicate with the first common recovery flow path CC1 located at the upper stage of the lower stage. The even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn communicate with the second common supply flow path CS2 located at the upper stage and also communicate with the second common recovery flow path CC2 located at the upper stage. Thereby, the influence of the water head difference between the pressure chambers can be eliminated, and stable discharge of droplets from the nozzles N1, N2,.

[Action]
The operation of the droplet discharge head 50 of the present embodiment configured as described above is as follows.

  A supply line (not shown) is connected to the supply port SP formed in the droplet discharge head 50, and is connected to a liquid tank (not shown) via this supply line. On the other hand, a recovery line (not shown) is connected to the recovery port CP, and is connected to a liquid tank (not shown) via the recovery line. The supply line is provided with a supply pump (not shown). By driving the supply pump, the liquid in the liquid tank is supplied to the supply port SP via the supply line. The recovery line is provided with a recovery pump (not shown). By driving the recovery pump, the liquid in the droplet discharge head 50 is recovered from the recovery port CP to the liquid tank via the recovery line. . That is, in the droplet discharge head 50 of the present embodiment, the liquid discharged from the nozzle is circulated and supplied.

  The liquid supplied to the supply port SP is supplied to the first common recovery channel CC1 and the second common recovery channel CC2 via the common supply unit S.

  The first common supply channel CS1 is connected to odd-numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1 via odd-numbered individual supply channels IS1, IS3,. FIG. 7 (a)). Further, the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn communicate with the second common supply channel CS2 through the even-numbered individual supply channels IS2, IS4,. (See (b)). Therefore, the liquid supplied to the first common supply flow path CS1 is supplied to the odd-numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1 via the odd-numbered individual supply flow paths IS1, IS3,. To be supplied. Further, the liquid supplied to the second common supply flow path CS2 is supplied to the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn via the even-numbered individual supply flow paths IS2, IS4,. . In this way, the liquid is supplied from the different common supply flow paths to the adjacent pressure chambers.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), the odd numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1 nozzle channels NC1, NC3,. , IC3,..., ICn-1, the first common recovery channel CC1 is communicated. 13B, even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn nozzle channels NC2, NC4,..., NCn have even-numbered individual recovery channels IC2, IC4,. , ICn is in communication with the second common recovery channel CC2. The liquid in the odd-numbered pressure chambers PC1, PC3,..., PCn-1 passes from the nozzle channels NC1, NC3,..., NCn-1 to the odd-numbered individual recovery channels IC1, IC3,. The liquid in the even-numbered pressure chambers PC2, PC4,..., PCn is recovered into the first common recovery flow path CC1, and the even-numbered individual recovery flow paths IC2, IC4 from the nozzle flow paths NC2, NC4,. ,..., Are collected in the second common collection channel CC2 via ICn. In this way, the liquid is recovered from the different common recovery flow paths for the adjacent pressure chambers.

  As described above, in the droplet discharge head 50 of the present embodiment, the liquid discharged from the nozzles is circulated and supplied. At this time, the liquid is supplied from the different common supply flow paths to the adjacent pressure chambers, and the liquid is recovered from the different common recovery flow paths to the adjacent pressure chambers. Thereby, the influence of the pressure wave of the adjacent pressure chamber can be physically separated, and the occurrence of crosstalk can be prevented. Moreover, since the freedom degree of design of each individual supply flow path becomes high by this, the improvement of refill performance can also be aimed at.

  Further, in the liquid droplet ejection head 50 of the present embodiment, the pressure chamber (odd numbered pressure chamber) communicated with the first common supply channel CS1 located at the lower stage is the first common recovery channel located at the lower stage. The pressure chambers (even-numbered pressure chambers) communicated with CC1 and communicated with the second common supply flow path CS2 located at the upper stage are communicated with the second common recovery flow path CC2 located at the upper stage, and are connected between the pressure chambers. Since the influence of the water head difference is eliminated, it is possible to stably discharge droplets without variation among the nozzles N1, N2,..., Nn.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first common recovery channel CC1 and the second common recovery channel CC2 are vertically stacked and arranged at the same position. You may make it arrange | position by shifting in a horizontal direction. However, space saving can be achieved by arranging the first common recovery flow path CC1 and the second common recovery flow path CC2 in the same vertical position as in the above embodiment. Further, a plurality of common recovery flows can be easily formed by dividing one flow path up and down and dividing it into two by a separation plate.

  In the above embodiment, two common recovery channels are provided, but a plurality of common recovery channels may be formed. Thereby, occurrence of crosstalk can be prevented.

<< Third Embodiment >>
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the third embodiment of the droplet discharge head according to the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, in the droplet discharge head 70 of the present embodiment, nozzles N [x, y] and pressure chambers PC [x, y] are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the nozzle surface ( So-called matrix head). By arranging the nozzles N [x, y] and the pressure chambers PC [x, y] in such a configuration, the interval between the substantial nozzles N [x, y] projected in the longitudinal direction of the head is reduced. And the density of the nozzles N [x, y] can be increased.

  The nozzle N [x, y] and the pressure chamber PC [x, y] are arranged in parallel in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of the head, and the pressure chamber PC [x , Y] as a unit, the nozzles N [x, y] and the pressure chambers PC [x, y] are arranged at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the head.

  The common supply flow path for supplying the liquid discharged from each nozzle N [x, y] to the pressure chamber PC [x, y] has a common supply flow path main stream CSm and a plurality of branches branched from the common supply flow path main stream CSm. It is comprised by the common supply flow path tributary CSb [x].

  The common supply flow path main stream CSm is formed along the longitudinal direction of the head, and the supply port communicates with one end (the right end in FIG. 13).

  The common supply channel branch CSb [x] is provided in units of columns of the pressure chambers PC [x, y], and is inclined at a predetermined angle along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers PC [x, y] in each column. The One end (the upper end in FIG. 13) communicates with the common supply flow path main stream CSm.

  Each common supply channel tributary CSb [x] is composed of a first common supply channel tributary CSb1 [x] and a second common supply channel tributary CSb2 [x]. (It is formed by dividing one flow path up and down and separating it up and down with a separation plate. See FIGS. 2 and 3).

  The pressure chambers PC [x, y] in each row are individually supplied to the common supply passage CSb [x] arranged in parallel with the pressure chambers PC [x, y] in each row. The liquid is supplied from the common supply flow path CSb [x] through the individual supply flow paths [x, y].

  Here, the pressure chambers PC [x, y] in each column are connected to the first common supply flow path branch CSb1 [x], and the even-numbered pressure chambers PC [x, y] are communicated with the first common supply channel branch CSb1 [x]. [X, y] is communicated with the second common supply flow path branch CSb2 [x]. That is, in each row, adjacent pressure chambers PC [x, y] are communicated with different common supply flow path tributaries.

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a communication relationship between each pressure chamber PC [x, y] and a common supply flow path tributary. In addition, the same figure (a) has shown the communication relationship between 1st common supply flow path branch CSb1 [x] and each pressure chamber, and the same figure (b) is the second common supply flow path branch CSb2 [x]. The communication relationship with each pressure chamber is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, in each column of pressure chambers PC [1, y], PC [2, y],..., Odd-numbered pressure chambers PC [1, 1], PC [1, 3] , ..., PC [2,1], PC [2,3], ..., PC [3,1], PC [3,3], ..., are respectively the first common supply channel branch CSb1 in each row. [1], CSb1 [2],.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the pressure chambers PC [1, y], PC [2, y],... In each column, the pressure chambers PC [1, 2], PC [1, 4],..., PC [2,2], PC [2,4],..., PC [3,2], PC [3,4],. The tributaries CSb2 [1], CSb2 [2],.

  In this way, in each row, adjacent pressure chambers PC [x, y] are communicated with different common supply channel tributaries.

  As described above, according to the droplet discharge head 70 of the present embodiment, in the matrix head, the adjacent pressure chambers PC [x, y] are communicated with different common supply channel tributaries, and the liquid is supplied. The Thereby, occurrence of crosstalk can be prevented.

  When the liquid is circulated and supplied in such a matrix head, a plurality of common recovery channels are formed in the same manner as in the second embodiment so that adjacent pressure chambers communicate with different common recovery channels. It is preferable to configure.

  Also in such a matrix head, the common supply flow path tributary can be further divided into a plurality of stages.

  The droplet discharge head of the present invention can be applied to, for example, a recording head (inkjet head) of an inkjet recording apparatus that records an image by an inkjet method.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 50, 70 ... Droplet discharge head, 10A ... Nozzle surface, 12 ... Nozzle plate, 14 ... Nozzle flow path plate, 16 ... Pressure chamber plate, 18 ... First common supply flow path plate, 20 ... Separation plate (No. 1 separation plate), 22 ... vibration plate, PZ1, PZ2, ..., PZn ... piezoelectric element, 26 ... second common supply flow path plate, 30 ... second separation plate, 34 ... third common supply flow path plate, 36 ... 3rd separation plate, 38 ... 4th common supply flow path plate, 52 ... Common recovery flow path plate, 54 ... 1st common recovery flow path plate, 56 ... Recovery flow path separation plate, 58 ... 2nd common recovery flow path plate , N1, N2, ..., Nn ... Nozzle, PC1, PC2, ..., PCn ... Pressure chamber, CS1 ... First common supply channel, CS2 ... Second common supply channel, CS3 ... Third common supply channel, CS4 ... 4th , ISn, individual supply flow path, CC1, first common recovery flow path, CC2, second common recovery flow path, IC1, IC2,..., ICn, individual recovery flow path, N [X, y] ... nozzle, PC [x, y] ... pressure chamber, CSm ... common supply flow path main stream, CSb [x] ... common supply flow path branch, CSb1 [x] ... first common supply flow path branch, CSb2 [x] ... second common supply channel branch, IS [x, y] ... individual supply channel

Claims (10)

A liquid discharge head that expands and contracts a volume of a pressure chamber with an actuator and discharges liquid droplets stored in the pressure chamber from a nozzle communicated with the pressure chamber, and is arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction. A plurality of the pressure chambers are arranged at a constant pitch, a common supply channel is arranged along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers, and the pressure chambers are connected via the individual supply channels communicated with the common supply channel. In the liquid discharge head to which the liquid is supplied,
A plurality of the common supply flow paths are arranged along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers, and the adjacent pressure chambers communicate with different common supply flow paths through the individual supply flow paths. Discharge head.   2. The droplet discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of common supply channels are formed by dividing the inside of one channel into a plurality of upper and lower layers.   The substrate forming one channel is divided into a plurality of upper and lower parts, and a separation plate is disposed between the divided substrates, whereby the inside of the one channel is divided into a plurality of upper and lower layers. The droplet discharge head according to claim 2.   The droplet discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the volumes of the individual supply channels are formed to be the same. A liquid discharge head that expands and contracts a volume of a pressure chamber with an actuator and discharges liquid droplets stored in the pressure chamber from a nozzle communicated with the pressure chamber, and is arranged along a predetermined arrangement direction. A plurality of the pressure chambers are arranged at a constant pitch, a common supply channel and a common recovery channel are arranged along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers, and an individual supply channel connected to the common supply channel is provided. The liquid is supplied to the pressure chambers through the individual recovery passages, and the liquids in the pressure chambers are recovered through the individual recovery passages communicated with the common recovery passages. In the liquid discharge head to be circulated,
A plurality of the common supply flow paths are arranged along the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers, and the adjacent pressure chambers communicate with different common supply flow paths via the individual supply flow paths, and the arrangement of the pressure chambers A liquid droplet ejection head, wherein a plurality of the common recovery channels are arranged along a direction, and the adjacent pressure chambers communicate with different common recovery channels via the individual recovery channels.   6. The droplet discharge according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of common supply channels and the plurality of common recovery channels are formed by dividing the inside of one channel into upper and lower layers. head.   The substrate forming one channel is divided into a plurality of upper and lower parts, and a separation plate is disposed between the divided substrates, whereby the inside of the one channel is divided into a plurality of upper and lower layers. The droplet discharge head according to claim 6.   The individual supply channel and the individual recovery channel communicated with the same pressure chamber are communicated with a common supply channel and a common recovery channel at the same level. The droplet discharge head according to Item.   The droplets according to claim 5, wherein the volumes of the individual supply channels are formed to be the same, and the volumes of the individual recovery channels are formed to be the same. Discharge head.   The liquid according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of rows of the pressure chambers arranged at a constant pitch along a predetermined arrangement direction are arranged at a constant pitch in a fixed direction. Drop ejection head.

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