JP2014151476A - Liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To equalize lengths of a plurality of cables while securing assemble workability and accessibility when connecting a plurality of head modules with a member such as a relay substrate using the plurality of cables.SOLUTION: First connections in the first-Mth order (M=N/2 when N is an even number, and M=(N-1)/2 when N is an odd number) sequentially from one end to the other end out of the first N connections of a liquid discharge part, and second connections in the first-Mth order sequentially from the other end to one end out of the second M connections on one end side of a relay part are connected with M cables each via one end of the space between the liquid discharge part and the relay part, and the first connections in the first-(N-Mth) order sequentially from the other end to one end out of the first N connections of the liquid discharge part and the second connections in the first-(N-Mth) order from one end to the other end out of the second (N-M) connections on the other end side of the relay part are connected with (N-M) cables each via the other end of the space.

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid discharge head and a liquid discharge apparatus, and more particularly to a technique for connecting a plurality of head modules and a member such as a relay substrate with a plurality of cables.

  In an ink jet recording apparatus, a technique for configuring a recording head by connecting a plurality of head modules is known. In such a recording head, in order to transmit various signals for each head module, a cable is connected to each head module from a communication board.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique of connecting a substrate and a plurality of head modules with a flexible cable for each head module. Patent Document 2 describes a technique for connecting a substrate and a plurality of head modules with transmission lines for each head module. In Patent Documents 1 and 2, the substrate and each head module are wired with the shortest distance.

JP 2011-60504 A JP 2007-152625 A

  However, when other components of the apparatus are arranged between the substrate and each head module, as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, if the substrate and the head module are wired at the shortest distance, the assembly of the head There was a problem that the accessibility deteriorated.

  In addition, if the components are routed around in order to ensure assemblability and accessibility, the lengths of the wires are not uniform and cables with different lengths are required. Furthermore, when the cable becomes longer than necessary, there is a problem that noise resistance and the like deteriorate.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when connecting a plurality of head modules and a member such as a relay board with a plurality of cables, the length of the cable is ensured while ensuring assemblability and accessibility. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid discharge head and a liquid discharge apparatus that can evenly distribute the above.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the liquid ejection head is a liquid ejection unit in which N head modules for ejecting liquid are connected, and the N first modules respectively corresponding to the N head modules. Are connected to the liquid discharge portion disposed in the first direction, and the relay portion is disposed to face the liquid discharge portion, and at least N second connection portions are disposed in the first direction. A relay section disposed along the N connecting cables, and N cables connecting the N first connection sections of the liquid discharge section and the N second connection sections of the relay section, respectively. 1st to M-th in order from one end in the first direction to the other end side of the N first connection portions (M = N / 2 when N is an even number, M when N is an odd number) = (N-1) / 2) first connection part and M second connections on one end side in the first direction of the relay part The first to M-th second connection portions from the other end side toward the one end via one end in the first direction of the space between the liquid discharge portion and the relay portion, respectively. Connected by M cables, among the N first connection portions of the liquid ejection portion, the first to (N−M) th in order from the other end in the first direction toward the one end side. 1 to (N−) from one end side to the other end of one connection portion and (N−M) second connection portions on the other end side in the first direction of the relay portion. The M) th second connecting portion is connected by (N−M) number of cables passing through the other end in the first direction of the space.

  According to this aspect, among the N first connection portions of the liquid ejection portion, the first to Mth in order from one end in the first direction to the other end side (when N is an even number, M = N / 2, when N is an odd number, M = (N−1) / 2) of the first connection part and of the M second connection parts on one end side in the first direction of the relay part From the other end side to the one end, the first to Mth second connection portions are respectively connected to the M pieces via one end in the first direction of the space between the liquid discharge portion and the relay portion. The first to (N−M) th first in order from the other end in the first direction to the one end side among the N first connection portions of the liquid discharge portion. Of the connection portion and the (NM) second connection portions on the other end side in the first direction of the relay portion, the first to (NM) from one end side to the other end. Second Since the connection portion is connected by (NM) cables each passing through the other end in the first direction of the space, the cable is avoided while avoiding the space between the liquid discharge portion and the relay portion. Wiring is possible, and the vicinity of the center in the first direction of the relay portion can be made empty, so that assembling property and accessibility can be ensured, and the lengths of the cables can be made uniform. .

  A liquid supply unit that supplies liquid to the N head modules may be provided in the space along the first direction. This aspect can be applied to a liquid discharge head in which a liquid supply unit is disposed between the liquid discharge unit and the relay unit.

  It is preferable that the interval in the first direction of the first connection portion of the liquid discharge portion and the interval in the first direction of the second connection portion of the relay portion are the same. Thereby, a cable can be made equal length.

  The N cables are preferably the same length. In this way, by using an isometric cable, it is possible to share parts, and it is possible to reduce costs and facilitate assembly.

  The first connection portion may include a connector that can be fitted to the fitted portion. The second connection portion may include a connector that can be fitted to the fitted portion. Furthermore, the cable may be a wire harness having a fitted portion at least one end of which can be fitted to the connector. This aspect is applicable to a liquid discharge head using a connector and a wire harness.

  You may provide the control part connected with N head modules via a relay part. In this case, the influence of cable routing such as a control signal from the control unit can be made equal.

  Each of the N head modules may include a memory, and the control unit may access the memory of the N head modules. At this time, the mounting position information of each head module may be stored in the memory, or defective nozzle information of each head module may be stored. This aspect can be applied to a liquid discharge head having a memory for each head module.

  The control unit may perform ejection control of the head module. This aspect is applicable to a liquid discharge head that performs discharge control for each head module by the control unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the liquid ejecting apparatus is a liquid ejecting unit in which N head modules that eject liquid are connected to each other, and each of the N first modules corresponding to each of the N head modules. Are connected to the liquid discharge portion disposed in the first direction, and the relay portion is disposed to face the liquid discharge portion, and at least N second connection portions are disposed in the first direction. A relay section disposed along the N connecting cables, and N cables connecting the N first connection sections of the liquid discharge section and the N second connection sections of the relay section, respectively. 1st to M-th in order from one end in the first direction to the other end side of the N first connection portions (M = N / 2 when N is an even number, M when N is an odd number) = (N-1) / 2) first connection part and M second connection parts on one end side in the first direction of the relay part Of these, the first to M-th second connecting portions from the other end side toward one end pass through one end in the first direction of the space between the liquid discharge portion and the relay portion, respectively. The first to (N−M) th first in order from the other end in the first direction to the one end side among the N first connection portions of the liquid discharge portion. And the first to (N-M) from one end side to the other end of (NM) second connection portions on the other end side in the first direction of the relay portion. And a liquid discharge head that connects the second connection portion by (NM) number of cables passing through the other end in the first direction of the space, and a second crossing the first direction. A recording medium for conveying the recording medium in the direction of the recording medium, and recording an image by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head to the recording medium to be conveyed And a picture recording unit.

  According to this aspect, it is possible to make the lengths of the wirings uniform while ensuring the assembly and accessibility of the liquid ejection head. In addition, stable quality images can be recorded.

  According to the present invention, when connecting a plurality of head modules and a member such as a relay board with a plurality of cables, the lengths of the cables can be made uniform while assembling and accessibility are ensured.

Diagram showing inkjet recording apparatus Schematic diagram of inkjet head Schematic diagram of the ink ejection part Schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the head module and substrate Schematic diagram showing the outline of the ink supply unit The figure which shows the connection of the connector of an ink discharge part, and the connector of a relay part Plan view showing wire harness The figure which shows the connection of the connector of an ink discharge part, and the connector of a relay part

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Outline of inkjet recording apparatus]
FIG. 1A is a side view showing the ink jet recording apparatus according to this embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a plan view. The ink jet recording apparatus 100 (an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus) includes an ink jet head 120 (an example of a recording medium) on a recording surface of a sheet 1 (an example of a recording medium) that is conveyed in a horizontal direction (Y direction) by a conveying unit 110 (an example of a conveying unit). This is a printer that discharges ink from the nozzle surface 122 of an example of a liquid discharge head to form an image.

[Outline of inkjet head]
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the inkjet head 120 as viewed from the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the paper 1. As shown in the figure, the inkjet head 120 has a plurality of head modules _{M i,} the support member 123 for holding a plurality of head modules _{M i,} the substrate _{B i} provided in the head modules _{M i,} each substrate _{B i} A board-side connector MC _i provided, an ink supply unit 126 that supplies ink to each head module M _i , a plurality of relay boards 127, a plurality of connectors KC _i arranged on each relay board 127, a control unit 130, etc. It is prepared for.

The inkjet head 120 includes 17 head modules M _{1 to} M ₁₇ that are continuously connected in the X direction (the width direction of the paper 1) and supported by a support member 123 to be an ink ejection unit 124 (an example of a liquid ejection unit). ). Thereby, the inkjet head 120 functions as a long full line type head.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the ink discharge unit 124 viewed from the nozzle surface 122 side. As shown in the figure, the head modules M _i, each plurality of nozzles N are arranged in a matrix, forms a nozzle surface 122 of inkjet head 120. The nozzle arrangement structure is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the 17 head modules _M 1 _{~M 17,} each substrate _B 1 _{.about.B 17} are provided. Each substrate B, ROM (not shown, an example of a memory) is provided, quality information such as the mounting position information and the ejection failure nozzle information of each head module M _i is stored in the ROM. Further, the 17 pieces of the substrate _B 1 _{.about.B 17,} an example of a substrate-side connector _(receptacle) MC 1 _{to MC 17} (first connecting portion for performing external electrical connection of the substrate _{B i} respectively, below Simply referred to as connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₁₇ ). Here, as shown in FIG. 2, connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₁₇ are arranged along the X direction.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the head module M and the substrate B in the ink ejection unit 124. As shown in the figure, the directions of the substrates B are alternately different in the Y direction in the order of arrangement in the X direction. For example, the boards B ₁ and B ₃ corresponding to the head modules M ₁ and M ₃ have a surface on which the connectors MC ₁ and MC ₃ are mounted facing downstream in the Y direction, and the head modules M ₂ and M ₄ In the boards B ₂ and B ₄ corresponding to, the surface on which the connectors MC ₂ and MC ₄ are mounted is directed to the upstream side in the Y direction. The connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₁₇ are arranged at equal intervals in the X direction.

Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the ink supply unit 126 (an example of a liquid supply unit) is disposed in a space between the ₁₇ head modules M _{1 to} M ₁₇ and the three relay boards 127-1 to 127-3. Arranged along the X direction.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the ink supply unit 126. As shown in the figure, the ink supply unit 126 includes a manifold 126M to which ink is supplied from an ink tank 140 disposed outside the inkjet head 120, and a tube for supplying ink to each head module M from the manifold 126M. It comprises a 126C, the valve _V 1 _{~V 17} for individually controlling the presence or absence of the supply of the ink to the head modules M.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 100 supplies ink to each head module M from an ink tank 140 via an ink supply unit 126 by a pump (not shown). Each head module M ejects ink from the nozzles according to the input drive waveform signal.

Returning to the description of FIG. 2 again, each relay board 127 has 6 board-side connectors (receptacles) KC _i (an example of a second connection portion, hereinafter simply referred to as connector KC _i ) for electrical connection or the like. It is provided one by one. By arranging the three relay boards 127-1 to 127-3 along the X direction, each board-side connector KC _i of the relay unit 128 is arranged along the X direction, and configures the relay unit 128. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, connectors KC ₁ to KC ₁₈ are arranged along the X direction.

The intervals between the connectors KC _{1 to} KC ₁₈ are equal to the intervals between the connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₁₇ . Incidentally, the three relay board 127-1～127-3 a single substrate, may be configured relay unit 128 by placing 18 connector KC _i in the single substrate.

The connectors MC _{1 to} MC _{17 of the} ink discharge unit 124 and the 17 connectors KC _{i of the 18} connectors KC _{1 to} KC 18 of the relay unit 128 are connected by 17 wire harnesses. In FIG. 2, only the wire harness 125 that connects the connector MC ₁ and the connector KC ₈ is illustrated, and the wire harness that connects the other connectors is omitted.

In the relay unit 128, the wirings of the connectors KC _{1 to} KC ₆ of the relay board 127-1 are combined into the connector KC _IN of the relay board 127-1. Further, the connector _{KC IN} of the relay board 127-1 and the connector _{KC OUT} of the relay substrate 127-2 are connected by a wire harness 129-1.

Similarly, the wirings of the connectors KC _{7 to} KC ₁₂ of the relay board 127-2 and the wirings connected to the connector KC _IN of the relay board 127-2 are combined into the connector KC _IN of the relay board 127-2. Further, the connector _{KC IN} of the relay board 127-2 and the connector _{KC OUT} of the relay substrate 127-3 are connected by a wire harness 129-2.

Further, the wirings of the connectors KC _{13 to} KC ₁₈ of the relay board 127-3 and the wirings connected to the connector KC _OUT of the relay board 127-3 are combined into the connector KC _IN of the relay board 127-3. The connector KC _IN of the relay board 127-3 is connected to the connector SC of the control unit 130 by the wire harness 129-3.

Note that the wirings of the connectors KC _IN of the three relay boards 127-1 to 127-3 may be directly connected to the control unit 130.

Control unit 130 (an example of an image recording unit) has a CPU (not shown) for performing ROM read and write provided in each substrate _{B i} of the ink discharge portion 124 through the relay unit 128 (access) . Further, it is also possible to adopt a mode for performing ejection control of each head module M _i (drive waveform output) by the CPU.

[Connection between ink discharge section and relay section]
FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of the connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₁₇ of the ink ejection unit 124 and the connectors KC _{1 to} KC ₁₈ of the relay unit 128 and their connections when the inkjet head 120 is viewed from the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the paper 1. FIG. Here, the right side of FIG. 6 is called the OPS side (Operation Panel Side, an example of one end in the first direction), and the left side is called the NOPS side (Non Operation Panel Side, an example of the other end in the first direction). .

The ink discharge portion 124 and the relay unit 128, are arranged facing away in the Z direction by a distance d _Z, the ink supply portion 126 is disposed in the space therebetween.

In addition, the connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₁₇ of the ink discharge unit 124 and the connectors KC _{1 to} KC ₁₈ of the relay unit 128 are arranged along the X direction. Here, since the connector KC _i of the relay unit 128 is one more, the connector of the ink discharge unit 124 is not disposed at the position corresponding to the connector KC ₁ , and the connector at the position corresponding to the connector KC _2. MC _1, connector KC ₃ connector _MC 2 at a position corresponding to, ..., connector _{KC 17} connector _{MC 16} at positions corresponding to the connector _{MC 17} at a position corresponding to the connector _{KC 18} is disposed.

Here, the position corresponding to the connector does not necessarily have to be the same position in the Z direction, and it is only necessary that the connectors are arranged in a one-to-one order. In addition, the connector KC _i and the connector KC _i do not need to have the insertion ports of the respective connectors facing each other, and may be arranged, for example, in directions different by 90 degrees around the X axis.

Note that the intervals between the connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₁₇ and the intervals between the connectors KC _{1 to} KC ₁₈ are both equal, and this interval is d _x .

In the present embodiment, the connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₁₇ and the connectors KC _{1 to} KC ₁₈ are connected with a certain regularity. Specifically, among N (17 in this case) connectors MC _i of the ink ejection section 124, the first to Mth in order from the OPS side to the NOPS side (when N is an even number, M = N / 2, When N is an odd number, M = (N−1) / 2, here M = 8) connector MC _i (here, connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₈ ) and M connectors KC _i on the OPS side of the relay unit 128 Among them, the first to Mth connectors KC _i (here, connectors KC _{8 to} KC ₁ ) from the NOPS side to the OPS side are respectively connected to the ink supply unit 126 (the space between the ink discharge unit 124 and the relay unit 128). ) connected by M of cables passing through the OPS side, first to the order from the NOPS side to OPS side of the N connectors MC _i of the ink discharge portion 124 (N-M) th connector MC _i Here, the connector _MC 17 to MC ₉₎ is of NOPS side of the relay unit 128 (N-M) 1 th to the direction from the OPS side NOPS side of the pieces of the connector KC _i (N-M) th connector KC _i (here, connectors KC _{10 to} KC ₁₈ ) are connected by (N−M) cables respectively passing through the NOPS side of the ink supply unit 126.

That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the first connector MC ₁ from the OPS side of the ink discharge unit 124 and the eight connectors KC _i (connectors KC _{8 to} KC ₁ ) on the OPS side of the relay unit 128 from the NOPS side. The first connector KC ₈ toward the OPS side is connected by the wire harness 125-1. Further, a second connector KC ₇ toward the OPS side from NOPS side of the eight connectors KC _i from OPS side of the ink discharge portion 124 the second connector MC ₂ and OPS side of the relay unit 128, wire Connected by harness 125-2.

Similarly, although omitted in FIG. 6, the third connector MC ₃ , the fourth connector MC ₄ , the fifth connector MC ₅ , the sixth connector MC ₆ , and the seventh connector from the OPS side of the ink ejection unit 124. Connector MC ₇ , eighth connector MC _8, and among the eight connectors KC _i on the OPS side of the relay unit 128, the third connector KC ₆ , the fourth connector KC ₅ , from the NOPS side toward the OPS side, The fifth connector KC ₄ , the sixth connector KC ₃ , the seventh connector KC ₂ , and the eighth connector KC ₁ are connected by the wire harness 125, respectively.

Further, the first connector MC ₁₇ from the NOPS side to the OPS side of the ink ejection unit 124 and the first connector from the OPS side to the NOPS side among the nine connectors KC _i on the NOPS side of the relay unit 128. KC ₁₀ is connected by wire harness 125-17. The ninth connector MC ₉ from the NOPS side to the OPS side of the ink ejection unit 124 and the ninth connector from the OPS side to the NOPS side among the nine connectors KC _i on the NOPS side of the relay unit 128. KC ₁₈ is connected by wire harness 125-9.

Similarly, although omitted in FIG. 6, the second connector MC ₁₆ , the third connector MC ₁₅ , the fourth connector MC ₁₄ , and the fifth connector from the NOPS side to the OPS side of the ink ejection unit 124. MC ₁₃ , 6th connector MC ₁₂ , 7th connector MC ₁₁ , 8th connector MC _10, and 9 connectors KC _i on the NOPS side of relay unit 128 are second from the OPS side to the NOPS side Connector KC ₁₁ , third connector KC ₁₂ , fourth connector KC ₁₃ , fifth connector KC ₁₄ , sixth connector KC ₁₅ , seventh connector KC ₁₆ , and eighth connector KC ₁₇ , respectively. They are connected by a wire harness 125.

Here, since the relay unit 128 has a larger number of connectors, the connector KC ₉ is an unused connector.

Of these wire harnesses 125, the wire harness 125 that connects the connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₈ and the connectors KC _{8 to} KC ₁ connects the respective connectors via the OPS side of the ink supply unit 126, and the connectors The wire harness 125 that connects MC _{9 to} MC ₁₇ and the connectors KC _{18 to} KC ₁₀ connects the respective connectors via the NOPS side of the ink supply unit 126.

When reading the ROM of the head module M ₁ (the ROM provided on the board B ₁ ), the control unit 130 reads the ROM from the wiring connected to the connector KC ₈ provided on the relay board 127-2. Is issued. This signal is transmitted to the connector MC ₁ via the wire harness 125-1 is input to the substrate _{B 1.}

Similarly, the control unit 130, when outputting a drive waveform signal to the head module M ₉ outputs the driving waveform signal to wiring connected to the connector KC ₁₈ provided on the relay substrate 127-3. This waveform signal is transmitted to the connector MC ₉ through the wire harness 125-9 is input to the substrate _{B 9.}

The same applies when the control unit 130 acquires a signal from each head M _i (from the substrate B _i ).

  As described above, in this embodiment, the ink discharge unit 124 and the relay unit 128 are divided into the OPS side and the NOPS side from the approximate center in the X direction, respectively, and the OPS side connector of the ink discharge unit 124 and the OPS of the relay unit 128 are separated. Side connector is connected by a cable passing through the OPS side of the ink supply unit 126, and the NOPS side connector of the ink discharge unit 124 and the NOPS side connector of the relay unit 128 are connected by a cable passing through the NOPS side of the ink supply unit 126. Connecting. Further, each cable is connected to a connector KC closer to the NOPS side of the relay unit 128 as the connector MC closer to the OPS side of the ink discharge unit 124, and to the OPS side of the relay unit 128 as the connector MC closer to the NOPS side of the ink discharge unit 124. Connect to the connector KC close to.

Thus, the wire harness 125 can be made equal length by connecting each connector with regularity. That is, the wire harness 125-1 has a length (d _X × 7) from the position of the connector KC ₈ to the OPS side end of the relay unit 128 in the X direction (here, approximately the position of the connector KC ₁ ). The length (d _Z ) from the OPS side end of the part 128 to the OPS side end of the ink discharge part 124 in the Y direction, and from the OPS side end of the ink discharge part 124 to the position of the connector MC _{1 in} the X direction. A length (d _X × 1) is required. Further, the wire harness 125-2 has a length (d _X × 6) from the position of the connector KC ₇ to the OPS side end of the relay unit 128 in the X direction, and ink in the Y direction from the OPS side end of the relay unit 128. The length to the OPS side end of the ejection unit 124 (d _Z ) and the length from the OPS side end of the ink ejection unit 124 to the position of the connector MC _{2 in} the X direction (d _X × 2) are required. .

Similarly, the wire harness 125-9 is a length from the position of the connector KC ₁₈ that is the NOPS side end of the relay unit 128 to the NOPS side end of the ink ejection unit 124 (here, the connector MC ₁₇ ) in the Y direction. Length (d _Z ) and a length (d _X × 8) from the NOPS side end of the ink discharge section 124 to the position of the connector MC _{9 in} the X direction are required. Further, the wire harness 125-17 has a length (d _X × 8) from the position of the connector KC ₁₀ to the NOPS side end of the relay unit 128 in the X direction, and from the NOPS side end of the relay unit 128 in the Y direction. The length (d _Z ) to the connector MC ₁₇ which is the NOPS side end of the ink ejection part 124 is required.

Thus, since each wire harness 125 has a uniform required length of d _X × 8 + d _Z , it can be shared as a wire harness 125 of equal length l (l> d _X × 8 + d _Z ). . Thereby, cost reduction can be aimed at and assembly can be facilitated.

Further, it is possible to each wire harness 125 by the same length, the equivalent in the head modules M _i the influence on the image quality due to the impedance and inductance of the wire harness 125. For example, when the control unit 130 outputs a drive waveform signal to each head module M _i, the degree of deterioration of the drive waveform signal can be made equal at the head modules M _i.

  In addition, since each wire harness 125 is routed to connect each connector so as to avoid the ink supply unit 126 (the space between the ink discharge unit 124 and the relay unit 128), the assembly and accessibility of the inkjet head 120 is ensured. be able to.

Further, by setting the unused connector of the relay unit 128 to a connector (here, KC ₉ ) disposed in the center, the assemblability and the accessibility can be further improved.

In the present embodiment, the connection between N = 17 connectors MC _i of the ink ejection unit 124 and N + 1 = 18 connectors KC _i of the relay unit 128 has been described, but the value of N is not particularly limited.

  In order to increase the density of the inkjet head, due to the accuracy of the nozzles, a large number of head modules made with high precision are continuously connected and arranged. However, as the number of head modules increases, the number of head modules increases. Connection becomes complicated, and assemblability and accessibility deteriorate. Moreover, the number of parts increases as the number of cables having different lengths increases. Therefore, this embodiment has a particularly remarkable effect when N is 6 or more, particularly 10 or more.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the wire harness 125 used in the present embodiment. In the wire harness 125, a plurality of wires 131 having a length l are bundled by a covering portion 132, and both ends of the plurality of wires 131 are connected to wiring side connectors (plugs) 133 and 134 (an example of a fitted portion, hereinafter simply referred to as a connector 133). , 134). As the wiring 131, a metal wiring that can be electrically connected, an optical cable that can transmit a digital signal, or the like can be used.

The connector 133 has a shape that can be fitted to the connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₁₇ of the ink discharge portion 124, and the connector 134 has a shape that can be fitted to the connectors KC _{1 to} KC ₁₈ of the relay portion 128. .

  In addition, the covering portion 132 of the wire harness 125 is provided with a tag 135 for preventing erroneous wiring by the user. The tag 135 has a connector number to be connected, a head module number, and the like. Further, the wiring portion 132 may be color-coded to prevent erroneous wiring. For example, by using the two-color wire harnesses 125 alternately and connecting them, the user can easily be made aware when there is an incorrect wiring.

  Using such a wire harness 125, the ink ejection unit 124 and the relay unit 128 can be connected. As a result, it is possible to read / write the ROM provided on each substrate B by the control unit 130 and to control the ejection of each head module M.

In this embodiment, the connector _MC 1 _{to MC 18} of the ink discharge portion 124, but a connector _KC 1 _{~KC 18} of the relay unit 128 are connected by a wire harness 125 each, these connectors are not essential. For example, a mode in which one end of the cable is fixed to the relay unit 128 with solder or the like and the other end is connected with a connector is also possible. Even in this case, the assembling property and accessibility of the ink jet head can be secured, and the length of the cable can be made equal.

  In this embodiment, the ink jet head 120 includes the ink supply section 126, the relay section 128, and the control section 130 in addition to the ink discharge section 124. However, these are not all arranged in the ink jet head 120. Also good. For example, a case where an inkjet head including the ink discharge unit 124 and the ink supply unit 126 is connected to the relay unit 128 outside the inkjet head is also included in this aspect.

[Second Embodiment]
Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a connector _MC 1 _{to MC 18} of the ink discharge portion 124 according to the second embodiment, and their connection arrangement of the connector _KC 1 _{~KC 18} of the relay unit 128. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is common in FIG. 6, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the present embodiment, the number of connectors MC of the ink ejection unit 124 and the number of connectors KC of the relay unit 128 are the same (18 each). Thus, connector MC ₁ in a position corresponding to the connector KC _1, connector _MC 2 at a position corresponding to the connector KC _2, · · ·, connector _{MC 17} at a position corresponding to the connector _{KC 17,} the position corresponding to the connector _{KC 18} The connector MC ₁₈ is arranged on the front side.

As in the first embodiment, the connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₁₈ and the connectors KC _{1 to} KC ₁₈ are connected with a certain regularity. Specifically, among the N (in this case, 18) connectors MC _i of the ink ejection unit 124, the first to Mth (here, M = 9) connectors MC _i (here, M = 9) from the OPS side to the NOPS side. Here, among the connectors MC _{1 to} MC ₉ ) and the M connectors KC _i on the OPS side of the relay unit 128, the first to Mth connectors KC _i (here, the connectors KC ₉ to KC _i) from the NOPS side toward the OPS side. KC ₁ ) are connected to each other by M cables passing through the OPS side of the ink supply unit 126 (the space between the ink discharge unit 124 and the relay unit 128), and the N connectors MC _{i of the} ink discharge unit 124 are connected. the first to sequentially toward the OPS side from NOPS side of the (N-M) th connector MC _i (connector _MC 10 _{to MC 18} in this case), N relay 128 The PS side and (N-M) pieces of the connector KC 1 th to the direction from the OPS side NOPS side of _i (N-M) th connector KC _i (connector _KC 10 _{~KC 18} in this case), respectively Connection is made by (N−M) cables via the NOPS side of the ink supply unit 126.

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the first connector MC ₁ from the OPS side of the ink discharge unit 124 and the nine connectors KC _i (connectors KC _{9 to} KC ₁ ) on the OPS side of the relay unit 128 from the NOPS side. The first connector KC ₉ toward the OPS side is connected by the wire harness 125-1. The ninth connector MC ₉ from the OPS side of the ink discharge unit 124 and the ninth connector KC ₁ from the NOPS side to the OPS side among the nine connectors KC _i from the OPS side of the relay unit 128 are connected to the wire. Connected by harness 125-9.

Similarly, although omitted in FIG. 8, the second connector MC ₂ , the third connector MC ₃ , the fourth connector MC ₄ , the fifth connector MC ₅ , the sixth from the OPS side of the ink ejection unit 124. Connector MC ₆ , seventh connector MC ₇ , eighth connector MC _8, and second connector KC ₈ from the NOPS side to the OPS side among the nine connectors KC _i on the OPS side of the relay unit 128. The third connector KC ₇ , the fourth connector KC ₆ , the fifth connector KC ₅ , the sixth connector KC ₄ , the seventh connector KC ₃ , and the eighth connector KC ₂ are respectively connected by the wire harness 125. Connected.

Further, the first connector MC ₁₈ from the NOPS side to the OPS side of the ink discharge unit 124 and the first connector from the OPS side to the NOPS side among the nine connectors KC _i on the NOPS side of the relay unit 128. KC ₁₀ is connected by wire harness 125-18. Also, the ninth connector MC ₁₀ from the NOPS side to the OPS side of the ink ejection unit 124 and the ninth connector from the OPS side to the NOPS side among the nine connectors KC _i on the NOPS side of the relay unit 128 KC ₁₈ is connected by wire harness 125-10.

Similarly, although omitted in FIG. 8, the second connector MC ₁₇ , the third connector MC ₁₆ , the fourth connector MC ₁₅ , the fifth connector MC ₁₄ , the sixth from the NOPS side of the ink ejection unit 124. Connector MC ₁₃ , seventh connector MC ₁₂ , eighth connector MC _11, and second connector KC ₁₁ from the OPS side to the NOPS side among the nine connectors KC _i on the NOPS side of the relay unit 128. The third connector KC ₁₂ , the fourth connector KC ₁₃ , the fifth connector KC ₁₄ , the sixth connector KC ₁₅ , the seventh connector KC ₁₆ , and the eighth connector KC ₁₇ are respectively connected by the wire harness 125. Connected.

Also, among the wire harness 125, the wire harness 125 which connects the connector _MC 1 to MC ₉ and the connector _KC 9 _{~KC 1} connects respective connector via the OPS side of the ink supply portion 126, the connector The wire harness 125 that connects MC _{10 to} MC ₁₈ and the connectors KC _{18 to} KC ₁₀ connects the respective connectors via the NOPS side of the ink supply unit 126.

When reading the ROM of the head module M ₁ (the ROM provided on the board B ₁ ), the control unit 130 reads the ROM from the wiring connected to the connector KC ₉ provided on the relay board 127-2. Is issued. This signal is transmitted to the connector MC ₁ via the wire harness 125-1 is input to the substrate _{B 1.}

Similarly, the control unit 130, when outputting a drive waveform signal to the head module M ₁₀ outputs a driving waveform signal to wiring connected to the connector KC ₁₈ provided on the relay substrate 127-3. This waveform signal is transmitted to the connector _{MC 10} via the wire harness 125-10 is input to the substrate _{B 10.}

The same applies when the control unit 130 acquires a signal from each head M _i (from the substrate B _i ).

Thus, by connecting each connector, the wire harness 125 can be made equal length. That is, the wire harness 125-1 has a length (d _X × 8) from the position of the connector KC ₉ to the OPS side end of the relay unit 128 in the X direction (here, approximately the position of the connector KC ₁ ), and A length (d _Z ) from the OPS side end of the relay unit 128 to the connector MC ₁ which is the OPS side end of the ink discharge unit 124 is required in the Y direction. In addition, the wire harness 125-9 includes a length (d _Z ) from the position of the connector KC ₉ which is the OPS side end of the relay unit 128 to the OPS side end of the ink discharge unit 124 in the Y direction, and the ink discharge unit. A length (d _X × 8) from the end of the OPS side of 124 to the position of the connector MC _{2 in} the X direction is required.

Similarly, the wire harness 125-10 is connected to the NOPS side end of the ink discharge unit 124 in the Y direction from the position of the connector KC ₁₈ that is the NOPS side end of the relay unit 128 (here, approximately the position of the connector MC ₁₈ ). until the length _(d Z), and the length from NOPS the side end of the ink discharge portion 124 to the position of the connector _{MC 10} in the X direction _{(d X} × 8) is required. Further, the wire harness 125-18 has a length (d _X × 8) from the position of the connector KC ₁₈ to the NOPS side end of the relay unit 128 in the X direction, and from the NOPS side end of the relay unit 128 in the Y direction. The length (d _Z ) to the connector MC ₁₈ that is the end on the NOPS side of the ink discharge unit 124 is required.

Thus, also in this embodiment, each wire harness 125 has a uniform required length of d _X × 8 + d _Z , so that the wire harness 125 of equal length l (l> d _X × 8 + d _Z ) is used. It can be made common, thereby reducing costs.

  Further, since each wire harness 125 is routed to connect each connector so as to avoid the ink supply unit 126 (the space between the ink ejection unit 124 and the relay unit 128), assembling property and accessibility can be ensured.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. The configurations and the like in the embodiments can be appropriately combined between the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Inkjet recording apparatus, 120 ... Inkjet head, 124 ... Ink discharge part, 125 ... Wire harness, 126 ... Ink supply part, 127 ... Relay board, 128 ... Relay part, 130 ... Control part, _BI ... Board | substrate, KC _I … Board side connector, M _I … Head module, MC _I … Board side connector, V _I … Valve

Claims (13)

A liquid ejecting unit in which N head modules for ejecting liquid are connected to each other, and N first connection units respectively corresponding to the N head modules are arranged along a first direction. A discharge part;
A relay unit disposed opposite to the liquid discharge unit, wherein at least N second connection units are disposed along the first direction;
N cables respectively connecting the N first connection parts of the liquid discharge part and the N second connection parts of the relay part;
With
Among the N first connecting portions of the liquid ejection portion, the first to Mth in order from one end in the first direction to the other end side (when N is an even number, M = N / 2, When N is an odd number, the first connection part of M = (N−1) / 2) and the M second connection parts on the one end side in the first direction of the relay part The first to Mth second connection portions from the other end side toward the one end, and the one end in the first direction of the space between the liquid discharge portion and the relay portion, respectively. Are connected by M cables that pass through the first, from among the N first connection portions of the liquid discharge portion, from the other end in the first direction toward the one end side in order. Among the (N−M) th first connection portion and the (N−M) second connection portions on the other end side in the first direction of the relay portion. The first to (N−M) -th second connection portions from the end side toward the other end pass through the other end in the first direction of the space (N−M), respectively. ) Liquid discharge head connected by a book cable.   2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid supply unit configured to supply the liquid to the N head modules, the liquid supply unit being disposed in the space along the first direction.   3. The interval in the first direction of the first connection portion of the liquid discharge portion and the interval in the first direction of the second connection portion of the relay portion are the same. Liquid discharge head.   4. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the N cables have the same length. 5.   5. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the first connection portion includes a connector that can be fitted to the fitted portion.   6. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the second connection portion includes a connector that can be fitted to the fitted portion.   The liquid ejection head according to claim 5, wherein the cable is a wire harness having a fitted portion at least one end of which can be fitted to the connector.   The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit connected to the N head modules via the relay unit. Each of the N head modules includes a memory,
The liquid ejection head according to claim 8, wherein the control unit accesses a memory of the N head modules.   The liquid ejection head according to claim 9, wherein mounting information of each head module is stored in the memory.   The liquid ejection head according to claim 9 or 10, wherein defective memory information of each head module is stored in the memory.   The liquid discharge head according to claim 8, wherein the control unit performs discharge control of the head module. A liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Conveying means for conveying a recording medium in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
Image recording means for recording an image by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head to the transported recording medium;
A liquid ejection device comprising:

Images