JP2016043671A - Channel member, liquid jetting head and liquid jetting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a channel member, a liquid jetting head and a liquid jetting device capable of suitably connecting a channel by reducing a stress from a seal member to a liquid introduction needle.SOLUTION: A channel member which is connected with a first member having a first channel and allows liquid to be supplied from the first channel thereto includes: a liquid introduction needle 100 which is inserted to the first member; and a second channel 110 which is connected with the first channel. Therein, the liquid introduction needle has a tip part 101, a root part, an inclination part 103 of which the diameter becomes gradually larger toward the root part from the tip part, a straight part of which the diameter is constant and a groove part having a part in which the width on an outer circumference of the liquid introduction needle becomes gradually larger, the straight part respectively has a positioning range 104a which is positioned by coming into contact with the first member and a seal range which is sealed by coming into contact with a seal member disposed on the first member, and the groove part is provided so as to attain to the positioning range and so as not to attain to the seal range 104b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a flow path member, a liquid ejecting head, and a liquid ejecting apparatus, and more particularly to a flow path member, an ink jet recording head, and an ink jet recording apparatus for an ink jet recording head that ejects ink as a liquid.

  A typical example of a liquid ejecting head that ejects droplets is an ink jet recording head that ejects ink droplets. The ink jet recording head includes, for example, a head main body that discharges ink droplets from nozzles and a flow that supplies ink from a liquid storage unit such as an ink cartridge that is fixed to the head main body and stores ink to each head main body. A road member has been proposed.

  In this type of liquid ejecting apparatus, a liquid introduction needle (liquid introduction columnar body) is inserted into a self-sealing unit having an ink cartridge or a self-sealing valve, so that the tip of the liquid introduction needle (tapered portion) is provided. The ink in the ink cartridge and the ink supplied to the self-sealing unit are introduced to the recording head which is a kind of liquid ejecting head through the perforated ink introduction hole (liquid introduction hole).

  In such a structure, the liquid introduction needle is press-fitted into a seal member provided in the ink cartridge or the self-sealing unit to secure the seal, but at this time, stress (reaction force) is applied in the mounting direction. Therefore, for example, when a large number of head main bodies are arranged, the flatness of the nozzle surface is required. Therefore, there is a demand for reducing the reaction force from the sealing member as described above as much as possible.

  As a structure of such a liquid introduction needle, a structure in which a groove is dug in the surface of the liquid introduction needle has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-126591 A

  The structure of the liquid introduction needle described above is a resin film (sealing film) made of thin PP (polypropylene) or the like that can break the opening of a needle insertion port (ink outlet) provided on the bottom surface of the ink cartridge. This is to prevent air from entering the ink flow path when the liquid introduction needle breaks and is inserted into the needle insertion port, eliminating the problem of reaction force between the liquid introduction needle and the seal member Not trying.

  Further, if the elastic force of the seal member is set to be small, there is a problem that the sealing performance of the seal member is lowered and ink leakage may occur from the connection portion of the flow path.

  Such a problem exists not only in an ink jet recording head but also in a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid other than ink.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention provides a flow path member, a liquid ejecting head, and a liquid ejecting apparatus that can reduce the stress from the seal member to the liquid introduction needle and can connect the flow path appropriately. Objective.

[Aspect 1] An aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described problem is a flow path member that is connected to a first member having a first flow path and is supplied with a liquid from the first flow path. A liquid introduction needle inserted into the first flow path, and a second flow path connected to the first flow path, wherein the liquid introduction needle has a tip portion in a protruding direction and a root opposite to the tip portion. And a slope part gradually increasing in diameter from the tip part toward the root part opposite to the tip part, and continuing from the tip part toward the root part with the slope part and having a constant diameter. A straight portion and a groove portion formed across the boundary from the inclined portion to the straight portion, and having a portion where the width on the outer periphery of the liquid introduction needle gradually increases, and the straight portion includes the first portion A positioning range positioned by contacting the member, and the first member Each having a seal range sealed by abutting a seal member provided in the direction from the tip portion toward the root portion, the groove portion reaching the positioning range, and The flow path member is provided so as not to reach the sealing range.
In such an aspect, when the cartridge or the self-sealing valve is attached to the liquid introduction needle, the outer periphery of the opening of the seal member of the cartridge or the self-sealing valve has a rib shape other than the groove portion of the inclined portion of the liquid introduction needle. The groove of the liquid introduction needle is gradually widened in the direction in which the liquid introduction needle protrudes, so that the extent of the expansion is effective. Can be made smaller. Further, since the contact range between the seal member and the liquid supply needle is reduced by the amount of the groove portion, the friction associated with the mounting is reduced by the amount corresponding to the range, so that the deformation amount of the seal member can be reduced and received from the seal member. Reaction force can also be reduced. Further, since the groove portion is formed across the boundary from the inclined portion to the straight portion, air can be released during insertion.

[Aspect 2] In Aspect 1, it is preferable that the width of the groove portion gradually increases from the tip portion toward the root portion and then gradually decreases. In this aspect, since the width of the groove portion is gradually reduced, the attachment hook can be reduced when the seal member reaches the seal range of the liquid introduction needle with respect to the liquid introduction needle.

[Aspect 3] In Aspect 1 or 2, it is preferable that the dimension in which the width of the groove portion gradually increases in the direction in which the liquid introduction needle protrudes is larger than the dimension in which the width of the groove portion gradually decreases. In this aspect, since the portion where the groove portion is present cannot be sealed even if its width is gradually reduced, the length of the liquid introduction needle must be increased if the width of the groove portion is gradually reduced. Depending on the conditions, the distance at which the seal member receives friction can be shortened while reducing the liquid introduction needle.

[Aspect 4] In any one of aspects 1 to 3, the ratio of the width of the rib portion, which is a portion other than the groove portion in the circumferential direction of the liquid introduction needle, to the entire circumference (rib portion / full circumference) is 0. It is preferably in the range of 4 or more and 0.7 or less. In such an aspect, when there is a width of the groove portion that falls within the above-described range, the reaction force received from the seal member can be effectively reduced.

[Aspect 5] Another aspect of the invention is a liquid ejecting head including the flow path member according to any one of aspects 1 to 4.
In this aspect, when the cartridge or the self-sealing valve is attached to the liquid introduction needle, the reaction force received from the cartridge or the sealing member of the self-sealing valve can be reduced. Can be provided.

[Aspect 6] A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising the liquid ejecting head according to aspect 5.
In this aspect, when the liquid introduction needle is attached to the cartridge or the self-sealing valve, the reaction force received from the sealing member of the cartridge or the self-sealing valve can be reduced, but the liquid ejecting apparatus without reducing the sealing performance is provided. Can be provided.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a printer. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a recording head. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a recording head. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a recording head. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of a recording head. FIG. It is the perspective view and side view explaining the structure of a liquid introduction needle. It is the top view and sectional drawing explaining the structure of a liquid introduction needle. It is a side view explaining the structure of a liquid introduction needle. It is a perspective view explaining the structure of an ink cartridge. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part for explaining mounting of a liquid introduction needle to a needle insertion port of an ink cartridge. It is the figure which showed typically the connection state of the self-sealing unit and the liquid introduction needle.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments.

<Embodiment 1>
The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, various limitations are made as preferred specific examples of the present invention. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following description unless otherwise specified. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In this embodiment, an ink jet recording apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a printer) which is a typical liquid ejecting apparatus will be described as an example.

  1 is a perspective view of a printer represented by an ink jet recording apparatus, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the recording head, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the recording head, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the recording head, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the recording head.

  First, a schematic configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus (a type of liquid ejecting apparatus, hereinafter referred to as a printer) on which a recording head is mounted will be described with reference to FIG. The illustrated printer 1 is a device that records an image or the like by ejecting droplet-like ink onto the surface of a recording medium (ejection target) 2 such as recording paper. The printer 1 includes a recording head 3, a carriage 4 to which the recording head 3 is attached, a carriage moving mechanism 5 that reciprocates the carriage 4 in the main scanning direction, and a recording medium 2 in the sub-scanning direction (in the main scanning direction). A paper feed mechanism 6 and the like for feeding in a direction orthogonal to each other are provided. Here, the ink is a kind of liquid in the present invention, and is stored in the ink cartridge 7 (a kind of liquid storage member). The ink cartridge 7 is detachably attached to the carriage 4 of the recording head 3.

  The carriage moving mechanism 5 includes a timing belt 8. The timing belt 8 is driven by a pulse motor 9 such as a DC motor. Accordingly, when the pulse motor 9 is operated, the carriage 4 is guided by the guide rod 10 installed on the printer 1 and reciprocates in the main scanning direction (width direction of the recording medium 2).

  Next, the configuration of the recording head 3 will be described. The illustrated recording head 3 is generally composed of an introduction needle unit 15, a head case 16, a flow path unit 17, a vibrator unit 18, and the like.

  The introduction needle unit 15 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of cartridge mounting portions 15a are provided on the upper surface thereof. A liquid introduction needle 100 is attached to each cartridge mounting portion 15a with a filter 19 for filtering ink in the ink flow path interposed, with the tip protruding upward. In addition, an ink cartridge 7 storing various inks is mounted on these cartridge mounting portions 15a. When the ink cartridge 7 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 15 a, the liquid introduction needle 100 is inserted into the ink cartridge 7. As a result, the ink storage space inside the ink cartridge 7 and the ink flow path inside the recording head 3 pass through the liquid introduction hole 111 and the liquid introduction path 110 (see FIG. 7) drilled at the tip of the liquid introduction needle 100. The ink stored in the ink cartridge 7 is introduced into the recording head 3 through the liquid introduction hole 111 and the liquid introduction path 110. Details of the ink cartridge 7 and the liquid introduction needle 100 will be described later.

  A circuit board 25 is attached between the lower surface of the introduction needle unit 15 and the upper surface of the head case 16 on the opposite side of the cartridge mounting portion, as shown in FIG. The circuit board 25 includes, for example, a circuit pattern for supplying a drive signal to the piezoelectric vibrator 26 (see FIG. 5), a connector for connection to the main body of the printer 1, and the like. The circuit board 25 is attached to the introduction needle unit 15 via a sheet member 27 that functions as a packing.

  The head case 16 is a hollow box-shaped member for housing the vibrator unit 18 having the piezoelectric vibrator 26. Inside the head case 16, an accommodation space 28 (see FIG. 5) that can accommodate the transducer unit 18 is formed. The vibrator unit 18 is housed in the housing space 28 and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the housing space 28 by bonding or the like. A flow path unit 17 is fixed to the front end surface of the head case 16 opposite to the mounting surface of the introduction needle unit 15 with an adhesive or the like. In the flow path unit 17, the nozzle plate 30 is disposed on one surface side of the flow path formation substrate 29 with the flow path formation substrate 29 interposed therebetween, and the vibration plate 31 is disposed on the other side opposite to the nozzle plate 30. It is manufactured by joining and integrating with an adhesive or the like in a state of being arranged and laminated on the surface side.

  The nozzle plate 30 is a member made of, for example, a thin plate made of stainless steel, and fine nozzle openings 14 are formed in a row in the nozzle plate 30 at a pitch corresponding to the dot formation density of the printer 1. The head cover 32 is made of, for example, a metal thin plate member, and is attached to the distal end portion of the head case 16 so as to surround the peripheral edge portion from the outside of the nozzle plate 30. The head cover 32 has a function of protecting the flow path unit 17 and the tip of the head case 16 and preventing the nozzle plate 30 from being charged.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the flow path forming substrate 29 joined to the nozzle plate 30 includes an empty portion that becomes the common ink chamber 33, a communication portion that becomes the ink supply port 34, and an empty portion that becomes the pressure chamber 35. A plurality of plate-like members formed in correspondence with the respective nozzle openings 14 in a state of being partitioned by. The flow path forming substrate 29 is produced, for example, by etching a silicon wafer. The pressure chamber 35 is formed as a long and narrow chamber in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the nozzle openings 14 are arranged (nozzle row direction). Further, the common ink chamber 33 communicates with the liquid introduction path 110 (see FIG. 7) of the liquid introduction needle 100 via the head flow path 37 formed through the height direction of the head case 16, and the ink cartridge 7. This is a chamber into which the ink stored in is introduced. The ink introduced into the common ink chamber 33 is supplied to each pressure chamber 35 through the ink supply port 34.

  The vibration plate 31 bonded to the other surface of the flow path forming substrate 29 opposite to the nozzle plate 30 is a double structure composite in which an elastic film is laminated on a metal support plate such as stainless steel. It is a board material. An island 40 for joining the tip of the free end of the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is formed in a portion corresponding to the pressure chamber 35 of the vibration plate 31, and this portion functions as a diaphragm portion. Further, the diaphragm 31 seals one opening surface of the empty portion that becomes the common ink chamber 33, and also functions as a compliance portion. Only the elastic film is used for the portion functioning as the compliance portion.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the vibrator unit 18 includes a piezoelectric vibrator group 41 as pressure generating means, a fixed plate 42 to which the piezoelectric vibrator group 41 is joined, and a circuit board on the piezoelectric vibrator group 41. 25, a flexible cable (not shown) for supplying a drive signal from 25, and the like. The piezoelectric vibrator group 41 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators 26 arranged in a comb shape. Each piezoelectric vibrator 26 has a fixed end joined to the fixed plate 42, and a free end protruding outside the front end surface of the fixed plate 42. That is, each piezoelectric vibrator 26 is mounted on the fixed plate 42 in a so-called cantilever state. The fixing plate 42 that supports each piezoelectric vibrator 26 is made of stainless steel having a thickness of about 1 mm, for example. In addition to the piezoelectric vibrator, an electrostatic actuator, a magnetostrictive element, a heating element, or the like can be used as the pressure generating means.

  In the recording head 3, when the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is expanded and contracted in the longitudinal direction of the element, the island 40 moves in a direction toward or away from the pressure chamber 35. As a result, the volume of the pressure chamber 35 changes, and the pressure in the ink in the pressure chamber 35 varies. Ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle openings 14 due to this pressure fluctuation.

  Next, the liquid introduction needle 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (a) is a perspective view, FIGS. 6 (b) and 6 (c) are side views, FIG. 7 (a) is a top view, and FIG. 7 (b) is a sectional view taken along line AA ′.

  As shown in these drawings, the liquid introduction needle 100 has a tip portion 101 in the protruding direction and a root portion 102 on the opposite side of the tip portion 101. Further, there are an inclined portion 103 whose diameter gradually increases from the tip portion 101 toward the root portion 102, and a straight portion 104 that is continuous with the inclined portion 103 and has a constant diameter.

  The inclined portion 103 has a substantially conical shape, and an R portion 105 is provided at the boundary with the straight portion 104.

  A groove portion 107 is formed across the boundary between the inclined portion 103 and the straight portion 104, and a region other than the groove portion 107 of the inclined portion 103 becomes a rib portion 108.

Here, the groove portion 107 is formed so as to scrape the conical inclined outer peripheral surface, the width in the outer peripheral direction gradually increases from the tip portion 101 side toward the straight portion 104, and the straight portion 104 from the vicinity of the straight portion 104. The width in the outer circumferential direction is gradually reduced toward the end. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, the width of the groove portion 107 in the outer circumferential direction gradually increases from the tip portion 101 toward the straight portion 104, d ₁ <d ₂ <d ₃ , and the inclined portion. It has a maximum width _{d 3} in the straight portion 104 near the 103. On the other hand, from the maximum width _{d 3} is a width gradually _decreases, and has a _{d 3> d 4> d 5} .

  On the other hand, the rib portion 108 is formed to have a substantially constant circumferential width from the tip portion 101 side toward the straight portion 104, and the width gradually increases from the vicinity of the straight portion 104 of the inclined portion 103 to the straight portion 104. Yes.

  As described above, by providing the inclined portion 103 with the groove portion 107 whose width in the outer circumferential direction gradually increases, only the rib portion 108 comes into contact with the seal member 45 when press-fitted into the seal member 45 as described later. Since the seal member 45 is expanded, the degree of expansion is reduced. As a result, the reaction force from the seal member 45 is reduced. Further, the width of the groove portion 107 on the straight portion 104 side is gradually reduced. Thereby, catching with the sealing member 45 is reduced, and mounting becomes relatively easy.

Here, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), the dimension _{L 1} in which the width of the groove 107 gradually increases is larger than the dimension _{L 2} of the width of the groove 107 is gradually reduced, _i.e., it has a L 1> _{L 2} Is preferred. According to this, in the portion where there is a groove 107, since the width can not be sealed and no matter gradually decreases, as the size L ₂ is large width of the groove gradually decreases, inevitably length of the liquid introduction needle 100 is long However, the above-described conditions are preferable because the distance at which the seal member receives friction can be shortened while reducing the liquid introduction needle.

  Further, the ratio of the width of the rib portion 108 in the circumferential direction of the liquid introduction needle 100 to the entire circumference at the boundary between the inclined portion 103 and the straight portion 104 (rib portion / entire circumference) is 0.4 or more,. It is desirable that it is in the range of 7 or less, preferably 0.45 to 0.50. When the width of the groove 107 is in such a range, the reaction force received from the seal member 45 can be effectively reduced. In addition, a seal range 104b described later can be provided sufficiently.

  In the present embodiment, four grooves 107 and ribs 108 are equally provided in the outer circumferential direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of grooves 107 is two or more, preferably three or more. The number is not limited.

  A liquid introduction path 110 corresponding to the second flow path is provided inside the liquid introduction needle 100, one end communicates with the liquid introduction path 110, and the other end opens near the tip 101 of the inclined portion 103. In this embodiment, two introduction holes 111 are provided. In the present embodiment, the opening 112 on the distal end side of the liquid introduction hole 111 is opened in the groove 107, but is not limited thereto, and may be opened in the rib 108, or the groove 107 and the rib You may open to the boundary part with the part 108. FIG.

  As will be described in detail later, in the straight portion 104, a predetermined range from the boundary portion with the inclined portion 103 is the positioning range 104a, and the root portion 102 side of the positioning range 104a is the seal range 104b. In addition, although the groove part 107 mentioned above is formed to the positioning range 104a, it is formed so that it may not reach the seal | sticker range 104b.

  Here, even if the groove portion 107 is formed on a part of the positioning range 104a in the insertion direction, that is, on the distal end side in the insertion direction, the positioning can be reliably performed on the rear end side. Even if the groove 107 is formed in the entire positioning range 104a, positioning can be performed only by the rib 108 in the positioning range 104a as long as three or more ribs 108 are provided.

  On the other hand, the groove portion 107 is not provided in the seal range 104b, so that the seal can be surely performed.

  Such a liquid introduction needle 100 is inserted into the ink cartridge 7 having the first flow path, communicates the first flow path and the liquid introduction path 110 which is the second flow path, and ink in the first flow path. Is supplied to the recording head 3 through the liquid introduction path 110. The printer 1 according to the present embodiment uses eight types of ink, specifically, eight colors of ink including yellow, magenta, cyan, matte black, photo black, red, blue, and gloss optimizer (clear). The recording head 3 has a total of eight ink cartridges 7 that store each ink individually.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a needle insertion port 44 into which the liquid introduction needle 100 is inserted is provided on the bottom surface of each ink cartridge 7. The needle insertion port 44 is formed as a cylindrical portion that is short from the bottom surface of the ink cartridge 7 toward the outside, and is formed of an elastic material such as rubber on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion and near the tip opening. The sealing member 45 (refer FIG. 10) which becomes is provided, and the sealing film 46 (refer FIG. 10) which is a kind of sealing member is adhere | attached and sealed at the front-end | tip opening. The sealing film 46 is a seal for preventing leakage and evaporation of ink stored inside when the ink cartridge 7 is not used. On the other hand, after the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, the seal member 45 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the seal range 104b of the straight portion 104 of the liquid introduction needle 100 in a liquid-tight state, and the ink stored in the ink cartridge 7 is retained. It is a member for preventing leakage to the outside.

  The mounting of such an ink cartridge 7 to the cartridge mounting portion 15a will be described. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part for explaining the mounting of the liquid introduction needle 100 to the needle insertion port 44 of the ink cartridge 7.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the liquid introduction needle 21 stands up on the cartridge mounting portion 15 a in the present embodiment. Accordingly, when the ink cartridge 7 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion, as shown in FIG. 10A, the ink cartridge 7 is directed downward from above the cartridge mounting portion with the needle insertion port 44 facing downward. Push in. By this pushing, the sealing film 46 of the needle insertion port 44 bends and comes into close contact with the outer surface on the distal end side of the liquid introduction needle 100, that is, the outer surfaces of the distal end portion 101 and the inclined portion 103. When the ink cartridge 7 is pushed down to the liquid introduction needle 100 side from this state to some extent, the liquid introduction needle 100 ruptures the sealing film 46 at the tip 101 as shown in FIG.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the ink cartridge 7 is pushed down to the root portion 102 of the liquid introduction needle 100, the liquid introduction needle 100 has a tip portion 101, an inclined portion 103, and a part of the straight portion 104. Is inserted into the ink cartridge 7, that is, the ink cartridge 7 is mounted, and the positioning range 104a of the straight portion 104 penetrates the seal member 45.

  When the inclined portion 103 is inserted into the seal member 45, since the groove portion 107 is formed in the inclined portion 103, only the rib portion 108 comes into contact with the seal member 45 to expand the seal member 45 and expand. The ratio is reduced and the frictional resistance due to contact is reduced. Thereby, the reaction force from the seal member 45 to the liquid introduction needle 100 is reduced, and a good positioning state is ensured.

  In such a mounting state, the positioning range 104a of the straight portion 104 is fitted and positioned in the positioning portion 47, and the valve 56 prevents the ink leakage at the tip portion 101 when the ink cartridge 7 is not mounted. Press to open. As a result, the inside of the ink cartridge 7 and the liquid introduction path 110 communicate with each other through the liquid introduction hole 111, and ink is introduced to the pressure chamber 35 side of the recording head 3.

(Embodiment 2)
In the above-described embodiment, the cartridge is taken as an example of the first flow path member. However, a self-sealing unit is provided instead of the cartridge, and the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit that can be received separately is supplied via a tube or the like. You may make it supply to a sealing unit.

  FIG. 11 schematically shows a connection state between such a self-sealing unit and a liquid introduction needle.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the self-sealing unit 70 includes a flow channel 71 serving as a first flow channel, and a seal member 72 is provided in the liquid introduction needle insertion portion. Is provided with a positioning portion 73.

  When the self-sealing unit 70 is pushed into the liquid introduction needle 100A, the distal end portion 101, the inclined portion 103, and a part of the straight portion 104 of the liquid introduction needle 100A are inserted into the inside, and the positioning range 104a of the straight portion 104 is a sealing member. 72 is penetrated.

  When the inclined portion 103 is inserted into the seal member 72, the groove portion 107 is formed in the inclined portion 103, and only the rib portion 108 contacts the seal member 72 and expands the seal member 45, so the ratio of expansion is reduced. In addition, frictional resistance due to contact is reduced. Thereby, the reaction force from the seal member 72 to the liquid introduction needle 100A is reduced, and a good positioning state is ensured.

  Further, in such a mounted state, the positioning range 104 a of the straight portion 104 is fitted and positioned in the positioning portion 73, and the straight portion 104 is reliably sealed by the seal range 104 b. Thereby, the flow path 71 of the self-sealing unit 70 and the liquid introduction path 110 communicate with each other through the liquid introduction hole 111.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was described, the fundamental structure of this invention is not limited to what was mentioned above.

  In the first embodiment described above, the ink cartridge is exemplified as the liquid storage means. However, the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and a self-sealing unit is provided as in the second embodiment. The liquid storage means and the ink jet recording head may be connected via a supply pipe such as a tube. Further, the liquid storage means may not be mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus.

  Furthermore, the present invention is intended for a wide range of liquid jet heads in general, for example, for manufacturing recording heads such as various ink jet recording heads used in image recording apparatuses such as printers, and color filters such as liquid crystal displays. The present invention can also be applied to a coloring material ejecting head, an organic EL display, an electrode material ejecting head used for forming electrodes such as an FED (field emission display), a bioorganic matter ejecting head used for biochip manufacturing, and the like.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer, 2 Recording medium, 3 Recording head, 4 Carriage, 5 Carriage moving mechanism, 6 Paper feed mechanism, 7 Ink cartridge, 15 Introducing needle unit, 15a Cartridge mounting part, 44 Needle insertion port, 45 Seal member, 46 Sealing Film, 100 liquid introduction needle, 101 tip portion, 102 root portion, 103 inclined portion, 104 straight portion, 107 groove portion, 108 rib portion

Claims (6)

A flow path member connected to a first member having a first flow path and supplied with liquid from the first flow path,
A liquid introduction needle inserted into the first member;
A second flow path connected to the first flow path;
With
The liquid introduction needle is
A tip in the protruding direction;
A root portion opposite to the tip portion;
From the tip portion toward the root portion on the opposite side of the tip portion, an inclined portion whose diameter gradually increases,
From the tip portion toward the root portion, a straight portion that is continuous with the inclined portion and has a constant diameter,
A groove portion formed across the boundary from the inclined portion to the straight portion, and having a portion where the width on the outer periphery of the liquid introduction needle gradually increases;
Have
The straight portion includes a positioning range positioned by contacting the first member and a seal range sealed by contacting the sealing member provided on the first member from the tip portion to the root. Each in the direction towards the
The groove is provided so as to reach the positioning range and not reach the seal range.
A flow path member characterized by that. The width of the groove portion gradually increases from the tip portion toward the root portion, and then gradually decreases.
The flow path member according to claim 1. In the direction in which the liquid introduction needle protrudes, the dimension in which the width of the groove portion gradually increases is larger than the dimension in which the width of the groove portion gradually decreases.
The flow path member according to claim 1 or 2. The ratio of the width of the rib portion, which is a portion other than the groove portion in the circumferential direction of the liquid introduction needle, to the entire circumference (rib portion / entire circumference) is in the range of 0.4 or more and 0.7 or less.
The flow path member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:   A liquid ejecting head comprising the flow path member according to claim 1.   A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising the liquid ejecting head according to claim 5.

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