JP2017136823A - Liquid jet device and liquid filling method of the same and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inhibit leakage of a liquid and mixing of air bubbles through a path which discharges a gas from an internal space of a liquid jet unit.SOLUTION: A liquid jet device includes: a liquid jet unit which jets a liquid supplied to an internal passage; a liquid pump mechanism which pumps the liquid to the liquid jet unit; a discharge path communicating with the internal passage; and a closure valve installed in the discharge path. The closure valve includes a movable body which is biased so as to close the discharge path. The movable body may be moved to an opening position, at which the discharge path is opened, by an external force when the liquid is pumped by the liquid pump mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for ejecting a liquid such as ink.

  Conventionally, liquid ejecting heads that eject liquid such as ink have been proposed. In a scene where the liquid ejecting head is filled with liquid (hereinafter referred to as “initial filling”), it is necessary to discharge the existing air in the internal space of the liquid ejecting head. Further, in a state where the liquid is filled in the internal space of the liquid ejecting head, it is important to discharge bubbles mixed in the liquid. In view of the above circumstances, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a bubble outlet for discharging gas is installed on a ceiling surface of a common liquid chamber that stores liquid supplied to a plurality of nozzles. Yes.

JP 2002-144576 A

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the liquid stored in the common liquid chamber leaks out from the bubble outlet, and there is a possibility that bubbles are mixed into the common liquid chamber from the bubble outlet. In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to suppress leakage of liquid and mixing of bubbles through a path for discharging gas from the internal space of the liquid ejecting unit.

[Aspect 1]
In order to solve the above-described problems, a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a preferred aspect (aspect 1) of the present invention ejects the liquid supplied to the internal flow path, and pumps the liquid to the liquid ejecting unit. A liquid pumping mechanism; a discharge path communicating with the internal flow path; and a blocking valve installed in the discharge path, the blocking valve including a moving body biased to close the discharge path, When the liquid is pumped by the liquid pumping mechanism, it can be moved by an external force to an open position that opens the discharge path. In the aspect 1, when the liquid is pumped from the liquid pumping mechanism to the liquid ejecting unit, the moving body is moved by an external force to the open position where the discharge path is opened, thereby filling the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting unit. It is possible to execute efficiently. On the other hand, since the moving body is energized so as to close the discharge path, there is a possibility that bubbles may be mixed into the liquid in the internal flow path through the discharge path during normal use of the liquid ejecting apparatus. The possibility of leakage of the liquid inside through the discharge path is reduced.
[Aspect 2]
In a preferred example (aspect 2) of aspect 1, the moving body moves to the open position by an external force applied from the front end portion of the exhaust unit in which the communication flow path communicating with the opening on the front end side is formed. In the aspect 2, it is possible to easily move the moving body of the closing valve to the open position by inserting the exhaust unit. In addition, since the communication channel communicating with the opening on the tip end side is formed inside the exhaust unit, the liquid discharged from the internal channel of the liquid ejecting unit to the discharge path is stored in the communication channel of the exhaust unit. The Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of liquid overflowing through the discharge path.
[Aspect 3]
In a preferred example (aspect 3) of aspect 2, the closing valve includes a sealing portion that seals between the outer peripheral surface on the proximal end side and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path in the exhaust unit as viewed from the opening. In aspect 3, since the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust unit and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path is sealed by the sealing portion of the closing valve, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust unit and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path is interposed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid leaks.
[Aspect 4]
In a preferred example of aspect 3 (aspect 4), the sealing portion comes into contact with the moving body in a state where no external force is acting. In aspect 4, a sealing part contacts the mobile body in the state where the external force is not acting. That is, the sealing portion is shared by the seal between the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust unit and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path and the seal between the movable body and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path. Therefore, there is an advantage that the structure of the block valve is simplified as compared with a configuration in which separate members are used for both of the seals.
[Aspect 5]
In a preferred example (aspect 5) of any one of Aspects 2 to 4, the exhaust unit includes a gas permeable membrane that closes the communication channel. In the aspect 5, since the gas permeable membrane for closing the communication channel of the exhaust unit is installed, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid flowing into the communication channel from the discharge path leaks.
[Aspect 6]
In a preferred example (Aspect 6) of any one of Aspects 2 to 5, the liquid pumping mechanism stops the pumping of the liquid according to the detection result of the liquid level sensor that detects the liquid level in the communication channel. In the aspect 6, the liquid pumping by the liquid pumping mechanism is stopped according to the detection result of the liquid level sensor that detects the liquid level in the communication channel. For example, when the liquid level in the communication channel is higher than a predetermined reference plane, the liquid pumping is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress an excessive supply of liquid to the liquid ejecting unit.
[Aspect 7]
In a preferred example (Aspect 7) of any one of Aspects 2 to 5, the liquid pumping mechanism stops the liquid pumping according to the detection result of the liquid discharged from the nozzle of the liquid ejecting unit. In the aspect 7, the liquid pumping by the liquid pumping mechanism is stopped according to the detection result of the liquid discharged from the nozzle of the liquid ejecting unit. For example, when it is detected that the liquid has leaked from the nozzle of the liquid ejecting unit, the pumping of the liquid is stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress an excessive supply of liquid to the liquid ejecting unit.
[Aspect 8]
A liquid ejecting apparatus according to a preferred aspect (aspect 8) of the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head that ejects the liquid supplied to the internal flow path, and an exhaust unit that can be attached to and detached from the liquid ejecting head. And an exhaust unit including a gas permeable membrane that allows the gas to pass therethrough. In the aspect 8, the gas in the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head is discharged through the gas permeable film of the exhaust unit that can be attached to the liquid ejecting head. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently fill the liquid into the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head. Note that the exhaust unit is “detachable” with respect to the liquid ejecting head means that the liquid ejecting unit is ejected without lowering the gas permeability of the gas permeable membrane in a state where the liquid does not adhere to the gas permeable membrane. It means that it can be attached to or detached from the head. “Do not reduce gas permeability” means, for example, a state in which the gas permeable membrane is attached to the liquid ejecting head for the first time, and a state in which the gas permeable membrane is temporarily removed and then attached to the second time (re-entry). Means that the function of the gas permeable membrane is substantially the same.
[Aspect 9]
A liquid ejecting apparatus according to a preferred aspect (aspect 9) of the present invention is a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid supplied to an internal flow path, and an exhaust unit that can be attached to and detached from the liquid ejecting head. And an exhaust unit including an air release path for discharging the gas. In the ninth aspect, the gas in the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head is discharged through the air release path of the exhaust unit that can be attached to the liquid ejecting head. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently fill the liquid into the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head.
[Aspect 10]
In a preferred example (aspect 10) of aspect 9, the exhaust unit includes a needle-like insertion part having a communication channel formed therein, and is attached to the liquid ejecting head by insertion of the insertion part. Is discharged through the communication channel and the atmosphere release path, and the channel area of the atmosphere release path is smaller than the channel area of the communication channel. In the aspect 10, since the flow path area of the air release path is small, when the liquid reaches the inside of the exhaust unit from the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head, a meniscus is easily formed inside the air release path. Therefore, there is an advantage that when the exhaust unit is removed from the liquid jet head, the liquid inside the exhaust unit is difficult to leak to the outside. Further, there is an advantage that the liquid reaching the inside of the exhaust unit is difficult to enter the atmosphere opening path because the channel area of the atmosphere opening path is small (the channel resistance is large).
[Aspect 11]
In a preferred example (Aspect 11) of Aspect 8 to Aspect 10, the exhaust unit includes an absorber that holds a liquid therein. In the aspect 11, since the absorber that holds the liquid is installed inside the exhaust unit, the exhaust unit is removed from the liquid ejecting head even when the liquid reaches the inside of the exhaust unit from the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head. Sometimes the liquid inside the exhaust unit is difficult to leak out.
[Aspect 12]
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to any one of the preferred examples (aspect 12) of the aspect 8 to the aspect 11 includes a transport body that transports the liquid ejecting head, and the detachable portion between the liquid ejecting head and the exhaust unit is transported by the transport body. Is done. In the twelfth aspect, the exhaust unit is disposed in the vicinity of the liquid ejecting head. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the amount of liquid necessary for filling the liquid ejecting head with the liquid.
[Aspect 13]
In a preferred example (Aspect 13) of Aspect 8 to Aspect 12, the exhaust unit includes a needle-like insertion portion having a communication channel formed therein, and the exhaust unit is liquid by insertion of the insertion portion. An opening that allows the internal flow path and the communication flow path to communicate with each other in a state of being mounted on the ejection head is formed, and the flow path area of the opening is smaller than the flow path area of the communication flow path. In the aspect 13, the flow passage area of the opening formed in the insertion portion is smaller than the flow passage area of the communication flow passage, so that a meniscus is easily formed inside the opening. Therefore, even when the exhaust unit is removed from the liquid ejecting head in a state where the liquid has reached the communication channel from the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head, the liquid inside the exhaust unit is not removed when the exhaust unit is removed from the liquid ejecting head. There is an advantage that it is difficult to leak outside.
[Aspect 14]
In a preferred example (aspect 14) of any one of Aspects 8 to 13, the liquid ejecting head includes a closing valve installed in the internal flow path, and the exhaust unit opens the closing valve by being attached to the liquid ejecting head. . In the aspect 14, it is possible to efficiently discharge the gas in the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head by mounting the exhaust unit on the liquid ejecting head.
[Aspect 15]
In a preferred example (aspect 15) of the aspect 8 to the aspect 14, the liquid ejecting head includes a liquid ejecting module that ejects liquid and a support that supports the liquid ejecting module, and the liquid ejecting module is disposed on the support. The attachment / detachment direction of the liquid ejection module with respect to the support and the attachment / detachment direction of the exhaust unit with respect to the liquid ejection head are the same direction. In the aspect 15, since the attachment / detachment direction of the liquid ejecting module with respect to the support and the attachment / detachment direction of the exhaust unit with respect to the liquid ejecting head are common, there is an advantage that the attaching / detaching operation of each of the liquid ejecting module and the exhaust unit is easy.
[Aspect 16]
In a preferred example (aspect 16) of any one of aspects 8 to 15, the liquid ejecting head includes a liquid ejecting module that ejects liquid and a flow path component that communicates with the liquid ejecting module. Each of the units can be individually attached to and detached from the flow path component. In the aspect 16, each of the liquid ejecting module and the exhaust unit can be individually attached to and detached from the flow path component. Therefore, when one of the liquid ejecting module and the exhaust unit is attached or detached, the other position hardly changes (displacement occurs. This is an advantage.
[Aspect 17]
In a preferable example (Aspect 17) of any one of Aspects 8 to 16, the liquid ejecting head includes a plurality of liquid ejecting modules that eject liquid, and a flow path component that communicates with the liquid ejecting module. The flow path component allows the plurality of liquid ejection modules and the exhaust unit to communicate with each other. In the aspect 17, the gas in the internal flow path in the plurality of liquid ejecting modules can be discharged by one exhaust unit.
[Aspect 18]
A liquid ejecting apparatus according to a preferred aspect (aspect 18) of the present invention includes a liquid pumping mechanism for pumping liquid to a liquid ejecting unit that ejects liquid, and a pressurizing operation for supplying air to the liquid ejecting head, or A pressure adjusting mechanism that causes the liquid pumping mechanism to execute a pressure reducing operation for sucking air from the liquid ejecting head. In the aspect 18, it is possible to cause the liquid ejecting head to appropriately function by the liquid pumping and the pressurizing operation or the depressurizing operation.
[Aspect 19]
A liquid filling method for a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a preferred aspect (aspect 19) of the present invention includes a liquid ejecting unit that ejects liquid supplied to an internal flow path, a discharge path that communicates with the internal flow path, and a discharge path. A liquid ejecting apparatus including a closing valve including a moving body biased to be closed is filled with liquid, and in the step of pumping liquid to the liquid ejecting unit, to an open position where the discharge path is opened Move the moving body by external force.
[Aspect 20]
A control method for a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a preferred aspect (aspect 20) of the present invention includes a liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid, a liquid pumping mechanism for pumping liquid to the liquid ejecting head, and the liquid ejecting head. A control method for a liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising a pressure adjusting mechanism for performing a pressurizing operation for supplying air or a decompressing operation for sucking air from the liquid ejecting head, during the pressure feeding of the liquid to the liquid ejecting head Then, the pressure adjusting mechanism is caused to execute the pressurizing operation or the depressurizing operation. In the twentieth aspect, since the pressure of the liquid to the liquid ejecting head and the pressurizing operation or the depressurizing operation are performed at the same time, it is possible to shorten the time for operating the liquid ejecting head.

1 is a configuration diagram of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid ejecting head. It is a side view of an assembly. It is a top view of a 2nd support body. It is a disassembled perspective view of a liquid ejection module. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid ejecting module (a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5). It is a top view of an ejection surface. It is a top view of a 1st support body. It is explanatory drawing of the state which fixed the some liquid injection unit to the 1st support body. It is explanatory drawing of contrast. It is explanatory drawing of the relationship between the opening part of a 2nd support body, and a liquid ejection module. It is explanatory drawing of the manufacturing method of a liquid jet head. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a flow path for supplying ink to a liquid ejecting unit. It is sectional drawing of a liquid injection part. It is explanatory drawing of the internal flow path of a liquid injection unit. It is a block diagram of the on-off valve of a valve mechanism unit. It is explanatory drawing of a deaeration space and a non-return valve. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state of the liquid ejecting head at the time of initial filling. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state of the liquid ejecting head during normal use. It is explanatory drawing of the state of the liquid ejecting head at the time of defoaming operation. It is sectional drawing of a blocking valve and an exhaust unit. It is explanatory drawing of the state which opened the closing valve using the exhaust unit. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship between a liquid injection module, flow-path components, and a 1st support body. It is explanatory drawing of arrangement | positioning of the transmission line in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the connection unit in 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the on-off valve and exhaust unit in 4th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the exhaust unit in 6th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the exhaust unit in the modification of 6th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the internal flow path of the liquid injection unit in a modification.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a liquid ejecting apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The liquid ejecting apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment is an ink jet printing apparatus that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto the medium 12. The medium 12 is typically printing paper, but any print target such as a resin film and a fabric can be used as the medium 12. A liquid container 14 that stores ink is fixed to the liquid ejecting apparatus 100. For example, a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the liquid ejecting apparatus 100, a bag-shaped ink pack formed of a flexible film, or an ink tank that can be refilled with ink is used as the liquid container 14. A plurality of types of inks having different colors are stored in the liquid container 14.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the liquid ejecting apparatus 100 includes a control unit 20, a transport mechanism 22, and a liquid ejecting head 24. The control unit 20 includes, for example, a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and a recording device such as a semiconductor memory (not shown), and stores a program stored in the storage device. When executed by the control device, each element of the liquid ejecting apparatus 100 is comprehensively controlled. The transport mechanism 22 transports the medium 12 in the Y direction under the control of the control unit 20.

  The liquid ejecting apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment includes a moving mechanism 26. The moving mechanism 26 is a mechanism that reciprocates the liquid jet head 24 in the X direction under the control of the control unit 20. The X direction in which the liquid ejecting head 24 reciprocates is a direction that intersects (typically orthogonal) the Y direction in which the medium 12 is conveyed. The moving mechanism 26 of the first embodiment includes a transport body 262 and a transport belt 264. The transport body 262 is a substantially box-shaped structure (carriage) that supports the liquid ejecting head 24, and is fixed to the transport belt 264. The conveyor belt 264 is an endless belt constructed along the X direction. The liquid ejecting head 24 reciprocates along the X direction together with the transport body 262 by rotating the transport belt 264 under the control of the control unit 20. The liquid container 14 can be mounted on the transport body 262 together with the liquid jet head 24.

  The liquid ejecting head 24 ejects ink supplied from the liquid container 14 onto the medium 12 under the control of the control unit 20. The liquid ejecting head 24 ejects ink onto the medium 12 within a period in which the transport of the medium 12 by the transport mechanism 22 and the transport of the liquid ejecting head 24 by the moving mechanism 26 are executed, so that a desired image is displayed on the medium 12. It is formed. In the following description, a direction perpendicular to the XY plane is expressed as a Z direction. The ink ejected from the liquid ejecting head 24 advances to the positive side in the Z direction and lands on the surface of the medium 12.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid ejecting head 24. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the liquid jet head 24 according to the first embodiment includes a first support 242 and a plurality of assemblies 244. The first support 242 is a plate-like member (liquid ejecting head support) that supports the plurality of assemblies 244. The plurality of assemblies 244 are fixed to the first support 242 while being arranged in the X direction. As representatively shown for one assembly 244, each of the plurality of assemblies 244 includes a connection unit 32, a second support 34, a flow path component 36, and a plurality (six in the first embodiment) of liquids. And an injection module 38. Note that the total number of assemblies 244 constituting the liquid ejecting head 24 and the total number of liquid ejecting modules 38 constituting the assembly 244 are not limited to the illustrated example.

  FIG. 3 is a front view and a side view of any one assembly 244. As understood from FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38 are generally arranged in two rows on the second support 34 located immediately below the connection unit 32. A flow path component 36 is disposed on the side. The flow path component 36 is a structure in which a flow path for distributing ink supplied from the liquid container 14 to each of the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38 is formed inside, and extends in the Y direction so as to extend over the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38. It is configured to be long.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the connection unit 32 includes a housing 322, a relay board 324, and a plurality of drive boards 326. The housing 322 is a substantially box-shaped structure that accommodates the relay substrate 324 and the plurality of drive substrates 326. Each of the plurality of drive boards 326 is a wiring board corresponding to the liquid ejecting module 38. A signal generation circuit for generating a drive signal having a predetermined waveform is mounted on the drive board 326, and a control signal for designating whether or not ink is ejected for each nozzle and a power supply voltage are supplied from the drive board 326 to the liquid ejection module 38 together with the drive signal. Supplied. An amplifier circuit that amplifies the drive signal can also be mounted on the drive substrate 326. The relay board 324 is a wiring board for relaying electrical signals and power supply voltages between the control unit 20 and the plurality of drive boards 326, and is shared across the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a connection portion 328 (exemplification of the second connection portion) that is electrically connected to different drive substrates 326 is installed on the bottom surface of the housing 322. The connection unit 328 is a connector (Board to Board connector) for electrical connection.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view of the second support 34. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second support 34 is a structure (frame) that is long in the Y direction, and a plurality of (see FIG. 3) that extend in the Y direction at intervals in the X direction. 4 support members 342 and connecting portions 344 that connect ends of the respective support portions 342 to each other. That is, the second support 34 is a flat plate material in which two openings 346 that are long in the Y direction are formed with an interval in the X direction. Each connecting portion 344 of the second support 34 is fixed to the first support 242 at a position spaced from the surface of the first support 242.

  FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of any one liquid ejecting module 38. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the liquid ejecting module 38 according to the first embodiment includes a liquid ejecting unit 40, a connecting unit 50, and a transmission line 56. The liquid ejecting unit 40 ejects ink supplied from the liquid container 14 via the flow path component 36 onto the medium 12. The liquid ejection unit 40 of the first embodiment includes a valve mechanism unit 41, a flow path unit 42, and a liquid ejection unit 44. The valve mechanism unit 41 includes a valve mechanism that controls opening and closing of the flow path of the ink supplied from the flow path component 36. In addition, illustration of the valve mechanism unit 41 is abbreviate | omitted for convenience in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the valve mechanism unit 41 of the first embodiment is installed so as to protrude from the side surface of the liquid ejecting unit 40 in the X direction. On the other hand, the flow path component 36 is installed on the first support 242 so as to face the side surface of the liquid ejecting unit 40. Therefore, the upper surface of the flow path component 36 and the bottom surface of each valve mechanism unit 41 are opposed to each other with a space therebetween in the Z direction. In the above configuration, the flow path in the flow path component 36 and the flow path in the valve mechanism unit 41 communicate with each other.

  The liquid ejecting unit 44 of the liquid ejecting unit 40 ejects ink from a plurality of nozzles. The flow path unit 42 is a structure in which a flow path for supplying ink that has passed through the valve mechanism unit 41 to the liquid ejecting unit 44 is formed inside. A connecting portion 384 for electrically connecting the liquid ejecting unit 40 to the drive substrate 326 of the connection unit 32 is installed on the upper surface of the liquid ejecting unit 40 (specifically, the upper surface of the flow path unit 42). The connection unit 50 is a structure for connecting the liquid ejecting unit 40 to the second support 34. The transmission line 56 in FIG. 5 is a flexible cable such as FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) or FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits).

  6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connection unit 50 of the first embodiment includes a first relay body 52 and a second relay body 54.

  The first relay body 52 is a structure fixed to the liquid ejecting unit 40, and includes a container 522 and a wiring board 524 (an example of the second wiring board). The container 522 is a substantially box-shaped housing. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the liquid ejecting unit 40 is fixed to the bottom surface side (the positive side in the Z direction) of the container 522 by a fastener TA such as a screw. The wiring board 524 is a flat wiring board that forms the bottom surface of the container 522. A connection portion 526 (illustrated as a third connection portion) is provided on the surface of the wiring board 524 on the liquid ejecting unit 40 side. The connection unit 526 is a connector (Board to Board connector) for electrical connection. In a state where the first relay body 52 is fixed to the liquid ejecting unit 40, the connection portion 526 of the wiring board 524 is detachably coupled to the connection portion 384 of the liquid ejecting unit 40.

  The second relay body 54 is a structure for fixing the liquid ejecting module 38 to the second support 34 and electrically connecting it to the drive board 326. The mounting board 542 and the wiring board 544 (of the first wiring board) For example). The mounting substrate 542 is a plate-like member that is fixed to the second support 34. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the housing body 522 of the first relay body 52 and the mounting substrate 542 of the second relay body 54 are connected to each other by a connector 53. The connector 53 is a pin in which both end portions of a cylindrical shaft body are formed in a bowl shape, and is inserted into a through hole formed in each of the first relay body 52 and the second relay body 54. The diameter of the shaft body of the connector 53 is less than the inner diameter of each through hole of the first relay body 52 and the second relay body 54. Therefore, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft body of the connector 53 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole, and the first relay body 52 and the second relay body 54 are connected in an unconstrained manner. That is, one of the first relay body 52 and the second relay body 54 can move in the XY plane with respect to the other by the gap between the connector 53 and the through hole.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the dimension W2 of the second relay body 54 (mounting substrate 542) in the X direction is larger than the dimension W1 of the first relay body 52 (housing body 522) in the X direction. Therefore, the edge part located in the both sides of the X direction among the attachment board | substrates 542 protrudes from the side surface of the 1st relay body 52 to the positive side and negative side of a X direction. The dimension W2 of the second relay body 54 exceeds the dimension WF of the opening 346 of the second support 34 in the X direction (W2> WF). A portion of the mounting substrate 542 that protrudes from the housing 522 is fixed to the upper surface of the support portion 342 of the second support 34 by a fastener TB (a plurality of screws in the illustration of FIG. 6). On the other hand, the dimension W1 of the first relay body 52 in the X direction is smaller than the dimension WF of the opening 346 of the second support 34 (W1 <WF). Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 6, a gap is formed between the outer wall surface of the first relay body 52 (the housing body 522) and the inner wall surface of the opening 346 of the second support body 34. That is, the first relay body 52 can pass through the opening 346 of the second support body 34 in a state before the installation with respect to the second support body 34. As understood from the above description, since the second relay body 54 is fixed to the second support body 34 and the first relay body 52 is connected to the second relay body 54 in an unconstrained manner, the second relay body 54 can move slightly in the XY plane relative to the second support 34.

  The wiring board 544 is a plate-like member fixed to the surface of the attachment board 542 opposite to the first relay body 52. On the surface of the wiring board 544 on the connection unit 32 side (the negative side in the Z direction), a connection portion 546 (an example of the first connection portion) is installed. That is, the connection part 546 is fixed to the second support 34 via the wiring board 544 and the mounting board 542. The connection part 546 is a connector (Board to Board connector) for electrical connection. Specifically, in a state where the second support 34 is fixed to the connection unit 32, the connection portion 546 of the wiring board 544 is detachably coupled to the connection portion 328 of the connection unit 32. That is, the connection portion 328 of the connection unit 32 can be attached to and detached from the connection portion 546 from the side opposite to the liquid ejecting unit 40 (the negative side in the Z direction).

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the transmission line 56 is installed over the wiring board 544 and the wiring board 524 to electrically connect the connection part 546 and the connection part 526. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the transmission line 56 is accommodated in the accommodating body 522 in a state of being bent along a straight line parallel to the X direction between the connection portion 546 and the connection portion 526. One end of the transmission line 56 is joined to the surface of the wiring board 544 facing the wiring board 524 and is electrically connected to the connection portion 546, and the other end of the transmission line 56 is connected to the wiring board 544 of the wiring board 524. And are electrically connected to the connection portion 526.

  As understood from the above description, the drive substrate 326 of the connection unit 32 is connected to the liquid ejecting unit 40 via the connection portion 328, the connection portion 546, the wiring substrate 544, the transmission line 56, the wiring substrate 524, and the connection portion 526. It is electrically connected to the connection portion 384. Therefore, the electrical signal (drive signal, control signal) and power supply voltage generated by the drive substrate 326 are supplied to the liquid ejecting unit 40 via the connection portion 328, the connection portion 546, the transmission line 56, and the connection portion 526. .

  By the way, for example, when the position of each connection portion 546 is determined based on the relative relationship between the plurality of connection portions 546 and the position of each liquid ejection unit 40 is determined based on the relative relationship between the plurality of liquid ejection units 40. An error in position may occur between the connection portion 546 and the liquid ejecting unit 40. In the first embodiment, since the transmission line 56 is a flexible member and can be easily deformed, the positional error between the connection portion 546 and the liquid ejecting unit 40 is absorbed by the deformation of the transmission line 56. . That is, the transmission line 56 of the first embodiment functions as a connection body that connects the connection portion 546 and the liquid ejection unit 40 so as to absorb a positional error between the connection portion 546 and the liquid ejection unit 40.

  According to the above configuration, in the step of attaching / detaching the connection portion 328 of the connection unit 32 to / from the connection portion 546, the stress acting on the liquid ejecting unit 40 from the connection portion 546 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to easily assemble or disassemble the liquid ejecting head 24 without considering the action of stress on the liquid ejecting unit 40 from the connection portion 546 (and thus the positional deviation of the liquid ejecting unit 40). In the first embodiment, as described above, since the transmission line 56 is bent between the connection portion 546 and the liquid ejecting unit 40, an error in the position between the connection portion 546 and the liquid ejecting unit 40 can be absorbed. This effect is particularly remarkable.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view of a surface of the liquid ejecting unit 44 that faces the medium 12 (that is, a plan view of the liquid ejecting unit 44 viewed from the positive side in the Z direction). As illustrated in FIG. 7, a plurality of nozzles (injection holes) N are formed on the surface (hereinafter referred to as “injection surface”) J of the liquid injection unit 44 facing the medium 12. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the liquid ejecting unit 44 of the first embodiment includes four driving units D [1] to D [4] including a plurality of nozzles N formed on the ejecting surface J. . The range in the Y direction in which the plurality of nozzles N are distributed partially overlaps between the two drive units D [n] (n = 1 to 4).

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plurality of nozzles N corresponding to any one drive unit D [n] are divided into a first row G1 and a second row G2. Each of the first row G1 and the second row G2 is a set of a plurality of nozzles N arranged along the Y direction. The first row G1 and the second row G2 are parallel to each other with an interval in the X direction. Each drive unit D [n] includes a first ejection unit DA that ejects ink from each nozzle N in the first row G1, and a second ejection unit DB that ejects ink from each nozzle N in the second row G2. To do. It is also possible to make the positions in the Y direction different between each nozzle N in the first row G1 and each nozzle N in the second row G2 (so-called staggered arrangement or staggered arrangement). Further, the number of drive units D [n] installed in the liquid ejecting unit 44 is arbitrary and is not limited to four.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, assuming a rectangle λ having a minimum area including the ejection surface J, a center line y parallel to the long side (Y direction) of the rectangle λ can be set. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the planar shape of the ejection surface J in the first embodiment is such that the first portion P1, the second portion P2, and the third portion P3 are in the Y direction (that is, the long side direction of the rectangle λ). It is a connected shape. The second part P2 is located on the positive side in the Y direction when viewed from the first part P1, and the third part P3 is located on the opposite side (the negative side in the Y direction) from the second part P2 across the first part P1. . As understood from FIG. 7, the first portion P1 passes through the center line y of the rectangle λ, but each of the second portion P2 and the third portion P3 does not pass through the center line y. Specifically, the second portion P2 is positioned on the negative side in the X direction when viewed from the center line y, and the third portion P3 is positioned on the positive side in the X direction when viewed from the center line y. That is, the second part P2 and the third part P3 are located on opposite sides of the center line y. The planar shape of the ejection surface J is such that the second part P2 is continuous with the negative edge in the X direction of the first part P1, and the third part P3 is continuous with the positive edge of the first part P1 in the X direction. It can also be expressed as the shape to be.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, an overhang portion 442 and an overhang portion 444 are formed on the end surface of the liquid ejecting portion 44. The overhanging portion 442 is a flat plate-like portion that protrudes from the end surface of the liquid ejecting portion 44 at the end of the second portion P2 opposite to the first portion P1 (the positive side in the Y direction). On the other hand, the projecting portion 444 is a flat plate-like portion projecting from the end surface of the liquid ejecting section 44 at the end portion of the third portion P3 opposite to the first portion P1 (the negative side in the Y direction). Further, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a protrusion 446 is formed on the edge of the first part P1 on the second part P2 side (the edge where the second part P2 does not exist). The protruding portion 446 is a flat plate-like portion (illustrated as a first protruding portion) that protrudes from the side surface of the liquid ejecting portion 44 in the same manner as the protruding portion 442 and the protruding portion 444. A notch 445 having a shape corresponding to the protrusion 446 is formed in the overhang portion 444 (an example of the second overhang portion).

  8 is a plan view of the surface of the first support 242 (the negative surface in the Z direction), and FIG. 9 is a plan view in which the liquid ejecting unit 44 is added to FIG. 8 and 9, the range in which the two liquid ejecting units 44 (44A, 44B) adjacent in the Y direction are located is illustrated for convenience. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, an opening 60 corresponding to each liquid ejecting section 44 (each liquid ejecting module 38) is formed in the first support 242. Specifically, as understood from FIG. 2, six openings 60 corresponding to the respective liquid ejecting portions 44 are formed for each assembly 244 and correspond to the arrangement of the plurality of assemblies 244 in the Y direction. Are paralleled. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, each opening 60 is a planar through-hole corresponding to the outer shape of the ejection surface J of the liquid ejection unit 44. The liquid ejecting unit 40 is fixed to the first support 242 in a state where the liquid ejecting unit 44 is inserted into the opening 60 of the first support 242. That is, the ejection surface J of the liquid ejection unit 44 is exposed from the first support 242 to the positive side in the Z direction inside the opening 60.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a beam-like portion 62 is formed between two openings 60 adjacent in the Y direction. One arbitrary beam-like portion 62 is a beam-like portion in which the first support portion 621, the second support portion 622, and the intermediate portion 623 are connected to each other. The first support portion 621 is a portion located on the positive side in the X direction in the beam-like portion 62, and the second support portion 622 is a portion located on the negative side in the X direction in the beam-like portion 62. The intermediate part 623 is a part that connects the first support part 621 and the second support part 622.

  As understood from FIG. 9, the overhanging portion 442 of each liquid ejecting portion 44 overlaps the first support portion 621 of the beam-like portion 62 in a plan view (that is, viewed from a direction parallel to the Z direction), and each liquid The overhanging portion 444 of the injection portion 44 overlaps the second support portion 622 in the beam-like portion 62 in plan view. The liquid ejecting unit 44 is fixed to the first support 242 by fixing the overhanging portion 442 to the first support portion 621 with the fastener TC1 and fixing the overhanging portion 444 to the second support portion 622 with the fastener TC2. Fixed. The fastener TC1 and the fastener TC2 are, for example, screws. As described above, since the liquid ejecting unit 44 (liquid ejecting unit 40) is fixed to the first support 242 at both ends of the ejection surface J, the inclination of the liquid ejecting unit 44 with respect to the first support 242 is effectively suppressed. Is possible. As illustrated in FIG. 9, when attention is paid to the opening 60 corresponding to the liquid ejecting portion 44A and the opening 60 corresponding to the liquid ejecting portion 44B, the liquid ejecting is performed on the first support portion 621 of the beam-like portion 62 therebetween. The overhang portion 442 of the portion 44A is fixed, and the overhang portion 444 of the liquid ejecting portion 44B is fixed to the second support portion 622 of the beam-like portion 62.

  An engaging hole hA is formed in the protrusion 446 of each liquid ejecting portion 44, and an engaging hole hB is formed in the overhang portion 444 together with a through hole into which the fastener TC2 is inserted. The engagement hole hA and the engagement hole hB are through-holes (exemplification of positioning portions) that engage with protrusions installed on the surface of the first support 242. The protrusion on the surface of the first support 242 is engaged with each of the engagement hole hA and the engagement hole hB, so that the position of the liquid ejecting unit 44 in the XY plane is determined. That is, the alignment of the liquid ejecting unit 44 with respect to the first support 242 is realized. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the engagement hole hA of the protrusion 446 and the engagement hole hB of the overhanging portion 444 are located on a straight line parallel to the Y direction (center line y). Therefore, there is an advantage that the liquid ejecting unit 44 can be positioned with high accuracy with respect to the first support 242 while suppressing the inclination of the liquid ejecting unit 44 (liquid ejecting unit 40). The protrusions formed on the overhanging portion 444 and the protruding portion 446 are engaged with the engagement holes (bottomed holes or through-holes) on the surface of the first support 242 so that the liquid is applied to the first support 242. It is also possible to align the injection unit 44.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, since the beam-shaped portion 62 is formed between the two openings 60 adjacent in the Y direction, the size of the first support 242 in the X direction can be reduced. There are advantages. Further, in the first embodiment, since the intermediate portion 623 is formed in the beam-shaped portion 62, the opening 60 exposing the ejection surface J of the liquid ejecting portion 44 is continuous over the plurality of liquid ejecting portions 44 (beam-shaped portion). It is possible to maintain the mechanical strength of the first support 242 as compared to the configuration in which 62 is not formed. By the way, with the configuration in which the second portion P2 and the third portion P3 of the ejection surface J pass through the center line y (hereinafter referred to as “proportional”), the plurality of liquid ejection sections 44 are sufficiently close to each other in the Y direction. In order to arrange them at different positions, it is necessary to make the positions of the liquid ejecting parts 44 in the X direction different as illustrated in FIG. In the first embodiment, since the second portion P2 and the third portion P3 do not pass through the center line y, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a plurality of liquid ejecting units 44 are arranged linearly along the Y direction. Is possible. Therefore, there is an advantage that the size in the width direction of the liquid ejecting head 24 (one assembly 244) can be reduced as compared with the proportionality.

  FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the relationship among the liquid ejecting unit 40, the connecting unit 50, and the second support 34. FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the dimension WH of the liquid ejecting unit 40 in the X direction is smaller than the dimension WF of the opening 346 of the second support 34 in the X direction (WH <WF). As described above with reference to FIG. 6, since the dimension W1 of the first relay body 52 is also smaller than the dimension WF of the opening 346, the liquid ejecting unit 40 and the first relay body 52 have the opening 346 of the second support 34. Can pass through. As described above, since the liquid ejecting unit 40 and the second relay body 54 can be attached and detached through the opening 346 of the second support 34, according to the first embodiment, the liquid ejecting head 24 can be removed. It is possible to reduce the burden of assembly and disassembly.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the dimension L1 of the first relay body 52 and the dimension L2 of the second relay body 54 in the Y direction are smaller than the dimension LH of the liquid ejecting unit 40 in the Y direction (L1 <LH, L2 <LH). ). Therefore, the liquid ejecting module 38 can be easily attached to and detached from the second support 34 in a state where the outer wall surfaces on both sides in the Y direction of the first relay body 52 are gripped with fingers. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the first relay body 52 and the second relay body 54 overlap the fasteners TC1 and TC2 for fixing the liquid ejecting unit 40 to the first support 242 in a plan view. Don't be. Therefore, there is an advantage that the operation of fixing the liquid ejecting unit 40 to the first support 242 with the fasteners TC1 and TC2 is easy.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing the liquid ejecting head 24. As illustrated in FIG. 12, first, the second support 34 and the flow path component 36 are fixed to the first support 242 (ST1). On the other hand, the liquid ejecting module 38 is assembled by fixing the connecting unit 50 to the liquid ejecting unit 40 using the fastener TA (ST2). It is also possible to execute step ST2 before executing step ST1.

  In step ST3 after execution of step ST1 and step ST2, for each of the plurality of liquid jet modules 38, the liquid jet module 38 is inserted into the opening 346 of the second support 34 from the side opposite to the first support 242. Then, the liquid ejecting unit 40 is fixed to the first support 242 with the fasteners TC1 and TC2 (ST3). In the process of inserting the liquid ejection module 38 into the opening 346 and approaching the first support 242, the valve mechanism unit 41 and the flow path component 36 communicate with each other. In step ST4 after execution of step ST3, the second relay body 54 of the connection unit 50 is fixed to the second support 34 with the fastener TB for each of the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38. It is also possible to execute step ST4 before executing step ST3.

  In step ST5 after execution of step ST3 and step ST4, the connection unit 32 is caused to approach each liquid ejecting module 38 from the side opposite to the liquid ejecting unit 40 (negative side in the Z direction) with the coupling unit 50 interposed therebetween. Then, the connection portion 546 and the connection portion 328 of the connection unit 32 are detachably connected to the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38 in a lump.

  Through the above steps (ST1 to ST5), one assembly 244 including the connection unit 32, the second support 34, the flow path component 36, and the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38 is installed on the first support 242. The liquid ejecting head 24 of FIG. 2 is manufactured by repeating the same process and fixing the plurality of assemblies 244 to the first support 242.

  As understood from the above description, the process ST3 is a process of fixing the liquid ejecting unit 40 to the first support 242 and the process ST4 is a process of fixing the connecting unit 50 to the second support 34. Step ST5 is a step of detachably connecting the connection portion 546 and the connection portion 328 by bringing the connection unit 32 closer to the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38. However, the method for manufacturing the liquid ejecting head 24 is not limited to the method exemplified above.

  A specific configuration of the liquid ejecting unit 40 exemplified above will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a flow path for supplying ink to the liquid ejecting unit 40. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the liquid ejecting unit 44 of the liquid ejecting unit 40 includes four driving units D [1] to D [4]. Each drive unit D [n] includes a first ejection unit DA that ejects ink from each nozzle N in the first row G1, and a second ejection unit DB that ejects ink from each nozzle N in the second row G2. To do. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the valve mechanism unit 41 includes four on-off valves B [1] to B [4], and the flow path unit 42 of the liquid ejection unit 40 includes four filters F [1] to F [1] to B [1] to B [4]. F [4]. The on-off valve B [n] is a valve mechanism that opens and closes a flow path for supplying ink to the liquid ejecting unit 44. The filter F [n] collects bubbles and foreign matters mixed in the ink in the flow path.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, the ink that has passed through the on-off valve B [1] and the filter F [1] is supplied to the drive unit D [1] and the first ejection unit DA of the drive unit D [2]. The ink that has passed through the on-off valve B [2] and the filter F [2] is supplied to the drive unit D [1] and the second ejection unit DB of the drive unit D [2]. Similarly, the ink that has passed through the on-off valve B [3] and the filter F [3] is supplied to the drive unit D [3] and the first ejection unit DA of the drive unit D [4], and the on-off valve B [4 And the filter F [4] are supplied to the drive unit D [3] and the second ejection unit DB of the drive unit D [4]. That is, the ink that has passed through the on-off valve B [1] or the on-off valve B [3] is ejected from each nozzle N in the first row G1, and the ink that has passed through the on-off valve B [2] or the on-off valve B [4] Injected from each nozzle N in the second row G2.

  FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion corresponding to one arbitrary nozzle N in the liquid ejecting section 44 (first ejecting section DA or second ejecting section DB). As illustrated in FIG. 14, the liquid ejecting unit 44 of the first embodiment includes a pressure chamber substrate 482, a vibration plate 483, a piezoelectric element 484, a housing unit 485, and a sealing body 486 on one side of the flow path substrate 481. And a nozzle plate 487 and a buffer plate 488 on the other side. The flow path substrate 481, the pressure chamber substrate 482, and the nozzle plate 487 are formed of, for example, a silicon flat plate material, and the housing portion 485 is formed of, for example, injection molding of a resin material. The plurality of nozzles N are formed on the nozzle plate 487. The surface of the nozzle plate 487 opposite to the flow path substrate 481 corresponds to the ejection surface J.

  In the flow path substrate 481, an opening 481A, a branch flow path (throttle flow path) 481B, and a communication flow path 481C are formed. The branch flow path 481B and the communication flow path 481C are through holes formed for each nozzle N, and the opening 481A is an opening continuous over a plurality of nozzles N. The buffer plate 488 is a flat plate material (compliance substrate) that is installed on the surface of the flow path substrate 481 opposite to the pressure chamber substrate 482 and closes the opening 481A. The pressure fluctuation in the opening 481A is absorbed by the buffer plate 488.

  In the casing 485, a common liquid chamber (reservoir) SR communicating with the opening 481A of the flow path substrate 481 is formed. The common liquid chamber SR is a space for storing ink supplied to the plurality of nozzles N constituting one of the first row G1 and the second row G2, and is continuous over the plurality of nozzles N. An inflow port Rin into which ink supplied from the upstream side flows is formed in the common liquid chamber SR.

  An opening 482A is formed in the pressure chamber substrate 482 for each nozzle N. The vibration plate 483 is an elastically deformable flat plate that is installed on the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 482 opposite to the flow path substrate 481. A space between the diaphragm 483 and the flow path substrate 481 inside each opening 482A of the pressure chamber substrate 482 is a pressure chamber filled with ink supplied from the common liquid chamber SR via the branch flow path 481B. (Cavity) Functions as SC. Each pressure chamber SC communicates with the nozzle N via the communication channel 481C of the channel substrate 481.

  A piezoelectric element 484 is formed for each nozzle N on the surface of the diaphragm 483 opposite to the pressure chamber substrate 482. Each piezoelectric element 484 is a driving element in which a piezoelectric body is interposed between electrodes facing each other. When the diaphragm 483 is vibrated by the piezoelectric element 484 being deformed by the supply of the drive signal, the pressure in the pressure chamber SC varies and the ink in the pressure chamber SC is ejected from the nozzle N. The sealing body 486 protects the plurality of piezoelectric elements 484.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting unit 40. In FIG. 15, the flow path for supplying ink to the first ejection part DA of the drive part D [1] and the drive part D [2] via the on-off valve B [1] and the filter F [1] is convenient. However, the same configuration is provided for the other flow paths described with reference to FIG. The valve mechanism unit 41, the flow path unit 42, and the casing 485 of the liquid ejecting section 44 function as a flow path structure that forms an internal flow path for supplying ink to the nozzles N.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram focusing on the inside of the valve mechanism unit 41. As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, a space R 1, a space R 2, and a control chamber RC are formed inside the valve mechanism unit 41. The space R1 is connected to the liquid pumping mechanism 16 via the flow path component 36. The liquid pumping mechanism 16 is a mechanism that supplies (that is, pumps) ink stored in the liquid container 14 to the liquid ejecting unit 40 in a pressurized state. An on-off valve B [1] is installed between the space R1 and the space R2, and a movable film 71 is interposed between the space R2 and the control chamber RC. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the on-off valve B [1] includes a valve seat 721, a valve body 722, a pressure receiving plate 723, and a spring 724. The valve seat 721 is a flat plate-like portion that partitions the space R1 and the space R2. The valve seat 721 is formed with a communication hole HA that allows the space R1 and the space R2 to communicate with each other. The pressure receiving plate 723 is a substantially circular flat plate material installed on the surface of the movable film 71 facing the valve seat 721.

  The valve body 722 of the first embodiment includes a base portion 725, a valve shaft 726, and a sealing portion (seal) 727. A valve shaft 726 projects vertically from the surface of the base 725, and an annular sealing portion 727 that surrounds the valve shaft 726 in a plan view is installed on the surface of the base 725. The valve body 722 is disposed in the space R 1 with the valve shaft 726 inserted into the communication hole HA, and is biased toward the valve seat 721 by the spring 724. A gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the valve shaft 726 and the inner peripheral surface of the communication hole HA.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16, a bag-like body 73 is installed in the control room RC. The bag-like body 73 is a bag-like member formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and expands by pressurizing the internal space and contracts by depressurizing the internal space. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the bag-like body 73 is connected to the pressure adjustment mechanism 18 via the flow path in the flow path component 36. The pressure adjusting mechanism 18 selects a pressurizing operation for supplying air to the flow path connected to the pressure adjusting mechanism 18 and a depressurizing operation for sucking air from the flow path in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 20. Is feasible. The bag-like body 73 expands when air is supplied from the pressure adjusting mechanism 18 to the internal space (ie, pressurization), and the bag-like body 73 contracts due to air suction (ie, reduced pressure) by the pressure adjusting mechanism 18.

  In the state where the bag-like body 73 is contracted, when the pressure in the space R2 is maintained within a predetermined range, the sealing portion 727 of the valve seat 721 is caused by the spring 724 biasing the valve body 722. Adheres to the surface. Therefore, the space R1 and the space R2 are blocked. On the other hand, when the pressure in the space R2 decreases to a value lower than a predetermined threshold value due to ink ejection by the liquid ejecting unit 44 or suction from the outside, the movable film 71 is displaced to the valve seat 721 side, thereby causing the pressure receiving plate. 723 presses the valve shaft 726, and the valve body 722 moves against the biasing force of the spring 724, so that the sealing portion 727 is separated from the valve seat 721. Therefore, the space R1 and the space R2 communicate with each other through the communication hole HA.

  Further, when the bag-like body 73 is inflated by pressurization by the pressure adjusting mechanism 18, the movable film 71 is displaced to the valve seat 721 side by the pressure by the bag-like body 73. Therefore, the valve body 722 is moved by the pressure applied by the pressure receiving plate 723 and the on-off valve B [1] is opened. That is, it is possible to forcibly open the on-off valve B [1] by pressurization by the pressure adjusting mechanism 18 regardless of the pressure level in the space R2.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the flow path unit 42 of the first embodiment includes a defoaming space Q, a filter F [1], a vertical space RV, and a check valve 74. The defoaming space Q is a space in which bubbles extracted from ink temporarily stay.

  The filter F [1] is installed so as to cross the internal flow path for supplying ink to the liquid ejecting unit 44, and collects bubbles and foreign matters mixed in the ink. Specifically, the filter F [1] is installed so as to partition the space RF1 and the space RF2. The upstream space RF1 communicates with the space R2 of the valve mechanism unit 41, and the downstream space RF2 communicates with the vertical space RV.

  A gas permeable membrane MC (illustrated as a second gas permeable membrane) is interposed between the space RF1 and the defoaming space Q. Specifically, the ceiling surface of the space RF1 is composed of the gas permeable membrane MC. The gas permeable membrane MC is a gas permeable membrane body (gas-liquid separation membrane) that allows gas (air) to permeate but does not allow liquid such as ink to permeate, and is formed of, for example, a known polymer material. Bubbles collected by the filter F [1] reach the ceiling surface of the space RF1 due to the rise by buoyancy, and are discharged into the defoaming space Q by permeating the gas permeable membrane MC. That is, the bubbles mixed in the ink are separated.

  The vertical space RV is a space for temporarily storing ink. In the vertical space RV of the first embodiment, an inflow port Vin through which ink that has passed through the filter F [1] flows in from the space RF2 and an outflow port Vout through which ink flows out to the nozzle N side are formed. That is, the ink in the space RF2 flows into the vertical space RV through the inflow port Vin, and the ink in the vertical space RV flows into the liquid ejecting unit 44 (common liquid chamber SR) through the outflow port Vout. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the inlet Vin is positioned above the vertical direction (negative side in the Z direction) as compared to the outlet Vout.

  A gas permeable membrane MA (illustrated as a first gas permeable membrane) is interposed between the vertical space RV and the defoaming space Q. Specifically, the ceiling surface of the vertical space RV is constituted by the gas permeable membrane MA. The gas permeable membrane MA is a gas permeable membrane body like the gas permeable membrane MC described above. Therefore, the air bubbles that have passed through the filter F [1] and entered the vertical space RV rise by buoyancy, pass through the gas permeable membrane MA on the ceiling surface of the vertical space RV, and are discharged into the defoaming space Q. As described above, since the inflow port Vin is positioned above the outflow port Vout in the vertical direction, the bubbles can effectively reach the gas permeable membrane MA on the ceiling surface by using the buoyancy in the vertical space RV. It is possible.

  As described above, the common liquid chamber SR of the liquid ejecting unit 44 is formed with an inlet Rin into which ink supplied from the outlet Vout of the vertical space RV flows. That is, the ink flowing out from the outlet Vout of the vertical space RV flows into the common liquid chamber SR via the inlet Rin and is supplied to each pressure chamber SC via the opening 481A. Further, a discharge port Rout is formed in the common liquid chamber SR of the first embodiment. The discharge port Rout is a flow path formed in the ceiling surface 49 of the common liquid chamber SR. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the ceiling surface 49 of the common liquid chamber SR is an inclined surface (a flat surface or a curved surface) that increases from the inlet Rin side to the outlet Rout side. Accordingly, the bubbles that have entered from the inflow port Rin are guided to the discharge port Rout side along the ceiling surface 49 by the action of buoyancy.

  Between the common liquid chamber SR and the defoaming space Q, a gas permeable membrane MB (illustrated as a first gas permeable membrane) is interposed. The gas permeable membrane MB is a gas permeable membrane body, similar to the gas permeable membrane MA and the gas permeable membrane MC. Accordingly, the bubbles that have entered the discharge port Rout from the common liquid chamber SR rise due to buoyancy, pass through the gas permeable membrane MB, and are discharged into the defoaming space Q. As described above, since the bubbles in the common liquid chamber SR are guided to the discharge port Rout along the ceiling surface 49, for example, the inside of the common liquid chamber SR is compared with a configuration in which the ceiling surface 49 of the common liquid chamber SR is a horizontal plane. It is possible to effectively discharge the bubbles. It is also possible to form the gas permeable membrane MA, the gas permeable membrane MB, and the gas permeable membrane MC with a single film body.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the gas permeable membrane MA is interposed between the vertical space RV and the defoaming space Q, and the gas permeable membrane MB is disposed between the common liquid chamber SR and the defoaming space Q. A gas permeable membrane MC is interposed between the space RF1 and the defoaming space Q. That is, the bubbles that have passed through each of the gas permeable membrane MA, the gas permeable membrane MB, and the gas permeable membrane MC reach the common defoaming space Q. Therefore, there is an advantage that the structure for discharging the bubbles is simplified as compared with the configuration in which the bubbles extracted in each part of the liquid ejecting unit 40 are supplied to separate spaces.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, the defoaming space Q communicates with the defoaming path 75. The defoaming path 75 is a path for discharging the air staying in the defoaming space Q to the outside of the apparatus. A check valve 74 is interposed between the defoaming space Q and the defoaming path 75. The check valve 74 is a valve mechanism that permits the flow of air from the defoaming space Q toward the defoaming path 75 while inhibiting the flow of air from the defoaming path 75 to the defoaming space Q.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram focusing on the vicinity of the check valve 74 in the flow path unit 42. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the check valve 74 of the first embodiment includes a valve seat 741, a valve body 742, and a spring 743. The valve seat 741 is a flat part that partitions the defoaming space Q and the defoaming path 75. The valve seat 741 is formed with a communication hole HB that allows the defoaming space Q and the defoaming path 75 to communicate with each other. The valve body 742 faces the valve seat 741 and is urged toward the valve seat 741 by the spring 743. In a state where the pressure in the defoaming path 75 is maintained to be equal to or higher than the pressure in the defoaming space Q (a state in which the defoaming path 75 is opened to the atmosphere or pressurized), the valve body 742 is moved by the bias from the spring 743. By closely contacting the valve seat 741, the communication hole HB is closed. Therefore, the defoaming space Q and the defoaming path 75 are blocked. On the other hand, in a state where the pressure in the defoaming path 75 is lower than the pressure in the defoaming space Q (a state in which the inside of the defoaming path 75 is depressurized), the valve body 742 resists the bias by the spring 743 and the valve seat 741. Separate from. Therefore, the defoaming space Q and the defoaming path 75 communicate with each other through the communication hole HB.

  The defoaming path 75 of the first embodiment is connected to a path connecting the pressure adjusting mechanism 18 and the control chamber RC of the valve mechanism unit 41. That is, the path connected to the pressure adjusting mechanism 18 branches into two systems, one is connected to the control chamber RC and the other is connected to the defoaming path 75.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15, a discharge path 76 extending from the liquid ejecting unit 40 to the inside of the flow path component 36 via the valve mechanism unit 41 is formed. The discharge path 76 is a path that communicates with an internal flow path (specifically, a flow path for supplying ink to the liquid ejecting unit 44) of the liquid ejecting unit 40. Specifically, the discharge path 76 communicates with the discharge port Rout of the common liquid chamber SR of each liquid ejecting unit 44 and the vertical space RV.

  An end of the discharge path 76 opposite to the liquid ejecting unit 40 is connected to the closing valve 78. Although the position where the blocking valve 78 is installed is arbitrary, a configuration in which the blocking valve 78 is installed in the flow path component 36 is illustrated in FIG. The shut-off valve 78 is a valve mechanism capable of closing the discharge path 76 in a normal state (normally closed) and temporarily opening the discharge path 76 to the atmosphere.

  The operation of the liquid ejecting unit 40 focusing on the discharge of bubbles from the internal flow path will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 18, in the stage where the liquid ejecting unit 40 is initially filled with ink (hereinafter referred to as “initial filling”), the pressure adjusting mechanism 18 performs a pressurizing operation. That is, the internal space of the bag-like body 73 and the inside of the defoaming path 75 are pressurized by supplying air. Therefore, the bag-like body 73 in the control chamber RC is expanded to displace the movable film 71 and the pressure receiving plate 723, and the valve body 722 is moved by the pressure from the pressure receiving plate 723 so that the space R1 and the space R2 communicate with each other. In the state where the defoaming path 75 is pressurized, the check valve 74 blocks the defoaming space Q and the defoaming path 75, so that the air in the defoaming path 75 does not flow into the defoaming space Q. On the other hand, the closing valve 78 is opened at the initial filling stage.

  In the above state, the liquid pumping mechanism 16 pumps the ink stored in the liquid container 14 to the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting unit 40. Specifically, the ink pumped from the liquid pumping mechanism 16 is supplied to the vertical space RV through the open / close valve B [1], and from the vertical space RV to the common liquid chamber SR and each pressure chamber SC. Supplied. Since the blocking valve 78 is open as described above, the air that was present in the internal flow path before the initial filling is performed is filled with ink in the internal flow path and the discharge path 76 together with the discharge path 76 and the blocking valve 78. It passes through and is discharged outside the device. Accordingly, the entire internal flow path including the common liquid chamber SR and each pressure chamber SC of the liquid ejecting unit 40 is filled with ink, and the ink can be ejected from the nozzle N by the operation of the piezoelectric element 484. As illustrated above, in the first embodiment, since the closing valve 78 is opened when ink is pumped from the liquid pumping mechanism 16 to the liquid ejecting unit 40, the ink is efficiently supplied to the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting unit 40. Filling is possible. When the initial filling described above is completed, the pressurizing operation by the pressure adjusting mechanism 18 is stopped and the closing valve 78 is closed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 19, in the state where the initial filling is completed and the liquid ejecting apparatus 100 can be used, the bubbles present in the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting unit 40 are constantly discharged into the defoaming space Q. Specifically, the bubbles in the space RF1 are discharged to the defoaming space Q through the gas permeable membrane MC, and the bubbles in the vertical space RV are discharged to the defoaming space Q through the gas permeable membrane MA. Bubbles in the chamber SR are discharged to the defoaming space Q through the gas permeable membrane MB. On the other hand, the on-off valve B [1] is closed when the pressure in the space R2 is maintained within a predetermined range, and is opened when the pressure in the space R2 falls below a predetermined threshold. When the on-off valve B [1] is opened, the ink supplied from the liquid pumping mechanism 16 flows from the space R1 into the space R2, and as a result, the pressure in the space R2 rises, so that the on-off valve B [1] Blocked.

  The air staying in the defoaming space Q in the operation state illustrated in FIG. 19 is discharged outside the apparatus by the defoaming operation. The defoaming operation can be executed at any time such as immediately after the liquid ejecting apparatus 100 is turned on, during a printing operation, or during printing (that is, during ejection of liquid by the liquid ejecting unit 44). FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of the defoaming operation. As illustrated in FIG. 20, when the defoaming operation is started, the pressure adjusting mechanism 18 performs a pressure reducing operation. That is, the internal space of the bag-like body 73 and the defoaming path 75 are depressurized by air suction.

  When the defoaming path 75 is depressurized, the valve body 742 of the check valve 74 separates from the valve seat 741 against the biasing force of the spring 743, and the defoaming space Q and the defoaming path 75 open the communication hole HB. To communicate with each other. Therefore, the air in the defoaming space Q is discharged to the outside of the apparatus through the defoaming path 75. On the other hand, the bag-like body 73 contracts due to the decompression of the internal space, but does not affect the pressure in the control chamber RC (and hence the movable film 71), so the on-off valve B [1] is kept closed.

  As illustrated above, in the first embodiment, since the pressure adjusting mechanism 18 is shared for opening / closing the on-off valve B [1] and opening / closing the check valve 74, the on-off valve B [1] and the check valve 74 are shared. Is advantageous in that the configuration for controlling the on-off valve B [1] and the check valve 74 is simplified.

  A specific configuration of the blocking valve 78 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the blocking valve 78. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the closing valve 78 of the first embodiment includes a communication pipe 781, a moving body 782, a sealing portion 783, and a spring 784. The communication pipe 781 is a circular pipe body having an opening 785 formed on the end surface, and accommodates the moving body 782, the sealing portion 783, and the spring 784. The internal space of the communication pipe 781 corresponds to the end portion of the discharge path 76.

  The sealing portion 783 is an annular member formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and is installed concentrically with the communication pipe 781 on one end side of the internal space of the communication pipe 781. The moving body 782 is a member that can move in the direction of the central axis of the communication pipe 781 inside the communication pipe 781, and is in close contact with the sealing portion 783 by urging by a spring 784 as illustrated in FIG. 21. When the moving body 782 and the sealing portion 783 are in close contact with each other, the discharge path 76 inside the communication pipe 781 is closed. As described above, since the moving body 782 is urged to close the discharge path 76, the ink in the liquid ejecting unit 40 is discharged via the discharge path 76 during normal use of the liquid ejecting apparatus 100 (FIG. 19). It is possible to reduce the possibility that air bubbles are mixed and the possibility that ink in the liquid ejecting unit 40 leaks through the discharge path 76. On the other hand, when the moving body 782 is separated from the sealing portion 783 by the action of an external force through the opening 785 of the communication pipe 781, the discharge path 76 inside the communication pipe 781 communicates with the outside through the sealing portion 783. . That is, the discharge path 76 is opened (FIG. 18).

  The exhaust unit 80 of FIG. 21 is used to move the moving body 782 of the closing valve 78 in the initial filling stage illustrated in FIG. The exhaust unit 80 of the first embodiment includes an insertion portion 82 and a base portion 84. The insertion portion 82 is a needle-like portion having a communication channel 822 formed therein, and an opening 824 that communicates with the communication channel 822 is formed at the distal end 820 (on the side opposite to the base portion 84). The base portion 84 includes a retention space 842 that communicates with the communication channel 822 of the insertion portion 82, a gas permeable gas permeable membrane 844 that closes the communication channel 822, and a communication channel 822 across the gas permeable membrane 844. Has an outlet 846 formed on the opposite side.

  The exhaust unit 80 is detachable from the liquid jet head 24. Specifically, in the initial filling stage, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the insertion portion 82 of the exhaust unit 80 is inserted into the communication pipe 781 from the opening 785. Due to the external force applied from the distal end portion 820 of the insertion portion 82, the moving body 782 moves in a direction away from the sealing portion 783. When the insertion portion 82 is further inserted, the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 82 and the inner peripheral surface of the sealing portion 783 are in close contact with each other, and the insertion portion 82 is held by the sealing portion 783. In the above state, the opening 824 of the insertion portion 82 is positioned on the discharge path 76 side (moving body 782 side) as viewed from the sealing portion 783. That is, the sealing portion 783 seals between the outer peripheral surface on the base end side and the inner peripheral surface of the communication pipe 781 (the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path 76) as viewed from the opening 824 in the insertion portion 82. The position of the moving body 782 in the above state is hereinafter referred to as “open position”. In a state where the moving body 782 has moved to the open position, the discharge path 76 communicates with the communication flow path 822 and the staying space 842 through the opening 824 of the distal end 820 of the exhaust unit 80. As understood from the above description, in the first embodiment, it is possible to simply move the moving body 782 to the open position by inserting the exhaust unit 80. That is, when the exhaust unit 80 is attached to the liquid ejecting head 24, the blocking valve 78 installed in the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head 24 is opened.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 18, when ink is pumped from the liquid pumping mechanism 16, the exhaust body 80 is inserted into the opening 785 of the communication pipe 781 to move the moving body 782 to the open position. Therefore, the air existing in the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting unit 40 is discharged together with the ink to the discharge path 76 and passes through the opening 824 and the communication flow path 822 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. It reaches the staying space 842. The bubbles that have reached the staying space 842 pass through the gas permeable membrane 844 and are discharged to the outside from the discharge port 846. As described above, in the first embodiment, since the gas permeable membrane 844 that closes the communication flow path 822 of the exhaust unit 80 is installed, the liquid that has flowed into the communication flow path 822 through the discharge path 76 leaks from the exhaust unit 80. It is possible to reduce the possibility.

  In the first embodiment, since the space between the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust unit 80 and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path 76 (the inner peripheral surface of the communication pipe 781) is sealed by the sealing portion 783, the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust unit 80. It is possible to reduce the possibility of ink leaking through a gap between the discharge path 76 and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path 76. In the first embodiment, sealing is performed between the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust unit 80 and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path 76 and the seal between the movable body 782 and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path 76. The stop 783 is shared. Therefore, there is an advantage that the structure of the blocking valve 78 is simplified as compared with a configuration in which separate members are used for both of the sealing.

  The opening 824 of the exhaust unit 80 in the first embodiment communicates the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head 24 and the communication flow path 822 with the exhaust unit 80 mounted on the liquid ejecting head 24. As understood from FIG. 21, the channel area of the opening 824 is smaller than the channel area of the communication channel 822. According to the above configuration, a meniscus is easily formed inside the opening 824 compared to a configuration in which the opening 824 has a large diameter. Therefore, even when the exhaust unit 80 is removed from the liquid ejecting head 24 in a state where the ink has reached the communication channel 822 from the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head 24, the ink inside the exhaust unit 80 is difficult to leak to the outside. There are advantages.

  In the first embodiment, the detachable portion between the liquid jet head 24 and the exhaust unit 80 is transported by the transport body 262. That is, the exhaust unit 80 is disposed in the vicinity of the liquid ejecting head 24. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the amount of ink necessary for filling the liquid ejecting head 24.

  FIG. 23 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating the structure of the liquid jet head 24 in the first embodiment. As described above, the liquid ejecting head 24 according to the first embodiment includes the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38, the flow path component 36, and the first support 242 (an example of a support) as illustrated in FIG. Consists of. As described above, the plurality of liquid ejection modules 38 and the flow path component 36 are installed on the first support 242. That is, the first support 242 supports the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38 and the flow path component 36. When the liquid ejecting module 38 is attached to the flow path component 36, the flow path component 36 communicates with the liquid ejecting module 38.

  As illustrated in FIG. 23, the exhaust unit 80 is prepared separately from the liquid ejecting head 24, and is attached to and detached from the liquid ejecting head 24 (specifically, the communication pipe 781 of the closing valve 78 in the flow path component 36). Installed as possible. Each liquid ejecting module 38 is detachably fixed to the first support 242.

  As illustrated in FIG. 23, the attachment / detachment direction of each liquid ejecting module 38 with respect to the first support 242 and the attachment / detachment direction of the exhaust unit 80 with respect to the liquid ejecting head 24 are the same direction. Specifically, each liquid ejecting module 38 is moved to the positive side in the Z direction and fixed to the first support 242, while being removed from the negative side in the Z direction from the first support 242. Further, the exhaust unit 80 is moved to the positive side in the Z direction and attached to the liquid jet head 24 (flow path component 36), while being removed from the negative side in the Z direction from the liquid jet head 24. As described above, in the first embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction of the liquid ejection module 38 with respect to the first support 242 and the attachment / detachment direction of the exhaust unit 80 with respect to the liquid ejection head 24 are common. There is an advantage that each attachment / detachment work is easy.

  Each of the liquid ejection module 38 and the exhaust unit 80 can be individually attached to and detached from the flow path component 36. Specifically, the exhaust unit 80 can be attached to and detached from the flow path component 36 while maintaining the state where the liquid ejecting module 38 is mounted on the flow path component 36. In addition, the liquid ejecting module 38 can be attached to and detached from the flow path component 36 while the exhaust unit 80 is maintained attached to the flow path component 36. As described above, in the first embodiment, each of the liquid ejecting module 38 and the exhaust unit 80 can be detached from the flow path component 36 independently. Is less likely to change (positional displacement is less likely to occur).

  In the first embodiment, one exhaust unit 80 is attached to the flow path component 36 communicating with the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38. That is, the shutoff valve 78 is installed in a single system path that collects the discharge paths 76 of the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38, and one exhaust unit 80 is attached to the shutoff valve 78. As understood from the above description, the gas in the internal flow paths of the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38 is discharged by one exhaust unit 80. Therefore, there is an advantage that the number of parts required for the initial filling and the effort of the initial filling are reduced as compared with the configuration in which one exhaust unit 80 is used for each liquid ejecting module 38. However, a configuration in which the exhaust unit 80 can be individually attached to each of the plurality of liquid ejecting modules 38 can also be employed.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the element which an effect | action and function are the same as that of 1st Embodiment in each structure illustrated below, the code | symbol used by description of 1st Embodiment is diverted, and each detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the transmission lines 56 in the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, one end of the transmission line 56 is bonded to the surface of the wiring board 544 opposite to the connection part 546, and the connection part 526 of the wiring board 524 is defined as The configuration in which the other end of the transmission line 56 is joined to the opposite surface is illustrated. In the second embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 24, one end of the transmission line 56 is joined to the surface of the wiring board 544 where the connection part 546 is installed, and the surface of the wiring board 524 where the connection part 526 is installed. The other end of the transmission line 56 is joined. That is, the transmission line 56 is bent so as to extend from the negative surface in the Z direction of the wiring board 544 to the positive surface of the wiring board 524 in the Z direction.

  In the configuration in which the transmission line 56 is joined to the surface opposite to the connection portion 546 and the connection portion 526 as in the first embodiment, a conduction hole (via hole) that electrically connects the connection portion 546 and the transmission line 56 is formed. A conductive hole that is formed in the wiring board 544 and electrically connects the connection portion 526 and the transmission line 56 needs to be formed in the wiring board 524. In the second embodiment, one end of the transmission line 56 is joined to the surface of the wiring board 544 on the connection part 546 side, and the other end of the transmission line 56 is joined to the surface of the wiring board 524 on the connection part 526 side. There is an advantage that it is not necessary to form a conduction hole between both surfaces of the wiring board 544 and the wiring board 524.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 25 is a partial configuration diagram of the connection unit 50 in the third embodiment. In the first embodiment, the connection portion 546 and the liquid ejecting unit 40 are electrically connected by the flexible transmission line 56. In the third embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the connection portion 546 of the wiring board 544 and the connection portion 384 of the liquid ejecting unit 40 are electrically connected by the connection portion 58. The connection portion 58 is a floating structure connector (Board to Board connector), and can absorb tolerances by a configuration that can move relative to the connection target. Accordingly, also in the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the liquid ejecting head 24 can be easily made without considering the action of stress on the liquid ejecting unit 40 from the connection portion 546 (and hence the positional displacement of the liquid ejecting unit 40). It can be assembled or disassembled.

  As understood from the above description, the transmission line 56 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment and the connection portion 58 of the third embodiment show the positional error between the connection portion 546 and the liquid ejecting unit 40. It is comprehensively expressed as a connection body that is installed between the connecting portion 546 and the liquid ejecting unit 40 so as to absorb and connects the connecting portion 546 and the liquid ejecting unit 40.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 26 is a configuration diagram of the closing valve 78 and the exhaust unit 80 in the fourth embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 26, a liquid level sensor 92 is connected to the exhaust unit 80 of the fourth embodiment. The liquid level sensor 92 is a detector that detects the liquid level in the communication channel 822 of the insertion portion 82 of the exhaust unit 80. For example, an optical sensor that irradiates light into the communication channel 822 and receives reflected light from the liquid surface is suitable as the liquid level sensor 92. In the process of initial filling illustrated in FIG. 18, the liquid level in the communication channel 822 tends to increase as the pressure of the ink of the liquid pressure-feeding mechanism 16 to the liquid ejecting unit 40 progresses.

  In the initial filling process, the control unit 20 of the fourth embodiment controls the pumping by the liquid pumping mechanism 16 according to the detection result by the liquid level sensor 92. Specifically, when the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor 92 is lower than a predetermined reference position, the liquid pumping mechanism 16 continues to pump ink to the liquid ejecting unit 40. On the other hand, when the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor 92 is higher than the reference position, the liquid pressure feeding mechanism 16 stops the pressure feeding of the ink to the liquid ejecting unit 40.

  In the fourth embodiment, excessive ink supply to the liquid ejecting unit 40 is performed because the ink pumping by the liquid pumping mechanism 16 is controlled according to the result of the liquid level sensor 92 detecting the liquid level in the communication channel 822. Can be suppressed.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In 4th Embodiment, the structure which controls operation | movement of the liquid pumping mechanism 16 according to the detection result of the liquid level in the communication flow path 822 was illustrated. In the initial filling process illustrated in FIG. 18, the control unit 20 of the fifth embodiment controls the pumping by the liquid pumping mechanism 16 according to the detection result of the ink discharged from the nozzles N of the liquid ejecting unit 40. If ink is supplied excessively from the liquid pumping mechanism 16 to the liquid ejecting unit 40, the ink may leak from the nozzle N of the liquid ejecting unit 40 even when the piezoelectric element 484 is not driven. Therefore, the liquid pumping mechanism 16 of the fifth embodiment continues to pump the ink to the liquid ejecting unit 40 when the leakage of the ink from the specific nozzle N is not detected, and the leakage of the ink from the nozzle N is prevented. If it is detected, the ink pumping is stopped. A method for detecting ink leakage is arbitrary, but for example, a liquid leakage sensor for detecting ink discharged from the nozzle N can be suitably used. Further, considering the tendency that the residual vibration in the pressure chamber SC (vibration remaining in the pressure chamber SC after the displacement of the piezoelectric element 484) varies depending on whether ink leaks from the nozzle N, the residual vibration. It is also possible to detect ink leakage by analyzing the above.

  In the fifth embodiment, since the ink pumping by the liquid pumping mechanism 16 is controlled according to the detection result of the ink discharged from the nozzles of the liquid ejecting unit 40, the excessive ink supply to the liquid ejecting unit 40 is suppressed. It is possible.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the exhaust unit 80 in the sixth embodiment. The exhaust unit 80 illustrated in FIG. 27 can be attached to and detached from the liquid ejecting head 24 (specifically, the communication pipe 781 of the closing valve 78 in the flow path component 36) as in the first embodiment. The configuration in which the communication channel 822 and the opening 824 are formed in the insertion portion 82 is the same as in the first embodiment. The channel area of the opening 824 is less than the channel area of the communication channel 822.

  27 includes a stay space 842 and an atmosphere release path 852. The retention space 842 is a space that communicates with the communication flow path 822 of the insertion portion 82 as in the first embodiment. The air release path 852 is a flow path for opening the atmosphere that allows the stay space 842 to communicate with the outside air. Specifically, the air release path 852 is a flow path having a shape that is curved (ie meandering) periodically and curvedly. As understood from FIG. 27, the flow path area of the atmosphere release path 852 is smaller than the flow path area of the communication flow path 822. However, the specific shape of the air release path 852 is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to form the air release path 852 having a shape extending linearly from the stay space 842.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when the moving body 782 moves to the open position by inserting the exhaust unit 80 into the communication pipe 781, the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting unit 40 stays with the opening 824 and the communication flow path 822. The air communicates with the outside air through the space 842 and the air release path 852. Accordingly, the gas in the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting unit 40 is discharged through the communication flow path 822, the staying space 842, and the air release path 852.

  As described above, since the gas in the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head 24 is discharged via the air release path 852 of the exhaust unit 80 in FIG. Can be filled. In addition, since the flow path area of the atmosphere release path 852 is small, when ink reaches the inside of the exhaust unit 80 from the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head 24, a meniscus is easily formed inside the atmosphere release path 852. Accordingly, there is an advantage that when the exhaust unit 80 is detached from the liquid ejecting head 24, the ink inside the exhaust unit 80 is difficult to leak to the outside. In addition, since the flow path area of the atmosphere release path 852 is small (flow path resistance is large), there is an advantage that the liquid that has reached the inside of the exhaust unit 80 is difficult to enter the atmosphere release path 852.

  As illustrated in FIG. 28, the absorber 854 can be installed inside the exhaust unit 80 of FIG. 27 (for example, in the stay space 842). The absorber 854 is a member such as a sponge that can absorb and hold a liquid. In the exhaust unit 80 having the structure illustrated in FIG. 21 as well, an absorber 854 similar to that in FIG. According to the configuration in which the absorber 854 is installed inside the exhaust unit 80, even when ink reaches the inside of the exhaust unit 80 from the internal flow path of the liquid jet head 24, the ink inside the exhaust unit 80 leaks to the outside. There is also an advantage that it is difficult.

<Modification>
Each form illustrated above can be variously modified. Specific modifications are exemplified below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

(1) In addition to discharging bubbles through the defoaming path 75 and the discharging path 76, it is also possible to discharge bubbles from the nozzle N by sucking ink in the internal flow path of the liquid ejecting head 24 from the nozzle N side. is there. Specifically, the ejection surface J is sealed with a cap, and the space between the ejection surface J and the cap is decompressed, whereby bubbles are discharged from the nozzle N together with ink. Air bubbles present in the internal flow path of the flow path structure formed by the valve mechanism unit 41, the flow path unit 42, and the casing 485 of the liquid ejecting section 44 are the defoaming path 75 exemplified in the above-described embodiments and The discharge through the discharge path 76 is effective, and the bubbles present in the flow path from the branch flow path 481B to the nozzle N in the liquid ejecting section 44 are effectively discharged by suction from the nozzle N side.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the injection surface J includes the first portion P1, the second portion P2, and the third portion P3 has been exemplified, but one of the second portion P2 and the third portion P3 is omitted. obtain. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the second part P2 and the third part P3 are illustrated on the opposite side with respect to the center line y. However, the second part P2 and the third part P3 are arranged on the center line y. It is also possible to position them on the same side.

(3) The shape of the beam-like portion 62 (or the shape of the opening 60) in the first support 242 is not limited to the shape exemplified in the above-described embodiments. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the beam-shaped portion 62 having a shape in which the first support portion 621, the second support portion 622, and the intermediate portion 623 are connected to each other is illustrated, but the shape in which the intermediate portion 623 is omitted (first shape) It is also possible to form the beam-like part 62 having a shape in which the support part 621 and the second support part 622 are separated from each other on the first support body 242.

(4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the serial type liquid ejecting apparatus 100 in which the transport body 262 on which the liquid ejecting head 24 is mounted moves in the X direction is illustrated. However, a plurality of nozzles N of the liquid ejecting head 24 are formed on the medium 12. The present invention can also be applied to a line-type liquid ejecting apparatus distributed over the entire width. In the line-type liquid ejecting apparatus, the moving mechanism 26 exemplified in each of the above embodiments can be omitted.

(5) The element (driving element) that applies pressure to the inside of the pressure chamber SC is not limited to the piezoelectric element 484 exemplified in the above embodiments. For example, a heating element that generates bubbles in the pressure chamber SC by heating to change the pressure can be used as the driving element. As understood from the above examples, the drive element is comprehensively expressed as an element for ejecting liquid (typically, an element that applies pressure to the inside of the pressure chamber SC), and an operation method (piezoelectric method / The heat system) and the specific configuration are not questioned.

(6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the connection portion (328, 384, 526, 546) used for electrical connection is exemplified, but the connection portion for connecting a flow path through which a liquid such as ink flows is used. Also, the present invention can be applied. That is, the connection body according to the present invention includes an element (for example, the transmission line 56) that electrically connects the first connection portion and the liquid ejection unit, as well as a flow path of the first connection portion and a flow path of the liquid ejection unit. Includes connecting elements (eg, tubes formed of an elastic material).

(7) In the above-described embodiments, the configuration in which the exhaust unit 80 for initial filling is attached to and detached from the flow path component 36 is illustrated, but the position at which the exhaust unit 80 is attached and detached is not limited to the above examples. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 29, a configuration in which the exhaust unit 80 can be attached to and detached from the liquid ejecting unit 40 (for example, the flow path unit 42) may be employed. That is, each of the above-described embodiments is comprehensively expressed as a configuration in which the exhaust unit 80 is attached to and detached from the liquid jet head 24. In the first embodiment, the exhaust unit 80 is attached to and detached from the flow path component 36 in the liquid ejecting head 24, and FIG. 29 illustrates the exhaust unit 80 being attached to and detached from the liquid ejecting unit 40 in the liquid ejecting head 24. It is a configuration.

(8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the supply flow path for supplying ink from the liquid pumping mechanism 16 to each of the plurality of liquid ejection modules 38 and the discharge for discharging gas from the internal flow path of the liquid ejection unit 40 Although both of the paths 76 are formed in the single flow path component 36, the supply flow path and the discharge path 76 can be formed in separate flow path components 36. That is, the flow path component 36 may be composed of a single component or a plurality of components separated from each other. For the flow path component in which one of the supply flow path and the discharge path 76 is formed, it does not matter whether the other is present. The ink that has reached the discharge path 76 during the initial filling can be solidified. Therefore, the flow path component including the discharge path 76 is desirably a component that can be attached to and detached from the liquid ejecting head 24 so that it can be exchanged together with the exhaust unit 80, for example.

(9) In each of the above-described embodiments, the gas permeable membranes (MA, MB, MC) separate from the members constituting the internal flow path of the flow path structure (hereinafter referred to as “flow path forming members”) are exemplified. It is also possible to form the gas permeable membrane integrally with the flow path forming member. Specifically, it is possible to use as a gas permeable membrane (MA, MB, MC) by forming a portion of the flow path forming member in contact with the defoaming space Q sufficiently thin. That is, if the portion (wall surface) in contact with the defoaming space Q in the flow path forming member is configured to transmit gas compared to the portion not in contact with the defoaming space Q, the portion in contact with the defoaming space Q is gas. It can be used as a permeable membrane (MA, MB, MC). Similarly, the gas permeable membrane 844 can be formed integrally with the exhaust unit 80.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Liquid ejecting apparatus, 12 ... Medium, 14 ... Liquid container, 16 ... Liquid pressure feeding mechanism, 18 ... Pressure adjusting mechanism, 20 ... Control unit, 22 ... Conveyance mechanism, 24 ... Liquid ejecting head, 26 ... Moving mechanism, 262 ... Conveyor, 264 ... Conveyor belt, 242 ... First support, 244 ... Assembly, 32 ... Connection unit, 322 ... Housing, 324 ... Relay board, 326 ... Drive board, 328 ... Connection part, 342 ... Support part, 344: connecting portion, 346 ... opening, 34 ... second support, 36 ... flow path component, 38 ... liquid ejecting module, 384 ... connecting portion, 40 ... liquid ejecting unit, 41 ... valve mechanism unit, 42 ... flow path Unit: 44 ... Liquid ejecting section, 442 ... Overhang section, 444 ... Overhang section, 445 ... Notch section, 446 ... Projection section, 50 ... Connection unit, 52 ... First relay body, 522 ... Housing, 524 ... Wiring substrate, 26 ... Connecting portion, 53 ... Connector, 54 ... Second relay body, 542 ... Mounting substrate, 544 ... Wiring substrate, 546 ... Connecting portion, 56 ... Transmission line, 60 ... Opening portion, 62 ... Beam-like portion, 621 ... 1st support part, 622 ... 2nd support part, 623 ... Intermediate part, 71 ... Movable film, 73 ... Bag-shaped body, 74 ... Check valve, 75 ... Defoaming path, 76 ... Discharge path, 78 ... Blocking valve, 781 ... Communication pipe, 782 ... Moving body, 783 ... Sealing part, 784 ... Spring, 785 ... Opening part, 80 ... Exhaust unit, 82 ... Insertion part, 820 ... Tip part, 822 ... Communication channel, 824 ... Opening part 84: Base part, 842: Retention space, 844 ... Gas permeable membrane, 846 ... Discharge port, 852 ... Air release path, 854 ... Absorber, B [n] (B [1] to B [4]) ... Open / close Valve, F [n] (F [1] to F [4]) ... Filter, Q ... Defoaming space, MA, MB, MC ... Gas permeable membrane, TA, TB, TC1 TC2 ... fasteners, J ... ejection face, P1 ... first part, P2 ... second portion, P3 ... third portion.

Claims (20)

A liquid ejection unit that ejects the liquid supplied to the internal flow path;
A liquid pumping mechanism for pumping the liquid to the liquid ejecting unit;
A discharge path communicating with the internal flow path;
A blocking valve installed in the discharge path,
The blocking valve includes a moving body biased to close the discharge path,
The moving body is movable by an external force to an open position that opens the discharge path when the liquid is pumped by the liquid pumping mechanism. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving body moves to the open position by the external force applied from the tip portion of an exhaust unit in which a communication channel communicating with the opening on the tip portion side is formed. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the blocking valve includes a sealing portion that seals between an outer peripheral surface on a proximal end side of the exhaust unit and an inner peripheral surface of the discharge path in the exhaust unit. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sealing portion contacts the moving body in a state where the external force is not acting. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the exhaust unit includes a gas permeable membrane that closes the communication channel. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the liquid pumping mechanism stops pumping the liquid according to a detection result of a liquid level sensor that detects a liquid level in the communication channel. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the liquid pumping mechanism stops pumping the liquid according to a detection result of the liquid discharged from the nozzle of the liquid ejecting unit. A liquid ejecting head that ejects the liquid supplied to the internal flow path;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: an exhaust unit that is attachable to and detachable from the liquid ejecting head and includes a gas permeable film that allows gas in the internal flow path to pass therethrough. A liquid ejecting head that ejects the liquid supplied to the internal flow path;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: an exhaust unit that is attachable to and detachable from the liquid ejecting head, and includes an air release path for exhausting the gas in the internal flow path. The exhaust unit includes a needle-like insertion portion having a communication channel formed therein, and is attached to the liquid jet head by insertion of the insertion portion.
The gas in the internal flow path is discharged through the communication flow path and the atmosphere release path,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a flow path area of the atmosphere release path is smaller than a flow path area of the communication flow path. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the exhaust unit includes an absorber that holds liquid therein. A transport body for transporting the liquid jet head;
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a detachable portion between the liquid ejecting head and the exhaust unit is transported by the transport body. The exhaust unit includes a needle-like insertion portion having a communication channel formed therein,
The insertion portion is formed with an opening that allows the internal flow channel and the communication flow channel to communicate with each other in a state where the exhaust unit is attached to the liquid jet head by inserting the insertion portion.
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a flow path area of the opening is smaller than a flow path area of the communication flow path. The liquid jet head includes a closing valve installed in the internal flow path,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the exhaust unit opens the blocking valve by being attached to the liquid ejecting head. The liquid ejecting head includes a liquid ejecting module that ejects liquid, and a support that supports the liquid ejecting module,
The liquid ejecting module is detachable from the support,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein an attaching / detaching direction of the liquid ejecting module with respect to the support and an attaching / detaching direction of the exhaust unit with respect to the liquid ejecting head are the same direction. The liquid ejecting head includes a liquid ejecting module that ejects liquid, and a flow path component that communicates with the liquid ejecting module.
16. The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each of the liquid ejecting module and the exhaust unit is individually removable with respect to the flow path component. The liquid ejecting head includes a plurality of liquid ejecting modules that eject liquid, and a flow path component that communicates with the liquid ejecting module.
The exhaust unit is detachable from the flow path component,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the flow path component communicates the plurality of liquid ejecting modules with the exhaust unit. A liquid feeding mechanism for pumping the liquid to a liquid ejecting unit that ejects the liquid;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a pressure adjusting mechanism that causes the liquid pumping mechanism to perform a pressurizing operation for supplying air to the liquid ejecting head or a decompressing operation for sucking air from the liquid ejecting head. A liquid ejection unit that ejects the liquid supplied to the internal flow path;
A discharge path communicating with the internal flow path;
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a closing valve including a moving body biased to close the discharge path;
A liquid filling method for a liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein in the step of pumping liquid to the liquid ejecting unit, the movable body is moved by an external force to an open position where the discharge path is opened. A liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid;
A liquid pumping mechanism for pumping the liquid to the liquid jet head;
A method for controlling a liquid ejecting apparatus, comprising: a pressure operation for supplying air to the liquid ejecting head; or a pressure adjusting mechanism for performing a pressure reducing operation for sucking air from the liquid ejecting head,
A method for controlling a liquid ejecting apparatus, wherein the pressure adjusting mechanism performs the pressurizing operation or the depressurizing operation while the liquid is being pumped to the liquid ejecting head.

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