JP2018079582A - Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge head adjusting system, and liquid discharge head adjusting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid discharge head, a liquid discharge head adjusting system, and a liquid discharge head adjusting method which can suppress an error in a position of a head module when adjusting the position of the head module.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge head includes: a head module structure (310) in which a head module (210) is mounted in a mounting member (316); a head module support section (312); a first direction adjusting section (348) which adjusts a relative position of the head module structure and the head module support section in a first direction to be parallel with a first support surface (372D); an extrusion section (390) which presses a first joining surface (372A) after adjusting in the first direction and non-presses the first support surface or presses a first surface (326A) to be joined after adjusting in the first direction and non-presses the first support surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid discharge head, a liquid discharge head adjustment system, and a liquid discharge head adjustment method, and more particularly to position adjustment of a liquid discharge head.

  An image forming apparatus including an ink jet type liquid discharge head is known. In order to achieve high quality in image formation using an image forming apparatus including an ink jet type liquid discharge head, high accuracy is required for adjusting the position of the liquid discharge head.

  Patent Document 1 describes a liquid ejection apparatus including a liquid ejection head having a structure in which a plurality of head modules are arranged in the width direction of a recording medium. The liquid discharge head described in Patent Literature 1 includes a plurality of head modules, a head module support member that supports the plurality of head modules, and a position adjustment member that adjusts the position of each head module.

  The position adjustment member described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration for adjusting the position of the head module in the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head and a configuration for adjusting the inclination of the head module with respect to the longitudinal direction of the liquid ejection head.

  Note that the liquid ejection device in this specification corresponds to the image recording device in Patent Document 1. The liquid discharge head in this specification corresponds to the head portion in Patent Document 1. The head module in this specification corresponds to the head unit in Patent Document 1.

JP 2009-262540 A

  However, since the position adjusting member described in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of positions in contact with the head module, the adjustment of the inclination of the head module may be shifted when the interval between the head modules is adjusted. .

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a liquid discharge head, a liquid discharge head adjustment system, and a liquid discharge head adjustment method that can suppress an error in the position of the head module in adjusting the position of the head module. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention aspects are provided.

  The liquid ejection head according to the first aspect supports a head module structure in which a head module is joined to an attachment member having a plurality of supported contact members that define a first supported surface, and the first supported surface. A plurality of support contact members defining a first support surface, the first support surface of the head module structure using the first support surface by contacting the plurality of supported contact members and the plurality of support contact members; A head module support part for supporting the first module, and a plurality of supported contact members defining a first supported surface of the head module structure in a first direction parallel to the first support surface; A first direction adjustment unit that adjusts the relative positions of the head module structure and the head module support unit by adjusting the positions of the plurality of support contact members that define the first support surface; and the head module structure. The first joint surface, which is the surface on the head module support section facing each other, is pressed to separate the first support surface and the first supported surface, and the first support surface and the first supported surface are not pressed while the first joint surface is not pressed. The first support surface and the first supported surface are separated by pressing the first bonded surface, which is a surface on the head module structure that contacts the support surface or faces the head module support, The liquid ejection head includes: an extruding unit that brings the first supported surface into contact with the first supported surface while the one bonded surface is not pressed.

  According to the first aspect, in the adjustment of the head module structure and the head module support member in the first direction, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation that occurs between the head module structure and the head module support member. Thereby, it is possible to perform highly accurate positioning when attaching the head module structure to the head module support member.

  According to a second aspect, in the liquid ejection head according to the first aspect, the extrusion unit is provided in the head module support unit, and includes an extrusion member that reciprocates between the first bonding surface and the first bonded surface. May be.

  According to the 2nd aspect, it is possible to space apart a 1st support surface and a 1st supported surface resulting from pressing a 1st to-be-joined surface using an extrusion part.

  According to a third aspect, in the liquid discharge head according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the push-out unit is provided in the head module structure, and the push-out member that reciprocates between the first joined surface and the first joined surface is provided. You may be set as the structure provided.

  According to the 3rd aspect, it is possible to space apart a 1st support surface and a 1st supported surface resulting from pressing a 1st joining surface using an extrusion part.

  According to a fourth aspect, in the liquid ejection head according to the second aspect or the third aspect, the extrusion unit may include an extrusion drive unit that operates the extrusion member.

  According to the 4th aspect, operation | movement of an extrusion part is possible resulting from control of an extrusion drive part.

  According to a fifth aspect, in the liquid ejection head according to any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, the push-out unit is the first of the plurality of contacts where the plurality of supported contact members and the plurality of supported contact members are in contact. You may be set as the structure arrange | positioned in the position spaced apart from the 1st support surface or a 1st to-be-supported surface the contact with the largest distance with a one-way adjustment part.

  According to the fifth aspect, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation between the head module structure and the head module support member due to the rotation generated between the first support surface and the first supported surface.

  According to a sixth aspect, in the liquid ejection head according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the head module includes a plurality of nozzle portions, and the first direction is parallel to the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzle portions. It may be the composition which is.

  According to the sixth aspect, it is possible to suppress misalignment between the head module structure and the head module support member in the adjustment of the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzle portions.

  According to a seventh aspect, in the liquid ejection head according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect, a plurality of head modules may be arranged along the first direction.

  According to the seventh aspect, the positional deviation between the head module structure and the head module support member during the adjustment in the first direction of the liquid ejection head having a structure in which a plurality of head modules are arranged along the first direction. Can be suppressed.

  According to an eighth aspect, in the liquid discharge head according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the head module includes a liquid discharge surface including a plurality of nozzle portions, and the first direction includes a plurality of nozzle portions. The liquid ejection surface may be rotated in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction, with the axis in the direction orthogonal to the liquid ejection surface as a rotation axis.

  According to the eighth aspect, the head module structure is used to adjust the direction in which the liquid discharge surface is rotated with the axis in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzle portions as the rotation axis. And displacement of the head module support member can be suppressed.

  According to a ninth aspect, in the liquid ejection head according to the eighth aspect, the push-out portion is adjusted using the first direction adjusting portion among the plurality of contacts where the plurality of supported contact members and the plurality of supported contact members are in contact. The contact point that is farthest from the axis at the time may be arranged at a position to be separated from the first support surface or the first supported surface.

  According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation between the head module structure and the head module support member due to the rotation generated between the first support surface and the first supported surface.

  According to a tenth aspect, in the liquid ejection head according to the eighth aspect or the ninth aspect, the head module may be arranged along the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzle portions.

  According to the tenth aspect, it is possible to suppress misalignment between the head module structure and the head module support member in the adjustment in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the plurality of head modules.

  An eleventh aspect is the liquid ejection head according to any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, wherein the head module structure is a second supported surface that intersects the first supported surface and intersects the first direction. The head module support part may be configured to have a second support surface that supports the second supported surface of the head module structure.

  According to the eleventh aspect, the head module structure is supported by using two intersecting surfaces of the head module support member.

  According to a twelfth aspect, in the liquid ejection head according to the eleventh aspect, the head module structure has a first supported surface and a third supported surface intersecting the second supported surface, You may be set as the structure which has the 3rd support surface which supports the 3rd supported surface of a head module structure.

  According to the twelfth aspect, the head module structure is supported by using three mutually intersecting surfaces of the head module support member.

  A thirteenth aspect is the second direction perpendicular to the first direction in the liquid ejection head according to any one of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect, and intersects the first support surface or the first supported surface. About 2 directions, you may be set as the structure provided with the 2nd direction biasing part which biases a head module structure and a head module support part.

  According to the thirteenth aspect, the urging force along the second direction is used, and the head module structure can be supported by the head module support part.

  A fourteenth aspect is a liquid ejection head according to the thirteenth aspect, wherein a third direction urging portion that urges the head module structure and the head module support portion in a first direction and a third direction intersecting the second direction. May be provided.

  According to the fourteenth aspect, the urging force along the third direction is used, and the head module structure can be supported by the head module support portion.

  In the liquid ejection head adjustment system according to the fifteenth aspect, a head module structure in which a head module is joined to an attachment member having a plurality of supported contact members defining a first supported surface is the first of the head module structures. A head module structure comprising a plurality of support contact members defining a first support surface for supporting a supported surface, wherein the plurality of supported contact members and the plurality of support contact members are brought into contact with each other, and the first support surface is used. An adjustment system for a liquid discharge head supported by a head module support that supports the first supported surface of the first supported surface of the head module structure in a first direction parallel to the first supported surface Adjusting the positions of the plurality of supported contact members that define the first support surface and the positions of the plurality of support contact members that define the first support surface of the head module support portion. A first support surface and a first supported surface by pressing a first direction adjustment portion that adjusts the relative position with the module support portion, and a first joint surface that is a surface on the head module support portion facing the head module structure. The first joint surface is not pressed and the first support surface and the first supported surface are brought into contact with each other, or the first cover is a surface on the head module structure that faces the head module support portion. An extruding part that presses the joining surface to separate the first supporting surface and the first supported surface and brings the first supporting surface and the first supported surface into contact with each other without pressing the first joining surface. The liquid discharge head adjustment system.

  According to the fifteenth aspect, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

  In the fifteenth aspect, matters similar to the matters specified in the second aspect to the fourteenth aspect can be appropriately combined. In that case, the component responsible for the process and function specified in the liquid ejection head can be grasped as the component of the liquid ejection head adjustment system responsible for the process and function corresponding thereto.

  A sixteenth aspect is the liquid ejection head adjustment system according to the fifteenth aspect, further comprising a measurement unit that measures a relative position in the first direction between the head module structure and the head module support unit, and the pushing unit is a measurement result of the measurement unit. May be configured to operate when the value is outside the predetermined error range.

  According to the 16th aspect, it is possible to operate an extrusion part based on the measurement result of a measurement part.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the liquid ejection head adjustment method, a head module structure in which a head module is joined to an attachment member having a plurality of supported contact members that define a first supported surface is the first of the head module structures. A head module structure comprising a plurality of support contact members defining a first support surface for supporting a supported surface, wherein the plurality of supported contact members and the plurality of support contact members are brought into contact with each other, and the first support surface is used. A method for adjusting a liquid discharge head supported by a head module support portion that supports the first supported surface of the first module, and the first supported surface of the head module structure in a first direction parallel to the first supported surface Adjusting the positions of the plurality of supported contact members defining the first support surface and the positions of the plurality of support contact members defining the first support surface of the head module support portion, thereby adjusting the head module structure and the head module. A first direction adjustment step for adjusting the relative position with the support portion, and a first joint surface that is a surface on the head module support portion that faces the head module structure using the extrusion portion after the first direction adjustment step. After pressing the first support surface and the first supported surface away from each other, the first support surface and the first supported surface are brought into contact with each other with the first joint surface being non-pressed, or the first direction adjustment is performed. After the step, after pressing the first bonded surface, which is the surface on the head module structure that faces the head module supporting portion, using the extrusion portion, the first supporting surface and the first supported surface are separated from each other And an extruding step of bringing the first support surface and the first supported surface into contact with each other while the first bonded surface is not pressed.

  According to the seventeenth aspect, the same effect as in the first aspect can be obtained.

  In the seventeenth aspect, matters similar to the matters specified in the second aspect to the fourteenth aspect can be appropriately combined. In that case, the component responsible for the process and function specified in the liquid ejection head can be grasped as the component of the liquid ejection head adjustment method responsible for the process and function corresponding thereto.

  The eighteenth aspect includes a measuring step of measuring a relative position in the first direction between the head module structure and the head module support portion after the first direction adjusting step in the liquid ejection head adjusting method according to the seventeenth aspect, The process may be configured to be executed when a measurement result of the measurement process is outside a predetermined error range.

  According to the 18th aspect, it is possible to perform an extrusion process based on the measurement result of a measurement process.

  According to the present invention, in the adjustment of the head module structure and the head module support member in the first direction, it is possible to suppress misalignment that occurs between the head module structure and the head module support member. Thereby, it is possible to perform highly accurate positioning when attaching the head module structure to the head module support member.

FIG. 1 is a perspective plan view showing a structural example of a liquid discharge head. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the head module and includes a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 3 is a perspective plan view of the liquid ejection surface in the head module. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the head module. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the head module structure. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the head module support member. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a method of attaching the head module structure and the head module support member. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a problem in the adjustment in the X-axis direction. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of the operation of the extrusion unit. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of the operation of the extrusion unit. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of the operation of the extrusion unit. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the operation of the extrusion unit. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of the operation of the extrusion unit. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure for adjusting the position in the X-axis direction. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a state before position adjustment in the _θZ direction. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of position adjustment in the _θZ direction. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a state after position adjustment in the _θZ direction. Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a theta _Z direction position adjustment mechanism. FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a first specific example of the extruded member. FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a second specific example of the extruded member. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a part of the liquid discharge head shown in FIG. FIG. 22 is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of the liquid discharge head. FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the head module support member showing an example of the configuration of the head module support member. FIG. 24 is an overall configuration diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus. FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a control system of the ink jet recording apparatus shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[Liquid discharge head structure]
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a perspective plan view showing a structural example of a liquid discharge head. The liquid ejection head 56 shown in FIG. 1 has a structure in which a plurality of head modules 210 are connected in the width direction of the paper S, which is a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the paper S.

  The width direction of the paper S is illustrated by an arrow line with a symbol X. The transport direction of the paper S is illustrated by an arrow line with a symbol Y.

  In this specification, the conveyance direction of the paper S may be described as a recording medium conveyance direction, a medium conveyance direction, or a conveyance direction. These terms can be interchanged with each other as appropriate.

The liquid discharge head 56 shown in FIG. 1 is a line type liquid discharge head in which a plurality of nozzle portions are arranged over a length equal to or longer than the total length L _max of the paper S in the width direction of the paper S. Nozzles that are not shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG.

  The same structure can be applied to the plurality of head modules 210 constituting the liquid ejection head 56. Further, the head module 210 can function as a liquid discharge head alone.

<Structure of head module>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the head module including a partial cross-sectional view. The ink in this specification is an embodiment of a liquid, and the term ink and the term liquid can be read as appropriate. Further, in the present specification, the term “droplet ejection” and the term “ejection” can be treated as synonyms, and the term “droplet ejection” and the term “ejection” can be appropriately replaced.

  The head module 210 has an ink supply unit including an ink supply chamber 180 and an ink circulation chamber 182 on the upper surface side in FIG. 2, which is the opposite side of the liquid ejection surface 177 of the nozzle plate 175.

  The ink supply chamber 180 is connected to an ink tank (not shown) via a supply-side individual flow path 184, and the ink circulation chamber 182 is connected to a recovery tank (not shown) via a recovery-side individual flow path 186.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective plan view of the liquid ejection surface of the head module. In FIG. 3, the number of nozzle openings 178 arranged on the liquid discharge surface 177 is omitted, but a two-dimensional arrangement is applied to the liquid discharge surface 177 of one head module 210 so that a plurality of nozzle openings is provided. 178 is arranged.

  The head module 210 has an end face on the long side along the V direction having an inclination of angle β with respect to a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction, and a W direction having an inclination of angle α with respect to the recording medium conveyance direction. It has a parallelogram-shaped planar shape having an end surface on the short side, and a plurality of nozzle openings 178 are arranged in a matrix in the row direction along the V direction and the column direction along the W direction.

  The arrangement of the nozzle openings 178 is not limited to the mode illustrated in FIG. 3, and is arranged in a row direction along a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction and in a column direction obliquely intersecting the direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction. A plurality of nozzle openings 178 may be arranged along.

  The matrix arrangement of nozzle openings 178 is a recording medium in which a plurality of nozzle openings 178 are projected in a direction perpendicular to the recording medium conveyance direction, and the plurality of nozzle openings 178 are arranged along a direction orthogonal to the recording medium conveyance direction. In the projection nozzle row in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction, the nozzle openings 178 are arranged at uniform intervals between the nozzle openings 178.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the liquid ejection head. Reference numeral 188 denotes an ink supply path, reference numeral 191 denotes a pressure chamber, reference numeral 190 denotes an individual supply path that connects each pressure chamber 191 and the ink supply path 188, reference numeral 192 denotes a nozzle communication path that connects the pressure chamber 191 to the nozzle opening 178, and reference numeral 193. Is a circulation individual flow path connecting the nozzle communication path 192 and the circulation common flow path 194. The pressure chamber 191 may be called a liquid chamber.

  A vibration plate 93 is provided on the flow path structure 211 that forms the ink supply path 188, the individual supply path 190, the pressure chamber 191, the nozzle communication path 192, the circulation individual flow path 193, and the circulation common flow path 194. A piezoelectric element 90 having a laminated structure of a lower electrode 95, a piezoelectric layer 91, and an upper electrode 96 is disposed on the vibration plate 93 via an adhesive layer 94. The lower electrode 95 may be called a common electrode, and the upper electrode 96 may be called an individual electrode.

  The upper electrode 96 is an individual electrode patterned corresponding to the shape of each pressure chamber 191, and a piezoelectric element 90 is provided for each pressure chamber 191.

  The ink supply path 188 is connected to the ink supply chamber 180 shown in FIG. 2, and ink is supplied from the ink supply path 188 shown in FIG. 4 to the pressure chamber 191 via the individual supply path 190.

  Depending on the input image data, the piezoelectric element 90 and the diaphragm 93 are deformed by applying a driving voltage to the upper electrode 96 of the piezoelectric element 90 provided in the corresponding pressure chamber 191, and the pressure chamber 191 is deformed. The volume changes, and ink is ejected from the nozzle opening 178 via the nozzle communication path 192 due to the pressure change accompanying this.

  By controlling the driving of the piezoelectric element 90 corresponding to each nozzle opening 178 according to the dot arrangement data generated from the input image data, ink can be ejected from the nozzle opening 178.

  While transporting the paper S in the recording medium transport direction at a constant speed, the ink droplet ejection timing from each nozzle opening 178 is controlled in accordance with the transport speed, thereby recording a desired image on the paper S. can do.

  The pressure chamber 191 provided corresponding to each nozzle opening 178 has a substantially square planar shape, and an outlet to the nozzle opening 178 is provided at one of the diagonal corners, and the other is provided at the other. An individual supply path 190 is provided as an inflow port for the supply ink. Illustration of the planar shape of the pressure chamber 191 is omitted.

  The planar shape of the pressure chamber is not limited to a square. The planar shape of the pressure chamber may have various forms such as a square such as a rhombus and a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon and other polygons, a circle and an ellipse.

  A circulation outlet is formed in the nozzle portion 179 including the nozzle opening 178 and the nozzle communication path 192, and the nozzle portion 179 communicates with the circulation individual flow path 193 through the circulation outlet. Of the ink in the nozzle communication path 192 and the nozzle opening 178, ink that is not used for droplet ejection is collected to the circulation common flow path 194 via the circulation individual flow path 193.

  The circulation common flow path 194 is connected to the ink circulation chamber 182 shown in FIG. 2, and the ink is always collected to the circulation common flow path 194 through the circulation individual flow path 193, so that the ink is not ejected. The thickening of the ink in the vicinity of the nozzle opening 178 is prevented.

  As an aspect of the ejection element provided in the head module, there is an aspect in which one nozzle portion 179, a flow path such as a pressure chamber 191 communicated with one nozzle portion 179, and a piezoelectric element 90 corresponding to the nozzle portion 179 are included. Can be mentioned.

  In the present specification, the term “nozzle opening” and the term “nozzle part” can be read as appropriate.

  As an example of the piezoelectric element 90, there is a piezoelectric element 90 having a structure separated individually corresponding to the nozzle portion 179. Of course, a structure in which the piezoelectric layer 91 is integrally formed with respect to the plurality of nozzle portions 179, individual electrodes are formed corresponding to the respective nozzle portions 179, and an active region is formed for each nozzle portion 179 is applied. Also good.

  A heater is provided in the pressure chamber 191 as a pressure generating element instead of the piezoelectric element, and a drive voltage is supplied to the heater to generate heat, and ink in the pressure chamber 191 is ejected from the nozzle opening 178 using a film boiling phenomenon. A thermal method may be applied.

[First embodiment]
<Structural example of head module structure>
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the head module structure. In the head module structure 310 shown in FIG. 5, the head module 210 is joined to a bracket 316. For joining the head module 210 and the bracket 316, a joining member such as an adhesive may be used, or a fixing member such as a screw may be used.

  Note that an area denoted by reference numeral 324B in FIG. 5 represents an area in which the ink supply chamber 180 and the ink circulation chamber 182 shown in FIG. 2 are arranged. In FIG. 5, the illustration of the ink supply chamber 180 and the ink circulation chamber 182 is omitted.

  In the following description, the X-axis direction is the longitudinal direction of the liquid discharge head 56 shown in FIG. When the liquid discharge head 56 is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus, the X-axis direction is the same as the X direction that represents the width direction of the recording medium. The X direction and the X axis direction can be interchanged with each other.

  The Y-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the liquid discharge head 56 and is a direction parallel to the liquid discharge surface 177. When the liquid discharge head 56 is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus, the Y-axis direction is the same as the Y direction that represents the conveyance direction of the recording medium. The Y direction and the Y axis direction can be interchanged with each other.

  The Z-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the liquid discharge head 56 and is a direction orthogonal to the liquid discharge surface 177. When the liquid discharge head 56 is mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus, the Z-axis direction is the normal direction of the recording medium conveyance surface. When the conveyance surface of the recording medium is parallel to the horizontal plane, the Z-axis direction is the gravitational direction or the direction opposite to the gravitational direction. In the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction, the direction in which the arrow points is the plus direction.

  The bracket 316 shown in FIG. 5 includes a horizontal portion 324 and a vertical portion 326. The horizontal portion 324 functions as a mounting portion for the head module 210. The vertical portion 326 functions as an attachment portion to the head module support member. In FIG. 5, the illustration of the head module support member is omitted. The head module support member is shown in FIG.

  The horizontal portion 324 is formed with a head module mounting portion (not shown). The head module mounting portion may include an opening (not shown) that allows the ink supply chamber 180 and the ink circulation chamber 182 shown in FIG. 2 to pass when the head module 210 is joined to the bracket 316.

  The Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A of the horizontal portion 324 is a surface facing the Z-axis direction bonded surface of the head module support member in the Z-axis direction. In FIG. 5, the illustration of the Z-axis direction joint surface of the head module support member is omitted. The Z-axis direction joint surface of the head module support member is illustrated with reference numeral 372B in FIG.

  The Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A of the horizontal part 324 is provided with an X-axis direction contact member 396 and an X-axis direction biasing part 350. The X-axis direction contact member 396 has a convex portion 396A that is convex in the minus X direction. The X-axis direction biasing part 350 has a convex part 350B that is convex in the plus X direction.

  A shape such as a spherical shape, a conical shape, or a cylindrical shape can be applied to the convex portion 396A of the X-axis direction contact member 396. The convex portion 350B of the X-axis direction biasing portion 350 has a cylindrical shape. Instead of the cylindrical shape, a shape such as a spherical shape or a conical shape may be applied. The convex portion 396A of the X-axis direction contact member 396 and the convex portion 350B of the X-axis direction biasing portion 350 may have the same shape or different shapes.

  The convex portion 396A of the X-axis direction contact member 396 functions as a contact member that defines the X-axis direction supported surface. Instead of the convex portion 396A of the X-axis direction contact member 396, the convex portion 350B of the X-axis direction biasing portion 350 may define the X-axis direction supported surface.

  The X-axis direction supported surface here is a surface serving as a reference in the adjustment of the head module structure 310 in the X-axis direction.

  The positions in the X-axis direction of the X-axis direction contact member 396 and the X-axis direction biasing portion 350 correspond to the positions of the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism provided in the head module support member. The X-axis direction adjusting mechanism is shown in FIG.

  Further, the Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A of the horizontal portion 324 shown in FIG. 5 includes a first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A and a second Z-axis direction supported contact member 394B.

  The first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A and the second Z-axis direction supported contact member 394B have a convex shape that is convex in the plus Z-axis direction from the Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A. The first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A and the second Z-axis direction supported contact member 394B may have a spherical shape, a conical shape, a cylindrical shape, or the like. The first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A and the second Z-axis direction supported contact member 394B may have the same shape or different shapes.

  At least one of the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A and the second Z-axis direction supported contact member 394B adjusts the relative position of the head module support member and the head module structure 310 in the Z-axis direction. A Z-axis direction adjusting mechanism is provided.

  The illustration of the Z-axis direction adjusting mechanism is omitted. As an example of the Z-axis direction adjusting mechanism, there is a configuration in which the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A is moved in the Z-axis direction using a screw. The same applies to the second Z-axis direction supported contact member 394B.

  The vertical portion 326 is provided with a guide groove 356 at the center position in the X-axis direction. The guide groove 356 is provided with a notch 356A. The notch portion 356A is provided on the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the vertical portion 326 and the opposite side surface of the vertical portion 326 opposite to the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A. The opposite side is shown in FIG.

  The notch portion 356A provided on the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the vertical portion 326 is provided on one side in the X-axis direction with the guide groove 356 interposed therebetween. A notch portion 356A provided on the opposite side surface of the vertical portion 326 is provided on the other side in the X-axis direction with the guide groove 356 interposed therebetween.

  The notch 356A is disposed at a position where it can be fitted to the locking bar of the Z-axis urging portion in a state where the head module structure 310 is attached to the head module support member. The notch portion 356A has a shape that can be fitted to the locking bar of the Z-axis direction urging portion. The Z-axis direction urging portion is shown in FIG. The locking bar is shown in FIG. 6 with reference numeral 378D.

  The Y-axis direction supported surface 326A of the vertical portion 326 shown in FIG. 5 includes a first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, a second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and a third Y-axis direction supported contact. A member 334C is provided. The first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A is disposed on one side of the guide groove 356 in the X-axis direction. One side of the guide groove 356 in the X-axis direction is the right side of the guide groove 356 in FIG.

  The second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C are disposed on the other side of the guide groove 356 in the X-axis direction. The other side of the guide groove 356 in the X-axis direction is the left side of the guide groove 356 in FIG.

  In the first Y-axis-direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis-direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis-direction supported contact member 334C, a part of a sphere protrudes from the Y-axis-direction bonded surface 326A. It has a convex shape. The first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C may have the same shape. At least one of the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C may have a different shape.

  The detailed structures of the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C are not shown. The first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C may have a spherical shape. A part of the first Y-axis-direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis-direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis-direction supported contact member 334C having a spherical shape may be used as the Y-axis direction coverage of the vertical portion 326. You may make it protrude from 326A of joining surfaces.

  At least one of the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C includes the head module shown in FIG. A Y-axis direction adjusting mechanism for adjusting the relative position in the Y-axis direction between the support member 312 and the head module structure 310 shown in FIG. 5 is provided.

  The illustration of the Y-axis direction adjusting mechanism is omitted. As an example of the Y-axis direction adjusting mechanism, there is a configuration in which the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A is moved in the Y-axis direction using a screw. The same applies to the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C.

  Hereinafter, the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the vertical portion 326 may be described as the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the head module structure 310. The Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A of the horizontal portion 324 may be described as the Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A of the head module structure 310.

<Example of the structure of the head module support member>
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the head module support member. The head module support member 312 shown in FIG. 6 is configured so that a plurality of head module structures can be attached. FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the head module support member 312 to which one head module structure is attached. The same applies to FIG. The head module structure is illustrated in FIG.

  The head module support member 312 shown in FIG. 6 includes an upper frame part 370 and a lower frame part 372. The upper frame part 370 is provided with a convex part 370A. The convex portion 370A of the upper frame portion 370 is a portion of the upper frame portion 370 that protrudes in the plus Y-axis direction from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the lower frame portion 372.

  The convex portion 370 </ b> A of the upper frame portion 370 is provided with a Z-axis direction biasing portion 378. The Z-axis direction biasing portion 378 is positioned in the X-axis direction by the Z-axis direction biasing portion 378 in a state where the head module structure is attached to the head module support member 312. This is a position where it can be inserted into the groove 356.

  The Z-axis direction urging portion 378 includes an operation member 378A, a Z-axis direction pressing spring 378B, a rod 378C, and a locking bar 378D. The operation member 378A and the Z-axis direction pressing spring 378B have shapes that can contact the upper surface of the guide groove 356 shown in FIG.

  The rod 378C has a shape that can be inserted into the guide groove 356 shown in FIG. The locking bar 378D has a shape that can be fitted to the notch 356A shown in FIG.

  The lower frame portion 372 includes a first Y-axis direction biasing portion 376 and a second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377. The first Y-axis direction urging portion 376 includes an operation member 376A, a Y-axis direction pressing spring 376B, and a rod 376C. The second Y-axis direction urging portion 377 includes an operation member 377A, a Y-axis direction pressing spring 377B, and a rod 377C.

  The first Y-axis direction biasing portion 376 and the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377 are disposed on the Y-axis direction joining surface 372A of the lower frame portion 372. The first Y-axis direction biasing portion 376 and the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377 are first Y-axis direction biasing portions 376 along the Z-axis direction from the positive side to the negative side in the Z-axis direction. And the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377 are arranged in this order.

  The positions of the first Y-axis direction biasing portion 376 and the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377 in the X-axis direction are the first Y-axis direction in a state where the head module structure is attached to the head module support member 312. The biasing portion 376 and the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377 are positions where the guide groove 356 can be inserted.

  The lower frame part 372 includes an extrusion part 390. The extruding unit 390 includes an extruding member 391 and an extruding drive unit not shown in FIG. An example of the configuration of the extrusion drive unit is shown in FIGS.

  The extruding portion 390 is configured to be able to project the extruding member 391 from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the lower frame portion 372 toward the plus Y-axis direction. Further, the pushing portion 390 is configured such that the pushed pushing member 391 can be accommodated in the lower frame portion 372. FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the pushing member 391 is projected from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the lower frame portion 372 toward the plus Y-axis direction. The operation and configuration example of the extruding unit 390 will be described later.

  The lower frame portion 372 is provided with an X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348. The X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 is disposed on the Z-axis direction joint surface 372B of the lower frame portion 372. An eccentric cam may be applied to the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348.

  The position of the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348 in the X-axis direction is the same as that shown in FIG. 5 when the head module structure 310 shown in FIG. 5 is attached to the head module support member 312 shown in FIG. This is a position between the axial urging portion 350 and the X-axis direction contact member 396.

  The positions of the X-axis direction urging portion 350, the X-axis direction contact member 396, and the X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 shown in FIG. 6 may be arbitrary positions in the X-axis direction. For example, the X-axis direction biasing portion 350 and the X-axis direction contact member 396 shown in FIG. 5 are provided at the end of the head module support member 312 in the X-axis direction, and the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348 shown in FIG. However, the end of the head module support member 312 may be moved.

  The member denoted by reference numeral 373A in FIG. 6 represents a first Y-axis direction support contact member that is brought into contact with the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A shown in FIG. The member denoted by reference numeral 373B in FIG. 6 represents a second Y-axis direction support contact member that is brought into contact with the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B shown in FIG. The member denoted by reference numeral 373C in FIG. 6 represents a third Y-axis direction support contact member that is brought into contact with the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C shown in FIG.

  The first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A, the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B, and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C are protrusions provided on the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A. FIG. 6 illustrates a first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A, a second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B, and a third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C having a cylindrical shape. The first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A, the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B, and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C are applied with shapes such as a spherical shape or a conical shape instead of a cylindrical shape. Also good.

  At least one of the first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A, the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B, and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C is shown in FIG. In addition, a Y-axis direction adjustment mechanism that adjusts the relative position of the head module structure 310 in the Y-axis direction may be provided.

The lower frame portion 372 may be provided with a _θZ direction adjustment mechanism. For example, first Y-axis direction supporting contact member 373A instead, may be provided with a theta _Z-direction adjustment mechanism in the position of the first Y-axis direction supporting contact member 373A.

theta _Z direction, and a rotation axis parallel to the axis and Z axis, a rotational direction in the XY plane parallel to the plane. theta _Z direction adjusting mechanism may be applied to the eccentric cam. If the eccentric cam is applied in the theta _Z direction adjusting mechanism, theta _Z-direction adjusting mechanism is disposed at a position where a part of the eccentric cam protruding from the Y-axis direction joining surface 372A of the lower frame portion 372. An arrangement example and a configuration example of the θ _Z direction adjustment mechanism are illustrated in FIG. Details of the θ _Z direction adjustment mechanism will be described later.

  The first Z-axis direction support contact member 373D shown in FIG. 6 is brought into contact with the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A shown in FIG. 5 on the Z-axis direction joint surface 372B of the lower frame portion 372. , And a second Z-axis direction supported contact member 373E shown in FIG. 6 to be brought into contact with the second Z-axis direction supported contact member 394B shown in FIG.

  At least one of the first Z-axis direction support contact member 373D and the second Z-axis direction support contact member 373E has a Z-axis between the head module support member 312 and the head module structure 310 shown in FIG. A Z-axis direction adjusting mechanism for adjusting the relative position in the direction is provided. In FIG. 6, the illustration of the Z-axis direction adjusting mechanism is omitted.

  The lower frame portion 372 includes a recess at a position where the ink supply chamber 180 and the ink circulation chamber 182 shown in FIG. 2 are disposed. The illustration of the recess is omitted.

  Hereinafter, the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the lower frame portion 372 may be referred to as the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312. Further, the Z-axis direction joint surface 372B of the lower frame portion 372 may be described as the Z-axis direction joint surface 372B of the head module support member 312.

<Attaching method of head module structure to head module support member>
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a method of attaching the head module structure to the head module support member. FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the pushing member 391 is housed in the housing portion of the head module support member 312. In FIG. 7, the storage portion of the head module support member 312 is not shown. The storage portion of the head module support member 312 is shown in FIG.

  First, the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the head module structure 310 and the Y-axis direction bonded surface 372A of the head module support member 312 are in a parallel posture. The Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A of the head module structure 310 and the Z-axis direction bonded surface 372B of the head module support member 312 are parallel to each other.

  Next, the position of the guide groove 356 provided in the vertical part 326 of the head module structure 310 is set so that the first Y-axis direction biasing part 376 provided on the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312 and It is adjusted to the position of the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377.

  Then, at least one of the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 is moved in the Z-axis direction, and the first Y-axis direction biasing portion 376 and the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377 are guided. Fit into the groove 356.

  The locking bar 378D of the Z-axis urging portion 378 is moved to a position where it can be fitted into the notch 356A of the guide groove 356, and the locking bar 378D is fitted into the notch 356A of the guide groove 356. Then, the head module structure 310 is locked to the convex portion 370A of the head module support member 312 in the Z-axis direction.

  In the head module structure 310, a biasing force in the plus Z-axis direction works due to the action of the Z-axis pressing spring 378B provided in the Z-axis biasing portion 378. Then, the first Z-axis support contact member 373D provided on the Z-axis direction joining surface 372B of the head module support member 312 is replaced with the first Z-axis provided on the Z-axis direction joined surface 324A shown in FIG. It contacts the direction supported contact member 394A. Further, the second Z-axis direction supported contact member 373E shown in FIG. 7 contacts the second Z-axis direction supported contact member 394B shown in FIG. As a result, the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 are positioned in the Z-axis direction. Here, the relative position of the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 in the Z-axis direction may be adjusted using a Z-axis direction adjustment mechanism (not shown).

  Further, the head module structure 310 is caused by the action of the Y-axis direction pressing spring 376B of the first Y-axis direction biasing portion 376 and the Y-axis direction pressing spring 376B of the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377. A biasing force in the negative Y-axis direction works.

  Then, the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 373A provided on the Y-axis direction joining surface 372A of the head module support member 312 is replaced with the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A provided on the Y-axis direction joined surface 326A. Abut. Further, the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B contacts the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B. Further, the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C contacts the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C.

  As a result, the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 are positioned in the Y-axis direction. Here, the relative position in the Y-axis direction between the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 may be adjusted using a Y-axis direction adjustment mechanism (not shown).

  Due to the positioning of the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, the X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 is attached to the X-axis direction shown in FIG. It is disposed between the urging portion 350 and the X-axis direction contact member 396.

  The X-axis direction urging unit 350 presses the head module structure 310 in the plus X-axis direction via the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348 shown in FIG. The X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348 can adjust the position of the head module structure 310 in the X-axis direction with respect to the head module support member 312.

  In the liquid discharge head 56 in which the plurality of head modules 210 shown in FIG. 2 are arranged along the X direction, the position of each head module 210 in the X direction is roughly adjusted before the liquid discharge head 56 is mounted on the apparatus. The position of each head module 210 in the X direction may be finely adjusted after the liquid ejection head 56 is mounted on the apparatus.

  Here, the tip of the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the tip of the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the tip of the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C shown in FIG. 7 are used. Thus, a supported surface in the Y-axis direction is defined. In FIG. 7, the Y-axis direction supported surface is not shown. The supported surface in the Y-axis direction is illustrated with reference numeral 326C in FIG.

  The Y-axis direction support contact member 373A, the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B, and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C shown in FIG. A surface is defined. In FIG. 7, the Y-axis direction support surface is not shown. The Y-axis direction support surface is illustrated in FIG. 9 with reference numeral 372D.

  The Y-axis direction supported surface and the Y-axis direction supported surface, which are the reference for adjustment in the Y-axis direction, are defined using three points. By defining the Y-axis direction supported surface and the Y-axis direction supported surface using three points, the Y-axis direction supported surface and the Y-axis direction supported surface are uniquely determined. In addition, the accuracy in assembling the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 can be made higher. Moreover, it is possible to relatively shorten the period spent for adjustment.

  On the other hand, when the Y-axis direction supported surface and the Y-axis direction supported surface are defined using four or more points, if there is an error in each point, a large number of surfaces are defined, and the Y-axis It is difficult to uniquely define the direction supported surface and the Y axis direction supporting surface. If the error at each point is to be made smaller, the period spent for adjusting each point becomes relatively long. Therefore, the Y-axis direction supported surface and the Y-axis direction support surface are defined using three points.

  The Z-axis supported surface is defined by using the tip of the first Z-axis supported contact member 394A and the tip of the second Z-axis supported contact member 394B shown in FIG. The Z-axis direction support surface is defined by using the tip end of the first Z-axis direction support contact member 373D and the tip end of the second Z-axis direction support contact member 373E shown in FIG.

  When the Y-axis supported surface and the Y-axis supported surface that are the reference for adjustment in the Y-axis direction are defined using three points, the Z-axis supported surface and the Z-axis using two points Even if the directional support surface is defined, the adjustment in the Z-axis direction can achieve a desired accuracy. In addition, due to reducing the number of adjustments, it is possible to shorten the period spent for adjustment in the Z-axis direction.

  The X-axis direction supported surface and the X-axis direction support surface, which serve as a reference in the X-axis direction, are defined using one point. In the adjustment in the Y-axis direction and the adjustment in the Z-axis direction, even if the X-axis direction supported surface and the X-axis direction support surface are defined using a single point, the X axis The adjustment of the direction can give a desired accuracy. Further, it is possible to shorten the period spent for the adjustment in the X-axis direction due to the smaller number of adjustments.

<X-axis direction adjustment issues>
Next, with respect to the liquid ejection head 56 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, a new problem in the adjustment of the relative position between the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 will be described. Hereinafter, as an example of adjusting the relative position between the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312, an example in which the position of the head module structure 310 is adjusted with respect to the head module support member 312 in the X-axis direction. Explanation is given.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a problem in the adjustment in the X-axis direction. FIG. 8 is a view in which the head module structure 310 shown in FIG. 5 is seen from the plus side in the Y-axis direction to the minus side. FIG. 8 is a simplified illustration of the head module structure 310 shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. For example, in FIG. 8, illustration of the X-axis direction urging portion 350, the guide groove 356, and the like shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 is omitted.

  A spring 350A shown in FIG. 8 is an X-axis direction biasing portion schematically shown. The X-axis direction urging portion is shown in FIG. The X-axis direction urging unit 350 applies the urging force 350C shown in FIG. 8 to the head module structure 310 from the minus side to the plus side in the X-axis direction.

  The spring 378E is a Z-axis urging portion schematically illustrated. The Z-axis direction urging portion is shown in FIG. The Z-axis direction urging portion applies the urging force 378F shown in FIG. 8 to the head module structure 310 from the minus side to the plus side in the Z-axis direction.

  Although not shown, the first Y-axis direction urging portion 376 and the second Y-axis direction urging portion 377 shown in FIG. 6 are also used in the Y-axis direction to face the minus Y-axis direction. A biasing force in the Y-axis direction is applied.

  The arrow line denoted by reference numeral 348A shown in FIG. 8 indicates that the X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 uses the X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 shown in FIG. The force along the X-axis direction applied to the shown head module structure 310 is shown.

  Of the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C, the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C is the Z-axis The direction position is separated from the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A and the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B. The third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C is positioned above the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A and the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B in FIG.

  Further, the Z-axis direction urging portion 378 shown in FIG. 6 has a position in the Z-axis direction opposite to the liquid discharge surface 177 shown in FIG. Easy to place. That is, it is arranged on the upper side of the head module structure 310 in FIG.

  Further, from the viewpoint of balance of the urging force in the Y-axis direction, the first Y-axis direction urging portion 376 and the second Y-axis direction urging portion 377 shown in FIG. 6 are separated from each other in the Z-axis direction. Are arranged. The first Y-axis direction urging portion 376 is located above the head module structure 310 in FIG. 8 with respect to the second Y-axis direction urging portion 377. That is, the urging force that urges the head module support member 312 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction with respect to the head module structure 310 is more concentrated on the upper side of the head module structure 310 than on the lower side. doing.

  Note that the upper side of the head module structure 310 is a region close to the upper frame portion 370 shown in FIG. 6 in the Z-axis direction. The lower side of the head module structure 310 is an area close to the Z-axis direction joint surface 372B in the Z-axis direction.

  On the other hand, the position in the Z-axis direction of the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348 is an advantageous position for increasing the accuracy of the position of the nozzle portion 179 shown in FIG. 4, and the liquid ejection surface shown in FIG. 177 is closer. That is, the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348 is disposed below the head module structure 310 in FIG.

  Then, the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C, the Z-axis direction biasing portion 378, and the first Y-axis direction biasing portion 376 are arranged at positions away from the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348 in the Z-axis direction. ing.

When the head module structure 310 is moved along the X-axis direction, the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C and the third Y-axis direction support are separated from the position of the X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 in the Z-axis direction. The frictional force acting between the contact member 373C is a moment in the θ _Y direction with the position of the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C and the position of the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C as the center of rotation. generate. Similarly, the frictional force acting on the position on the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module structure 310 corresponding to the position of the Z-axis direction biasing portion 378 shown in FIG. 6 and the first Y-axis direction biasing portion. corresponding to the position of 376, the frictional force acting on the position in the Y-axis direction joining surface 372A of the head module structure 310, the respective positions and the center of rotation to generate a moment in the theta _Y direction force.

Here, theta _Y direction as a rotational axis in the axial direction parallel to the Y-axis direction, a rotational direction in a plane parallel to the Y-axis direction supporting surface.

  That is, the frictional force generated between the Y-axis direction supported surface of the head module structure 310 and the Y-axis direction support surface of the head module support member 312, which is a surface that slides during adjustment in the X-axis direction. The frictional force generated at a position away from the operating position of the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348 of the head module structure 310 is perpendicular to the X-axis direction and is a surface that slides on each other. A moment of force is generated with the rotation axis in the direction orthogonal to the axial supported surface and the Y axis direction supporting surface of the head module support member 312.

In the adjustment of the X-axis direction, the moment of theta _Y direction force inhibits the movement of the head module structure 310 in a direction parallel to the X-axis direction to be intended, the curved arrowed lines shown in FIG. 8 The head module structure 310 is rotated in the indicated θ _Y direction.

Head module structure 310 illustrated in two-dot chain lines are used in FIG. 8, the moment acts in the theta _Y direction force, a state in which movement is inhibited in the X-axis direction. As a result, the accuracy of the position of the head module structure 310 in the X-axis direction decreases, making it difficult to obtain the accuracy required for the position of the nozzle portion 179 in the X-axis direction shown in FIG. It can be a factor of sex decline.

  As an example of the decrease in reproducibility, in the liquid ejection head 56 provided with a plurality of head modules 210, there is variation in the position in the X-axis direction for each head module 210. Another example of the decrease in reproducibility is a variation in the position before and after replacement when the head module 210 is replaced.

  Further, when the head module structure 310 is attached to the head module support member 312, the head module structure 310 is moved along the plus Z-axis direction. Then, the first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A of the head module support member 312 contacts the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A of the head module structure 310, and the first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A and the first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A. A frictional force is generated between the Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A.

  Further, the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B of the head module support member 312 contacts the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B of the head module structure 310, and the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B and the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B. A frictional force is generated between the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B.

  Further, the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C of the head module support member 312 contacts the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C of the head module structure 310, and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C. A frictional force is generated between the three Y-axis direction supported contact members 334C.

  The frictional force between the Y-axis direction support surface of the head module support member 312 and the Y-axis direction supported surface of the head module structure 310 acts, and the Z-axis direction support surface of the head module support member 312 and the head module. The head in at least one of the Z axis direction supported surface of the structure 310 and the X axis direction supported surface of the head module support member 312 and the Z axis direction supported surface of the head module structure 310. Misalignment between the module support member 312 and the head module structure 310 may occur.

<Operation of extrusion part>
9 to 13 are explanatory views of the operation of the extrusion unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which the pushing member 391 protrudes from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312 along the plus Y-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the push-out member 391 protrudes from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312 along the plus Y-axis direction. The arrow line shown in FIG. 9 represents the moving direction of the pushing member 391.

  The pushing member 391 contacts the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the head module structure 310. Further, the pushing member 391 presses the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the head module structure 310. Then, the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C of the head module structure 310 and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C of the head module support member 312 are separated from each other.

  At this time, the first Y-axis direction supported contact member (not shown in FIG. 9) may be separated from the first Y-axis direction support contact member (not shown in FIG. 9) of the head module support member 312.

  Further, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B may be separated from the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 373B. That is, the Y-axis direction supported surface 326C and the Y-axis direction support surface 372D are separated at least partially. In FIG. 9, the first Y-axis direction support contact member and the first Y-axis direction supported contact member are not shown. The same applies to FIGS. 10 and 11.

At least the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C of the head module structure 310 and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C of the head module support member 312 are separated from each other. The frictional force acting between the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C of the head module support member 312 is reduced. Thus, it arose due to the action of theta _Y direction force moment shown in FIG. 8, shifting of the head module structure 310 in the theta _Y-direction is suppressed.

  Here, the first Y-axis direction supported contact member and the first Y-axis direction supported contact member (not shown in FIG. 9) are brought into contact, and the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B and the second Y-axis direction supported contact member are contacted. When the head module structure 310 is moved by bringing the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 373C into contact with each other, the first Y-axis direction Friction force generated between the support contact member and the first Y-axis direction support contact member, friction force generated between the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B and the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B, and the first The frictional force generated between the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 373C is a static frictional force.

  Even if the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A and the first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A shown in FIG. 8 are in contact with each other when the pushing portion 390 is operated, the first Y The frictional force between the axial supported contact member 334A and the first Y axial support contact member 373A is a dynamic frictional force.

  Similarly, when the pushing portion 390 shown in FIG. 9 is operated, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B and the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B shown in FIG. Even in the case, the friction force between the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A and the first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A is a dynamic friction force.

  In general, the dynamic friction force acting on an arbitrary surface or point is smaller than the static friction force. Therefore, when the pushing portion 390 shown in FIG. 9 is operated, at least the third Y-axis supported contact members 334C and Y The frictional force between the Y-axis direction support surface 372D and the Y-axis direction supported surface 326C can be reduced due to the separation of the axial direction joining surface 372A.

Figure 10 is a schematic view movement of theta _Y direction of the head module structure 310 is shown. FIG. 10 is a diagram in which the head module structure 310 shown in FIG. 9 is seen from the plus side in the Y-axis direction to the minus side.

In the curve with an arrow shown in FIG. 10, the frictional force acting on the third Y-axis-direction supported contact member 334C and the third Y-axis-direction supported contact member 373C is reduced, and as a result, the head module structure 310 represents the direction of movement of the theta _Y direction when moving.

  The head module structure 310 illustrated using the two-dot chain line in FIG. 10 acts between the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312 and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C. The head module structure 310 before the frictional force is reduced is shown.

  In the head module structure 310 illustrated with solid lines in FIG. 10, the frictional force acting on the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C is reduced. The head module structure 310 after this is shown.

  FIG. 11 illustrates the state of the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 at the timing when the push member 391 is stored in the storage portion 312B of the head module support member 312. The push-out member 391 moves in the minus Y-axis direction after separating at least a part of the Y-axis direction support surface 372D and at least a part of the Y-axis direction supported surface 326C, and stores the housing portion 312B of the head module support member 312. Is stored. The arrow line shown in FIG. 11 represents the moving direction of the pushing member 391.

  After the pushing member 391 is separated from the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the head module structure 310, the first Y-axis direction biasing portion 376 and the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377 shown in FIG. The generated urging force in the negative Y-axis direction acts, and the Y-axis direction supported surface 326C of the head module structure 310 moves toward the Y-axis direction support surface 372D of the head module support member 312.

  That is, the head module structure 310 returns to the position where it comes into contact with the head module support member 312 due to the separation of the push member 391 from the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the head module structure 310.

  FIG. 12 illustrates a state where the Y-axis direction supported surface 326C of the head module structure 310 is in contact with the Y-axis direction support surface 372D of the head module support member 312. FIG. 13 is a view of the head module structure 310 shown in FIG. 12 as seen from the plus side in the Y-axis direction to the minus side.

As shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation that has occurred between the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 due to the operation of the pushing portion 390. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the head module structure 310 is prevented from rotating in the _θY direction when moving in the direction parallel to the X axis direction, and the X axis of the head module structure 310 is suppressed. The accuracy of the position in the direction is ensured.

  The head module structure 310 illustrated using the two-dot chain line in FIG. 13 is in a state before adjustment in the X-axis direction. The head module structure 310 illustrated with a solid line in FIG. 13 is in a state after adjustment in the X-axis direction.

The operation period of the pushing portion 390 is caused by the separation between the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C, and the Y-axis direction support surfaces 372D and Y shown in FIG. It occurs between the axial supported surface 326C, or at least the period part is suppressed positional deviation due to distortion of the theta _Y direction shown in FIG. Examples of the operation period of the extruding unit 390 include a period of 1 second or more and 10 seconds or less.

  The number of operations of the extruding unit 390 is not limited to one. The number of operations of the extruding unit 390 may be two or more. When the operation of the extrusion unit 390 is performed a plurality of times, the operation between the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 is not sufficiently suppressed by one operation of the extrusion unit 390. Misalignment can be sufficiently suppressed.

  The extruding unit 390 may be operated once after the adjustment in each direction. The extruding unit 390 may be appropriately operated during adjustment in each direction.

<Head module structure adjustment procedure>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of position adjustment in the X-axis direction in the liquid discharge head adjustment method. Before the adjustment in the X-axis direction, the adjustment in the Y-axis direction and the adjustment in the Z-axis direction are performed, and the position of the head module structure 310 in the Y-axis direction and the position in the Z-axis direction are determined in advance. Adjustments have been made to the accuracy range.

  During the adjustment in the Y-axis direction, an actuator may be used to operate the Y-axis direction adjustment mechanism. When adjusting in the Z-axis direction, an actuator may be used to operate the Z-axis direction adjusting mechanism.

  When the adjustment procedure in the X-axis direction is started, in the adjustment step S10, the X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 shown in FIG. 7 is used to move the head module structure 310 in the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348 is operated using an actuator.

  After the adjustment in the X-axis direction in the adjustment step S10, the process proceeds to the measurement step S12. In the measurement step S12, the position of the head module structure 310 in the X-axis direction is measured. In the measurement process S12, after the position of the head module structure 310 in the X-axis direction is measured, the process proceeds to the determination process S14.

  In the measurement step S12, a liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection head to form a test pattern on the paper, and the position of each head module structure may be derived from the analysis result of the test pattern.

In the determination step S14, the head module is referred to with reference to the operation amount of the X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 shown in FIG. 7 and the position of the head module structure 310 in the X-axis direction, which are measurement results of the measurement step S12. the structure 310, whether the position deviation caused by the distortion of the theta _Y direction shown in FIG. 8 has occurred is determined.

In decision step S14, the head module structure 310 shown in FIG. 7, if the positional deviation due to distortion of the theta _Y direction shown in FIG. 8 is determined to have occurred is the Yes determination . When the positional deviation due to the distortion in the θ _Y direction occurs, the error in the X-axis direction between the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 shown in FIG. 7 is outside the predetermined range. There may be some cases.

In the case of Yes determination in the determination step S14 of FIG. 14, the process proceeds to the distortion suppression step S16. In the distortion suppression step S16, are used extrusion unit 390 shown in FIG. 7, the head module structure 310, processing of suppressing positional deviation due to distortion of the theta _Y direction shown in FIG. 8 is executed The

In the distortion suppressing process S16 in FIG. 14, the head module structure 310 shown in FIG. 7, after processing of suppressing positional deviation due to distortion of the theta _Y direction shown in FIG. 8 is executed, FIG. 14 The process proceeds to the measurement step S12. Hereinafter, in determination process S14, each process from measurement process S12 to distortion suppression process S16 is repeatedly performed until it becomes No determination.

On the other hand, at decision step S14, the head module structure 310 shown in FIG. 7, if the positional deviation due to distortion of the theta _Y direction shown in FIG. 8 has been determined as not occurred and No determination Is done. If the determination in step S14 of FIG. 14 is No, the adjustment procedure in the X-axis direction is terminated.

  You may provide the memory | storage process which memorize | stores the adjustment amount in adjustment process S10. A storage unit that stores the adjustment value in the adjustment step S10 may be provided in the liquid ejection head. The adjustment value in the Y-axis direction may be stored, or the adjustment value in the Z-axis direction may be stored.

Procedure of the liquid discharge head adjustment method shown in FIG. 14 is applicable to theta _Z direction adjustment procedure described is in the second embodiment.

[Operational effects of the first embodiment]
According to the liquid ejection head configured as described above, in adjusting the relative position of the head module support member and the head module structure in the X-axis direction, the push module is operated to operate the head module support member and the head module structure. After the temporary separation, the head module supporting member and the head module structure are brought into contact with each other. Then, the rotation of the head module structure in the _Yθ direction is reduced, and the positional deviation between the head module support member and the head module structure is suppressed. Thereby, the positioning accuracy of the relative position of the head module support member and the head module structure in the X-axis direction can be improved.

  In the first embodiment, the adjustment of the positions of the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312 in the X-axis direction is exemplified, but the adjustment direction is not limited to the X-axis direction. It may be applied in the Y-axis direction or may be applied in the Z-axis direction.

  In the first embodiment, a mode in which the head module support member 312 is provided with the extrusion portion 390 is illustrated, but the extrusion portion 390 may be provided in the head module structure 310. Moreover, the extrusion part 390 may be provided in both the head module support member 312 and the head module structure 310.

  In the first embodiment, a mode in which the head module structure 310 is supported by the head module support member 312 with reference to three orthogonal surfaces is exemplified, but the three reference surfaces are surfaces that intersect each other. There may be. The three reference surfaces are preferably orthogonal to each other.

  In the first embodiment, the mode in which the head module support member 312 and the head module structure 310 are aligned with respect to three orthogonal directions is illustrated, but the three directions to be aligned intersect each other. It may be the direction to do. The three directions to be aligned are preferably orthogonal to each other.

  Y-axis supported surface 326C using first Y-axis support contact member 373A, second Y-axis support contact member 373B, and third Y-axis support contact member 373C provided on Y-axis joining surface 372A. However, the first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A, the second Y-axis direction support contact member 373B, and the third Y-axis direction support contact member 373C are not provided on the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A. The axial joining surface 372A may be a supported surface in the Y-axis direction.

  Using the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C provided on the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A, the Y-axis direction Although the support surface 372D is defined, the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C are connected to the Y-axis direction bonded surface. The Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A may be used as the Y-axis direction support surface without providing for 326A.

  The Y-axis direction supported surface 326C exemplified in the first embodiment is an aspect of the first supported surface. The Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A is an aspect of a first bonded surface that is a surface on the head module structure that faces the head module support. It is one aspect | mode of the bracket 316 attachment member. The Y-axis direction support surface 372D is an embodiment of the first support surface. The Y-axis direction bonding surface 372A is an aspect of a first bonding surface that is a surface on the head module support portion facing the head module structure. The Z-axis direction supported surface 324C is an aspect of the second supported surface. The Z-axis direction support surface 372E is an embodiment of the second support surface.

  The surface provided with the convex portion 350B of the X-axis direction biasing portion 350 and the surface provided with the convex portion 396A of the X-axis direction contact member 396 are one aspect of the third supported surface. In the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348, the surface that contacts the convex portion 350B of the X-axis direction biasing portion 350 and the surface that contacts the convex portion 396A of the X-axis direction contact member 396 are one aspect of the third support surface. It is.

  The contact between the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 373A and the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 373B and the second Y-axis direction supported contact member exemplified in the first embodiment. The contact of 334B and the contact of the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 373C and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C are one aspect of the plurality of contacts. The head module support member 312 is an aspect of the head module support part. The X-axis direction is an aspect of the first direction. The X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 is an aspect of the first direction adjustment unit.

  The extrusion unit 390 exemplified in the first embodiment is an aspect of the extrusion unit that switches between pressing and non-pressing of the first support surface and the first supported surface.

  The Y-axis direction exemplified in the first embodiment is an aspect of the second direction. The first Y-axis direction biasing portion 376 and the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377 are one aspect of the second direction biasing portion. The Z-axis direction is an aspect of the third direction. The Z-axis direction biasing portion 378 is an aspect of the third direction biasing portion.

  The X-axis direction exemplified in the first embodiment is an aspect of the arrangement direction of the nozzle portion. The plurality of nozzle portions 179 shown in FIG. 3 are equivalent to those arranged at equal intervals along the X direction.

  The adjustment procedure of the head module structure 310 exemplified in the first embodiment corresponds to a liquid ejection head adjustment method. Adjustment process S10 is an aspect of the first direction adjustment process. The strain suppression step S16 is an aspect of the extrusion step.

[Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, description is for adjustment of the position of the theta _Z direction definitive head module structure 310 head module support member 312.

<Example of the structure of the head module support member>
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a structural example of a head module support member provided with a _θZ direction adjusting mechanism. The head module support member 312A shown in FIG. 15 is replaced with the first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A instead of the first Y-axis direction support contact member 373A of the head module support member 312 shown in FIG. A θ _Z direction adjustment mechanism 349 is provided.

  Further, the head module support member 312A shown in FIG. 15 is provided with an extruding portion 390A provided with an extruding member 391A configured to protrude in the minus Z direction from the Z-axis direction joining surface 372B. The extruding portion 390A is disposed at a position near the position where the first Z-axis direction support contact member 373D of the head module support member 312A abuts on the Z-axis direction joint surface 372B of the head module support member 312A.

theta _Z-direction adjustment mechanism 349 may include eccentric cams 349A, and a driving mechanism of the eccentric cam (not shown). The θ- _Z direction adjustment mechanism 349 adjusts the amount of protrusion of the eccentric cam from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312A, so that the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312A and The distance from the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the head module structure 310A is adjustable.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the _θZ direction adjustment. In FIG. 16, the illustration of the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C shown in FIG. 5 is omitted. The

Arrow line code 349A is attached in FIG. 16 is an operation direction of the eccentric cam 349A of theta _Z-direction adjustment mechanism 349 shown in FIG. 15. The θ- _Z direction adjusting mechanism 349 causes the eccentric cam 349A to protrude in the plus Y direction from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312A. The θ- _Z direction adjusting mechanism 349 is configured to be able to vary the amount of protrusion of the eccentric cam 349A.

The eccentric cam 349A of the θ _Z direction adjusting mechanism 349 is used, and one end of the Y axis direction bonded surface 326A of the head module structure 310A in the X axis direction moves in the plus Y direction. Then, an axis passing through the position of the second Z-axis direction the supported contact member 394B in the Y-axis direction joining surface 326A of the head module structure 310A as a rotation axis, the head module structure 310 is rotated in the theta _Z direction.

In this embodiment, the axis of rotation of theta _Z direction, the position of the second Z-axis direction the supported contact member 394B, and through the position of the second Z-axis direction supporting contact member 373e, the Z-axis direction of the head module supporting member 312A The direction is orthogonal to the joint surface 372B.

Depending on the amount of projection of the Y-axis direction joining surface 372A of the head module support member 312A of the eccentric cam 349A of theta _Z-direction adjustment mechanism 349, a head module structure 310A is adjusted rotation angle of theta _Z direction.

<Challenges of θ _Z direction adjustment>
With respect to the head module support member 312A shown in FIG. 15, when the theta _Z-direction position of the head module structure 310A shown in FIG. 16 is adjusted, a first Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 16 The frictional force generated between the supported contact member 394A and the first Z-axis direction support contact member 373D shown in FIG. 15 becomes a problem.

That is, the distance between the rotation axis when moving the head module structure 310A shown in FIG. 16 in the theta _Z direction is the frictional force at the position greater than a first Z-axis direction the supported contact member 394A, Fig. frictional force generated between the first Z-axis direction supporting contact member 373D shown in 15, thus to generate theta _X direction of the force of moment.

theta _X direction as the rotation axis direction of the axis parallel to the X-axis direction, a rotational direction in a plane parallel to the X axis direction supporting surface. moment of theta _X direction forces, the adjustment of the theta _Z-direction, to inhibit movement of the head module structure 310A in the theta _Z intended direction, thereby rotating the head module structure 310A.

When the position in the Y-axis direction of the θ- _Z direction adjusting mechanism 349 is close to the Z-axis direction joint surface 372B of the head module support member 312A, the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A shown in FIG. frictional force generated between the first Z-axis direction supporting contact member 373D is, to inhibit the movement of the negative Y-axis direction of the head module structure 310A, the negative Y of theta _Z-direction adjustment mechanism 349 shown in FIG. 15 The movement amount in the minus Y-axis direction of the head module structure 310A shown in FIG. 16 may be smaller than the movement amount in the axial direction.

<Operation of extrusion part>
17 to 19 are explanatory views of the operation of the extrusion unit according to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the difference between the extrusion unit 390A according to the second embodiment and the extrusion unit according to the first embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 17 shows a state in which the pushing member 391A protrudes in the minus Z-axis direction from the Z-axis direction joint surface 372B of the head module support member 312A. A configuration denoted by reference numeral 312B is a storage portion of the extrusion portion 390A.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the extrusion member 391A is projected along the minus Z-axis direction from the Z-axis direction joint surface 372B of the head module support member 312A. The arrow line shown in FIG. 17 represents the moving direction of the pushing member 391A.

  The push module 391A abuts against the Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A of the head module structure 310A, and further presses the Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A of the head module structure 310A. The first Z-axis direction support contact member 373D is separated from the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A of the head module support member 312A.

Then, the frictional force acting between the first Z-axis direction support contact member 373D of the head module structure 310A and the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A of the head module support member 312A is reduced. . Thus, theta _X arose due to the action of moments of force, shifting of the head module structure 310A in the theta _X-direction is eliminated.

  Further, the frictional force generated between the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A and the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 373D is reduced, and the movement of the head module structure 310A in the Y-axis direction is inhibited. It is suppressed.

  FIG. 18 illustrates the state of the head module structure 310A and the head module support member 312A at the timing when the push member 391A is stored in the storage portion 312B of the head module support member 312A. The push-out member 391A moves in the plus Z-axis direction after separating the first Z-axis direction support contact member 373D of the head module support member 312A and the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A of the head module structure 310A. Then, it is housed in the housing portion 312B of the head module support member 312A. The arrow line shown in FIG. 18 represents the moving direction of the pushing member 391A.

  After the pushing member 391 is separated from the Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A of the head module structure 310A, a biasing force in the plus Z-axis direction generated by the Z-axis biasing portion 378 shown in FIG. Thus, the Z-axis direction supported surface 324C of the head module structure 310 moves toward the Z-axis direction support surface 372E of the head module support member 312.

  That is, the head module structure 310A returns to a position where it comes into contact with the head module support member 312A due to the separation of the push member 391A from the Z-axis direction bonded surface 324A of the head module structure 310A.

  FIG. 19 shows a state where the Z-axis direction supported surface 324C of the head module structure 310A is in contact with the Z-axis direction support surface 372E of the head module support member 312. As shown in FIG. 19, when the head module structure 310A is returned to the position before adjustment using the pushing portion 390A, the position generated between the head module structure 310A and the head module support member 312A. Deviation is suppressed.

The configuration of the extrusion unit 390A according to the first embodiment can be applied to the configuration of the extrusion unit 390A according to the second embodiment. Moreover, the operation of the extrusion unit 390 according to the first embodiment can be applied to the operation of the extrusion unit 390A according to the second embodiment. Moreover, the adjustment procedure of the head module support member 312A according to the second embodiment, X-axis direction only to be replaced in the theta _Z direction shown in FIG. 14. Detailed description here is omitted.

[Operational effects of the second embodiment]
According to the above configured liquid ejecting head as, in the adjustment of the theta _Z direction relative position between the head module support member and the head module structure, and is used is extrusion head module supporting member and the head module structure Since the head module is temporarily separated and then brought into contact with the head module support member and the head module structure, the positional deviation between the head module support member and the head module structure is suppressed. Thus, it can be improved positioning accuracy of the relative position between the head module support member and the head module structure in theta _Z direction.

In a second embodiment, the adjustment of the theta _Z direction relative position between the head module support member and the head module structure is illustrated, the adjustment of the relative positions of the theta _X direction between the head module support member and the head module structure A configuration corresponding to the extrusion portion 390A shown in the second embodiment may be applied to at least one of adjustment of the relative position in the _θY direction between the head module support member and the head module structure.

  In the second embodiment, a mode in which the head module support member 312A is provided with the extrusion portion 390A is illustrated, but the extrusion portion 390A may be provided in the head module structure 310A. In addition, both of the head module support member 312A and the head module structure 310A may be provided with an extrusion portion 390A.

  The second embodiment may be combined with the first embodiment.

  The Z-axis direction supported surface 324C exemplified in the second embodiment is an aspect of the first supported surface. It is one aspect | mode of the bracket 316 attachment member. The Z-axis direction support surface 372E is an aspect of the first support surface.

  The surface provided with the convex portion 350B of the X-axis direction biasing portion 350 and the surface provided with the convex portion 396A of the X-axis direction contact member 396 are one aspect of the second supported surface. In the X-axis direction adjusting mechanism 348, the surface in contact with the convex portion 350B of the X-axis direction biasing portion 350 and the surface in contact with the convex portion 396A of the X-axis direction contact member 396 are one aspect of the second support surface. It is. The Y-axis direction supported surface 326C is an aspect of the third supported surface. The Y-axis direction support surface 372D is an embodiment of the third support surface.

  The contact between the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A and the first Z-axis direction supported contact member 373D exemplified in the second embodiment, and the second Z-axis direction supported contact member 394B and the second Z-axis direction support The contact of the contact member 373E is an aspect of a plurality of contacts.

The head module support member 312A is an aspect of the head module support section. θ The _Z- axis direction is an aspect of the first direction. The θ _Z direction adjustment mechanism 349 is an aspect of the first direction adjustment unit.

  Extrusion unit 390A exemplified in the second embodiment is an aspect of an extrusion unit that switches between pressing and non-pressing of the first support surface and the first supported surface.

  The Z-axis direction exemplified in this embodiment is an aspect of the second direction. The Z-axis direction biasing portion 378 is an aspect of the second direction biasing portion. The Y-axis direction is an aspect of the third direction. The first Y-axis direction biasing portion 376 and the second Y-axis direction biasing portion 377 are one mode of the third direction biasing portion.

[Extruded part structure example]
FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing a first configuration example of the extrusion unit. The extrusion unit 390 shown in FIG. 20 has a structure in which the extrusion member 391 protrudes from the Y-axis direction joining surface 372A of the head module support member 312.

  The extrusion unit 390 shown in FIG. 20 includes a solenoid 392, a switch 393, and a power source 394 as an extrusion drive unit. The switch 393 is operated, and current is supplied from the power source 394 to the solenoid 392. The magnetic force generated due to the excitation of the solenoid 392 acts on the pushing member 391, and the pushing member 391 can be operated.

  When the solenoid 392 is excited, the push-out member 391 may protrude from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312. When the solenoid 392 is not excited, the push-out member 391 is the head module support member 312. May protrude from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A. The switch 393 and the power source 394 may be built in the head module support member 312.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a second configuration example of the extrusion unit. In the pushing portion 390 shown in FIG. 21, the eccentric cam 391B is applied to the pushing member. The extrusion unit 390 shown in FIG. 21 includes a cam drive mechanism, a motor 392A, and a motor driver 392B (not shown) as an extrusion drive unit.

  The eccentric cam 391B rotates according to the rotation of the motor 392A. The amount of protrusion of the eccentric cam 391B from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312 can be varied according to the rotation of the eccentric cam 391B.

  The eccentric cam 391B illustrated using the solid line in FIG. 21 is in a state of protruding from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312. The eccentric cam 391B illustrated using the two-dot chain line in FIG. 21 is in a non-projecting state from the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312.

  An extrusion member 391A for projecting the extrusion portion 390A from the Z-axis direction joining surface 372B of the head module support member 312A shown in FIG. 15, which is an extrusion portion according to the second embodiment, is the first configuration shown in FIG. The example and the second configuration example shown in FIG. 21 are applicable.

  In the extrusion unit 390 according to the first embodiment, a linear motion type actuator or the like may be applied as a drive unit of the extrusion member 391. The same applies to the extrusion unit 390A according to the second embodiment.

  The extrusion member 391 and the eccentric cam 391B exemplified in this embodiment are one aspect of the extrusion member. The solenoid 392, the switch 393, and the power source 394 are one mode of a push drive unit that reciprocates the push member. The cam drive mechanism, the motor 392A, and the motor driver 392B are another aspect of the push drive unit that reciprocates the push member.

[Extrusion position]
The position of the push-out portion 390 is the adjustment position or the position of the contact farthest from the rotation axis among the multiple contacts that are slid and moved when adjusting the relative position between the head module structure 310 and the head module support member 312. Near positions are preferred. The contact is a position where the supported contact member and the support contact member come into contact with each other. The position in the vicinity here may be a position where the contact member can be separated from the position where the contact member contacts due to the operation of the pushing portion 390.

  In the first embodiment, among the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A, the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B, and the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C, the adjustment of the X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 is performed. The pushing portion 390 is disposed at a position in the vicinity of the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C that is farthest from the position.

  The position of the extruding portion 390 includes the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A and the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B other than the third Y-axis direction supported contact member 334C in the vicinity of the extruding portion 390. A position separated from the connected straight line by a certain distance or more is preferable.

  The moving direction of the push-out member 391 is preferably the tangential direction of the rotating track whose axis of rotation is a straight line connecting the first Y-axis direction supported contact member 334A and the second Y-axis direction supported contact member 334B.

In the second embodiment, among the first Z-axis direction the supported contact member 394A, and a second Z-axis direction the supported contact member 394B shown in FIG. 16, first the farthest from the axis of rotation of theta _Z direction adjustment An extruding portion 390A is disposed in the vicinity of the Z-axis direction supported contact member 394A.

[Modification of extruded part]
It is preferable that the contact member separated from the extrusion portion 390 has a smaller frictional force. For example, it is preferable to use a lubricating means for the contact member separated from the pushing portion 390. An example of the lubricating means is application of a lubricant. The same applies to the extrusion unit 390A according to the second embodiment.

  It is preferable that the period during which the push member 391 is in contact with the Y-axis direction joint surface 372A of the head module support member 312 is shorter. When a metal material is used for the extrusion member 391, the shorter the contact period between the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the head module structure 310, the shorter the Y-axis direction bonded surface 326A of the extrusion member 391 and the head module structure 310. The frictional force generated between the two becomes smaller.

[Configuration example of liquid discharge head]
FIG. 22 is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of the liquid discharge head. As shown in FIG. 22, the plurality of head module structures 310 are attached to the head module support member 312.

  The liquid discharge head 56 shown in FIG. 22 includes a head module structure 310 attached to the head module support member 312 from the plus side in the Y-axis direction, and a head attached to the head module support member 312 from the minus side in the Y-axis direction. Module structures 310 are alternately arranged in the X-axis direction.

  In the liquid discharge head 56, all the head module structures 310 may be attached to the head module support member 312 from the plus side in the Y-axis direction, or attached to the head module support member 312 from the minus side in the Y-axis direction. May be.

  22 shows the liquid discharge surface 177 in which the nozzle openings 178 are arranged in a line in the X-axis direction, but FIG. 22 shows a substantial arrangement of the nozzle openings 178 arranged in a matrix shown in FIG. Is shown.

[Configuration example of head module support member]
FIG. 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the head module support member showing an example of the configuration of the head module support member. The head module support member 312 shown in FIG. 23 includes an upper frame part 370 and a lower frame part 372.

  One plate member is applied to the upper frame portion 370. Two plate-like members are applied to the lower frame portion 372. As shown in FIG. 23, two plate-like members constituting the lower frame portion 372 are attached to the bottom surface in FIG. 23 of one plate-like member constituting the upper frame portion 370 to support the head module. Member 312 may be configured.

  An area between the two plate-like members constituting the lower frame portion 372 may be an area 372C in which the ink supply chamber 180 and the ink circulation chamber 182 shown in FIG. 2 are accommodated.

[Application example to liquid discharge head adjustment system]
Next, the liquid ejection head adjustment system described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 23 will be described. The liquid discharge head adjustment system is a system that adjusts the liquid discharge head as a single unit.

  The liquid ejection head adjustment system adjusts the relative positions of the plurality of head module structures 310 and the head module support member 312, and adjusts the relative positions of the plurality of head module structures 310 and the head module support member 312. A measurement unit for measuring is provided.

The adjustment unit includes an actuator that operates the X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348 shown in FIG. 6, an extrusion unit 390, and an extrusion drive unit. In embodiments where theta _Z-direction adjustment mechanism 349 is provided, an actuator for operating the theta _Z-direction adjustment mechanism 349 is provided.

  The measurement unit includes a head module driving unit that discharges ink from the measurement target head module, and a calculation unit that calculates the position of the measurement target head module from the ink discharge result of the measurement target head module.

  The measurement unit may include a measurement device that measures the position of the measurement target head module using a contact method or a non-contact method.

  The liquid discharge head adjustment system may be provided in a liquid discharge head described below. The liquid discharge head adjustment system may use the liquid discharge head configuration described below.

[Application example of liquid discharge head device]
An apparatus application example of the liquid discharge head described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 23 will be described.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 24 is an overall configuration diagram of the ink jet recording apparatus. An ink jet recording apparatus is an embodiment of a liquid ejection apparatus.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 24 is an ink jet recording apparatus that draws an image using ink on a sheet of paper S using an ink jet method. In the present specification, the term “ink” can be replaced with the term “liquid”. The paper S shown in FIG. 24 corresponds to the paper S shown in FIG. The sheet S may be a sheet-like member such as paper, resin, or metal. The sheet-like member such as resin or metal may include a material called a base material or a substrate.

  The ink jet recording apparatus 10 mainly includes a paper feeding unit 12, a processing liquid applying unit 14, a processing liquid drying processing unit 16, a drawing unit 18, an ink drying processing unit 20, and a paper discharge unit 24. Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail.

<Paper Feeder>
The sheet feeding unit 12 includes a sheet feeding table 30, a soccer device 32, a sheet feeding roller pair 34, a feeder board 36, a front pad 38, and a sheet feeding drum 40. The feeder board 36 includes a retainer 36A and a guide roller 36B.

  The retainer 36 </ b> A and the guide roller 36 </ b> B are disposed on the transport surface on which the paper S of the feeder board 36 is transported. The front pad 38 is disposed between the feeder board 36 and the paper feed drum 40.

  The paper supply drum 40 has a cylindrical shape whose longitudinal direction is parallel to the rotation shaft 40B. The paper supply drum 40 has a length that exceeds the total length of the paper S in the longitudinal direction. The direction of the rotation shaft 40B of the paper supply drum 40 is a direction that penetrates the paper surface of FIG.

  The drum has a cylindrical shape, and is a conveying member that conveys the medium along the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical shape by holding at least a part of the medium and rotating it about the central axis of the cylindrical shape.

  The paper feed drum 40 is provided with a gripper 40A. The gripper 40A includes a plurality of claws, a claw base, and a gripper shaft. The plurality of claws, the claw base, and the gripper shaft are not shown.

  The plurality of claws of the gripper 40 </ b> A are arranged along a direction parallel to the rotation shaft 40 </ b> B of the paper feed drum 40. The base ends of the plurality of claws are swingably supported by the gripper shaft. The arrangement interval of the plurality of claws and the length of the area where the plurality of claws are arranged are determined according to the size of the paper S.

  The claw base is a member whose longitudinal direction is a direction parallel to the rotation shaft 40 </ b> B of the paper feed drum 40. With respect to the longitudinal direction of the paper supply drum 40, the length of the claw base is set to be equal to or longer than the length of the region where the plurality of claws are arranged. The claw base is disposed at a position facing the tip portions of the plurality of claws.

  The sheet feeding unit 12 feeds the sheets S stacked on the sheet feeding table 30 to the processing liquid applying unit 14 one by one. The sheets S stacked on the sheet feed table 30 are pulled up one by one from the top by the soccer device 32 and are fed to the sheet feed roller pair 34.

  The paper S fed to the paper feed roller pair 34 is placed on the feeder board 36 and conveyed by the feeder board 36. The sheet S conveyed by the feeder board 36 is pressed against the conveying surface of the feeder board 36 by the retainer 36A and the guide roller 36B, and the unevenness is corrected.

  The sheet S conveyed by the feeder board 36 is corrected in inclination by the leading end of the sheet S coming into contact with the front pad 38. The paper S conveyed by the feeder board 36 is delivered to the paper supply drum 40.

  The leading edge of the paper S delivered to the paper supply drum 40 is gripped by the gripper 40 </ b> A of the paper supply drum 40. When the paper supply drum 40 is rotated, the paper S is conveyed along the outer peripheral surface of the paper supply drum 40. The paper S conveyed by the paper supply drum 40 is delivered to the processing liquid application unit 14.

<Processing liquid application part>
The treatment liquid application unit 14 includes a treatment liquid drum 42 and a treatment liquid application device 44. The treatment liquid drum 42 is provided with a gripper 42A. A configuration similar to that of the gripper 40A of the paper feed drum 40 can be applied to the gripper 42A.

  The processing liquid drum 42 shown in FIG. 24 has a diameter twice that of the paper supply drum 40. The treatment liquid drum 42 is provided with two grippers 42A. The arrangement positions of the two grippers 42 </ b> A are positions shifted by a half circumference on the outer peripheral surface 42 </ b> C of the processing liquid drum 42.

  The treatment liquid drum 42 has a configuration in which the paper S is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 42C on which the paper S is supported. As an example of a configuration in which the sheet S is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 42C of the processing liquid drum 42, a configuration in which a plurality of suction holes are provided in the outer peripheral surface 42C of the processing liquid drum 42, and negative pressure is applied to the plurality of suction holes. .

  Except for the above, the processing liquid drum 42 can have the same configuration as the paper feed drum 40. Reference numeral 42 </ b> B is a rotation shaft of the treatment liquid drum 42.

A roller coating method can be applied to the treatment liquid application device 44. As the roller coating type processing liquid application device 44, a configuration including a processing liquid tank, a metering roller, and a coating roller may be employed.

  The processing liquid tank stores the processing liquid supplied from the processing liquid tank via the processing liquid supply system. The measuring roller measures the processing liquid stored in the processing liquid tank. The measuring roller transfers the measured processing liquid to the application roller. The application roller applies the processing liquid to the paper S.

  The configuration of the treatment liquid application device 44 described here is merely an example, and other methods may be applied to the treatment liquid application device 44. In addition, other configurations may be applied to the treatment liquid application device 44.

  Examples of other methods of the treatment liquid applying device 44 include application using a blade, ejection by an ink jet method, spraying by a spray method, and the like.

  When the processing liquid drum 42 is rotated while the leading edge of the paper S is gripped by the gripper 42A, the paper S is transported along the outer peripheral surface 42C of the processing liquid drum 42. The processing liquid is applied to the sheet S conveyed along the outer peripheral surface 42 </ b> C of the processing liquid drum 42 by the processing liquid applying device 44. The sheet S to which the processing liquid is applied is sent to the processing liquid drying processing unit 16.

  The treatment liquid applied to the paper S has a function of aggregating the color material in the ink discharged onto the paper S by the drawing unit 18 at the subsequent stage or a function of insolubilizing the color material of the ink. By applying the treatment liquid to the paper S and ejecting the ink, high-quality image formation can be performed without causing landing interference even if a general-purpose paper is used.

  The term “ejection” in this specification can be appropriately replaced with the term “droplet ejection”, “image formation”, or “image recording”.

  The sheet S to which the processing liquid is applied by the processing liquid applying unit 14 is delivered to the processing liquid drying processing unit 16.

<Processing liquid drying processing section>
The processing liquid drying processing unit 16 includes a processing liquid drying processing drum 46, a paper transport guide 48, and a processing liquid drying processing unit 50. The treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46 is provided with a gripper 46A. A configuration similar to that of the gripper 40A of the paper supply drum 40 can be applied to the gripper 46A.

  The processing liquid drying processing drum 46 shown in FIG. 24 has a diameter twice that of the paper feeding drum 40. The treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46 is provided with two grippers 46A. The arrangement positions of the two grippers 46 </ b> A are positions shifted by a half circumference on the outer peripheral surface 46 </ b> C of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46.

  A configuration similar to that of the paper supply drum 40 can be applied to the configuration other than the above of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. Reference numeral 46B denotes a rotation shaft of the treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46.

  The paper transport guide 48 is disposed at a position facing the outer peripheral surface 46 </ b> C of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. The paper transport guide 48 is disposed below the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. The lower side in this specification is the side in the direction of gravity. The upper side is the opposite side of the direction of gravity.

  The processing liquid drying processing unit 50 is disposed inside the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. The processing liquid drying processing unit 50 includes a blower that blows air toward the outside of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and a heating unit that heats the wind. For convenience of illustration, reference numerals of the blower unit and the heating unit are omitted.

  The leading edge of the sheet S delivered from the processing liquid application unit 14 to the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 is gripped by the gripper 46A of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46.

  The sheet S is supported by the sheet conveyance guide 48 on the surface opposite to the surface coated with the processing liquid in a state where the surface coated with the processing liquid faces the outer peripheral surface 46C of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46. . By rotating the processing liquid drying processing drum 46, the paper S is conveyed along the outer peripheral surface 46 </ b> C of the processing liquid drying processing drum 46.

  The paper S transported by the processing liquid drying processing drum 46 and supported by the paper transport guide 48 is subjected to a drying process by blowing air heated from the processing liquid drying processing unit 50.

  When the drying process is performed on the paper S, the solvent component in the processing liquid applied to the paper S is removed, and a processing liquid layer is formed on the surface of the paper S to which the processing liquid is applied. The paper S that has been dried by the treatment liquid drying processing unit 16 is delivered to the drawing unit 18.

<Drawing part>
The drawing unit 18 includes a drawing drum 52, a sheet pressing roller 54, a liquid discharge head 56C, a liquid discharge head 56M, a liquid discharge head 56Y, a liquid discharge head 56K, and an inline sensor 58. The drawing drum 52 is provided with a gripper 52A.

  The gripper 52 </ b> A is disposed inside a recess provided on the outer peripheral surface 52 </ b> C of the drawing drum 52. A configuration similar to that of the gripper 40A of the paper feed drum 40 can be applied to the configuration other than the arrangement of the gripper 52A.

  As with the processing liquid drying processing drum 46, the drawing drum 52 is provided with two grippers 52A. An arrangement similar to that of the treatment liquid drying treatment drum 46 can be applied to the arrangement of the two grippers 52A.

  The drawing drum 52 has suction holes arranged on the outer peripheral surface 52C on which the paper S is supported. The suction holes are arranged in a medium support area where the paper S is suction supported. Illustration of the suction holes and the medium support area is omitted.

  A configuration similar to that of the paper feed drum 40 can be applied to the configuration of the drawing drum 52 other than the above. Reference numeral 52B denotes a rotation axis of the drawing drum 52.

  The sheet pressing roller 54 has a cylindrical shape. The longitudinal direction of the sheet pressing roller 54 is a direction parallel to the rotation shaft 52 </ b> B of the drawing drum 52. The sheet pressing roller 54 has a length exceeding the entire length of the sheet S in the longitudinal direction.

  The sheet pressing roller 54 is disposed on the downstream side of the delivery position of the sheet S and the upstream side of the liquid ejection head 56 </ b> C in the conveyance direction of the sheet S on the drawing drum 52. In the following description, the transport direction of the paper S may be described as the paper transport direction. The paper transport direction corresponds to the medium transport direction.

  The liquid discharge head 56C, the liquid discharge head 56M, the liquid discharge head 56Y, and the liquid discharge head 56K are provided with a nozzle unit that discharges liquid by an inkjet method. In FIG. 24, the illustration of the nozzle portion is omitted. The nozzle portion is shown in FIG.

  The liquid discharge head 56 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 23 can be applied to the liquid discharge head 56C, the liquid discharge head 56M, the liquid discharge head 56Y, and the liquid discharge head 56K.

  Here, the alphabet attached to the code | symbol of a liquid discharge head represents the color. C represents cyan. M represents magenta. Y represents yellow. K represents black.

  The liquid discharge head 56C, the liquid discharge head 56M, the liquid discharge head 56Y, and the liquid discharge head 56K are arranged on the upper side of the drawing drum 52. The liquid ejection head 56C, the liquid ejection head 56M, the liquid ejection head 56Y, and the liquid ejection head 56K are arranged along the paper conveyance direction from the upstream side in the paper conveyance direction, from the liquid ejection head 56C, the liquid ejection head 56M, and the liquid ejection head 56Y. And the liquid discharge head 56K in this order.

  The in-line sensor 58 is disposed on the downstream side of the liquid discharge head 56K in the paper transport direction. The inline sensor 58 includes an image sensor, a peripheral circuit of the image sensor, and a light source.

  A solid-state imaging device such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor can be applied as the imaging device. Illustration of the image sensor, the peripheral circuit of the image sensor, and the light source is omitted. CCD is an abbreviation for Charge Coupled Device. CMOS is an abbreviation for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor.

  The peripheral circuit of the image sensor is provided with a processing circuit for the output signal of the image sensor. Examples of the processing circuit include a filter circuit, an amplifier circuit, or a waveform shaping circuit that removes noise components from the output signal of the image sensor. Illustration of the filter circuit, the amplifier circuit, or the waveform shaping circuit is omitted.

  A light source is arrange | positioned in the position which can irradiate illumination light to the reading target object of an in-line sensor. An LED, a lamp, or the like can be applied as the light source. LED is an abbreviation for light emitting diode.

  The leading edge of the sheet S delivered from the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 to the drawing unit 18 is gripped by the gripper 52 </ b> A of the drawing drum 52. The sheet S whose leading edge is gripped by the gripper 52 </ b> A of the drawing drum 52 is conveyed along the outer peripheral surface 52 </ b> C of the drawing drum 52 by the rotation of the drawing drum 52.

  When the sheet S passes under the sheet pressing roller 54, it is pressed against the outer peripheral surface 52 </ b> C of the drawing drum 52. The sheet S that has passed under the sheet pressing roller 54 is directly under the liquid discharge head 56C, the liquid discharge head 56M, the liquid discharge head 56Y, and the liquid discharge head 56K, and the liquid discharge head 56C, the liquid discharge head 56M, and the liquid discharge head. An image is formed by the color ink ejected from each of 56Y and the liquid ejection head 56K.

  In the sheet S on which an image is formed by the liquid ejection head 56C, the liquid ejection head 56M, the liquid ejection head 56Y, and the liquid ejection head 56K, the image is read by the inline sensor 58 in the reading area of the inline sensor 58.

  The sheet S on which the image is read by the inline sensor 58 is delivered from the drawing unit 18 to the ink drying processing unit 20. From the result of image reading by the in-line sensor 58, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a discharge abnormality.

  The information on the ink ejection position on the paper S obtained by measurement using the in-line sensor 58 can be applied to the identification of the position of the head module 210 shown in FIG.

<Ink drying processing section>
The ink drying processing unit 20 includes a chain gripper 64, an ink drying processing unit 68, and a guide plate 72. The chain gripper 64 includes a first sprocket 64A, a second sprocket 64B, a chain 64C, and a plurality of grippers 64D.

  The chain gripper 64 has a structure in which a pair of endless chains 64C are wound around a pair of first sprockets 64A and a second sprocket 64B. FIG. 24 shows only one of the pair of first sprocket 64A, the second sprocket 64B, and the pair of chains 64C.

  The chain gripper 64 has a structure in which a plurality of grippers 64D are disposed between a pair of chains 64C. The chain gripper 64 has a structure in which a plurality of grippers 64D are arranged at a plurality of positions in the paper conveyance direction. FIG. 24 shows only one gripper 64D among the plurality of grippers 64D arranged between the pair of chains 64C.

  The chain gripper 64 shown in FIG. 24 includes a horizontal conveyance area for conveying the paper S along the horizontal direction and an inclined conveyance area for conveying the paper S obliquely upward.

  The ink drying processing unit 68 is disposed on the transport path of the paper S in the chain gripper 64. A configuration example of the ink drying processing unit 68 includes a configuration including a heat source such as a halogen heater or an infrared heater. Another configuration example of the ink drying processing unit 68 includes a configuration including a fan that blows air heated by a heat source onto the paper S. The ink drying processing unit 68 may include a heat source and a fan.

  Although detailed illustration of the guide plate 72 is omitted, a plate-like member may be applied to the guide plate 72. The guide plate 72 has a length that exceeds the total length of the paper S in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction.

  The guide plate 72 is arranged along the conveyance path in the horizontal conveyance area of the paper S by the chain gripper 64. The guide plate 72 is disposed below the conveyance path of the paper S by the chain gripper 64. The guide plate 72 has a length corresponding to the length of the processing area of the ink drying processing unit 68 in the paper transport direction.

  The length corresponding to the length of the processing region of the ink drying processing unit 68 is the length of the guide plate 72 that can support the paper S by the guide plate 72 during the processing of the ink drying processing unit 68.

  For example, with respect to the paper transport direction, a mode in which the length of the processing region of the ink drying processing unit 68 and the length of the guide plate 72 are the same can be cited. The guide plate 72 may have a function of sucking and supporting the paper S.

  The leading edge of the paper S delivered from the drawing unit 18 to the ink drying processing unit 20 is gripped by the gripper 64D. When at least one of the first sprocket 64A and the second sprocket 64B is rotated clockwise in FIG. 24 to travel the chain 64C, the paper S is transported along the travel path of the chain 64C.

  When the paper S passes through the processing region of the ink drying processing unit 68, the ink drying processing unit 68 performs ink drying processing on the paper S.

  The paper S that has been subjected to the ink drying process by the ink drying processing unit 68 is conveyed by the chain gripper 64 and sent to the paper discharge unit 24.

  The chain gripper 64 shown in FIG. 24 conveys the sheet S in the upper left direction in FIG. 24 on the downstream side of the ink drying processing unit 68 in the sheet conveyance direction. A guide plate 73 is disposed on the conveyance path of the inclined conveyance area where the sheet S is conveyed in the diagonally upward left direction in FIG.

  A member similar to the guide plate 72 can be applied to the guide plate 73. Description of the structure and function of the guide plate 73 is omitted.

<Paper output section>
The paper discharge unit 24 includes a paper discharge stand 76. A chain gripper 64 is applied to transport the paper S in the paper discharge unit 24.

  The paper discharge table 76 is disposed below the conveyance path of the paper S by the chain gripper 64. The paper discharge tray 76 can be configured to include a lifting mechanism (not shown). The paper discharge tray 76 can be raised and lowered according to the increase / decrease of the stacked sheets S to keep the height of the uppermost sheet S constant.

  The paper discharge unit 24 collects the paper S that has undergone a series of image formation processes. When the paper S reaches the position of the paper discharge tray 76, the gripper 64D releases the grip of the paper S. The paper S is stacked on the paper discharge tray 76.

  In FIG. 24, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 including the processing liquid application unit 14 and the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 is shown. However, the processing liquid application unit 14 and the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 may be omitted. Is possible.

  In FIG. 24, the chain gripper 64 is illustrated as a configuration for conveying the paper S after drawing. However, other configurations such as belt conveyance or conveyance drum conveyance are available for the configuration for conveying the paper S after drawing. May be applied.

<Description of control system>
FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control system. As shown in FIG. 25, the inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes a system controller 100. The system controller 100 includes a CPU 100A, a ROM 100B, and a RAM 100C.

  The ROM 100B and the RAM 100C illustrated in FIG. 25 may be provided outside the CPU. CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

  The system controller 100 functions as an overall control unit that comprehensively controls each unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 10. Further, the system controller 100 functions as an arithmetic unit that performs various arithmetic processes.

  Furthermore, the system controller 100 functions as a memory controller that controls reading and writing of data in memories such as the ROM 100B and the RAM 100C.

  The inkjet recording apparatus 10 includes a communication unit 102, an image memory 104, a conveyance control unit 110, a paper feed control unit 112, a processing liquid application control unit 114, a processing liquid drying control unit 116, a drawing control unit 118, an ink drying control unit 120, And a paper discharge control unit 124.

  The communication unit 102 includes a communication interface (not shown). The communication unit 102 can transmit and receive data to and from the host computer 103 connected to the communication interface.

  The image memory 104 functions as a temporary storage unit for various data including image data. The image memory 104 reads and writes data through the system controller 100. Image data captured from the host computer 103 via the communication unit 102 is temporarily stored in the image memory 104.

  The conveyance control unit 110 controls the operation of the conveyance system 11 for the paper S in the inkjet recording apparatus 10. The transport system 11 shown in FIG. 25 includes the processing liquid drum 42, the processing liquid drying processing drum 46, the drawing drum 52, and the chain gripper 64 shown in FIG.

  The transport system shown in FIG. 25 is an aspect of a relative transport unit that relatively transports the medium and the liquid ejection head in the relative transport direction.

  The paper feed control unit 112 shown in FIG. 25 operates the paper feed unit 12 in response to a command from the system controller 100. The paper feed control unit 112 controls the paper S supply start operation, the paper S supply stop operation, and the like.

  The processing liquid application control unit 114 operates the processing liquid application unit 14 in response to a command from the system controller 100. The treatment liquid application control unit 114 controls the application amount and application timing of the process liquid.

  The processing liquid drying control unit 116 operates the processing liquid drying processing unit 16 in response to a command from the system controller 100. The treatment liquid drying control unit 116 controls the drying temperature, the flow rate of the dry gas, the injection timing of the dry gas, and the like.

  The drawing control unit 118 controls the operation of the drawing unit 18 in response to a command from the system controller 100. That is, the drawing control unit 118 controls the ink ejection of the liquid ejection head 56C, the liquid ejection head 56M, the liquid ejection head 56Y, and the liquid ejection head 56K illustrated in FIG.

  The drawing control unit 118 includes an image processing unit (not shown). The image processing unit forms dot data from the input image data. The image processing unit includes a color separation processing unit, a color conversion processing unit, a correction processing unit, and a halftone processing unit which are not shown.

  In the color separation processing unit, color separation processing is performed on the input image data. For example, when the input image data is expressed in RGB, the input image data is decomposed into data for each of R, G, and B colors. Here, R represents red. G represents green. B represents blue.

  The color conversion processing unit converts the image data for each color separated into R, G, and B into C, M, Y, and K corresponding to the ink colors. Here, C represents cyan. M represents magenta. Y represents yellow. K represents black.

  In the correction processing unit, correction processing is performed on the image data for each color converted into C, M, Y, and K. Examples of the correction processing include gamma correction processing, density unevenness correction processing, abnormal recording element correction processing, and the like.

  In the halftone processing unit, for example, image data represented by a multi-gradation number such as 0 to 255 is converted into dot data represented by a binary or multi-value of three or more values less than the number of gradations of the input image data. Converted.

  In the halftone processing unit, a predetermined halftone processing rule is applied. Examples of the halftone processing rule include a dither method or an error diffusion method. The halftone processing rule may be changed according to image recording conditions, the contents of image data, or the like.

  The drawing control unit 118 includes a waveform generation unit, a waveform storage unit, and a drive circuit (not shown). The waveform generator generates a drive voltage waveform. The waveform storage unit stores the waveform of the drive voltage. The drive circuit generates a drive voltage having a drive waveform corresponding to the dot data. The drive circuit supplies a drive voltage to the liquid discharge head 56C, the liquid discharge head 56M, the liquid discharge head 56Y, and the liquid discharge head 56K shown in FIG.

  That is, based on the dot data generated through the processing by the image processing unit, the ejection timing and ink ejection amount at each pixel position are determined, the ejection timing at each pixel position, the drive voltage corresponding to the ink ejection amount, and each pixel. A control signal for determining the ejection timing is generated, this drive voltage is supplied to the liquid ejection head, and dots are recorded by the ink ejected from the liquid ejection head.

  The ink drying control unit 120 operates the ink drying processing unit 20 in accordance with a command from the system controller 100. The ink drying control unit 120 controls the drying gas temperature, the flow rate of the drying gas, or the ejection timing of the drying gas.

  The paper discharge control unit 124 operates the paper discharge unit 24 in response to a command from the system controller 100. The paper discharge control unit 124 controls the operation of the lifting mechanism according to the increase or decrease of the paper S when the paper discharge tray 76 shown in FIG.

  The inkjet recording apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 25 includes an operation unit 130, a display unit 132, a parameter storage unit 134, and a program storage unit 136.

  The operation unit 130 includes operation members such as operation buttons, a keyboard, or a touch panel. The operation unit 130 may include a plurality of types of operation members. The illustration of the operation member is omitted.

  Information input via the operation unit 130 is sent to the system controller 100. The system controller 100 executes various processes in accordance with information sent from the operation unit 130.

  The display unit 132 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal panel and a display driver. Illustration of the display device and the display driver is omitted. In response to a command from the system controller 100, the display unit 132 causes the display device to display various information such as various setting information of the device or abnormality information.

  The parameter storage unit 134 stores various parameters used in the inkjet recording apparatus 10. Various parameters stored in the parameter storage unit 134 are read out via the system controller 100 and set in each unit of the apparatus.

  The program storage unit 136 stores a program used for each unit of the inkjet recording apparatus 10. Various programs stored in the program storage unit 136 are read out via the system controller 100 and executed in each unit of the apparatus.

  In FIG. 25, each part is listed for each function. Each part shown in FIG. 25 can be appropriately integrated, separated, combined, or omitted. Each unit shown in FIG. 25 can be configured by appropriately combining hardware and software.

  In this specification, an ink jet recording apparatus is illustrated as an example of the liquid ejecting apparatus. However, the liquid ejecting apparatus is not limited to an ink jet recording apparatus for graphic use, and performs electrical wiring formation and mask pattern formation for industrial use. The present invention can be widely applied to an ink jet type pattern forming apparatus.

  In the embodiment of the present invention described above, the configuration requirements can be appropriately changed, added, and deleted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and many modifications are possible by those having ordinary knowledge in the field within the technical idea of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Inkjet recording device 11 Conveyance system 12 Paper feed part 14 Processing liquid application part 16 Processing liquid drying process part 18 Drawing part 20 Ink drying process part 24 Paper discharge part 30 Paper feed base 32 Soccer device 34 Paper feed roller pair 36 Feeder board 36A Retainer 36B Guide roller 38 Front pad 40 Feed drums 40A, 42A, 46A, 52A, 64D Gripper 40B, 42B, 46B, 52B Rotating shaft 42 Treatment liquid drums 42C, 46C, 52C Outer peripheral surface 44 Treatment liquid application device 46 Treatment liquid drying Processing drum 48 Paper transport guide 50 Processing liquid drying processing unit 52 Drawing drum 54 Paper pressing rollers 56, 56C, 56M, 56Y, 56K Liquid discharge head 58 In-line sensor 64 Chain gripper 64A First sprocket 64B Second sprocket 64C Chain 68 In Drying processing units 72 and 73 the guide plate 76 the paper receiving tray 90 piezoelectric element 91 piezoelectric layer 93 diaphragm 94 adhesive layer 95 lower electrode 96 upper electrode 100 system controller 100A CPU
100B ROM
100C RAM
102 communication unit 103 host computer 104 image memory 110 transport control unit 112 paper feed control unit 114 processing liquid application control unit 116 processing liquid drying control unit 118 drawing control unit 120 ink drying control unit 124 paper discharge control unit 130 operation unit 132 display unit 134 Parameter storage unit 175 Nozzle plate 177 Liquid ejection surface 178 Nozzle opening 179 Nozzle unit 180 Ink supply chamber 182 Ink circulation chamber 184 Supply side individual channel 186 Recovery side individual channel 188 Ink supply channel 190 Individual supply channel 191 Pressure chamber 192 Nozzle Communication path 193 Individual circulation channel 194 Circulation common channel 210 Head module 211 Channel structure 310, 310A Head module structure 312, 312A Head module support member 312B Storage unit 316 Bracket 324 Horizontal unit 324A Z-axis direction Surface 324B to be joined 324C Z-axis supported surface 326 Vertical portion 326A Y-axis joined surface 326B Opposite side 326C Y-axis supported surface 334A First Y-axis supported contact member 334B Second Y-axis supported Contact member 334C Third Y-axis direction supported contact member 348 X-axis direction adjustment mechanism 348A, 349A direction 349 θ _Z- direction adjustment mechanism 350 X-axis direction biasing portion 350A, 378E Spring 356 Guide groove 356A Notch portion 350B Convex shape portion 350C Energizing force 370 Upper frame portion 370A Convex portion 372 Lower frame portion 372A Y-axis direction joint surface 372B Z-axis direction joint surface 372C Region 372D Y-axis direction support surface 372E Z-axis direction support surface 373A First Y-axis direction support contact member 373B Second Y-axis direction support contact member 373C Third Y-axis direction support contact member 373D One Z-axis direction support contact member 373E Second Z-axis direction support contact member 376 First Y-axis direction biasing portion 376A, 377A Operation member 376B, 377B Y-axis direction pressing spring 376C, 377C Rod 377 Second Y-axis direction bias Portion 378 Z-axis direction biasing portion 378A Operation member 378B Z-axis direction pressing spring 378C Rod 378D Locking bar 390, 390A Pushing portion 391, 391A Pushing member 391B Eccentric cam 392 Solenoid 392A Motor 392B Motor driver 393 Switch 394 Power supply 394A One Z-axis direction supported contact member 394B Second Z-axis direction supported contact member 396 X-axis direction contact member 396A Convex-shaped portions S10 to S16 Each step of the head module structure adjustment procedure

Claims (18)

A head module structure in which a head module is joined to an attachment member having a plurality of supported contact members defining a first supported surface;
A plurality of support contact members defining a first support surface for supporting the first supported surface; and contacting the plurality of supported contact members with the plurality of support contact members, A head module support part for supporting the first supported surface of the head module structure,
The positions of the plurality of supported contact members that define the first supported surface of the head module structure and the first support of the head module support portion in a first direction parallel to the first support surface A first direction adjustment unit that adjusts the relative positions of the head module structure and the head module support unit by adjusting the positions of the plurality of support contact members that define a surface;
The first joint surface, which is a surface on the head module support portion facing the head module structure, is pressed to separate the first support surface and the first supported surface, and the first joint surface is The first support surface and the first supported surface are brought into contact as pressing, or the first bonded surface that is a surface on the head module structure facing the head module support portion is pressed to An extruding part that separates the one support surface and the first supported surface, and makes the first supported surface and the first supported surface contact with each other with the first bonded surface not pressed;
A liquid discharge head comprising:   2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the extrusion unit is provided in the head module support unit and includes an extrusion member that reciprocates between the first bonding surface and the first bonded surface.   3. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the extrusion unit is provided in the head module structure and includes an extrusion member that reciprocates between the first bonded surface and the first bonded surface.   The liquid ejecting head according to claim 2, wherein the extrusion unit includes an extrusion drive unit that operates the extrusion member.   The pushing portion includes a contact having a distance farthest from the first direction adjusting portion among the plurality of contacts where the plurality of supported contact members and the plurality of supporting contact members are in contact with each other. Or the liquid ejection head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid ejection head is disposed at a position separated from the first supported surface. The head module includes a plurality of nozzle portions,
6. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a direction parallel to an arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzle portions.   The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the head modules are arranged along the first direction. The head module includes a liquid ejection surface provided with a plurality of nozzle portions,
The first direction is a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzle portions, and is a direction in which the liquid discharge surface is rotated with an axis in a direction orthogonal to the liquid discharge surface as a rotation axis. The liquid ejection head according to claim 5.   The pushing portion is a contact farthest from an axis at the time of adjustment using the first direction adjustment portion among the plurality of contacts where the plurality of supported contact members and the plurality of support contact members are in contact with each other. The liquid ejection head according to claim 8, wherein the liquid ejection head is disposed at a position separated from the first support surface or the first supported surface.   The liquid ejection head according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the plurality of head modules are arranged along an arrangement direction of the plurality of nozzle portions. The head module structure is a second supported surface that intersects the first supported surface, and has a second supported surface that intersects the first direction,
11. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the head module support portion has a second support surface that supports the second supported surface of the head module structure. The head module structure has a third supported surface that intersects the first supported surface and the second supported surface,
The liquid ejection head according to claim 11, wherein the head module support portion has a third support surface that supports the third supported surface of the head module structure.   The head module structure and the head module support portion are biased in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction and in the second direction intersecting the first support surface or the first supported surface. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, further comprising a second direction urging portion.   The liquid according to claim 13, further comprising a third direction urging portion that urges the head module structure and the head module support portion in the first direction and a third direction intersecting the second direction. Discharge head. A head module structure in which a head module is joined to an attachment member having a plurality of supported contact members that define a first supported surface, a first support that supports the first supported surface of the head module structure. A plurality of supported contact members defining a surface, the plurality of supported contact members and the plurality of supported contact members are brought into contact with each other, and the first supported surface of the head module structure is formed using the first support surface. An adjustment system for a liquid discharge head supported by a head module support that supports a support surface,
The positions of the plurality of supported contact members that define the first supported surface of the head module structure and the first support of the head module support portion in a first direction parallel to the first support surface A first direction adjustment unit that adjusts the relative positions of the head module structure and the head module support unit by adjusting the positions of the plurality of support contact members that define a surface;
The first joint surface, which is a surface on the head module support portion facing the head module structure, is pressed to separate the first support surface and the first supported surface, and the first joint surface is The first support surface and the first supported surface are brought into contact as pressing, or the first bonded surface that is a surface on the head module structure facing the head module support portion is pressed to An extruding part that separates the one support surface and the first supported surface, and makes the first supported surface and the first supported surface contact with each other with the first bonded surface not pressed;
A liquid ejection head adjustment system comprising: A measurement unit that measures a relative position in the first direction between the head module structure and the head module support unit;
The liquid ejection head adjustment system according to claim 15, wherein the push-out unit operates when a measurement result of the measurement unit is outside a predetermined error range. A head module structure in which a head module is joined to an attachment member having a plurality of supported contact members that define a first supported surface, a first support that supports the first supported surface of the head module structure. A plurality of supported contact members defining a surface, the plurality of supported contact members and the plurality of supported contact members are brought into contact with each other, and the first supported surface of the head module structure is formed using the first support surface. A method for adjusting a liquid ejection head supported by a head module support that supports a support surface,
The positions of the plurality of supported contact members that define the first supported surface of the head module structure and the first support of the head module support portion in a first direction parallel to the first support surface A first direction adjusting step of adjusting a relative position between the head module structure and the head module support portion by adjusting positions of the plurality of support contact members defining a surface;
After the first direction adjusting step, the first support surface and the first covered surface are pressed by pressing a first joint surface, which is a surface on the head module support portion, facing the head module structure using an extrusion portion. After separating the support surface, the first joint surface is not pressed and the first support surface and the first supported surface are brought into contact with each other, or after the first direction adjusting step, an extrusion unit is used. And pressing the first bonded surface, which is the surface on the head module structure that faces the head module support, to separate the first supported surface and the first supported surface, Extrusion step of bringing the first support surface and the first supported surface into contact with each other as a non-pressed surface to be joined,
A method for adjusting a liquid ejection head comprising: After the first direction adjustment step, including a measurement step of measuring a relative position in the first direction between the head module structure and the head module support part,
The liquid ejecting head adjustment method according to claim 17, wherein the extruding step is executed when a measurement result of the measuring step is outside a predetermined error range.

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