JP2018086827A - Liquid ejection head, liquid ejection unit, and device for ejecting liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent liquid from entering from between a protective member and a head body part.SOLUTION: A liquid ejection head has a head body part 101 that ejects a liquid, and a cover member 102. The cover member 102 is joined to a frame member 112 of the head body part 101. A rib 121 is provided all the way along the outer periphery of the cover member 102 on the side where the surface 112b of the frame member 112 is joined to the cover member 102. Adhesive 104 joining the frame member 112 and the cover member 102 fills a space between the inner peripheral surface of the rib 121 and the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 102.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid discharge head, a liquid discharge unit, and an apparatus for discharging liquid.

  When the liquid discharge head is constituted by joining a plurality of components (members), it is necessary to prevent the liquid from entering the inside from the joined portion.

  Conventionally, a head that discharges droplets and a head tank that stores ink to be supplied to the head are integrated, and an electric circuit board on which electronic components connected to the head are mounted is interposed between the head and the head tank. In some cases, a head cover is provided to cover the periphery of the head tank and the periphery of the electric circuit board from the upper side of the head tank when the droplet discharge side of the head is lowered (Patent Document 1).

  In addition, when the head body is joined, an insertion hole through which a member that comes into contact with the surface of the head body on the joining member side is inserted, and a liquid flow path that connects the storage means in which the liquid is stored and the pressure generation chamber A flow path member having a supply path that forms a liquid flow path together with the communication path is fixed to the bonding member having a communication path that forms a part of the communication path, and the bonding member includes an opening peripheral portion on the supply path side of the communication path In addition, a sealing rib that protrudes toward the supply path is provided so that the communication path and the supply path are in fluid-tight communication, and the surface of the joining member on the flow path member side enters the surface from the periphery of the joining member. There is a liquid-proof rib that surrounds the insertion hole and protrudes toward the flow path member so that the liquid does not reach the insertion hole (Patent Document 2).

JP 2011-189636 A JP 2009-184213 A

  By the way, when a liquid supply path member or an electrical component is held on the frame member of the head main body portion of the liquid discharge head and covered with a cover member (cover) joined to the frame member, the cover member and the frame member There is a problem that it is necessary to prevent the liquid from entering the inside from the joint portion.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to suppress liquid from entering the inside from between the frame member and the cover member.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a liquid discharge head according to the present invention includes:
A head main body for discharging liquid;
A cover member attached to the frame member of the head main body,
On the surface side of the frame member to which the cover member is attached, ribs are provided along the peripheral surface of the cover member,
The space between the peripheral surface of the rib and the peripheral surface of the cover member is sealed with a sealant.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the liquid from entering the inside from between the frame member and the cover member.

FIG. 4 is a perspective explanatory view of a liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment of the present invention j. It is a side explanatory view similarly. It is an isometric view explanatory drawing of a head main-body part similarly. It is a plane explanatory drawing similarly. FIG. 5 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of a relevant part along the X1-X1 line in FIG. 4. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the state which mounted the head on the head mounting member. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of a main part of a liquid ejection head according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is an isometric view explanatory drawing of a head main-body part similarly. It is a perspective explanatory view of a head body part. It is a principal part section explanatory drawing which follows a direction which intersects perpendicularly with a nozzle arrangement direction. It is principal part expanded sectional explanatory drawing of FIG. It is a principal part sectional view similarly along a nozzle arrangement direction. It is an external appearance perspective explanatory view of the liquid discharge head concerning a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the same head with the cover member removed. It is a perspective explanatory view of the head body part of the head. It is a plane explanatory view of the head main body. FIG. 4 is a perspective explanatory view of the cover member of the head as viewed from the head main body side. FIG. 10 is an explanatory plan view of a liquid ejection head according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of relevant parts along the X2-X2 line of FIG. 19. It is side surface explanatory drawing of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is an isometric view explanatory drawing of a head main-body part similarly. It is principal part plane explanatory drawing of an example of the apparatus which discharges the liquid which concerns on this invention. It is principal part side explanatory drawing of the apparatus. It is principal part plane explanatory drawing of the other example of the liquid discharge unit which concerns on this invention. It is front explanatory drawing of the further another example of the liquid discharge unit which concerns on this invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A liquid discharge head according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the head, FIG. 2 is a side view of the head, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the head body, FIG. 4 is a plan view, and FIG. 5 is a line X1-X1 in FIG. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory side view of the head mounted on the head mounting member.

  The liquid discharge head 100 includes a head main body 101 and a cover member 102. The cover member 102 covers a liquid supply path member and an electrical component (electric circuit board) disposed on the head main body 101. The electric circuit board includes a rigid circuit board and a flexible circuit board.

  The head main body 101 is disposed on the opposite side of the liquid ejection unit 111 that ejects liquid and the nozzle surface 111 a that ejects liquid, and also serves as a member that forms, for example, a common liquid chamber that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection unit 111. And a frame member 112.

  Here, the frame member 112 is provided with a flange portion (a flange portion) 112a on the outer peripheral portion.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the flange portion 112a is held by the head mounting member 400 when the head main body portion 101 is fitted and mounted in an opening 400a provided in the head mounting member 400 such as a carriage or a base member. And a portion covering the opening 400a.

  In the present embodiment, the flange portion 112a is formed over the entire outer periphery of the head main body 101 so as to cover the opening 400a. By covering the entire area of the opening 400a with the flange portion 112a, mist adheres to the side surface of the head main body 101 from the gap between the head main body 101 and the opening 400a and enters the inside of the head main body 101. Can be suppressed.

  Here, the surface on the opposite side of the nozzle surface 111 a of the flange portion (saddle portion) 112 a of the frame member 112 of the head main body portion 101 is an attachment surface 112 b to which the cover member 102 is attached.

  On the attachment surface 112b of the frame member 112, ribs 121 are provided over the entire circumference along the peripheral surface of the cover member 102 (the outer peripheral surface in the present embodiment). Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the bonding surface 102 a of the cover member 102 is bonded to the mounting surface 112 b of the frame member 112 with an adhesive 104.

  In the present embodiment, the adhesive 104 is also used as a sealant, and the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 102 and the inner peripheral surface of the rib 121 is sealed.

  Accordingly, it is possible to reliably prevent liquid from entering the inside through the gap between the frame member 112 and the cover member 102 of the head main body 101. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent damage to electric / electronic components such as the electric / electronic circuit board disposed inside the cover member 102.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the adhesive 104 is also used as a sealant, the sealant (here, the adhesive) 104 is formed between the joint surface 102a of the cover member 102 and the attachment surface 112b of the frame member 112. Since the gap and the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 102 and the inner peripheral surface of the rib 121 are arranged, the region sealed with the sealant 104 is bent as shown in FIG. It becomes.

  Thereby, compared with what seals only the clearance gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 102, and the internal peripheral surface of the rib 121, the liquid penetration | invasion can be prevented more reliably by increasing the path | route with respect to the internal penetration | invasion of a liquid.

  Further, as in the present embodiment, the configuration is such that the rib 121 of the frame member 112 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the cover member 102, so that the sealant (here, the adhesive 104) flows out to the outer periphery of the frame member 112. It becomes difficult.

  In the present embodiment, the flange 112a is formed over the entire outer periphery of the head body 101, and the rib 121 is formed over the entire periphery of the flange 112a, whereby the frame member 112 is formed. It becomes difficult for the liquid adhering to the outer peripheral surface to reach the joint portion with the cover member 102.

  In this embodiment, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 102 and the inner peripheral surface of the rib 121 is sealed with the adhesive 104 that joins the cover member 102 and the frame member 112. It can also be set as the structure sealed with sealing agents other than an agent. The sealant may be a seal member made of an elastic material such as a rubber material.

  In the present embodiment, the cover member 102 is attached to the frame member 112 of the head main body 101 by bonding with the adhesive 104, but the attachment structure of the cover member 102 to the frame member 112 is not limited to bonding.

  For example, a structure in which a flange portion is provided on the outer periphery of the cover member 102 and the flange portion of the cover member 102 is screwed to the mounting surface 112b of the frame member 112, a recess is formed on one of the cover member 102 and the frame member 112, and a protrusion is formed on the other. It can also be set as the structure etc. which provide a part and concavo-convex fitting.

  In these screwing and concave / convex fitting structures, the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 102 and the inner peripheral surface of the rib 121 is sealed with a sealing agent such as epoxy resin.

  Even in this case, the gap between the joint surface of the cover member 102 (the surface provided with the flange portion or the concave / convex portion) and the mounting surface 112b of the frame member 112, and the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 102 and the rib 121. The sealing agent 104 can also be disposed over the gap between the inner peripheral surfaces.

  Next, a liquid ejection head according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of the main part similar to FIG. 5 of the head.

  In the present embodiment, a step 122 is provided between the attachment surface 112 b of the frame member 112 and the rib 121. In the cover member 102, a joint surface 102 a is formed in a step shape corresponding to the step portion 122.

  Thereby, the joining area of the frame member 112 and the cover member 102 increases, and the path | route with respect to the internal penetration | invasion of a liquid increases, and it can prevent liquid penetration | invasion more reliably.

  In particular, when a solvent-based liquid is used, there are those that dissolve the adhesive. Therefore, by increasing the bonding area, it is possible to improve the durability against the solvent adhering to the surface side.

  Next, a liquid ejection head according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is an explanatory side view of the head, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory perspective view of the head main body.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of recesses 123 are provided on the outer surface of the frame member 112.

  Thereby, when dipping and cleaning the vicinity of the nozzle surface 111 a with the cleaning liquid, it is possible to suppress the cleaning liquid from traveling along the outer peripheral surface of the frame member 112 and reaching the joint portion with the cover member 102.

  Next, an example of the head main body will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 is a perspective explanatory view of the head main body, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction, FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional explanatory view of the main part of FIG. 11, and FIG. FIG.

  The head main body includes a nozzle plate 1, a flow path plate 2, a vibration plate 3, a piezoelectric element 11 that is a pressure generating element, a liquid discharge unit 111 that includes a holding substrate 50, and a frame member 112. I have.

  Here, a portion where the flow path plate 2, the vibration plate 3 and the piezoelectric element 11 are combined is referred to as a flow path substrate (flow path member) 20. However, this does not mean that an independent member is formed as the flow path substrate 20 and is bonded to the nozzle plate 1 and the holding substrate 50.

  The nozzle plate 1 is formed with a plurality of nozzles 4 for discharging liquid. Here, four nozzle rows in which the nozzles 4 are arranged are arranged.

  The flow path plate 2, together with the nozzle plate 1 and the vibration plate 3, form an individual liquid chamber 6 that communicates with the nozzle 4, a fluid resistance portion 7 that communicates with the individual liquid chamber 6, and a liquid introduction portion 8 that communicates with the fluid resistance portion 7. .

  The liquid introducing portion 8 communicates with the common liquid chamber 10 formed by the frame member 112 through the opening 9 of the diaphragm 3 and the opening 51 serving as the flow path of the holding substrate 50.

  The vibration plate 3 forms a deformable vibration region 30 that forms a part of the wall surface of the individual liquid chamber 6. A piezoelectric element 11 is provided integrally with the vibration region 30 on the surface of the vibration plate 3 opposite to the individual liquid chamber 6 in the vibration region 30, and a piezoelectric actuator is configured by the vibration region 30 and the piezoelectric element 11. Yes.

  The piezoelectric element 11 is configured by sequentially laminating a lower electrode 13, a piezoelectric layer (piezoelectric body) 12, and an upper electrode 14 from the vibration region 30 side. An insulating film 21 is formed on the piezoelectric element 11.

  The lower electrode 13 serving as a common electrode of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 11 is connected to the common electrode power supply wiring pattern 502 via the common wiring 15. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower electrode 13 is a single electrode layer formed across all the piezoelectric elements 11 in the nozzle arrangement direction.

  The upper electrode 14 serving as an individual electrode of the piezoelectric element 11 is connected to a drive IC (hereinafter referred to as “driver IC”) 500 serving as a drive circuit unit via an individual wiring 16.

  The driver IC 500 is mounted on the flow path substrate 20 by a method such as flip chip bonding so as to cover a region between the rows of piezoelectric element rows.

  The driver IC 500 mounted on the flow path substrate 20 is connected to the individual electrode power supply wiring pattern 501 to which a drive waveform (drive signal) is supplied.

  The wiring member 60 is fixed to the holding substrate 50 by adhesive bonding or the like, the wiring member 60 is connected to the wiring electrode on the flow path substrate 20 through wire bonding, and is electrically connected to the driver IC 500. The other end of 60 is connected to a control unit on the apparatus main body side. The frame member 112 is provided with a slit 125 through which the wiring member 60 is passed.

  The wiring member 60 is connected to a control board on the apparatus main body side through an electric circuit board such as a PCB disposed on the frame member 112. The electric circuit board and wiring member 60 are covered with a cover member joined to the frame member 112.

  On the flow path substrate 20, as described above, the opening 51 serving as a flow path passing through the common liquid chamber 10 and the individual liquid chamber 6 side, the recess 52 for accommodating the piezoelectric element 11, and the opening for accommodating the driver IC 500. A holding substrate 50 on which 53 and the like are formed is provided.

  The holding substrate 50 is bonded to the diaphragm 3 side of the flow path substrate 20 with an adhesive.

  The frame member 112 forms a common liquid chamber 10 that supplies a liquid to each individual liquid chamber 6. The common liquid chamber 10 is provided corresponding to each of the four nozzle rows. In addition, a liquid of a required color is supplied to the common liquid chamber 10 through the liquid supply port 71 from the outside.

  A damper member 90 is joined to the frame member 112. The damper member 90 includes a deformable damper 91 that forms a part of the wall surface of the common liquid chamber 10, and a damper plate 92 that reinforces the damper 91.

  The frame member 112 is bonded to the outer peripheral portion of the nozzle plate 1 and accommodates the flow path substrate 20 including the piezoelectric element 11 and the holding substrate 50 to constitute a frame of this head.

  A protective member 45 that covers the peripheral edge of the nozzle plate 1 and a part of the outer peripheral surface of the frame member 112 is provided.

  In this liquid ejection head, a voltage is applied from the driver IC 500 between the upper electrode 14 and the lower electrode 13 of the piezoelectric element 11, so that the piezoelectric layer 12 extends in the electrode stacking direction, that is, the electric field direction, and is parallel to the vibration region 30. Shrink in any direction.

  At this time, since the lower electrode 13 side is constrained by the vibration region 30, a tensile stress is generated on the lower electrode 13 side of the vibration region 30, and the vibration region 30 bends toward the individual liquid chamber 6 side and applies the internal liquid. By pressurizing, the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 4.

  Next, a liquid discharge head according to a fourth embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 is an external perspective view of the head, FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the head with the cover member removed, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the head main body of the head, and FIG. 17 is the head main body. FIG. 18 is a perspective explanatory view of the cover member of the head viewed from the head main body side.

  The liquid discharge head 100 according to this embodiment includes a head main body 101 and a cover member 102.

  Inside the cover member 102, a liquid supply path member 201 and a printed circuit board (wiring member) 202 disposed on the head main body 101 are disposed. For example, the printed circuit board 202 is an electric circuit board that relays the main board on which the control unit of the apparatus main body is mounted and the wiring member 60 (see FIG. 13) connected to the piezoelectric element of the head main body 101. A circuit pattern for providing a control signal to the drive circuit of the head main body 101 is provided. The printed circuit board 202 as an electric circuit board may be a rigid circuit board or a flexible circuit board.

  The liquid supply member 201 has an inlet port 203 connected to an external liquid storage means and the like, an internal flow path (liquid supply path) connected to the liquid supply port 71 of the head main body 112, and from the outside. The supplied liquid is supplied to the head main body 112.

  The printed circuit board 202 is connected to the wiring member 60 (see FIG. 13) from the head body 101 side, and is connected to the connector 204 of the relay cable connected to the external host device (main circuit board). have. The cover member 102 is provided with an opening 205 corresponding to the connector 204.

  The connector 204 is provided at a position of the printed circuit board 202 opposite to the head main body 101 side (near the upper end of the printed circuit board 202) in the normal direction of the mounting surface 112b of the frame member 112.

  Accordingly, since the connector 204 is provided at a position away from the head main body 101, it is possible to prevent the liquid mist discharged from the head main body 101 from adhering to the connector 204.

  As described above, the printed circuit board 202 as the electric circuit board is arranged inside the cover member 102, thereby preventing liquid from entering the cover member 102 from between the head main body 112 and the cover member 102. Must.

  Therefore, in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, the joint surface 112b side of the flange portion (saddle portion) 112a of the frame member 112 of the head main body portion 101 with the cover member 102 is extended over the entire circumference along the outer periphery of the cover member 102. The rib 121 is provided.

  The head main body 101 and the cover member 102 are joined with an adhesive, and an adhesive as a sealant is filled between the inner peripheral surface of the rib 121 and the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 102.

  The internal structure of the head main body 101 is the same as that shown in FIGS.

  The frame member 112 of the head main body 101 is provided with a notch 221 and a through hole 222 near the center of the short side. When the liquid ejection head 100 is positioned and arranged, for example, the notch 221 is engaged with a positioning pin or a position adjusting cam. And it fixes to head arrangement | positioning members, such as a base member, with a fastening member through the through-hole 222. FIG.

  A central portion of the wall surface along the short direction of the cover member 102 is provided with a recessed portion 102d that is recessed inward. In a state where the cover member 102 is fixed to the frame member 112, the notch portion 221 and the through hole 222 of the frame member 112 are located at a location corresponding to the recess portion 102 d of the cover member 102. Therefore, the operation of positioning and fixing the liquid ejection head 100 with respect to the base member can be performed with the cover member 102 fixed to the frame member 112.

  Next, a liquid ejection head according to a fifth embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is an explanatory plan view of the head, and FIG. 20 is an explanatory cross-sectional view of an essential part taken along line X2-X2 in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the attachment surface 112b which is the surface opposite to the nozzle surface 111a of the flange portion 112a of the frame member 112 of the head main body 101 is along the peripheral surface (here, the inner peripheral surface) of the cover member 102. Ribs 121 are provided over the entire circumference.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the bonding surface 102 a of the cover member 102 covering the outer periphery of the rib 121 is bonded to the mounting surface 112 b of the frame member 112 with an adhesive 104.

  Also in this embodiment, this adhesive 104 is also used as a sealant, and the space between the inner peripheral surface of the cover member 102 and the outer peripheral surface of the rib 121 is sealed.

  Also in this embodiment, since the sealing region is increased as compared with the case without the rib 121, it is possible to reliably prevent liquid from entering the inside from between the frame member 112 and the cover member 102.

  In the present embodiment, the adhesive 104 spans the gap between the joint surface 102 a of the cover member 102 and the mounting surface 112 b of the frame member 112 and the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the cover member 102 and the outer peripheral surface of the rib 121. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20, the region sealed with the sealing material (adhesive) 104 has a bent structure.

  Thereby, compared with what seals only the clearance gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 102, and the internal peripheral surface of the rib 121, the liquid penetration | invasion can be prevented more reliably by increasing the path | route with respect to the internal penetration | invasion of a liquid.

  Next, a liquid ejection head according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 is an explanatory side view of the head, and FIG. 22 is a perspective explanatory view of the head main body.

  In the present embodiment, in the third embodiment, the concave portion 123 is provided in a strip shape over the entire outer periphery of the frame member 112.

  Thereby, when dipping and cleaning the vicinity of the nozzle surface 111 a with the cleaning liquid, it is possible to more reliably prevent the cleaning liquid from traveling along the outer peripheral surface of the frame member 112 and reaching the joint portion with the cover member 102.

  Next, an example of an apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 23 is an explanatory plan view of an essential part of the apparatus, and FIG. 24 is an explanatory side view of an essential part of the apparatus.

  This apparatus is a serial type apparatus, and the carriage 403 reciprocates in the main scanning direction by the main scanning moving mechanism 493. The main scanning movement mechanism 493 includes a guide member 401, a main scanning motor 405, a timing belt 408, and the like. The guide member 401 spans the left and right side plates 491A and 491B and holds the carriage 403 so as to be movable. The carriage 403 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by the main scanning motor 405 via the timing belt 408 spanned between the driving pulley 406 and the driven pulley 407.

  A liquid discharge unit 440 in which the liquid discharge head 404 and the head tank 441 according to the present invention are integrated is mounted on the carriage 403. The liquid discharge head 404 of the liquid discharge unit 440 discharges, for example, yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K) liquids. The liquid ejection head 404 is mounted with a nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and the ejection direction facing downward.

  The liquid stored in the liquid cartridge 450 is supplied to the head tank 441 by the supply mechanism 494 for supplying the liquid stored outside the liquid discharge head 404 to the liquid discharge head 404.

  The supply mechanism 494 includes a cartridge holder 451 that is a filling unit for mounting the liquid cartridge 450, a tube 456, a liquid feeding unit 452 including a liquid feeding pump, and the like. The liquid cartridge 450 is detachably attached to the cartridge holder 451. Liquid is fed from the liquid cartridge 450 to the head tank 441 by the liquid feeding unit 452 via the tube 456.

  This apparatus includes a transport mechanism 495 for transporting the paper 410. The transport mechanism 495 includes a transport belt 412 serving as transport means, and a sub-scanning motor 416 for driving the transport belt 412.

  The conveyance belt 412 adsorbs the paper 410 and conveys it at a position facing the liquid ejection head 404. The transport belt 412 is an endless belt and is stretched between the transport roller 413 and the tension roller 414. The adsorption can be performed by electrostatic adsorption or air suction.

  The transport belt 412 rotates in the sub-scanning direction when the transport roller 413 is rotationally driven by the sub-scanning motor 416 via the timing belt 417 and the timing pulley 418.

  Further, on one side of the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, a maintenance / recovery mechanism 420 that performs maintenance / recovery of the liquid ejection head 404 is disposed on the side of the transport belt 412.

  The maintenance / recovery mechanism 420 includes, for example, a cap member 421 for capping the nozzle surface (surface on which the nozzle is formed) of the liquid ejection head 404, a wiper member 422 for wiping the nozzle surface, and the like.

  The main scanning movement mechanism 493, the supply mechanism 494, the maintenance / recovery mechanism 420, and the transport mechanism 495 are attached to a housing including the side plates 491A and 491B and the back plate 491C.

  In this apparatus configured as described above, the paper 410 is fed and sucked onto the transport belt 412, and the paper 410 is transported in the sub-scanning direction by the circular movement of the transport belt 412.

Therefore, the liquid ejection head 404 is driven in accordance with the image signal while moving the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, thereby ejecting liquid onto the stopped paper 410 to form an image.

  Thus, since this apparatus includes the liquid ejection head according to the present invention, a high-quality image can be stably formed.

  Next, another example of the liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is an explanatory plan view of the main part of the unit.

  The liquid discharge unit includes a casing portion composed of side plates 491A and 491B and a back plate 491C, a main scanning moving mechanism 493, a carriage 403, and a liquid among the members constituting the liquid discharge device. The discharge head 404 is configured.

  Note that a liquid discharge unit in which at least one of the above-described maintenance and recovery mechanism 420 and the supply mechanism 494 is further attached to, for example, the side plate 491B of the liquid discharge unit may be configured.

  Next, still another example of the liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is an explanatory front view of the unit.

  This liquid discharge unit includes a liquid discharge head 404 to which a flow path component 444 is attached, and a tube 456 connected to the flow path component 444.

  The flow path component 444 is disposed inside the cover 442. A head tank 441 may be included instead of the flow path component 444. In addition, a connector 443 that is electrically connected to the liquid ejection head 404 is provided above the flow path component 444.

  In the present application, the liquid to be ejected is not particularly limited as long as it has a viscosity and surface tension that can be ejected from the head, and the viscosity becomes 30 mPa · s or less at room temperature, normal pressure, or by heating and cooling. It is preferable. More specifically, solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, functional materials such as polymerizable compounds, resins, and surfactants, and biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids, proteins, and calcium. , Edible materials such as natural pigments, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, and the like. These include, for example, inkjet inks, surface treatment liquids, components of electronic devices and light emitting devices, and formation of electronic circuit resist patterns. It can be used in applications such as liquids for use, three-dimensional modeling material liquids, and the like.

  As energy generation sources for discharging liquid, piezoelectric actuators (laminated piezoelectric elements and thin film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators using electrothermal transducers such as heating resistors, electrostatic actuators consisting of a diaphragm and counter electrode are used. To be included.

  The “liquid ejection unit” is a unit in which functional parts and mechanisms are integrated with a liquid ejection head, and includes an assembly of parts related to liquid ejection. For example, the “liquid discharge unit” includes a combination of at least one of a head tank, a carriage, a supply mechanism, a maintenance / recovery mechanism, and a main scanning movement mechanism with a liquid discharge head.

  Here, the term “integrated” refers to, for example, a liquid discharge head, a functional component, and a mechanism that are fixed to each other by fastening, adhesion, engagement, etc., and one that is held movably with respect to the other. Including. Further, the liquid discharge head, the functional component, and the mechanism may be configured to be detachable from each other.

  For example, there is a liquid discharge unit in which a liquid discharge head and a head tank are integrated. Also, there are some in which the liquid discharge head and the head tank are integrated by being connected to each other by a tube or the like. Here, a unit including a filter may be added between the head tank and the liquid discharge head of these liquid discharge units.

  In addition, there is a liquid discharge unit in which a liquid discharge head and a carriage are integrated.

  In addition, there is a liquid discharge unit in which the liquid discharge head and the scanning movement mechanism are integrated by holding the liquid discharge head movably on a guide member that constitutes a part of the scanning movement mechanism. In some cases, a liquid discharge head, a carriage, and a main scanning movement mechanism are integrated.

  Also, there is a liquid discharge unit in which a cap member that is a part of the maintenance / recovery mechanism is fixed to a carriage to which the liquid discharge head is attached, and the liquid discharge head, the carriage, and the maintenance / recovery mechanism are integrated. .

  In addition, there is a liquid discharge unit in which a tube is connected to a liquid discharge head to which a head tank or a flow path component is attached, and the liquid discharge head and a supply mechanism are integrated. The liquid from the liquid storage source is supplied to the liquid discharge head via this tube.

  The main scanning movement mechanism includes a guide member alone. The supply mechanism includes a single tube and a single loading unit.

The “apparatus for ejecting liquid” includes an apparatus that includes a liquid ejection head or a liquid ejection unit and that ejects liquid by driving the liquid ejection head. The apparatus for ejecting a liquid includes not only an apparatus capable of ejecting a liquid to an object to which the liquid can adhere, but also an apparatus for ejecting the liquid into the air or liquid.

  This “apparatus for discharging liquid” may include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging a liquid to which liquid can adhere, as well as a pre-processing apparatus and a post-processing apparatus.

  For example, as a “liquid ejecting device”, an image forming device that forms an image on paper by ejecting ink, a powder is formed in layers to form a three-dimensional model (three-dimensional model) There is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus (three-dimensional modeling apparatus) that discharges a modeling liquid onto the powder layer.

  Further, the “apparatus for ejecting liquid” is not limited to an apparatus in which significant images such as characters and figures are visualized by the ejected liquid. For example, what forms a pattern etc. which does not have a meaning in itself, and what forms a three-dimensional image are also included.

  The above-mentioned “applicable liquid” means that the liquid can be attached at least temporarily and adheres and adheres, or adheres and penetrates. Specific examples include recording media such as paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, and cloth, electronic parts such as electronic substrates and piezoelectric elements, powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and test cells. Yes, unless specifically limited, includes everything that the liquid adheres to.

  The material of the above-mentioned “material to which liquid can adhere” is not limited as long as liquid such as paper, thread, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics can be adhered even temporarily.

  In addition, the “device for ejecting liquid” includes a device in which the liquid ejection head and the device to which the liquid can adhere move relatively, but is not limited thereto. Specific examples include a serial type apparatus that moves the liquid discharge head, a line type apparatus that does not move the liquid discharge head, and the like.

  In addition, as the “device for ejecting liquid”, other than the above, a treatment liquid coating apparatus that ejects a treatment liquid onto a sheet in order to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the sheet for the purpose of modifying the surface of the sheet, There is an injection granulation apparatus that granulates raw material fine particles by spraying a composition liquid in which raw materials are dispersed in a solution through a nozzle.

  Note that the terms “image formation”, “recording”, “printing”, “printing”, “printing”, “modeling” and the like in the terms of the present application are all synonymous.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Nozzle plate 2 Channel plate 3 Vibrating plate 4 Nozzle 6 Individual liquid chamber 10 Common liquid chamber 11 Piezoelectric element 50 Holding substrate 101 Liquid discharge head 102 Cover member 104 Adhesive 111 Head main body 112 Frame member 121 Rib 403 Carriage 404 Liquid discharge Head 440 Liquid discharge unit

Claims (14)

A head main body for discharging liquid;
A cover member attached to the frame member of the head main body,
On the surface side of the frame member to which the cover member is attached, ribs are provided along the peripheral surface of the cover member,
The liquid discharge head, wherein a space between the peripheral surface of the rib and the peripheral surface of the cover member is sealed with a sealant. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein a space between an inner peripheral surface of the rib and an outer peripheral surface of the cover member is sealed with the sealant. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the sealant is an adhesive that joins the frame member and the cover member. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein a step portion is provided between the rib and a surface to which the cover member is attached. A flange portion is provided on the outer periphery of the frame member,
The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the rib is provided on the flange portion. The flange portion is formed over the entire outer periphery of the frame member,
The liquid discharge head according to claim 5, wherein the rib is formed over the entire periphery of the flange portion. The sealing agent is disposed between the peripheral surface of the cover member and the peripheral surface of the rib, and between the surface of the frame member to which the cover member is attached and the cover member. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the liquid discharge head is a liquid discharge head. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein a concave portion is provided on an outer surface of the frame member. The liquid discharge head according to claim 8, wherein the concave portion is provided in a belt shape over the entire outer periphery of the frame member. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the cover member covers an electric circuit board disposed on the frame member of the head main body. The electrical circuit board is provided with a connector to which a cable is connected,
The liquid ejecting head according to claim 10, wherein the connector is disposed on a side opposite to the head main body side in a normal direction of a surface of the frame member to which the cover member is attached.   A liquid discharge unit comprising the liquid discharge head according to claim 1. A head tank for storing liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head, a carriage on which the liquid discharge head is mounted, a supply mechanism for supplying liquid to the liquid discharge head, a maintenance / recovery mechanism for maintaining and recovering the liquid discharge head, and the liquid The liquid discharge unit according to claim 12, wherein the liquid discharge head is integrated with at least one of a main scanning movement mechanism that moves the discharge head in the main scanning direction.   An apparatus for ejecting liquid, comprising the liquid ejection head according to claim 1 or the liquid ejection unit according to claim 12 or 13.

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