JP2018114713A - Droplet discharge head and droplet discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a droplet discharge head and a droplet discharge device which can reduce the pitch of nozzles adjacent to each other compared with a case where a first passage for passing liquid flowing from a first pressure chamber to the nozzles and a second passage for passing liquid flowing from a second pressure chamber to the nozzles extend in an arrangement direction of the nozzles.SOLUTION: In a droplet discharge head 30, a direction in which a first passage 44 extends and a direction in which a second passage 64 extends cross each other when viewed from a discharge direction (vertical direction) in which ink droplets are discharged from nozzles 38. As a result, the pitch of the nozzles is reduced compared with a case where the direction in which the first passage extends and the direction in which the second passage extends do not cross each other and extend in a device depth direction (sub-scanning direction).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a droplet discharge head and a droplet discharge device.

  Patent Document 1 describes a technique for increasing the density of electrical wiring in a droplet discharge head in which a plurality of piezoelectric bodies are arranged for one nozzle.

JP 2009-208445 A

  The problem of the present invention is that when a plurality of piezoelectric bodies are arranged for one nozzle, the first passage through which the liquid flowing from the first pressure chamber passes to the nozzle, and the liquid flowing from the second pressure chamber to the nozzle. Compared with the case where the 2nd channel | path to pass is extended in the arrangement direction of a nozzle, it is making the pitch of an adjacent nozzle small.

  A droplet discharge head according to claim 1 of the present invention is connected to a nozzle for discharging a droplet, a first pressure chamber connected to the same nozzle through a first passage, and a second passage. A main body member having a second pressure chamber; a first piezoelectric element that pressurizes the first pressure chamber to discharge droplets from the nozzle; and pressurizes the second pressure chamber to be discharged from the nozzle. A second piezoelectric element that deflects the direction of the droplet, and the first passage extends and the second passage extends as seen from the discharge direction in which the droplet is discharged from the nozzle. It is characterized by intersecting directions.

  A droplet discharge head according to a second aspect of the present invention is the droplet discharge head according to the first aspect, wherein the nozzle discharges a droplet toward a discharge target member transported in a main scanning direction. The nozzles are arranged in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, and the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber extend in the main scanning direction when viewed from the ejection direction. It is characterized by.

  A droplet discharge head according to a third aspect of the present invention is the droplet discharge head according to the second aspect, wherein the first passage extends in the main scanning direction when viewed from the discharge direction. The two passages are characterized by extending in the sub-scanning direction.

  A droplet discharge head according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the droplet discharge head according to the third aspect, wherein the main body member has a third pressure chamber connected to the same nozzle through a third passage. And a third piezoelectric element that pressurizes the third pressure chamber to deflect the direction of liquid droplets ejected from the nozzle, and when viewed from the ejection direction, the third passage is in contact with the nozzle. It extends in the main scanning direction on the opposite side of the first passage.

  A droplet discharge head according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the droplet discharge head according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first pressure is disposed on the opposite side of the nozzle in the main body member. And a flow path member having a supply flow path for supplying a liquid to at least one of the chamber and the second pressure chamber.

  A droplet discharge head according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the droplet discharge head according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the main body member is disposed on the opposite side of the nozzle, and the first pressure And a flow path member having a recovery flow path for recovering liquid from at least one of the chamber and the second pressure chamber.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid droplet ejection apparatus, wherein the liquid droplet ejection head according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and a target member to which liquid droplets are ejected are opposed to the nozzle. A conveying member for conveying;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the droplet discharge head of the first aspect of the present invention, the pitch of the adjacent nozzles can be reduced as compared with the case where the first passage and the second passage extend in the nozzle arrangement direction. .

  According to the droplet discharge head of the second aspect of the present invention, when viewed from the discharge direction, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber have a smaller pitch between adjacent nozzles than in the case of a square shape. be able to.

  According to the droplet discharge head of the third aspect of the present invention, when viewed from the discharge direction, the first passage is inclined in the direction in which the angle formed by the first passage and the second passage is larger than the main scanning direction. Compared with the case where it is, the pitch of an adjacent nozzle can be made small.

  According to the droplet discharge head of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the droplet discharged from the nozzle can be deflected in the main scanning direction.

  According to the droplet discharge head of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the flow passage cross section of the supply flow passage can be determined without being restricted by the positions of the first pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber, and the nozzle. it can.

According to the droplet discharge head of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the flow passage cross section of the recovery flow passage can be determined without being restricted by the positions of the first pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber, and the nozzle. According to the droplet discharge device of the seventh aspect of the present invention, the quality of the output image is improved as compared with the case where the droplet discharge head according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is not provided. be able to.

1 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a droplet discharge head according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view showing a droplet discharge head according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a droplet discharge head according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view showing a droplet discharge head according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) (B) (C) It is sectional drawing which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) (B) It is drawing which showed the experimental result of the droplet discharge head based on 1st Embodiment of this invention with the graph. It is drawing which showed the experimental result of the droplet discharge head which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention with the graph. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on the 1st comparative form of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on the 2nd comparative form of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on the 3rd comparative form of this invention. It is the top view which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on the 1st reference form of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on the 2nd reference form of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the droplet discharge head which concerns on the 3rd reference form of this invention.

<First Embodiment>
An example of a droplet discharge head and an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the arrow H shown in each figure is the vertical direction and indicates the apparatus vertical direction, the arrow W is the horizontal direction and indicates the apparatus width direction, and the arrow D is the horizontal direction and indicates the apparatus depth direction. .

(overall structure)
The image forming apparatus 10 is an ink jet recording apparatus. As illustrated in FIG. 10, a sheet storage unit 12 that accommodates a sheet member P as a recording medium, an image forming unit 14 that forms an image on the sheet member P, And a conveyance unit 16 that conveys the sheet member P. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 36 that controls each unit, and a power source 56 that supplies power to each unit. The image forming apparatus 10 is an example of a droplet discharge device. Details of the power source 56 will be described later.

[Paper compartment]
The sheet storage unit 12 includes a sheet storage member 20 on which a plurality of sheet members P are stacked, and a delivery roll 22 that sends the uppermost sheet member P stacked on the sheet storage member 20 to the conveyance path 27 of the sheet member P. I have.

[Transport section]
The transport unit 16 includes a plurality of transport rolls (reference numerals omitted) that transport the sheet member P sent out from the paper storage unit 12 along the transport path 27. The transport unit 16 is an example of a transport member.

(Image forming part)
The image forming unit 14 is wound around a drive roll 24 that is rotationally driven, a driven roll 26 that is disposed on the right side of the drive roll 24 in the drawing and is rotatable, and the drive roll 24 and the driven roll 26. And a conveyor belt 28. The conveyor belt 28 conveys the sheet member P while holding the sheet member P by electrostatic adsorption.

Further, the image forming unit 14 ejects ink droplets (an example of droplets) onto the conveyed sheet member P, and is in four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Four droplet discharge heads 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K corresponding to each are provided. The droplet discharge heads 30Y, 30M, 30C, and 30K are arranged in this order from the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet member P between the drive roll 24 and the driven roll 26, above the conveyance belt 28. . When distinguishing yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), an alphabet is added at the end of the code. When not particularly distinguished, the alphabet at the end of the code is omitted. In addition, the image forming unit 14 includes cleaning members 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K that clean the droplet discharge heads 30 of the respective colors. The droplet discharge head 30 will be described later. Further, an image formed on the sheet member P by the ink droplets discharged from the droplet discharge head 30 on the downstream side of the droplet discharge head 30 and above the transfer belt 28 in the transport direction of the sheet member P. A reading sensor 37 is arranged.

  In this configuration, when ink droplets are ejected from the droplet ejection head 30 to the sheet member P, as shown in FIG. 10, the droplet ejection head 30 and the cleaning member 18 are separated from each other in the apparatus width direction. The droplet discharge head 30 is opposed to the conveyor belt 28. On the other hand, when the cleaning member 18 cleans the droplet discharge head 30, as shown in FIG. 9, the droplet discharge head 30 is separated from the transport belt 28, and the cleaning member 18 moves to move the liquid discharge head 30. The droplet discharge head 30 and the cleaning member 18 are opposed to each other in the vertical direction of the apparatus.

(Operation of the overall configuration)
Next, the operation of forming an image on the sheet member P using the image forming apparatus 10 will be described.

  The uppermost sheet member P stacked on the sheet storage member 20 is sent out to the transport path 27 by the sending roll 22. The sheet member P sent out to the conveyance path 27 is conveyed along the conveyance path 27 by a plurality of conveyance rolls. Further, the sheet member P is electrostatically attracted (held) to the conveyance belt 28.

  The sheet member P electrostatically attracted to the transport belt 28 is transported in the main scanning direction by the circulating transport belt 28. Then, an image is formed on the sheet member P by ink droplets (droplets) ejected from the droplet ejection heads 30 of the respective colors.

  The sheet member P on which the image is formed is peeled from the transport belt 28 by a peeling plate (not shown). The peeled sheet member P is transported by a plurality of transport rolls along the transport path 27 and discharged outside the apparatus.

(Main part configuration)
Next, the droplet discharge head 30, the power source 56, and the like will be described.

  The droplet discharge head 30 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the depth direction of the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, a main body member 32 facing the conveying belt 28 that conveys the sheet member P, and the main body member 32 from above. And a channel member 34 that is overlapped.

(Main body member)
The main body member 32 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the apparatus depth direction, and is formed by laminating the nozzle plate 32A, the lower layer portion 32B, the vibration plate 32C, and the upper layer portion 32D in this order. The nozzle plate 32A is formed of polyimide resin, and the lower layer portion 32B, the upper layer portion 32D, and the vibration plate 32C are formed of silicon. The main body member 32 is formed with a plurality of ejectors 40 arranged in the apparatus depth direction (sub-scanning direction) as shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ejector 40 has a nozzle 38 that ejects ink droplets. The nozzle 38 is formed on the nozzle plate 32A facing the conveyor belt 28, and has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. Further, the ejector 40 is disposed on one side in the apparatus width direction (right side in FIG. 2) with respect to the nozzle 38 and on the back side in the apparatus depth direction with respect to the nozzle 38 (upper side in FIG. 2). And a deflecting unit 70 arranged.

−Discharge unit−
The ejection unit 50 includes a first pressure chamber 42 filled with ink (an example of a liquid), a first passage 44 connected to the nozzle 38, and a connection channel 46 that connects the first pressure chamber 42 and the first passage 44. And an auxiliary channel 48. Further, the ejection unit 50 pressurizes the first pressure chamber 42 to eject an ink droplet (an example of a droplet) from the nozzle 38, and applies a voltage to the first piezoelectric element 52. Wiring (not shown) (see FIG. 6C).

  The first passage 44 is formed in the lower layer portion 32B, and extends in one side (right side in the drawing) in the apparatus width direction (main scanning direction) with the upper side of the nozzle 38 as a base end. The cross section of the first passage 44 has a rectangular shape extending in the apparatus depth direction. The bottom surface forming the first passage 44 is constituted by the nozzle plate 32A.

  The connection channel 46 is formed in the lower layer part 32 </ b> B, and extends upward with the distal end of the first passage 44 as a base end. The cross section of this connection channel 46 is circular.

  The first pressure chamber 42 is formed in the lower layer portion 32 </ b> B, and extends to one side in the apparatus width direction with the distal end of the connection channel 46 as the base end. The cross section of the first pressure chamber 42 has a rectangular shape extending in the apparatus depth direction. Further, the first pressure chamber 42 is arcuate at both ends with respect to a rectangle extending in the apparatus width direction when viewed from above (see FIG. 2). The top surface forming the first pressure chamber 42 is constituted by a diaphragm 32C.

  The auxiliary flow path 48 is formed in the lower layer portion 32B, the diaphragm 32C, and the upper layer portion 32D, and has a horizontal portion 48A extending from the tip of the first pressure chamber 42 to one side in the apparatus width direction, A vertical portion 48B extending upward from the tip of the horizontal portion 48A. The cross section of the horizontal portion 48A is thinner than the cross section of the first pressure chamber 42, and the cross section of the vertical portion 48B is circular. The upper end of the vertical portion 48 </ b> B reaches the upper surface 33 of the main body member 32, and the vertical portion 48 </ b> B is open to the outside of the main body member 32.

  The first piezoelectric element 52 is attached to the opposite side of the first pressure chamber 42 with the diaphragm 32C interposed therebetween. Further, the outer edge of the first piezoelectric element 52 is arc-shaped at both ends with respect to a rectangle extending in the apparatus width direction when viewed from above, and is smaller than the first pressure chamber 42 (see FIG. 2). ).

  In this configuration, the first piezoelectric element 52 to which the voltage (first voltage) is applied pressurizes the first pressure chamber 42 by displacing the diaphragm 32C, and the ink filled in the first pressure chamber 42. The pressure is applied to. As a result, a pressure wave is transmitted from the first pressure chamber 42 to the nozzle 38 side through the connection flow path 46 and the first passage 44 so that the first piezoelectric element 52 ejects an ink droplet downward from the nozzle 38. It has become.

-Deflection section-
The deflecting unit 70 includes a second pressure chamber 62 filled with ink, a second passage 64 connected to the nozzle 38, a connection channel 66 connecting the second pressure chamber 62 and the second passage 64, and an auxiliary channel. 68. Furthermore, the deflection unit 70 pressurizes the second pressure chamber 62 to deflect the ejection direction of the ink droplets ejected from the nozzle 38, and applies a voltage to the second piezoelectric element 72. Wiring (not shown) (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

  The second passage 64 is formed in the lower layer portion 32B, and extends to the back side in the apparatus depth direction (sub-scanning direction) with the upper side of the nozzle 38 as a base end. The cross section of the second passage 64 has a rectangular shape extending in the apparatus width direction. The bottom surface forming the second passage 64 is constituted by the nozzle plate 32A.

  When viewed from above, the direction in which the second passage 64 extends (see L1 in FIG. 2) and the direction in which the first passage 44 of the discharge section 50 extends (L2 in FIG. 2) intersect. (See FIG. 2). In other words, the direction in which the first passage 44 extends and the direction in which the second passage 64 extends intersect with each other when viewed from the ejection direction in which the ink droplets are ejected from the nozzles 38. When the first passage 44 and the second passage 64 are arranged so as to intersect with each other, it is desirable to arrange them so as to be orthogonal as shown in FIG.

  The connection channel 66 is formed in the lower layer portion 32B, and extends upward with the tip of the second passage 64 as a base end. The cross section of the connection channel 66 is circular. The bottom surface forming the connection channel 66 is configured by the nozzle plate 32A, and the top surface forming the connection channel 66 is configured by the vibration plate 32C.

  The second pressure chamber 62 is formed in the lower layer portion 32B, and extends to the other (left side in the drawing) in the apparatus width direction with the distal end of the connection channel 66 as the base end. The cross section of the second pressure chamber 62 has a rectangular shape extending in the apparatus depth direction. Further, the second pressure chamber 62 has an arc shape at both ends with respect to a rectangle extending in the apparatus width direction (main scanning direction) when viewed from above (see FIG. 2). Further, the length of the second pressure chamber 62 in the apparatus depth direction is shorter than the length of the first pressure chamber 42 in the apparatus depth direction. The capacity of the second pressure chamber 62 is made smaller than the capacity of the first pressure chamber 42. Here, the capacity being reduced means that the area of the portion where the pressure chamber and the piezoelectric element face each other is small and the capacity is reduced.

  The auxiliary flow path 68 is formed in the lower layer portion 32B, the diaphragm 32C, and the upper layer portion 32D, and has a horizontal portion 68A extending from the distal end of the second pressure chamber 62 to the other end side in the apparatus width direction. And a vertical portion 68B extending upward from the tip of the horizontal portion 68A. The cross section of the horizontal portion 68A is thinner than the cross section of the second pressure chamber 62, and the cross section of the vertical portion 68B is circular. The upper end of the vertical portion 68 </ b> B reaches the upper surface 33 of the main body member 32, and the vertical portion 68 </ b> B is open to the outside of the main body member 32.

  The second piezoelectric element 72 is attached to the opposite side of the second pressure chamber 62 with the diaphragm 32C interposed therebetween. Further, the outer edge of the second piezoelectric element 72 is arcuate at both ends with respect to a rectangle extending in the apparatus width direction when viewed from above, and is smaller than the second pressure chamber 62 (see FIG. 2). ).

  In this configuration, the second piezoelectric element 72 to which a voltage (second voltage) having the same magnitude as the voltage (first voltage) applied to the first piezoelectric element 52 is applied displaces the diaphragm 32C. By doing so, the second pressure chamber 62 is pressurized. The second piezoelectric element 72 applies pressure to the ink filled in the second pressure chamber 62. As a result, a pressure wave is transmitted from the second pressure chamber 62 to the nozzle 38 via the connection channel 66 and the second passage 64 so that the ejection direction of the ink droplets ejected from the nozzle 38 is deflected (changed). It has become.

-Others-
Next, the waveform of the voltage applied to the first piezoelectric element 52 (hereinafter “first voltage”) (hereinafter “discharge waveform”) and the voltage applied to the second piezoelectric element 72 (hereinafter “second voltage”). )) Waveform (hereinafter referred to as “deflection waveform”) and the ejection direction of the ink droplets ejected by the nozzle 38 will be described.

  7A is a graph showing the ejection waveform and the deflection waveform, and FIG. 7B is a graph illustrating the deflection angle θ (ejection direction) of the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle 38 and the second voltage. The relationship is shown.

  In the graph shown in FIG. 7A, the vertical axis represents voltage, and the horizontal axis represents time. The start point of the deflection waveform is earlier than the start point of the discharge waveform, and the end point of the deflection waveform is delayed by the time Td from the start point of the discharge waveform. That is, the time Td is the time from the start point of the ejection waveform to the end point of the deflection waveform. Further, as described above, the second voltage (V1 in the figure) is the same as the first voltage (V2 in the figure).

  The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 7B indicates the deflection angle θ of the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle 38, and the horizontal axis indicates the second voltage. With respect to the deflection angle θ, as shown in FIG. 4, “+” indicates a direction inclined toward the front side in the apparatus depth direction with reference to the case where ink droplets are ejected downward from the nozzle 38 (S1 in the figure). And the direction tilted to the back side in the apparatus depth direction is “−”. Note that the time Td from the start point of the ejection waveform to the end point of the deflection waveform and the first voltage are not changed.

  Then, as shown in the graph of FIG. 7B, when the second voltage is increased, the deflection angle θ is increased in the “−” direction side. When no voltage is applied to the second piezoelectric element 72, the deflection angle θ is “0”, and an ink droplet is ejected downward from the nozzle 38.

  FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the deflection angle θ of the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle 38 and the time Td from the start point of the ejection waveform to the end point of the deflection waveform.

  The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 8 indicates the deflection angle θ of the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle 38, and the horizontal axis indicates time Td (see FIG. 7A). As for the time Td, the case where the end point of the deflection waveform and the start point of the discharge waveform are the same (“0”), and the end point of the deflection waveform is delayed from the start point of the discharge waveform is set to “+”. A case where the end point of the deflection waveform is advanced with respect to the start point of the ejection waveform is set to “−”. Note that the ejection waveform and the deflection waveform are not changed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, when the time Td is increased to the “+” side, the deflection angle θ is increased to the “−” direction side. On the other hand, when the time Td is increased to the “−” side, the deflection angle θ becomes the “−” direction side, but is not stable.

  As can be seen from the graphs shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, the deflection angle θ can be changed by changing the second voltage or time Td.

[Flow channel member]
The flow path member 34 is integrally formed of silicon and overlaps the main body member 32 on the opposite side of the nozzle 38 in the main body member 32 as shown in FIG. In the flow path member 34, a supply flow path 80 extending in the apparatus depth direction and a recovery flow path 84 extending in the apparatus depth direction are formed.

  The supply flow path 80 is arrange | positioned above the discharge part 50, and is extended in the apparatus depth direction. The cross section of the supply channel 80 is rectangular, and the bottom surface of the supply channel 80 is constituted by the upper surface 33 of the main body member 32. The recovery channel 84 is disposed on the other side in the apparatus width direction with respect to the supply channel 80 and above the deflection unit 70. The cross section of the recovery channel 84 is rectangular, and the bottom surface of the recovery channel 84 is configured by the upper surface 33 of the main body member 32.

〔Power supply〕
The power supply 56 supplies power to each unit provided in the image forming apparatus 10 (see FIG. 10). In the present embodiment, the power source 56 supplies power of a voltage having the same magnitude to the first piezoelectric element 52 (see FIG. 1) and the second piezoelectric element 72 via wiring.

(Function)
Next, the operation of the droplet discharge head 30 and the like will be described.

  First, the ink flowing through the ejector 40 will be described.

  The ink flowing through the supply flow path 80 is supplied to the respective ejectors 40 from the respective auxiliary flow paths 48 by the driving force of the pump (not shown), and passes through the first pressure chamber 42, the connection flow path 46, and the first passage 44. Flows (see FIG. 1). Further, the ink flowing through the first passage 44 passes above the nozzle 38 and flows through the second passage 64, the connection passage 66, the second pressure chamber 62, and the auxiliary passage 68 of the deflecting unit 70, and is collected. It is collected by the flow path 84.

  The start end of the supply flow path 80 and the end of the recovery flow path 84 are connected to an ink tank (not shown), and the ink includes the supply flow path 80, each ejector 40, and the recovery flow path 84. Circulate the flow path.

  Next, correction of the output image will be described.

  Before starting the print job designated by the user, the control unit 36 (see FIG. 10) conveys the sheet member P and ejects ink droplets from the droplet ejection heads 30 of the respective colors onto the sheet member P, and the test pattern. Create Then, the reading sensor 37 reads the test pattern formed on the sheet member P. Further, the control unit 36 receives the data read by the reading sensor 37 and confirms the presence / absence of a non-ejection nozzle that has not ejected ink droplets.

  For example, when the nozzle 38 (hereinafter, “nozzle 38A”) shown in FIG. 5 is a non-ejection nozzle, the control unit 36 has a nozzle 38 (hereinafter, “nozzle 38B”) on the near side in the apparatus depth direction with respect to the nozzle 38A. The voltage is applied to the second piezoelectric element 72 connected to “). Then, the control unit 36 changes the ejection direction (deflection angle) of the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle 38B, the point G1 where the ink droplet ejected by the nozzle 38A lands, and the ink droplet ejected by the nozzle 38B lands. The ink droplet is landed on a point G3 between the point G2 and the point G2. In this way, the output image is corrected, so that the quality degradation of the output image is suppressed.

(Summary)
-Summary 1
As described above, in the droplet discharge head 30, the first passage 44 extends and the second passage 64 extends as viewed from the discharge direction (vertical direction) in which ink droplets are discharged from the nozzles 38. Intersects the direction in which it is present (see FIG. 2).

  Here, the droplet discharge head 130 according to the first comparative embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The droplet discharge head 130 will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the droplet discharge head 30.

  In the droplet discharge head 130, the first passage 144 of the ejector 140 of the droplet discharge head 130 extends and the second passage 64 extends as viewed from the discharge direction of the ink droplets discharged from the nozzles 38. As shown in FIG. 11, the first passage 144 and the second passage 64 extend in the apparatus depth direction (sub-scanning direction).

  As described above, in the first embodiment, when viewed from above, the direction in which the first passage 44 extends and the direction in which the second passage 64 extends intersect. Thereby, in the apparatus depth direction, the area occupied by the ejector 40 of the droplet discharge head 30 is smaller than the area occupied by the ejector 140 of the droplet discharge head 130. Therefore, as can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 5 and FIG. 11, the pitch of the nozzles 38 (P1 in FIG. 5) of the droplet discharge head 30 is equal to the pitch of the nozzles 38 of the droplet discharge head 130 (FIG. 11). Compared with P2).

-Summary 2-
In the droplet discharge head 30, the first pressure chamber 42 and the second pressure chamber 62 extend in the apparatus width direction (main scanning direction) when viewed from above.

  Here, the droplet discharge head 132 according to the second comparative embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the droplet discharge head 132 will be described mainly with respect to differences from the droplet discharge head 30.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the first pressure chamber 142 and the second pressure chamber 162 of the ejector 146 of the droplet discharge head 132 have a square shape when viewed from above. The capacity of the first pressure chamber 142 and the capacity of the first pressure chamber 42 are the same, and the capacity of the second pressure chamber 162 and the capacity of the second pressure chamber 62 are the same.

  Thereby, the area occupied by the ejector 40 of the droplet discharge head 30 is smaller than the area occupied by the ejector 146 of the droplet discharge head 132 in the depth direction of the apparatus. Therefore, as can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 2 and FIG. 12, the pitch of the nozzles 38 (P1 in FIG. 2) of the droplet discharge head 30 is equal to the pitch of the nozzles 38 of the droplet discharge head 132 (P3 in FIG. 12). ) And smaller.

-Summary 3-
In the droplet discharge head 30, the first passage 44 extends in the apparatus width direction (main scanning direction), and the second passage 64 extends in the apparatus depth direction (sub-scanning direction). For this reason, when viewed from above, the first passage 44 is inclined in a direction in which the angle formed by the first passage 44 and the second passage 64 increases with respect to the main scanning direction (the direction of the arrow R1 shown in FIG. 2). Compared with the case where it exists, the pitch of the adjacent nozzle 38 becomes small.

-Summary 4-
In the droplet discharge head 30, the flow path member 34 in which the supply flow path 80 and the recovery flow path 84 are formed overlaps the main body member 32 on the opposite side of the nozzle 38 in the main body member 32.

  Here, the droplet discharge head 134 according to the third comparative embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The droplet discharge head 134 includes a main body 150 in which a plurality of stainless steel etching plates (reference numerals are omitted), a nozzle plate 151 attached to the lower surface of the main body 150, a first piezoelectric element 152, The second piezoelectric element 172 is provided.

  A nozzle 151 </ b> A is formed on the nozzle plate 151.

  The main body 150 includes a first passage 154 that rises from one of the nozzles 151 </ b> A in the apparatus width direction, a first pressure chamber 156 that is formed at the upper end of the first passage 154, a first pressure chamber 156, a nozzle plate 151, A supply flow path 158 disposed between the two is formed. The supply channel 158 supplies ink to the first pressure chamber 156.

  Further, the main body 150 includes a second passage 174 rising from the other of the nozzles 151A in the apparatus width direction, a second pressure chamber 176 formed at the upper end of the second passage 174, a second pressure chamber 176, and a nozzle plate. 151 and a recovery flow path 178 disposed between them. The recovery channel 178 recovers ink from the second pressure chamber 176. Further, the capacity of the second pressure chamber 176 and the capacity of the first pressure chamber 156 are the same.

  Further, a first piezoelectric element 152 is attached to the opposite side of the first pressure chamber 156 across the ceiling plate 150A that forms the top surfaces of the first pressure chamber 156 and the second pressure chamber 176, and the ceiling plate 150A. On the other side of the second pressure chamber 176, a second piezoelectric element 172 is attached. That is, in the droplet discharge head 134, the supply flow path 158 and the recovery flow path 178 are arranged between the first pressure chamber 156, the second pressure chamber 176, and the nozzle 151A in the vertical direction of the apparatus. .

  In this configuration, in the droplet discharge head 134, a voltage is applied to the first piezoelectric element 152 and the second piezoelectric element 176 by a power source (not shown). The voltage applied to the second piezoelectric element 176 is smaller than the voltage applied to the first piezoelectric element 152. This is because when the voltage of the same magnitude as the voltage applied to the first piezoelectric element 152 is applied to the second piezoelectric element 172, the capacity of the second pressure chamber 176 and the capacity of the first pressure chamber 156 are the same. This is because ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle 151 </ b> A by driving the second piezoelectric element 172.

  Here, as described above, in the droplet discharge head 30, the flow path member 34 in which the supply flow path 80 and the recovery flow path 84 are formed is opposite to the nozzle 38 in the main body member 32, and the main body member 32. It is superimposed on. On the other hand, in the droplet discharge head 134, the supply channel 158 and the recovery channel 178 are arranged between the first pressure chamber 156, the second pressure chamber 176, and the nozzle 151A in the vertical direction of the apparatus. . Therefore, as can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 1 and FIG. 13, the droplet discharge head 30 differs from the droplet discharge head 134 in that the first pressure chamber 56, the second pressure chamber 76, and the nozzle 38. The flow passage sections of the supply flow passage 80 and the collection flow passage 84 are determined without being restricted to the respective positions.

-Summary 5-
In the droplet discharge head 30, the power source 56 is supplied with electric power of the same magnitude from the power source 56 to the first piezoelectric element 52 and the second piezoelectric element 72. For this reason, as in the case of the droplet discharge head 134 according to the third comparative embodiment, the voltage applied to the second piezoelectric element 176 is smaller than the voltage applied to the first piezoelectric element 152 as compared with the case where the voltage applied to the first piezoelectric element 152 is smaller. The capacity of the second pressure chamber 62 is smaller than the capacity of the one pressure chamber 42.

  Further, since the capacity of the second pressure chamber 62 is smaller than the capacity of the first pressure chamber 42, the droplet discharge head 30 is downsized as compared with the case where the droplet discharge head 134 is used.

  In addition, since the same voltage is applied to the first piezoelectric element 52 and the second piezoelectric element 72, unlike the case of using the droplet discharge head 134, one power source uses a resistor or the like. Used without.

-Summary 6
In the droplet discharge head 30, the ink supplied from the supply channel 80 to the discharge unit 50 flows through the discharge unit 50, passes above the nozzle 38, and further flows through the deflection unit 70 to collect the recovery channel 84. Is recovered by. For this reason, compared with the case where the ink flows only through the first pressure chamber 42 and the second pressure chamber 62, for example, an increase in the viscosity of the ink above the nozzle 38 is suppressed.

-Summary 7-
Further, the ink flowing through the supply channel 80 flows through the first passage 44, further passes over the nozzle 38, flows through the second passage 64, and is collected by the collection channel 84. For this reason, for example, the ink supplied from the supply flow path 80 passes through only the first pressure chamber 42 and the second pressure chamber 62 and flows to the recovery flow path 84 as ink droplets from the nozzle 38. An increase in the viscosity of the ejected ink is suppressed.

-Summary 8-
Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, the provision of the droplet discharge head 30 reduces the pitch of the nozzles 38 as compared with the case where the droplet discharge head 30 is not provided, so that the quality of the output image is improved.

-Summary 9-
Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes the droplet discharge head 30 so that the supply flow path 80 is not restricted by the positions of the first pressure chamber 42, the second pressure chamber 62, and the nozzle 38. , And the channel cross section of the recovery channel 84 is determined. That is, the flow path sections of the supply flow path 80 and the recovery flow path 84 are determined in consideration of the ejection performance of the ink droplets from the nozzles 38, so that the quality of the output image is improved in the image forming apparatus 10.

-Summary 10-
Further, in the image forming apparatus 10, by providing the droplet discharge head 30, the capacity of the second pressure chamber 62 is larger than the capacity of the first pressure chamber 42 compared to the case where the droplet discharge head 30 is not provided. Therefore, the apparatus main body is reduced in size.

Second Embodiment
Next, an example of a droplet discharge head and an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The main body member 232 of the droplet discharge head 230 according to the second embodiment includes one second pressure chamber 62 and another second pressure chamber 62 disposed next to the one second pressure chamber 62. A connection channel 264 to be connected is formed. That is, in the droplet discharge head 230, two second pressure chambers 62 are connected via the connection channel 264 two by two.

  About another effect | action, it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, an example of a droplet discharge head and an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

(Constitution)
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a plurality of ejectors 340 arranged in the apparatus depth direction are formed on the main body member 332 of the droplet discharge head 330 according to the third embodiment. Each ejector 340 includes a nozzle 38, a discharge unit 350, a first deflection unit 370, and a second deflection unit 380.

  The discharge unit 350 includes a first passage 44, a connection channel 46, a first pressure chamber 342 extending from the tip of the connection channel 46 to one side in the apparatus width direction, and a first pressure that pressurizes the first pressure chamber 342. A piezoelectric element 352 and an auxiliary flow path 48 are provided.

  The first deflection unit 370 pressurizes the second passage 64, the connection channel 66, the second pressure chamber 362 extending from the tip of the connection channel 66 to the other in the apparatus width direction, and the second pressure chamber 362. A second piezoelectric element 372 and an auxiliary flow path 368 are provided. The auxiliary channel 368 will be described later.

  The second deflecting unit 380 includes a third pressure chamber 382, a third passage 384 connected to the nozzle 38, and a connection channel 386 that connects the third pressure chamber 382 and the third passage 384. Further, the second deflection unit 380 applies a voltage to the third piezoelectric element 392 and the third piezoelectric element 392 that pressurizes the third pressure chamber 382 and deflects the ejection direction of the ink droplets ejected from the nozzles 38. Wiring (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 17, the third passage 384 is formed in the lower layer portion 32 </ b> B, and extends from the upper end of the nozzle 38 to the other side (left side in the drawing) in the apparatus width direction. The cross section of the third passage 384 has a rectangular shape extending in the apparatus depth direction. The bottom surface forming the third passage 384 is constituted by the nozzle plate 32A.

  The connection channel 386 is formed in the lower layer portion 32B, and extends upward with the distal end of the third passage 384 as a base end. The cross section of this connection channel 386 is circular. The bottom surface that forms the connection channel 386 is configured by the nozzle plate 32A, and the top surface that forms the connection channel 386 is configured by the vibration plate 32C.

  The third pressure chamber 382 is formed in the lower layer portion 32B, and extends to the other in the apparatus width direction with the distal end of the connection channel 386 as a base end. The cross section of the third pressure chamber 382 has a rectangular shape extending in the apparatus depth direction. The third pressure chamber 382 is disposed on the near side in the apparatus depth direction with respect to the second pressure chamber 362 (see FIG. 15). The top surface forming the third pressure chamber 382 is constituted by a diaphragm 32C.

  The auxiliary flow path 368 is formed in the lower layer part 32B, the diaphragm 32C, and the upper layer part 32D. As shown in FIG. 15, the auxiliary flow path 368 includes a horizontal portion 368 </ b> A having one end connected to the tip of the second pressure chamber 362 and the other end connected to the tip of the third pressure chamber 382. A vertical portion 368B extending upward from the portion 368A. The upper end of the vertical portion 368B reaches the upper surface 33 (see FIG. 16) of the main body member 32, and the vertical portion 368B is open to the outside of the main body member 32.

  The third piezoelectric element 392 is attached to the opposite side of the third pressure chamber 382 with the diaphragm 32C interposed therebetween.

  In this configuration, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the liquid droplets ejected from the nozzle 38 are shifted to one side in the apparatus width direction with respect to the design target point (G10 in FIG. 17) ( G11) in the figure applies a voltage to the third piezoelectric element 392 to deflect the discharge direction of the liquid droplets discharged from the nozzle 38. Specifically, the liquid droplets discharged from the nozzle 38 are made to land on the design target point (G10 in FIG. 17).

<First Reference Form>
Next, an example of a droplet discharge head and an image forming apparatus according to the first reference embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the first reference embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The droplet discharge head 430 according to the first reference form is a rectangular parallelepiped extending in the depth direction of the apparatus, and as shown in FIG. 18, a main body member 432 facing the transport belt 28 for transporting the sheet member P, And a flow path member 434 that is stacked above the main body member 432.

(Main body member)
The main body member 432 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the apparatus depth direction, and is formed by laminating the nozzle plate 432A, the lower layer portion 432B, the vibration plate 432C, and the upper layer portion 432D in this order. The nozzle plate 432A, the lower layer portion 432B, the upper layer portion 432D, and the diaphragm 432C are formed of silicon. The main body member 432 is formed with a plurality of ejectors 440 arranged in the apparatus depth direction (sub-scanning direction).

  The ejector 440 has a nozzle 438 that ejects ink droplets. The nozzle 438 is formed on the nozzle plate 432 </ b> A and faces the conveyance belt 28. Further, the ejector 440 is disposed on one side in the apparatus width direction with respect to the nozzle 438 (right side in FIG. 18) and on the other side in the apparatus width direction with respect to the nozzle 438 (left side in FIG. 18). The deflecting portion 470 is provided.

−Discharge unit−
The discharge unit 450 includes a first pressure chamber 442, a first passage 444 connected to the nozzle 438, a connection channel 446 that connects the first pressure chamber 442 and the first passage 444, and an auxiliary channel 448. ing. Furthermore, the ejection unit 450 pressurizes the first pressure chamber 442 and ejects ink droplets from the nozzles 438, and wiring (not shown) for applying a voltage to the first piezoelectric element 452. have.

  The first passage 444 is formed in the lower layer portion 432B, and extends to one side in the apparatus width direction with the upper end of the nozzle 438 as a base end. The connection channel 446 is formed in the lower layer portion 432B, and extends upward with the distal end of the first passage 444 as a base end.

  The first pressure chamber 442 is formed in the lower layer portion 432B, and extends to one side in the apparatus width direction with the distal end of the connection channel 446 as a base end. The auxiliary flow path 448 is formed in the lower layer portion 432B, the vibration plate 432C, and the upper layer portion 432D, and extends upward with the distal end of the first pressure chamber 442 as a base end. The first piezoelectric element 452 is attached to the opposite side of the first pressure chamber 442 with the diaphragm 432C interposed therebetween.

-Deflection section-
The deflection unit 470 includes a second pressure chamber 462, a second passage 464 connected to the nozzle 438, a connection channel 466 that connects the second pressure chamber 462 and the second passage 464, and an auxiliary channel 468. ing. Further, the deflecting unit 470 pressurizes the second pressure chamber 462 to deflect the ejection direction of the ink droplet ejected from the nozzle 438, and to apply a voltage to the second piezoelectric element 472. Wiring (not shown).

  The second passage 464 is formed in the lower layer portion 432B, and extends to the other in the apparatus width direction with the upper end of the nozzle 438 as a base end. The connection channel 466 is formed in the lower layer portion 432B, and extends upward with the distal end of the second passage 464 as a base end.

  The second pressure chamber 462 is formed in the lower layer portion 432B, and extends to the other in the apparatus width direction with the distal end of the connection channel 466 as a base end. The auxiliary flow path 468 is formed in the lower layer portion 432B, the diaphragm 432C, and the upper layer portion 432D, and extends upward with the distal end of the second pressure chamber 462 as a base end. The second piezoelectric element 472 is attached to the opposite side of the second pressure chamber 462 with the diaphragm 432C interposed therebetween.

[Flow channel member]
The flow path member 434 is integrally formed of silicon, and overlaps the main body member 432 on the opposite side of the nozzle 438 in the main body member 432. The flow path member 434 is formed with a supply flow path 480 extending in the apparatus depth direction.

  In this configuration, the ink flowing through the supply channel 480 is supplied from the auxiliary channel 448 to the ejection unit 450 and is supplied from the auxiliary channel 468 to the deflection unit 470.

(Summary)
In the droplet discharge head 430, the flow path member 434 in which the supply flow path 480 is formed is superimposed on the main body member 432 on the opposite side of the nozzle 438 in the main body member 432. For this reason, in the droplet discharge head 430, the flow path cross section of the supply flow path 480 is determined without being restricted by the positions of the first pressure chamber 442, the second pressure chamber 462, and the nozzle 438.

<Second Reference Form>
Next, an example of a droplet discharge head and an image forming apparatus according to the second reference embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second reference embodiment, parts different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  The droplet discharge head 530 according to the second reference form has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the apparatus depth direction, and as shown in FIG. 19, a main body member 532 facing the conveyance belt 28 that conveys the sheet member P, And a flow path member 534 that is superimposed on the main body member 532 from above.

(Main body member)
The main body member 532 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the apparatus depth direction, and is formed by laminating the nozzle plate 532A, the lower layer portion 532B, the vibration plate 532C, and the upper layer portion 532D in this order. The nozzle plate 532A is formed of polyimide resin, the lower layer portion 532B and the upper layer portion 532D are formed of silicon, and the vibration plate 532C is a stainless plate. The main body member 532 is formed with a plurality of ejectors 540 arranged in the apparatus depth direction (sub-scanning direction).

  The ejector 540 has a nozzle 538 that ejects ink droplets. The nozzle 538 is formed on the nozzle plate 532 </ b> A and faces the conveyance belt 28. Further, the ejector 540 is disposed on one side in the apparatus width direction with respect to the nozzle 538 (right side in FIG. 19) and on the other side in the apparatus width direction with respect to the nozzle 538 (left side in FIG. 19). And a deflecting portion 570.

−Discharge unit−
The discharge unit 550 includes a first pressure chamber 542, a first passage 544 connected to the nozzle 538, a connection channel 546 connecting the first pressure chamber 542 and the first passage 544, and an auxiliary channel 548. ing. Further, the ejection unit 550 pressurizes the first pressure chamber 542 to eject ink droplets from the nozzles 538, and wiring (not shown) for applying a voltage to the first piezoelectric element 552. have.

  The first passage 544 is formed in the lower layer portion 532B, and extends to one side in the apparatus width direction with the upper end of the nozzle 538 as a base end. The connection channel 546 is formed in the lower layer portion 532B, and extends upward with the distal end of the first passage 544 as a base end.

  The first pressure chamber 542 is formed in the lower layer portion 532B, and extends to one side in the apparatus width direction with the distal end of the connection channel 546 as a base end. The auxiliary flow path 548 is formed in the lower layer portion 532B, the diaphragm 532C, and the upper layer portion 532D, and extends upward with the distal end of the first pressure chamber 542 as a base end. The first piezoelectric element 552 is attached to the opposite side of the first pressure chamber 542 with the diaphragm 532C interposed therebetween.

-Deflection section-
The deflection unit 570 includes a second pressure chamber 562, a second passage 564 connected to the nozzle 538, a connection channel 566 that connects the second pressure chamber 562 and the second passage 564, and an auxiliary channel 568. ing. Further, the deflection unit 570 pressurizes the second pressure chamber 562 to deflect the ejection direction of the ink droplets ejected from the nozzle 538, and to apply a voltage to the second piezoelectric element 572. Wiring (not shown).

  The second passage 564 is formed in the lower layer portion 532B, and extends to the other in the apparatus width direction with the upper end of the nozzle 538 as the base end. The connection channel 566 is formed in the lower layer portion 532B, and extends upward with the tip of the second passage 564 as the base end.

  The second pressure chamber 562 is formed in the lower layer portion 532B, and extends to the other in the apparatus width direction with the distal end of the connection channel 566 as a base end. The auxiliary flow path 568 is formed in the lower layer portion 532B, the diaphragm 532C, and the upper layer portion 532D, and extends upward with the distal end of the second pressure chamber 562 as a base end. The second piezoelectric element 572 is attached to the opposite side of the second pressure chamber 562 with the diaphragm 532C interposed therebetween.

-Others-
The recovery flow path 584 is formed in the lower layer portion 532B, is disposed below the first pressure chamber 542, and extends in the apparatus depth direction. The recovery channel 584 is connected to the tip of the first passage 544.

[Flow channel member]
The flow path member 534 is integrally formed of silicon, and overlaps the main body member 532 on the opposite side of the nozzle 538 in the main body member 532. The flow path member 534 is formed with a supply flow path 580 extending in the apparatus depth direction and connected to the auxiliary flow paths 548 and 568.

  In this configuration, the ink flowing through the supply channel 580 is supplied from the auxiliary channel 548 to the ejection unit 550 and is supplied from the auxiliary channel 568 to the deflection unit 570. The ink supplied to the ejection unit 550 and the deflecting unit 570 flows through the first passage 544 and is collected by the collection channel 584.

(Summary)
In the droplet discharge head 530, the flow path member 534 in which the supply flow path 580 is formed overlaps the main body member 532 on the opposite side of the nozzle 538 in the main body member 532. Therefore, the flow passage cross section of the supply flow passage 580 is determined without being restricted by the positions of the first pressure chamber 542, the second pressure chamber 562, and the nozzle 538.

<Third Reference Form>
Next, an example of a droplet discharge head and an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in the third reference embodiment, portions different from the second reference embodiment will be mainly described.

  The supply flow path 680 of the droplet discharge head 630 according to the third reference form is formed in the lower layer portion 532B, is disposed below the first pressure chamber 542, and extends in the apparatus depth direction. The supply channel 680 is connected to the tip of the first pressure chamber 542. The recovery flow path 684 is formed in the flow path member 534, extends in the apparatus depth direction, and is connected to the auxiliary flow path 568. Note that the ejection unit 450 of the droplet ejection head 630 does not have an auxiliary channel connected to the recovery channel 684.

  In this configuration, the ink flowing through the supply channel 680 is supplied from the first pressure chamber 542 to the ejection unit 550 and then supplied to the deflection unit 570. The ink supplied to the deflection unit 570 flows through the auxiliary flow path 568 and is collected by the collection flow path 684.

(Summary)
In the droplet discharge head 630, the flow path member 534 in which the recovery flow path 684 is formed overlaps the main body member 532 on the opposite side of the nozzle 538 in the main body member 532. Therefore, the flow path cross section of the recovery flow path 684 is determined without being restricted by the positions of the first pressure chamber 542, the second pressure chamber 562, and the nozzle 538.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. It is clear to the contractor. For example, in the first, second, and third embodiments, the supply flow path and the recovery flow path may be interchanged so that the ink flow is reversed.

  Although not specifically described in the above embodiment, the liquid droplet ejection head has nozzles arranged in the apparatus depth direction, but a plurality of nozzle arrays arranged in the apparatus depth direction are arranged in the apparatus width direction. It may be.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus is described as an example of the droplet discharge device. However, the droplet discharge device may be a 3D printer or the like.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the voltage of the same magnitude | size was applied to 1st piezoelectric element 52,352,452,552 and 2nd piezoelectric element 72,372,472,572, The voltage applied to 72, 372, 472, and 572 should just be more than the voltage applied to the 1st piezoelectric element 52,352,452,552. However, in this case, an action that occurs when a voltage having the same magnitude is applied to the first piezoelectric elements 52, 352, 452, and 552 and the second piezoelectric elements 72, 372, 472, and 572 occurs. Absent.

  In the above-described embodiment, the number of pressure chambers is two or three for one nozzle, but there may be a plurality of pressure chambers for one nozzle.

10 Image forming device (an example of a droplet discharge device)
16 Transport unit (an example of a transport unit)
30 droplet discharge head 32 body member 34 flow path member 38 nozzle 42 first pressure chamber 44 first passage 52 first piezoelectric element 62 second pressure chamber 64 second passage 72 second piezoelectric element 80 supply flow path 84 recovery flow path 130 Liquid droplet ejection head 132 Liquid droplet ejection head 134 Liquid droplet ejection head 142 First pressure chamber 144 First passage 151A Nozzle 152 First piezoelectric element 154 First passage 156 First pressure chamber 158 Supply passage 162 Second pressure chamber 172 Second piezoelectric element 174 Second passage 176 Second pressure chamber 176 Second piezoelectric element 178 Recovery flow path 230 Liquid droplet ejection head 232 Main body member 330 Liquid droplet ejection head 332 Main body member 342 First pressure chamber 352 First piezoelectric element 362 First Two pressure chambers 372 Second piezoelectric element 382 Third pressure chamber 384 Third passage 392 Third piezoelectric element 430 Droplet discharge head 432 Main body 434 Channel member 438 Nozzle 442 First pressure chamber 444 First passage 452 First piezoelectric element 462 Second pressure chamber 464 Second passage 472 Second piezoelectric element 480 Supply channel 530 Droplet discharge head 532 Main body member 534 Channel member 538 Nozzle 542 First pressure chamber 544 First passage 552 First piezoelectric element 562 Second pressure chamber 564 Second passage 572 Second piezoelectric element 580 Supply flow path 584 Recovery flow path 630 Droplet discharge head 680 Supply flow path 684 Recovery flow Road

Claims (7)

A main body member having a nozzle for discharging droplets, a first pressure chamber connected to the same nozzle through a first passage, and a second pressure chamber connected through a second passage;
A first piezoelectric element that pressurizes the first pressure chamber and discharges droplets from the nozzle;
A second piezoelectric element that pressurizes the second pressure chamber and deflects the direction of liquid droplets ejected from the nozzle,
A droplet discharge head in which the direction in which the first passage extends and the direction in which the second passage extends intersect with each other when viewed from the discharge direction in which droplets are discharged from the nozzle. The nozzle discharges droplets toward a discharge target member conveyed in the main scanning direction,
The nozzles are arranged in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction,
The droplet discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber extend in the main scanning direction when viewed from the discharge direction.   The liquid droplet ejection head according to claim 2, wherein the first passage extends in the main scanning direction and the second passage extends in the sub-scanning direction when viewed from the ejection direction. The body member has a third pressure chamber connected to the same nozzle through a third passage;
A third piezoelectric element that pressurizes the third pressure chamber and deflects the direction of droplets discharged from the nozzle;
The droplet discharge head according to claim 3, wherein the third passage extends in the main scanning direction on the opposite side of the first passage with respect to the nozzle when viewed from the discharge direction.   The flow path member which is arrange | positioned in the said main body member on the other side of the said nozzle, and in which the supply flow path which supplies a liquid to at least one of said 1st pressure chamber and said 2nd pressure chamber is formed is provided. 5. The droplet discharge head according to any one of 4 above.   The flow path member which is arrange | positioned in the said main body member on the opposite side of the said nozzle, and in which the collection | recovery flow path which collect | recovers liquids from at least one of said 1st pressure chamber and said 2nd pressure chamber is formed is provided. 5. The droplet discharge head according to any one of 4 above. A liquid droplet ejection head according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
A transport member that transports a discharge target member from which droplets are discharged facing the nozzle;
A droplet discharge device comprising: