JP2021138091A - Channel component, liquid discharge unit and liquid discharging device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharging device having an inkjet channel component which has high coping capability with ink and has high reliability.SOLUTION: A channel component 100 that flows a liquid through a channel formed by connecting a first member 110 having a first channel 111 and a second member 120 having a second channel 121 has: a weld part 20 obtained by welding and bonding a first projection shape 112 provided on the first member 110 and a second projection shape 122 provided on the second member 12; and a fitting part 30 obtained by fitting a first fitting shape 113 provided on the first member 110 on a side closer to the channel side than the weld part 20 and a second fitting shape 123 provided on the second member 120. The fitting part 30 has such a structure that the first fitting shape 113 and the second fitting shape 123 are brought into contact with each other before the first projection shape 112 and the second projection shape 122 are welded and bonded, and positions of the first member 110 and the second member 120 in a direction crossing the liquid flow are determined.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a flow path component, a liquid discharge unit, and a device for discharging a liquid.

The flow path unit that supplies ink from a plurality of ink tanks to the inkjet head converts the pitch of the flow path from the outlet of each ink tank having a wide interval to the ink supply port of the head having a narrow interval, for example, a plurality of sheets. The technique of laminating the flow path substrates of the above is used.
When laminating a plurality of flow path boards, the structure in which the flow path boards are adhered with an adhesive or packing rubber cannot ensure liquid wettability when solvent-based ink is used, and the reliability of the head There was a problem that the amount decreased.

As a technique for solving this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which two flow path components are ultrasonically welded to prevent the melt of the constituent members from flowing out into the flow path at that time. Has been done. However, there is room for improvement, such as insufficient dustproof function to prevent the outflow of melt and difficulty in miniaturization due to the dustproof structure.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for ejecting a liquid having an inkjet flow path component having high ink compatibility and high reliability.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is a flow path component for flowing a liquid through a flow path formed by connecting a first member having a first flow path and a second member having a second flow path. hand,
A welded portion in which the first convex shape provided on the first member and the second convex shape provided on the second member are welded and joined.
On the flow path side of the welded portion, there is a fitting portion in which the first fitting shape provided on the first member and the second fitting shape provided on the second member are fitted. ,
In the fitting portion, before the first convex shape and the second convex shape are welded and joined, the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape come into contact with each other and intersect with the flow of liquid. It is characterized by having a structure for determining the positions of the first member and the second member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an apparatus for ejecting a liquid having an inkjet flow path component having high ink compatibility and high reliability.

It is a front explanatory view of an example of the liquid discharge unit which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the structural example of the flow path unit of one Embodiment. It is sectional drawing explaining an example of the flow path component of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the positional relationship of the flow path, the convex shape and the fitting shape of the joint surface between the first member and the second member. It is sectional drawing explaining an example of the flow path component of the comparative example. It is sectional drawing explaining an example of the flow path component of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is sectional drawing explaining an example of the flow path component of Embodiment 3. It is sectional drawing explaining an example of the flow path component of Embodiment 4. FIG. It is sectional drawing explaining an example of the flow path component of Embodiment 5. It is a plane explanatory view of the main part of an example of the apparatus which discharges a liquid which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the main part of the apparatus. It is a plane explanatory view of the main part of another example of the liquid discharge unit which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be modified within the range conceivable by those skilled in the art, such as other embodiments, additions, modifications, and deletions. However, as long as the action and effect of the present invention are exhibited, it is included in the scope of the present invention. Further, in each drawing, components and corresponding parts having the same configuration or function are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

One aspect of the flow path component of the present invention is characterized by comprising joining the two components by infrared welding and a fitting structure for preventing the resin from flowing out into the ink flow path during infrared welding. For example, in the flow path component of one embodiment, a liquid flows through a flow path formed by connecting a first member having a first flow path and a second member having a second flow path. Further, the flow path component has a welding portion and a fitting portion.

First, the outline of the liquid discharge unit using the flow path component of one embodiment and the outline of the configuration example of the flow path unit will be described.
An example of the liquid discharge unit according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a front explanatory view of the unit.

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

The flow path component 444 is arranged inside the cover 442. A head tank 441 may be included instead of the flow path component 444. Further, a connector 443 that electrically connects to the liquid discharge head 404 is provided on the upper part of the flow path component 444.

Next, a configuration example of the flow path unit used for the flow path component 444 (region of the broken line) in FIG. 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration example of the flow path unit of one embodiment, and corresponds to an example of a cross section of the flow path component 444 shown in FIG. 1 in the vertical direction.
FIG. 5A is a schematic view illustrating a cross section of a flow path unit having a plurality of parts.
The flow path unit 500 has three components, an ink port 510, a filter unit 520, and an adapter 530, and forms flow paths 501 and 502. The filter unit 520 has a filter 90 in the flow paths 501 and 502. Further, the adapter 530 is a component connected to the liquid discharge head 404 shown in FIG.
The parts of the ink port 510 and the filter unit 520 and the parts of the filter unit 520 and the adapter 530 are connected by, for example, an O-ring.

FIG. 2B is a schematic view illustrating that each component connects a plurality of members, and the broken line shown in each component indicates the boundary between the two members.
The ink port 510 is formed by welding and joining 511 above the ink port and 512 below the ink port.
The filter unit 520 is formed by welding and bonding the upper 521 of the filter case and the lower 522 of the filter case.
The adapter 530 is formed by welding and joining 531 on the adapter and 532 on the bottom of the adapter.

Each part has the above-mentioned characteristics in welding joining. Further, the flow path component of one embodiment may be one or more parts (for example, ink port 510) having a flow path formed by welding joining having the above-mentioned characteristics, and the flow path unit 500 of FIG. 2 is It is an example of the flow path component of one embodiment.
Hereinafter, the flow path components of one embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first to fifth embodiments, the filter unit (the portion shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 2A) will be used as an example, and the upper part of the filter case will be referred to as the first member and the lower part of the filter case will be referred to as the second member.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the flow path component of the first embodiment.
The flow path component 100 includes a first member 110 and a second member 120.
The first member 110 is provided with a first flow path 111, a convex shape 112, and a fitting shape 113.
The second member 120 is provided with a second flow path 121, a convex shape 122, and a fitting shape 123.
Hereinafter, when the convex shapes 112 and 122 are appropriately distinguished, they are also referred to as the first convex shape 112 and the second convex shape 122. Similarly, the fitting shapes 113 and 123 are also referred to as a first fitting shape 113 and a second fitting shape 123.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating the positional relationship between the flow path of the joint surface between the first member 110 and the second member 120, the convex shape, and the fitting shape, and FIG. 4A is a schematic view of the first member 110. The joint surface, (B) represents the joint surface of the second member 120. In addition, although it is represented by an ellipse as an example of the flow path, the convex shape and the fitting shape, the shape is not limited to this, and the shape may be appropriately selected according to the flow path component. In FIG. 4, the convex shapes 112 and 122 and the fitting shapes 113 and 123 are shaded.
Further, in FIGS. 3 and 4, the direction in which the liquid flows from the inlet to the outlet of the flow path is the Z direction, and the joint surface is the XY plane. As for the flow path, the inlet is the end of the first flow path 111 (the end opposite to the joint surface), and the outlet is the end of the second flow path 121 (the end opposite to the joint surface).

The flow path component 100 is formed by welding and joining the convex shapes 112 and 122 provided on the first member 110 and the second member.
The welded portion 20 is formed by welding and joining the convex shapes 112 and 122 by infrared welding.
The fitting portion 30 is formed by fitting the fitting shapes 113 and 123 provided on the first member 110 and the second member 120 on the flow path side of the welding portion 20.
In FIG. 3, (A) is a state before joining the two members, and (B) is a state before a part of the fitting shape is engaged while contacting and the convex shape is welded and joined (before contacting). (C) shows a state in which the convex shape is welded and joined.

The fitting portion 30 has a self-alignment function of determining the positions of the first member 110 and the second member 120. Specifically, in the fitting portion 30, the fitting shape 113 and the fitting shape 123 come into contact (engagement) with each other before or at the same time as the convex shape 112 and the convex shape 122 are welded and joined, and the width of the flow path. It has a structure that determines the positions of the first member 110 and the second member 120 in the direction (direction intersecting with the flow of liquid). Further, in the fitting portion 30, it is preferable that the fitting shape 113 and the fitting shape 123 come into contact with each other before the convex shape 112 and the convex shape 122.
As shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3B, the self-alignment function is such that the end of the fitting shape 113 and the end of the fitting shape 123 in the direction in which the liquid flows before the convex shapes 112 and 122 come into contact with each other. It works when the height of the club is the same. The fitting structure formed by the fitting portion 30 is such that the ends of the fitting shapes 113 and 123 are aligned along the direction in which the liquid flows before the convex shapes 112 and 122 come into contact with each other.

Further, the fitting portion 30 has a butt structure, and this structure controls the pushing amount of the convex shapes 112 and 122 in the welding portion 20. In the abutting structure, when the fitting shape (first fitting shape 113 or second fitting shape 123) of one member of the first member 110 and the second member 120 hits the other member, the liquid flows. It is a structure that determines the length of the welded portion 20 along the direction. FIG. 3 shows a configuration example in which the first fitting shape 113 abuts on the second member 120.

In realizing the above-mentioned self-alignment function and the abutting structure, the flow path component 100 makes the total length of the fitting shapes 113 and 123 longer than the total length of the convex shapes 112 and 113. Here, the length is the distance (height) of the portion discharged from the joint surface along the direction in which the liquid flows. Further, in the abutting structure, the length of the fitting shape (fitting shape 113 in FIG. 3) provided on one member is changed to the fitting shape (fitting shape 113 in FIG. 3) provided on the other member. 123) Make it longer.

The feature of the flow path component of the present embodiment is that the flow path is formed by joining a plurality of parts by welding (infrared welding), and the fitting portion 30 as a fitting structure having a butt structure is provided. Is. For example, the technique of joining a plurality of parts by ultrasonic welding as in Patent Document 1 cannot be used because foreign matter is generated at the contacting portion or the abutting portion in the fitting structure.
The filter 90 is bonded under the filter case by heat welding with a heater chip before infrared welding.
Further, the infrared welding device has a function of melting only the resin in the target region using a mask, and by pressing the resin within the melting time, the two parts are joined.

In FIG. 3, for the sake of simplicity, the convex shapes 112 and 122 are shaded as joint regions to be melted by infrared welding, but the convex shapes 112 and 122 are the first member 110 or the second member 120. It is a part of, and does not mean another member. The same applies to the subsequent embodiments.

Here, the features of the flow path component 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to a comparative example.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a flow path component of a comparative example. (A) to (C) show the same state as in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the joining of the first member 110p and the second member 120p, the welding joining of the convex shapes 112p and 122p proceeds before (or at the same time) the engagement of the fitting shapes 113p and 123p. (Fig. 5 (B)). This is because when the first member 110p is pressed against the second member 120p, the fitting shapes 113p and 123p come into contact with each other after the convex shapes 112p and 122p (the length in the direction in which the liquid flows). Is.

On the other hand, in the configuration example of FIG. 3, the first member 110 and the second member 120 are joined while the fitting shapes 113 and 123 are in contact with each other and slide. Positional accuracy can be easily ensured.
Further, since the pushing amount between the two parts can be controlled by the dimensional accuracy of the fitting portion 30 having the abutting structure and the welding portion 20, the structure is such that it is difficult to pick up the thickness variation of the entire part.
As a result, the bonding volume of infrared welding can be easily controlled, and bonding with stable bonding strength and the like becomes possible. Further, the dimensional accuracy of the parts after joining, particularly the accuracy in the height direction of the two joined parts can be ensured.

Regarding the fitting portion 30 as the fitting structure, it is preferable that the fitting shape that abuts against the other member is provided closer to the flow path side with respect to the welding portion 20. In FIG. 3, in the abutting structure, the first member 110 is a member that abuts the second member, and the fitting shape 113 is the abutting convex portion. A part of the fitting shape 113 becomes a part of the side surface of the flow path. In this way, the filling property and the cleaning property of the liquid can be improved.

If the abutment convex portion is provided on the opposite side (welding portion side), a gap is created on the flow path side, and the gap hinders the filling property in the dead end, and the ink that has entered the gap becomes very difficult to clean, which is preferable. No. In the case of an inkjet head, it may be defective even if fine foreign matter is mixed in at the time of assembly, and it is difficult to discriminate only by the process capability. Therefore, it is often the case that a discharge inspection of the head is performed to judge pass / fail. Since ink and the like are passed through in the ejection inspection, it is also an important function that the flow path parts of the inkjet head are easy to clean. In addition, detergency is required even when the ink color type is changed.

As described above, the flow path component of the present embodiment has a welding portion 20 for joining two members by infrared welding and a fitting portion 30 as a fitting structure.
By welding and joining the welded portion 20 by infrared welding, it is possible to ensure liquid contact with a solvent-based ink such as UV ink or ecosol ink.
Since the fitting portion 30 has a butt structure, it is easy to control the pushing amount. By controlling the amount of pushing, it is possible to prevent the melted resin from flowing out (preventing the outflow of foreign matter, preventing the change in the shape of the flow path due to the flowing of the melted resin into the flow path, etc.), suppressing joint defects due to insufficient pushing, and after welding. 2 It is possible to ensure the dimensional accuracy of parts in the height direction of parts.
Further, since the fitting portion 30 has a self-alignment function on the joint surface, the position accuracy of the joint surface can be ensured and the welding joint position can be configured so as not to be displaced.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the flow path component of the second embodiment. (A) to (C) show the same state as in FIG.
In the second embodiment, an example in which the abutting convex portion is formed on the second member 120a (under the filter case) in which the filter 90 is heat-welded will be described. In the first embodiment, the fitting shape 113 of the first member 110 is used as the abutting convex portion, but in the second embodiment, the fitting shape 123a of the second member 120a is used as the abutting convex portion.
In this way, since the periphery of the filter 90 is surrounded by the wall of the fitting shape 123a as the abutting convex portion, the filter welding can be easily positioned only by dropping the filter 90 along this wall. .. Therefore, the flow path component 100a of the present embodiment exerts a peculiar effect when used in the filter unit in addition to the effect of the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the flow path component of the third embodiment. (A) to (C) show the same state as in FIG.
In the third embodiment, a convex portion narrower than the infrared welding range is provided seamlessly around the flow path in either one of the infrared welding joint regions to form a line to be reliably pushed. The flow path component 100b shows an example in which the convex shape 112b of the first member 110b is formed as a convex portion narrower than the infrared welding range.

When two parts are pushed in and the wide welding regions are joined to each other, there is a risk that air bubbles may be caught in the joining portion in the order in which the welding resins come into contact with each other. If air bubbles get caught in the joint, it may cause a leak.
In addition, the outflow of resin due to pressing changes depending on the posture of the part and the welding state depending on the location, so if the amount of indentation is designed to be large so that the entire welding area is surely contacted, the outflow of resin will be from the outer shape of the part. It may cause a problem of protrusion. This problem may occur even if the flow path side is prevented by the fitting portion.

In the present embodiment, a thin convex portion (small volume) that reliably contacts is provided in the joint region as a seal line. In this way, even if the pushing amount is set large, the outflow is reduced. In addition, since the narrow convex portion first contacts, the risk of air bubbles getting caught in the joint portion is reduced. A reliable seal line can be formed to prevent joint defects such as leaks.

In FIG. 7, the convex shape 112b is formed in a triangular shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the convex shapes 112b and 122b may be any shape as long as one of them is a thin convex portion, and the shape of the convex shape 112b and the shape of the convex shape 122b may be reversed.
Further, FIG. 7 shows an example in which the fitting portion 30b abuts and protrudes the fitting shape 123b (similar to FIG. 6), but as shown in FIG. 3, the fitting shape 113b abuts the convex portion. It can also be applied to the configuration example of.
According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of each of the above embodiments, it is possible to prevent joint defects such as leaks.

Embodiment 4.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the flow path component of the fourth embodiment. (A) to (C) show the same state as in FIG.
The fourth embodiment is characterized in that there is a step between the abutting portion (fitting shape) of the fitting portion 30c as the fitting structure and the welding portion 20b.
FIG. 8 shows an example in which the fitting shape 113c of the first member 110c is formed as a step against which the fitting shape 123c of the second member 120c abuts.

In this way, by providing a step between the abutting convex portion of the fitting portion 30c and the welding portion 20b, in addition to the effects of each of the above embodiments, the fitting shape close to the welding portion 20b (fitting in FIG. 8). The shape of the combined shape 113c) can be simplified, and the rigidity of the fitting portion 30c can be ensured. In addition, since the fitting portion 30c is far from the welding portion 20b, it is possible to reduce the influence on the fitting portion 30c (fitting shape 113c) at the time of infrared irradiation. For example, the fitting portion 30c is not easily affected by the temperature rise, and dimensional accuracy can be ensured.
Note that FIG. 8 shows an example in which the features of the present embodiment are applied to the configuration example of the flow path components of FIG. 7, but the features of the present embodiment are applied to the fitting shape of the flow path components of each of the above embodiments. It is also possible to do.

Embodiment 5.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the flow path component of the fifth embodiment. (A) to (C) show the same state as in FIG.
In the fifth embodiment, the fitting shape is uneven, and the fitting portion 30d has a structure in which the convex fitting shape is abutted against the concave fitting shape.
The fitting portion 30d has a fitting contact surface (butting portion) arranged on the flow path side, and the convex fitting shape 123d is fitted into the concave fitting shape 113d. In this way, a part of the fitting shape 123d is fitted into the first member 110d, and the rigidity of the fitting portion 30d of the flow path component 100d can be ensured. In addition, since the fitting portion 30d is far from the welding portion 20d, it is not easily affected by the temperature during infrared irradiation, and dimensional accuracy can be ensured.
Note that FIG. 9 shows an example in which the features of the present embodiment are applied to the configuration example of the flow path components of FIG. 7, but the features of the present embodiment are applied to the fitting shapes of the flow path components of the first to third embodiments. It is also possible to apply.

Other Embodiments In each of the above embodiments, the filter unit has been described as an example of the flow path component, but it can also be applied to, for example, an ink port, an adapter, or the like.
The flow path component of one embodiment is preferably applied to the following flow paths, for example.
(1) A flow path having an internal cross-sectional area wider than the cross-sectional area of the liquid inlet and outlet, for example, the filter unit of each of the above embodiments.
(2) Liquid inlet and curved flow path that cannot be seen from the outlet For example, the ink port 510 and the adapter 530 in FIG.
(3) Flow path combining the above (1) and (2) As described above, the flow path component of one embodiment is a flow path component that cannot be made by molding, and a flow path that cannot be made unless two parts are joined. On the other hand, it becomes effective.

The flow path component of one embodiment can be used for a liquid discharge unit including a head connected to the flow path component.
Further, the flow path component of one embodiment can be used for a liquid discharge unit having a head and a head tank connected to the flow path component. Further, the flow path component of one embodiment can be used in a device that discharges a liquid including a liquid cartridge and a supply mechanism for supplying the liquid from the liquid cartridge to the head tank in addition to the liquid discharge unit.

As described above, since the flow path components of each of the above embodiments use infrared welding, unlike ultrasonic welding, the two components can be engaged while being in contact with each other. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of foreign matter flowing out from the gap and the ink entering the gap, making it difficult to clean.
In addition, the above-mentioned abutting structure and self-alignment function solve the problem that it is difficult to control the bonding accuracy at the time of welding, especially the amount of pushing between parts, and the stability and bonding strength of infrared welding are likely to vary. However, it is possible to improve the joining accuracy and provide a highly reliable flow path component.

Further, since each of the above embodiments uses infrared welding, the following problems can be solved as compared with ultrasonic welding.
-Ultrasonic welding should be a method that easily generates dust in the first place.
-If the fitting structure comes into contact during ultrasonic welding, it becomes a dust source, so it is necessary to provide a gap in the fitting structure.
-It is necessary to control the alignment accuracy and pushing amount of parts, the ultrasonic welding equipment is expensive, and the fitting structure does not have sufficient function to prevent foreign matter from flowing out.
-In order to prevent the outflow of foreign matter, it is preferable to provide gaps on both sides of the joint area to protect them, so the fitting structure takes up an area and cannot be miniaturized.
-Since the rigidity of the flow path substrate is required to transmit ultrasonic vibration to the joining region, it is difficult to join between flow path components that have a complicated shape.

Furthermore, regarding the size of the flow path component of each of the above embodiments, for example, in the flow path unit in which the flow path is formed diagonally and integrally injection-molded, the thickness is required for pitch conversion. Compared to the larger size, it is possible to reduce the size.

Next, an example of a device for discharging a liquid using the flow path components described in each of the above embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the main part of the device, and FIG. 11 is a side view of the main part of the device.

This device is a serial type device, and the carriage 403 is reciprocated 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 is bridged over the left and right side plates 491A and 491B to movably hold the carriage 403. Then, the carriage 403 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by the main scanning motor 405 via the timing belt 408 bridged between the drive pulley 406 and the driven pulley 407.

The carriage 403 is equipped with a liquid discharge unit 440 in which the liquid discharge head 404 and the head tank 441 according to the present invention are integrated. The liquid discharge head 404 of the liquid discharge unit 440 discharges liquids of, for example, yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). Further, the liquid discharge head 404 is mounted by arranging a nozzle array composed of a plurality of nozzles 11 in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction and directing the discharge direction 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 which is a filling portion 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 device includes a transport mechanism 495 for transporting the paper 410. The transport mechanism 495 includes a transport belt 412, which is a transport means, and a sub-scanning motor 416 for driving the transport belt 412.

The transport belt 412 attracts the paper 410 and transports it at a position facing the liquid discharge head 404. The transport belt 412 is an endless belt, and is hung between the transport roller 413 and the tension roller 414. Adsorption can be performed by electrostatic adsorption, air suction, or the like.

Then, the transport belt 412 orbits in the sub-scanning direction by rotationally driving the transport roller 413 via the timing belt 417 and the timing pulley 418 by the sub-scanning motor 416.

Further, on one side of the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, a maintenance / recovery mechanism 420 for maintaining / recovering the liquid discharge head 404 is arranged on the side of the transport belt 412.

The maintenance / recovery mechanism 420 includes, for example, a cap member 421 that caps the nozzle surface (the surface on which the nozzle 11 is formed) of the liquid discharge head 404, a wiper member 422 that wipes 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 device configured in this way, the paper 410 is fed onto the transport belt 412 and sucked, and the paper 410 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the orbital movement of the transport belt 412.

Therefore, by driving the liquid discharge head 404 in response to the image signal while moving the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, the liquid is discharged to the stopped paper 410 to form an image.

As described above, since this device includes the liquid discharge head according to the present invention, it is possible to stably form a high-quality image.

Next, another example of the liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an explanatory plan view of a main part of the unit.

This liquid discharge unit includes a housing portion composed of side plates 491A, 491B and a back plate 491C, a main scanning movement mechanism 493, a carriage 403, and a liquid among the members constituting the device for discharging the liquid. It is composed of a discharge head 404.

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

In the present application, the "device for discharging a liquid" is a device provided with a liquid discharge head or a liquid discharge unit and driving the liquid discharge head to discharge the liquid. The device for discharging the liquid includes not only a device capable of discharging the liquid to a device to which the liquid can adhere, but also a device for discharging the liquid toward the air or the liquid.

The "device for discharging the liquid" can also include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging paper to which the liquid can adhere, as well as a pretreatment device, a posttreatment device, and the like.

For example, as a "device that ejects a liquid", an image forming apparatus that ejects ink to form an image on paper, and a three-dimensional object (three-dimensional object) are formed in layers in order to form a three-dimensional object. There is a three-dimensional modeling device (three-dimensional modeling device) that discharges the modeling liquid into the powder layer.

Further, the "device for discharging a liquid" is not limited to a device in which a significant image such as characters and figures is visualized by the discharged liquid. For example, those that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves and those that form a three-dimensional image are also included.

The above-mentioned "material to which a liquid can adhere" means a material to which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, such as one that adheres and adheres, and one that adheres and permeates. Specific examples include paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, recording media such as cloth, electronic substrates, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and media such as inspection cells. Yes, including anything to which the liquid adheres, unless otherwise specified.

The materials of the above "materials to which liquid can adhere" are temporary liquids such as paper, threads, fibers, fabrics, leather, metals, plastics, glass, wood, ceramics, building materials such as wallpaper and flooring, and textiles for clothing. However, it is sufficient if it can be attached.

The "liquid" also includes inks, treatment liquids, DNA samples, resists, pattern materials, binders, modeling liquids, or solutions and dispersions containing amino acids, proteins, and calcium.

Further, the "device for discharging the liquid" includes, but is not limited to, a device in which the liquid discharge head and the device to which the liquid can adhere move relatively. Specific examples include a serial type device that moves the liquid discharge head, a line type device that does not move the liquid discharge head, and the like.

In addition, as a "device for ejecting liquid", a treatment liquid coating device for ejecting a treatment liquid to the paper in order to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper for the purpose of modifying the surface of the paper, raw materials. There is an injection granulation device that granulates fine particles of raw materials by injecting a composition liquid in which is dispersed in a solution through a nozzle.

The "liquid discharge unit" is a liquid discharge head integrated with functional parts and a mechanism, and is an assembly of parts related to liquid discharge. 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, "integration" means, for example, a liquid discharge head and a functional component, a mechanism in which the mechanism is fixed to each other by fastening, adhesion, engagement, etc., or one in which one is movably held with respect to the other. include. Further, the liquid discharge head, the functional parts, and the mechanism may be detachably attached to each other.

For example, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a liquid discharge head and a head tank integrated, such as the liquid discharge unit 440 shown in FIG. Further, there is a case 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 can be added between the head tank of these liquid discharge units and the liquid discharge head.

Further, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a liquid discharge head and a carriage integrated.

Further, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a liquid discharge head in which the liquid discharge head and the scanning movement mechanism are integrated by holding the liquid discharge head movably by a guide member forming a part of the scanning movement mechanism. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, there is a liquid discharge unit in which a liquid discharge head, a carriage, and a main scanning movement mechanism are integrated.

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

Further, as a liquid discharge unit, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a liquid discharge head in which a tube is connected to a head tank or a liquid discharge head to which a flow path component is attached, and the liquid discharge head and a supply mechanism are integrated. ..

The main scanning movement mechanism shall also include a single guide member. Further, the supply mechanism includes a single tube and a single loading unit.

Further, the pressure generating means used for the "liquid discharge head" is not limited. For example, in addition to the piezoelectric actuator (which may use a laminated piezoelectric element) as described in the above embodiment, it is composed of a thermal actuator using an electrothermal conversion element such as a heat generating resistor, a vibrating plate, and a counter electrode. An electrostatic actuator or the like may be used.

In addition, image formation, recording, printing, printing, printing, modeling, etc. in the terms of the present application are all synonymous.

20, 20b Welding parts 30, 30a, 30c, 30d Fitting parts 100, 100a to 100d Flow path parts 110, 110a, 110c, 110d First member 120, 120a, 120c, 120d Second member 111 First flow path 112, 112b Convex shape (first convex shape)
113, 113a, 113c, 113d Fitting shape (first fitting shape)
121 Second flow path 122, 122b Convex shape (second convex shape)
123, 123a, 123c, 123d Fitting shape (second fitting shape)

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-351839

Claims (10)

A flow path component that allows a liquid to flow through a flow path formed by connecting a first member having a first flow path and a second member having a second flow path.
A welded portion in which the first convex shape provided on the first member and the second convex shape provided on the second member are welded and joined.
On the flow path side of the welded portion, there is a fitting portion in which the first fitting shape provided on the first member and the second fitting shape provided on the second member are fitted. ,
In the fitting portion, before the first convex shape and the second convex shape are welded and joined, the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape come into contact with each other and intersect with the flow of liquid. , A flow path component having a structure for determining the positions of the first member and the second member. A flow path component that allows a liquid to flow through a flow path formed by connecting a first member having a first flow path and a second member having a second flow path.
A welded portion in which the first convex shape provided on the first member and the second convex shape provided on the second member are welded and joined.
On the flow path side of the welded portion, there is a fitting portion in which the first fitting shape provided on the first member and the second fitting shape provided on the second member are fitted. ,
The fitting portion has a structure that determines the length of the welding portion along the direction in which the liquid flows when one of the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape abuts on the other member. A flow path component characterized by that. The fitting portion is formed in the direction in which the liquid flows between the end portion of the first fitting shape and the end portion of the second fitting shape before the first convex shape and the second convex shape come into contact with each other. The flow path component according to claim 1, further comprising a structure in which the positions along the lines are aligned. The flow path component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flow path has a portion having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the inlet and the outlet of the liquid. The flow path component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flow path has a curved shape and the other end cannot be seen from one end. The flow path component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein any part of the first fitting shape and the second fitting shape forms a side surface of the flow path. .. The flow path component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the welded portion is characterized in that the first convex shape and the second convex shape are joined by infrared welding. The flow path component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one of the first convex shape and the second convex shape is formed smaller toward the end portion. The flow path component according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
A liquid discharge unit including a head connected to the flow path component. The liquid discharge unit according to claim 9, further comprising a head tank.
With a liquid cartridge
A supply mechanism for supplying liquid from the liquid cartridge to the head tank,
A device for discharging a liquid, which comprises.

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