JP2022016087A - Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge unit, and liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge head which enables reduction of labor for connecting a supply member, such as an ink tube for supply a liquid, to a head member.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge head includes: a head member 101 formed with nozzles 4 which discharge a liquid; and a holding member 552 which holds the head member. The head member has first liquid supply ports 21a, 21b to which the liquid is supplied. The holding member has second liquid supply ports 542a, 542b which face the first liquid supply ports and supply the liquid to the first liquid supply ports.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

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

As an image forming apparatus for printers, facsimiles, copying machines, plotters, and multifunction devices thereof, for example, a liquid ejection recording type image forming apparatus using a recording head including a liquid ejection head (inkjet head) for ejecting ink droplets is available. Are known. As such an image forming apparatus, for example, an inkjet recording apparatus is known.

In an inkjet recording device configured by combining a plurality of inkjet heads, there is a technique of providing a base member on which a plurality of inkjet heads can be installed and combining the plurality of inkjet heads to form a head array. The head array is also used in a line type head unit in which a plurality of heads are arranged to form one line.

In a device using a head array, it is difficult to miniaturize the device because an ink tube must be connected for ink supply, and the labor and cost of providing a member for ink supply are regarded as a problem. For example, in order to supply ink to the head array, there is a problem that an ink tube must be connected to the ink supply nozzle of each injet head.

Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the position of the tapered stepped portion of the ink supply nozzle is shifted in the height direction for the purpose of reducing the size while preventing interference of the ink tube for supplying ink to the inkjet head. There is.

However, in the prior art, the problem that a supply member such as an ink tube for supplying ink to the ink supply nozzle must be connected cannot be solved.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection head capable of reducing the trouble of connecting a supply member such as an ink tube for supplying a liquid to the head member.

In order to solve the above problems, the liquid discharge head of the present invention has a head member in which a nozzle for discharging liquid is formed and a holding member for holding the head member, and the head member is the liquid. Has a first liquid supply port to which the liquid is supplied, the holding member faces the first liquid supply port, and the second liquid supply port for supplying the liquid to the first liquid supply port is provided. It is characterized by having.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid ejection head capable of reducing the trouble of connecting a supply member such as an ink tube for supplying a liquid to the head member.

It is a perspective schematic diagram which shows an example of the liquid discharge head which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the liquid discharge head which concerns on this invention. It is a plan schematic diagram which shows an example of a head member. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the liquid discharge head which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing in another example of the liquid discharge head which concerns on this invention. It is another cross-sectional schematic diagram in another example of the liquid discharge head which concerns on this invention. It is sectional drawing in another example of the liquid discharge head which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram in an example of the liquid discharge device which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram in an example of a head unit. It is a block explanatory drawing in an example of the liquid circulation apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram in another example of the apparatus which discharges a liquid which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram in another example of the apparatus which discharges a liquid which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram in an example of the liquid discharge unit which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram in another example of the liquid discharge unit which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective schematic diagram which shows an example of the liquid discharge head which concerns on a conventional example. It is a perspective schematic diagram which shows an example of the head member which concerns on a conventional example. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the liquid discharge head which concerns on a conventional example.

Hereinafter, the liquid discharge head, the liquid discharge unit, and the device for discharging the liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that 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.

The liquid discharge head of the present invention has a head member formed with a nozzle for discharging the liquid and a holding member for holding the head member, and the head member is a first liquid to which the liquid is supplied. It has a supply port, and the holding member is characterized by having a second liquid supply port facing the first liquid supply port and supplying the liquid to the first liquid supply port.

First, the prior art will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the liquid discharge head of the conventional example, FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of the head member of the conventional example, and FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid discharge head of the conventional example.

FIG. 15 shows an example in which one head member 101'is installed on the base member 552'. A plurality of openings 554 are provided in the base member 552', and the head member 101'is installed in the openings 554. In FIG. 16, the supply port 71 and the recovery port 72 are illustrated.

In the conventional example, as shown in FIG. 17, the ink supply nozzle 70 is provided, and is installed, for example, at the end of the head housing. A supply member such as an ink tube is connected to the ink supply nozzle 70 to supply ink (liquid). When a plurality of head members 101'are installed to form a head array, it is necessary to connect an ink tube to each head member 101'. The ink supply nozzle 70 corresponds to the supply port 71 and the collection port 72.

The ink supplied from the ink supply nozzle 70 flows through the common supply flow path 10 formed in the common flow path member 20'and then moves to the individual liquid chamber unit 40'. The ink in the individual liquid chamber portion 40'is pressured by a pressure generating means such as an electric-mechanical conversion element, and is ejected as droplets from a nozzle.

In the prior art, there is a problem that a supply member such as an ink tube for supplying ink to the ink supply nozzle must be connected. In the prior art, it was necessary to arrange the head member on the base member to form a head array, and then connect the supply member to the ink supply nozzle of each head member by using an ink tube or the like. Therefore, it takes time and effort to connect the supply members.

Next, the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the liquid discharge head 100 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid discharge head 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the head member 101.

The liquid ejection head of the present embodiment has a head member 101 on which a nozzle 4 for ejecting liquid (for example, ink) is formed, and a base member 552 (an example of a holding member) for holding the head member 101. .. In the present embodiment, the head member 101 is installed on the base member 552 from the upper surface of the base member 552 with the side on which the liquid is discharged as the lower surface. One head member 101 may be installed on the base member 552, or a plurality of head members 101 may be installed and used as a head array.

The liquid discharge head of the present embodiment has an individual liquid chamber portion 40 having a plurality of nozzles 4 for discharging liquid on the lower surface side of the drawing of the common flow path member 20. The common flow path member 20 is formed with a common supply flow path 10. The individual liquid chamber portion 40 includes, for example, a flow path plate in which a pressure chamber (also referred to as an individual liquid chamber) is formed, a nozzle plate in which a nozzle 4 is formed, and a diaphragm member forming a part of the pressure chamber. , Have. The ink flows from the common supply flow path 10 to the pressure chamber, pressure is applied by a pressure generating means such as an electric-mechanical conversion element, and the ink is ejected as droplets from the nozzle 4.

In the present embodiment, the head member 1 has first liquid supply ports 21a and 21b to which the liquid is supplied. Further, the base member 552 has a second liquid supply port 542a, 542b facing the first liquid supply port 21a, 21b and supplying the liquid to the first liquid supply port 21a, 21b. In FIG. 2, the first liquid supply port 21a and the second liquid supply port 542a face each other, and the first liquid supply port 21b and the second liquid supply port 542b face each other.

Further, the base member 552 is formed with ink supply paths 540a and 540b through which liquid flows, the ink supply path 540a has a second liquid supply port 542a, and the ink supply path 540b has a second liquid supply port 542b. have. The ink supply to the head member 101 is performed from the ink supply passages 540a and 540b provided in the base member 552 through the second liquid supply ports 542a and 542b and the first liquid supply ports 21a and 21b.

The liquid may be supplied from both the second liquid supply ports 542a and 542b, or the liquid may be supplied from one side and the liquid may be discharged from the other side. In the latter case, a circulation type liquid discharge head can be used.

As shown, the first liquid supply ports 21a and 21b are open in the liquid discharge direction (liquid discharge direction). That is, the first liquid supply ports 21a and 21b are provided on the nozzle surface side of the head member 101.

In the present embodiment, since the first liquid supply ports 21a and 21b for supplying ink to the head member 101 face the second liquid supply ports 542a and 542b provided on the base member 552, the base member By installing the head member 101 in 552, the ink supply path can be connected. This makes it possible to reduce the time and effort required to connect a supply member such as an ink tube for supplying the liquid to the head member.

Further, conventionally, when a plurality of head members 1 are installed on the base member 552, it is necessary to connect an ink tube to each head member 101, which is very troublesome. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, such labor can be reduced, which is particularly useful when a head array is formed by using a plurality of head members.

In the present embodiment, the head member 1 is removable from the base member 552, and when the head member 1 is attached to the base member 552, the first liquid supply port of the head member 1 and the base member 552. The second supply port of the above faces. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the head member 1 is attached to the base member 552, and in this state, the first liquid supply port 21a and the second liquid supply port 542a face each other, and the first liquid The supply port 21b and the second liquid supply port 542b face each other.

When arranging the head member 101 on the base member 552, a fixing member may be used. In this case, the displacement of the head member 101 can be further suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the direction connecting the first liquid supply port 21a and the first liquid supply port 21b (for example, the direction perpendicular to the liquid discharge direction), the first liquid supply port 21a and the first liquid supply The distance W1 connecting the mouths 21b is larger than the length W2 of the opening 554. With this configuration, the accuracy of alignment can be improved by the weight of the head member 1. Further, it becomes easy to connect the facing liquid supply ports to each other, and it becomes easy to arrange the member at a position where the facing liquid supply ports communicate with each other.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connection surface between the first liquid supply ports 21a and 21b on the head member 1 side and the second liquid supply ports 542a and 542b on the base member 552 side is horizontal. However, in the present embodiment, the ink supply path is connected by attaching the head member 101 to the base member 552, and the connection surface is not limited to horizontal, and the connection surface has an angle. May be good.

As in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first liquid supply port is open in the liquid discharge direction and the second liquid supply port is open in the direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction. In this case, there is an advantage that the member can be easily manufactured. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the opening directions of the first liquid supply port and the second liquid supply port may have an angle with respect to the liquid discharge direction.

The arrangement location, number, size, shape, etc. of the first liquid supply port and the second liquid supply port are not limited to the illustrated examples, and can be appropriately selected. For example, although the second liquid supply ports 542a and 542b are shown in FIG. 1, the arrangement location and the like can be appropriately changed.

The supply port for supplying ink to the base member 552 can be appropriately selected. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the base member 552 may be provided with a third liquid supply port 543a. That is, the base member 552 in the present embodiment has a third liquid supply port 543a in a direction orthogonal to the liquid discharge direction (liquid discharge direction). In this case, the second liquid supply port 542a communicates with the third liquid supply port 543a via the ink supply path 540a (flow path). As described above, since the base member 552 has the third liquid supply port 543a, it is not necessary to provide the conventional ink supply nozzle 70, and the device can be downsized and the number of members can be reduced.

In FIG. 1, the third liquid supply port 543b is provided on the opposite surface of the base member 552 where the third liquid supply port 543a is provided, but this illustration is omitted. .. The second liquid supply port 542b communicates with the third liquid supply port 543b via the ink supply path 540b (flow path). Further, in the example shown here, the third liquid supply port 543a is provided on the side surface 552a of the base member 552, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the third liquid supply port 543a may be provided on the side surface 552b of the base member 552.

As shown in FIG. 1, the base member 552 may have a plurality of third liquid supply ports 543a and 543b. The case where a plurality of third liquid supply ports are provided is not particularly limited, but for example, when a plurality of head members 101 are provided, an ink supply port corresponding to each head member 101 may be provided. can. In this case, it also leads to a degree of freedom in design.

As partially described above, the liquid (ink) in the present embodiment includes the ink supply paths 540a and 540b, the second liquid supply ports 542a and 542b, the first liquid supply ports 21a and 21b, and the common supply flow path 10. , The pressure chamber, and the nozzle 4 flow in this order and are discharged. The direction in which the liquid flows can be changed as appropriate, and for example, a circulation type can be used.

In the present embodiment, the locations where the first liquid supply ports 21a and 21b are provided can be appropriately selected. When viewed from the liquid discharge direction (liquid discharge direction), the head member 101 has a length and a short side, and the first liquid supply ports 21a and 21b are arranged on the short side of the head member 101. Is preferable.

This configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view when the head member 101 is viewed from the liquid discharge direction, and is a schematic plan view when the head member 101 in FIG. 2 is viewed from the lower side of the paper surface. As shown in the figure, the head member 101 has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and the lateral side of the head member 101 is indicated by reference numerals 101a and 101b. As shown in the figure, the first liquid supply ports 21a and 21b are arranged on the short side 101a and 101b of the head member 101. As a result, when arranging a plurality of head members 101, the distance between the head members 101 can be shortened, and the size of the device can be reduced.

The liquid discharge head of the present embodiment may be a circulation type liquid discharge head. Hereinafter, an example in which the head member is a circulation type head member will be described, but this corresponds to an example of a circulation type liquid discharge head.

In this example, the first liquid supply port is a first liquid supply port (1) arranged on one short side of the head member and a first liquid supply port arranged on the other short side. (2) and. For example, in the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first liquid supply port (1) arranged on one short side of the head member 101 corresponds to the first liquid supply port 21a and the other short. The first liquid supply port (2) arranged on the hand side corresponds to the first liquid supply port 21b.

In this case, the liquid flows in from the first liquid supply port (1) and flows out from the first liquid supply port (2), or the liquid flows in from the first liquid supply port (2) and the first. It flows out from the liquid supply port (1) of. As described above, the head member in this example is a circulation type head member. By making it a circulation type, advantages such as prevention of solidification of ink can be obtained. Please also refer to the explanation below for the structure of the circulation type.

In the present embodiment, it is preferable that at least one of the first liquid supply port and the second liquid supply port is provided with an airtight holding member. As a result, the airtightness of the joint portion between the first liquid supply port and the second liquid supply port can be improved, and liquid leakage can be suppressed.
Examples of the airtight holding member include an O-ring made of an elastic body.

FIG. 4 shows an example when the airtight holding member is used. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part corresponding to FIG. This is an example when an O-ring is used as an airtight holding member. As shown, an O-ring 60 is provided at the first liquid supply port 21a. The location, shape, etc. of the O-ring 60 can be changed as appropriate.

Next, the basic configuration of the liquid discharge head of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction (pressure chamber longitudinal direction) of the liquid discharge head according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view also along the nozzle arrangement direction.

The liquid discharge head 100 of the present embodiment has a head member and a base member (an example of a holding member), and the head member includes a nozzle plate 1, a flow path plate 2 which is an individual flow path member, and a wall surface member. The diaphragm member 3 is laminated and joined. Further, it includes a piezoelectric actuator 11 that displaces the vibration region (vibration plate) 30 of the diaphragm member 3, and a common flow path member 20 that also serves as a frame member of the head.

The nozzle plate 1 has a plurality of nozzles 4 for discharging a liquid.

The flow path plate 2 includes a plurality of pressure chambers 6 leading to the plurality of nozzles 4, individual supply flow paths 7 which are individual flow paths leading to each pressure chamber 6, and one or more (one in the present embodiment). An intermediate supply flow path 8 is formed as a liquid introduction portion leading to the individual supply flow path 7.

The diaphragm member 3 has a plurality of displaceable diaphragms (vibration regions) 30 that form the wall surface of the pressure chamber 6 of the flow path plate 2. Here, the diaphragm member 3 has a two-layer structure (not limited), and is composed of a first layer 3A forming a thin wall portion from the flow path plate 2 side and a second layer 3B forming a thick wall portion.

Then, a deformable vibration region 30 is formed in a portion corresponding to the pressure chamber 6 in the first layer 3A which is a thin-walled portion. In the vibration region 30, a convex portion 30a, which is a thick portion to be joined to the piezoelectric actuator 11 in the second layer 3B, is formed.

Then, on the side of the diaphragm member 3 opposite to the pressure chamber 6, a piezoelectric actuator 11 including an electromechanical conversion element as a driving means (actuator means, pressure generating means) for deforming the vibration region 30 of the diaphragm member 3 is arranged. is doing.

In this piezoelectric actuator 11, the piezoelectric member joined on the holding member 13 is grooved by half-cut dicing to form a required number of columnar piezoelectric elements 12 in a comb-teeth shape at predetermined intervals in the nozzle arrangement direction. ing. The piezoelectric element 12 is joined to a convex portion 30a which is a thick portion formed in the vibration region 30 of the diaphragm member 3.

The piezoelectric element 12 is formed by alternately laminating a piezoelectric layer and an internal electrode. The internal electrodes are each drawn out to an end face and connected to an external electrode (end face electrode), and a flexible wiring member 15 is connected to the external electrode. ing.

The common flow path member 20 forms a common supply flow path 10 leading to a plurality of pressure chambers 6. The common supply flow path 10 communicates with the intermediate supply flow path 8 serving as a liquid introduction portion through the opening 9 provided in the diaphragm member 3, and communicates with the individual supply flow path 7 via the intermediate supply flow path 8. There is.

In the liquid discharge head 100, for example, by lowering the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 12 from the reference potential (intermediate potential), the piezoelectric element 12 contracts, the vibration region 30 of the vibrating plate member 3 is pulled, and the volume of the pressure chamber 6 is reached. As the pressure chamber 6 expands, the liquid flows into the pressure chamber 6.

After that, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 12 is increased to extend the piezoelectric element 12 in the stacking direction, the vibration region 30 of the vibrating plate member 3 is deformed in the direction toward the nozzle 4, and the volume of the pressure chamber 6 is contracted. , The liquid in the pressure chamber 6 is pressurized, and the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along a direction (pressure chamber longitudinal direction) orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head in still another embodiment. The liquid discharge head 100 of the present embodiment is a circulation type liquid discharge head, in which a nozzle plate 1, a flow path plate 2, and a diaphragm member 3 as a wall surface member are laminated and joined. Further, it includes a piezoelectric actuator 11 that displaces the vibration region (vibration plate) 30 of the diaphragm member 3, and a common flow path member 20 that also serves as a frame member of the head.

The flow path plate 2 includes a plurality of pressure chambers 6 that communicate with the plurality of nozzles 4 via the nozzle communication passages 5, and an individual supply flow path 7 that also serves as a plurality of fluid resistance portions that each communicate with the plurality of pressure chambers 6. 2. An intermediate supply flow path 8 or the like that serves as one or a plurality of liquid introduction portions leading to two or more individual supply flow paths 7 is formed.

As for the individual supply flow path 7, the individual supply flow path 7 has two first flow path portions 7A and a second flow path portion 7B having higher fluid resistance than the pressure chamber 6, and the first flow path 7B, as in the above embodiment. It includes a third flow path portion 7C which is arranged between the road portion 7A and the second flow path portion 7B and has a lower fluid resistance than the first flow path portion 7A and the second flow path portion 7B.

The flow path plate 2 is configured by laminating a plurality of plate-shaped members 2A to 2E, but is not limited to this.

Further, the flow path plate 2 is provided in a plurality of individual recovery flow paths 57 along the surface direction of the flow path plate 2 which are connected to the plurality of pressure chambers 6 via the nozzle communication passages 5, and two or more individual recovery flow paths 57. It forms an intermediate recovery flow path 58 that serves as one or a plurality of liquid outlets that communicate with each other.

The individual recovery flow path 57 is located between the two first flow path portions 57A and the second flow path portion 57B, which have higher fluid resistance than the pressure chamber 6, and between the first flow path portion 57A and the second flow path portion 57B. It includes a third flow path portion 57C that is arranged and has a lower fluid resistance than the first flow path portion 57A and the second flow path portion 57B. In the individual recovery flow path 57, the flow path portion 57D, which is downstream of the second flow path portion 57B in the circulation direction, has the same flow path width as the third flow path portion 57C.

The common flow path member 20 forms a common supply flow path 10 and a common recovery flow path 50. In the present embodiment, the common supply flow path 10 is composed of a flow path portion 10A that is aligned with the common recovery flow path 50 in the nozzle arrangement direction and a flow path portion 10B that is not aligned with the common recovery flow path 50. ..

The common supply flow path 10 communicates with the intermediate supply flow path 8 serving as a liquid introduction portion through the opening 9 provided in the diaphragm member 3, and communicates with the individual supply flow path 7 via the intermediate supply flow path 8. There is. The common recovery flow path 50 communicates with the intermediate recovery flow path 58 that serves as a liquid lead-out portion through the opening 59 provided in the diaphragm member 3, and passes through the individual recovery flow path 57 via the intermediate recovery flow path 58. There is.

Further, the common supply flow path 10 leads to, for example, the ink supply path 540a, and the common recovery flow path 50 leads to, for example, the ink supply path 540b.

The other layer structure of the diaphragm member 3, the structure of the piezoelectric actuator 11, and the like are the same as those in the above embodiment.

Also in this liquid discharge head 100, the piezoelectric element 12 is extended in the stacking direction and the vibration region 30 of the vibrating plate member 3 is deformed in the direction toward the nozzle 4 to increase the volume of the pressure chamber 6 in the same manner as in the above embodiment. By contracting, the liquid in the pressure chamber 6 is pressurized, and the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 4.

Further, the liquid that is not discharged from the nozzle 4 passes through the nozzle 4, is collected from the individual recovery flow path 57 to the common recovery flow path 50, and is again supplied from the common recovery flow path 50 to the common supply flow path 10 through the external circulation path. Nozzle. Further, even when the liquid is not discharged from the nozzle 4, the liquid circulates from the common supply flow path 10 to the common recovery flow path 50 via the pressure chamber 6 and is supplied again to the common supply flow path 10 through the external circulation path. To.

Also in the present embodiment, with a simple configuration, it is possible to attenuate the pressure fluctuation accompanying the liquid discharge and suppress the propagation to the common supply flow path 10 and the common recovery flow path 50.

Next, the liquid discharge unit and the device for discharging the liquid according to the present invention will be described.
The liquid discharge unit of the present invention includes the liquid discharge head according to the present invention. Further, the liquid discharge unit of the present invention includes a head tank for storing a liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head, a carriage on which the liquid discharge head is mounted, a supply mechanism for supplying the liquid to the liquid discharge head, and the liquid discharge head. It is preferable that the liquid discharge head is integrated with at least one of the maintenance / recovery mechanism for maintaining and recovering and the main scanning moving mechanism for moving the liquid discharge head in the main scanning direction.

The device for discharging the liquid according to the present invention includes the liquid discharge head according to the present invention or the liquid discharge unit according to the present invention.

An example of a device for discharging a liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 is a schematic explanatory view of the device, and FIG. 9 is a plan view of an example of the head unit of the device.

The printing device 500, which is a device for discharging this liquid, guides and conveys the carrying-in means 501 for carrying in the continuous body 510 and the continuous body 510 such as continuous book paper and sheet material carried in from the carrying-in means 501 to the printing means 505. Guidance transport means 503, printing means 505 that discharges liquid to the continuum 510 to form an image, drying means 507 that dries the continuum 510, and unloading means 509 that carries out the continuum 510. It is equipped with.

The continuum 510 is sent out from the original winding roller 511 of the carrying-in means 501, guided and conveyed by the rollers of the carrying-in means 501, the guiding and transporting means 503, the drying means 507, and the carrying-out means 509, and is guided and conveyed by the winding roller 591 of the carrying-out means 509. It is wound up at.

In the printing means 505, the continuous body 510 is conveyed on the transfer guide member 559 facing the head unit 550 and the head unit 555, an image is formed by the liquid discharged from the head unit 550, and the continuous body 510 is discharged from the head unit 555. Post-treatment is performed with the treatment liquid to be treated.

Here, the head unit 550 is, for example, a full-line head array 551A, 551B, 551C, 551D for four colors from the upstream side in the transport direction (hereinafter, referred to as "head array 551" when the colors are not distinguished). Is placed.

Each head array 551 is a liquid discharging means, and discharges black K, cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y liquids to the conveyed continuum 510, respectively. The types and numbers of colors are not limited to this.

The head array 551 is, for example, arranged with the head members 101 arranged in a staggered pattern on the base member 552, but the head array 551 is not limited to this. The liquid discharge head may be simply referred to as a "head".

Next, an example of the liquid circulation device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block explanatory view of the circulation device. Although only one head is shown here, when arranging a plurality of heads, the supply side liquid path and the recovery side liquid path are provided on the supply side and the recovery side of the plurality of heads via a manifold or the like, respectively. Will be connected.

The liquid circulation device 600 includes a supply tank 601 and a recovery tank 602, a main tank 603, a first liquid feed pump 604, a second liquid feed pump 605, a compressor 611, a regulator 612, a vacuum pump 621, a regulator 622, and a supply side pressure sensor 631. , The recovery side pressure sensor 632 and the like.

Here, the compressor 611 and the vacuum pump 621 constitute means for generating a differential pressure between the pressure in the supply tank 601 and the pressure in the recovery tank 602.

The supply-side pressure sensor 631 is connected to the supply-side liquid path between the supply tank 601 and the head 100 and connected to the supply port of the head 100. The recovery side pressure sensor 632 is connected between the head 100 and the recovery tank 602 to a recovery side liquid path connected to the recovery port of the head 100.

One of the recovery tanks 602 is connected to the supply tank 601 via the first liquid feed pump 604, and the other of the recovery tanks 602 is connected to the main tank 603 via the second liquid feed pump 605.

As a result, the liquid flows from the supply tank 601 into the head 100 through the supply port, is collected from the collection port to the collection tank 602, and is sent from the collection tank 602 to the supply tank 601 by the first liquid supply pump 604. This constitutes a circulation path for the liquid to circulate.

Here, a compressor 611 is connected to the supply tank 601 and is controlled so that a predetermined positive pressure is detected by the supply side pressure sensor 631. On the other hand, a vacuum pump 621 is connected to the recovery tank 602, and is controlled so that a predetermined negative pressure is detected by the recovery side pressure sensor 632.

As a result, the negative pressure of the meniscus can be kept constant while circulating the liquid through the head 100.

Further, when the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 4 of the head 100, the amount of liquid in the supply tank 601 and the recovery tank 602 decreases. Therefore, the liquid is replenished from the main tank 603 to the recovery tank 602 by using the second liquid feeding pump 605 as appropriate.

The timing of liquid replenishment from the main tank 603 to the recovery tank 602 is provided in the recovery tank 602, such as replenishing the liquid when the liquid level height in the recovery tank 602 drops below a predetermined height. It can be controlled by the detection result of the liquid level sensor or the like.

Next, another example of the printing device as the device for discharging the liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. 11 is an explanatory plan view of a main part of the device, and FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a side surface of the main part of the device.

The printing device 500 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 100 and the head tank 441 according to the present invention are integrated. The liquid discharge head 100 of the liquid discharge unit 440 discharges, for example, liquids of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). Further, the liquid discharge head 100 has a nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and is mounted with the discharge direction facing downward.

The liquid discharge head 100 is connected to the liquid circulation device 600 described above, and a liquid of a required color is circulated and supplied.

The printing device 500 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 100. 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 100 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 is formed) of the liquid discharge head 100, a wiper member 422 that wipes the nozzle surface, and the like.

The main scanning movement mechanism 493, 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 the printing apparatus 500 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 circumferential movement of the conveyor belt 412.

Therefore, by driving the liquid ejection head 100 in response to the image signal while moving the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, the liquid is ejected onto the stopped paper 410 to form an image.

Next, another example of the liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory plan view of a main part of the unit.

Among the members constituting the liquid discharge unit 440 and the device for discharging the liquid, the housing portion composed of the side plates 491A, 491B and the back plate 491C, the main scanning moving mechanism 493, the carriage 403, and the liquid. It is composed of a discharge head 100.

It is also possible to form a liquid discharge unit in which the above-mentioned maintenance / recovery mechanism 420 is further attached to, for example, the side plate 491B of the liquid discharge unit 440.

Next, still another example of the liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a front explanatory view of the unit.

The liquid discharge unit 440 is composed of a liquid discharge head 100 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 100 is provided on the upper part of the flow path component 444.

In the present application, the liquid to be discharged may have a viscosity and surface tension that can be discharged from the head, and is not particularly limited, but the viscosity becomes 30 mPa · s or less at room temperature, under normal pressure, or by heating or cooling. It is preferable that it is a thing. More specifically, solvents such as water and organic solvents, colorants such as dyes and pigments, polymerizable compounds, resins, functionalizing materials such as surfactants, biocompatible materials such as DNA, amino acids and proteins, and calcium. , Solvents, suspensions, emulsions, etc. containing edible materials such as natural pigments, such as inks for inkjets, surface treatment liquids, components of electronic and light emitting elements, and formation of electronic circuit resist patterns. It can be used in applications such as liquids and material liquids for three-dimensional modeling.

Piezoelectric actuators (laminated piezoelectric elements and thin-film piezoelectric elements), thermal actuators that use electric heat conversion elements such as heat-generating resistors, and electrostatic actuators that consist of a vibrating plate and counter electrodes are used as energy sources for discharging liquid. Includes what to do.

The "liquid discharge unit" is a liquid discharge head integrated with functional parts and a mechanism, and includes a collection of parts related to liquid discharge. For example, the "liquid discharge unit" includes a head tank, a carriage, a supply mechanism, a maintenance / recovery mechanism, a main scanning movement mechanism, a liquid circulation device in which at least one of the configurations is combined with a liquid discharge head, and the like.

Here, the term "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, bonding, engagement, etc., or one in which one is movably held with respect to the other. include. Further, the liquid discharge head, the functional component, and the mechanism may be configured to be detachable from each other.

For example, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a unit in which a liquid discharge head and a head tank are integrated. In some cases, 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 unit in which a liquid discharge head and a carriage are integrated.

Further, there is a liquid discharge unit in which the liquid discharge head and the scanning movement mechanism are integrated by holding the liquid discharge head movably by a guide member constituting a part of the scanning movement mechanism. In some cases, the liquid discharge head, the carriage, and the 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, there is a liquid discharge unit 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 liquid of the liquid storage source is supplied to the liquid discharge head through this tube.

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

The "device for discharging a liquid" includes 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 a liquid includes not only a device capable of discharging a liquid to a device to which the liquid can adhere, but also a device for discharging the liquid into the air or into 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 device that is a device 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 "thing to which a liquid can adhere" means a material to which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, such as a material to which the liquid adheres and adheres, and a material to which the liquid adheres and permeates. Specific examples include paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, recorded 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, and includes everything to which the liquid adheres, unless otherwise specified.

The material of the above-mentioned "material to which a liquid can adhere" may be paper, thread, fiber, cloth, leather, metal, plastic, glass, wood, ceramics or the like as long as the liquid can adhere even temporarily.

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 a 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, etc. There is an injection granulator that granulates fine particles of the raw material by injecting a composition liquid in which the raw material is dispersed in the solution through a nozzle.

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

4 Nozzle 10 Common supply flow path 20 Common flow path member 21 First liquid supply port 40 Individual liquid chamber 60 Airtightness holding member 70 Ink supply nozzle 100 Liquid discharge head 101 Head member 101a, 101b Short side 540 Ink supply path 542 Second liquid supply port 543 Third liquid supply port 552 Base member 552a, 552b Side surface 554 Opening

Japanese Patent No. 5392324

Claims (14)

A head member with a nozzle that discharges liquid,
It has a holding member for holding the head member, and has.
The head member has a first liquid supply port to which the liquid is supplied.
The holding member is a liquid discharge head that faces the first liquid supply port and has a second liquid supply port that supplies the liquid to the first liquid supply port. The head member is removable from the holding member and is removable.
The first aspect of claim 1, wherein when the head member is attached to the holding member, the first liquid supply port of the head member and the second supply port of the holding member face each other. Liquid discharge head. The holding member has an opening in which the head member is accommodated.
The head member has a plurality of the first liquid supply ports.
Claim 1 or claim 1, wherein the distance W1 connecting the plurality of first liquid supply ports in the direction connecting the plurality of the first liquid supply ports is larger than the length W2 of the opening. 2. The liquid discharge head according to 2. The first liquid supply port is opened in the direction of discharging the liquid, and the first liquid supply port is opened.
The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second liquid supply port is open in a direction opposite to the direction in which the liquid is discharged. The holding member has a third liquid supply port in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the liquid is discharged.
The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second liquid supply port communicates with the third liquid supply port via a flow path. The liquid discharge head according to claim 5, wherein the holding member has a plurality of the third liquid supply ports. The head member has a common flow path member in which a common supply flow path is formed, and a flow path plate in which a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle is formed.
The liquid is discharged in the order of the second liquid supply port, the first liquid supply port, the common supply flow path, the pressure chamber, and the nozzle. The liquid discharge head according to any one. When viewed from the direction in which the liquid is discharged, the head member has a length and a short side.
The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first liquid supply port is arranged on the short side of the head member. The first liquid supply port is a first liquid supply port (1) arranged on one short side of the head member and a first liquid supply port (2) arranged on the other short side. ) And,
In the head member, the liquid flows in from the first liquid supply port (1) and flows out from the first liquid supply port (2), or the liquid flows out from the first liquid supply port (2). The liquid discharge head according to claim 8, wherein the liquid discharge head is a circulation type head member that flows in from) and flows out from the first liquid supply port (1). The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an airtight holding member is provided at least one of the first liquid supply port and the second liquid supply port. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the holding member holds a plurality of the head members. A liquid discharge unit comprising the liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A head tank that stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head, a carriage on which the liquid discharge head is mounted, a supply mechanism that supplies the liquid to the liquid discharge head, a maintenance / recovery mechanism that maintains and recovers the liquid discharge head, and the liquid. The liquid discharge unit according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the main scanning moving mechanisms for moving the discharge head in the main scanning direction is integrated with the liquid discharge head. A device for discharging a liquid, comprising the liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or the liquid discharge unit according to claim 12 or 13.

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