JP2024037133A - Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge head module, and liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge head which enables miniaturization.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge head 10 comprises: a nozzle substrate 50 having a nozzle surface 51 on which a nozzle N for discharging a liquid is formed; a pressure chamber forming plate 61 that forms a pressure chamber C communicated with the nozzle N and that is stacked on the nozzle surface 51 of the nozzle substrate 50 in the plate thickness direction of the nozzle substrate 50; a drive element that changes liquid pressure in the pressure chamber C; and a frame 30 that is disposed to cover the side surface 61a of the pressure chamber forming plate 61 and that holds the pressure chamber forming plate 61. The frame 30 has a rib 40 projected in a direction for approaching the nozzle surface 51 in the plate thickness direction of the nozzle substrate 50. The rib 40 is formed either outside the nozzle substrate 50 in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle substrate 50 or outside the nozzle substrate 50 in a second direction along the short direction of the nozzle substrate 50 when seen in the plate thickness direction of the nozzle substrate 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection head, a liquid ejection head module, and a liquid ejection apparatus.

Conventionally, liquid ejection heads have been known that are constructed by laminating a flow path substrate that forms flow paths and pressure chambers through which liquid flows, and a nozzle substrate that forms nozzles for ejecting liquid (for example, as disclosed in patents). (See Reference 1). The liquid ejection head described in Patent Document 1 has an outer peripheral portion of a frame member that protrudes below the lower surface of the flow path substrate for the purpose of suppressing heat radiation of the liquid flowing through the flow path to the outside of the head.

In the liquid ejection head described in Patent Document 1, the downwardly protruding protruding portion is formed to surround the nozzle substrate, which increases the external size of the liquid ejection head and hinders miniaturization.

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection head that can be downsized.

The ejection head according to the present invention includes a nozzle substrate having a nozzle surface on which a nozzle for ejecting liquid is formed, and a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and the nozzle of the nozzle substrate in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate. a pressure chamber forming plate laminated on a surface opposite to the surface, a driving element for changing the pressure of the liquid in the pressure chamber, and a driving element disposed to cover a side surface of the pressure chamber forming plate, the pressure chamber forming plate a frame for holding the nozzle substrate, the frame having a rib protruding in a direction approaching the nozzle surface in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate; and is formed only on either the outside of the nozzle substrate in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle substrate, or the outside of the nozzle substrate in a second direction along the lateral direction of the nozzle substrate. There is.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid ejection head that can be downsized.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejection head according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing an enlarged nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head. FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view showing the arrangement of the pressure chamber forming plate, the nozzle substrate, and the tips of ribs. FIG. 3 is a side view of the liquid ejection head, and is a diagram illustrating a part of the wiring board that covers the side surface of the pressure chamber forming plate. FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view showing a gap between a second end surface of a pressure chamber forming plate and a rib in a liquid ejection head according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a liquid ejection head according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a liquid ejection head module according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a liquid ejection head module according to a comparative example. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a fifth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A liquid ejection head, a liquid ejection head module, and a liquid ejection apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in each figure, arrows indicating the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction may be shown as three orthogonal directions.

<Liquid ejection head according to first embodiment>
A liquid ejection head 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejection head according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the liquid ejection head according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged bottom view of the nozzle surface of the liquid ejection head. FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view showing the arrangement of the pressure chamber forming plate, the nozzle substrate, and the tips of the ribs. FIG. 6 is a side view of the liquid ejection head, and is a diagram showing a wiring board covering the side surface of the pressure chamber forming plate.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the ejection head (liquid ejection head) 10 includes a nozzle substrate 50, pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62, and a frame 30. The ejection head 10 ejects ink, which is an example of liquid.

<Nozzle board>
The nozzle substrate 50 has a rectangular plate shape as shown in FIG. The nozzle substrate 50 has a pair of long sides 51a and a pair of short sides 51b. The outer shape 52 of the nozzle substrate 50 includes a pair of long sides 51a and a pair of short sides 51b. The pair of long sides 51a extend in the X-axis direction and are separated from each other in the Y-axis direction. The pair of short sides 51b extend in the Y-axis direction and are separated from each other in the X-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of nozzles N are formed on the nozzle surface 51. The plurality of nozzles N lined up in the X-axis direction constitute a nozzle row NL. The plurality of nozzle rows NL are arranged apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The nozzle substrate 50 may be made of silicon, for example. The nozzle substrate 50 may be made of stainless steel or other materials.

<Pressure chamber forming plate>
As shown in FIG. 2, the ejection head 10 includes a plurality of pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62. The pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62 are laminated on the surface of the nozzle substrate 50 opposite to the nozzle surface 51 in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate 50. A channel through which ink flows is formed in the pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62. The pressure chamber forming plate 61 is formed with openings and grooves that form flow paths. Further, a plurality of pressure chambers (liquid chambers) C are formed in the pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62, as shown in FIG. Pressure chamber C communicates with nozzle N. Further, the ejection head 10 may include a diaphragm (vibration membrane) forming one surface of the pressure chamber C. The plurality of pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62 and the nozzle substrate 50 are, for example, bonded. The thickness directions of these pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62 and the nozzle substrate 50 are along the Z-axis direction. The pressure chamber forming plate 62 is stacked on the side opposite to the nozzle substrate 50 with respect to the pressure chamber forming plate 61 in the Z-axis direction.

The pressure chamber forming plate 61 has a first end surface 61a and a second end surface 61b, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The first end surface 61a is a surface along the XZ plane, and the second end surface 61b is a surface along the YZ plane. The first end surface 61a is arranged along the long side 51a of the nozzle substrate 50. The second end surface 61b is arranged along the short side 51b of the nozzle substrate 50. When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the first end surface 61a is located outside the long side 51a of the nozzle substrate 50. The second end surface 61b is located outside the short side 51b of the nozzle substrate 50 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Note that the inside and outside in this case refer to the inside that is closer to the center of the nozzle board 50 than the outer edge of the nozzle board 50 when viewed in the Z-axis direction, and the part that is closer to the center of the nozzle board 50 than the outer edge of the nozzle board 50. The farthest side is the outside.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure chamber forming plate 62 has a first end surface 62a and a second end surface 62b. The first end surface 62a is a surface along the XZ plane, and the second end surface 62b is a surface along the YZ plane. The first end surface 62a is arranged along the long side 52a of the nozzle substrate 50. The second end surface 61b is arranged along the short side 52b of the nozzle substrate 50. The first end surface 62a is located outside the long side 52a of the nozzle substrate 50 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The second end surface 62b is located outside the short side 52b of the nozzle substrate 50 when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

<Actuator>
The ejection head 10 includes an actuator as an example of a drive element that changes the pressure of ink within the pressure chamber C. The actuator includes, for example, a piezoelectric element. For example, vibrations caused by the actuator are transmitted to the ink in the pressure chamber C via the diaphragm, and the pressure of the ink fluctuates. The ejection head 10 can eject ink from the nozzles N by varying the pressure of ink within the pressure chamber C. The actuator may include a drive element different from the piezoelectric element.

<Frame>
The frame 30 holds pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62, as shown in FIG. The frame 30 includes a main body 31 disposed on a plurality of pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62, a flange 32 projecting from the main body 31, and a rib 40 projecting downward from the main body 31. In the Z-axis direction, the direction from the main body 31 to the nozzle substrate 50 is defined as the bottom, and the direction from the nozzle substrate 50 to the main body 31 is defined as the top. The ribs 40 are made of resin, for example. The ribs 40 may be made of metal.

A channel through which ink flows is formed inside the main body 31 . The flow path inside the main body 31 communicates with the flow paths inside the pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62. Further, an ink supply port 11 is formed on the top surface 31 a of the main body 31 and communicates with a flow path inside the main body 31 . The ink supplied from the ink supply port 11 flows through the channel inside the main body 31, flows through the channels inside the pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62, and is supplied to the pressure chamber C.

The flange 32 projects outward from the main body 31 in the X-axis direction. The flange 32 is formed to protrude outward from the pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62 and the nozzle substrate 50 in the X-axis direction.

<Rib>
The pair of ribs 40 are a part of the frame 30, and are parts that protrude from the main body 31 of the frame 30 in the direction approaching the nozzle surface 51 of the nozzle substrate 50 in the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of ribs 40 are arranged apart in the X-axis direction (the longitudinal direction of the nozzle substrate 50, the first direction). The pair of ribs 40 are arranged along the Y-axis direction (the lateral direction of the nozzle substrate 50, the second direction). The rib 40 is separated from the short side 51b of the nozzle substrate 50, which is closer to the rib 40 in the X-axis direction. A gap is formed between the rib 40 and the short side 51b closer to the rib 40.

The pair of ribs 40 are formed only on the outside in the X-axis direction with respect to the nozzle substrate 50 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. No ribs 40 are formed on the outside of the nozzle substrate 50 in the Y-axis direction.

The rib 40 is formed to cover the second end surfaces 61b, 62b of the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62. The rib 40 covers the second end surfaces 61b and 62b from the outside in the X-axis direction. The rib 40 does not cover the first end surfaces 61a, 62a of the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62.

<Positional relationship between the tip of the rib and the nozzle surface>
As shown in FIG. 5, the tip surface (tip portion) 41 of the rib 40 is arranged closer to the bottom surface 61c of the pressure chamber forming plate 61 than the nozzle surface 51 of the nozzle substrate 50 in the Z-axis direction. There is. The bottom surface 61c of the pressure chamber forming plate 61 is the surface closer to the nozzle substrate 50 among the surfaces of the pressure chamber forming plate 61 facing in the thickness direction. In the Z-axis direction, a length L1 from the bottom surface 61c of the pressure chamber forming plate 61 to the tip surface 41 of the rib 40 is shorter than a length L2 from the bottom surface 61c to the nozzle surface 51. In the Z-axis direction, the tip surface 41 of the rib 40 does not protrude beyond the nozzle surface 51.

<Width of nozzle board>
As shown in FIG. 4, the width W1 of the nozzle substrate 50 is narrower than the width W2 of the pressure chamber forming plate 61. The width W1 of the nozzle substrate 50 is the length along the Y-axis direction of the nozzle substrate 50, and is the length between the pair of long sides 51a. The width W2 of the pressure chamber forming plate 61 is the length of the pressure chamber forming plate 61 along the Y-axis direction, and is the length between the pair of first end surfaces 61a. The width W1 of the nozzle substrate 50 is larger than the width W3 of the region of the pressure chamber forming plate 61 in which the pressure chambers C are formed in the Y-axis direction. The width W3 of the region where the pressure chamber C is formed is the length between the outer ends (inner wall surfaces) of the pressure chamber C in the Y-axis direction. No pressure chamber C is formed outside the width W3 in the Y-axis direction.

<Rib width>
As shown in FIG. 3, the width W4 of the rib 40 is larger than the width W1 of the nozzle substrate 50. The width W4 of the rib 40 is the length of the rib 40 in the Y-axis direction. The width W4 of the rib 40 is the same as the width W1 of the pressure chamber forming plate 61. The term "same" here includes substantially the same. "Substantially the same" means that a difference of about 1/5 or less of the width W1 is allowed. The width W4 of the rib 40 may be the length of the distal end surface 41 of the rib 40 in the Y-axis direction. The ribs 40 are formed continuously in the Y-axis direction. The rib 40 is formed so as to continue to the outside of the corner 50c of the nozzle substrate 50 in the Y-axis direction. The corner 50c of the nozzle substrate 50 is the corner where the long side 51a and the short side 51b of the nozzle surface 51 intersect when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

<FPC>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the ejection head 10 includes an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 70 that is a flexible wiring board. The FPC 70 is electrically connected to an actuator (piezoelectric element). The FPC 70 is equipped with a drive IC for driving the actuator. The drive IC outputs a drive waveform to the actuator.

The FPC 70 is arranged to cover the first end surfaces 61a, 62a of the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62. The first end surfaces 61a and 62a are side surfaces arranged at positions where the ribs 40 are not formed. The FPC 70 is arranged to cover the side surface of the main body 31 of the frame 30 in the Y-axis direction.

<Operations and effects of the ejection head of the first embodiment>
In the ejection head 10 according to the first embodiment, the frame 30 has a rib 40 that protrudes in a direction approaching the nozzle surface 51 in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate 50. It is formed only on the outer side of the nozzle substrate 50 in the first direction along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle substrate 50 when viewed in the direction.

According to such a discharge head 10, the ribs 40 are formed only on the outside in the X-axis direction with respect to the nozzle substrate 50, and are not formed on the outside in the Y-axis direction. The width along the line can be reduced. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which ribs are formed on the outside in the Y-axis direction, the ejection head 10 has a smaller external shape. Further, the frame 30 has a pair of ribs 40, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the frame 30. Therefore, the frame 30 can stably hold the pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62 and the nozzle substrate 50. In the ejection head 10, the ribs 40 may be provided on both sides of the nozzle substrate 50 in the X-axis direction, or may be provided only on one side.

Further, in the ejection head 10, the ribs 40 are arranged only on the outside in the X-axis direction with respect to the nozzle substrate 50 when viewed in the Z-axis direction, and are formed to be continuous along the Y-axis direction. In the ejection head 10 having this configuration, the ribs 40 continuous along the Y-axis direction can cover the first end surfaces 61a, 62a of the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62, so the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62 are protected. can do.

Furthermore, in the ejection head 10, the ribs 40 are formed to the outside of the corner 50c of the nozzle substrate 50 in the Y-axis direction, so that the corner c of the nozzle substrate 50 can be protected. The possibility that other objects outside the ejection head 10 will hit the corner c of the nozzle substrate 50 is reduced. Therefore, damage to the corners 50c of the nozzle substrate 50 is suppressed. The corner 50c, which is the weakest part of the nozzle substrate 50, can be protected.

Further, in the ejection head 10, the ribs 40 protrude toward the nozzle substrate 50 in the thickness direction of the pressure chamber forming plate 61, and the tip surface 41 of the rib 40 is closer to the pressure chamber forming plate 61 than the nozzle surface 51. placed in position. In the ejection head 10 having this configuration, the tip end surface 41 of the rib 40 is arranged above the nozzle surface 51 and does not protrude below the nozzle surface 51 in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the rib 40 does not get in the way when performing the wiping process on the nozzle surface 51. Therefore, adhesion of foreign matter to the nozzle surface 51 can be suppressed. Examples of foreign objects include pieces of paper separated from paper as a printing medium, ink droplets, and the like. The wiping process is a process of cleaning the nozzle surface 51 by moving a wiper or the like relatively to the nozzle surface 51.

Further, the ejection head 10 includes an FPC 70 that is electrically connected to the actuator, and the FPC 70 is disposed at a position where the rib 40 is not formed when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate 50, and the FPC 70 is arranged on the pressure chamber forming plate 61. , 62 so as to cover the first end surfaces 61a, 62a of the first end surfaces 61a, 62a. According to the ejection head 10 having this configuration, electrical components can be connected to the first end surfaces 61a, 62a of the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62 that are not covered by the ribs 40. The FPC 70 does not hinder miniaturization of the ejection head 10.

Further, in the ejection head 10 , the nozzle substrate 50 is arranged to cover the pressure chambers C when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate 50 , and has an outer shape 52 smaller than the outer shape of the pressure chamber forming plate 61 . In the ejection head 10 having this configuration, the nozzle substrate 50 does not protrude beyond the pressure chamber forming plate 61.

<Liquid ejection head according to second embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a liquid ejection head according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view showing the gap between the second end surface of the pressure chamber forming plate and the rib in the liquid ejection head according to the second embodiment. The difference between the ejection head 10B according to the second embodiment and the ejection head 10 according to the first embodiment is that a gap G is formed between the second end surfaces 61b and 62b of the pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62 and the rib 40. This is the point. Note that in the description of the second embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

In the ejection head 10B, a gap G is formed between the second end surfaces 61b, 62b of the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62 and the rib 40 in the Y-axis direction. The gap G is filled with adhesive, for example. The adhesive filled in the gap G may be, for example, a thermosetting resin. The thermosetting resin can be cured by heating and can bond the nozzle substrate 50 and pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62 to the ribs 40.

For example, when heating the thermosetting resin, a linear expansion difference occurs between the nozzle substrate 50, the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62, and the ribs 40, so that the second end surface 61b of the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62, There is a risk that residual stress will occur in 62b. In the ejection head 10B, since the gap G is formed, a linear expansion difference between the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62 and the nozzle substrate 50 can be tolerated, and the generation of residual stress can be suppressed. In the ejection head 10B, since the generation of residual stress is suppressed in the pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62, the generation of strain in the nozzle substrate 50 and the pressure chamber forming plates 61 and 62 can be suppressed. As a result, in the ejection head 10, deformation of the ejection head 10 is suppressed, so that the ejection characteristics can be stabilized, and quality can be stabilized.

<Liquid ejection head according to third embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a liquid ejection head according to a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the liquid ejection head according to the third embodiment. The ejection head 10C according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is different from the ejection head 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. Instead of the rib 40, a rib 40C is provided on the outside in the Y-axis direction. Note that in the description of the ejection head 10C of the third embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the ejection head 10 of the first and second embodiments described above will be omitted.

The ejection head 10C includes a frame 30C having a pair of ribs 40C. The pair of ribs 40C are arranged apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The rib 40C has a tip end surface 41C. The tip surface 41C is located closer to the pressure chamber forming plate 61 than the nozzle surface 51 of the nozzle substrate 50 in the Z-axis direction. The tip surface 41C does not protrude beyond the nozzle surface 51 in the Z-axis direction.

The pair of ribs 40C are arranged only on the outside in the Y-axis direction with respect to the nozzle substrate 50 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The rib 40C is not arranged on the outside in the X-axis direction with respect to the nozzle substrate 50 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The pair of ribs 40C are formed continuously along the X-axis direction. The rib 40C continues to the outside of the corner 50c of the nozzle substrate 50 in the X-axis direction.

Furthermore, in the ejection head 10C, the FPC 70 may be disposed at a position where the rib 40C is not formed when viewed in the Z-axis direction. For example, the FPC 70 may be arranged to cover the second end surfaces 61b, 62b of the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62.

The ejection head 10C according to the third embodiment also has the same effects as the ejection head 10 according to the first embodiment. Further, in the ejection head 10C, the rib 40C may be provided on both sides of the nozzle substrate 50 in the Y-axis direction, or may be provided only on one side.

In the ejection head 10C according to the third embodiment, a gap G may be formed between the first end surfaces 61a, 62a of the pressure chamber forming plates 61, 62 and the rib 40C. This gap G may be filled with a thermosetting resin.

<Liquid ejection head module according to fourth embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 9, a liquid ejection head module according to a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the liquid ejection head module according to the fourth embodiment. Note that in the description of the head module (liquid ejection head module) 20 of the fourth embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the ejection head 10 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

The head module 20 includes a plurality of ejection heads 10. The plurality of ejection heads 10 are lined up in the Y-axis direction. The longitudinal direction of the ejection head 10 is along the X-axis direction. The head module 20 has a holder 21 that holds a plurality of ejection heads 10. The holder 21 may hold the flange 32 of the ejection head 10, for example.

In the head module 20, the ribs 40 are formed only on the outside in the X-axis direction with respect to the nozzle substrate 50 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. In the head module 20, the ribs 40 are not formed on the outside in the Y-axis direction with respect to the nozzle substrate 50 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the head module 20 including the plurality of ejection heads 10 has a narrow width W5 in the Y-axis direction. The head module 20 is designed to be more compact than head modules according to conventional technology.

Note that the head module 20 may be configured to include a plurality of ejection heads 10B instead of the plurality of ejection heads 10, or may be configured to include a plurality of ejection heads 10C.

<Liquid ejection head module according to comparative example>
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a liquid ejection head module according to a comparative example will be described. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a head module according to a comparative example. A head module 2 according to a comparative example shown in FIG. 10 includes a plurality of ejection heads 1. The head module 2 includes a holder 6 that holds a plurality of ejection heads 1. In the ejection head 1 according to the comparative example, the rib 4 is formed so as to surround the entire circumference of the nozzle substrate 5 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The ribs 4 are formed on the outside in the X-axis direction and the outside in the Y-axis direction with respect to the nozzle substrate 5.

In the ejection head 1 according to the comparative example, the ribs 4 are formed so as to surround the entire circumference of the nozzle substrate 5, so the ejection head 1 cannot be made smaller. The width W6 of the head module 2 according to the comparative example along the Y-axis direction is wider than the width W5 of the head module 20. The head module 20 including the plurality of ejection heads 10 is smaller in size than the head module 2 according to the comparative example.

<Liquid ejection device according to fifth embodiment>
Next, a liquid ejection device according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid ejection device according to a fifth embodiment. A liquid ejection apparatus 200 according to the fifth embodiment includes a head module 20 having a plurality of ejection heads 10 according to the first embodiment described above. Note that in the description of the fifth embodiment, descriptions similar to those of the first to fourth embodiments described above will be omitted.

The liquid ejection device 200 shown in FIG. 11 may be, for example, an on-demand type line scanning type inkjet recording device. Note that the liquid ejecting device 200 may be an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a copy function, a facsimile function, a print function, a scanner function, or the like. Alternatively, the liquid ejection device 200 may have a double-sided printing function. The liquid ejection device 200 may form an image using an electrophotographic method.

The liquid ejecting device 200 applies ink to the recording medium PP to perform desired printing. The liquid ejection device 200 includes a drum 210, a head module 20, an inlet cylinder 234, and an outlet cylinder 235. The inlet cylinder 234 supplies the recording medium PP to the drum 210. The exit cylinder 235 discharges the recording medium PP conveyed by the drum 210. The drum 210 is an example of a transport unit that transports the recording medium PP to the liquid ejection head module.

Head module 20 includes head modules 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E. Note that if the head modules 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, and 20E are not distinguished, they will be referred to as head modules 20. The head module 20 is an image forming section that forms an image on the recording medium PP.

The head module 20A discharges cyan (C) ink. The head module 20B discharges magenta (M) ink. The head module 20C discharges yellow (Y) ink. The head module 20D discharges black (K) ink. The head module 20E may eject other special inks. Examples of the special ink include white ink, gold ink, silver ink, and the like.

The plurality of head modules 20 are arranged along the outer peripheral surface 210a of the drum 210. The head module 20 is arranged with a gap from the outer peripheral surface 210a in the radial direction of the drum 210. The recording medium PP is placed on the outer peripheral surface 210a of the drum 210, and is conveyed in the circumferential direction of the drum 210 as the drum 210 rotates.

A recording medium gripper that holds the recording medium PP is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 210. A plurality of suction holes are formed in a distributed manner on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 210. The drum 210 holds the recording medium PP on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 210 by generating suction airflow from the suction holes toward the inside of the drum 210 . The drum 210 conveys the recording medium PP to a position facing the head module 20 by rotating while holding the recording medium PP. Recording medium PP is arranged between the outer peripheral surface of drum 210 and head module 20.

Each of the head modules 20 forms an image on the surface of the recording medium PP by ejecting ink onto the recording medium PP. The liquid ejecting device 200 discharges the recording medium PP on which the image has been formed.

Note that the recording medium PP may be a paper medium or another medium. The recording medium PP may be a sheet material, and the sheet material may be a cut sheet material. The sheet material may be, for example, a large sheet material such as wallpaper.

Note that the liquid ejection apparatus 200 of this embodiment may be an on-demand type line scanning type inkjet recording apparatus. Therefore, the plurality of recording heads 23 of the head module 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the recording medium PP. The liquid ejection device 200 is not limited to application to a line scanning type inkjet recording device, but can also be applied to recording devices using other methods. As another type of recording apparatus, for example, there is a serial scanning printer in which a recording head forms an image on the surface of a recording medium while moving in the main scanning direction. The main scanning direction is, for example, along the X-axis direction.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from or changing the technical idea of the present invention.

One aspect of the present invention may be as follows.

<1>
a nozzle substrate having a nozzle surface on which a nozzle for discharging liquid is formed;
a pressure chamber forming plate that forms a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle and is laminated on a surface of the nozzle substrate opposite to the nozzle surface in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate;
a driving element that changes the pressure of the liquid in the pressure chamber;
a frame arranged to cover a side surface of the pressure chamber forming plate and holding the pressure chamber forming plate;
The frame portion has a rib that protrudes in a direction approaching the nozzle surface in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate,
When viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate, the rib is located on the outside of the nozzle substrate in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle substrate, or on the outside of the nozzle substrate in a second direction along the lateral direction of the nozzle substrate. A liquid ejection head characterized in that it is formed only on one side of the outside of a substrate.
<2>
The rib is arranged only on the outside in the first direction with respect to the nozzle substrate when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate, and is formed so as to be continuous along the second direction. The liquid ejection head according to <1> above.
<3>
The ribs are arranged only on the outside in the second direction with respect to the nozzle substrate when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate, and are formed so as to be continuous along the first direction. The liquid ejection head as described in <1> above.
<4>
The rib protrudes toward the nozzle substrate in the thickness direction of the pressure chamber forming plate,
The liquid ejection head according to any one of <1> to <3> above, wherein the tip of the rib is located closer to the pressure chamber forming plate than the nozzle surface.
<5>
comprising a wiring board electrically connected to the drive element,
The wiring board is arranged at a position where the rib is not formed when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle board, and is arranged so as to cover a side surface of the pressure chamber forming plate. The liquid ejection head according to any one of <1> to <4>.
<6>
<1> to above, wherein the nozzle substrate is arranged to cover the pressure chamber when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate, and has an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the pressure chamber forming plate. The liquid ejection head according to any one of <5>.
<7>
The method according to any one of <1> to <6> above, wherein a gap is formed between the nozzle substrate and the rib when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate. Liquid ejection head.
<8>
comprising the liquid ejection head according to any one of <1> to <7> above,
A liquid ejection head module equipped with a plurality of the liquid ejection heads.
<9>
The liquid ejection module described in <8>above;
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: a transport section that transports a recording medium to the liquid ejection head module.

200 Liquid ejection device 10, 10B, 10C Ejection head (liquid ejection head)
11 Ink supply port 20 Head module (liquid ejection head module)
30, 30C Frame 40, 40C Rib 41, 41C Tip surface (tip part)
50 Nozzle board 51 Nozzle surface 52 External shape 61, 62 Pressure chamber forming plate 61a, 62a First end surface (side surface)
201 Drum (transport unit)
C Pressure chamber N Nozzle X X-axis direction (first direction, longitudinal direction of nozzle board)
Y Y-axis direction (second direction, short direction of nozzle board)
Z Z-axis direction (thickness direction of nozzle board)

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-199685

Claims (9)

a nozzle substrate having a nozzle surface on which a nozzle for discharging liquid is formed;
a pressure chamber forming plate that forms a pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle and is laminated on a surface of the nozzle substrate opposite to the nozzle surface in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate;
a driving element that changes the pressure of the liquid in the pressure chamber;
a frame arranged to cover a side surface of the pressure chamber forming plate and holding the pressure chamber forming plate;
The frame has a rib that protrudes in a direction approaching the nozzle surface in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate,
When viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate, the rib is located on the outside of the nozzle substrate in a first direction along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle substrate, or on the outside of the nozzle substrate in a second direction along the lateral direction of the nozzle substrate. A liquid ejection head characterized in that it is formed only on one side of the outside of a substrate. The rib is arranged only on the outside in the first direction with respect to the nozzle substrate when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate, and is formed so as to be continuous along the second direction. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1. The ribs are arranged only on the outside in the second direction with respect to the nozzle substrate when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate, and are formed so as to be continuous along the first direction. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1. The rib protrudes toward the nozzle substrate in the thickness direction of the pressure chamber forming plate,
2. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the rib is located closer to the pressure chamber forming plate than the nozzle surface. comprising a wiring board electrically connected to the drive element,
The wiring board is arranged at a position where the rib is not formed when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle board, and is arranged so as to cover a side surface of the pressure chamber forming plate. 1. The liquid ejection head according to 1. The nozzle substrate is arranged so as to cover the pressure chamber when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate, and has an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the pressure chamber forming plate. Liquid ejection head. The liquid ejection head according to claim 1, wherein a gap is formed between the nozzle substrate and the rib when viewed in the thickness direction of the nozzle substrate. comprising the liquid ejection head according to claim 1,
A liquid ejection head module equipped with a plurality of the liquid ejection heads. A liquid ejection head module according to claim 8;
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: a transport section that transports a recording medium to the liquid ejection head module.

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