JP5327968B2 - Ink jet head composed of a plurality of head modules and head module replacement method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink jet head composed of a plurality of head modules and a method for replacing the head module, and in particular, a plurality of head modules (short heads) are detachably arranged in the width direction of a recording medium to form a long line head. The present invention relates to a configured inkjet head and a method of replacing each head module that configures the inkjet head.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, an ink jet head (droplet discharge head) that performs recording by supplying ink to a nozzle and discharging the ink as a fine droplet from the nozzle toward a recording medium is known. In addition, while relatively moving the inkjet head in which a large number of such nozzles are arranged and the recording medium, ink is ejected as droplets from the nozzles according to image data (printing data), and an image is formed on the recording medium. An ink jet printer is known as an image forming apparatus to form.

  Ink jet printers use serial type (shuttle type) heads that perform recording while reciprocating a short head in the width direction of the recording medium, and the entire length corresponding to the maximum width of the recording medium. One using a long line head in which nozzles are arranged is known.

  At this time, in the case of using the serial type head, every time one to several lines are recorded by scanning in the width direction of the recording medium, the recording medium is recorded by the number of lines recorded in one scan in the direction orthogonal to the width direction. It is only transported relative to the serial type head. Therefore, complicated scanning control is required between the short head and the recording medium.

  On the other hand, in the case of using a line head, it is possible to record an image on the front surface of the recording medium only by relatively scanning the recording medium in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction. Such complicated scanning control is unnecessary, and higher-speed recording is possible.

  However, in a long line head, there are problems that the number of nozzles increases in the manufacturing process, yield decreases, and a cumulative pitch error tends to increase in processing. Accordingly, it is known that a long line head is configured by arranging a plurality of short heads (head modules) and positioning and connecting them with high accuracy.

  For example, when arranging the head modules, in order to reduce errors in the parallelism and spacing of each nozzle row between adjacent head modules, the support unit and the head module that support the back surface of the head module on the bottom plate of the main body frame Inkjet printer heads are known in which a plurality of places on the back surface of the ink cartridge are exposed, each of which is filled with a fast-curing adhesive and the head module is fixed to the main body frame (for example, Patent Document 1) reference).

  In addition, for example, each head module fixed by the fixing member so that the gap between the head modules can be reliably closed with an adhesive, and the head module and the fixing member are favorably fixed by the adhesive. As an adhesive filled in the gap, there is known a liquid jet head that is positioned and fixed to a fixing member using a first adhesive and a second adhesive having a higher viscosity in an uncured state than the first adhesive. (See, for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2006-62373 A JP 2008-284724 A

  In both of the above-described Patent Documents 1 and 2, a plurality of head modules are fixed by using a fixing member that fixes the nozzles from the nozzle surface side, and filling the gaps of the plurality of head modules with an adhesive. Adhesion with members and sealing between head modules are realized.

  On the other hand, when a large number of head modules with a high nozzle density are arranged with a very narrow interval of, for example, several tens of μm instead of several head modules, When a failure occurs in a part of a module, it is extremely uneconomical to replace the entire long head, so that only the failed head module can be removed and replaced with a new one. is necessary.

  From this point of view, the problems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above are that the head module is fixed with an adhesive and that each head module cannot be replaced due to the configuration of the head fixing member. There is.

  Actually, at this time, for example, an adhesive or resin having low hardness after curing such as silicone rubber is used for sealing (removal of material factors), and the fixing member is fixed on the nozzle surface (constituent factors) Even if it is the removal of the head module, it is extremely difficult to replace the head module after removing the resin filled in the gaps between the head modules of several tens of μm level.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. When a long head is configured by arranging a plurality of small head modules having a high nozzle density at extremely narrow intervals, sealing between the head modules is facilitated. An object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet head composed of a plurality of head modules and a method for replacing the head modules that can be reliably performed and each head module can be easily replaced in the event of a failure.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 is configured as a long head by arranging a plurality of head modules in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink as droplets are arranged in a horizontal row in a fixed member. In the inkjet head, at least one film is inserted into the gap between the head modules incorporated in the fixing member via an adhesive / sealant so that one end of the film is pulled out from the gap. It is provided with a seal structure configured to be introduced, and at the time of replacing the head module, the seal structure can be released by pulling out the film using one end of the film drawn out to the outside. An inkjet head composed of a plurality of head modules is provided.

  As a result, when configuring a long head by arranging a plurality of small head modules with high nozzle density at extremely narrow intervals, each head module is easily and reliably sealed and in the event of a failure, etc. Can be easily replaced.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, all the ends of the film drawn out to the outside are drawn out in the same direction.

  Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, one end of the film drawn out to the outside is drawn out in alternate directions.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the film is doubled by folding and folding a portion introduced into the gap.

  Thereby, the sealing structure can be easily released with a small force so as to peel off the adhered film.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the material of the film is a resin material of any one of PET, PEN, and PI.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the material of the film is any one of stainless steel and aluminum.

  As a result, the film can be formed with a relatively high strength and a reduced thickness.

  Moreover, as shown in Claim 7, when the film introduce | transduced into the said clearance gap is 2 or more, the surface where a film contacts is lubricated.

  Thereby, the force required for pulling out the film can be made smaller, and the release of the seal structure can be facilitated.

  In addition, as shown in claim 8, when two or more films are introduced into the gap, the Teflon (registered trademark) processing is applied to the surfaces where the films are in contact with each other.

  Thereby, the force required for pulling out the film can be made smaller, and the release of the seal structure can be facilitated.

  Similarly, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that a plurality of head modules in which a large number of nozzles for ejecting ink as droplets are arranged in a horizontal row are incorporated in a fixing member. A method of replacing each head module in an ink jet head configured as a shank head, wherein at least one film is drawn into a gap between the head modules incorporated in the fixing member, and one end of the film is pulled out from the gap. As described above, a seal structure configured by introducing via an adhesive / sealant is formed, and at the time of replacing the head module, the one end of the film drawn out from the gap on both sides of the head module to be removed is used. The seal structure is released by pulling out the film, and the head module to be removed is removed. Provides a method of replacing the head module, characterized in that.

  As a result, when configuring a long head by arranging a plurality of small head modules with high nozzle density at extremely narrow intervals, each head module is easily and reliably sealed and in the event of a failure, etc. Can be easily replaced.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when there are two or more films introduced into the gap, the films on both sides of the head module to be removed are pulled out in the same direction.

  In addition, as shown in claim 11, when two or more films are introduced into the gap, the films on both sides of the head module to be removed are pulled out in alternate directions.

  In addition, as shown in claim 12, when two or more films are introduced into the gap, only the film in contact with the head module to be removed is pulled out, and a normal head module on both sides of the head module to be removed is removed. The film in contact is fixed without being pulled out.

  As a result, the failed head module can be easily removed and replaced with a new head module.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when a long head is configured by arranging a plurality of small head modules having a high nozzle density at extremely narrow intervals, the head modules are easily and reliably sealed. Each head module can be easily replaced in the case of failure.

1 is a configuration diagram schematically illustrating an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus in which an ink jet head according to the present invention is incorporated. It is a principal part top view which shows the printing part periphery of an inkjet recording device. It is a plane perspective view showing an example of the structure of an ink head. It is an enlarged view which expands and shows one head module. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. FIG. 1 illustrates an ink head according to a first embodiment configured with a head module, where (a) is a plan view of a portion of the ink head viewed from the nozzle surface side, and (b) is a longitudinal view of the ink head. It is the side view seen from the side of the direction. It is a top view which shows the ink head which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 shows an ink head according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and (a) is a plan view showing a state in which two films are sandwiched by bending the respective leading end portions between the head modules, (B) is an enlarged view showing one film in an enlarged manner. It is a top view which shows the ink head of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the replacement | exchange method of a head module, (a) shows one head module for replacement | exchange, (b) is a top view which shows a mode that the head module for replacement | exchange was incorporated. It is explanatory drawing which shows the replacement | exchange method of another head module, (a) shows one head module for replacement | exchange, (b) is a top view which shows a mode that the head module for replacement | exchange was incorporated. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing another head module replacement method, in which (a) shows one head module for replacement, and (b) is a plan view showing a state in which the head module for replacement is incorporated. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the allowance of film incorporation was given between the head modules, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. (A) which shows a mode that the lubricant was introduce | transduced into the margin part of FIG. 13 is a top view, (b) is a side view. FIG. 15A is a plan view and FIG. 15B is a side view showing a state in which the lubricant in FIG. 14 is further covered with a sealing agent. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the film affixed on the head module is folded, (a) shows one head module, (b) is a top view which shows a mode that it integrated in the ink head. It is a top view which shows a film extraction jig | tool typically.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an ink jet head composed of a plurality of head modules according to the present invention and a method for replacing the head modules will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an embodiment of an ink jet recording apparatus incorporating an ink jet head according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet recording apparatus 100 as an image forming apparatus mainly includes a sheet feeding unit 110 that feeds a recording medium 122 and a recording surface of the recording medium 122 fed from the sheet feeding unit 110. A processing liquid applying unit 112 for applying a predetermined processing liquid, a printing unit 114 for drawing an ink droplet on the recording surface of the recording medium 122 to which the processing liquid is applied, and a recording medium on which the image is drawn A drying unit 116 that dries the recording surface 122, a fixing unit 118 that fixes an image formed on the recording surface, and a paper discharge unit 120 that collects the recording medium 122 on which the image is recorded.

  The paper feeding unit 110 includes a magazine 140 that stores the recording medium 122, and the recording medium 122 is fed from the magazine 140 to the paper feeding tray 150 one by one. The recording medium 122 fed to the paper feed tray 150 is transferred to the processing liquid drum 154 of the processing liquid applying unit 112 via the transfer drum 152.

  The treatment liquid drum 154 receives the recording medium 122 transferred from the transfer drum 152, rotates and conveys it to the first intermediate conveyance drum 124. The treatment liquid application unit 112 applies a predetermined treatment liquid to the recording medium 122 rotated and conveyed by the treatment liquid drum 154 with a constant thickness. The treatment liquid application is performed by the treatment liquid application device 156. The treatment liquid application device 156, for example, brings the treatment liquid into contact with the recording surface of the recording medium 122 by applying a coating roller having the treatment liquid applied to the surface thereof. Although given, it is not limited to this. For example, the treatment liquid may be discharged and applied by a head similar to the ink head described later. The recording medium 122 to which the treatment liquid has been applied is further dried by a dryer 158 and a heater 160 and then transferred to the first intermediate conveyance drum 124.

  Note that the treatment liquid applied by the treatment liquid application unit 112 is a treatment liquid containing a component that aggregates or thickens the color material (pigment or dye) in the ink applied by the subsequent printing unit 114. By applying such a treatment liquid before ink ejection, bleeding or the like can be prevented, and a high-quality image can be printed.

  The first intermediate transport drum 124 receives the recording medium 122 transferred from the processing liquid drum 154, rotates and transports it to the printing drum 170 of the printing unit 114.

  The printing drum 170 receives the recording medium 122 transferred from the first intermediate conveyance drum 124, rotates and conveys it to the second intermediate conveyance drum 126. In the printing unit 114, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink jet heads (hereinafter simply referred to as ink heads) 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K with respect to the recording medium 122 rotated and conveyed by the printing drum 170. An ink droplet is ejected from the ink to print an image.

  Each of the ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K is disposed to face the print drum 170 with a predetermined gap, and is disposed from the upstream side in the rotation direction of the print drum 170 in the order of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Yes. Further, each of the ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K is composed of a line head and is formed corresponding to the recording width of the recording medium 122.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view of a main part around the printing unit 114 of the inkjet recording apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the printing unit 114 arranges the ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) indicated by an arrow A in the drawing. Thus, a so-called full-line head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of the image forming area in the recording medium 122 is obtained.

  The detailed structure of each of the ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K will be described later, but a plurality of short head modules are arranged to form a long line head. The ink jet recording apparatus 100 is a target. This is a full-line head in which a plurality of nozzles (ink discharge ports) are arranged over a length exceeding at least one side of the maximum size recording medium 122.

  Each color ink in the order of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) from the upstream side (right side in FIG. 2) along the conveyance direction of the recording medium 122 (indicated by arrow A in FIG. 2). Ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K corresponding to are arranged. A color image can be formed on the recording medium 122 by discharging the color inks from the ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K while conveying the recording medium 122.

  As described above, according to the printing unit 114 in which the full line type head that covers the entire paper width is provided for each ink color, the recording medium 122 and the printing unit 114 are relatively moved in the paper transport direction (sub-scanning direction). An image can be recorded on the entire surface of the recording medium 122 by performing the moving operation only once (that is, by one sub-scan). Thereby, printing can be performed at a higher speed than the shuttle (serial) type head in which the print head reciprocates in the direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction, and productivity can be improved.

  Returning to FIG. 1 again, the recording medium 122 onto which ink has been ejected by the ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K is transferred from the printing drum 170 to the second intermediate transport drum 126. The second intermediate transport drum 126 receives the recording medium 122 transferred from the printing drum 170, rotates and transports it to the drying drum 176 of the drying unit 116.

  The drying drum 176 receives the recording medium 122 transferred from the second intermediate conveyance drum 126, rotates and conveys it to the third intermediate conveyance drum 128. In the drying unit 116, the recording medium 122 rotated and conveyed by the drying drum 176 is dried by the first and second heaters 178 and 182 and the dryer 180.

  The dried recording medium 122 is transferred from the drying drum 176 to the third intermediate transport drum 128. The third intermediate conveyance drum 128 receives the recording medium 122 transferred from the drying drum 176, rotates and conveys it to the fixing drum 184 of the fixing unit 118.

  The fixing drum 184 receives the recording medium 122 transferred from the third intermediate transport drum 128, rotates and transports it to the conveyor 196 of the paper discharge unit 120. The fixing unit 118 heats and presses the recording medium 122 rotated and conveyed by the fixing drum 184 with the first and second fixing rollers 186 and 188 to fix the printed image.

  In addition, the fixing unit 118 is provided with an inline sensor 189 that reads a printing result by the printing unit 114. The in-line sensor 189 includes an image sensor (line sensor or the like) for imaging the printing result of the printing unit 114 (droplet ejection results of the ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K), and the droplet ejection read by the image sensor. This is to check nozzle clogging and other ejection defects from the image.

  The in-line sensor 189 includes a line CCD (or an area sensor in which a plurality of inspection pixels are arranged two-dimensionally) in which a plurality of detection pixels (reading elements) are arranged in a line along the width direction of the recording medium 122. Each of the ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K of the printing unit 114. The reduction lens is arranged so that the width direction of the recording medium 122 can be collectively read by the line CCD (or area sensor). The reading resolution is lower than the recording resolution.

  The recording medium 122 on which the image is fixed is transferred from the fixing drum 184 to the conveyor 196 of the paper discharge unit 120. The conveyor 196 receives the recording medium 122 from the fixing drum 184, conveys the recording medium 122 to the paper discharge tray 192 provided in the paper discharge unit 120, and collects it on the paper discharge tray 192.

  According to the ink jet recording apparatus 100 configured as described above, since the ink can be stably ejected from each ink jet head (ink head) in the printing unit 114, a stable image can be formed.

  Next, the structure of the ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K disposed in the printing unit 114 will be described. Since the structures of the ink heads 172C, 172M, 172Y, and 172K are the same, the ink head is denoted by reference numeral 12 below as a representative example.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective plan view showing a structural example of the ink head 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of head modules 16, which are short heads, are attached to a fixing member 14 that forms the head body of the ink head 12. The head module 16 has a parallelogram shape in plan view, nozzles 22 for ejecting ink are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the surface, and the vertical columns are arranged substantially parallel to the short sides of the head module 16. Has been. A plurality of such head modules 16 are arranged side by side so that the short sides thereof are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the fixing member 14, thereby constituting a full line type head as a whole.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows a state in which a plurality of head modules 16 are arranged to form a full-line head. The number of head modules 16 constituting the full-line head, The number of nozzles 22 formed is different from the actual one. Further, the sealing between the head modules 16 and the device for facilitating the replacement of the head modules 16 are not shown in FIG. 3, and will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of one head module 16.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the head module 16 is provided with a pressure chamber unit 20 that applies pressure to the ink and discharges it as droplets from the nozzles 22 in a predetermined arrangement pattern (in this embodiment, a staggered pattern). Are arranged in a two-dimensional manner, and ink flow paths (not shown) for supplying ink to the pressure chamber units 20 are arranged at high density.

  The pressure chamber unit 20 includes a nozzle 22 that discharges ink as droplets, a pressure chamber 24 that stores ink, applies pressure to the stored ink, and discharges the ink from the nozzle 22 as droplets, and ink into the pressure chamber 24. The ink supply port 26 is configured to be provided. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the planar shape of the pressure chamber 24 is formed in a square shape, and the nozzle 22 is formed at one end of the diagonal line, and the ink supply port 26 is formed at the other end. . Ink is supplied from a common channel (not shown) (see FIG. 5) to the pressure chamber 24 through the ink supply port 26, and pressure is applied in the pressure chamber 24 and is ejected as droplets from the nozzle 22.

  5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4 showing a schematic configuration of the pressure chamber unit 20, and a sectional view showing a three-dimensional configuration of the pressure chamber unit 20. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the pressure chamber unit 20 of the ink head 12 of this embodiment is formed by bonding a lower substrate 30 and an upper substrate 32. In the figure, each of the lower substrate 30 and the upper substrate 32 is represented as a single substrate, but each may be formed by stacking a plurality of substrates.

  The lower substrate 30 is formed with a pressure chamber 24, a nozzle channel 23, a nozzle 22, a lower ink supply channel 34, and an ink supply port 26. The upper surface (top surface) of the pressure chamber 24 is composed of a diaphragm 38, and the diaphragm 38 also serves as a common electrode, on which a piezoelectric element (PZT) 40 is formed. An upper electrode (individual electrode) 42 is formed, and a resin protective film 44 is further formed thereon.

  An upper ink supply path 36 is formed in the upper substrate 32, and a common liquid chamber 46 is located above the upper substrate 32. In addition, by bonding the upper substrate 32 to the lower substrate 30, the upper ink supply path 36 and the lower ink supply path 34 are communicated with each other, and a space 48 for deforming the piezoelectric element 40 is formed.

  Ink is supplied from the common liquid chamber 46 on the upper substrate 32 through the upper ink supply path 36 and the lower ink supply path 34 to the pressure chamber 24 through the ink supply port 26.

  By applying a driving voltage to the vibration plate 38 also serving as a common electrode and the upper electrode 42, the piezoelectric element 40 is deformed, and when pressure is applied to the ink in the pressure chamber 24, the ink in the pressure chamber 24 passes through the nozzle channel 23. As a result, it is discharged as a droplet from the nozzle 22. At this time, as described above, the space 48 is formed by the upper substrate 32 above the piezoelectric element 40 (and the upper electrode 42), and the piezoelectric element 40 can be deformed.

  The present invention is devised so that when a plurality of head modules 16 are arranged side by side on the fixing member 14 to form a full line head, the sealing between the head modules 16 and the replacement of the head modules 16 are easy. is there. More specifically, a film made of a resin such as PET, PI, PEN or a metal material such as stainless steel that has a relatively high strength and can be thinned with respect to the gap between the head modules 16 arranged side by side on the fixing member 14. , Mainly adhesives and fillers such as silicone, which have relatively low adhesive strength, and depending on the configuration, sealing with a lubricant etc. makes it easy even for extremely narrow spaces between the head modules 16 It is possible to seal. In addition, the sealing can be easily released (broken) by pulling out the film filled in the gap, whereby the head module 16 can be easily taken out and replaced with a new head module 16.

  As a result, it is possible to prevent the ink and other cleaning liquid used for cleaning the nozzle surface from flowing into the gap between the head modules 16 and to easily replace the head module 16, and to perform the head module other than the ejection operation. It is possible to prevent ink or the like accumulated between the 16 from adhering to the recording medium, and to wipe the surface of the nozzle in which all the head modules 16 are arranged in a line.

  Next, a first embodiment will be described in which the head modules 16 are sealed and the head modules 16 are easily replaced.

  FIG. 6 shows the ink head 12 according to the first embodiment configured with such a head module 16.

  6A is a plan view of a part of the ink head 12 viewed from the nozzle surface side, and FIG. 6B is a side view in the longitudinal direction of the ink head 12 (that is, FIG. 6A). It is the side view seen from the upper side). That is, in FIG.6 (b), the lower side of a figure is a nozzle surface side. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, each head module 16 is fixed so that its upper part (in the drawing) is fitted into the fixing member 14.

  In FIG. 6 (a), the gap between the head modules 16 is exaggerated and expressed larger than the actual size for the sake of explanation, but this gap is actually very narrow. That is, the nozzles adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the ink head 12 with the gap between the adjacent head modules 16, for example, the nozzles 22 a and 22 b are adjacent to each other in the width direction on the recording medium. It is possible to perform droplet ejection. Further, the shape and nozzle arrangement of the head module 16 are configured to enable this. Also, in the drawings used for the description in the future, the gap between the head modules 16 is also expressed larger than the actual size for the sake of explanation, but it is actually very narrow, and the shape and nozzle arrangement of the head module 16 are actually slightly different from those shown in the figure. Is different.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, one film is sandwiched between the head modules 16, and this film is pulled out in the shearing direction when the sealing is released.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the gap between the head modules 16 is filled with a film 50 and an adhesive / sealant 52. One film 50 is inserted in the approximate center between the head modules 16, and an adhesive / sealant 52 is filled between the film 50 and each head module 16. At this time, it is desirable that the lower end portion of the film 50 is not exposed to the nozzle surface as shown by a broken-line circle in FIG.

  In this example, since only one film 50 is used, a relatively thick film 50 can be used. For example, if the head module interval is 50 μm, the thickness of the film 50 can be about 40 μm. At the same time, since the strength of the film 50 is increased, an adhesive / sealant having a relatively strong adhesive force can be used.

  When the head module 16 is replaced, the films 50 on both sides of the head module 16 to be replaced are sheared (parallel to the nozzle surface and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ink head 12) as shown by an arrow B in FIG. It pulls out in the direction, that is, upward in FIG. 6A and front side in FIG.

  At this time, in order to easily pull out the film 50, one end of the film 50 may be pulled slightly outward. However, since it usually gets in the way, it is preferable to fold the drawer part to the side surface of the ink head 12 as described later. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), all the drawing portions may be drawn to one side of the side surface of the ink head 12, or every other drawing portion may be drawn in a different direction. . That is, when pulling out the films 50 on both sides of the head module 16, both of them may be pulled out in the same direction or in different directions.

  The head module 16 in which the films 50 on both sides are pulled out in this way and released from sealing is pulled out in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nozzle surface of the ink head 12, as indicated by an arrow C in FIG. It is removed from the fixing member 14. When a new head module 16 is attached, a film 50 and an adhesive / sealant 52 are attached to both sides of the head module 16, and the head module 16 is attached in the direction opposite to the arrow C in FIG. It is attached to the fixing member 14. The installation of the new head module 16, that is, the replacement of the head module 16, will be described in detail later.

  When the film 50 is pulled out, it may be pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface as shown by an arrow C in FIG. 6B, not in a direction parallel to the nozzle surface of the ink head 12.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, when two films sandwiched between the head modules are sealed and the sealing is released, the film is pulled out in the shear direction to separate the film from the adhesive / sealant. The head module can be easily replaced.

  FIG. 7 shows the ink head 12 of the second embodiment. However, in FIG. 7, the fixing member 14 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, two films 50 are sandwiched in each gap between the head modules 16 constituting the ink head 12, and an adhesive / sealant 52 is filled between the film 50 and each head module 16. In addition, the two films 50a and 50b are alternately staggered or the two films 50c and 50c are pulled out in the same direction to release the sealing by the adhesive / sealant.

  In this case, since two films 50 (50a, 50b, 50c) are used, the film thickness naturally has to be thin. For example, if the distance between the head modules 16 is 50 μm, the thickness of one film 50 is about 20 μm.

  Further, in this example, since one side of the two films 50 is not bonded, the peeling can be performed with a weaker force than in the first embodiment described above. Moreover, it is preferable that a lubricant such as silicone oil is applied to the portion 53 where the two films 50a and 50b are in contact with each other in order to further reduce the peeling force. Alternatively, Teflon (registered trademark) processing or the like may be applied to the surface where the films 50 are in contact with each other.

  In addition, when the drawing portions of the two films 50 sandwiched between the gaps between the head modules 16 are staggered as in the films 50a and 50b, for example, both the films 50a and 50b may be pulled out. Then, only the film 50a on both sides of the head module 16 to be taken out may be pulled out, and the film 50b on the normal head module 16 side may be fixed without being pulled out, and left after the failed head module 16 is taken out.

  Furthermore, since the two films 50 exist in the gap between the head modules 16, a slip surface is formed between the two films 50, so that the head module 16 is not pulled out at all. It is also possible to take it out. In that case, the film 50a adhered to both sides of the head module 16 to be taken out is also taken out together.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, two films sandwiched between the head modules 16 are used. However, when the film is pulled out, the film is not simply pulled in the shearing direction and pulled out as in the above example. The film is pulled out so as to be peeled off with a certain line as a fulcrum so that the sticker stuck in a shape is peeled off from the end.

  FIG. 8A shows (a part of) the ink head 12 of the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, in the third embodiment, two films 54 (for example, 54a and 54b, or 54c and 54d) are placed in the gaps between the head modules 16, respectively. The part is bent and sandwiched.

  FIG. 8B shows an enlarged view of one film 54 (for example, 54a). In this way, the leading end of the film 54 (54a) is bent with a certain point 56 as a fulcrum, and the overlapping portion D is the length of the gap of the head module 16 that sandwiches the film 54 (54a) (substantially short of the head module 16). Side length).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, the overlapping portion D of the film 54 having the bent end portion is overlapped so that the long sides of the two films 54 are back to back, and the gap between the head modules 16 is overlapped. Insert into. Then, an adhesive / sealant 52 is filled between the film 54 and the head module 16. Thereby, the gap between the head modules 16 is sealed.

  At this time, the adhesive / sealant 52 is not filled after the film 54 is inserted into the gap, but the adhesive / sealant 52 is applied to the gap of the head module 16 or the film 54 in advance. You may make it insert in a clearance gap.

  Further, when the film 54 is pulled out to release the sealing, the film 54 is pulled out by pulling the long side of the film 54 in a direction parallel to the nozzle surface as indicated by an arrow E in the drawing. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the long side of the film 54 is pulled, the film 54 is pulled out with the line including the bent point 56 as a fulcrum.

  Therefore, in order to facilitate the withdrawal of the film 54, the gap 54 between the overlapping portions D when the film 54 is folded and the portion 57 where the two films 54 (for example, 54a and 54b) are in contact with each other are provided. In order to further reduce the peeling force, it is desirable that a lubricant such as silicone oil is applied. Alternatively, the surface where the films 54 are in contact with each other may be subjected to Teflon (registered trademark) processing or the like.

  When the head module 16 is removed, the two films (two films 54a and 54b and two films 54c and 54d) sandwiched between both sides of the head module 16 are pulled out to remove the head module 16. The sealing on both sides is released and the head module 16 is removed. At this time, in FIG. 8, the two films on both sides of the head module 16 are pulled out in the same direction. For example, the films 54 c and 54 d draw the long side of the film on the opposite side of the figure, The films 54a and 54b and the films 54d and 54d may be pulled out alternately.

  At this time, both the two films 54 sandwiched between the gaps may be pulled out, but one film (for example, 54b and 54c) adhered to both sides of the head module 16 to be removed is used. The film 54 adhered to the normal head module 16 may be left as it is pulled out. This will also be described later when the replacement of the head module 16 is described later.

  In this example, since two films 54 are back-to-back in the gap between the head modules 16, a slip surface is formed. Therefore, the head module 16 can be removed without pulling out the film 54 at all. It is. Also from this, as described above, the lubricant 57 such as silicone oil is applied to the portion 57 where the two films 54 (for example, 54a and 54b) are in contact with each other in order to further reduce the peeling force. desirable.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, two films sandwiched between the head modules 16 are used and are peeled when the film is pulled out, but the pulling force when the film is pulled out is minimized. is there.

  FIG. 9 shows (a part of) the ink head 12 of the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the ink head 12 of the fourth embodiment, two films 54 (for example, 54e and 54f or 54g and 54h) are placed in the gaps between the head modules 16, respectively. The part is bent and the long sides are sandwiched back to back. However, in the present embodiment, unlike the third embodiment, the long sides of the films 54 that are back-to-back are pulled out in opposite directions.

  As described above, since the pulling directions of the long sides of the respective films 54 back to back are different by 180 degrees, each film 54 (for example, for example, in the film pulling operation for the head module 16 to be removed and the peripheral head module 16 not to be removed). 54e and 54f, or 54g and 54h, etc.) are pulled in the opposite directions, so that such stresses are canceled out, and the drawing resultant force becomes zero. Thereby, the failed head module 16 can be removed without causing a positional shift of the normal head module 16 that does not need to be removed.

  As in the third embodiment, a lubricant 57 such as silicone oil is preferably applied to the portion 57 where the two films 54 are in contact with each other in order to further reduce the peeling force. Alternatively, the surface where the films 54 are in contact with each other may be subjected to Teflon (registered trademark) processing or the like.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, when the film drawing directions of the gaps between the head modules 16 are staggered, both of the films 54 may be drawn, or on the side of the head module 16 to be removed. Only the adhered film (for example, the film 54f, 54g) is pulled out, and the film (for example, the film 54e, 54h) adhered to the normal head module 16 side is fixed without being pulled out. May leave the film seal part.

  Further, as in the third embodiment, since two films 54 are back-to-back in the gap between the head modules 16, a slip surface is formed. It is also possible to remove the module 16.

  Hereinafter, a method of replacing the head module 16, that is, a method of attaching a new head module 16 after removing the failed head module 16 will be described.

  Although already briefly described in the first embodiment, a head module replacement method when only one film is sandwiched between the head modules will be described first.

  In the case of the single film configuration, the method of removing the head module having a failure or a problem is as described in the first embodiment.

  Instead of the removed head module, as shown in FIG. 10A, a film 50 is adhered to the side surfaces of both short sides of a new normal head module 16 'using an adhesive / sealant 52.

  As shown in FIG. 10 (a), the head module 16 'with the film 50 attached on both sides is aligned with the position of the removed head module, and is opposite to the arrow C shown in FIG. 6 (b). The fixing member 14 (see FIG. 6B) is attached from the direction (side facing the nozzle surface).

  FIG. 10B shows a state in which the ink head 12 in which the new head module 16 ′ is fitted between the normal head modules 16 is viewed from the nozzle surface side.

  After the attachment is completed, an adhesive / sealant 52 used for film adhesion is introduced between the head module 16 and the film 50 on both the left and right sides.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, a head module replacement method when two films are sandwiched in the gap between the head modules as described in the third embodiment will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the film 54 (54a, 54b) is pasted on the side surfaces of both short sides of the newly installed head module 16 'via an adhesive / sealant 52, and then replaced. A head module 16 'is prepared.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), the replacement head module 16 'with the film 54 attached on both sides thereof is inserted between the normal head modules 16 after removing the head module in question. (Pointed by arrows in the figure).

  At this time, when the head module in question is removed, as described with reference to FIG. 8 (a), if both the films on both sides are peeled off, both sides of the replacement head module 16 'to be inserted are normal. It is necessary to affix a new film 54 (54c, 54d) to each short side of the head module 16 as well.

  Next, a head module replacement method when two films are sandwiched in the gap between the head modules as described in the fourth embodiment as shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the film 54 (54a, 54b) is attached to the side surfaces of both short sides of the newly installed head module 16 'via an adhesive / sealant 52, and then replaced. A head module 16 'is prepared. At this time, the long sides of the folded film 54 are drawn out in alternate directions.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12 (b), the replacement head module 16 ′ in which the films 54 (54a, 54b) are alternately attached to both sides is replaced with the normal head after the problem head module is removed. Insert between modules 16.

  At this time, when removing the head module in question on the side surfaces of the normal head module 16 on both sides of the replacement head module 16 'to be inserted, the films 54c and 54d are left fixed.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, in order to mount the head module 16 ′ with the film 54 at both ends while positioning it, the film 54 and the film thickness of the adhesive / sealant 52 depend on the elasticity of the film 54. The total thickness of the film 54 and the adhesive / sealant 52 is preferably slightly smaller than the gap dimension in order to perform positioning more reliably.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13 (a) and a side view of a normal head module 16 and a replacement head module 16 ′ attached to the fixing member 14 as shown in FIG. 13 (a), a normal head module is shown. 16 and the replacement head module 16 ′ are preferably adhered to each other with an adhesive / sealant 52, and there is a slight gap d between the facing film 54c and the film 54a.

  However, in order to prevent ink inflow, it is preferable to apply a lubricant or the like to the gap d (see FIG. 13).

  For example, corresponding to FIG. 13, as shown in a plan view in FIG. 14 (a) and a side view in FIG. 14 (b), a normal head module 16 attached to the fixing member 14 and a replacement head module 16 ′. Alternatively, a lubricant 59 such as silicone oil may be introduced between the film 54c and the film 54a, which are respectively bonded to each other with an adhesive / sealant 52.

  Further, corresponding to FIG. 14, as shown in a plan view in FIG. 15 (a) and a side view in FIG. 15 (b), a normal head module 16 attached to the fixing member 14 and a replacement head module 16 are shown. The sealing agent 60 may be put on the lubricant 59 introduced between the respective films 54c and 54a. Thereby, a more robust structure can be obtained.

  Further, during normal use in which the head module 16 is not removed, the drawn-out portion of the film 50 or the film 54 becomes an obstacle, so that the drawn-out portion is preferably folded and stored.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), when films 54a and 54b are respectively attached to both sides of the head module 16, they are bent to the long side of the head module 16 as indicated by arrows in the figure. It is good to keep it.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 16B, a state in which the ink head 12 is constituted by a plurality of head modules 16, it is not necessary to bend each film 54 during normal use. Further, when a failure occurs in a certain head module 16, the film 54 (54a, 54b) may be extended only for the head module 16 to be removed.

  Also, when removing the head module 16, the film (50 or 54) is pulled out and the film is pulled out to release the seal. However, since the film itself is very small, it is dedicated to pull out the film. It is preferable that a jig is prepared.

  Such a jig is not particularly limited, and various types are conceivable. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, out of the two films sandwiched between the head modules, only the film attached to the head module in question to be removed was pulled out and attached to the normal head module on both sides thereof. In the case where the film is fixed and left, as shown in FIG. 17, a film pulling jig 70 including a film pulling portion 72 and a film fixing portion 74 can be considered.

  At this time, for example, although not shown in the drawing, holes and bent portions for hooking are formed at the end of the film 54, while the film lead-out portion 72 includes a hooking portion for hooking these holes and bent portions. The end of the film 54 may be hooked and pulled out by the hook portion of the film pull-out portion 72.

  According to each embodiment of the present invention described above, a sealing structure is formed with a film and an adhesive / sealant in a very narrow gap between high-density head modules, and the film is pulled out. The seal can be broken, the seal structure can be easily released, and the head module can be easily replaced.

  As mentioned above, although the inkjet head comprised by the several head module of this invention and the replacement | exchange method of a head module were demonstrated in detail, this invention is not limited to the above example, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. Of course, various improvements and modifications may be made.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Ink head, 14 ... Fixed member, 16 ... Head module, 20 ... Pressure chamber unit, 22 ... Nozzle, 24 ... Pressure chamber, 26 ... Ink supply port, 36 ... Ink supply path, 38 ... Vibration plate, 40 ... Piezoelectric Element, 42 ... Upper electrode, 44 ... Resin protective layer, 46 ... Common liquid chamber, 50, 54 ... Film, 52 ... Adhesive / sealant

Claims (12)

An inkjet head configured as a long head by arranging a plurality of head modules in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink as droplets are arranged in a horizontal row and incorporated in a fixing member,
A sealing structure in which at least one film is introduced into the gap between the head modules incorporated in the fixing member through an adhesive / sealant so that one end of the film is drawn out from the gap. Prepared,
An ink jet head composed of a plurality of head modules, wherein when the head module is replaced, the sealing structure can be released by pulling out the film using one end of the film drawn out to the outside. .   2. The inkjet head constituted by a plurality of head modules according to claim 1, wherein one end of the film drawn to the outside is all drawn in the same direction.   2. The ink-jet head comprising a plurality of head modules according to claim 1, wherein one end of each of the films drawn out to the outside is drawn out in alternate directions.   The inkjet head comprising a plurality of head modules according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the film is doubled by folding and folding a portion introduced into the gap.   5. The inkjet head constituted by a plurality of head modules according to claim 1, wherein the film is made of a resin material selected from PET, PEN, and PI.   5. The inkjet head constituted by a plurality of head modules according to claim 1, wherein a material of the film is a metal material of stainless steel or aluminum.   The plurality of head modules according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when two or more films are introduced into the gap, a lubricant is applied to a surface where the films contact each other. An inkjet head composed of   When two or more films are introduced into the gap, Teflon (registered trademark) processing is applied to the surface where the films come into contact with each other. An inkjet head composed of a plurality of head modules. A method of replacing each head module in an inkjet head configured as a long head by arranging a plurality of head modules in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink as liquid droplets are arranged in a horizontal row and incorporated in a fixing member,
A sealing structure in which at least one film is introduced into the gap between the head modules incorporated in the fixing member through an adhesive / sealant so that one end of the film is drawn out from the gap. Forming,
When the head module is replaced, the seal structure is released by pulling out the film using one end of the film drawn out from the gap on both sides of the head module to be removed, and the head module to be removed is removed. To replace the head module.   10. The head module replacement method according to claim 9, wherein when two or more films are introduced into the gap, the films on both sides of the head module to be removed are pulled out in the same direction.   The head module replacement method according to claim 9, wherein when two or more films are introduced into the gap, the films on both sides of the head module to be removed are pulled out in alternate directions.   If there are two or more films introduced into the gap, pull out only the film in contact with the head module to be removed, and fix the film in contact with normal head modules on both sides of the head module to be removed without pulling out. The head module replacement method according to claim 9, wherein the head module is replaced.

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