JP6508494B2 - Liquid jet head and liquid jet apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid jet head and a liquid jet apparatus, and more particularly to an ink jet recording head and an ink jet recording apparatus that jets ink as a liquid.

  As a liquid jet head, for example, a pressure generating chamber communicating with a nozzle opening for discharging an ink droplet is deformed by pressure generating means such as a piezoelectric element, and a head main body for discharging the ink droplet from the nozzle opening; There is known an ink jet recording head provided with a flow path member constituting a flow path of ink.

  The head body is connected to the flow path member so that ink from the flow path is supplied to the head body or ink from the head body is discharged to the flow path. Further, the flow passage member is provided with an opening through which the flexible wiring board is inserted, penetrating in the thickness direction. The flexible wiring board is inserted through the opening and connected to the pressure generating means of the head main body via a lead electrode.

  In addition, when forming a line head in which many heads are arranged in a row in a staggered manner (see, for example, Patent Document 1), wiring for sending an external signal to a flexible substrate other than the flexible wiring substrate connected to the head main body The problem is how to place the Furthermore, in such a line head, the size in the paper feeding direction is further increased to achieve multicoloring, but since the paper feeding can not be performed stably, the printing quality is degraded. There is a problem that a special device is needed to stably transport the

JP 2007-136701 A

  Therefore, in the liquid jet head, there is a demand for minimizing the size in the paper feeding direction, which is increasing with the demand for miniaturization as well as high resolution.

  Such a problem occurs not only in an ink jet recording head that discharges ink, but also in a liquid jet head and a liquid jet apparatus that jets a liquid other than ink.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention has an object to provide a liquid jet head and a liquid jet apparatus in which the dimension in the paper feeding direction is minimized.

According to the present invention for achieving the above object, there is provided a first connector to which a drive signal is input, and a control signal provided on the same plane as the first connector and spaced apart from the first connector in the first direction. Are provided between a wiring board having a second connector to which the signal is input, a nozzle for jetting a liquid, and the wiring board and the nozzle, and the first connector and the second connector are electrically connected and have a, an actuator unit having a piezoelectric element which is displaced in response to the drive signal and the control signal, the pitch of the first connector, and greater than the pitch of the second connector It is in the liquid jet head.
Here, a plurality of the wiring boards and the actuator unit are provided, a plurality of the first connectors are provided side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of the second connectors are the first Preferably, they are provided side by side in two directions.
Preferably, the liquid is jetted from the nozzle in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction .
Also, the provided on the wiring board so as to be aligned with the first connector or the second connector in the second direction, and the introduction flow path, wherein the liquid is introduced communicates with the said and the introduction flow path nozzle It is preferable to further have a flow path member provided between the wiring board and the actuator unit.
Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first connector to which a drive signal is input, and a control provided on the same plane as the first connector and spaced apart from the first connector in the first direction. It is provided between a wiring board having a second connector to which a signal is input, a nozzle for jetting a liquid, and the wiring board and the nozzle, and electrically connects the first connector and the second connector. An actuator unit having a drive signal and a piezoelectric element displaced according to the control signal; and a first connection terminal for transferring the drive signal and electrically connected to the first connector. and first substrate, transferring the control signal, the second substrate having a second connecting terminal that is the second connector and electrically connected, have a pitch of said first connector, said second co A liquid-jet apparatus characterized A liquid ejecting apparatus being greater than the pitch of the compactors.
Here, a plurality of the wiring boards and the actuator unit are provided, a plurality of the first connectors are provided side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of the second connectors are the first Provided side by side in two directions, the first substrate is provided with a plurality of first connection terminals, the second substrate is provided with a plurality of second connection terminals, and the plurality of first connectors are provided. Is preferably connected to the plurality of first connection terminals, and the plurality of second connectors are connected to the plurality of second connection terminals.
In another aspect, a plurality of actuator units each having a connection terminal row, and the plurality of actuator units are disposed to face each other, and are electrically connected to the connection terminal rows of each of the plurality of actuator units A wiring substrate extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, which is the conveyance direction of the plurality of actuator units, provided on the wiring substrate and provided with signals from the outside through the wiring substrate; An external connection terminal row for supplying each of the plurality of liquid flow paths for supplying liquid to each of the plurality of actuator units from the side opposite to the side on which the plurality of actuator units are arranged with respect to the wiring substrate; , And the plurality of liquid flow paths are disposed outside the first direction of the wiring board, and the external connection A liquid-jet head, characterized in that it is disposed between the plurality of liquid flow paths in said second direction.
In this aspect, the wiring substrate is electrically connected to the connection terminal row of each of the plurality of actuator units, and the connection terminal row is juxtaposed in a second direction intersecting the first direction which is the recording sheet conveyance direction. Since the external connection terminal rows are disposed on the outer side in the transport direction and the liquid flow paths are disposed on both outer sides in the second direction, the entire size can be reduced, and in particular, the dimension in the transport direction is shortened. Therefore, the conveyance accuracy of the recording sheet can be highly ensured, and the print quality can be improved.

  Here, the plurality of liquid flow paths are disposed on both sides of the wiring substrate in the first direction, and the external connection terminal rows are on both sides of the wiring substrate in the first direction in the second direction. Each of the divided external connection terminal rows is disposed between the plurality of liquid flow paths in the second direction while being divided and disposed in a region between the plurality of liquid flow paths. Is preferred. According to this, by dividing and arranging the external connection terminal rows on both sides in the transport direction of the wiring substrate, the overall miniaturization can be achieved, and in particular, the high density of the actuator unit is maintained while keeping the dimension in the transport direction short. Can respond to

  Further, one of the divided external connection terminal rows is a control system external connection terminal row that supplies a control signal for controlling a semiconductor device mounted on the plurality of actuator units, and the other is a plurality of the plurality of external connection terminal rows. It is preferable that it is a drive system external connection terminal row which supplies a signal for driving a drive element provided in the actuator unit. According to this, supply of the control signal and the drive signal to the actuator unit can be realized while achieving downsizing.

  Preferably, each of the connection terminal rows is electrically connected to the wiring board in a direction parallel or inclined to the first direction. According to this, the dimension in the transport direction can be further reduced.

Another aspect of the present invention is a liquid ejecting apparatus including the liquid ejecting head.
According to this aspect, the connection terminal row is electrically connected to each of the plurality of actuator units, and the connection terminal row is juxtaposed in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction which is the conveyance direction of the recording sheet. Since the external connection terminal rows are arranged on the outer side in the transfer direction of the wiring substrate and the liquid flow paths are arranged on both outer sides in the second direction, the overall size can be reduced. In particular, the dimensions in the transfer direction Can be shortened, the conveyance accuracy of the recording sheet is highly ensured, and a liquid ejecting apparatus with improved printing quality can be realized.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a recording apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is an exploded perspective view of a head unit concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a recording head according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wiring board according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the recording head according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is the A-A 'line sectional view of FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a head main body according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a head main body according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is the figure which showed typically arrangement | positioning of the nozzle opening of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a top view of the flow-path member (1st flow-path member) which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a top view of the 2nd channel member concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a top view of the 3rd channel member concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a bottom view of the 3rd channel member concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is the B-B 'line sectional drawing of FIGS. It is the C-C 'sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the D-D 'sectional view taken on the line of FIGS.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments.

Embodiment 1
The present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments. An ink jet recording head is an example of a liquid jet head, and is also simply referred to as a recording head. The ink jet recording head unit is an example of a liquid jet head unit, and may be simply referred to as a head unit. The ink jet recording apparatus is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is a so-called line recording apparatus that includes a head unit 101 and carries out printing by conveying a recording sheet S such as paper as a jet receiving medium.

  Specifically, the ink jet recording apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2, a head unit 101 having a plurality of recording heads 100, a conveying means 4 for conveying the recording sheet S, and a recording sheet S facing the head unit 101. And a supporting member 7 for supporting the In the present embodiment, the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S is the X direction. Further, in the liquid ejection surface where the nozzle openings of the head unit 101 are provided, the direction orthogonal to the X direction is taken as the Y direction. Furthermore, a direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction is taken as the Z direction. Further, in the X direction, the upstream side for conveying the recording sheet S is the X1 side, the downstream side is the X2 side, one in the Y direction is the Y1 side, the other is the Y2 side, and the liquid ejection direction side in the Z direction (recording sheet S Side) is the Z1 side, and the opposite side is the Z2 side.

  The head unit 101 includes a plurality of recording heads 100 and a head fixing substrate 102 that holds the plurality of recording heads 100.

  The plurality of recording heads 100 are arranged in parallel in the Y direction which is a direction intersecting the X direction which is the transport direction, and fixed to the head fixing substrate 102. In the present embodiment, the plurality of recording heads 100 are arranged in parallel on a straight line in the Y direction. That is, the plurality of recording heads 100 are not arranged in the X direction. As a result, the width of the head unit 101 in the X direction can be narrowed, and the head unit 101 can be miniaturized.

  The head fixing substrate 102 holds the plurality of recording heads 100 such that the nozzle openings of the plurality of recording heads 100 face the recording sheet S, and is fixed to the apparatus main body 2.

  The conveying unit 4 conveys the recording sheet S in the X direction with respect to the head unit 101. The transport means 4 includes, for example, a first transport roller 5 and a second transport roller 6 provided on both sides of the head unit 101 in the X direction, which is the transport direction of the recording sheet S. The recording sheet S is conveyed in the X direction by the first conveyance roller 5 and the second conveyance roller 6. The conveyance means 4 for conveying the recording sheet S is not limited to the conveyance roller, and may be a belt, a drum or the like.

  The supporting member 7 supports the recording sheet S conveyed by the conveying unit 4 at a position facing the head unit 101. The support member 7 is made of, for example, metal or resin having a rectangular cross section, and is provided between the first conveyance roller 5 and the second conveyance roller 6 so as to face the head unit 101.

  Note that the support member 7 may be provided with a suction unit for suctioning the conveyed recording sheet S on the support member 7. As the suction means, for example, one suctioned and adsorbed by suctioning the recording sheet S, and one electrostatically adsorbed the recording sheet S by electrostatic force may be mentioned. Further, for example, when the transport unit 4 is a belt or a drum, the support member 7 supports the recording sheet S on the belt or the drum at a position facing the head unit 101.

  Although not shown, liquid storage means such as an ink tank or an ink cartridge storing ink is connected to each recording head 100 of the head unit 101 so as to be able to supply the ink. For example, the liquid storage means may be held on the head unit 101 or may be held at a position different from the head unit 101 in the apparatus main body 2. Further, a channel or the like for supplying the ink supplied from the liquid storage means to the recording head 100 may be provided in the inside of the head fixing substrate 102, and the head fixing substrate 102 is provided with an ink channel member. The ink from the liquid storage means may be supplied to the recording head 100 via the flow path member. Of course, the ink may be supplied directly from the liquid storage means to the recording head 100 without passing through the ink fixing member fixed to the head fixing substrate 102 or the head fixing substrate 102.

  In such an ink jet recording apparatus 1, the recording sheet S is conveyed in the X direction by the first conveyance roller 5, and printing is performed on the recording sheet S supported on the support member 7 by the head unit 101. The printed recording sheet S is conveyed by the second conveyance roller 6 in the X direction.

  The head unit 101 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the head unit according to the present embodiment.

  The head unit 101 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of recording heads 100 and a head fixing substrate 102 that holds the plurality of recording heads 100. The recording head 100 has a liquid ejection surface 20 a provided with a nozzle opening 21 on the Z1 side in the Z direction. Each recording head 100 is fixed on the side of the head fixing substrate 102 facing the recording sheet S, that is, on the Z1 side which is the recording sheet S side in the Z direction.

  As described above, the plurality of recording heads 100 are arranged on a straight line in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction, which is the transport direction, and fixed to the head fixing substrate 102. That is, the plurality of recording heads 100 are not arranged in the X direction. As a result, the width of the head unit 101 in the X direction can be narrowed, and the head unit 101 can be miniaturized. Of course, the recording heads 100 arranged in parallel in the Y direction may be arranged to be shifted in the X direction, but when the recording head 100 is largely deviated in the X direction, the width of the head fixing substrate 102 etc. in the X direction is wide. turn into. As described above, when the size of the head unit 101 in the X direction increases, the distance between the first conveyance roller 5 and the second conveyance roller 6 in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 increases in the X direction, and the posture of the recording sheet S It becomes difficult to fix the In addition, the head unit 101 and the ink jet recording apparatus 1 increase in size.

  In the present embodiment, the four recording heads 100 are fixed to the head fixing substrate 102. However, the number of the recording heads 100 is not particularly limited as long as the number is two or more.

  The recording head 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a plan view of the recording head, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wiring substrate, FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the recording head, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line A-A 'of FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the recording head 100 on the Z2 side in the Z direction, and the illustration of the holding member 120 is omitted.

  The recording head 100 includes a plurality of head bodies 110, a COF substrate 98 connected to each head body 110, and a flow path member 200 provided with a flow path for supplying ink to each head body. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the recording head 100 includes the holding member 120 for holding the plurality of head main bodies 110, the fixing plate 130 provided on the liquid ejection surface 20a side of the head main body 110, and the wiring substrate 140. .

  The head body 110 is supplied with the ink from the holding member 120 and the flow path member 200 provided with the ink flow path, and the control unit (not shown) provided in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 leads the wiring board 140 and the COF board A control signal is transmitted through 98, and an ink droplet is ejected based on the control signal. The detailed configuration of the head main body 110 will be described later.

  Each head main body 110 has a liquid ejection surface 20 a provided with a nozzle opening 21 on the Z1 side in the Z direction. Further, the Z2 side of the plurality of head main bodies 110 is bonded to the surface of the flow path member 200 on the Z1 side.

  The flow path member 200 is a member provided with a liquid flow path of the ink supplied to the head main body 110. Although the detailed configuration of the flow path member 200 will be described later, in the flow path member 200, a plurality of head main bodies 110 are arranged in parallel in the Y direction and adhered to the surface on the Z1 side. Further, the liquid flow path provided in the flow path member 200 communicates with the liquid flow path of each head main body 110, and the ink is supplied from the flow path member 200 to each head main body 110.

  In the present embodiment, six head bodies 110 are adhered to one flow passage member 200. Of course, the number of head main bodies 110 fixed to one flow passage member 200 is not limited to the one described above, and two or more head main bodies 110 may be provided for one flow passage member 200. There may be more than one.

  Further, the flow passage member 200 is provided with an opening 201 penetrating in the Z direction, and the COF substrate 98 whose one end is connected to the head main body 110 is inserted through the opening 201.

  The COF substrate 98 is an example of a flexible wiring substrate. The flexible wiring board is one in which a wiring is formed on a flexible substrate. The COF substrate 98 also includes a drive circuit 97 (see FIG. 7) for driving pressure generating means provided in the head main body 110.

  The COF substrate 98 connected to the pressure generating means which is the actuator of the head main body 110 which is the actuator unit has the connection terminal row 99 (see FIG. 16) on the opposite side to the connection end with the head main body 110 201 and the through portion 141, and is connected to the terminal row 142 provided with the surface on the Z2 side of the edge portion of the through portion 141 of the wiring substrate 140. That is, the COF substrate 98 is connected to each head body 110 one by one and is extended from the Z1 side in the Z direction to the Z2 side, and a connection terminal for supplying a signal to the head body 110 at an end portion It has a row 99. Further, the COF substrates 98 connected to the plurality of head main bodies 110 are all provided at overlapping positions as viewed in the Y direction. As described later, although the COF substrate 98 of the present embodiment is inclined, the lead electrodes 90 electrically connected to the COF substrate 98 and the wiring substrate 140 are separated in the Z direction. Even in such a case, it is assumed that the COF substrate 98 is extended in the Z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the wiring substrate 140 is a substrate on the surface of which electrical components such as wires, ICs, and resistors are mounted, and is disposed between the holding member 120 and the flow path member 200. In the wiring substrate 140, a through portion 141 in communication with the opening 201 provided in the flow path member 200 is formed. The opening shape of each penetration portion 141 is formed larger than the opening portion 201 of the flow path member 200, and the longitudinal direction thereof extends in the Xa direction inclined from the X direction corresponding to the first direction which is the transport direction. . A terminal row 142 to which a connection terminal row 99 of a COF substrate 98 described later is connected is provided at one side edge portion in the width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the penetrating portion 141. The terminal rows 142 are provided in six rows corresponding to the six through portions 141, and the six terminal rows 142 are provided in parallel in the Y direction which is a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.

  The connection terminal row 99 of the COF substrate 98 is connected to each of the six terminal rows 142. As a result, the terminal rows 142 of the six COF substrates 98 follow the Xa direction inclined from the X direction corresponding to the first direction which is the transport direction, and are juxtaposed in the Y direction which is the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. It will be.

  On the other hand, drive system connection connectors 143A serving as drive system external connection terminal rows and control system external connection connectors 143B serving as control system external connection terminal rows are provided at both ends of wiring substrate 140 in the X direction. The terminal row 142 of the row, and the drive system connection connector 143A and the control system external connection connector 143B are connected by a wire 144. The connection to the drive system connection connector 143A and the control system external connection connector 143B can be made via the through parts 123 and 124 provided in the holding member 120.

  Here, although six COF substrates 98 connected to six head bodies 110 are connected to one wiring board 140, which will be described later in detail, all the signals supplied to the six head bodies 110 are summarized , The drive system signal and the control system signal are separated, and the wiring 144 related to the drive system signal from the six terminal row 142 is connected to the drive system connection connector 143A, and the wiring 144 related to the control system signal is external to the control system. It is connected to the connection connector 143B.

  The drive system signal is a signal for actually driving the pressure generating means which is a drive element, and is a Vbs which is a reference voltage or a COM signal which is a drive waveform, and the voltage is relatively high and a large current is required. It is a thing. On the other hand, the control system signal is a signal for controlling the drive circuit 97 which is a semiconductor device for controlling the drive element, has a relatively constant voltage, and has a low current. Thus, the drive system connection connector 143A can use a large pitch connector, and the control system external connection connector 143B can use a relatively small pitch connector. That is, if it is intended to divide the six head bodies 110 into three parts and supply signals to each of them with one connection connector, since the drive system signal and the control system signal are mixed, the connection connector with a large pitch is used. In this case, it is necessary to use, but as described above, it becomes a large connection connector as compared with the case where the drive system and the control system are separated, and can not be disposed in a limited space. However, as described above, by separately supplying the drive system signal and the control system signal, it has become possible to arrange the connection connector in a limited space. However, when space permits, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a connection connector may be provided for each head body 110 or for each of a plurality of head bodies 110.

  Here, as described above, the drive system connection connector 143A and the control system external connection connector 143B are respectively disposed outside in the first direction, but each of the drive system connection connector 143A and the control system external connection connector 143B Although described in detail later on both sides in the second direction, the liquid flow paths of the flow path member 200 for supplying the liquid to the head main body 110 which is an actuator unit, that is, specifically, the second introduction flow paths 282a and 282b, First introduction channels 281a and 281b are disposed. Specifically, the drive system connection connector 143A is disposed between the second introduction passage 282a and the second introduction passage 282b in the second direction, and the control system external connection connector 143B is in the second direction, It is arrange | positioned between the 1st introduction flow path 281a and the 1st introduction flow path 281b.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the wiring substrate 140 is connected to the control unit of the ink jet recording apparatus 1. Specifically, the connection terminals 151A of the relay substrate 150A are connected to the four drive system connection connectors 143A, and the connection terminals 151B of the relay substrate 150B are connected to the control system external connection connector 143B. There is. Further, relay board 150A is provided with one connector 152A for supplying a drive system signal from the outside, and relay board 150B is provided with two connectors 152B for supplying a control system signal from the outside. A flexible printed circuit board for supplying a drive system signal from the outside, ie, the connection terminal 161A of the FPC board 160A, is connected to the connector 152A of the relay board 150A, and the connector 152B of the relay board 150B is externally controlled The connection terminal 161B of the FPC board 160B for supplying a system signal is connected.

  Therefore, the drive signal and control signal sent from the control unit of the ink jet recording apparatus 1 are connected to the drive system connection connector 143A of the wiring board 140 and the control system externally via the FPC boards 160A and 160B and the relay boards 150A and 150B. It enters the connector 143 B, is transmitted to the drive circuit 97 of the COF substrate 98, and the pressure generation means of the head main body 110 is driven by the drive circuit 97. Thus, the ink ejection operation of the recording head 100 is controlled.

  The holding member 120 has a holding portion 121 that forms a groove-shaped space on the Z1 side. The holding portion 121 is provided continuously on the surface on the Z1 side of the holding member 120 along the Y direction, and is provided so as to open on both side surfaces in the Y direction. Further, by providing the holding portion 121 at a substantially central portion in the X direction, the holding member 120 has the foot portions 122 formed on both sides of the holding portion 121 in the X direction. That is, the foot portions 122 are provided only on both end portions in the X direction on the surface on the Z1 side of the holding member 120, and are not provided on both end portions in the Y direction. In addition, although the holding member 120 consists of one member in this embodiment, it is not limited to such an aspect, A some member may be laminated | stacked and comprised in Z direction.

  The wiring board 140, the flow path member 200, and the plurality of head main bodies 110 are accommodated in such a holding portion 121. Specifically, the head main bodies 110 are bonded to the surface on the Z1 side of the flow path member 200 with an adhesive or the like, and the wiring substrate 140 is fixed to the surface on the Z2 side of the flow path member 200. The wiring board 140, the flow path member 200, and the plurality of head main bodies 110, which are integrally configured as described above, are accommodated in the holding portion 121.

  In the holding member 120 and the flow path member 200, surfaces of the holding portion 121 and the flow path member 200 facing each other in the Z direction are adhered by an adhesive. The wiring board 140 is accommodated in a space sandwiched between the holding portion 121 and the flow path member 200. The holding member 120 and the flow path member 200 may be integrated by fixing means such as a screw instead of adhesion by an adhesive.

  Further, although not shown in the figure, the holding member 120 is formed with a flow path through which the ink flows, a filter for capturing foreign matter and the like, and the like. The flow channels of these holding members 120 communicate with the liquid flow channels of the flow channel member 200. Thus, the ink from the liquid storage means provided in the ink jet recording apparatus 1 is supplied to the head main body 110 through the holding member 120 and the flow path member 200.

  The fixing plate 130 is provided on the liquid ejection surface 20 a side of the recording head 100, that is, on the Z1 side of the recording head 100 in the Z direction, and is a member that holds the recording heads 100. The fixing plate 130 is formed, for example, by bending a plate-like member such as metal. Specifically, the fixing plate 130 includes a base portion 131 provided on the liquid ejection surface 20 a side and a bent portion 132 provided by bending both end portions of the base portion 131 in the Y direction to the Z2 side in the Z direction. Prepare.

  In addition, the base portion 131 is provided with an exposure opening portion 133 which is an opening for exposing the nozzle opening 21 of each head main body 110. In the present embodiment, the exposure opening 133 is provided so as to open independently for each head body 110. That is, since the recording head 100 of the present embodiment has six head main bodies 110, the base portion 131 is provided with six independent exposure openings 133. Of course, depending on the configuration and the like of the head main body 110, one common exposure opening 133 may be provided for the head main body group including the plurality of head main bodies 110.

  The Z1 side of the holding portion 121 of the holding member 120 is covered by such a base portion 131. As shown in FIG. 6, the base portion 131 is bonded to the Z1 side surface of the holding member 120 in the Z direction, that is, the end surface of the foot portion 122 on the Z1 side via an adhesive.

  The bent portions 132 are provided at both ends of the base portion 131 in the Y direction, and are formed to have a size that covers an opening area opened on the side surface of the holding portion 121 in the Y direction. That is, the bent portion 132 is a region from the end of the base portion 131 in the Y direction to the edge of the fixing plate 130. Such a bent portion 132 is bonded to the side surface of the holding member 120 in the Y direction via an adhesive. Thereby, the opening to the side surface in the Y direction of the holding portion 121 is covered and sealed by the bent portion 132.

  As described above, the fixing plate 130 is adhered to the holding member 120 with an adhesive, so that the head main body 110 is disposed in the holding portion 121 which is a space between the holding member 120 and the fixing plate 130.

  As described above, in the recording head 100 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of head main bodies 110 are provided for one recording head 100 to realize multiple nozzle rows, thereby providing the recording head 100 with respect to one recording head 100. The yield can be improved as compared with the case where multiple nozzle rows are provided by providing only one head main body 110. That is, to increase the number of nozzle rows in the single head body 110 reduces the yield of the head body 110 and increases the manufacturing cost. On the other hand, when the number of nozzle rows is increased by the plurality of head main bodies 110, the yield of the head main bodies 110 can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, the opening at the side surface in the Y direction of the holding member 120 is sealed by the bent portion 132 of the fixing plate 130. Thus, even if there is no foot for bonding with the base portion 131 of the fixing plate 130 on both sides of the holding member 120 in the Y direction, evaporation of water from the opening provided on the side surface of the holding portion 121 in the Y direction is suppressed can do.

  Therefore, in the head unit 101 in which the recording heads 100 are arranged in parallel in the Y direction, the interval between the recording heads 100 adjacent in the Y direction should be narrowed because the foot portion 122 is not present on the recording head 100 side adjacent in the Y direction. Can. Thus, the head main bodies 110 of the recording heads 100 adjacent in the Y direction can be provided close to each other, and the nozzle openings 21 provided in the head main bodies 110 of the adjacent recording heads 100 are provided close in the Y direction. be able to.

  In the recording head 100 according to the present embodiment, the foot portions 122 are provided on both sides of the holding member 120 in the X direction, but the foot portions 122 may not be provided. That is, the head main body 110 may be adhered to the surface on the Z1 side of the holding member 120, and the bent portions 132 may be provided on both sides in the X direction and the Y direction of the fixing plate 130. That is, the fixed plate 130 is provided with the bent portion 132 over the entire periphery in the in-plane direction of the liquid injection surface 20 a, and the fixed plate 130 is bonded over the entire periphery of the side surface of the holding member 120. It is also good. However, by providing the foot portions 122 on both sides of the holding member 120 in the X direction as in the present embodiment, the end face on the Z1 side of the foot portions 122 is adhered to the base portion 131 of the fixing plate 130, thereby achieving ink jet recording. The strength of the head 100 in the Z direction can be improved, and evaporation of water from the foot 122 can be suppressed.

  The head main body 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the head main body according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the head main body in the Y direction. Of course, the configuration of the head main body 110 is not limited to the following configuration.

  The head main body 110 of the present embodiment includes a pressure generating chamber 12, a nozzle opening 21, a manifold 95, pressure generating means, and the like. Therefore, a plurality of members such as the flow path forming substrate 10, the communication plate 15, the nozzle plate 20, the protective substrate 30, the compliance substrate 45, and the case 40 are joined by an adhesive or the like.

  In the flow path forming substrate 10, pressure generating chambers 12 partitioned by a plurality of partition walls are arranged in parallel along the arranging direction of the plurality of nozzle openings 21 by performing anisotropic etching from one surface side. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the pressure generating chambers 12 are juxtaposed is referred to as the Xa direction. Further, in the flow path forming substrate 10, a plurality of rows in which the pressure generating chambers 12 are arranged in parallel in the Xa direction are provided in two rows in the present embodiment. The direction in which the plurality of rows of pressure generating chambers 12 are arranged is hereinafter referred to as the Ya direction. In the present embodiment, the direction orthogonal to the Xa direction and the Ya direction coincides with the Z direction. In addition, the head main body 110 of the present embodiment is mounted on the head unit 101 such that the Xa direction, which is the direction in which the nozzle openings 21 are juxtaposed, is inclined with respect to the X direction, which is the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S. Ru.

  Further, the flow path forming substrate 10 has an opening area smaller than that of the pressure generating chamber 12 on one end side of the pressure generating chamber 12 in the Ya direction, and applies flow resistance of ink flowing into the pressure generating chamber 12. A supply path or the like may be provided.

  A communication plate 15 is joined to one side of the flow path forming substrate 10. Further, a nozzle plate 20 provided with a plurality of nozzle openings 21 communicating with the pressure generating chambers 12 is joined to the communication plate 15. In the present embodiment, the Z1 side in the Z direction where the nozzle openings 21 of the nozzle plate 20 open is the liquid ejection surface 20a.

  The communication plate 15 is provided with a nozzle communication passage 16 communicating the pressure generating chamber 12 with the nozzle opening 21. The communication plate 15 has an area larger than the flow path forming substrate 10, and the nozzle plate 20 has an area smaller than the flow path forming substrate 10. By thus reducing the area of the nozzle plate 20 relatively, the cost can be reduced.

  Further, the communication plate 15 is provided with a first manifold 17 and a second manifold 18 which constitute a part of the manifold 95. The first manifold 17 is provided to penetrate the communication plate 15 in the Z direction. The second manifold 18 is opened on the side of the nozzle plate 20 of the communication plate 15 without penetrating the communication plate 15 in the Z direction, and provided halfway to the Z direction.

  Further, in the communication plate 15, a supply communication passage 19 communicating with one end of the pressure generating chamber 12 in the Y direction is provided independently for each pressure generating chamber 12. The supply communication passage 19 communicates the second manifold 18 with the pressure generation chamber 12.

  In the nozzle plate 20, a nozzle opening 21 communicating with each pressure generating chamber 12 via a nozzle communication passage 16 is formed. A plurality of nozzle openings 21 are juxtaposed in the Xa direction, and the juxtaposed nozzle openings 21 form two nozzle rows a and b, and the nozzle rows a and b are juxtaposed in the Ya direction ing. In the present embodiment, although the details will be described later, each of the nozzle row a and the nozzle row b can be divided into two and can jet two types of liquid in one row.

  On the other hand, a diaphragm 50 is formed on the side of the flow path forming substrate 10 opposite to the communication plate 15. In addition, the piezoelectric actuator 300 which is a pressure generating unit of the present embodiment is configured by sequentially laminating the first electrode 60, the piezoelectric layer 70, and the second electrode 80 on the vibrating plate 50. Generally, one of the electrodes of the piezoelectric actuator 300 is used as a common electrode, and the other electrode and the piezoelectric layer are patterned for each pressure generating chamber 12.

  Further, a protective substrate 30 having substantially the same size as the flow path forming substrate 10 is bonded to the surface of the flow path forming substrate 10 on the piezoelectric actuator 300 side. The protective substrate 30 has a holding portion 31 which is a space for protecting the piezoelectric actuator 300. Further, the protective substrate 30 is provided with a through hole 32 penetrating in the Z direction. The end of the lead electrode 90 drawn from the electrode of the piezoelectric actuator 300 is extended so as to be exposed in the through hole 32, and the lead electrode 90 and the COF substrate 98 are electrically connected in the through hole 32. It is done.

  Further, a case 40 defining a manifold 95 communicating with the plurality of pressure generating chambers 12 is fixed to the protective substrate 30 and the communication plate 15. The case 40 has substantially the same shape as the communication plate 15 described above in plan view, and is joined to the protective substrate 30 and also to the communication plate 15 described above. Specifically, the case 40 has a recess 41 with a depth at which the flow path forming substrate 10 and the protective substrate 30 are accommodated on the side of the protective substrate 30. The recess 41 has an opening area larger than the surface of the protective substrate 30 joined to the flow path forming substrate 10. The opening surface on the nozzle plate 20 side of the recess 41 is sealed by the communication plate 15 in a state in which the flow passage forming substrate 10 and the like are accommodated in the recess 41. Thus, a third manifold 42 is defined at the outer peripheral portion of the flow path forming substrate 10 by the case 40, the flow path forming substrate 10, and the protective substrate 30. The third manifold 42 and the first manifold 17 and the second manifold 18 provided in the communication plate 15 constitute a manifold 95 according to the present embodiment. As described above, since two types of liquid can be jetted by one nozzle row, the first manifold 17, the second manifold 18 and the third manifold 42 constituting the manifold 95 each have a nozzle row. It is divided into two in the direction, that is, the Xa direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the first manifold 17 comprises a first manifold 17a and a first manifold 17b. Similarly, the second manifold 18 and the third manifold 42 are also divided into two, and the entire manifold 95 is also divided into two in the Xa direction.

  In the present embodiment, the first manifold 17, the second manifold 18, and the third manifold 42 constituting the manifold 95 are disposed symmetrically with respect to the nozzle row a and the nozzle row b, respectively. According to this, it is also possible to eject different liquids for each of the nozzle row a and the nozzle row b. Of course, the arrangement of the manifold is not limited to this.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the manifold corresponding to each nozzle row is divided into two in the Xa direction to form four manifolds 95 in total so that four types of liquid can be jetted as described later. Alternatively, a manifold may be formed for each nozzle row b, or a common manifold may be used for two rows of the nozzle row a and the nozzle row b.

  Further, a compliance substrate 45 is provided on the surface of the communication plate 15 on which the first manifold 17 and the second manifold 18 are opened. The compliance substrate 45 seals the openings of the first manifold 17 and the second manifold 18.

  Such a compliance substrate 45 includes a sealing film 46 and a fixed substrate 47 in the present embodiment. The sealing film 46 is formed of a flexible thin film (for example, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), stainless steel (SUS), etc. Further, the fixed substrate 47 is a metal such as stainless steel (SUS), etc. The fixed substrate 47 is formed of an opening 48 completely removed in the thickness direction from the area facing the manifold 95, so that one surface of the manifold 95 is flexible. The compliance portion 49 is a flexible portion sealed only by the sealing film 46.

  Further, the fixing plate 130 is bonded to the side opposite to the communication plate 15 of the compliance substrate 45. That is, the exposure opening 133 provided in the base 131 of the fixing plate 130 has an opening area larger than the area of the nozzle plate 20, and exposes the liquid injection surface 20 a of the nozzle plate 20 in the exposure opening 133. . Of course, the fixing plate 130 is not limited to this. For example, the exposed opening 133 of the fixing plate 130 has an opening area smaller than the outer shape of the nozzle plate 20, and the fixing plate 130 is in contact with the liquid injection surface 20 a of the nozzle plate 20. You may make it contact or adhere. Further, even when the exposed opening 133 of the fixing plate 130 has an opening area smaller than the outer diameter of the nozzle plate 20, the fixing plate 130 and the liquid injection surface 20a may not be in contact with each other. That is, that the fixing plate 130 is provided on the liquid ejection surface 20 a side includes one that is not in contact with the liquid ejection surface 20 a and one that is in contact with the liquid ejection surface 20 a.

  The case 40 is provided with an introduction path 44 communicating with the manifold 95 and supplying ink to each manifold 95. Further, the case 40 is provided with a connection port 43 communicating with the through hole 32 of the protective substrate 30 and through which the COF substrate 98 is inserted.

  In the head main body 110 having such a configuration, when the ink is ejected, the ink is taken in from the storage means via the introduction path 44, and the inside of the flow path is filled with the ink from the manifold 95 to the nozzle opening 21. Thereafter, a voltage is applied to each of the piezoelectric actuators 300 corresponding to the pressure generating chamber 12 in accordance with the signal from the drive circuit 97, thereby bending and deforming the diaphragm together with the piezoelectric actuator 300. As a result, the pressure in the pressure generation chamber 12 is increased, and the ink droplet is ejected from the predetermined nozzle opening 21.

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9, the direction in which the nozzle openings 21 forming the nozzle row of the head main body 110 are juxtaposed is provided inclined with respect to the X direction which is the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S. The points will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view schematically showing the arrangement of the nozzle openings of the head main body according to the present embodiment.

  The plurality of head main bodies 110 are fixed such that the nozzle array a and the nozzle array b are inclined with respect to the X direction, which is the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S, in the in-plane direction of the liquid ejection surface 20a. The nozzle array referred to here is one in which a plurality of nozzle openings 21 are arranged in parallel in a predetermined direction. In the present embodiment, the liquid ejection surface 20a is provided with two rows of the nozzle array a and the nozzle array b in which a plurality of nozzle openings 21 are arranged in the Xa direction as a predetermined direction. The Xa direction is a direction intersecting the X direction at an angle larger than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. Here, it is preferable that the X direction and the Xa direction intersect at an angle of more than 0 degree and less than 45 degrees. According to this, the distance D1 between the nozzle openings 21 in the Y direction can be made smaller and the recording head 100 with high resolution in the Y direction can be realized, as compared with the case of intersecting at an angle larger than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees it can. Of course, the X direction and the Xa direction may intersect at an angle of more than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

  If the X direction and the Xa direction intersect at an angle of more than 0 ° and less than 45 °, the nozzle row is directed in the X direction rather than a straight line intersecting the X direction at 45 ° in the plane of the liquid ejection surface 20a. State of being inclined more Further, the interval D1 referred to here is an interval between the nozzle openings 21 when the nozzle openings 21 of the nozzle array a and the nozzle array b are projected in the X direction with respect to an imaginary line in the Y direction. Further, the distance between the nozzle openings 21 when the nozzle openings 21 of the nozzle array a and the nozzle array b are projected in the Y direction with respect to an imaginary line in the X direction is D2.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, two types of liquid can be ejected by one nozzle array and four types of liquid can be ejected by two nozzle arrays. That is, assuming that four colors of ink are used, for example, black Bk and magenta M can be jetted in the nozzle row a, and cyan C and yellow Y can be jetted in the nozzle row b. Further, the nozzle array a and the nozzle array b have the same number of nozzle openings 21, and the position of the nozzle openings 21 in the Y direction of the nozzle array a and the position of the nozzle openings 21 in the Y direction of the nozzle array b are Overlap in the X direction.

  The head main bodies 110a to 110c have similar nozzle arrays a and b, and the nozzle openings 21 of the head main bodies 110 adjacent to each other in the Y direction are provided by providing the head main bodies 110a to 110c in the Y direction. Are juxtaposed so as to overlap each other in the X direction. Therefore, for example, the nozzle row a of the magenta M and the nozzle row b of the yellow Y of the head body 110a overlap the nozzle row a of black Bk and the nozzle row b of cyan C in the X direction in the X direction. Four colors will be arranged in one line in the direction, and a color image can be printed. Similarly, the nozzle openings 21 of the head body 110b and the head body 110c adjacent to each other in the Y direction are arranged in parallel so as to overlap each other in the X direction.

  Furthermore, the image quality of the joint between the head bodies 110 is improved by arranging the nozzle openings 21 of at least a part of the nozzle rows of the same color that the adjacent head bodies 110 overlap with each other in the X direction. Can. That is, for example, one nozzle opening 21 of the nozzle row a of magenta M of the head main body 110a and one nozzle opening 21 of the nozzle row a of magenta M of the head main body 110b are arranged to overlap each other in the X direction. By controlling the ejection from the two overlapping nozzle openings 21, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality such as banding and streaks at the joint between the adjacent head main bodies 110. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 9, only one nozzle opening 21 overlaps in the X direction, but two or more nozzle openings 21 may overlap in the X direction.

  Of course, the arrangement of such colors is not limited to this. For example, although not shown in the drawing, four nozzles of black Bk, magenta M, cyan C and yellow Y may be arranged to be jetted by one nozzle row.

  As described above, four recording heads 100 each having a plurality of head main bodies 110 are fixed to the head fixing substrate 102 to constitute the head unit 101. However, as shown by the straight line L in FIG. Some of the nozzle rows are arranged to overlap each other in the X direction. That is, similar to the relationship between the adjacent head bodies 110 in one recording head 100, the adjacent head bodies 110 are provided adjacent to each other in the Y direction between the adjacent recording heads 100 in the Y direction. While being able to print a color image between 100, the image quality of the joint between the adjacent recording heads 100 can be improved. Of course, the number of nozzle openings 21 overlapping in the X direction between adjacent recording heads 100 does not have to be the same as the number of nozzle openings 21 overlapping in the X direction between head main bodies 110 in one recording head 100.

  As described above, by partially overlapping the nozzle array between the head main bodies 110 and the nozzle array between the recording heads 100 in the X direction, the image quality of the joint can be improved.

  Further, between the nozzle openings 21 adjacent to each other in the Xa direction of each nozzle row, the nozzle pitch and the angle between the X direction and the Xa direction are set such that the distance D1 in the X direction and the distance D2 in the Y direction become an integer ratio. Is preferred. According to this, when printing the image data which consists of the pixels arranged in the shape of a matrix in the X direction and the Y direction, correspondence with each nozzle and a pixel becomes easy. In addition, of course, it is not limited to such an integer ratio.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the recording head 100 of the present embodiment has a shape that is substantially parallelogram when viewed in plan from the liquid ejection surface 20 a side. This is because, as described above, the Xa direction, which is the direction in which the nozzle openings 21 forming the nozzle array a and the nozzle array b of each head main body 110 are arranged, is inclined with respect to the X direction which is the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S The outer shape of the recording head 100, that is, the fixing plate 130 is formed to be a substantially parallelogram in the same manner as the Xa direction in which the nozzle array a and the nozzle array b are inclined. It is. Of course, the shape of the recording head 100 in plan view from the liquid ejection surface 20 a side is not limited to a substantially parallelogram, and may be a trapezoidal rectangular shape, a polygonal shape, or the like.

  In the embodiment described above, an example in which two nozzle rows are provided in one head main body has been described, but the same effect as described above can be obtained even if three or more nozzle rows are provided. Needless to say. If two nozzle rows are provided in one head main body 110 as in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, each of the two manifolds 95 corresponding to the respective nozzle rows is separated. Since the nozzle openings 21 of the nozzle row can be arranged, compared with the case where the nozzle openings 21 of a plurality of nozzle rows are arranged on the same side with respect to the manifold corresponding to each nozzle row, the two nozzle rows The interval in the Ya direction can be narrowed. Therefore, the area required for one nozzle plate 20 can be reduced for two nozzle rows. Further, the connection between the piezoelectric actuator 300 and the COF substrate 98 in each of the two nozzle rows is also facilitated.

  Moreover, in the present embodiment, each of the nozzle rows a and b has the same number of nozzle openings 21. According to this, the overlap number in the X direction between the nozzle rows can be made the same, and efficient liquid ejection can be performed. However, the number of nozzle openings in each nozzle row does not have to be the same. Furthermore, the types of liquid ejected by the nozzle rows a and b may be all the same, for example, all the same color ink may be used.

  Moreover, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the head main body 110 have one nozzle plate 20 for two nozzle rows. According to this, the arrangement of the nozzle rows can be realized with higher accuracy. Of course, another nozzle plate 20 may be provided for each nozzle row. The nozzle plate 20 is formed of a stainless steel (SUS) plate, a silicon substrate, or the like.

  The flow path member 200 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 to 16. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a first flow path member as the flow path member 200, FIG. 11 is a plan view of a second flow path member as the flow path member 200, and FIG. 13 is a plan view of the third flow path member, FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the third flow path member, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB 'in FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC ′ of FIG. 13, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD ′ of FIGS. 10 to 12 are plan views on the Z2 side, and FIG. 13 is a bottom view on the Z1 side.

  The flow path member 200 is a member provided with a flow path 240 through which the ink flows. In this embodiment, the three first flow path members 210, the second flow path members 220 and the third flow path members 230, and the plurality of flow paths 240 stacked in the Z direction are provided. In the Z direction, the first flow path member 210, the second flow path member 220, and the third flow path member 230 are stacked in this order from the holding member 120 side (see FIG. 6) toward the head main body 110 side. Although not particularly illustrated, the first flow path member 210, the second flow path member 220, and the third flow path member 230 are bonded and fixed by an adhesive, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. The first flow passage member 210, the second flow passage member 220, and the third flow passage member 230 may be integrated by means. Moreover, there is no limitation in particular in material, For example, it can form with metals and resin, such as SUS.

  The flow path 240 has, at both ends, an introduction flow path 280 into which the ink supplied from the upstream member (in the present embodiment, the holding member 120) is introduced, and a connection portion 290 serving as an outlet for supplying the ink to the head. It is a flow path. In the present embodiment, four flow paths 240 are formed, and in each flow path 240, ink is supplied to one introduction flow path 280, and the ink branches off halfway and the ink from the plurality of connection parts 290 is the head main body 110. Configured to supply

  Among the four flow paths 240, a part is a first flow path 241, and the rest is a second flow path 242. In the present embodiment, two first flow paths 241 and two second flow paths 242 are formed. Each of the two first flow paths 241 is referred to as a first flow path 241 a and a first flow path 241 b. Hereinafter, when describing as the 1st flow path 241, it shall point to both the 1st flow path 241a and the 1st flow path 241b. The same applies to the second flow path 242.

  The first flow path 241 includes a first introduction flow path 281. The first introduction channel 281 includes a first distribution channel 251, which will be described later, of the first channel 241, and a channel upstream of the channel member 200 (in this embodiment, the channel of the holding member 120) It is a channel that connects the In the present embodiment, the two first flow paths 241a and the first flow paths 241b respectively have a first introduction flow path 281a and a first introduction flow path 281b.

  Specifically, the first introduction channel 281a is opened on the top surface of the protrusion 212 provided on the surface of the first channel member 210 on the Z2 side, and the through hole 211 penetrated in the Z direction; It is in communication with the through hole 221 penetrating in the Z direction of the flow path member 220. The same applies to the first introduction channel 281b. Hereinafter, when the first introduction channel 281 is described, it refers to the first introduction channel 281a and the first introduction channel 281b.

  The second flow path 242 includes a second introduction flow path 282. The second introduction channel 282 includes a second distribution channel 252, which will be described later, of the second channel 242, and a channel upstream of the channel member 200 (in the present embodiment, the channel of the holding member 120) It is a channel that connects the In the present embodiment, the two second flow paths 242a and the second flow paths 242b respectively have a second introduction flow path 282a and a second introduction flow path 282b.

  Specifically, the second introduction channel 282a is a through hole opened in the top surface of the protrusion 212 provided on the surface of the first channel member 210 on the Z2 side and penetrating in the Z direction. The same applies to the second introduction channel 282b. Hereinafter, the term “second introduction channel 282” refers to the second introduction channel 282a and the second introduction channel 282b.

  Furthermore, when it describes as the introductory flow path 280, all the four introductory flow paths mentioned above shall be pointed out.

  In the present embodiment, in the plan view shown in FIG. 10, the first introduction channel 281 a is disposed in the vicinity of the upper left corner of the first channel member 210, and the first introduction channel 281 a is disposed in the vicinity of the lower right corner of the first channel member 210. An introduction channel 281b is disposed. Further, in the plan view shown in FIG. 10, the second introduction passage 282a is disposed in the vicinity of the upper right corner of the first passage member 210, and the second introduction passage in the vicinity of the lower left corner of the first passage member 210. 282b is arranged.

  The first flow path 241 includes a first distribution flow path 251 formed by the second flow path member 220 and the third flow path member 230. The first distribution flow path 251 is a portion of the first flow path 241 that allows the ink to flow in the direction parallel to the liquid ejection surface 20 a. In the present embodiment, since two first flow paths 241 are formed, two first distribution flow paths 251 are also formed. Each of the two first distribution channels 251 is referred to as a first distribution channel 251a and a first distribution channel 251b.

  The first distribution flow channel 251 a is formed on the surface on the Z1 side of the second flow channel member 220 along the Y direction, and on the surface on the Z2 side of the third flow channel member 230 along the Y direction It forms by uniting and sealing the formed distribution groove part 231a. The first distribution flow path 251b is formed on the surface on the Z1 side of the second flow path member 220 along the Y direction, and on the surface on the Z2 side of the third flow path member 230 in the Y direction And the distribution groove part 231b formed along with and sealed.

  With regard to any of the first distribution flow channels 251a and 251b, by forming the distribution groove portions 226a, 226b, 231a and 231b in the second flow channel member 220 and the third flow channel member 230, respectively, the first distribution flow channel 251a, The cross-sectional area of each 251b is expanded, and the pressure loss in the first distribution channels 251a, 251b is reduced. The first distribution flow paths 251a and 251b may be formed by the distribution groove portions 226a and 226b formed only in the second flow path member 220, or the distribution formed only in the third flow path member 230. The grooves 231a and 231b may be formed. For example, by forming the distribution groove portions 226a and 226b only in the second flow path member 220 on the Z2 side, as described later, the COF substrate 98 whose width in the Xa direction narrows from the Z1 side to the Z2 side; It is possible to improve the degree of freedom in disposing the first flow channel 241 while preventing interference with the first distribution flow channels 251a and 251b.

  The first distribution flow channel 251a and the first distribution flow channel 251b are disposed on both sides in the X direction of the opening 201 (third opening 235) through which the COF substrate 98 is inserted.

  The second flow path 242 includes a second distribution flow path 252 formed by the first flow path member 210 and the second flow path member 220. The second distribution flow path 252 is a portion of the second flow path 242 that allows the ink to flow in the direction parallel to the liquid ejection surface 20 a. In the present embodiment, since two second flow paths 242 are formed, two second distribution flow paths 252 are also formed. The two second distribution channels 252 are respectively referred to as a second distribution channel 252a and a second distribution channel 252b.

  The second distribution flow channel 252a is formed on the surface on the Z1 side of the first flow channel member 210 along the Y direction, and on the surface on the Z2 side of the second flow channel member 220 along the Y direction It is formed by sealing together with the formed distribution groove 222a. The second distribution flow channel 252b is formed on the surface on the Z1 side of the first flow channel member 210 and the distribution groove on the surface on the Z2 side of the second flow channel member 220 along the Y direction. It is formed by putting together and sealing 222b.

  With regard to any second distribution flow channel 252a, 252b, by forming the distribution groove portions 213a, 213b, 222a, 222b in the first flow channel member 210 and the second flow channel member 220, respectively, the second distribution flow channel 252a, The cross-sectional area of each 252b is expanded, and the pressure loss in 2nd distribution flow path 252a, 252b is reduced. The second distribution flow paths 252a, 252b may be formed by the distribution groove portions 213a, 213b formed only in the first flow path member 210, or formed only in the second flow path member 220. It may be formed by the distribution grooves 222a and 222b. For example, by forming the distribution groove portions 222a and 222b only in the first flow path member 210 on the Z2 side, interference with the COF substrate 98 is prevented, as in the first distribution flow paths 251a and 251b described above. The degree of freedom in arranging the two flow paths 242 can be improved.

  The second distribution flow channel 252a and the second distribution flow channel 252b are disposed on both sides in the X direction of the opening 201 (second opening 225) through which the COF substrate 98 is inserted.

  Hereinafter, when describing as the 1st distribution channel 251, it shall point to both the 1st distribution channel 251a and the 1st distribution channel 251b. When describing as the 2nd distribution channel 252, it shall point to both the 2nd distribution channel 252a and the 2nd distribution channel 252b. Moreover, when it describes as the distribution flow path 250, all of the four distribution flow paths mentioned above shall be pointed out.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first flow path 241 is configured to branch from one introduction flow path 280 to a plurality of connection parts 290. That is, from the first distribution flow channel 251, the plurality of first branch flow channels 261 are the same plane as the first distribution flow channel 251 (the interface where the second flow channel member 220 and the third flow channel member 230 are joined) It branches in.

  In the present embodiment, in the plane parallel to the liquid ejection surface 20 a (the interface between the second flow passage member 220 and the third flow passage member 230), the six first branch flow passages 261 from the first distribution flow passage 251 Are branched. The six first branch channels 261 branched from the first distribution channel 251a are respectively referred to as a first branch channel 261a1 to a first branch channel 261a6. Hereinafter, when the first branch flow channel 261a is described, all of the six branch flow channels connected to the first branch flow channel 261a are referred to.

  Similarly, the six first branch channels 261 branched from the first distribution channel 251b are respectively referred to as a first branch channel 261b1 to a first branch channel 261b6. Hereinafter, when the first branch flow channel 261b is described, all of the six branch flow channels connected to the first branch flow channel 261b are referred to. Furthermore, when describing as the first branch flow channel 261, all of the twelve branch flow channels connected to the first branch flow channel 261a and the first branch flow channel 261b shall be pointed out.

  In the drawing, among the six first branch channels 261a1 to the first branch channels 261a6 arranged in the Y direction, the reference numerals of the first branch channels 261a2 to the first branch channels 261a5 are omitted. , Y1 side from Y2 side in order. The same applies to the first branch flow channel 261 b 1 to the first branch flow channel 261 b 6.

  Specifically, on the surface of the third flow path member 230 on the Z2 side, a plurality of branch grooves 232a that communicate with the distribution groove 231a and extend toward the opening 201 are provided. The surface on the Z1 side of the second flow path member 220 is provided with a plurality of branch grooves 227a that communicate with the distribution groove 226a and extend toward the opening 201. The first branch flow channel 261a is formed by sealing the branch groove portion 227a and the branch groove portion 232a so as to face each other.

  On the surface on the Z2 side of the third flow path member 230, a plurality of branch grooves 232b that communicate with the distribution groove 231b and extend toward the opening 201 are provided. On the surface on the Z1 side of the second flow path member 220, a plurality of branch grooves 227b communicating with the distribution groove 226b and extended toward the opening 201 are provided. The first branch flow channel 261 b is formed by sealing the branch groove portion 227 b and the branch groove portion 232 b so as to face each other.

  The first branch flow channel 261a, 261b is formed by forming the branch groove portions 227a, 227b, 232a, 232b in the second flow channel member 220 and the third flow channel member 230, respectively. The cross-sectional area of each 261 b is expanded to reduce the pressure loss in the first branch channels 261 a, 261 b. The first branch flow channels 261a and 261b may be formed by branch groove portions 227a and 227b formed only in the second flow channel member 220, or formed only in the third flow channel member 230. It may be formed by branch groove parts 232a and 232b. For example, as described later, in the area Q where the width in the Ya direction spreads from Z1 to Z2 by inclining in the Ya direction, the branch groove portions 227a and 227b are formed only in the second flow path member 220 located on the Z2 side. By forming the first channel 241, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in arranging the first channel 241 while preventing interference with the COF substrate 98. Further, in the region P in which the width in the Ya direction spreads from the Z2 side toward the Z1 side, by forming the branch grooves 232a and 232b only in the third flow path member 230 on the Z1 side, interference with the COF substrate 98 is achieved. The degree of freedom in arranging the first flow path 241 can be improved while preventing it.

  In addition, the second flow path 242 is configured to branch from one introduction flow path 280 to a plurality of connection parts 290. Although the details will be described later, the plurality of second branch channels 262 are the same plane as the second distribution channel 252 from the second distribution channel 252 (the first channel member 210 and the second channel member 220 are joined) Bifurcation at the

  In the present embodiment, in the plane parallel to the liquid ejection surface 20 a (the interface between the first flow path member 210 and the second flow path member 220), the second distribution flow path 252 to the six second branch flow paths 262 Are branched. The six second branch channels 262 branched from the second distribution channel 252a are respectively referred to as a second branch channel 262a1 to a second branch channel 262a6.

  Similarly, the six second branch channels 262 branched from the second distribution channel 252b are respectively referred to as a second branch channel 262b1 to a second branch channel 262b6.

  Hereinafter, when the second branch flow channel 262a is described, all of the six branch flow channels connected to the second branch flow channel 262a are referred to. When describing as the 2nd branch channel 262b, all of six branch channels connected to the 2nd branch channel 262b shall be pointed out. Moreover, when it describes as the 2nd branch flow path 262, all the 12 branch flow paths connected to the 2nd branch flow path 262a and the 2nd branch flow path 262b shall be pointed out. Furthermore, when describing as the branch flow path 260, all of the above-mentioned 24 branch flow paths shall be pointed out.

  In the figure, among the six second branch channels 262a1 to the second branch channels 262a6 aligned in the Y direction, the reference numerals of the second branch channels 262a2 to the second branch channels 262a5 are not shown. , Y1 side from Y2 side in order. The same applies to the second branch flow channel 262b1 to the second branch flow channel 262b6.

  Specifically, on the surface of the second flow path member 220 on the Z2 side, a plurality of branch grooves 223a that communicate with the distribution groove 222a and extend toward the opening 201 are provided. On the surface on the Z1 side of the first flow path member 210, a plurality of branch grooves 214a that communicate with the distribution groove 213a and extend toward the opening 201 are provided. The second branch flow channel 262 a is formed by sealing the branch groove 214 a and the branch groove 223 a so as to face each other.

  On the surface on the Z2 side of the second flow path member 220, a plurality of branch grooves 223b communicated with the distribution groove 222b and extended toward the opening 201 are provided. On the surface of the first flow path member 210 on the Z1 side, a plurality of branch grooves 214b are provided, which communicate with the distribution groove 213b and extend toward the opening 201. The second branch flow channel 262 b is formed by sealing the branch groove 214 b and the branch groove 223 b so as to face each other.

  With regard to any second branch flow channel 262a, 262b, by forming the branch groove portions 214a, 214b, 223a, 223b in the first flow channel member 210 and the second flow channel member 220, respectively, the second branch flow channel 262a, The cross-sectional area of each of 262 b is expanded to reduce the pressure loss in the second branch flow path 262 a, 262 b. The second branch flow paths 262a and 262b may be formed by branch groove portions 214a and 214b formed only in the first flow path member 210, or formed only in the second flow path member 220. It may be formed by branch groove parts 223a and 223b. For example, as described later, in a region where the width in the Ya direction spreads from Z1 to Z2 by inclining in the Ya direction, the branch groove portions 214a and 214b are formed only in the first flow path member 210 on the Z2 side. By doing this, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in arranging the second flow path 242 while preventing interference with the COF substrate 98. Further, in a region where the width in the Ya direction spreads from the Z2 side toward the Z1 side, by forming the branch grooves 223a and 223b only in the second flow path member 220 on the Z1 side, interference with the COF substrate 98 is prevented. At the same time, the degree of freedom in arranging the second channel 242 can be improved.

  The first vertical channel 271 is connected to the first branch channel 261 at the end opposite to the first distribution channel 251. Specifically, a first vertical channel 271 is formed as a through hole which penetrates the third channel member 230 in the Z direction.

  In the present embodiment, one for each of the first branch flow channels 261a1 to 261a6 and the first branch flow channels 261b1 to 261b6, that is, twelve first vertical flow channels 271a1 to 271a6 as a whole, the first vertical flow The paths 271b1 to 271b6 are connected.

  Similarly, a second vertical flow path 272 is connected to the second branch flow path 262 at the end opposite to the second distribution flow path 252. Specifically, the second flow passage member 220 is provided with a through hole 224 penetrating in the Z direction, and the third flow passage member 230 is provided with a through hole 233 penetrating in the Z direction. The through holes 224 and the through holes 233 communicate with each other to form a second vertical flow path 272.

  In the present embodiment, one for each of the second branch flow paths 262a1 to 262a6 and the second branch flow paths 262b1 to 262b6, that is, twelve second vertical flow paths 272a1 to 272a6 as a whole, the second vertical flow The paths 272b1 to 272b6 are connected.

  Hereinafter, when the first vertical flow channel 271a is described, the first vertical flow channels 271a1 to 271a6 are indicated, and when the first vertical flow channel 271b is described, the first vertical flow channels 271b1 to 271b6 are indicated. When describing as the first vertical flow channel 271, it refers to all of the first vertical flow channel 271a and the first vertical flow channel 271b.

  Similarly, the term “second vertical channel 272 a” refers to the second vertical channels 272 a 1 to 272 a 6, and the term “second vertical channel 272 b” refers to the second vertical channels 272 b 1 to 272 b 6. When describing as the second vertical flow channel 272, it refers to all of the second vertical flow channel 272a and the second vertical flow channel 272b.

  Furthermore, when describing as the vertical flow channel 270, all of the 24 vertical flow channels described above shall be pointed out.

  In the drawing, among the six first vertical channels 271a1 to the first vertical channels 271a6 arranged in the Y direction, the reference numerals of the first vertical channels 271a2 to the first vertical channels 271a5 are omitted. , Y1 side from Y2 side in order. The same applies to the first vertical channel 271b1 to the first vertical channel 271b6, the second vertical channel 272a1 to the second vertical channel 272b6, and the second vertical channel 272b1 to the second vertical channel 272b6.

  The vertical flow passage 270 described above has a connection portion 290 which is an opening on the Z1 side of the third flow passage member 230. Although details will be described later, the connection portion 290 is in communication with the introduction path 44 provided in the head main body 110.

  In the present embodiment, the first vertical flow channels 271a1 to 271a6 and the first vertical flow channels 271b1 to 271b6 are openings on the Z1 side of the third flow channel member 230, the first connection portions 291a1 to 291a6, and the first connection portions 291b1. It has ~ 291b6 respectively. Similarly, the second vertical flow paths 272a1 to 272a6 and the second vertical flow paths 272b1 to 272b6 are the openings on the Z1 side of the third flow path member 230, the second connection portions 292a1 to 292a6, and the second connection portions 292b1 to 292b6. Respectively.

  The first connection portion 291 a 1, the first connection portion 291 b 1, the second connection portion 292 a 1, and the second connection portion 292 b 1 are connected to one of the six head main bodies 110. In addition, the same applies to the first connection portions 291a2 to 291a6, the first connection portions 291b2 to 291b6, the second connection portions 292a2 to 292a6, and the second connection portions 292b2 to 292b6. That is, the first flow path 241a, the first flow path 241b, the second flow path 242a, and the second flow path 242b are connected to one head main body 110.

  Hereinafter, the first connection portion 291a refers to the first connection portion 291a1 to 291a6, and the first connection portion 291b refers to the first connection portion 291b1 to 291b6 and the first connection portion When described as 291, all the 1st connection parts 291a and the 1st connection parts 291b shall be pointed out.

  Similarly, the term “second connection part 292 a” refers to the second connection parts 292 a 1 to 292 a 6, and the term “second connection part 292 b” refers to the second connection parts 292 b 1 to 292 b 6. When describing as the part 292, it shall refer to all the 2nd connection part 292a and the 2nd connection part 292b.

  Furthermore, when it describes as the connection part 290, all of the 24 connection parts mentioned above shall be pointed out.

  As described above, the flow path member 200 according to the present embodiment includes the four flow paths 240, that is, the first flow path 241a and the first flow path 241b, and the second flow path 242a and the second flow path 242b. ing. Each flow path 240 is configured as a single flow path from the introduction flow path 280 serving as the ink inlet to the distribution flow path 250, and branches from the distribution flow path 250 to the branch flow path 260, and the vertical flow path 270 And the connection portion 290 is connected to the plurality of head main bodies 110.

  In this embodiment, four color inks of black Bk, magenta M, cyan C, and yellow Y are used. From a liquid storage means (not shown), cyan C is supplied to the first flow path 241a, yellow Y to the first flow path 241b, black Bk to the second flow path 242a, and magenta M to the second flow path 242b. Then, the ink of each color flows through the first flow path 241 a, the first flow path 241 b, the second flow path 242 a and the second flow path 242 b, and is supplied to each head main body 110.

  Here, the flow path member 200 is provided with an opening 201 through which the COF substrate 98 provided in the head main body 110 is inserted. In the present embodiment, the first flow path member 210 is formed with a first opening 215 which is inclined with respect to the Z direction and penetrates. The second flow passage member 220 is formed with a second opening 225 which is inclined with respect to the Z direction and penetrates. The third flow passage member 230 is formed with a third opening 235 which is inclined with respect to the Z direction and penetrates.

  The first opening 215, the second opening 225, and the third opening 235 communicate with each other to constitute one opening 201. The opening 201 has an opening shape elongated in the Xa direction, and six openings 201 are arranged in parallel in the Y direction.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 16, the COF substrate 98 according to the present embodiment has a lower end 98c which is one end closer to the head main body 110 in the Z direction, and the other end remote from the head main body 110 in the Z direction. And the upper end 98d. The width in the Xa direction of the upper end 98 d is smaller than the width in the Xa direction of the lower end 98 c. That is, the width of the flexible wiring board 98 in the surface direction is formed such that the other end is narrower than the one end.

  In the present embodiment, the portion of the COF substrate 98 inserted into the first opening 215 and the third opening 235 has a rectangular shape with a constant width in the Xa direction, and the portion inserted into the second opening 225 is Z1. It is formed in the trapezoidal shape formed so that the width | variety of Xa direction may become narrow toward the Z2 side from the side.

  On the other hand, the opening 201 of the flow path member 200 is from the first opening 236 (that is, the opening on the Z1 side of the third opening 235) closer to the head main body 110 in the Z direction perpendicular to the liquid ejection surface 20a A far second opening 216 (ie, an opening on the Z2 side of the first opening 215) is provided.

  The second opening 216 is formed narrower in the Xa direction than the first opening 236. That is, as the opening 201, the width in the Xa direction is narrowed from Z1 to Z2 in the Z direction. Specifically, the opening 201 is shaped to accommodate the COF substrate 98, and the width of the opening 201 in the Xa direction is slightly larger than the width of the COF substrate 98 in the Xa direction.

Other Embodiments
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, the basic composition of this invention is not limited to what was mentioned above.

  For example, in the first embodiment, the head main bodies 110 are arranged in the Y direction, and the recording head 100 is configured of a plurality of head main bodies 110. However, the recording head 100 may be configured of one head main body 110. Further, the number of recording heads 100 included in the head unit 101 is not particularly limited, and two or more recording heads may be mounted, or one recording head 100 may be mounted on the ink jet recording apparatus 1 alone. It is also good.

  The above-described ink jet recording apparatus 1 is a so-called line recording apparatus in which printing is performed only by conveying the recording sheet S with the head unit 101 fixed, but the configuration of the line recording apparatus is limited to the above. Alternatively, the heads may be arranged in a staggered manner. Further, the main scanning direction is not limited to the line type recording apparatus, and the head unit 101 and one or more recording heads 100 are mounted on the carriage, and the head unit 101 or the recording head 100 intersects the conveyance direction of the recording sheet S The present invention can also be applied to a so-called serial type recording apparatus in which the recording sheet S is conveyed for printing while being moved.

  Also, as the external connection terminal row, the connection connector is used because the wiring from the outside can be easily connected and detached. However, the present invention is not limited to this, a terminal for connecting an FPC or the like through ACF or ACP. It may be a column.

  Moreover, although the FPC board was illustrated as wiring from the outside, a COF board, a connection cable, etc. may be sufficient.

  Further, although the relay substrate is used, the relay substrate is not necessarily used, and external drive wiring may be connected to each drive system connection connector and control system connection connector.

  Also, the first flow path member 210 and the second flow path member 220 are bonded to form the second flow path 242, and the second flow path member 220 and the third flow path member 230 are bonded to form the first flow path 241. However, the method of forming the first channel 241 and the second channel 242 is not limited to these. For example, two or more flow path members may be integrally molded without adhesion by the additive manufacturing method capable of three-dimensional molding. Alternatively, the individual channel members may be formed by three-dimensional molding, molding (injection molding etc.), cutting, or pressing.

  Moreover, although the COF board | substrate 98 was provided as a flexible wiring board, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) may be sufficient.

  Furthermore, the present invention is intended for a wide range of liquid jet head units in general, and, for example, manufacture of recording heads such as various ink jet recording heads used in image recording apparatuses such as printers, and color filters such as liquid crystal displays Liquid jet head unit equipped with electrode material jet head used for forming electrodes of color material jet head used in the field, organic EL display, FED (field emission display) etc., bio organic matter jet head used for biochip manufacture, etc. It can apply.

  Further, the wiring board of the present invention is not limited to the case of being used for a liquid jet head, and can be applied to any electronic circuit or the like.

  Reference Signs List 1 inkjet recording apparatus (liquid ejection apparatus) 43 connection port 44 introduction path 97 drive circuit 98 COF substrate 98c lower end 98d upper end 100 recording head 101 head unit 110 head main body 140 wiring board, 143A drive system connection connector, 143B control system connection connector, 150A, 150B relay board, 160A, 160B FPC board, 200 flow path member, 201 opening portion, 210 first flow path member, 216 second opening, 220 Second channel member, 230 third channel member, 236 first opening, 240 channel, 241 first channel, 242 second channel, 251 first distribution channel, 252 second distribution channel, 261 first 1 branch channel, 262 second branch channel, 271 first vertical channel, 2 2 second vertical channel 281 first inlet flow path, 282 second inlet flow path, 291 first connecting portion 292 second connecting portion, 300 a piezoelectric actuator

Claims (6)

A first connector to which a drive signal is input, and a second connector to which a control signal is input, provided in the same plane as the first connector and spaced apart from the first connector in a first direction; A wiring board having
A piezoelectric that is provided between a nozzle for jetting a liquid, the wiring board, and the nozzle, is electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, and is displaced according to the drive signal and the control signal. An actuator unit having an element;
I have a,
The pitch of the first connector is larger than the pitch of the second connector . A plurality of the wiring board and the actuator unit are provided,
The plurality of first connectors are provided side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction,
The liquid jet head according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second connectors are provided side by side in the second direction. The liquid jet head according to claim 2 , wherein the liquid is jetted from the nozzle in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. An introduction flow path provided on the wiring substrate so as to be aligned with the first connector or the second connector in the second direction, and the introduction flow path into which the liquid is introduced;
A flow path member in communication with the introduction flow path and the nozzle and provided between the wiring board and the actuator unit;
The liquid jet head according to any one of claims 2 or 3 , further comprising: A first connector to which a drive signal is input, and a second connector to which a control signal is input, provided in the same plane as the first connector and spaced apart from the first connector in a first direction; A wiring board having
A piezoelectric that is provided between a nozzle for jetting a liquid, the wiring board, and the nozzle, is electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, and is displaced according to the drive signal and the control signal. Element,
An actuator unit having
A first substrate having a first connection terminal for transferring the drive signal and electrically connected to the first connector;
A second substrate having a second connection terminal for transferring the control signal and electrically connected to the second connector;
I have a,
The pitch of the said 1st connector is larger than the pitch of the said 2nd connector, The liquid injection apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned . A plurality of the wiring board and the actuator unit are provided,
The plurality of first connectors are provided side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction,
The plurality of second connectors are provided side by side in the second direction,
A plurality of the first connection terminals are provided on the first substrate,
A plurality of the second connection terminals are provided on the second substrate,
The plurality of first connectors are connected to the plurality of first connection terminals,
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of second connectors are connected to the plurality of second connection terminals.