JP6848985B2 - Inkjet head and image forming equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inkjet head provided with a damper in a common ink chamber, and an image forming apparatus provided with the inkjet head.

Conventionally, a high-resolution inkjet head using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology has been developed. A conventional inkjet head has a plurality of channels for ejecting ink. The inkjet head has a pressure chamber, an actuator for applying a discharge pressure to the ink supplied to the pressure chamber, and a nozzle plate having a nozzle hole for discharging the ink in the pressure chamber for each channel. There is. Further, the inkjet head includes a common ink chamber that supplies ink to the pressure chamber.

Inkjet heads may have non-uniform injection performance due to pressure waves generated in the pressure chamber due to the drive of the actuator. The pressure wave generated in the pressure chamber by the drive propagates to the pressure chambers of other channels communicating with the common ink chamber, causing fluctuations in the injection characteristics of the pressure chamber to which the pressure waves propagate, so-called crosstalk. This is to generate it.

Conventionally, as a technique for reducing the influence between pressure chambers caused by crosstalk, for example, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a damper member is provided in a common ink chamber. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a damper member having a flexible film is arranged in a common ink chamber so as to face the ink inlet of the pressure chamber.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional inkjet head.
As shown in FIG. 28, the conventional inkjet head 500 has an ink manifold 501 forming a common ink chamber, a substrate 502, a head chip 503, and a damper member 504 provided in the chamber 501a of the ink manifold. ing. The head tip 503 is provided with a plurality of channels 503a serving as pressure chambers and a nozzle plate. The ink manifold 501 is formed in a hollow substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and one surface is open.

The substrate 502 is arranged so as to cover the opening of the ink manifold 501. The substrate 502 is interposed between the ink manifold 501 and the head chip 503. Further, the substrate 502 is formed with a plurality of through holes 502a that communicate with the channel 503a of the head chip 503. Then, the ink manifold 501 and the plurality of channels 503a of the head chip 503 communicate with each other through the through holes 502a of the substrate 502. The damper member 504 is arranged so as to face the substrate 502 at the opening of the ink manifold 501.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-223737

However, as shown in FIG. 28, the damper member 504 is arranged close to the channel 503a of the substrate 502 and the head chip 503 in order to enhance the effect of the pressure damping by the damper member 504. Therefore, the flow path of the region P1 between the damper member 504 and the head tip 503, which is below the damper member 504, is narrowed.

Further, this region P1 is a point where the ink flow paths divided into two by the damper member 504 merge again. As a result, when residual air bubbles are mixed in the common ink chamber, the air bubbles are likely to remain in the region P1 between the damper member 504, the substrate 502, and the head chip 503, which is below the damper member 504.

Further, the flow velocity of the side surface region P2 of the damper member 504 and the corner region P3 of the damper member 504 and the ink manifold 501 in the room is lower than that of the other regions, and bubbles are likely to remain. As described above, since air bubbles remain around the damper member, the conventional inkjet head has a problem that the remaining air bubbles invade the pressure chamber and cause a decrease in injection performance.

In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet head capable of efficiently removing air bubbles remaining in a common ink chamber and an image forming apparatus provided with the inkjet head. ..

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object of the present invention, the inkjet head of the present invention includes a head chip having a plurality of pressure chambers and an ink manifold having a common ink chamber for supplying ink to the head chips. ing. The ink manifold includes a supply port, a discharge port, an ink supply flow path, a damper member, an ink discharge flow path, and a partition wall. Ink is supplied to the supply port. The discharge port discharges the ink and bubbles remaining in the ink. The ink supply flow path is provided in the internal space of the ink manifold, communicates with the supply port, and allows ink to pass therethrough. The damper member is provided in the internal space and is arranged so as to face the openings on the ink manifold side in the plurality of pressure chambers, and the ink that has passed through the ink supply flow path passes through the gap formed between the head tip and the ink supply flow path. The ink discharge flow path is provided in the internal space, communicates with the discharge port, and allows ink and air bubbles that have passed through the gap to pass through. The partition wall is provided in the internal space and regulates the passage of ink and air bubbles on the side opposite to the gap in the damper member. Then, the ink manifold limits the direction in which ink and bubbles flow in the gap in the direction from the ink supply flow path to the ink discharge flow path.

Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes the above-mentioned inkjet head.

According to the inkjet head and the image forming apparatus having the above configuration, air bubbles remaining in the common ink chamber can be efficiently removed.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the inkjet head which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. It is a top view which shows through the lid member of the ink manifold in the inkjet head which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the inkjet head which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the inkjet head which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. It is a top view which shows through the lid member of the ink manifold in the inkjet head which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the inkjet head which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. It is a top view which shows through the lid member of the ink manifold in the inkjet head which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. It is a top view through which the lid member of the ink manifold in the inkjet head which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention is transmitted. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows through the lid member of the ink manifold in the inkjet head which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows through the lid member of the ink manifold in the inkjet head which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 23. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 23. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the head chip of the inkjet head of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the conventional inkjet head.

Hereinafter, an inkjet head of the present invention and a mode for carrying out an image forming apparatus including the inkjet head will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 27. The common members in each figure are designated by the same reference numerals. Moreover, the present invention is not limited to the following forms.

1. 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Configuration of Image Forming Device First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “this example”) will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming apparatus of this example.
In the following description, the transport direction of the recording medium R is defined as the first direction X, and the direction orthogonal to the first direction X on the transport surface of the recording medium R is defined as the second direction Y. Then, a direction orthogonal to the first direction X and the second direction Y, that is, the ink ejection direction (injection direction) will be described as the third direction Z.

The device shown in FIG. 1 is an image forming device that forms an image by ejecting ink droplets toward the recording medium R. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a platen 101, two transfer rollers 102, 102, and a plurality of line heads 103, 104, 105, 106.

The platen 101 is formed in a flat plate shape. Then, the recording medium R is placed on the upper surface of the platen 101. Transfer rollers 102 are rotatably arranged at both ends of the platen 101 in the first direction X. Then, when the transport roller 102 is driven, the platen 101 transports the recording medium R in the first direction X.

The line heads 103, 104, 105, 106 are arranged from one side of the first direction X, that is, upstream of the recording medium R in the transport direction, to the other side of the first direction X, that is, downstream of the recording medium R in the transport direction. It is provided in parallel in the second direction Y toward the side. The line heads 103, 104, 105, and 106 face the platen 101 in the third direction Z with the recording medium R sandwiched between them.

Further, at least one inkjet head 1 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, is provided inside the line heads 103, 104, 105, and 106. Then, the line heads 103, 104, 105, and 106 eject, for example, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) inks toward the recording medium R.

1-2. Configuration of Inkjet Head Next, the configuration of the inkjet head 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.
2 is a perspective view showing the inkjet head 1, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the lid member 12 of the ink manifold 2 of the inkjet head 1 transmitted through the lid member 12.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inkjet head 1 includes an ink manifold 2, a substrate 3, and a head chip 4. The ink manifold 2 is formed in a hollow substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and one surface is open. Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the substrate 3 is arranged so as to close the opening of the ink manifold 2. The detailed configuration of the ink manifold 2 will be described later.

The substrate 3 is formed of, for example, glass, ceramics, silicon, synthetic resin, or the like in a substantially flat plate shape. A plurality of through holes 3a are formed in the substrate 3. The through hole 3a penetrates from one surface to the other surface of the substrate 3 along the third direction Z. The through hole 3a communicates with the common ink chamber 10, which is the internal space of the ink manifold 2. Further, the through hole 3a is formed at a position facing the channel 8 provided in the head chip 4 described later. Then, the through hole 3a communicates with the channel 8.

Further, the substrate 3 is formed with wiring (not shown) that is electrically connected to an electrode (not shown) provided on the head chip 4 described later. Further, a flexible wiring board (not shown) that is electrically connected to the wiring of the board 3 is connected to the outer edge of the board 3.

Then, the head chip 4 is bonded to the surface of the substrate 3 opposite to the surface to be bonded to the ink manifold 2. The head tip 4 has a pressure chamber forming plate 6 and a nozzle plate 7.

The pressure chamber forming plate 6 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The pressure chamber forming plate 6 is provided with a plurality of channels 8 serving as pressure chambers. The plurality of channels 8 penetrate from one surface to the other surface of the pressure chamber forming plate 6 along the third direction Z. Then, the plurality of channels 8 communicate with the common ink chamber 10 of the ink manifold 2 through the through holes 3a of the substrate 3.

The plurality of channels 8 are installed side by side along the first direction X and the second direction Y. Then, a row of channels is formed by a plurality of channels 8 arranged side by side along the second direction Y among the plurality of channels 8. A plurality of these channel rows are arranged side by side along the first direction X to form a plurality of channel rows.

The channel row (row of pressure chambers) is a channel forming a recording width of an image recorded on the recording medium R with a predetermined width when the inkjet head 1 and the recording medium R are relatively moved in one direction. It is a set of 8 (pressure chambers).

The recording width is determined, for example, when the inkjet head 1 is fixedly arranged with respect to the recording medium R and the recording medium R is conveyed in the first direction X as shown in FIG. 1 to form an image. The width formed during transportation. The second direction Y, which is the arrangement direction of the channel rows in the inkjet head 1, is not limited to the direction parallel to the recording width of the image formed on the recording medium R, and may be a direction diagonally intersecting the recording width. ..

Further, the relative movement of the inkjet head 1 and the recording medium R is not limited to the example in which the inkjet head 1 is fixedly arranged and the recording medium R is conveyed, as shown in FIG. For example, the inkjet head 1 may be moved by scanning along the width direction of the recording medium R to form an image, and the recording medium R may be moved in a direction intersecting the scanning movement direction of the inkjet head 1 for each scanning movement. .. Alternatively, the recording medium R is fixedly arranged, the inkjet head 1 is scanned and moved along the width direction of the recording medium R to form an image, and the inkjet head 1 is moved in a direction intersecting the scanning movement direction for each scanning movement. You may move it.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of channels 8 are arranged at positions facing the damper members 26 and 27 provided in the ink manifold 2 described later, and are arranged at positions not facing the damper members 26 and 27. Not.

Further, in the pressure chamber forming plate 6, at least a part of the partition wall 9 that partitions between adjacent channels 8 in each channel row is formed by a polarization-treated piezoelectric element. Drive electrodes (not shown) are formed on both sides of the partition wall 9. The drive electrode is connected to the wiring of the substrate 3 and a voltage is applied. Then, the partition wall 9 is sheared and deformed by applying a drive signal of a predetermined voltage to the drive electrode. As a result, the volume of the channel 8 sandwiched by the pair of partition walls 9 changes so as to expand and contract. As a result, pressure for ejection is applied to the ink supplied in the channel 8.

Further, the nozzle plate 7 is joined to the other surface of the pressure chamber forming plate 6 on the side opposite to the contact surface of the substrate 3. That is, the nozzle plate 7 is provided on the side of the pressure chamber forming plate 6 on which ink is ejected from the channel 8.

The nozzle plate 7 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape. A plurality of nozzles 7a are formed on the nozzle plate 7. The nozzle 7a is provided at a position facing the channel 8 provided on the pressure chamber forming plate 6 and communicates with the channel 8. The ink in the channel 8 to which the pressure for ejection is applied by the deformation of the partition wall 9 is ejected from the nozzle 7a to the outside through the channel 8.

[Structure of Ink Manifold 2]
Next, the configuration of the ink manifold 2 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the ink manifold 2 is formed in a hollow substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and one surface thereof is open. Further, the ink manifold 2 has a container member 11 and a lid member 12.

In this example, an example in which the ink manifold 2 is composed of two members, a container member 11 and a lid member 12, has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the container member 11 and the lid member 12 are integrally configured. You may.

The container member 11 is formed in a hollow substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and one surface on the lower side of the third direction Z is open. The internal space of the container member 11 becomes the common ink chamber 10. As described above, the opening of the container member 11 is covered with the substrate 3. Further, the lid member 12 is arranged on the other surface of the container member 11 on the opposite side to the one on which the opening is formed.

Further, the container member 11 has a front surface portion 21, a back surface portion 22, a first side wall portion 23, a second side wall portion 24, and an upper surface portion 25. The front surface portion 21 is arranged at one end of the container member 11 in the second direction Y. The back surface portion 22 faces the front surface portion 21 and is arranged at the other end of the container member 11 in the second direction Y.

The first side wall portion 23 is substantially vertically continuous from one end portion of the first direction X of the front portion 21, extends along the second direction Y, and is one end portion of the back portion 22 in the first direction X. Connect to. The second side wall portion 24 is arranged so as to face the first side wall portion 23. The second side wall portion 24 is substantially vertically continuous from the other end of the first direction X of the front portion 21, extends along the second direction Y, and is other than the first direction X of the back portion 22. Connect to the end.

The upper surface portion 25 is arranged at a position facing the opening of the container member 11. The upper surface portion 25 is connected to the front surface portion 21, the back surface portion 22, the first side wall portion 23, and the second side wall portion 24.

In the internal space of the container member 11, the ink storage portion 31, the ink supply flow path 32, the first ink discharge flow path 33, the second ink discharge flow path 34, the first partition wall 35, and the second partition A wall 36, a first damper chamber 37, a second damper chamber 38, and an ink discharging unit 39 are provided. Further, the first damper chamber 37 is provided with the first damper member 26, and the second damper chamber 38 is provided with the second damper member 27.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the ink storage unit 31 has a substantially central portion of the upper surface portion 25 in the first direction X along a second direction Y from one end of the second direction Y. It is formed by opening to the vicinity of the other end in the direction Y with a predetermined length. Then, the ink storage portion 31 projects downward from the upper surface portion 25 along the third direction Z with a predetermined length. Ink is supplied to the ink storage unit 31 from a supply port 14 described later. Further, an ink supply flow path 32 communicates with a substantially central portion of the first direction X on the lower surface portion of the ink storage portion 31 in the third direction Z.

The ink supply flow path 32 extends from the ink storage portion 31 toward the lower side in the third direction Z to the vicinity of the opening of the container member 11. Further, the ink supply flow path 32 extends from one end of the container member 11 in the second direction Y to the vicinity of the other end in the second direction Y, similarly to the ink storage portion 31. The ink supplied to the ink storage unit 31 passes through the ink supply flow path 32. Further, a first damper chamber 37 is formed on one side of the first direction X of the ink supply flow path 32, and a second damper is formed on the other side of the first direction X of the ink supply flow path 32. A chamber 38 is formed.

The first damper chamber 37 and the second damper chamber 38 are open on the lower side in the third direction Z. The openings of the first damper chamber 37 and the second damper chamber 38 face the through hole 3a of the substrate 3 joined to the ink manifold 2 and the channel 8 of the head chip 4. Further, the openings of the first damper chamber 37 and the second damper chamber 38 are located in the vicinity of the opening of the ink manifold 2.

The first damper member 26 is provided so as to close the opening of the first damper chamber 37, and the second damper member 27 is provided so as to close the opening of the second damper chamber 38. Therefore, the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 are arranged in the vicinity of the opening of the ink manifold 2 and face the through hole 3a of the substrate 3 and the channel 8 of the head chip 4. Further, the internal spaces of the first damper chamber 37 and the second damper chamber 38 are sealed by the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27, and a gas such as air is sealed.

The first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 are flexible synthetic resins such as PI (polyimide), LCP (liquid crystal polymer), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), and PP (polypropylene). It is composed of the film of. The thickness of the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 is preferably 10 μm or more and 150 μm or less from the viewpoint of effectively exerting the damper effect of attenuating and buffering pressure waves.

Further, the internal pressures of the first damper chamber 37 and the second damper chamber 38 sealed by the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 are adjusted to be predetermined pressures. The internal pressure of the first damper chamber 37 and the second damper chamber 38 is reduced so as to be 50 kPa or more and less than atmospheric pressure under the conditions of, for example, normal temperature and 1 atm. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 from narrowing the flow path formed between the first damper member 26 and the substrate 3, and it is possible to obtain a good damper effect. The atmospheric pressure is an atmospheric pressure that becomes 1 atm when measured under the conditions of normal temperature and 1 atm.

In this way, by forming the first damper chamber 37 and the second damper chamber 38 in which the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 are arranged integrally with the container member 11, the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 26 and the second damper member 26 are formed. The position of the damper member 27 can be easily aligned. Further, the work of attaching the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 can be easily performed.

Further, a first ink discharge flow path 33 is provided on one side of the first damper chamber 37 opposite to the ink supply flow path 32 in the first direction X. The first ink discharge flow path 33 is formed between the first side wall portion 23 and the first damper chamber 37. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first ink discharge flow path 33 extends from one end to the vicinity of the other end of the container member 11 in the second direction Y. Further, the first ink discharge flow path 33 extends from the opening of the container member 11 to the vicinity of the upper surface portion 25. In the first ink discharge flow path 33, ink that has passed through the ink supply flow path 32 and between the first damper member 26 and the substrate 3 flows.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first ink discharge flow path 33 opens from the lower side of the third direction Z in the container member 11 to the vicinity of the upper surface portion 25 on the upper side of the third direction Z. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a first ink discharge continuous passage 33a is formed in the upper portion of the third direction Z at the other end of the second direction Y in the first ink discharge flow path 33. The first ink discharge communication passage 33a penetrates the upper surface portion 25 vertically in the third direction Z. The first ink discharge communication passage 33a communicates with the ink discharge unit 39, which will be described later.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a second ink discharge flow path 34 is provided on the other side of the second damper chamber 38 opposite to the ink supply flow path 32 in the first direction X. There is. The second ink discharge flow path 34 is formed between the second side wall portion 24 and the second damper chamber 38. The second ink discharge flow path 34 extends from one end to the vicinity of the other end of the container member 11 in the second direction Y. Further, the second ink discharge flow path 34 extends from the opening of the container member 11 to the vicinity of the upper surface portion 25. Ink flows through the second ink discharge flow path 34 through the ink supply flow path 32 and between the second damper member 27 and the substrate 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second ink discharge flow path 34 opens from the lower side of the third direction Z in the container member 11 to the vicinity of the upper surface portion 25 on the upper side of the third direction Z. Further, a second ink discharge communication passage 34a is formed in the upper portion of the third direction Z at the other end of the second direction Y in the second ink discharge flow path 34. The second ink discharge communication passage 34a penetrates the upper surface portion 25 vertically in the third direction Z. The second ink discharge communication passage 34a communicates with the ink discharge unit 39, which will be described later.

Further, an ink discharging portion 39 is provided at the other end of the upper surface portion 25 in the second direction Y. The ink discharging portion 39 is arranged on the upper surface portion 25 on the other side of the ink storage portion 31 in the second direction Y. The ink discharging portion 39 is a concave portion in which the upper surface portion 25 is recessed at a predetermined depth toward the lower side in the third direction Z. The first ink discharge passage 33 communicates with the ink discharge portion 39 via the first ink discharge passage 33a. Further, the second ink discharge flow path 34 communicates with the ink discharge unit 39 via the second ink discharge communication passage 34a. Ink that has passed through the first ink discharge flow path 33 and the second ink discharge flow path 34 flows through the ink discharge section 39.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a first partition wall 35 for partitioning the first ink discharge flow path 33 and the ink supply flow path 32 is provided on the upper side of the first damper chamber 37 in the third direction Z. .. Further, a second partition wall 36 that separates the second ink discharge flow path 34 and the ink supply flow path 32 is provided on the upper side of the second damper chamber 38 in the third direction Z. Therefore, the ink flows only below the third direction Z of the first damper chamber 37 and the second damper chamber 38.

The lid member 12 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape having a substantially rectangular shape. Further, the lid member 12 is formed in a shape that covers the entire other surface of the container member 11. The lid member 12 is provided with a supply port 14 and a discharge port 15.

The supply port 14 is arranged at one end of the lid member 12 in the second direction Y. The supply port 14 is formed in a tubular shape. The tubular hole 14a of the supply port 14 penetrates the lid member 12 from one surface to the other along the third direction Z, and communicates with the ink storage portion 31 of the container member 11. Ink is supplied from the supply port 14 to the ink storage portion 31 of the container member 11.

Further, the discharge port 15 is arranged at the other end of the lid member 12 in the second direction Y. The discharge port 15 is formed in a tubular shape. The cylinder hole 15a of the discharge port 15 penetrates the lid member 12 from one surface to the other along the third direction Z, and communicates with the ink discharge portion 39 of the container member 11. Ink and air bubbles stored in the ink discharge unit 39 of the container member 11 are discharged from the discharge port 15.

1-3. Flow of Ink and Bubbles Next, the flow of ink and bubbles remaining in the ink in the inkjet head 1 having the above-described configuration will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, ink is supplied from the supply port 14 to the common ink chamber 10 of the ink manifold 2. First, the ink supplied from the supply port 14 is stored in the ink storage unit 31. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the ink supplied to the ink storage unit 31 passes through the ink supply flow path 32 and flows from the center of the container member 11 in the first direction X toward the opening.

The ink that has passed through the ink supply flow path 32 and has flowed to the opening of the container member 11 is divided into one side in the second direction Y and the other side. Then, the ink divided on one side of the first direction X passes through the gap between the first damper member 26 and the substrate 3 and flows from the center of the first direction X toward one side. Further, the ink separated on the other side of the first direction X passes through the gap between the second damper member 27 and the substrate 3, and flows from the center of the first direction X toward the other side.

Here, the upper side of the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 in the third direction Z is partitioned by the first partition wall 35 and the second partition wall 36. Therefore, the flow of the ink passing through the upper side of the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 in the third direction Z is restricted by the first partition wall 35 and the second partition wall 36. Therefore, the ink passes only below the third direction Z in the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27.

Then, the flow of the ink passing through the first damper member 26 in the first direction X is a flow only from the center of the first direction X to one side. Further, the flow of the ink passing through the second damper member 27 in the first direction X is a flow only from the first direction X toward the other side.

As a result, air bubbles remaining between the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 and the substrate 3 are removed by the flow of ink from the center of the first direction X to one side of the first direction X, or Can be pushed to the other side. As a result, it is possible to prevent air bubbles remaining between the first damper member 26 and the second damper member 27 and the substrate 3 from invading the channel 8 and deteriorating the injection performance.

Further, the ink that has passed through the gap between the first damper member 26 and the substrate 3 flows into the first ink discharge flow path 33. Further, the ink that has passed through the gap between the second damper member 27 and the substrate 3 flows into the second ink discharge flow path 34. Here, the air bubbles remaining in the lower portion of the first damper member 26 in the third direction Z and the side surface portion on one side of the first direction X are pushed out to the first ink discharge flow path 33 along the ink flow. Is done. Further, the air bubbles remaining in the lower portion of the second damper member 27 in the third direction Z and the side surface portion on the other side of the first direction X are pushed out to the second ink discharge flow path 34 along the ink flow. ..

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the ink that has flowed into the first ink discharge flow path 33 flows to the ink discharge section 39 via the first ink discharge communication passage 33a. Then, the ink that has flowed into the second ink discharge flow path 34 flows to the ink discharge section 39 via the second ink discharge communication passage 34a. Therefore, the bubbles remaining in the ink are also pushed out to the ink discharge unit 39 through the first ink discharge flow path 33 and the second ink discharge flow path 34 along the ink flow. Then, the air bubbles are discharged from the ink discharge unit 39 to the outside of the ink manifold 2 via the discharge port 15.

In this way, by limiting the flow of the ink supplied into the common ink chamber 10 which is the internal space of the ink manifold 2 so as to face a predetermined direction, bubbles remaining in the ink can be efficiently removed. ..

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first ink discharge flow path 33 and the second ink discharge flow path 34 are open to the upper side in the third direction Z, and the ink discharge portion 39 is the third of the container member 11. It is provided above the direction Z in direction 3. In this way, the first ink discharge flow path 33, the second ink discharge flow path 34, and the ink discharge section 39 are provided in the direction in which the bubbles are lifted by the buoyancy of the bubbles themselves. As a result, the bubbles remaining in the ink can be efficiently discharged.

2. Example of Second Embodiment Next, the inkjet head according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an inkjet head according to a second embodiment.

The difference between the inkjet head 1A according to the second embodiment and the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment is the configuration of the ink storage portion and the ink supply flow path. Therefore, here, the ink storage portion and the ink supply flow path will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the portions common to the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the inkjet head 1A includes an ink manifold 2A, a substrate 3, and a head chip 4. An ink storage portion 31A and an ink supply flow path 32A are provided in the internal space of the container member 11A of the ink manifold 2A. Further, the container member 11A includes a first ink discharge flow path 33, a second ink discharge flow path 34, a first partition wall 35, a second partition wall 36, a first damper chamber 37, and a second damper chamber. It has 38 and an ink discharging unit 39.

The lower portion of the ink storage portion 31A in the third direction Z is formed so that the interval in the first direction X continuously increases as the distance from the ink supply flow path 32A increases. That is, a tapered portion 31a formed in a tapered shape is provided below the ink storage portion 31A in the third direction Z.

A filter 41 is provided on the tapered portion 31a. The filter 41 removes foreign matter remaining in the ink. Further, the filter 41 finely crushes the bubbles remaining in the ink as the ink passes through the filter 41. This makes it possible to prevent the injection performance from deteriorating when air bubbles enter the channel 8. Further, by providing the filter 41 on the tapered portion 31a, the effective area of the filter 41 can be expanded.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment described above, their description will be omitted. The inkjet head 1A having such a configuration can also obtain the same actions and effects as the inkjet head 1 according to the above-described first embodiment.

3. 3. Example of Third Embodiment Next, the inkjet head according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.
7 is a cross-sectional view showing the inkjet head according to the third embodiment, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the lid member through the lid member.

The inkjet head 1B according to the third embodiment is a modification of the shapes of the first ink discharge flow path and the second ink discharge flow path in the inkjet head 1A according to the second embodiment. Therefore, here, the ink discharge flow path will be described, and the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment and the inkjet head 1A according to the second embodiment. The duplicate explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the inkjet head 1B includes an ink manifold 2B, a substrate 3, and a head chip 4. An ink storage portion 31A and an ink supply flow path 32A are provided in the internal space of the container member 11B of the ink manifold 2B. A filter 41 is provided in the ink storage unit 31A.

Further, the container member 11B includes a first ink discharge flow path 33B, a second ink discharge flow path 34B, a first partition wall 35, a second partition wall 36, a first damper chamber 37, and a second damper chamber. It has 38 and an ink discharging unit 39B.

As shown in FIG. 8, the first ink discharge flow path 33B is inclined in a direction away from the opening of the container member 11B from one end to the other end in the second direction Y. Therefore, the upper surface of the first ink discharge flow path 33B facing the head tip 44 in the third direction Z is from the head tip 4 to the third direction Z from one end to the other end in the second direction Y. It is separated above. That is, the upper surface portion of the first ink discharge flow path 33B is inclined from one end portion in the second direction Y toward the ink discharge portion 39B. Since the configuration of the second ink discharge flow path 34B is the same as that of the first ink discharge flow path 33B, the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the inkjet head 1B according to the third embodiment, the bubbles remaining in the ink are formed in the ink ejection part 39B and the ink ejection passage 39B along the inclined surfaces of the first ink ejection flow path 33B and the second ink ejection flow path 34B. It flows toward the discharge port 15. As a result, air bubbles that collect at one end in the second direction Y away from the ink discharge unit 39B and the discharge port 15 can be efficiently discharged from the ink discharge unit 39B and the discharge port 15.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment and the inkjet head 1A according to the second embodiment described above, their description will be omitted. The inkjet head 1B having such a configuration can also obtain the same actions and effects as the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment and the inkjet head 1A according to the second embodiment described above. ..

4. Example of Fourth Embodiment Next, the inkjet head according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
10 is a perspective view showing an inkjet head according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

The difference between the inkjet head 1C according to the fourth embodiment and the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment is the configuration of the internal space of the container member and the configuration of the lid member. Therefore, here, the container member and the lid member will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the parts common to the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the inkjet head 1C includes an ink manifold 2C, a substrate 3C, and a head chip 4C. The ink manifold 2C includes a container member 11C and a lid member 12C.

The container member 11C is formed in a hollow substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and both surfaces in the third direction Z are open. The container member 11C has a front surface portion 21C, a back surface portion 22C, a first side wall portion 23C, and a second side wall portion 24C.

Further, an ink supply flow path 52, an ink discharge flow path 53, a partition wall 55, and a damper chamber 57 are formed in the internal space of the container member 11C. The partition wall 55 is connected to the central portion of the first direction X above the third direction Z in the front portion 21C. The partition wall 55 extends from one end to the other end in the second direction Y and is connected to the back surface 22C.

A damper chamber 57 is formed at the lower end of the partition wall 55 in the third direction Z. Similar to the partition wall 55, the damper chamber 57 is continuously provided from the front portion 21C to the back portion 22C along the second direction Y. A damper member 58 is provided in the damper chamber 57.

Therefore, the internal space of the container member 11C is divided into two on one side and the other side in the first direction X by the partition wall 55 and the damper chamber 57. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, one side of the first direction X in the internal space of the container member 11C is the ink supply flow path 52. Further, the other side of the first direction X in the internal space of the container member 11C is the ink discharge flow path 53.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a supply port 14C is arranged on one side of the first direction X at one end of the lid member 12C in the second direction Y. The supply port 14C communicates with the ink supply flow path 52. Further, the discharge port 15C is arranged on the other side of the first direction X at the other end of the second direction Y of the lid member 12C. The discharge port 15C communicates with the ink discharge flow path 53.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the inkjet head 1C according to the fourth embodiment, the ink passes from one end of the first direction X through the gap between the damper member 58 and the substrate 3C in the first direction. It flows toward the other end of X.

Further, according to the inkjet head 1C according to the fourth embodiment, the damper member 58 can be arranged at the center of the first direction X, and the damper member 26 according to the first embodiment, The area can be expanded more than 27. Therefore, the through hole 3aC provided in the substrate 3C and the channel 8C of the head chip 4C can be arranged in the central portion of the first direction X. As a result, the number of channel rows can be increased as compared with the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment described above, their description will be omitted. The inkjet head 1C having such a configuration can also obtain the same actions and effects as the inkjet head 1 according to the above-described first embodiment.

5. Example of Fifth Embodiment Next, the inkjet head according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16.
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the lid member of the ink manifold in the inkjet head according to the fifth embodiment through transmission. 13 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 12, FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. -D line sectional view.

The difference between the inkjet head 1D according to the fifth embodiment and the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment is the configuration of the internal space of the ink manifold. Therefore, here, the container member of the ink manifold will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the parts common to the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 12 to 16, the inkjet head 1D includes an ink manifold 2D, a substrate 3C, and a head chip 4C. The ink manifold 2C includes a container member 11D and a lid member 12. Since the configurations of the substrate 3C and the head chip 4C are the same as those of the substrate 3C and the head chip 4C according to the fourth embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The container member 11D is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the lower surface of the third direction Z is open. The container member 11D has a front surface portion 21D, a back surface portion 22D, a first side wall portion 23D, a second side wall portion 24D, and an upper surface portion 25D.

Further, in the internal space of the container member 11D, an ink supply port 61, an ink supply flow path 62, an ink discharge flow path 63, a partition wall 65, a damper chamber 67, and an ink discharge port 69 are provided. .. As shown in FIG. 16, the damper chamber 67 is continuously formed from one end to the other end of the container member 11D in the second direction Y, similarly to the damper chamber 57 according to the fourth embodiment. ing. A damper member 68 is provided in the damper chamber 67.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the ink supply port 61 is formed at the center of the first direction X at one end of the upper surface portion 25D in the second direction Y. The ink supply port 61 is provided above the damper chamber 67 in the third direction Z. The ink supply port 61 communicates with the supply port 14 provided on the lid member 12. Further, the ink supply port 61 also communicates with the ink supply flow path 62.

The ink supply flow path 62 is formed at one end in the first direction X at one end in the second direction Y in the internal space of the container member 11D. The ink supply flow path 62 is continuous in the internal space of the container member 11D from the upper side to the lower side opening in the third direction Z. The ink supply flow path 62 is formed at one end of the second direction Y on one side of the first direction X of the damper chamber 67.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the ink ejection port 69 is formed at the center of the first direction X at the other end of the upper surface portion 25D in the second direction Y. The ink discharge port 69 is provided above the damper chamber 67 in the third direction Z. The ink discharge port 69 communicates with the discharge port 15 provided on the lid member 12. Further, the ink discharge port 69 also communicates with the ink discharge flow path 63.

The ink discharge flow path 63 is formed at the other end of the second direction Y in the internal space of the container member 11D at the other end of the first direction X. The ink discharge flow path 63 is continuous in the internal space of the container member 11D from the other side to the lower opening in the third direction Z. The ink discharge flow path 63 is formed at the other end of the second direction Y on the other side of the first direction X of the damper chamber 67.

As shown in FIG. 15, only the damper chamber 67 and the damper member 68 are provided in the middle portion of the container member 11D in the second direction Y in the internal space. Both sides of the damper chamber 67 in the first direction X and the upper side in the third direction Z are covered with the partition wall 65.

In the inkjet head 1D according to the fifth embodiment, the ink supplied from the supply port 14 passes through the ink supply port 61 formed directly below the supply port 14, that is, below the third direction Z. , Enter the internal space of the container member 11D. Then, the ink passes through the ink supply flow path 62 and flows into the gap between the damper member 68 and the substrate 3C.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the ink flows through the gap between the damper member 68 and the substrate 3C from one end to the other end in the second direction Y. The ink that has flowed to the other end in the second direction Y flows through the ink discharge flow path 63 to the ink discharge port 69. Then, the ink is discharged from the ink discharge port 69 to the discharge port 15.

In the inkjet head 1D according to the fifth embodiment, the place where the ink is supplied and the place where the ink is discharged are limited to directly under the supply port 14 and the discharge port 15. As a result, the inkjet head 1D according to the fifth embodiment limits the direction in which ink flows as compared with the inkjet head according to the first embodiment, so that bubbles can be more efficiently discharged from the discharge port 15. It can be discharged.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment described above, their description will be omitted. The inkjet head 1D having such a configuration can also obtain the same actions and effects as the inkjet head 1 according to the above-described first embodiment.

Further, also in the inkjet heads 1C and 1D according to the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, the supply port and the ink supply flow path are the same as those of the inkjet heads 1A and 1B according to the second and third embodiments. A filter may be provided between and.

6. Example of Sixth Embodiment Next, the inkjet head according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 to 21.
FIG. 17 is a plan view through which the lid member of the ink manifold in the inkjet head according to the sixth embodiment is transmitted. 18 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 17, FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 17, FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line DD of FIG.

The inkjet head 1E according to the sixth embodiment limits the flow path in which the ink in the inkjet head 1B according to the third embodiment is supplied to the common ink chamber to one end in the second direction Y. It is a thing. Therefore, here, the container member of the ink manifold will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the parts common to the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment and the inkjet head 1B according to the third embodiment. The duplicate explanation is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, the inkjet head 1E includes an ink manifold 2E, a substrate 3, and a head chip 4. An ink storage portion 71, an ink supply flow path 72, and a partition wall 75 are provided in the internal space of the container member 11E of the ink manifold 2E. A filter 41 is provided in the ink storage unit 71.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the ink storage portion 71 is formed at one end of the upper surface portion 25E in the second direction Y. Further, the ink storage portion 71 is formed in the central portion of the upper surface portion 25E in the first direction X. The ink storage unit 71 communicates with the supply port 14 provided on the lid member 12. Further, the ink storage unit 71 also communicates with the ink supply flow path 72.

Further, the ink supply flow path 72 communicates with the ink storage portion 71 at one end in the second direction Y, and forms an internal space of the container member 11E up to an opening on the lower side in the third direction Z. .. Further, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the ink storage portion 71 and the ink supply flow path 72 are formed only at one end in the second direction Y of the container member 11E.

Further, the container member 11E has a first ink discharge flow path 33E, a second ink discharge flow path 34E, a first damper chamber 37, a second damper chamber 38, and an ink discharge unit 39E. The first ink discharge flow path 33E, the second ink discharge flow path 34E, the first damper chamber 37, the second damper chamber 38, and the ink discharge unit 39E are the third ink discharge passages 39E, as shown in FIG. Since it has the same configuration as the first ink discharge flow path 33B, the second ink discharge flow path 34E, the first damper chamber 37, the second damper chamber 38, and the ink discharge portion 39B according to the embodiment, The description will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, the partition wall 75 partitions the upper part of the first damper chamber 37 and the second damper chamber 78 in the third direction Z. Further, the partition wall 75 also partitions between the first damper chamber 37 and the second damper chamber 38 from the middle portion to the other end portion of the container member 11E in the second direction Y.

As a result, the ink supplied from the supply port 14 is supplied to the internal space from one end in the second direction Y of the container member 11E via the ink storage portion 71 and the ink supply flow path 72. Then, the ink that has passed through the ink supply flow path 72 passes through the gap between the first damper member 26 or the second damper member 27 and the substrate 3, flows toward both sides in the first direction X, and is the first. It flows from one side of the second direction Y toward the other side. The ink passes through the first ink discharge flow path 33E and the second ink discharge flow path 34E, and is discharged from the ink discharge unit 39E to the discharge port 15.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment described above, their description will be omitted. The inkjet head 1E having such a configuration can also obtain the same actions and effects as the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment and the inkjet head 1E according to the third embodiment described above. ..

7. Example of Seventh Embodiment Next, the inkjet head according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 26.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the lid member of the ink manifold in the inkjet head according to the seventh embodiment through which the lid member is transmitted. FIG. 23 is a plan view showing the lid member of the ink manifold in the inkjet head being transmitted through. 24 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 23, FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 23, and FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 23.

The difference between the inkjet head 1F according to the seventh embodiment and the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment is a position where ink is supplied and a position where ink is discharged. Therefore, here, the container member will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the parts common to the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 22 to 26, the inkjet head 1F includes an ink manifold 2F, a substrate 3, and a head chip 4. The container member 11F of the ink manifold 2F is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the lower surface of the third direction Z is open. The container member 11F has a front surface portion 21F, a back surface portion 22F, a first side wall portion 23F, a second side wall portion 24F, and an upper surface portion 25F.

Further, in the internal space of the container member 11F, an ink storage portion 81, an ink supply flow path 82, a first ink discharge flow path 83, a second ink discharge flow path 84, and a third ink discharge flow path 85 are provided. , The fourth ink discharge flow path 86 is provided. Further, in the internal space of the container member 11F, a first damper chamber 87, a second damper chamber 88, a first common discharge flow path 89, a second common discharge flow path 90, an ink discharge unit 91, and a partition are provided. A wall 92 is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24, the ink storage portion 81 is formed in the central portion of the upper surface portion 25F in the first direction X. The ink storage portion 81 extends from one end portion in the second direction Y on the upper surface portion 25F to the intermediate portion. The ink storage portion 81 is a concave portion in which the upper surface portion 25F is recessed with a predetermined length toward the lower side in the third direction Z. The supply port 14 communicates with the ink storage unit 81.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 25, the ink storage portion 81 has an ink supply port 81a opened in the middle portion of the container member 11F in the second direction Y. The ink supply port 81a is formed by opening the lower surface of the ink storage portion 81 on the lower side in the third direction Z. An ink supply flow path 82 communicates with the ink supply port 81a. Further, the ink supply port 81a is provided with a filter 93. Since the filter 93 has the same configuration as the filter 41 according to the second embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

The ink supply flow path 82 is formed continuously up to the lower opening in the third direction Z at the central portion of the first direction X in the middle portion of the second direction Y in the container member 11F. A first damper chamber 87 is provided on one side of the ink supply flow path 82 in the first direction X, and a second damper chamber 88 is provided on the other side of the first direction X of the ink supply flow path 82. Is provided. The first damper chamber 87 is provided with a first damper member 94, and the second damper chamber 88 is provided with a second damper member 95.

The configuration of the first damper chamber 87, the second damper chamber 88, the first damper member 94, and the second damper member 95 is the first damper chamber 37, the second damper chamber 38, and the first damper chamber 38 according to the first embodiment. Since it is the same as the damper member 26 and the second damper member 27, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24, a first ink discharge flow path 83 and a second ink discharge flow path 84 are provided at one end of the container member 11F in the second direction Y. The first ink discharge flow path 83 is formed on one side of the first direction X with respect to the first damper chamber 87. The second ink discharge flow path 84 is formed on the other side of the first direction X with respect to the second damper chamber 88. The first ink discharge flow path 83 and the second ink discharge flow path 84 penetrate from the lower opening of the container member 11F in the third direction Z to the upper upper surface portion 25F.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 22, 23 and 26, a third ink discharge flow path 85 and a fourth ink discharge flow path 86 are provided at the other end of the container member 11F in the second direction Y. ing. The third ink discharge flow path 85 is formed on one side of the first direction X with respect to the first damper chamber 87. The fourth ink discharge flow path 86 is formed on the other side of the first direction X with respect to the second damper chamber 88. The third ink discharge flow path 85 and the fourth ink discharge flow path 86 penetrate from the lower opening of the container member 11F in the third direction Z to the upper upper surface portion 25F.

As shown in FIGS. 22 to 26, a first common discharge flow path 89 and a second common discharge flow path 90 are provided on both sides of the upper surface portion 25F in the first direction X. The first common discharge flow path 89 is formed at one end of the upper surface portion 25F in the first direction X. The first common discharge flow path 89 is a groove portion of the upper surface portion 25F that is continuous from one end to the other end in the second direction Y. The first ink discharge flow path 83 communicates with one end of the first common discharge flow path 89 in the second direction Y, and the other end of the first common discharge flow path 89 in the second direction Y communicates with the other end. The third ink discharge flow path 85 communicates with the third ink discharge flow path 85.

The second common discharge flow path 90 is formed at the other end of the upper surface portion 25F in the first direction X. The second common discharge flow path 90 is a groove portion of the upper surface portion 25F that is continuous from one end to the other end in the second direction Y. A second ink discharge flow path 84 communicates with one end of the second common discharge flow path 90 in the second direction Y, and the other end of the second common discharge flow path 90 in the second direction Y communicates with the second ink discharge flow path 84. The fourth ink discharge flow path 86 communicates with the fourth ink discharge flow path 86.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, an ink discharging portion 91 is provided at the other end of the upper surface portion 25F in the second direction Y. The ink discharging portion 91 is a concave portion formed in the middle portion of the upper surface portion 25F in the first direction X and recessed with a predetermined length toward the lower side in the third direction Z. The first common discharge flow path 89 and the second common discharge flow path 90 communicate with the ink discharge unit 91. Further, the discharge port 15 communicates with the ink discharge unit 91.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the upper side of the first damper chamber 87 and the second damper chamber 88 in the third direction Z is partitioned by the partition wall 92. Further, as shown in FIG. 26, at the other end of the second direction Y, the partition wall 92 partitions between the first damper chamber 87 and the second damper chamber 88.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, in the inkjet head 1F according to the seventh embodiment, the ink supplied from the supply port 14 is first stored in the ink storage unit 81. The ink flows through the ink storage portion 81 from one end portion in the second direction Y toward the intermediate portion, and flows from the ink supply port 81a to the ink supply flow path 82 as shown in FIG. 25. The ink passes through the ink supply flow path 82 and flows into the opening on the lower side of the third direction Z of the container member 11.

The ink that has passed through the ink supply flow path 82 passes through the gaps between the first damper member 94 and the second damper member 95 and the substrate 3, and flows toward the four corners of the container member 11. The ink that has flowed to the four corners of the container member 11 passes through the first ink discharge flow path 83, the second ink discharge flow path 84, the third ink discharge flow path 85, or the fourth ink discharge flow path 86, and is second. It flows through the 1 common discharge flow path 89 or the 2nd common discharge flow path 90. Next, the ink flows to the ink discharge section 91 via the first common discharge flow path 89 or the second common discharge flow path 90, and is discharged from the ink discharge section 91 to the discharge port 15.

As described above, in the inkjet head 1F according to the seventh embodiment, the ink is introduced from the central portion of the container member 11F, and the ink is flowed toward the four corners of the container member 11F. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the offset of the ink at one end and the other end of the second direction Y in the container member 11F. Further, by providing the ink discharge passages 83, 84, 85, 86 at the four corners of the container member 11F, air bubbles that easily collect at the corners can be efficiently discharged to the ink discharge passages 83, 84, 85, 86. Can be done.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment described above, their description will be omitted. The inkjet head 1F having such a configuration can also obtain the same actions and effects as the inkjet head 1 according to the above-described first embodiment.

8. Other Examples of Head Chips Next, other examples of head chips in the inkjet head of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 27.
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the head tip.

As shown in FIG. 27, the inkjet head 1G includes an ink manifold 2, a holding portion 203 that closes an opening of the ink manifold 2, and a head tip 204. The holding portion 203 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape, and has a through hole 203a communicating with the common ink chamber 10 which is an internal space of the ink manifold 2.

The head tip 204 is joined to the holding portion 203. The head tip 204 has a nozzle plate 210, an intermediate plate 220, a pressure chamber forming plate 230, a drive plate 240, and a wiring board 250. Further, the head tip 204 is laminated in the order of the nozzle plate 210, the intermediate plate 220, the pressure chamber forming plate 230, the drive plate 240, and the wiring board 250 from the ink ejection surface side.

A plurality of nozzles 211 are formed on the nozzle plate 210. The nozzle 211 penetrates from one surface to the other surface of the nozzle plate 210. The nozzle 211 ejects the ink supplied from the common ink chamber 10 to the outside. The nozzle 211 communicates with the pressure chamber 231 formed in the pressure chamber forming plate 230 via the intermediate plate 220 laminated on the nozzle plate 210.

The intermediate plate 220 is arranged between the nozzle plate 210 and the pressure chamber forming plate 230. The intermediate plate 220 is provided with a first communication hole 221 that communicates the nozzle 211 with the pressure chamber 231 provided in the pressure chamber forming plate 230. The first communication hole 221 is provided at a position corresponding to the nozzle 211 of the nozzle plate 210, and penetrates from one surface to the other surface of the intermediate plate 220.

The pressure chamber forming plate 230 has a plurality of pressure chambers (channels) 231 and a diaphragm 232. The pressure chamber 231 penetrates from one surface to the other surface of the pressure chamber forming plate 230. The pressure chamber 231 applies a discharge pressure to the ink discharged from the nozzle 211. Further, the pressure chamber 231 is provided at a position corresponding to the nozzle 211 of the nozzle plate 210 and the first communication hole 221 of the intermediate plate 220.

The diaphragm 232 is arranged so as to cover the opening of the pressure chamber 231 opposite to the intermediate plate 220. The diaphragm 232 is provided with a second communication hole 232a that communicates with the pressure chamber 231. A drive plate 240 is arranged on one surface of the diaphragm 232 on the side opposite to the pressure chamber 231 side.

The drive plate 240 has a space portion 241 and a third communication hole 242 that communicates with the second communication hole 232a. The space portion 241 is arranged at a position facing the pressure chamber 231 with the diaphragm 232 in between. The actuator 260 is housed in the space portion 241.

The actuator 260 has a piezoelectric element 261 and two electrodes (not shown). The piezoelectric element 261 is interposed between the two electrodes and is laminated on one surface of the diaphragm 232. The piezoelectric element 261 is provided for each pressure chamber 231 (for each channel).

The piezoelectric element 261 is made of a material that deforms when a voltage is applied, and is made of a ferroelectric material such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), for example. Further, the electrode of the piezoelectric element 261 on the opposite side of the diaphragm 232 is connected to the wiring layer 251 provided on the wiring board 250.

The wiring board 250 has a wiring layer 251 and a silicon layer 252 on which the wiring layer 251 is formed on one surface. The wiring layer 251 is connected to the electrodes of the actuator 260. Further, the outer edge portion of the wiring layer 251 is connected to a flexible wiring board (not shown). Further, a silicon layer 252 is arranged on one surface of the wiring layer 251 opposite to the drive plate 240. The silicon layer 252 is joined to the holding portion 203.

Further, the wiring board 250 is provided with a fourth communication hole 253 penetrating the wiring layer 251 and the silicon layer 252. The fourth communication hole 253 communicates with the common ink chamber 10 through the third communication hole 242 of the drive plate 240 and the through hole 203a of the holding portion 203.

As a result, the ink contained in the common ink chamber 10 flows into the pressure chamber 231 through the fourth communication hole 253, the third communication hole 242, and the second communication hole 232a. Then, when a voltage is applied to the actuator 260, the piezoelectric element 261 is deformed, and the diaphragm 232 is deformed as the piezoelectric element 261 is deformed. The deformation of the diaphragm 232 generates a pressure for ejecting ink into the pressure chamber 231. As a result, ink is ejected from the nozzle 211 through the first communication hole 221.

Since other configurations are the same as those of the inkjet head 1 according to the first embodiment described above, their description will be omitted. An inkjet head 1G provided with a head chip 204 having such a configuration can also obtain the same operations and effects as the inkjet head 1 according to the above-described first embodiment.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention described in the claims.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G ... Inkjet head, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F ... Ink manifold, 3 ... Substrate, 3a ... Through hole,
4 ... Head tip, 6 ... Pressure chamber forming plate, 7 ... Nozzle plate, 7a ... Nozzle, 8 ... Channel (pressure chamber), 10 ... Common ink chamber, 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F ... Container Members, 12, 12C ... lid members, 14 ... supply port, 15 ... discharge port, 21 ... front part, 22 ... back part, 23 ... first side wall part, 24 ... second side wall part, 25 ... top surface part, 26 ... 1st damper member, 27 ... 2nd damper member, 31 ... Ink storage section, 31a ... Tapered section, 32 ... Ink supply flow path, 33 ... 1st ink discharge flow path, 33a ... 1st ink discharge communication path, 34 ... 2nd ink discharge flow path, 34a ... 2nd ink discharge communication passage, 35 ... 1st partition wall, 36 ... 2nd partition wall, 37 ... 1st damper chamber, 38 ... 2nd damper chamber, 39 ... ink discharge section, 41, 93 ... Filter 85 ... Third ink discharge flow path, 86 ... Fourth ink discharge flow path, 89 ... First common discharge flow path,
90 ... Second common discharge flow path, 100 ... Image forming apparatus, 101 ... Platen, 102 ... Conveying roller, 103, 104, 105, 106 ... Line head, 203 ... Holding part, 203a ... Through hole, 204 ... Head tip, 210 ... Nozzle plate, 211 ... Nozzle, 220 ... Intermediate plate, 230 ... Pressure chamber forming plate, 231 ... Pressure chamber, 232 ... Diaphragm, 240 ... Drive plate, 241 ... Space, 250 ... Wiring board, 251 ... Wiring layer , 252 ... Silicon layer, 260 ... Actuator, 261 ... Piezoelectric element

Claims (10)

A head tip with multiple pressure chambers and
An ink manifold having a common ink chamber for supplying ink to the head chip is provided.
The ink manifold is
The supply port to which the ink is supplied and
An discharge port for discharging the ink and bubbles remaining in the ink,
An ink supply flow path provided in the internal space of the ink manifold, communicating with the supply port, and passing the ink.
The ink, which is provided in the internal space and is arranged to face the opening on the ink manifold side in the plurality of pressure chambers and has passed through the ink supply flow path, passes through a gap formed between the head chip and the ink supply flow path. Damper member and
An ink discharge flow path provided in the internal space, communicating with the discharge port, and passing the ink and the bubbles passing through the gap,
A partition wall provided in the internal space and restricting the passage of the ink and the air bubbles on the side of the damper member opposite to the gap is provided.
The ink manifold is an inkjet head that limits the direction in which the ink and the bubbles flow in the gap in the direction from the ink supply flow path to the ink discharge flow path. The inkjet head according to claim 1, wherein the damper member is provided in a damper chamber integrally formed with the ink manifold. The ink supply flow path is provided at the center of the ink manifold in a first direction orthogonal to the ejection direction in which the ink is discharged to the head chip.
The damper members include a first damper member provided on one side of the ink supply flow path in the first direction and a second damper member provided on the other side of the ink supply flow path in the first direction. With members,
The ink discharge flow path is provided on one side of the first damper member in the first direction and on the other side of the second damper member in the first direction. The inkjet head according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second ink discharge flow path. The supply port is provided at one end in a second direction orthogonal to the ejection direction of the ink manifold and also orthogonal to the first direction.
The discharge port is provided at the other end of the ink manifold in the second direction.
The upper surface of the first ink discharge flow path and the second ink discharge flow path facing the head chip in the discharge direction is from the head chip to the other end as it goes from one end to the other end in the second direction. The inkjet head according to claim 3, which deviates from the ejection direction. The inkjet head according to claim 4, wherein the ink supply flow path is provided at one end of the ink manifold in the second direction. The supply port is provided at one end in a second direction orthogonal to the ejection direction of the ink manifold and also orthogonal to the first direction.
The discharge port is provided at the other end of the ink manifold in the second direction.
The ink supply flow path is provided at the center of the ink manifold in the second direction.
The first ink discharge flow path is provided at one end of the ink manifold in the first direction and at one end of the second direction.
The second ink discharge flow path is provided at the other end of the ink manifold in the first direction and at one end in the second direction.
The ink discharge flow path is a third ink discharge flow path provided at one end of the ink manifold in the first direction and at the other end of the second direction.
It has a fourth ink discharge flow path provided at the other end of the ink manifold in the first direction and at the other end of the second direction.
The ink manifold is
A first common discharge flow path connecting the first ink discharge flow path and the third ink discharge flow path,
The inkjet head according to claim 3, further comprising a second common discharge flow path connecting the second ink discharge flow path and the fourth ink discharge flow path. The ink supply flow path is provided at one end of the ink manifold in a first direction orthogonal to the ejection direction in which the ink is discharged to the head chip.
The ink discharge flow path is provided at the other end of the ink manifold in the first direction.
The inkjet head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the damper member is provided at a central portion in the first direction. The supply port is provided at one end in a second direction orthogonal to the ejection direction of the ink manifold and also orthogonal to the first direction.
The discharge port is provided at the other end of the ink manifold in the second direction.
The ink supply flow path is provided at one end of the ink manifold in the second direction.
The inkjet head according to claim 7, wherein the ink discharge flow path is provided at the other end of the ink manifold in the second direction. The inkjet head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a filter is provided between the ink supply flow path and the supply port. An image forming apparatus including the inkjet head according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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