JP6985646B2 - Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge unit, device that discharges liquid - Google Patents

Description

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

In the liquid discharge head, the pressure wave due to the pressure fluctuation when the liquid in the individual liquid chamber is pressurized propagates to the common flow path (also referred to as the common liquid chamber) and reappears to the same individual liquid chamber or another individual liquid chamber. Discharge characteristics deteriorate due to propagating crosstalk (mutual interference).

Conventionally, two fluid resistance paths are arranged for one pressure chamber (individual liquid chamber), and each of the two fluid resistance paths is a liquid that leads to a common flow path of a holding substrate via an opening (filter). A discharge head is known (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-177101

In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, since the opening (filter) through which the two fluid resistance paths communicate directly faces the common flow path, the pressure wave due to the residual vibration generated in the individual liquid chambers is generated. It propagates from the two fluid resistance paths to the common flow path through the respective openings.

At this time, the time for the pressure wave propagating from the individual liquid chamber to the common flow path through one opening to return to the individual liquid chamber through the other opening and the pressure wave propagating to the common flow path through the other opening are individual through one opening. There is almost no difference between the time to return to the liquid chamber.

Therefore, there is a problem that crosstalk via the common flow path cannot be sufficiently suppressed and stable discharge characteristics cannot be obtained.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to obtain stable discharge characteristics.

In order to solve the above problems, the liquid discharge head according to the present invention is
Multiple individual liquid chambers that lead to multiple nozzles that discharge liquid, and
A plurality of individual supply channels leading to each of the plurality of individual liquid chambers,
A common flow path on the supply side leading to the plurality of individual supply flow paths,
An intermediate supply flow path interposed between the supply-side common flow path and one or more individual supply flow paths is provided.
Each of the plurality of individual supply channels
The first supply side fluid resistance path and the second supply side fluid resistance path,
The first individual supply port leading to the first supply side fluid resistance path,
Includes a second individual supply port leading to the second supply side fluid resistance path.
The length of the first supply-side fluid resistance path and the length of the second supply-side fluid resistance path are different.
The intermediate supply flow path is
A first intermediate supply flow path leading to one or more of the first individual supply ports,
Includes a second intermediate supply channel leading to one or more of the second individual supply ports.
The first intermediate supply flow path and the second intermediate supply flow path are separated from each other.
The length of the flow path from the second individual supply port to the second supply-side fluid resistance path is longer than the length from the first individual supply port to the first supply-side fluid resistance path.
The opening cross-sectional area of the flow path from the second individual supply port to the second supply-side fluid resistance path is larger than the opening cross-sectional area of the flow path from the first individual supply port to the first supply-side fluid resistance path. <br/> It was configured.

According to the present invention, stable discharge characteristics can be obtained.

It is sectional drawing corresponding to CC of FIG. 3 along the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is a cross-sectional explanatory view corresponding to the DD line of FIG. It is a plane explanatory view seen from the nozzle plate side corresponding to line AA of FIG. 1 of the head. It is also a plan explanatory view seen from the common flow path member side corresponding to the line BB of FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the change of the applied voltage given to a piezoelectric element, the pressure fluctuation of an individual liquid chamber by a piezoelectric element, and the pressure fluctuation of an individual liquid chamber by a return pressure wave from a common flow path. It is a disassembled plane explanatory view of the main part of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled plane explanatory view of the main part of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a plane explanatory view of the main part of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a plane explanatory view of the main part of an example of the apparatus which discharges a liquid which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the main part side surface of the apparatus. It is a plane explanatory view of the main part of another example of the liquid discharge unit which concerns on this invention. It is a front explanatory view of still another example of the liquid discharge unit which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The liquid discharge head according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view corresponding to CC of FIG. 3 along a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the head, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory view corresponding to the DD line of FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan explanatory view of the head seen from the nozzle plate side corresponding to the line AA of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of the head seen from the common flow path member side corresponding to the line BB of FIG. It is a figure.

The liquid discharge head 100 includes a nozzle plate 1, a flow path plate 2, a diaphragm member 3 which is a wall surface member, a piezoelectric element 11 which is a pressure generating element, a holding substrate 50, and a common flow path member 80. ing. Here, the portion composed of the flow path plate 2, the diaphragm member 3, and the piezoelectric element 11 is the liquid chamber substrate 20.

A plurality of nozzles 4 for discharging liquid are formed on the nozzle plate 1.

The liquid chamber substrate 20 composed of the flow path plate 2 and the diaphragm member 3 has a plurality of individual liquid chambers 6 through which the plurality of nozzles 4 pass, and a plurality of individual supply flow paths 5 each through the plurality of individual liquid chambers 6. Is forming.

The individual supply flow path 5 leads to a fluid resistance portion 7 composed of a first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A and a second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B leading to the individual liquid chamber 6, and a first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A. It includes a first individual supply port 9A, a supply side introduction flow path 8B through which a second supply side fluid resistance path 7B communicates, and a second individual supply port 9B leading through a supply side introduction flow path 8B. The fluid resistance portion 7 and the supply side introduction flow path 8B are formed by a groove portion provided in the flow path plate 2, and the first individual supply port 9A and the second individual supply port 9B are formed by a through hole formed in the diaphragm member 3. is doing.

Further, the diaphragm member 3 forms a deformable vibration region 30 that forms a part of the wall surface of the individual liquid chamber 6. A piezoelectric element 11 is provided integrally with the vibration region 30 on the surface of the vibration plate member 3 opposite to the individual liquid chamber 6, and the vibration region 30 and the piezoelectric element 11 form a piezoelectric actuator. ing.

The piezoelectric element 11 is configured by sequentially laminating and forming a lower electrode 13, a piezoelectric layer (piezoelectric body) 12 and an upper electrode 14 from the vibration region 30 side. The lower electrode 13, which is a common electrode of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 11, is one electrode layer formed so as to straddle all the piezoelectric elements 11 in the nozzle arrangement direction.

Further, the upper electrode 14 which is an individual electrode of the piezoelectric element 11 is connected to a drive IC (hereinafter, referred to as “driver IC”) 500 which is a drive circuit unit via the individual wiring 16.

A holding substrate 50 covering the piezoelectric element 11 on the liquid chamber substrate 20 is bonded to the diaphragm member 3 side of the liquid chamber substrate 20 with an adhesive.

The holding substrate 50 is formed with an intermediate supply flow path 51 interposed between the supply-side common flow path 10 leading to the individual supply flow path 5 and one or more individual supply flow paths 5.

The intermediate supply flow path 51 includes a first intermediate supply flow path 51A leading to one or more first individual supply ports 9A and a second intermediate supply flow path 51B leading to one or more second individual supply ports 9B. The first intermediate supply flow path 51A and the second intermediate supply flow path 51B are separated by a partition wall 55.

Here, the first intermediate supply flow path 51A communicates with all the first individual supply ports 9A, and the second intermediate supply flow path 51B communicates with all the second individual supply ports 9B, but the configuration is limited to this. It is not something that is done.

For example, a first intermediate supply flow path 51A and a second intermediate supply flow path 51B may be provided for each of the first individual supply ports 9A and the second individual supply port 9B. Further, it is also possible to provide a first intermediate supply flow path 51A and a second intermediate supply flow path 51B for each of a predetermined number of first individual supply ports 9A and second individual supply ports 9B.

Further, the holding substrate 50 is provided with a recess 52 for accommodating the piezoelectric element 11 and an opening 53 for accommodating the driver IC 500.

The common flow path member 80 forms a supply-side common flow path 10 that supplies liquid to each individual liquid chamber 6.

In the liquid discharge head 100, by applying a voltage between the upper electrode 14 and the lower electrode 13 of the piezoelectric element 11 from the driver IC 500, the piezoelectric layer 12 expands in the electrode stacking direction, that is, in the electric field direction, and becomes a vibration region 30. It contracts in parallel directions. As a result, tensile stress is generated on the lower electrode 13 side of the vibration region 30, the vibration region 30 bends toward the individual liquid chamber 6, and the liquid inside is pressurized, so that the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 4.

Next, the fluid resistance of the first supply side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B of the fluid resistance section 7 will be described.

It is preferable that the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B have substantially the same (including the same) fluid resistance.

In the present embodiment, since the first supply side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B are arranged side by side in the nozzle arrangement direction, the length L2 of the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B is the first. The length of the supply-side fluid resistance path 7A is longer than the length L1 (L2> L1).

Further, since the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B penetrate the flow path plate 2, the depth (height) is the same. The width W2 of the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B is larger than the width W1 of the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A (W2> W1).

As a result, the opening cross-sectional area of the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B (the cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the direction of the liquid flow) becomes larger than the cross-sectional area of the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A, and the length and the opening. The fluid resistance determined by the cross-sectional area can be made substantially the same in the first supply side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B.

In this way, by making the fluid resistances of the first supply side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B substantially the same, the first supply side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B are made substantially the same. Since the flow rates of the fluids flowing through the water are almost the same, it is possible to reduce poor filling properties or poor refilling.

When the difference between the fluid resistance of the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A and the fluid resistance of the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B becomes large, the flow rate of the flow path having a low fluid resistance increases, and bubbles become a flow path having a high fluid resistance. It tends to remain, and discharge defects are likely to occur.

Further, in the present embodiment, the width of the supply side introduction flow path 8B between the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B and the second individual supply port 9B is made wider than the width of the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B. There is.

As a result, the degree of freedom in setting the length L and width W of the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B can be increased, the flow path can be miniaturized, and the head can be miniaturized. be able to.

Next, the suppression of crosstalk in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating changes in the applied voltage applied to the piezoelectric element, pressure fluctuations in the individual liquid chambers due to the piezoelectric elements, and pressure fluctuations in the individual liquid chambers due to the return pressure wave from the common flow path.

As shown in FIG. 5A, a drive waveform including two drive pulses P1 is applied to the piezoelectric element 11 to pressurize the individual liquid chamber 6 and discharge the liquid. When the drive pulse P1 is applied, the piezoelectric element 11 contracts in the same plane as the vibration region 30, and the vibration region 30 is flexed to contract the volume of the individual liquid chamber 6.

Therefore, when the drive pulse P1 is applied, the volume change of the individual liquid chamber 6 expands once and then contracts, and the pressure of the individual liquid chamber 6 is shown by a solid line in FIGS. 6 (b) and 6 (c). It will change as shown.

Then, the pressure wave generated in the individual liquid chamber 6 propagates from the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A to the supply-side common flow path 10 via the first individual supply port 9A and the first intermediate supply flow path 51A. Then, it is reflected by the supply-side common flow path 10 and re-propagates to the individual liquid chamber 6 via the first intermediate supply flow path 51A, the first individual supply port 9A, and the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A. The pressure fluctuation due to the pressure component from the supply-side common flow path 10 through the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A is shown by a broken line in FIG. 5 (b).

Further, the pressure wave generated in the individual liquid chamber 6 propagates from the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B to the supply side common flow path 10 via the second individual supply port 9B and the second intermediate supply flow path 51B. Then, it is reflected by the supply-side common flow path 10 and re-propagates to the individual liquid chamber 6 via the second intermediate supply flow path 51B, the second individual supply port 9B, and the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B. The pressure fluctuation due to the pressure component from the supply-side common flow path 10 through the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B is shown by a broken line in FIG. 5 (c).

Here, the length of the flow path leading from the individual liquid chamber 6 to the supply side common flow path 10 through the first supply side fluid resistance path 7A and the supply side common flow path from the individual liquid chamber 6 through the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B. The length of the flow path leading to 10 is different. Specifically, the side through the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B is longer than the side through the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A.

Therefore, the second delay time (delay amount) td1 of the pressure wave returning from the supply-side common flow path 10 through the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A shown in FIG. 5 (b) is more than that of the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7A shown in FIG. The delay time (delay amount) td2 of the pressure wave returning from the supply-side common flow path 10 through the supply-side fluid resistance path 7B becomes long. The delay time td is the time difference between the timing of the pressure fluctuation due to the piezoelectric element 11 of the individual liquid chamber 6 and the timing of the pressure fluctuation due to the repropagation pressure wave from the common flow path 10 on the supply side.

In this way, the supply side is connected to the supply side common flow path 10 from the individual liquid chamber 6 via the first supply side fluid resistance passage 7A and the second supply side fluid resistance passage 7B having different lengths. The delay amount of the pressure wave repropagating from the common flow path 10 to the individual liquid chamber 6 can be different and dispersed.

Since the addition of these components becomes a component that affects crosstalk, it is possible to disperse the peaks of pressure vibration in the vicinity of a specific timing without concentrating. This makes it possible to suppress the crosstalk phenomenon due to the pressure component from the common flow path 10 on the supply side.

Here, when one individual liquid chamber 6 (this is referred to as "individual liquid chamber 6a") is driven, the supply side is common to the other individual liquid chamber 6 (this is referred to as "individual liquid chamber 6b"). There are four types of pressure interference paths through the flow path 10 (1) to (4) below.

The individual liquid chamber 6a is referred to as a first supply side fluid resistance path 7Aa and a second supply side fluid resistance path 7Ba, and the individual liquid chamber 6b is referred to as a first supply side fluid resistance path 7Ab and a second supply side. Notated as fluid resistance path 7Bb.

(1) Individual liquid chamber 6a-First supply side fluid resistance passage 7Aa-Supply side common flow path 10-First supply side fluid resistance passage 7Ab-Individual liquid chamber 6b,
(2) Individual liquid chamber 6a-First supply side fluid resistance passage 7Aa-Supply side common flow path 10-Second supply side fluid resistance passage 7Bb-Individual liquid chamber 6b,
(3) Individual liquid chamber 6a-Second supply side fluid resistance passage 7Ba-Supply side common flow path 10-First supply side fluid resistance passage 7Ab-Individual liquid chamber 6b,
(4) Individual liquid chamber 6a-Second supply side fluid resistance passage 7Ba-Supply side common flow path 10-Second supply side fluid resistance passage 7Bb-Individual liquid chamber 6b

In this way, the pressure generated in the individual liquid chamber 6a is dispersed in the first supply side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B. At the same time, the pressure dispersed to the individual liquid chamber 6b via each of the first supply side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B returns as pressure interference, so that the pressure is dispersed into the above four types. At the same time, the pressure wave whose timing is deviated returns to the individual liquid chamber 6b.

As a result, the peak of the pressure wave returning to the individual liquid chamber 6b has a broad shape.

In particular, the return of the pressure wave via the common flow path 10 on the supply side changes depending on the distance between the individual liquid chambers 6a and the individual liquid chambers 6b, and it is difficult to control the delay time described above. Therefore, crosstalk is effectively suppressed by dispersing the peak of the pressure propagating from the individual liquid chamber to the common flow path on the supply side and also distributing the pressure returning from the common flow path on the supply side to the individual liquid chamber to lower the peak. can do.

On the other hand, when the fluid resistance section is composed of one fluid resistance path and is composed of a plurality of the same fluid resistance paths, the peak of the pressure wave is not dispersed and crosstalk can be suppressed. It disappears and the discharge characteristics become unstable.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first intermediate supply flow path 51A is provided between the first individual supply port 9A through which the first supply side fluid resistance path 7A passes and the supply side common flow path 10, and the second supply side fluid resistance. A second intermediate supply flow path 51B is arranged between the second individual supply port 9B through which the road 7B communicates and the supply side common flow path 10.

Here, the first intermediate supply flow path 51A and the second intermediate supply flow path 51B are arranged separately.

Therefore, the distance between the first individual supply port 9A and the second individual supply port 9B is compared with the case where the first individual supply port 9A and the second individual supply port 9B directly face the common intermediate supply flow path. Is long, and the delay amount of the pressure wave between the first individual supply port 9A and the second individual supply port 9B can be increased.

As a result, the peak of pressure interference can be further reduced, and crosstalk via the common flow path on the supply side can be significantly suppressed.

Next, the liquid discharge head according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the main part of the head in an exploded plan view. In the common flow path member, the positions of the first intermediate supply flow path, the second intermediate supply flow path, the first intermediate recovery flow path, and the second intermediate interval weekly flow path of the holding substrate are illustrated by virtual lines.

The liquid discharge head 100 of the present embodiment is a flow-through type head (individual liquid chamber circulation type head).

Similar to the first embodiment, the liquid chamber substrate 20 includes a first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A leading to the individual liquid chamber 6, a supply-side fluid resistance section 7 including a second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B, and a first. It has a first individual supply port 9A leading to the supply-side fluid resistance path 7A and a second individual supply port 9B leading to the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B.

Further, the liquid chamber substrate 20 has an individual recovery flow path 155. The individual recovery flow path 155 leads to the recovery side fluid resistance section 157 including the first recovery side fluid resistance path 157A and the second recovery side fluid resistance path 157B leading to the individual liquid chamber 6, and the first recovery side fluid resistance path 157A. It includes a first individual recovery port 159A and a second individual recovery port 159B leading to a second recovery side fluid resistance path 157B.

Then, on the holding substrate 50, a plurality of first intermediate supply channels 51A communicating with the plurality of first individual supply ports 9A and a plurality of second intermediate supply channels 51B each communicating with the plurality of second individual supply ports 9B are provided. And have. Further, in the holding substrate 50, a plurality of first intermediate recovery channels 151A communicating with the plurality of first individual recovery ports 159A and a plurality of second intermediate recovery channels 151B each communicating with the plurality of second individual recovery ports 159B are provided. And have. The first intermediate recovery flow path 151A and the second intermediate recovery flow path 151B constitute the intermediate recovery path 151.

The common flow path member 80 includes a supply-side common flow path 10 through which the first intermediate supply flow path 51A and the second intermediate supply flow path 51B of the holding substrate 50 pass, and the first intermediate recovery flow path 151A and the second intermediate recovery flow path. It has a recovery-side common flow path 150 through which the path 151B passes.

In this way, the first intermediate supply flow path 51A leading to the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A and the second intermediate supply flow path 51B leading to the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B are separated from each other, and these are separated first. It is connected to the supply-side common flow path 10 via the first intermediate supply flow path 51A and the second intermediate supply flow path 51B.

Similarly, the first intermediate recovery flow path 151A through which the first recovery side fluid resistance path 157A passes and the recovery side common flow path 150 through which the second recovery side fluid resistance path 157B communicates are separated. Then, they are connected to the recovery side common flow path 150 via the separated first intermediate recovery flow path 151A and the second intermediate recovery flow path 151B.
ing.

Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, crosstalk via the supply-side common flow path 10 can be suppressed, and crosstalk via the recovery-side common flow path 150 can be suppressed.

Next, the liquid discharge head according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a main part of the head in an exploded plan view. In the common flow path member, the positions of the first intermediate supply flow path and the second intermediate supply flow path of the holding substrate are illustrated by virtual lines.

In the liquid discharge head 100 of the present embodiment, the supply-side common flow path 10 is composed of a common flow path main stream 10a and a common flow path tributary 10b, and the first intermediate supply flow path 51A and the second intermediate supply flow flow of the holding substrate 50. All of the roads 51B are configured to be connected to the common flow path tributary 10b.

Even with such a common flow path configuration, crosstalk via the supply-side common flow path 10 can be suppressed as in the first embodiment. Similarly, the recovery-side common flow path of the second embodiment can be configured as a common flow path main stream and a common flow path tributary.

Next, the liquid discharge head according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory plan view of a main part of the head.

In the present embodiment, the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B is bent so that the lengths of the first supply-side fluid resistance path 7A and the second supply-side fluid resistance path 7B are different.

As a result, in the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction, the first individual supply port 9A leading to the first supply side fluid resistance path 7A and the second individual supply port 9B leading to the second supply side fluid resistance path 7B are located at substantially the same positions. Can be placed in.

Next, an example of the device for discharging the liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is an explanatory plan view of a main part of the device, and FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a side surface of the main part of the device.

This device is a serial type device, and the carriage 403 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by the main scanning moving mechanism 493. The main scanning movement mechanism 493 includes a guide member 401, a main scanning motor 405, a timing belt 408, and the like. The guide member 401 is bridged over the left and right side plates 491A and 491B to movably hold the carriage 403. Then, the carriage 403 is reciprocated in the main scanning direction by the main scanning motor 405 via the timing belt 408 bridged between the drive pulley 406 and the driven pulley 407.

The carriage 403 is equipped with a liquid discharge unit 440 in which the liquid discharge head 404 and the head tank 441 according to the present invention are integrated. The liquid discharge head 404 of the liquid discharge unit 440 discharges, for example, liquids of each color of yellow (Y), cyan (C), magenta (M), and black (K). Further, the liquid discharge head 404 is mounted by arranging a nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction and facing the discharge direction downward.

The liquid stored in the liquid cartridge 450 is supplied to the head tank 441 by the supply mechanism 494 for supplying the liquid stored outside the liquid discharge head 404 to the liquid discharge head 404.

The supply mechanism 494 includes a cartridge holder 451 which is a filling part for mounting the liquid cartridge 450, a tube 456, a liquid feeding unit 452 including a liquid feeding pump, and the like. The liquid cartridge 450 is detachably attached to the cartridge holder 451. Liquid is delivered from the liquid cartridge 450 to the head tank 441 by the liquid feeding unit 452 via the tube 456.

This device includes a transport mechanism 495 for transporting the paper 410. The transport mechanism 495 includes a transport belt 412, which is a transport means, and a sub-scanning motor 416 for driving the transport belt 412.

The transport belt 412 attracts the paper 410 and transports it at a position facing the liquid discharge head 404. The transport belt 412 is an endless belt, and is hung between the transport roller 413 and the tension roller 414. Adsorption can be performed by electrostatic adsorption, air suction, or the like.

Then, the transport belt 412 orbits in the sub-scanning direction by rotationally driving the transport roller 413 via the timing belt 417 and the timing pulley 418 by the sub-scanning motor 416.

Further, on one side of the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, a maintenance / recovery mechanism 420 for maintaining / recovering the liquid discharge head 404 is arranged on the side of the transport belt 412.

The maintenance / recovery mechanism 420 includes, for example, a cap member 421 that caps the nozzle surface (the surface on which the nozzle is formed) of the liquid discharge head 404, a wiper member 422 that wipes the nozzle surface, and the like.

The main scanning movement mechanism 493, the supply mechanism 494, the maintenance / recovery mechanism 420, and the transport mechanism 495 are attached to a housing including the side plates 491A and 491B and the back plate 491C.

In this apparatus configured in this way, the paper 410 is fed onto the transport belt 412 and sucked, and the paper 410 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction by the circumferential movement of the conveyor belt 412.

Therefore, by driving the liquid ejection head 404 in response to the image signal while moving the carriage 403 in the main scanning direction, the liquid is ejected onto the stopped paper 410 to form an image.

As described above, since this device includes the liquid discharge head according to the present invention, it is possible to stably form a high-quality image.

Next, another example of the liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory plan view of a main part of the unit.

This liquid discharge unit includes a housing portion composed of side plates 491A, 491B and a back plate 491C, a main scanning movement mechanism 493, a carriage 403, and a liquid among the members constituting the device for discharging the liquid. It is composed of a discharge head 404.

It should be noted that a liquid discharge unit may be configured in which at least one of the above-mentioned maintenance / recovery mechanism 420 and the supply mechanism 494 is further attached to, for example, the side plate 491B of the liquid discharge unit.

Next, still another example of the liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a front explanatory view of the unit.

This liquid discharge unit includes a liquid discharge head 404 to which a flow path component 444, which is a liquid supply member, is attached, and a tube 456 connected to the flow path component 444.

The flow path component 444 is arranged inside the cover 442. A head tank 441 may be included instead of the flow path component 444. Further, a connector 443 that electrically connects to the liquid discharge head 404 is provided on the upper part of the flow path component 444.

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

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

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

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

For example, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a unit in which a liquid discharge head and a head tank are integrated. In some cases, the liquid discharge head and the head tank are integrated by being connected to each other by a tube or the like. Here, a unit including a filter can be added between the head tank of these liquid discharge units and the liquid discharge head.

Further, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a unit in which a liquid discharge head and a carriage are integrated.

Further, there is a liquid discharge unit in which the liquid discharge head and the scanning movement mechanism are integrated by holding the liquid discharge head movably by a guide member constituting a part of the scanning movement mechanism. In some cases, the liquid discharge head, the carriage, and the main scanning movement mechanism are integrated.

Further, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a carriage to which a liquid discharge head is attached, in which a cap member which is a part of the maintenance / recovery mechanism is fixed, and the liquid discharge head, the carriage, and the maintenance / recovery mechanism are integrated. ..

Further, as a liquid discharge unit, there is a liquid discharge unit in which a tube is connected to a head tank or a liquid discharge head to which a flow path component is attached, and the liquid discharge head and a supply mechanism are integrated. The liquid of the liquid storage source is supplied to the liquid discharge head through this tube.

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

The "device for discharging a liquid" includes a device provided with a liquid discharge head or a liquid discharge unit and driving the liquid discharge head to discharge the liquid. The device for discharging a liquid includes not only a device capable of discharging a liquid to a device to which the liquid can adhere, but also a device for discharging the liquid into the air or into the liquid.

The "device for discharging the liquid" can also include means for feeding, transporting, and discharging paper to which the liquid can adhere, as well as a pretreatment device, a posttreatment device, and the like.

For example, as a "device that ejects a liquid", an image forming device that is a device that ejects ink to form an image on paper, and a three-dimensional object (three-dimensional object) are formed in layers in order to form a three-dimensional object. There is a three-dimensional modeling device (three-dimensional modeling device) that discharges the modeling liquid into the powder layer.

Further, the "device for discharging a liquid" is not limited to a device in which a significant image such as characters and figures is visualized by the discharged liquid. For example, those that form patterns that have no meaning in themselves and those that form a three-dimensional image are also included.

The above-mentioned "thing to which a liquid can adhere" means a material to which a liquid can adhere at least temporarily, such as a material to which the liquid adheres and adheres, and a material to which the liquid adheres and permeates. Specific examples include paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, recorded media such as cloth, electronic substrates, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and media such as inspection cells. Yes, and includes everything to which the liquid adheres, unless otherwise specified.

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

Further, the "device for discharging the liquid" includes, but is not limited to, a device in which the liquid discharge head and the device to which the liquid can adhere move relatively. Specific examples include a serial type device that moves the liquid discharge head, a line type device that does not move the liquid discharge head, and the like.

In addition, as a "device for ejecting a liquid", a treatment liquid coating device for ejecting a treatment liquid to the paper in order to apply the treatment liquid to the surface of the paper for the purpose of modifying the surface of the paper, etc. There is an injection granulation device that granulates fine particles of raw materials by injecting a composition liquid in which raw materials are dispersed in a solution through a nozzle.

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

1 Nozzle plate 2 Flow plate 3 Vibration plate member 4 Nozzle 5 Supply side individual flow path 6 Individual liquid chamber 7 Supply side fluid resistance 7A 1st supply side fluid resistance path 7B 2nd supply side fluid resistance path 9A 1st individual supply Port 9B 2nd individual supply port 10 Supply side common flow path 20 Liquid chamber board 50 Holding board 51A 1st intermediate supply flow path 51B 2nd intermediate supply flow path 155 Individual recovery flow path 157 Recovery side fluid resistance part 157A 1st recovery side Fluid resistance path 157B 2nd recovery side fluid resistance path 159A 1st individual recovery port 159B 2nd individual recovery port 80 Common flow path member 100 Liquid discharge head 403 Carrying 404 Liquid discharge head 440 Liquid discharge unit

Claims (6)

Multiple individual liquid chambers that lead to multiple nozzles that discharge liquid, and
A plurality of individual supply channels leading to each of the plurality of individual liquid chambers,
A common flow path on the supply side leading to the plurality of individual supply flow paths,
An intermediate supply flow path interposed between the supply-side common flow path and one or more individual supply flow paths is provided.
Each of the plurality of individual supply channels
The first supply side fluid resistance path and the second supply side fluid resistance path,
The first individual supply port leading to the first supply side fluid resistance path,
Includes a second individual supply port leading to the second supply side fluid resistance path.
The length of the first supply-side fluid resistance path and the length of the second supply-side fluid resistance path are different.
The intermediate supply flow path is
A first intermediate supply flow path leading to one or more of the first individual supply ports,
Includes a second intermediate supply channel leading to one or more of the second individual supply ports.
The first intermediate supply flow path and the second intermediate supply flow path are separated from each other.
The length of the flow path from the second individual supply port to the second supply-side fluid resistance path is longer than the length from the first individual supply port to the first supply-side fluid resistance path.
The opening cross-sectional area of the flow path from the second individual supply port to the second supply-side fluid resistance path is larger than the opening cross-sectional area of the flow path from the first individual supply port to the first supply-side fluid resistance path. <br/> A liquid discharge head characterized by being. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the fluid resistance from the first individual supply port to the individual liquid chamber and the fluid resistance from the second individual supply port to the individual liquid chamber are substantially the same. .. A plurality of individual recovery channels leading to each of the plurality of individual liquid chambers,
A common flow path on the recovery side leading to the plurality of individual recovery channels,
An intermediate recovery flow path interposed between the recovery side common flow path and one or more individual recovery flow paths is provided.
Each of the plurality of individual collection channels
The first recovery side fluid resistance path and the second recovery side fluid resistance path,
The first individual recovery port leading to the first recovery side fluid resistance path,
Including a second individual recovery port leading to the second recovery side fluid resistance path,
The intermediate recovery flow path is
A first intermediate collection flow path leading to one or more of the first individual collection ports,
Includes a second intermediate recovery channel leading to one or more of the second individual recovery ports.
The liquid discharge head according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first intermediate recovery flow path and the second intermediate recovery flow path are separated from each other. A liquid discharge unit comprising the liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A head tank that stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid discharge head, a carriage on which the liquid discharge head is mounted, a supply mechanism that supplies the liquid to the liquid discharge head, a maintenance / recovery mechanism that maintains and recovers the liquid discharge head, and the liquid. The liquid discharge unit according to claim 4 , wherein at least one of the main scanning moving mechanisms for moving the discharge head in the main scanning direction is integrated with the liquid discharge head. A device for discharging a liquid, comprising the liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and the liquid discharge unit according to claim 4 or 5.

Images