JP7056240B2 - Liquid discharge head, liquid circulation device, liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Description

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

The liquid discharge head (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “head”) has a supply flow path to the individual liquid chamber communicating with the nozzle and a recovery flow path leading to the individual liquid chamber, and supplies the liquid leading to the supply flow path. There is a flow-through type head (circulation type head) provided with a mouth portion and a liquid recovery port portion leading to a collection flow path.

Conventionally, for example, a liquid injection head having an individual flow path that communicates with a nozzle opening for injecting a liquid and is arranged side by side along a first direction, and a manifold that communicates with a plurality of individual flow paths, and a manifold. A first flow path connected to one end side in the first direction, a second flow path connected to the other end side in the first direction of the manifold, a liquid storage means for storing liquid, and a first flow path. A switching means for switching the communication state with each of the second flow path and the second flow path, and a negative of the manifold side of the first flow path provided between the switching means of the first flow path and the second flow path and the liquid injection head. A pressure adjusting unit having a valve body that opens by pressure, a pressure feeding means for pumping liquid from the liquid storage means toward the switching means, and a control unit for controlling the switching means are provided, and the control unit serves as the switching means. The first mode in which the liquid storage means and the first flow path are communicated with each other to supply the liquid to the manifold via the valve body, and the switching means are communicated with the liquid storage means and the second flow path to form the valve body. A liquid injection device capable of switching between a second mode for supplying a liquid to a manifold without intervention is known (Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2015-168239

However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, a switching means is arranged between the head and the liquid storage means separately from the head, and the direction of supplying the liquid to the manifold of the head is switched. There is a problem that the size of the device becomes large, such as the complicated piping configuration.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to be able to switch the circulation direction between the supply side and the recovery side in the head without increasing the size of the device.

In order to solve the above problems, the liquid discharge head according to claim 1 of the present invention is
Multiple individual liquid chambers that lead to multiple nozzles that discharge liquid, and
A common liquid chamber on the supply side leading to the plurality of individual liquid chambers,
A common liquid chamber on the recovery side leading to the plurality of individual liquid chambers,
The supply port to which the external flow path on the supply side is connected and
The collection port to which the external flow path on the collection side is connected and
A first flow path connecting the supply port and the common liquid chamber on the supply side,
A second flow path connecting the collection port and the common liquid chamber on the supply side,
A third flow path connecting the supply port and the common liquid chamber on the collection side,
A fourth flow path connecting the collection port and the common liquid chamber on the collection side,
A first switching means for switching the communication state between the supply port and the first flow path and the third flow path,
A second switching means for switching the communication state between the collection port and the second flow path and the fourth flow path,
A fifth flow path connecting the supply port portion and the third flow path,
The configuration is provided with a first opening / closing means for opening / closing the fifth flow path .

According to the present invention, it is possible to switch the circulation direction between the supply side and the recovery side inside the head.

A schematic side view along the short side orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction corresponding to the line AA of FIG. 2 of the liquid discharge head according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a description of the liquid circulation system for the liquid discharge head. It is a figure. It is a plane explanatory view explaining the flow path composition of the liquid discharge head. It is the same explanatory diagram as FIG. 1 provided for the explanation of the 1st state of the flow path switching of the liquid discharge head. It is the same explanatory diagram as FIG. 1 which is also provided for the explanation of the 2nd state of the flow path switching. It is a plane explanatory view explaining the flow path structure of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a plane explanatory view explaining the flow path structure of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a plane explanatory view explaining the flow path structure of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view explanatory view along the short side direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and an explanatory view of a liquid circulation system for the liquid discharge head. It is a plane explanatory view explaining the flow path of the same embodiment and the shutter member constituting the 1st switching means. It is a plane explanatory view provided for the explanation of the connection relation between the position of the shutter member of the 1st switching means, and the flow path. It is explanatory drawing which provides the explanation of the action effect of the 5th flow path in the same embodiment. It is also an explanatory diagram used for explaining the action and effect. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of an example of the apparatus which discharges a liquid which concerns on this invention. It is a plane explanatory view of an example of the head unit of the same apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which provides the explanation of the part which concerns on the circulation direction switching control of the head which concerns on this invention. It is a block explanatory drawing which provides the explanation of an example of the liquid circulation apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view along the short side direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction corresponding to the line AA of FIG. 2 of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment, and an explanatory view of a liquid circulation system for the liquid discharge head. Is. FIG. 2 is a plan explanatory view illustrating the flow path configuration of the liquid discharge head.

The head 100 has a nozzle 104 for discharging liquid to the flow path forming member 101, an individual liquid chamber 106 communicating with the nozzle 104, a supply-side individual flow path 116 communicating with the individual liquid chamber 106, and each supply-side individual flow. It has a supply-side common liquid chamber 110, which is a first common liquid chamber that leads to the individual liquid chamber 106 via the passage 116.

Further, it has a recovery-side individual flow path 156 leading to the individual liquid chamber 106 and a recovery-side common liquid chamber 150 which is a second common liquid chamber leading to the individual liquid chamber 106 via each recovery-side individual flow path 156.

Further, a supply port portion (supply port portion) 171 to which the supply side external flow path (external route) is connected to the flow path forming member 101 and a collection port portion (recovery port portion) to which the recovery side external flow path (external route) is connected. It has a collection port portion) 172.

Then, the first flow path 181 connecting the supply port portion 171 and the supply port 110a of the supply side common liquid chamber 110, and the second flow connecting the recovery port portion 172 and the supply port 110a of the supply side common liquid chamber 110. It has a road 182.

Further, a third flow path 183 connecting the supply port portion 171 and the recovery port 150a of the recovery side common liquid chamber 150, and a fourth flow connecting the recovery port portion 172 and the recovery port 150a of the recovery side common liquid chamber 150. It has a road 184.

Further, the head 100 includes a first switching means 191 for switching the communication state between the supply port portion 171 and the first flow path 181 and the third flow path 183, and the recovery port portion 172, the second flow path 182, and the fourth flow path. It is provided with a second switching means 192 for switching the communication state with the 184.

The supply port portion 171 of the head 100 is connected to the main tank 201, which is a liquid storage means for storing the liquid 200, by a supply side external flow path 202, and the supply side external flow path 202 is provided with a liquid supply means 203. .. The collection port portion 172 of the head 100 is connected to the main tank 201 by a collection side external flow path 204.

Next, the liquid circulation in the head 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 1 provided for explaining the first state of flow path switching of the liquid discharge head, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 1 provided for explaining the second state of flow path switching. be.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, the first switching means 191 communicates the supply port portion 171 with the first flow path 181 and the second switching means 192 communicates the recovery port portion 172 with the fourth flow path 184. It is assumed that the state (first pattern) is switched.

At this time, since the liquid feeding direction of the liquid feeding means 203 that feeds the liquid from the main tank 201 is one direction, the liquid is fed from the main tank 201 to the supply port portion 171 through the supply side external flow path 202.

Therefore, the liquid supplied to the supply port portion 171 is supplied to the supply-side common liquid chamber 110 through the first flow path 181 and is supplied to the individual liquid chamber 106 via the supply-side individual flow path 116, as shown by the arrow. Will be done. Then, the liquid not discharged from the nozzle 104 flows into the common liquid chamber 150 via the individual flow path 156 on the collection side, reaches the collection port 172 through the fourth flow path 184, and is outside the collection side from the collection port 172. It is collected in the main tank 201 through the flow path 204.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the first switching means 191 communicates the supply port portion 171 with the third flow path 183, and the second switching means 192 communicates the recovery port portion 172 with the second flow path 182. Suppose you want to switch to the state.

At this time, as described above, since the liquid feeding direction of the liquid feeding means 203 is one direction, the liquid is fed from the main tank 201 to the supply port portion 171 through the supply side external flow path 202.

Therefore, as shown by the arrow, the liquid supplied to the supply port portion 171 is supplied to the recovery side common liquid chamber 150 through the third flow path 183, and is supplied to the individual liquid chamber 106 via the recovery side individual flow path 156. Will be done. The liquid not discharged from the nozzle 104 flows into the supply-side common liquid chamber 110 through the supply-side individual flow path 116, reaches the recovery port 172 through the second flow path 182, and reaches the recovery port 172 from the recovery port 172 to the recovery-side external flow path. It is collected in the main tank 201 through 204.

In this way, inside the head 100, the liquid circulates from the supply side common liquid chamber 110 to the recovery side common liquid chamber 150 and from the recovery side common liquid chamber 150 to the supply side common liquid chamber 110. You can switch between directions.

As a result, it is not necessary to change the piping between the supply side external flow path 202 connected to the supply port portion 171 of the head 100 and the collection side external flow path 204 connected to the recovery port portion 172 even if the circulation direction changes. .. Therefore, the external configuration of the head 100 is simplified, and even when the circulation direction is switched, the size of the device is not increased.

The first switching means and the second switching means may be integrated with the supply port portion 171 and the recovery port portion 172 and integrally provided with the flow path forming member 101 of the head 100.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan explanatory view illustrating the flow path configuration of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the supply-side common liquid chamber 110 is composed of a supply-side common liquid chamber main stream 110A and a plurality of supply-side common liquid chamber tributaries 110B branching from the supply-side common liquid chamber main stream 110A. Each of the plurality of supply-side common liquid chamber tributaries 110B leads to a predetermined number of individual liquid chambers 106 among the plurality of individual liquid chambers 106.

The recovery-side common liquid chamber 150 is composed of a recovery-side common liquid chamber main stream 150A and a plurality of recovery-side common liquid chamber tributaries 150B branching from the recovery-side common liquid chamber main stream 150A. Each of the plurality of recovery-side common liquid chamber tributaries 150B leads to a predetermined number of individual liquid chambers 106 among the plurality of individual liquid chambers 106.

Then, the first flow path 181 to the fourth flow path 184 are provided as in the first embodiment.

For example, a first flow path 181 connecting the supply port portion 171 and the supply side common liquid chamber main stream 110A and a second flow path 182 connecting the recovery port portion 172 and the supply side common liquid chamber main stream 110A are provided. Further, a third flow path 183 connecting the supply port portion 171 and the recovery side common liquid chamber main stream 150A and a fourth flow path 184 connecting the recovery port portion 172 and the recovery side common liquid chamber main stream 150A are provided.

Further, the first switching means 191 for switching the communication state between the supply port portion 171 and the first flow path 181 and the third flow path 183, and the communication between the recovery port portion 172 and the second flow path 182 and the fourth flow path 184. A second switching means 192 for switching the state is provided.

Thereby, by switching the communication state by the first switching means 191 and the second switching means 192, the circulation direction of the liquid can be switched inside the head, and the size of the device can be prevented from increasing.

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan explanatory view illustrating the flow path configuration of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment.

In the present embodiment, in the configuration of the second embodiment, the supply-side common liquid chamber main stream 110A is provided with supply ports 110a at both ends in the longitudinal direction along the nozzle arrangement direction. Similarly, the recovery side common liquid chamber main stream 150A is provided with recovery ports 150a at both ends in the longitudinal direction along the nozzle arrangement direction. That is, the common liquid chamber is supplied from both sides.

Then, the first flow path 181 to the fourth flow path 184 are provided as in the first embodiment.

For example, a first flow path 181 connecting the supply port portion 171 and the two supply ports 110a and 11a of the supply side common liquid chamber main stream 110A, and two supply ports of the recovery port portion 172 and the supply side common liquid chamber main stream 110A. A second flow path 182 connecting the 110a and 101a is provided.

In this case, the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 182 may be configured to provide two flow paths for each of the two supply ports 110a, or one flow path may be branched in the middle. Therefore, the two branched flow paths may be connected to the two supply ports 110a, respectively.

Further, a third flow path 183 connecting the supply port 171 and the two collection ports 150a and 150a of the recovery side common liquid chamber main stream 150A, and two collection ports of the recovery port 172 and the recovery side common liquid chamber main stream 150A. A fourth flow path 184 connecting the 150a and 150a is provided.

In this case, the third flow path 183 and the fourth flow path 184 may be configured to provide two flow paths for each of the two collection ports 150a, or one flow path may be branched in the middle. Therefore, it is also possible to connect the two branched flow paths to the two collection ports 150a, respectively.

Further, the first switching means 191 for switching the communication state between the supply port portion 171 and the first flow path 181 and the third flow path 183, and the communication between the recovery port portion 172 and the second flow path 182 and the fourth flow path 184. A second switching means 192 for switching the state is provided.

Thereby, by switching the communication state by the first switching means 191 and the second switching means 192, the circulation direction of the liquid can be switched inside the head, and the size of the device can be prevented from increasing.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a plan explanatory view illustrating the flow path configuration of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment.

In the present embodiment, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the first individual liquid chamber 106A and the second individual liquid chamber 106B are arranged on both sides of the nozzle 104. The supply-side common liquid chamber 110 is connected to the plurality of first individual liquid chambers 106 via the supply-side individual flow paths 116, and the recovery-side common liquid chamber 150 is connected to the plurality of second individual liquid chambers 106 through the recovery-side individual flow paths 156. I understand.

In this case, the fluid resistance and the like of the supply side individual flow path 116 and the recovery side individual flow path 156 are substantially the same.

The first individual liquid chamber 106A and the second individual liquid chamber 106B are each provided with a pressure generating means such as a piezoelectric actuator that pressurizes the internal liquid.

With this configuration, even when the liquid is supplied from the supply side common liquid chamber 110 and returned to the recovery side common liquid chamber 150 for circulation, the liquid is supplied from the recovery side common liquid chamber 150 and the supply side common liquid is supplied. Even when the liquid is returned to the chamber 110 and circulated, the discharge characteristics from the nozzle 104 can be made substantially the same.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic side view explanatory view along the short side direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head according to the embodiment and an explanatory view of a liquid circulation system for the liquid discharge head.

In the present embodiment, in addition to the first flow path 181 to the fourth flow path 184 of the first embodiment, the fifth flow path 185 connecting the supply port portion 171 and the third flow path, and the recovery port portion 172. It is provided with a sixth flow path 186 connecting the second flow path 182 and the second flow path 182.

The first switching means 191 also serves as a first opening / closing means for opening / closing the fifth flow path 185, and communicates the supply port portion 171 with the first flow path 181 and the third flow path 183 and the fifth flow path 185. Switch states.

Further, the second switching means 192 also serves as a second opening / closing means for opening / closing the sixth flow path 186, and the communication state between the collection port portion 172 and the second flow path 182, the fourth flow path 184, and the sixth flow path 186. To switch.

Next, an example of the first switching means of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan explanatory view illustrating the flow path and the shutter member constituting the first switching means.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the first flow path 181 and the third flow path 183 and the fifth flow path 185 have one fan-shaped inlet obtained by dividing the circular shape into four. As shown in FIG. 9B, the first switching means 191 includes a semicircular shutter member 191a, and the shutter member 191a is rotatably arranged.

Next, the connection relationship between the position of the shutter member of the first switching means and the flow path will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan explanatory view for the same explanation.

By rotating the shutter member 191a of the first switching means 191 at intervals of 90 °, for example, the first flow path 181 is opened at the first position in FIG. 10A, and the third flow path 183 and the fifth flow path 185 are opened. Is closed. Similarly, at the second position in FIG. 10B, the third flow path 183 is opened, and the first flow path 181 and the fifth flow path 185 are closed. At the third position in FIG. 10 (c), the third flow path 183 and the fifth flow path 185 are opened, and the first flow path 181 is closed. At the fourth position in FIG. 10D, the first flow path 181 and the fifth flow path 185 are opened, and the third flow path 183 is closed.

In this way, by controlling the rotation position of the shutter member 191a of the first switching means 191, the communication state between the supply port portion 171 and the first flow path 181 and the third flow path 183 and the fifth flow path 185 is switched. be able to. The second switching means 192 can be similarly configured.

Next, the action and effect of the fifth flow path in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. 11 and 12 are explanatory views for explaining the same action and effect.

Using the equivalent circuit, the fluid can be expressed by the equation V (pressure) = I (flow rate) × R (fluid resistance). Therefore, by using the fifth flow path, the fluid resistance of the entire head is reduced, so that the effect of reducing the pressure or increasing the flow rate can be brought about.

That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the flow rate discharged from the nozzle 104 is "1.0" and only "0.9" can be supplied from the first flow path 181, the second on the recovery side. A backflow of "0.1" will occur from the four flow paths 184. When the backflow from the fourth flow path 184 occurs, the backflow from the recovery side external flow path 204 will occur.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the fifth flow path 185 is opened and "1.1" is supplied to the supply port portion 171, "0.9" is supplied from the first flow path 181 and the second flow path 181 is supplied. "0.1" is supplied from the third flow path 183 via the five flow paths 185, "0.1" is recovered from the fourth flow path 184, and no backflow occurs in the recovery side external flow path 204.

As described above, by using the fifth flow path 185, even if the pressure difference between the supply side and the recovery side is the same, the flow rate that can be supplied can be increased, and the backflow on the recovery side can be prevented.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, by reducing the pressure difference, the usable range of the head that does not flow back can be expanded, and it becomes easier to meet the demand on the system side.

Next, an example of a printing device as a device for discharging a liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a schematic explanatory view of the device, and FIG. 14 is a plan view of an example of the head unit of the device.

The printing device 1000, which is a device for discharging this liquid, guides and conveys the carrying-in means 1 for carrying in the continuous body 10 such as continuous book paper as a medium and the continuous body 10 carried in from the carrying-in means 1 to the printing means 5. The guide transport means 3, the printing means 5 for printing to form an image by ejecting a liquid to the continuum 10, the drying means 7 for drying the continuum 10, the discharging means 9 for discharging the continuum 10, and the like. It is equipped with.

The continuum 10 is sent out from the original winding roller 11 of the carrying-in means 1, guided and conveyed by the rollers of the carrying-in means 1, the guiding and transporting means 3, the drying means 7, and the discharging means 9, and is guided and conveyed by the winding roller 91 of the discharging means 9. It is wound up at.

In the printing means 5, the continuum 10 is conveyed on the transfer guide member 59 facing the head unit 50 and the head unit 55, an image is formed by the liquid discharged from the head unit 50, and the continuous body 10 is discharged from the head unit 55. Post-treatment is performed with the treatment liquid to be treated.

Here, the head unit 50 is referred to, for example, as a full-line head array 51K, 51C, 51M, 51Y for four colors (hereinafter, when the colors are not distinguished, “head array 51”” from the upstream side in the medium transport direction. ) Is placed.

Each head array 51 is a liquid discharging means, and discharges black K, cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y liquids to the conveyed continuum 10, respectively. The types and numbers of colors are not limited to this.

The head array 51 is, for example, arranged with the heads 100 arranged in a staggered pattern on the base member 52, but the head array 51 is not limited to this.

Next, a portion related to the flow path switching control of the head according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram provided for the same explanation.

The switching control means 500 drives and controls the switching between the first switching means 191 and the second switching means 192 via the switching drive mechanism 501.

The switching control means 500 includes a detection signal of a temperature sensor 551 which is a first temperature detecting means for detecting the outer surface temperature on the downstream side in the transport direction of the head 100, and a second temperature detection for detecting the outer surface temperature on the upstream side in the transport direction. The detection signal of the temperature sensor 552, which is the means, is input. Further, a detection signal of the temperature sensor 553, which is a third temperature detecting means for detecting the liquid temperature of the main tank 201, is input to the switching control means 500.

The switching control means 500 detects the liquid temperature in the head 100 based on the detection signals of the temperature sensors 551 to 553, and switches the circulation direction to control the liquid temperature of the head 100 to be the required temperature. do.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when a plurality of head arrays 51 are arranged side by side along the transport direction, the head array 51 on the upstream side in the transport direction is directly hit by the transport airflow, but the head array 51 on the downstream side in the transport direction is directly hit. The carrier airflow does not hit directly. Therefore, there is a difference in head temperature between the head arrays 51 arranged in the transport direction.

Further, even among the heads 100 constituting the same head array 51, there will be a difference in head temperature between the head 100 on the upstream side in the transport direction and the head 100 on the downstream side.

Therefore, by switching the circulation direction, it is possible to reduce the liquid temperature difference between different head arrays 51 or between heads 100 of the same head array 51.

For example, when the liquid has a head cooling effect, the liquid is controlled to be supplied from the side having the higher temperature on the short side of the head. On the other hand, when the liquid has a head heating effect, the liquid is controlled to be supplied from the lower side of the head temperature.

Next, an example of the liquid circulation device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a block explanatory view for explaining the liquid circulation device.

The liquid circulation device 630 includes a main tank 602, a head 100, a supply tank 631, a recovery tank 632, a compressor 633, a vacuum pump 634, a first liquid feed pump 635, a second liquid feed pump 636, a supply side pressure sensor 637, and a recovery side. It is composed of a pressure sensor 638, regulators (R) 639a, 639b and the like.

Here, the compressor 633 and the vacuum pump 634 constitute means for generating a differential pressure between the pressure in the supply tank 631 and the pressure in the recovery tank 632.

The supply-side pressure sensor 637 is connected between the supply tank 631 and the head 100 to a supply-side external flow path connected to the supply port portion 171 of the head 100. The recovery side pressure sensor 638 is connected between the head 100 and the recovery tank 632 to a recovery side external flow path connected to the recovery port portion 172 of the head 100.

One of the recovery tanks 632 is connected to the supply tank 631 via the first liquid feed pump 635, and the other of the recovery tank 632 is connected to the main tank 602 via the second liquid feed pump 636.

As a result, the liquid flows from the supply tank 631 through the supply port 171 into the head 100, is recovered from the recovery port 172, is recovered to the recovery tank 632, and is supplied from the recovery tank 632 by the first liquid feeding pump 635. The liquid is sent to the tank 631 to form a circulation path for the liquid to circulate.

Here, a compressor 633 is connected to the supply tank 631, and is controlled so that a predetermined positive pressure is detected by the supply side pressure sensor 637. On the other hand, a vacuum pump 634 is connected to the recovery tank 632, and is controlled so that a predetermined negative pressure is detected by the circulation side pressure sensor 638.

As a result, the negative pressure of the meniscus can be kept constant while circulating the liquid through the head 100.

Further, when the liquid is discharged from the nozzle of the head 100, the amount of liquid in the supply tank 631 and the recovery tank 632 decreases. Therefore, the liquid is replenished from the main tank 602 to the recovery tank 632 as appropriate by using the second liquid feeding pump 636. The timing of liquid replenishment from the main tank 602 to the recovery tank 632 is such that the liquid level provided in the recovery tank 632 is replenished when the liquid level height in the recovery tank 632 drops below a predetermined height. It can be controlled by the detection result of a sensor or the like.

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" may 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 granulator that granulates fine particles of the raw material by injecting a composition liquid in which the raw material is dispersed in the solution through a nozzle.

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

100 Liquid discharge head 101 Flow path forming member 104 Nozzle 106 Individual liquid chamber 110 Supply side common liquid chamber 150 Recovery side common liquid chamber 181 1st flow path 182 2nd flow path 183 3rd flow path 184 4th flow path 185 5th Flow path 186 6th flow path 191 1st switching means 192 2nd switching means 630 Liquid circulation device 1000 Printing device

Claims (6)

Multiple individual liquid chambers that lead to multiple nozzles that discharge liquid, and
A common liquid chamber on the supply side leading to the plurality of individual liquid chambers,
A common liquid chamber on the recovery side leading to the plurality of individual liquid chambers,
The supply port to which the external flow path on the supply side is connected and
The collection port to which the external flow path on the collection side is connected and
A first flow path connecting the supply port and the common liquid chamber on the supply side,
A second flow path connecting the collection port and the common liquid chamber on the supply side,
A third flow path connecting the supply port and the common liquid chamber on the collection side,
A fourth flow path connecting the collection port and the common liquid chamber on the collection side,
A first switching means for switching the communication state between the supply port and the first flow path and the third flow path,
A second switching means for switching the communication state between the collection port and the second flow path and the fourth flow path,
A fifth flow path connecting the supply port portion and the third flow path,
A liquid discharge head including a first opening / closing means for opening / closing the fifth flow path. Multiple individual liquid chambers that lead to multiple nozzles that discharge liquid, and
A common liquid chamber on the supply side leading to the plurality of individual liquid chambers,
A common liquid chamber on the recovery side leading to the plurality of individual liquid chambers,
The supply port to which the external flow path on the supply side is connected and
The collection port to which the external flow path on the collection side is connected and
A first flow path connecting the supply port and the common liquid chamber on the supply side,
A second flow path connecting the collection port and the common liquid chamber on the supply side,
A third flow path connecting the supply port and the common liquid chamber on the collection side,
A fourth flow path connecting the collection port and the common liquid chamber on the collection side,
A first switching means for switching the communication state between the supply port and the first flow path and the third flow path,
A second switching means for switching the communication state between the collection port and the second flow path and the fourth flow path,
A sixth flow path connecting the collection port and the fourth flow path,
A liquid discharge head including a second opening / closing means for opening / closing the sixth flow path. A first individual liquid chamber and a second individual liquid chamber leading to the nozzle are arranged so as to sandwich a plurality of nozzles.
The common liquid chamber on the supply side leads to the first individual liquid chamber side,
The liquid discharge head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the common liquid chamber on the collection side is connected to the second individual liquid chamber side. The first state in which the supply port portion and the first flow path are communicated with each other by the first switching means, and the collection port portion and the fourth flow path are communicated with each other by the second switching means.
The first switching means can switch between the supply port portion and the third flow path, and the second switching means can switch between the collection port portion and the second state in which the second flow path communicates with each other. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A supply tank leading to the supply port of the liquid discharge head and
A collection tank leading to the collection port of the liquid discharge head and
A liquid circulation device comprising: means for generating a differential pressure between the pressure in the supply tank and the pressure in the recovery tank. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or a device for discharging a liquid, which comprises the liquid circulation device according to claim 5.

Images