JP7095520B2 - Liquid discharge head, liquid discharge unit, liquid discharge device - 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 that discharges the liquid, the discharge characteristics fluctuate due to the residual vibration generated by the discharge of the liquid.

Conventionally, a thin-walled portion for ensuring compliance is formed on the nozzle opening side and the ink supply port side, and a diaphragm having an island portion formed in the center is provided, and pressure is generated by a piezoelectric vibrator via the island portion. It is a recording head that compresses the chamber and ejects ink droplets from the nozzle opening, and in order to apportion the compliance of the entire diaphragm so that it is substantially the same on the nozzle opening side and the ink supply port side, the nozzle opening side A recording head in which a mass body is added to a thin-walled portion or a thin-walled portion on the ink supply port side is known (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 8-25632

In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to suppress the generation of residual vibration due to the difference in compliance between the nozzle opening side and the ink supply port side, but it suppresses the residual vibration associated with liquid ejection. There is a problem that it cannot be done.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce fluctuations in liquid discharge characteristics.

In order to solve the above problems, the liquid discharge head according to the present invention is
A flow path plate that forms a pressure chamber leading to a nozzle that discharges liquid,
A diaphragm member having a vibration region forming a displaceable wall surface of the pressure chamber is provided.
The diaphragm member has a damper region that is independent of the vibration region and forms a displaceable wall surface of the pressure chamber.
The flow path plate is configured to form a part of the pressure chamber on the diaphragm member side and to be provided with a recess facing at least a part of the damper region.

According to the present invention, fluctuations in liquid discharge characteristics can be reduced.

It is sectional drawing which follows 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 along the nozzle arrangement direction along the line AA of FIG. Similarly, it is a plan explanatory view of each member. It is sectional drawing which follows the nozzle arrangement direction along the line BB of FIG. It is a plane explanatory view of the diaphragm member which provides the explanation of the example of another plane shape of a damper region. It is a plane explanatory view of the diaphragm member of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which follows the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is a plan view of the diaphragm member. Similarly, it is a cross-sectional explanatory view along the nozzle arrangement direction along the CC line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention. Similarly, it is a plan explanatory view of each member. It is a plane explanatory view seen from the diaphragm member side of the flow path plate of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a plane explanatory view seen from the diaphragm member side of the flow path plate of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is an external perspective explanatory view of the liquid discharge head which concerns on 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is also a cross-sectional explanatory view along the direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction similar to FIG. 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 a block explanatory drawing of an example of a liquid circulation device. It is a plane explanatory view of the main part of another 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 first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along the nozzle arrangement direction along line AA of FIG. 1, and FIG. Similarly, it is a plan explanatory view of each member.

The liquid discharge head 100 has a nozzle plate 1, a flow path plate 2, and a diaphragm member 3 as a wall surface member laminated and joined. Further, it includes a piezoelectric actuator 11 that displaces the vibration region (vibration plate) 30 of the diaphragm member 3, and a common flow path member 20 that also serves as a frame member of the head.

The nozzle plate 1 has a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles 4 for discharging a liquid are arranged.

The flow path plate 2 is a pressure chamber 6 which is a plurality of pressure chambers leading to a plurality of nozzles 4, a fluid resistance portion 7 communicating with each pressure chamber 6, and one or a plurality of liquid introductions communicating with the plurality of fluid resistance portions 7. The part 8 is formed.

In the present embodiment, the flow path plate 2 is configured by laminating plate-shaped members 2A and 2B. Each pressure chamber 6, a fluid resistance portion 7, and a through groove portion 6A, 7A, 8A forming the liquid introduction portion 8 are formed in the plate-shaped member 2A, and each pressure chamber 6 is formed in the plate-shaped member 2B. The through groove portion 8B forming the through groove portion 6B and the liquid introduction portion 8 is formed, respectively.

The diaphragm member 3 has a plurality of displaceable diaphragms (vibration regions) 30 that form the wall surface of the pressure chamber 6 of the flow path plate 2. Here, the diaphragm member 3 has a two-layer structure (not limited), and is composed of a first layer 3a forming a thin wall portion from the flow path plate 2 side and a second layer 3b forming a thick wall portion. A deformable (displaceable) vibration region 30 is formed in the portion corresponding to the pressure chamber 6 in the layer 3a.

Then, on the side of the diaphragm member 3 opposite to the pressure chamber 6, a piezoelectric actuator 11 including an electromechanical conversion element as a driving means (actuator means, pressure generating means) for deforming the vibration region 30 of the diaphragm member 3 is arranged. is doing.

In this piezoelectric actuator 11, the piezoelectric member 12 joined on the base member 13 is grooved by half-cut dicing, and a required number of columnar piezoelectric elements 12A and 12B are combed at predetermined intervals in the nozzle arrangement direction. Is formed in.

Then, the piezoelectric element 12A is joined to the convex portion 30a, which is an island-shaped thick portion formed in the vibration region 30 of the diaphragm member 3. Further, the piezoelectric element 12B, which is a support column portion, is joined to the convex portion 30b, which is a thick portion of the diaphragm member 3. The piezoelectric element 12A has a convex portion 12c formed at a portion to be joined to the convex portion 30a.

The piezoelectric element 12 is formed by alternately laminating a piezoelectric layer and an internal electrode. The internal electrodes are each drawn out to an end face and connected to an external electrode (end face electrode), and a flexible wiring member is connected to the external electrode. There is.

The common flow path member 20 forms the common flow path 10. The common flow path 10 leads to the liquid introduction section 8 via the filter section 9 provided on the diaphragm member 3.

In the liquid discharge head 100, for example, by lowering the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 12A from the reference potential (intermediate potential), the piezoelectric element 12A contracts, the vibration region 30 of the vibrating plate member 3 is pulled, and the volume of the pressure chamber 6 is reached. As the pressure chamber 6 expands, the liquid flows into the pressure chamber 6.

After that, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 12A is increased to extend the piezoelectric element 12A in the stacking direction, the vibration region 30 of the vibrating plate member 3 is deformed in the direction toward the nozzle 4, and the volume of the pressure chamber 6 is contracted. , The liquid in the pressure chamber 6 is pressurized, and the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 4.

The method of driving the head is not limited to the above example (pull-push), and pulling or pushing may be performed depending on the driving waveform.

Next, the damper configuration in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory view taken along the nozzle arrangement direction along the line BB of FIG.

In the present embodiment, the diaphragm member 3 has a damper region 33 that is independent of the diaphragm (vibration region) 30 and forms a displaceable wall surface of each pressure chamber 6.

Here, by forming a flat groove-shaped concave portion 33a on the second layer 3b of the diaphragm member 3 forming the wall surface of the pressure chamber 6, each pressure chamber is formed by the remaining first layer 3a. The damper region 33 forming the displaceable (deformable) wall surface of 6 is formed.

Further, the flow path plate 2 is provided with a recess 61 on the diaphragm member 3 side, which constitutes a part of the pressure chamber 6 and faces at least a part (in the present embodiment) of the damper region 33.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the flow path plate 2 is configured by laminating two plate-shaped members 2A and 2B, and the pressure chamber 6 is formed by a through groove portion 6A and a plate-shaped member provided in the plate-shaped member 2A. It is formed by a through groove portion 6B provided in 2B.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the through groove portion 6B provided in the plate-shaped member 2B on the diaphragm member 3 side is longer than the end portion of the through groove portion 6A provided in the plate-shaped member 2A in the longitudinal direction of the pressure chamber 6. A protruding portion 6Ba that protrudes only from a is provided. As a result, the recesses 61 are formed by the protruding portions 6Ba by laminating the plate-shaped members 2A and 2B.

When the flow path plate 2 is composed of a single plate such as a silicon substrate, the recess 61 can be formed by half-etching the portion corresponding to the recess 61. Further, when the flow path plate 2 is composed of a stack of three or more plate-shaped members, the recess 61 may be provided in two or more plate-shaped members from the diaphragm member 3 side.

As described above, since the damper region 33 forming the displaceable wall surface of the pressure chamber 6 is provided, when the residual vibration occurs when the piezoelectric element 12A is driven to discharge the liquid from the nozzle 4, the damper region 33 is displaced and the residual vibration is damped or suppressed.

As a result, stable liquid discharge characteristics can be obtained, and variations in liquid discharge characteristics can be reduced.

Further, since the recess 61 forming a part of the pressure chamber 6 is provided on the diaphragm member 3 side of the flow path plate 2 so that at least a part of the damper area 33 faces the recess 61, the pressure chamber is formed. The area of the damper region 33 can be increased while suppressing the increase in the volume of 6.

That is, if the area of the damper region 33 is increased in order to enhance the vibration damping and suppression effects, the volume of the pressure chamber 6 becomes large and the discharge characteristics may be affected. Therefore, by partially enlarging the pressure chamber 6 and providing a recess 61 that allows the displacement of the damper region 33, the damper area is increased while suppressing the increase in the volume of the pressure chamber 6 and the influence on the discharge characteristics. Therefore, the vibration damping and suppression effects can be enhanced.

Further, the damper region 33 is arranged near the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the pressure chamber 6, here, near the end portion on the side far from the fluid resistance portion 7 and near the nozzle 4.

Next, another example of the damper region having a different planar shape will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan explanatory view of the diaphragm member.

The first example shown in FIG. 5A is an example in which the planar shape of the damper region 33 is substantially rectangular. The second example shown in FIG. 58b) is an example in which the planar shape of the damper region 33 is an oval shape.

Even if the planar shape of the damper region 33 has these shapes, the residual vibration in the pressure chamber 6 can be damped or suppressed.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan explanatory view of the diaphragm member of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the convex portion 33b composed of the second layer 3b is provided inside the damper region 33, and a portion having a higher rigidity than the damper region 33 is provided in the damper region 33.

By providing the convex portion 33b, the rigidity of the damper region 33 can be adjusted.

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the diaphragm member 3 has a three-layer structure of a first layer 3a, a second layer 3b, and a third layer 3c. The convex portion 30a to be joined to the piezoelectric element 12A is composed of two layers, a second layer 3b and a third layer 3c.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the diaphragm member 3 has a two-layer structure of the first layer 3a and the second layer 3b as in the first embodiment, and the joint surface of the piezoelectric element 12A with the convex portion 30a is a flat surface. ..

Also in this embodiment, the same effect can be obtained by configuring the damper region 33 in the same manner as in each of the above embodiments.

Next, the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. 9 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment, FIG. 10 is a plan explanatory view of the vibrating plate member, and FIG. 11 is also taken along the line CC of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the nozzle arrangement direction.

In the present embodiment, the concave portion 33a forming the damper region 33 is formed in such a size that a part thereof faces (opposes) the outside of the pressure chamber 6.

As a result, the damper region 33 in the required range can be secured even if a positional deviation or a component error occurs when the diaphragm member 3 and the flow path plate 2 are joined.

Next, the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a plan explanatory view of each member.

In the present embodiment, an individual bubble removing path 62 leading to the recess 61 of the pressure chamber 6 and a common bubble removing path 63 leading to each individual bubble removing path 62 are provided. The common bubble removing path 63 leads to the outside of the head.

By providing the recess 61 forming a part of the pressure chamber 6, air bubbles are likely to stay in the recess 61. Therefore, by providing the individual bubble removing path 62, it is possible to reduce the retention of bubbles in the recess 61.

In this case, the fluid resistance of the individual bubble removing path 62 is higher than the fluid resistance of the fluid supply path (here, the fluid resistance section 7) to the nozzle 4 and the pressure chamber 6. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid from flowing into the individual bubble removing path 62 when the liquid is discharged.

Further, since the wall surface of the recess 61 through which the individual bubble removing path 62 communicates is the damper region 33 having compliance, even if the individual bubble removing path 62 is mutually passed through the common bubble removing path 63, the adjacent pressure chamber 6 is used. No crosstalk occurs.

Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a plan explanatory view of the flow path plate of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment as viewed from the diaphragm member side.

In the present embodiment, two pressure chamber rows N1 and N2 in which a plurality of pressure chambers 6 are arranged are provided. The individual bubble bleeding paths 62 of the pressure chamber rows N1 and N2 are communicated with the common bubble bleeding paths 63 and 63 arranged for each of the pressure chamber rows N1 and N2, respectively. The two common bubble removal paths 63, 63 communicate with one bubble discharge port 64 and lead to the outside of the head via the bubble discharge port 64.

Next, the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a plan explanatory view of the flow path plate of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment as viewed from the diaphragm member side.

In the present embodiment, there are two rows of pressure chamber rows N1 and N2 in which a plurality of pressure chambers 6 are arranged. The individual bubble removal paths 62 of the pressure chamber rows N1 and N2 are communicated with one common bubble removal path 63 common to the pressure chamber rows N1 and N2, and the common bubble removal path 63 is communicated with the bubble discharge port 64. However, it communicates with the outside of the head via the bubble discharge port 64.

With this configuration, there is only one common bubble discharge path, and the configuration is simpler than in the seventh embodiment.

Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is an external perspective explanatory view of the liquid discharge head according to the same embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional explanatory view along a direction orthogonal to the nozzle arrangement direction, which is also the same as in FIG.

The liquid discharge head 100 is a circulation type liquid discharge head, and a nozzle plate 1, a flow path plate 2, and a diaphragm member 3 as a wall surface member are laminated and joined. Further, it includes a piezoelectric actuator 11 that displaces the vibration region (vibration plate) 30 of the diaphragm member 3, and a common flow path member 20 that also serves as a frame member of the head.

The nozzle plate 1 has a plurality of nozzles 4 for discharging a liquid.

The flow path plate 2 includes a plurality of pressure chambers 6 that communicate with the plurality of nozzles 4 via the nozzle communication passages 5, a plurality of fluid resistance portions 7 on the supply side that each communicate with the plurality of pressure chambers 6, and one or more. One or a plurality of liquid introduction portions 8 and the like leading to the fluid resistance portion 7 on the supply side are formed. The liquid introduction portion 8 is connected to the common flow path 10 on the supply side via the opening 19 on the supply side of the diaphragm member 3.

In the present embodiment, the flow path plate 2 is configured by laminating a plurality of plate-shaped members 2A to 2E, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The diaphragm member 3 has a deformable vibration region 30 that forms the wall surface of the pressure chamber 6 of the flow path plate 2. Here, the diaphragm member 3 has a three-layer structure (not limited), and is composed of a first layer 3a forming a thin wall portion from the flow path plate 2 side, and a second layer 3b and a third layer 3c forming a thick wall portion. A deformable vibration region 30 is formed in the portion of the first layer 3a corresponding to the pressure chamber 6.

A piezoelectric actuator 11 that deforms the vibration region 30 of the diaphragm member 3 is arranged on the side of the diaphragm member 3 opposite to the pressure chamber 6. The piezoelectric element 12A of the piezoelectric actuator 11 is joined to the convex portion 30a of the vibration region (vibration plate) 30 of the diaphragm member 3.

Further, the flow path plate 2 includes a plurality of individual recovery flow paths 56 along the surface direction of the flow path plate 2 that communicates to the plurality of pressure chambers 6 via the nozzle communication passages 5, and one or a plurality of individual recovery flow paths 56. It forms one or more liquid lead-out portions 58 leading to the above. The liquid lead-out portion 58 leads to the common flow path 50 on the recovery side via the opening 59 on the recovery side of the diaphragm member 3.

The common flow path member 20 forms a common flow path 10 on the supply side and a common flow path 50 on the recovery side. The common flow path 10 on the supply side leads to the supply port 71, and the common flow path 50 on the collection side leads to the collection port 72.

In the liquid discharge head 100, for example, by lowering the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 12A from the reference potential (intermediate potential), the piezoelectric element 12A contracts, the vibration region 30 of the vibrating plate member 3 is pulled, and the volume of the pressure chamber 6 is reached. As the pressure chamber 6 expands, the liquid flows into the pressure chamber 6.

After that, the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 12A is increased to extend the piezoelectric element 12A in the stacking direction, the vibration region 30 of the vibrating plate member 3 is deformed in the direction toward the nozzle 4, and the volume of the pressure chamber 6 is contracted. , The liquid in the pressure chamber 6 is pressurized, and the liquid is discharged from the nozzle 4.

Further, the liquid not discharged from the nozzle 4 passes through the nozzle 4 and is collected from the individual collection flow path 56 to the common flow path 50 on the collection side, and from the common flow path 50 on the collection side to the common flow on the supply side through the external circulation path. It is supplied to the road 10 again.

The method of driving the head is not limited to the above example (pull-push), and pulling or pushing may be performed depending on the driving waveform.

Also in this embodiment, the diaphragm member 3 is provided with a displaceable damper region 33 that is independent of the vibration region 30 and forms the wall surface of the pressure chamber 6.

As a result, the residual vibration of the pressure chamber 6 can be attenuated or suppressed, stable liquid discharge characteristics can be obtained, and variations in discharge characteristics can be reduced.

Next, an example of the device for discharging the liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 is a schematic explanatory view of the device, and FIG. 19 is a plan explanatory view of an example of the head unit of the device.

The printing device 500, which is a device for discharging this liquid, includes a carry-in means 501 for carrying in the continuous body 510, a guide transport means 503 for guiding and transporting the continuous body 510 carried in from the carry-in means 501 to the printing means 505, and a continuous body. It is provided with a printing means 505 that discharges a liquid to 510 to form an image, a drying means 507 that dries the continuum 510, and a unloading means 509 that carries out the continuum 510.

The continuum 510 is sent out from the original winding roller 511 of the carrying-in means 501, guided and conveyed by the rollers of the carrying-in means 501, the guiding and transporting means 503, the drying means 507, and the carrying-out means 509, and is guided and conveyed by the winding roller 591 of the carrying-out means 509. It is wound up at.

In the printing means 505, the continuous body 510 is conveyed on the transfer guide member 559 facing the head unit 550 and the head unit 555, an image is formed by the liquid discharged from the head unit 550, and the continuous body 510 is discharged from the head unit 555. Post-treatment is performed with the treatment liquid to be treated.

Here, the head unit 550 is, for example, a full-line head array 551A, 551B, 551C, 551D for four colors from the upstream side in the transport direction (hereinafter, referred to as "head array 551" when the colors are not distinguished). Is placed.

Each head array 551 is a liquid discharging means, and discharges black K, cyan C, magenta M, and yellow Y liquids to the conveyed continuum 510, respectively. The types and numbers of colors are not limited to this.

The head array 551 is, for example, arranged with the liquid discharge heads (which are also simply referred to as “heads”) 100 according to the present invention arranged in a staggered pattern on the base member 552, but is not limited to this.

Next, an example of the liquid circulation device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a block explanatory view of the circulation device. Although only one head is shown here, when arranging a plurality of heads, the supply side liquid path and the recovery side liquid path are provided on the supply side and the recovery side of the plurality of heads via a manifold or the like, respectively. Will be connected.

The liquid circulation device 600 includes a supply tank 601 and a recovery tank 602, a main tank 603, a first liquid feed pump 604, a second liquid feed pump 605, a compressor 611, a regulator 612, a vacuum pump 621, a regulator 622, and a supply side pressure sensor 631. , The recovery side pressure sensor 632 and the like.

Here, the compressor 611 and the vacuum pump 621 constitute means for generating a differential pressure between the pressure in the supply tank 601 and the pressure in the recovery tank 602.

The supply-side pressure sensor 631 is connected to the supply-side liquid path between the supply tank 601 and the head 100 and connected to the supply port 71 of the head 100. The recovery side pressure sensor 632 is connected between the head 1 and the recovery tank 602 to a recovery side liquid path connected to the recovery port 72 of the head 100.

One of the recovery tanks 602 is connected to the supply tank 601 via the first liquid feed pump 604, and the other of the recovery tanks 602 is connected to the main tank 603 via the second liquid feed pump 605.

As a result, the liquid flows from the supply tank 601 through the supply port 71 into the head 100, is collected from the collection port 72 to the collection tank 602, and the liquid is collected from the collection tank 602 to the supply tank 601 by the first liquid feeding pump 604. By being sent, a circulation path through which the liquid circulates is constructed.

Here, a compressor 611 is connected to the supply tank 601 and is controlled so that a predetermined positive pressure is detected by the supply side pressure sensor 631. On the other hand, a vacuum pump 621 is connected to the recovery tank 602, and is controlled so that a predetermined negative pressure is detected by the recovery side pressure sensor 632.

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 4 of the head 100, the amount of liquid in the supply tank 601 and the recovery tank 602 decreases. Therefore, the liquid is replenished from the main tank 603 to the recovery tank 602 by using the second liquid feeding pump 605 as appropriate.

The timing of liquid replenishment from the main tank 603 to the recovery tank 602 is provided in the recovery tank 602, such as replenishing the liquid when the liquid level height in the recovery tank 602 drops below a predetermined height. It can be controlled by the detection result of the liquid level sensor or the like.

Next, another example of the printing device as a device for discharging the liquid according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 21 is an explanatory plan view of a main part of the device, and FIG. 22 is an explanatory view of a side surface of the main part of the device.

The printing device 500 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 100 and the head tank 441 according to the present invention are integrated. The liquid discharge head 100 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 100 has a nozzle row composed of a plurality of nozzles arranged in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, and is mounted with the discharge direction facing downward.

The liquid discharge head 100 is connected to the liquid circulation device 600 described above, and a liquid of a required color is circulated and supplied.

The printing device 500 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 100. 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 100 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 100, a wiper member 422 that wipes the nozzle surface, and the like.

The main scanning movement mechanism 493, 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 the printing apparatus 500 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 100 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.

Next, another example of the liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is an explanatory plan view of a main part of the unit.

Among the members constituting the liquid discharge unit 440 and the device for discharging the liquid, the housing portion composed of the side plates 491A, 491B and the back plate 491C, the main scanning moving mechanism 493, the carriage 403, and the liquid. It is composed of a discharge head 100.

It is also possible to form a liquid discharge unit in which the above-mentioned maintenance / recovery mechanism 420 is further attached to, for example, the side plate 491B of the liquid discharge unit 440.

Next, still another example of the liquid discharge unit according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24 is a front explanatory view of the unit.

The liquid discharge unit 440 is composed of a liquid discharge head 100 to which the flow path component 444 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 in place of the flow path component 444. Further, a connector 443 that electrically connects to the liquid discharge head 100 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, a liquid circulation device 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 for ejecting a liquid", an image forming device, which is a device for ejecting 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 media such as paper, recording paper, recording paper, film, cloth and other recording media, electronic substrates, electronic components such as piezoelectric elements, powder layers (powder layers), organ models, and 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 a raw material by injecting a composition liquid in which a raw material is 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 4 Nozzle 2 Flow plate 3 Vibration plate member 6 Pressure chamber 10 Common flow path 11 Piezoelectric actuator 20 Common flow path member 33 Damper area 33a Concave shape part 50 Common flow path 61 Recessed part 62 Individual bubble removal route 63 Common bubble removal Path 100 Liquid discharge head 403 Carriage 440 Liquid discharge unit 500 Printing device (device that discharges liquid)
550 Head Unit 600 Liquid Circulator

Claims (12)

A flow path plate that forms a pressure chamber leading to a nozzle that discharges liquid,
A diaphragm member having a vibration region forming a displaceable wall surface of the pressure chamber is provided.
The diaphragm member has a damper region that is independent of the vibration region and forms a displaceable wall surface of the pressure chamber.
The liquid discharge head is characterized in that the flow path plate is provided with a recess that constitutes a part of the pressure chamber and faces at least a part of the damper region on the diaphragm member side. The flow path plate is configured by laminating a plurality of plate-shaped members.
The pressure chamber is composed of through-groove portions provided in each of the plurality of plate-shaped members.
The through groove portion provided in at least one of the plate-shaped members on the diaphragm member side protrudes from the end portion of the through groove portion provided in the other plate-shaped member in the longitudinal direction of the pressure chamber. Have a part,
The liquid discharge head according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed at the protruding portion. The liquid discharge head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the damper region of the diaphragm member has a concave shape. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a part of the damper region faces the outside of the pressure chamber in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the pressure chambers. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the damper region has a region having a higher rigidity than the damper region. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid discharge head has a bubble removing path communicating with the recess. It has a plurality of the pressure chambers and has a plurality of the pressure chambers.
The liquid discharge head according to claim 6, wherein all of the bubble removing paths communicating with the recesses forming a part of at least two pressure chambers communicate with the common bubble removing path. It has at least two rows of pressure chambers in which the plurality of pressure chambers are arranged.
The liquid discharge head according to claim 7, wherein the common bubble removing path is common to the two rows of pressure chambers. The liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the fluid resistance of the bubble removing path is higher than the fluid resistance of each of the paths for supplying the liquid to the nozzle and the pressure chamber. A liquid discharge unit comprising the liquid discharge head according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 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 10, 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 9 or the liquid discharge unit according to claim 10 or 11.

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