JP7423992B2 - liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid such as ink.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some liquid ejecting apparatuses that eject liquid such as ink have a configuration as described in Patent Document 1. This liquid discharge device is configured to supply liquid from a supply manifold (fluid supply chamber) to a pressure chamber (pump chamber) communicating with a nozzle discharge port (nozzle) via a supply constriction section (fluid supply channel). There is. Further, the liquid not discharged from the nozzle discharge port is returned to the return manifold (fluid recovery chamber) via the return throttle section (fluid recovery channel). In this way, the liquid ejection device described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration that performs so-called nozzle circulation.

Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device according to Patent Document 1, fluid flows from the supply manifold (fluid supply chamber) to the supply constriction section (fluid supply channel) via the coupling channel, and from the coupling channel to the bypass path (bypass gap section). It is configured to realize so-called manifold circulation in which the fluid also flows through the fluid recovery channel through the fluid collection channel.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-237323

Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which a supply manifold and a return manifold are communicated through a bypass path (bypass gap). This increases the problem of crosstalk in which the fluid discharge from the nozzle discharge port becomes unstable due to the influence of pressure waves transmitted from the pressure chamber.

Specifically, in the case of Patent Document 1, the following two routes exist as propagation routes of pressure waves generated in the pressure chamber of one individual channel. That is, the first route propagates from the pressure chamber to the supply constriction and the supply manifold in this order, and the second route propagates in the order of the pressure chamber, the nozzle outlet, the feedback constriction, and the feedback manifold. By the way, the pressure waves of the first route and the pressure waves of the second route propagate in the same phase. Therefore, in the case of a configuration in which the supply manifold and the return manifold that communicate with the same pressure chamber are communicated by a bypass path, the pressure waves propagating in the first route and the pressure waves propagating in the second route are connected to the bypass path. A so-called crosstalk phenomenon occurs in which the pressure waves are amplified by combining through the two channels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquid ejection device that can suppress the influence of crosstalk of pressure waves.

A liquid ejection device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of first individual channels each including a first nozzle ejection port, and a first individual channel connected to the first individual channel and supplying liquid to the first individual channel. a plurality of second individual channels each including a supply manifold, a first return manifold connected to the first individual channel and through which liquid not discharged from the first nozzle outlet flows, and a second nozzle outlet; , a second supply manifold connected to the second individual channel and supplying liquid to the second individual channel; and a second supply manifold connected to the second individual channel, through which liquid not ejected from the second nozzle outlet flows. It includes a second return manifold and a first bypass path that communicates the first supply manifold and the second return manifold.

According to the above configuration, since the first bypass path is provided, the pressure wave propagating within the first supply manifold connected to the first individual channel is propagated to the second return manifold connected to the second individual channel. . Therefore, the pressure wave propagating within the first supply manifold and the pressure wave propagating within the first feedback manifold having the same phase as the pressure wave do not merge, so that the influence of crosstalk can be suppressed.

The present invention has the configuration described above, and has the effect of suppressing the influence of crosstalk of pressure waves.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above. 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the configuration of a liquid ejection head included in the liquid ejection apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the head. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first bypass path included in the liquid ejection head according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a second bypass path included in the liquid ejection head according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the arrangement relationship among a first supply manifold, a first return manifold, a second supply manifold, a second return manifold, a first bypass path, and a second bypass path according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a first bypass path portion and a second bypass path portion included in the liquid ejection head according to the embodiment of the present invention. A plane showing the arrangement relationship between the first supply manifold and the first return manifold, the second supply manifold and the second return manifold, and the first bypass path and the second bypass path according to modification 1 of the embodiment of the present invention It is a diagram. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the structure of a liquid ejection head according to a second modification of the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a liquid ejection head. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a liquid flow direction in a liquid ejection head according to a second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. A first supply manifold and a first return manifold, a second supply manifold and a second return manifold, a third supply manifold and a third return manifold, and a first bypass path according to a second modification of the embodiment of the present invention; It is a top view which shows the arrangement|positioning relationship with a 2nd bypass route and a 3rd bypass route. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the configuration of a liquid ejection head according to a third modification of the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the flow direction of liquid in a cross-sectional structure of a liquid ejection head. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the arrangement relationship between a supply constriction section and a return constriction section in each individual channel of a liquid ejection head according to a third modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a liquid flow direction in a cross-sectional structure of a liquid ejection head according to a fourth modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a liquid flow direction in a cross-sectional structure of a liquid ejection head according to a fifth modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a liquid flow direction in a cross-sectional structure of a liquid ejection head according to a sixth modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

A liquid ejection device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an ink ejection apparatus that ejects ink onto a recording sheet will be described as an example of a liquid ejection apparatus.

<Configuration of liquid ejection device>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The liquid ejecting device 1 includes a paper feed tray 10, a platen 11, and a line head 12 assembled in this order from the bottom. The paper feed tray 10 accommodates a plurality of recording sheets P. A long platen 11 is provided above the paper feed tray 10 in the orthogonal direction. The platen 11 is a flat plate member, and supports the conveyed recording sheet P from below. Further above the platen 11, a line head 12 is arranged. Although details will be described later, the line head 12 is provided with a plurality of liquid ejection heads 13. Further, in front of the platen 11, a paper discharge tray 14 is provided to receive the recorded sheet P after recording.

A sheet conveyance path 20 extends from the rear of the paper feed tray 10 . The sheet conveyance path 20 connects the paper feed tray 10 and the paper discharge tray 14. The sheet conveyance path 20 can be divided into three paths: a curved path 21, a straight path 22, and an end path 23. The curved path 21 curves upward from the paper feed tray 10 and reaches near the rear of the platen 11. The straight path 22 extends from the end point of the curved path 21 to near the front of the platen 11. The end path 23 extends from the end point of the straight path 22 to the paper discharge tray 14.

The liquid ejecting device 1 includes a feeding roller 30, a conveying roller 31, and a discharge roller 34 as a sheet conveying mechanism that conveys the recording sheet P. The sheet conveyance mechanism conveys the recording sheet P in the paper feed tray 10 along the sheet conveyance path 20 to the paper discharge tray 14 .

Specifically, the feed roller 30 is provided directly above the paper feed tray 10 and contacts the recording sheet P from above. The conveyance roller 31 is combined with the pinch roller 32 to constitute a conveyance roller section 33, and is arranged near the downstream end of the curved path 21. The conveyance roller section 33 connects the curved path 21 and the straight path 22. The discharge roller 34 is combined with a spur roller 35 to constitute a discharge roller section 36, and is arranged near the downstream end of the straight path 22. The discharge roller section 36 connects the straight path 22 and the end path 23.

Here, the recording sheet P is supplied to the conveying roller section 33 via the curved path 21 by the feeding roller 30. Furthermore, the recording sheet P is sent from the straight path 22 to the discharge roller section 36 by the conveyance roller section 33 . In the straight path 22 , ink is ejected from the liquid ejection head 13 onto the recording sheet P on the platen 11 . An image is recorded on the recording sheet P. This recorded sheet P is conveyed to the paper ejection tray 14 by the ejection roller section 36.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the liquid ejection device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention when viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 2, the line head 12 has a lower surface facing the recording sheet P, and a length of the recording sheet P in a direction (orthogonal direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the recording sheet P is conveyed (conveying direction). It has a length longer than . The lower surface is a nozzle surface in which nozzle discharge ports 57 of a plurality of individual channels 100 (see FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) described later) are provided.

A tank 16 is connected to each nozzle outlet 57 . The tank 16 includes a sub-tank 16b arranged on the line head 12, and a storage tank 16a connected to the sub-tank 16b by a tube 17. Liquid is stored in this sub-tank 16b and storage tank 16a. The tanks 16 are provided according to the number of colors of liquid discharged from the nozzle discharge ports 57, for example, four tanks 16 are provided for liquids of four colors (black, yellow, cyan, magenta). . Thereby, the line head 12 discharges a plurality of types of liquid.

In this way, the line head 12 is fixed without moving and discharges liquid from the plurality of nozzle discharge ports 57. At the same time as this ejection, the recording sheet P is transported in the transport direction by the transport mechanism. As a result, an image is recorded on the recording sheet P.

In addition, although the case where the liquid ejection head 13 is the line head 12 was described above as an example, the line head 12 may be replaced by a serial head.

(Configuration of liquid ejection head)
The configuration of the liquid ejection head 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the structure of the liquid ejection head 13 included in the liquid ejection apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. (b) is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the liquid ejection head 13. Note that FIG. 3(b) shows a cross-sectional structure when the liquid ejection head 13 shown in FIG. 3(a) is cut along individual channels (a first individual channel 60a and a second individual channel 60b, which will be described later). Further, in FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, piezoelectric actuators that are arranged above a first pressure chamber 50a and a second pressure chamber 50b, which will be described later, and that apply pressure to the liquid in the first pressure chamber 50a or the second pressure chamber 50b are shown. Illustration of the plate is omitted. In addition, in FIG. 3(b), in order to make it easier to understand the arrangement relationship between the first bypass route 70 and the second bypass route 71, the area where the first bypass route 70 and the second bypass route 71 are formed, that is, the first The region of the plate where the damper portion 55a and the second damper portion 55b are formed is enlarged to show the arrangement relationship of the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71.

Note that each part of the liquid ejection head 13 can be formed by performing processing such as etching (half etching) or cutting on each of a plurality of plates and stacking these plates. Alternatively, it may be formed by stacking a plurality of resin plates molded into a predetermined shape.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the liquid ejection head 13 in which four different nozzle rows (a first nozzle row 100A, a second nozzle row 100B, a third nozzle row 100C, and a fourth nozzle row 100D) are arranged. There is. In the embodiment of the present invention, the first nozzle row 100A and the second nozzle row 100B are provided in the first island portion 300a consisting of the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a. Further, the third nozzle row 100C and the fourth nozzle row 100D are provided in the second island portion 300b consisting of the second supply manifold 51b and the second return manifold 52b. The present embodiment will be described using an example in which the first island portion 300a and the second island portion 300b are arranged adjacent to each other.

In this specification, the supply manifold to which the first individual channel 60a is connected is referred to as a first supply manifold 51a, and the feedback manifold to which the first individual channel 60a is connected is referred to as a first return manifold 52a. Similarly, the supply manifold connected to the second individual channel 60b is referred to as a second supply manifold 51b, and the feedback manifold connected to the second individual channel 60b is referred to as a second return manifold 52b. Furthermore, the island portion is a unit that includes a supply manifold and a return manifold that overlap the pressure chambers included in each individual channel when viewed from the nozzle surface.

Note that since the plurality of individual channels forming each of the first nozzle row 100A and the second nozzle row 100B provided in the first island portion 300a have the same configuration, they are collectively referred to as a first individual channel 60a. Furthermore, since the plurality of individual channels forming each of the third nozzle row 100C and the fourth nozzle row 100D provided in the second island portion 300b have the same configuration, they are collectively referred to as a second individual channel 60b.

The first individual channel 60a has a first pressure chamber 50a, a first descender 56a that communicates with the first pressure chamber 50a, and a first nozzle discharge port 57a that communicates with the first descender 56a and from which droplets are discharged. The first pressure chamber 50a is provided above the first descender 56a, assuming that the side where the first nozzle discharge port 57a is provided is downward and the opposite side is upward. A piezoelectric plate (piezoelectric body) is arranged on the upper surface of the first pressure chamber 50a, and this piezoelectric plate applies pressure to the liquid in the first pressure chamber 50a at a predetermined timing. Specifically, when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric plate at a predetermined timing, the volume of the piezoelectric plate changes and pressure is applied to the liquid in the first pressure chamber 50a. Thereby, droplets can be ejected from the first nozzle ejection port 57a.

Further, the first individual channel 60a includes a first supply constriction section 53a, and is connected to the first supply manifold 51a via the first supply constriction section 53a. Furthermore, a first feedback throttle section 54a is provided and connected to the first feedback manifold 52a via the first feedback throttle section 54a. Specifically, the first supply manifold 51a and the first pressure chamber 50a of the first individual channel 60a are connected by a first supply constriction portion 53a having a small flow path diameter. Further, the first nozzle discharge port 57a of the first individual channel 60a and the first return manifold 52a are connected by a first return throttle portion 54a having a small flow path diameter.

In the liquid discharge device 1, the liquid discharged from the tank 16 is supplied to the first supply manifold 51a via the first inlet port 58a. The liquid supplied to the first supply manifold 51a is supplied to the first pressure chamber 50a of the first individual channel 60a via the first supply restrictor 53a. The liquid to which pressure has been applied in the first pressure chamber 50a flows through the first descender 56a, is guided to the first nozzle discharge port 57a, and is discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a in the form of droplets. Here, the liquid that is not discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a is sent to the first return manifold 52a via the first return constriction part 54a. The liquid delivered to the first return manifold 52a is returned to the tank 16 via the first outlet port 59a. In this way, each first individual channel 60a provided in the first island portion 300a is configured to perform nozzle circulation.

Note that the inside of the first supply manifold 51a is under positive pressure in order to send the liquid to the first pressure chamber 50a. Further, the inside of the first return manifold 52a has a negative pressure in order to draw in the liquid that has not been discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a.

Further, the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a are arranged so as to overlap when viewed from the nozzle surface where the first nozzle discharge port 57a is formed. The first supply manifold 51a is arranged above the first return manifold 52a, when the side on which the nozzle surface is formed in the liquid ejection head 13 is defined as the lower side and the opposite side is defined as the upper side. A first damper portion 55a is provided between the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a. The first damper section 55a can suppress the influence of pressure waves propagating from the first pressure chamber 50a to the first supply manifold 51a via the first supply constriction section 53a. Furthermore, the influence of pressure waves propagating to the first feedback manifold 52a via the first feedback throttle section 54a can also be suppressed.

Further, the second individual channel 60b also has the same configuration as the first individual channel 60a described above. That is, the second individual channel 60b communicates with the second pressure chamber 50b, the second descender 56b communicating with the second pressure chamber 50b, and the second nozzle discharge port 57b through which droplets are discharged. have The second individual channels 60b are respectively connected to the second supply manifold 51b via the second supply constriction section 53b and to the second return manifold 52b via the second return constriction section 54b.

Further, when viewed in plan from the nozzle surface, the second supply manifold 51b and the second return manifold 52b are arranged to overlap, and the second damper portion 55b is provided between them. In the embodiment of the present invention, the first damper section 55a and the second damper section 55b are provided with a recessed area to form a damper space, and are composed of two plates (a first damper plate 80 and a second damper plate 81). It is formed from. Note that the second individual channel 60b has the same configuration as the first individual channel 60a, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

The first individual channel 60a and the second individual channel 60b having the above-described configuration have different island portions, but have a configuration in which the liquid circulation flow path is connected by the first bypass path 70. It becomes. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b are connected by the first bypass path 70, and part of the liquid in the first supply manifold 51a is transferred to the second return manifold 52b. 2 feedback manifold 52b. Then, the manifold circulation can be performed between the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b. Here, the configuration of the first bypass path 70 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the first bypass path 70 included in the liquid ejection head 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the embodiment of the present invention, the first damper plate 80 and the second damper plate 81 forming the first damper part 55a and the second damper part 55b serve as the plates providing the first bypass path 70. is used. Note that the first damper plate 80 and the second damper plate 81 are walls that partition the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b. The first damper plate 80 also functions as a plate forming the bottom surface of the first supply manifold 51a, and the second damper plate 81 also functions as a plate forming the top surface of the second return manifold 52b.

Specifically, the first flow path 70b is provided by cutting out a part of the region of the first damper plate 80 where the first damper portion 55a and the second damper portion 55b are not formed. This first flow path 70b communicates with the inside of the first supply manifold 51a.

In addition, by forming holes penetrating in the vertical direction (in the direction in which the plates are stacked) in the region of the second damper plate 81 where the first damper part 55a and the second damper part 55b are not formed, the first discharge A hole 70a is provided. This first discharge hole 70a communicates with the inside of the second return manifold 52b at one end, and communicates with the first flow path 70b at the other end. This first flow passage 70b is arranged at a position overlapping each of the first supply manifold 51a and the first discharge hole 70a when viewed from the nozzle surface.

Note that the first bypass path 70 can be formed by etching or cutting the first damper plate 80 and the second damper plate 81 and stacking them. Alternatively, the first damper plate 80 and the second damper plate 81 may be resin plates molded into a predetermined shape, and may be formed by stacking these plates. By appropriately setting the shape and dimensions of the first discharge hole 70a and the first flow path 70b, the pressure of the flowing fluid can be easily adjusted. For example, the first flow path 70b may be a long and narrow groove (slit) formed in the first damper plate 80 extending from the first supply manifold 51a toward the second return manifold 52b. Alternatively, it may be a through hole that vertically penetrates the first damper plate 80 and has a diameter that overlaps with the first supply manifold 51a and the first discharge hole 70a when viewed in plan from the nozzle surface.

Furthermore, in the liquid ejection head 13, the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold 52a are connected by the second bypass path 71, and a part of the liquid in the second supply manifold 51b flows to the first return manifold 52a. It is configured to do this. Then, the manifold circulation can be performed between the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold 52a.

Next, the configuration of the second bypass path 71 will be explained with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the second bypass path 71 included in the liquid ejection head 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, a second bypass path 71 is formed using a first damper plate 80 and a second damper plate 81 that form a first damper section 55a and a second damper section 55b. Note that the first damper plate 80 and the second damper plate 81 are also walls that partition the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold 52a. The first damper plate 80 also functions as a plate forming the bottom surface of the second supply manifold 51b, and the second damper plate 81 also functions as a plate forming the top surface of the first return manifold 52a.

Specifically, by cutting out a part of the region of the first damper plate 80 where the first damper portion 55a, the second damper portion 55b, and the first bypass path 70 are not formed, the second flow path 71b is formed. will be established. This second flow path 71b communicates with the inside of the second supply manifold 51b.

Further, in the second damper plate 81, a hole is formed that penetrates in the vertical direction (the direction in which the plates are stacked) in a region where the first damper part 55a, the second damper part 55b, and the first bypass path 70 are not formed. By doing so, the second discharge hole 71a is provided. This second discharge hole 71a communicates with the inside of the first return manifold 52a at one end, and communicates with the second flow path 71b at the other end. This second flow passage 71b is arranged at a position overlapping with the second supply manifold 51b and the second discharge hole 71a, respectively, when viewed from the nozzle surface.

Like the first bypass path 70, the second bypass path 71 can be formed by etching or cutting the first damper plate 80 and the second damper plate 81 and stacking them. Alternatively, the first damper plate 80 and the second damper plate 81 may be resin plates molded into a predetermined shape, and may be formed by stacking these plates. The pressure of the fluid flowing through the second bypass path 71 can be easily adjusted by appropriately setting the shapes and dimensions of the second discharge hole 71a and the second flow path 71b. For example, the second flow path 71b may be an elongated groove (slit) formed in the first damper plate 80, extending from the second supply manifold 51b toward the first return manifold 52a. Alternatively, it may be a through hole that vertically penetrates the first damper plate 80 and has a diameter that overlaps with the second supply manifold 51b and the second discharge hole 71a when viewed in plan from the nozzle surface.

In this manner, the liquid ejection head 13 according to the embodiment has a configuration in which the supply manifold and the return manifold, which constitute different island parts, are connected to each other and the liquid is circulated through the manifolds. Therefore, the pressure waves from the first pressure chamber 50a propagating within the first supply manifold 51a and the pressure waves from the first pressure chamber 50a propagating within the first feedback manifold 52a are transmitted via the bypass path described above. Since they do not merge, the influence of crosstalk can be suppressed. Similarly, the pressure waves from the second pressure chamber 50b propagating within the second supply manifold 51b and the pressure waves from the second pressure chamber 50b propagating within the second feedback manifold 52b do not merge, resulting in crosstalk. The impact can be suppressed.

Note that in the liquid ejection head 13 according to the embodiment, the pressure wave from the first pressure chamber 50a propagating inside the first supply manifold 51a and the pressure wave from the second pressure chamber 50b propagating inside the second feedback manifold 52b. There is a possibility that the waves will merge. Similarly, there is a possibility that the pressure wave from the second pressure chamber 50b propagating within the second supply manifold 51b and the pressure wave from the first pressure chamber 50a propagating within the first feedback manifold 52a merge. .

However, the first individual channel 60a and the second individual channel 60b are provided on different islands, and the nozzle row (first nozzle row 100A or second nozzle row 100B) constituted by the first individual channel 60a and the The nozzle row (third nozzle row 100C or fourth nozzle row 100D) configured by two individual channels 60b is different. Therefore, the possibility that the first individual channel 60a and the second individual channel 60b will eject droplets at the same timing is lower than that of the individual channels forming the same nozzle row.

Therefore, the pressure waves propagating inside the first supply manifold 51a and the pressure waves propagating inside the second feedback manifold 52b are less likely to be in the same phase, and even if the two pressure waves merge, there will be crosstalk. The impact of this will be smaller. Similarly, the pressure waves propagating within the second supply manifold 51b and the pressure waves propagating within the first return manifold 52a are less likely to be in the same phase, and even if the two pressure waves merge. The effect of crosstalk becomes smaller.

Note that, as described above, the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71 are both formed in the first damper plate 80 and the second damper plate 81. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the arrangement of the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71. Furthermore, depending on the arrangement of the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71, the arrangement of the first supply manifold 51a, first return manifold 52a, second supply manifold 51b, and second return manifold 52b also needs to be devised. There is.

In the following, the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a forming the first island part 300a, the second supply manifold 51b and the second return manifold 52b forming the second island part 300b, and the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71 will be explained with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows a first supply manifold 51a and a first return manifold 52a, a second supply manifold 51b and a second return manifold 52b, and a first bypass path 70 and a second bypass path 71 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement relationship. In FIG. 6, the first supply manifold 51a and the second supply manifold 51b are shown by solid lines, and the first return manifold 52a and second return manifold 52b are shown by broken lines. Further, illustration of the first individual channel 60a group and the second individual channel 60b group is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the liquid ejection head 13 included in the liquid ejection device 1, when viewed in plan from the nozzle surface, the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a are arranged to overlap, and stretching in the same direction. However, the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a have different lengths in the extending direction. Furthermore, when viewed in plan from the nozzle surface, the second supply manifold 51b and the second return manifold 52b are arranged to overlap and extend in the same direction. However, the second supply manifold 51b and the second return manifold 52b have different lengths in the extending direction.

In other words, the tip position of the first supply manifold 51a in the extending direction and the tip position of the second return manifold 52b in the extending direction are approximately the same position, and the two tip positions are connected by the first bypass path 70. are doing. Further, a first inlet port 58a is provided at the end (referred to as the base end) opposite to the tip of the first supply manifold 51a, and a second outlet port 58a is provided at the base end of the second return manifold 52b. 59b is provided.

Further, the tip position of the second supply manifold 51b in the extending direction and the tip position of the first return manifold 52a in the extending direction are approximately the same position, and the two tip portion positions are connected by the second bypass path 71. are doing. Further, a second inlet port 58b is provided on the proximal end side of the second supply manifold 51b, and a first outlet port 59a is provided on the proximal end side of the first return manifold 52a.

In the above-mentioned extending direction of the liquid ejection head 13, the first bypass path 70 is located further away than the second bypass path 71, and they are arranged so as not to overlap each other.

Here, with reference to FIG. 7, detailed configurations of the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71 will be described. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a first bypass path 70 portion and a second bypass path 71 portion included in the liquid ejection head 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bottom surfaces of the first supply manifold 51a and the second supply manifold 51b are formed by stacking the plate 90 and the first damper plate 80. A portion of the plate 90 cut out according to the shape of the first supply manifold 51a and a portion cut out of the first damper plate 80 where the first flow path 70b overlaps, the first supply manifold 51a and the first bypass path. 70 is in communication. In addition, in a portion where a portion cut out according to the shape of the second supply manifold 51b and a second flow path 71b cut out in the first damper plate 80 overlap, the second supply manifold 51b and the second bypass path 71 communicate with.

Further, by stacking the second damper plate 81 and the plate 91, the upper surfaces of the first return manifold 52a and the second return manifold 52b are formed. A portion of the plate 91 cut out according to the shape of the first return manifold 52a overlaps with the second discharge hole 71a cut out of the second damper plate 81, and the first return manifold 52a and the second bypass path are overlapped. 71 is in communication. In addition, the second return manifold 52b and the first bypass path 70 overlap at a portion where the portion cut out according to the shape of the second return manifold 52b and the first discharge hole 70a cut out in the second damper plate 81 overlap. communicate with.

The first damper plate 80 has fan-shaped slits each having a curved arc corresponding to the shape of the tip end of the first supply manifold 51a and the second supply manifold 51b. Then, by stacking the plate 90, the first damper plate 80, and the second damper plate 81, the first flow passage 70b and the second flow passage 71b having the fan-shaped shapes described above are formed.

In the first flow passage 70b, the end of the fan-shaped arc on the second island portion 300b side is aligned so as to overlap with the first discharge hole 70a formed in the second damper plate 81.

Therefore, the liquid in the first supply manifold 51a flows into the first flow path 70b, which has a larger opening shape than the first discharge hole 70a. Then, it flows toward the end position of the arc that overlaps with the first discharge hole 70a. Here, the width of the first flow path 70b gradually narrows toward the end position of the arc. Therefore, the pressure of the liquid flowing into the first flow path 70b is adjusted before reaching the first discharge hole 70a, and the liquid flows into the second return manifold 52b through the first discharge hole 70a.

On the other hand, the second flow passage 71b is positioned so as to overlap the second discharge hole 71a formed in the second damper plate 81 at the end of the fan-shaped arc on the first island portion 300a side. .

Therefore, the liquid in the second supply manifold 51b flows into the second flow path 71b, which has a larger opening shape than the second discharge hole 71a. Then, it flows toward the end position of the arc that overlaps with the second discharge hole 71a. Like the first flow path 70b, the second flow path 71b has a flow path width that gradually narrows toward the end position of the arc. Therefore, the pressure of the liquid flowing into the second flow path 71b is adjusted before reaching the second discharge hole 71a, and the liquid flows into the first return manifold 52a through the second discharge hole 71a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from the nozzle surface in plan, the center position of the first discharge hole 70a of the first bypass path 70 is located at the center line between the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b. It is located on O. Similarly, the center position of the second discharge hole 71a of the second bypass path 71 is located on the center line O between the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold 52a. For this reason, the shapes of the first supply manifold 51a and the second feedback manifold 52b are symmetrical with respect to the center line O when viewed from the nozzle surface, including the shape of the first flow path 70b of the first bypass path 70. It can be done. In addition, the shapes of the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold 52a, including the shape of the second flow path 71b of the second bypass path 71, are symmetrical with respect to the center line O when viewed from the nozzle surface. can do. Therefore, two manifolds placed on different island parts can be smoothly connected.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 6, in the liquid ejection head 13, the first supply manifold 51a and the second supply manifold 51b are located on the tip side in the stretching direction (the side where the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71 are provided). The configuration was such that a first inlet port 58a and a second inlet port 58b were provided on the proximal end side opposite to the first inlet port 58a and the second inlet port 58b. Further, the first return manifold 52a and the second return manifold 52b also had a configuration in which a first outlet port 59a and a second outlet port 59b were provided on the proximal end side opposite to the distal end side in the stretching direction. . The positions where the first inlet port 58a, second inlet port 58b, first outlet port 59a, and second outlet port 59b are provided are not limited to the proximal end side in the stretching direction. The first inlet port 58a, the second inlet port 58b, the first outlet port 59a, and the second outlet port 59b are connected to the first supply manifold 51a, the second supply manifold 51b, the first return manifold 52a, and the second return manifold 52b. may be provided at the ends of different sides. The arrangement or shape of a flow path (not shown) through which liquid is supplied to the first supply manifold 51a and the second supply manifold 51b through the first inlet port 58a and the second inlet port 58b, the first outlet port 59a and the The two outlet ports 59b can be arbitrarily provided depending on the arrangement or shape of flow paths (not shown) through which liquid is discharged from the first return manifold 52a and the second return manifold 52b.

(Modification 1)
Next, a liquid ejection head 213 according to a first modification of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows a first supply manifold 51a and a first return manifold 52a, a second supply manifold 51b and a second return manifold 52b, a first bypass path 70 and a second 7 is a plan view showing the arrangement relationship with a bypass path 71. FIG. In FIG. 8, the first supply manifold 51a and the second supply manifold 51b are shown by solid lines, and the first return manifold 52a and second return manifold 52b are shown by broken lines. Further, illustration of the first individual channel 60a group provided on the first island portion 300a and the second individual channel 60b group provided on the second island portion 300b is omitted.

In the liquid ejection head 13 according to the embodiment, the center of the first discharge hole 70a of the first bypass path 70 and the center of the second discharge hole 71a of the second bypass path 71 are located on the center line O. Ta.

On the other hand, in the liquid ejection head 213 according to the first modification of the embodiment, the first supply manifold 51a, the first return manifold 52a, the second supply manifold 51b, and the second return manifold 52b are arranged as follows. are different.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the first bypass path 70 is arranged such that the center of the first discharge hole 70a and the center of the second discharge hole 71a are located apart from each other in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the manifold. The difference is that a second bypass path 71 is arranged.

Here, it is necessary to provide a certain distance between the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71 in order to prevent liquid leakage. In this case, for example, in a configuration in which the center of the first discharge hole 70a and the center of the second discharge hole 71a are arranged on the same straight line in the stretching direction, as in the liquid ejection head 13, the first discharge hole It is necessary to separate the 70a and the second discharge hole 71a. For this reason, in the liquid ejection head 13, it is necessary to further extend the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b along the stretching direction, resulting in increased dimensions in the stretching direction.

On the other hand, in the liquid ejection head 213 according to the first modification, the center of the first discharge hole 70a and the center of the second discharge hole 71a are separated from each other in the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to separate the first discharge hole 70a and the second discharge hole 71a in the stretching direction, and the device configuration can be downsized.

Furthermore, the liquid ejection head 13 according to the first modification has a distance R1 from the center of the first inlet port 58a of the first supply manifold 51a to the center of the first discharge hole 70a, and a distance R1 from the center of the first inlet port 58a of the first supply manifold 51a to the second outlet port of the second return manifold 52b. The distance R2 from the center of 59b to the center of first discharge hole 70a is equal. Furthermore, the distance r1 from the center of the first outlet port 59a of the first return manifold 52a to the center of the second discharge hole 71a, and the distance r1 from the center of the second inlet port 58b of the second supply manifold 51b to the center of the second discharge hole 71a. The distance r2 to the center is equal. Therefore, it is possible to equalize the resistance of the flow path through which the liquid circulating in the manifolds flows in the manifold forming the first island portion 300a and the manifold forming the second island portion 300b. Therefore, the pressure applied to the nozzle discharge port 57 can be equalized in the first individual channel 60a that constitutes the first island portion 300a and the second individual channel 60b that constitutes the second island portion 300b. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of meniscus breaks, eliminate variations in the meniscus depending on position, and reduce ejection variations.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 8, in the liquid ejection head 213 according to the first modification, the base ends of the first supply manifold 51a and the second supply manifold 51b are aligned at the same position. Moreover, the positions of the base ends of the first return manifold 52a and the second return manifold 52b are aligned at similar positions. However, the positions of the base end portions of the first supply manifold 51a and the second supply manifold 51b do not necessarily have to be aligned in the same position. Further, the positions of the base end portions of the first return manifold 52a and the second return manifold 52b do not necessarily have to be aligned at the same position. However, a configuration in which the positions of the base ends of the first supply manifold 51a and the second supply manifold 51b, and the positions of the base ends of the first return manifold 52a and the second return manifold 52b are aligned, is better. This facilitates arrangement of the nozzle discharge ports 57 with high density.

In addition, in this configuration, the distance R1 from the center of the first inlet port 58a of the first supply manifold 51a to the center of the first discharge hole 70a, and the distance R1 from the center of the second outlet port 59b of the second return manifold 52b to the first discharge hole A configuration may be adopted in which the distance R2 to the center of the hole 70a is equal. Further, a distance r1 from the center of the first outlet port 59a of the first return manifold 52a to the center of the second discharge hole 71a, and a distance r1 from the center of the second inlet port 58b of the second supply manifold 51b to the center of the second discharge hole 71a. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the distances r2 and R2 are equal to each other.

(Modification 2)
Next, a liquid ejection head 313 according to a second modification of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the configuration of a liquid ejection head 313 according to a second modification of the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing a planar structure of the liquid ejection head 313. , FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the liquid ejection head 313. Note that FIG. 9(b) shows a cross-sectional structure when the liquid ejection head 313 shown in FIG. 9(a) is cut along the individual channels. Further, in FIG. 9, illustration of the piezoelectric plate 60 is omitted for convenience of explanation. In addition, in FIG. 9B, in order to make it easier to understand the arrangement relationship between the first bypass route 70 and the second bypass route 71, the area where the first bypass route 70 and the second bypass route 71 are formed, that is, the first The region of the plate where the damper portion 55a and the second damper portion 55b are formed is enlarged to show the arrangement relationship of the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71.

In the liquid ejection head 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the supply manifold and the return manifold are connected to each other between the first island portion 300a and the second island portion 300b, and the manifold circulation is performed. Ta. On the other hand, in the liquid ejection head 313 according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9, the first supply manifold 51a forming the first island portion 300a forms the second island portion 300b. The second return manifold 52b is connected to the second return manifold 52b. Further, the first return manifold 52a forming the first island portion 300a is connected to the third supply manifold 51c forming the third island portion 300c.

The third island portion 300c is composed of a third supply manifold 51c and a third return manifold 52c to which individual channels are connected, and as shown in FIG. 9, the second island portion 300b is different from the first island portion 300a. placed on the opposite side. Note that the third island portion 300c has the same configuration as the first island portion 300a and the second island portion 300b, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the liquid ejection head 313 according to the second modification, the first supply manifold 51a of the first island portion 300a is connected to the second return manifold 52b via the first bypass path 70. On the other hand, the first feedback manifold 52a is connected to the third supply manifold 51c via the second bypass path 71.

Here, there is a possibility that the individual channels provided in the first island section 300a, the second island section 300b, and the third island section 300c will eject droplets at the same timing. This is lower than the possibility that the channels will eject droplets at the same timing.

Therefore, the pressure waves propagating inside the first supply manifold 51a and the pressure waves propagating inside the second feedback manifold 52b are less likely to be in the same phase, and even if the two pressure waves merge, there will be crosstalk. The impact of this will be smaller. Similarly, the pressure waves propagating within the third supply manifold 51c and the pressure waves propagating within the first return manifold 52a are less likely to be in the same phase, and even if the two pressure waves merge. The effect of crosstalk becomes smaller.

In addition, in the liquid ejection head 313 according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention, an example of the configuration including three island portions has been described with reference to FIG. 9 . That is, the first supply manifold 51a of the first island part 300a is connected to the second return manifold 52b of the second island part 300b, and the first return manifold 52a of the first island part 300a is connected to the third supply manifold 51a of the third island part 300c. It was configured to be connected to the manifold 51c. However, the arrangement of the bypass paths connecting the supply manifold and the return manifold in the first island section 300a, the second island section 300b, and the third island section 300c is not limited to this. As another variation of the liquid ejection head 313 according to Modification 2, for example, each supply manifold and each return manifold may be connected by a bypass path so that the liquid flows in the direction shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the flow direction of liquid in the liquid ejection head 313 according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, in the cross-sectional structure of a liquid ejection head 313 according to Modification 2, the flow direction of liquid is indicated by an arrow.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the first supply manifold 51a forming the first island portion 300a is connected to the second return manifold 52b forming the second island portion 300b via the first bypass path 70A. At the same time, it is also connected to the third return manifold 52c forming the third island portion 300c via the first bypass path 70B. Further, the second supply manifold 51b forming the second island portion 300b is connected via the second bypass path 71 to the first return manifold 52a forming the first island portion 300a. Further, the third supply manifold 51c forming the third island portion 300c is connected via the third bypass path 72 to the first return manifold 52a forming the first island portion 300a. In addition, in FIG. 10, the direction of flow of the liquid flowing through the first bypass path 70A and the first bypass path 70B is shown by a solid line, the direction of flow of the fluid flowing through the second bypass path 71 is shown by a broken line, and the direction of flow of the fluid flowing through the second bypass path 71 is shown by a broken line. The flow direction of the fluid flowing through the path 72 is shown by a dashed line.

In such a configuration, there is a possibility that the pressure wave propagating inside the first supply manifold 51a, the pressure wave propagating inside the second feedback manifold 52b, and the pressure wave propagating inside the third feedback manifold 52c will be in the same phase. becomes lower. Therefore, even if both pressure waves merge, the influence of crosstalk becomes small. Similarly, the pressure waves propagating in the second supply manifold 51b and the third supply manifold 51c may be in phase with the pressure waves propagating in the first feedback manifold 52a. It gets lower. Therefore, even if both pressure waves merge, the influence of crosstalk becomes small.

Furthermore, in order to circulate the liquid as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the liquid ejection head 313 according to Modification 2 can have the configuration shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows a first supply manifold 51a and a first return manifold 52a, a second supply manifold 51b and a second return manifold 52b, a third supply manifold 51c and a third 7 is a plan view showing the arrangement relationship between the return manifold 52c, first bypass paths 70A, 70B, second bypass path 71, and third bypass path 72. FIG.

In FIG. 11, the first supply manifold 51a, the second supply manifold 51b, and the third supply manifold 51c are shown by solid lines, and the first return manifold 52a, the second return manifold 52b, and the third return manifold 52c are shown by broken lines. In addition, the illustrations of the first individual channel 60a group provided on the first island portion 300a, the second individual channel 60b group provided on the second island portion 300b, and the third individual channel 60c group provided on the third island portion 300c are It is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, the right side position of the distal end of the first supply manifold 51a in the extending direction and the distal end position of the second return manifold 52b in the extending direction are approximately the same position, and the positions of both distal ends are approximately the same. are connected by a first bypass path 70A. Further, the left side position of the tip of the first supply manifold 51a in the extending direction and the tip position of the third return manifold 52c in the extending direction are approximately the same position, and the positions of both tips are placed in the first bypass path. 70B.

Further, the position of the tip end of the second supply manifold 51b in the extending direction and the right side position of the tip end of the first return manifold 52a in the extending direction are approximately the same position, and the positions of both tip ends are connected to the second bypass path. 71. Further, the position of the tip of the third supply manifold 51c in the extending direction and the left side position of the tip of the first return manifold 52a in the extending direction are approximately the same position, and the positions of both tips are placed in the third bypass path. 72.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the liquid flowing through the first supply manifold 51a is divided to the left and right at its tip position, and the liquid divided to the right side of the paper flows through the first bypass path 70A to the second return manifold 52b. Supplied. On the other hand, the liquid diverted to the left side of the paper is supplied to the third return manifold 52c via the first bypass path 70B. Further, the liquid flowing through the second supply manifold 51b is supplied via the second bypass path 71 to a position on the right side of the paper at the tip of the first return manifold 52a. On the other hand, the liquid flowing through the third supply manifold 51c is supplied to the tip of the first return manifold 52a on the left side in the drawing through the third bypass path 72. Then, the liquids supplied to the first return manifold 52a via the second bypass path 71 and the third bypass path 72 respectively merge and flow in the opposite direction to the flow direction in the first supply manifold 51a.

(Modification 3)
Note that in the liquid ejection head 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid ejection head 213 according to the first modification, and the liquid ejection head 313 according to the second modification, the first island portion 300a is connected to the first supply manifold 51a and the first island portion 300a. The second island part 300b is made up of a second supply manifold 51b and a second return manifold 52b, and the supply manifold and the return manifold are connected between adjacent island parts via a bypass path. there were. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the influence of crosstalk when the pressure waves propagating through the supply manifold and the pressure waves propagating through the return manifold merge.

On the other hand, in the liquid ejection head 413 according to the third modification, the first supply manifold 51a is arranged on the first island part 300a, the first return manifold 52a is arranged on the second island part 300b, and the space between the adjacent island parts is The configuration is such that they are connected via a feedback aperture. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the liquid ejection head 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid ejection head 213 according to the first modification, and the liquid ejection head 313 according to the second modification. The configuration of a liquid ejection head 413 according to Modification Example 3 will be described below with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the structure of a liquid ejection head 413 according to modification 3 of the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12(a) is a schematic diagram showing the planar structure of the liquid ejection head 413. , FIG. 4B is a diagram schematically showing the flow direction of liquid in the cross-sectional structure of the liquid ejection head 413. In addition, in FIG. 12, in order to clarify the relationship between each individual channel, a configuration in which only one nozzle row is provided in each island portion will be described as an example. Further, in FIG. 12, a solid line indicates the direction of flow of liquid flowing through the first individual channel 60a, and a broken line indicates a direction of flow of liquid flowing through the second individual channel 60b.

In the liquid ejection head 13 according to the embodiment, the liquid ejection head 213 according to the first modification, and the liquid ejection head 313 according to the second modification, the first supply manifold 51a provided on the first island portion 300a and the second island portion A second return manifold 52b provided in the first supply manifold 51a is connected to the second return manifold 52b by a first bypass path 70, and a part of the liquid in the first supply manifold 51a flows to the second return manifold 52b, thereby circulating the liquid in the manifold. . However, in the liquid ejection head 413 according to the third modification, the liquid in the first supply manifold 51a provided in the first island portion 300a passes through the first individual channel 60a to the first return manifold provided in the second island portion 300b. 52a. Further, a portion of the liquid that was not sent to the second individual channel 60b from the second supply manifold 51b is also sent to the first return manifold 52a via the second bypass path 71. The liquid sent to the first return manifold 52a is then returned to the tank 16 via the second outlet port 59b. In this way, nozzle circulation and manifold circulation are performed.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the liquid ejection head 413 according to the third modification has a first island portion 300a where the first individual channel 60a is arranged and a second island portion 300a where the second individual channel 60b is arranged. and an island portion 300b. The first island portion 300a and the second island portion 300b are arranged adjacent to each other.

In the first island part 300a, the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b are arranged in an overlapping manner, and in the second island part 300b, the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold 52a are arranged in an overlapping manner. be done.

The first supply manifold 51a is connected to the first pressure chamber 50a of the first individual channel 60a via a first supply constriction 53a. Further, the first pressure chamber 50a communicates with one end of the first descender 56a, and a first nozzle outlet 57a is provided at the other end of the first descender 56a. Then, the liquid is supplied from the first supply manifold 51a to the first pressure chamber 50a through the first supply constriction section 53a. A piezoelectric plate (piezoelectric body) is arranged on the upper surface of the first pressure chamber 50a, and this piezoelectric plate applies pressure to the liquid in the first pressure chamber 50a at a predetermined timing. Thereby, droplets can be ejected from the first nozzle ejection port 57a at a predetermined timing. The liquid not discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a is sent to the first return manifold 52a provided in the second island section 300b via the first return throttle section 54a. Further, a portion of the liquid that was not sent to the second individual channel 60b from the second supply manifold 51b is also sent to the first return manifold 52a via the second bypass path 71. The liquid sent to the first return manifold 52a is then returned to the tank 16 via the second outlet port 59b. In this way, nozzle circulation and manifold circulation are performed.

Further, the second supply manifold 51b is connected to the second pressure chamber 50b of the second individual channel 60b via the second supply constriction section 53b. Further, the second pressure chamber 50b communicates with one end of the second descender 56b, and a second nozzle outlet 57b is provided at the other end of the second descender 56b. Then, the liquid is supplied from the second supply manifold 51b to the second pressure chamber 50b through the second supply constriction section 53b. A piezoelectric plate (piezoelectric body) is arranged on the upper surface of the second pressure chamber 50b, and this piezoelectric plate applies pressure to the liquid in the second pressure chamber 50b at a predetermined timing. Thereby, droplets can be ejected from the second nozzle ejection port 57b at a predetermined timing. The liquid that is not discharged from the second nozzle discharge port 57b is sent to the second return manifold 52b provided in the first island section 300a via the second return throttle section 54b. Further, a portion of the liquid that was not sent from the first supply manifold 51a to the second individual channel 60b is also sent to the second return manifold 52b via the first bypass path 70. The liquid sent to the second return manifold 52b is then returned to the tank 16 via the first outlet port 59a. In this way, nozzle circulation and manifold circulation are performed.

As described above, in the liquid ejection head 413 according to the third modification, the first individual channel 60a disposed on the first island section 300a is connected to the first supply manifold 51a disposed on the same first island section 300a. It is connected to the first return manifold 52a disposed on the adjacent second island part 300b via the first return throttle part 54a. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a are arranged in the same first island part 300a, the distance of the first feedback throttle part 54a can be made longer, and this It is possible to provide a desired amount of resistance to the liquid flowing through the first feedback constriction portion 54a.

Similarly, the second individual channel 60b arranged on the second island section 300b is connected to the second supply manifold 51b arranged on the same second island section 300b via the second supply constriction section 53b, It is connected to a second return manifold 52b disposed on the adjacent first island portion 300a via a second return throttle portion 54b. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the second supply manifold 51b and the second return manifold 52b are arranged in the same second island part 300b, the distance of the second feedback throttle part 54b can be made longer, and this It is possible to provide a desired amount of resistance to the liquid flowing through the two-feedback constriction portion 54b.

As described above, the liquid ejection head 413 according to the third modification has a configuration in which two different island parts can be bidirectionally connected via the first feedback throttle part 54a and the second return throttle part 54b. It is. Here, instead of the configuration in which two different island parts are connected bidirectionally, it is also possible to have a configuration in which they are connected in one direction with an adjacent island part on one side. Specifically, the first individual channel 60a in the first island portion 300a is connected to the first return channel 60a in the second island portion 300b adjacent to the first island portion 300a on one side via the first return aperture portion 54a. It is connected to the manifold 52a. Further, the second individual channel 60b in the second island part 300b is connected to the second return manifold 52b in another island part adjacent to one side of the second island part 300b by the second return throttle part 54b. It can be done. In the case of this configuration, in order to circulate the liquid flowing through the first individual channel 60a and the liquid flowing through the second individual channel 60b through the nozzle and the manifold, at least three island portions and a Three separate channels are required.

On the other hand, the liquid ejection head 413 according to the third modification, as described above, allows the liquid flowing in the first individual channel 60a and the second individual channel to flow between the first island part 300a and the second island part 300b. Each liquid flowing through channel 60b can be bidirectionally circulated through the nozzle and through the manifold. Therefore, nozzle circulation and manifold circulation can be achieved using only at least two islands and two individual channels provided in each of the two islands. Therefore, the number of individual channels can be reduced, and the first individual channel 60a and the second individual channel 60b can be arranged close to each other. Therefore, the liquid ejection head 413 according to the third modification can achieve high integration of individual channels.

Note that for each individual channel, the arrangement relationship of the supply throttle section and the return throttle section can be set as shown in FIG. 13, for example. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the arrangement relationship of the supply constriction section and the return constriction section in each individual channel of the liquid ejection head 413 according to Modification 3 of the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 13, an arbitrary first individual channel 60a among the plurality of first individual channels 60a arranged in the longitudinal direction of the first island portion 300a is explained as an example.

That is, the first supply manifold 51a and the first supply constriction part 53a of the first individual channel 60a are connected by the first connection part 40, and the first feedback manifold 52a and the first feedback constriction part of the first individual channel 60a are connected. 54a is configured to be connected to the second connecting portion 41. As shown in FIG. 13, the distance α from the first inlet port 58a to the first connecting portion 40 is equal to the distance β from the first outlet port 59a to the second connecting portion 41.

Here, the inside of the first supply manifold 51a is under positive pressure in order to send the liquid to the first individual channel 60a. On the other hand, the inside of the first return manifold 52a has a negative pressure in order to draw in the liquid that was not discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a. Under such conditions, in the liquid ejection head 413 according to Modification 3, as shown in FIG. The magnitude of the liquid pressure at the first nozzle discharge port 57a located in between can be adjusted to an appropriate magnitude. Therefore, the liquid can be ejected straight toward the recording sheet P from the first nozzle ejection opening 57a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the second individual channels 60b are arranged in the same direction as the first individual channels 60a in the second island portion 300b. The second connecting portion 41 is provided between the second individual channels 60b that are arranged adjacent to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the first individual channels 60a and the second individual channels 60b are arranged in a staggered manner. Therefore, when the liquid ejection head 413 according to the third modification is viewed from above, the first supply constriction section 53a and the first return constriction section 54a can be arranged in a straight line.

In this way, since the second connecting portion 41 is provided between the second individual channels 60b that are arranged adjacent to each other, it is possible to prevent the first feedback throttle portion 54a from interfering with the arrangement of the second individual channels 60b in the second island portion 300b. It can be prevented.

Note that in the example shown in FIG. 13, the first supply constriction section 53a and the first return constriction section 54a are arranged in a straight line as described above, but if the distance α and the distance β become equal, The arrangement relationship between the first supply throttle section 53a and the first return throttle section 54a is not limited to this.

(Modification 4)
Next, the configuration of the liquid ejection head 513 according to Modification 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a liquid flow direction in a cross-sectional structure of a liquid ejection head 513 according to a fourth modification of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the liquid ejection head 513 according to Modification 4 has a configuration in which each individual channel is connected on one side (right side in the drawing) to a return manifold of an adjacent island.

That is, in the liquid ejection head 513 according to the fourth modification, as shown in FIG. 14, the first supply manifold 51a is arranged on the first island part 300a, and the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold are arranged on the second island part 300b. 52a is arranged. Further, a second return manifold 52b is provided in the third island portion 300c in which a third individual channel 60c including a third pressure chamber 50c, a third descender 56c, and a third nozzle outlet 57c is arranged. In the first island part 300a, the first supply manifold 51a and another return manifold are arranged in an overlapping manner, and in the second island part 300b, the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold 52a are arranged in an overlapping manner. It is located. Further, in the third island portion 300c, another supply manifold and the second return manifold 52b are arranged in an overlapping manner.

In the first island portion 300a, the first supply manifold 51a is connected to the first pressure chamber 50a of the first individual channel 60a by a first supply constriction portion 53a. Further, the first pressure chamber 50a communicates with one end of the first descender 56a, and a first nozzle outlet 57a is provided at the other end of the first descender 56a. Then, the liquid is supplied from the first supply manifold 51a to the first pressure chamber 50a through the first supply constriction portion 53a, and droplets are discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a at a predetermined timing. The liquid not discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a is sent to the first return manifold 52a provided in the second island section 300b via the first return throttle section 54a. Further, a portion of the liquid that was not sent to the second individual channel 60b from the second supply manifold 51b is also sent to the first return manifold 52a via the second bypass path 71. The liquid sent to the first return manifold 52a is then returned to the tank 16 via the second outlet port 59b. In this way, nozzle circulation and manifold circulation are performed.

In the second island portion 300b, the second supply manifold 51b is connected to the second pressure chamber 50b of the second individual channel 60b by a second supply constriction portion 53b. Further, the second pressure chamber 50b communicates with one end of the second descender 56b, and a second nozzle outlet 57b is provided at the other end of the second descender 56b. Then, the liquid is supplied from the second supply manifold 51b to the second pressure chamber 50b through the second supply constriction section 53b, and droplets are discharged from the second nozzle discharge port 57b at a predetermined timing. The liquid that is not discharged from the second nozzle discharge port 57b is sent to the second return manifold 52b provided in the third island section 300c via the second return throttle section 54b. The liquid sent to the second return manifold 52b is then returned to the tank 16 via a third outlet port (not shown).

Note that the above has described a configuration in which nozzle circulation and manifold circulation can be performed in units of two individual channels (first individual channel 60a and second individual channel 60b). However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which nozzle circulation and manifold circulation can be performed in units of three individual channels (first individual channel 60a, second individual channel 60b, and third individual channel 60c). Below, a configuration in which nozzle circulation and manifold circulation can be performed in units of three individual channels will be described as modification 5.

(Modification 5)
A liquid ejection head 613 according to modification 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a liquid flow direction in a cross-sectional structure of a liquid ejection head 613 according to modification 5 of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, a third island portion 300c including a third individual channel 60c is located on one side (on the right side of the paper in FIG. 15) of the first island portion 300a including the first individual channel 60a. Second island portions 300b including second individual channels 60b are arranged on the other side (left side in FIG. 15).

In the liquid ejection head 613 according to the fifth modification, as shown in FIG. It's communicating. In the second island portion 300b, the second supply manifold 51b and the third return manifold 52c are arranged in an overlapping manner and are communicated through a third bypass path 72. In the third island portion 300c, the third supply manifold 51c and the first return manifold 52a are arranged in an overlapping manner and are communicated by a fourth bypass path 73.

In the first island portion 300a, the first supply manifold 51a is connected to the first pressure chamber 50a of the first individual channel 60a by a first supply constriction portion 53a. Further, the first pressure chamber 50a communicates with one end of the first descender 56a, and a first nozzle outlet 57a is provided at the other end of the first descender 56a. Then, the liquid is supplied from the first supply manifold 51a to the first pressure chamber 50a through the first supply constriction portion 53a, and droplets are discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a at a predetermined timing. The liquid that is not discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a is sent to the first return manifold 52a provided in the third island section 300c via the first return throttle section 54a. Further, a portion of the liquid that was not sent to the third individual channel 60c from the third supply manifold 51c is also sent to the second return manifold 52b via the third bypass path 72. The liquid sent to the first return manifold 52a is then returned to the tank 16 via a third outlet port (not shown). In this way, nozzle circulation and manifold circulation are performed.

In the third island portion 300c, the third supply manifold 51c is connected to the third pressure chamber 50c of the third individual channel 60c by a third supply constriction portion 53c. Further, the third pressure chamber 50c communicates with one end of the third descender 56c, and a third nozzle outlet 57c is provided at the other end of the third descender 56c. Then, the liquid is supplied from the third supply manifold 51c to the third pressure chamber 50c through the third supply constriction section 53c, and droplets are discharged from the third nozzle discharge port 57c at a predetermined timing. The liquid that is not discharged from the third nozzle discharge port 57c is sent to the third return manifold 52c provided in the second island section 300b via the third return throttle section 54c. Further, a portion of the liquid that was not sent to the second individual channel 60b from the second supply manifold 51b is also sent to the third return manifold 52c via the third bypass path 72. The liquid sent to the third return manifold 52c is then returned to the tank 16 via the second outlet port 59b. In this way, nozzle circulation and manifold circulation are performed.

In the second island portion 300b, the second supply manifold 51b is connected to the second pressure chamber 50b of the second individual channel 60b by a second supply constriction portion 53b. Further, the second pressure chamber 50b communicates with one end of the second descender 56b, and a second nozzle outlet 57b is provided at the other end of the second descender 56b. Then, the liquid is supplied from the second supply manifold 51b to the second pressure chamber 50b through the second supply constriction section 53b, and droplets are discharged from the second nozzle discharge port 57b at a predetermined timing. The liquid that is not discharged from the second nozzle discharge port 57b is sent to the second return manifold 52b provided in the first island section 300a via the second return throttle section 54b. Further, a portion of the liquid that was not sent to the first individual channel 60a from the first supply manifold 51a is also sent to the second return manifold 52b via the first bypass path 70. The liquid sent to the second return manifold 52b is then returned to the tank 16 via the first outlet port 59a. In this way, nozzle circulation and manifold circulation are performed.

As described above, the liquid ejection head 613 according to Modification 5 performs nozzle circulation and manifold circulation in units of three individual channels (first individual channel 60a, second individual channel 60b, and third individual channel 60c). At the same time, it is possible to suppress the influence of pressure wave crosstalk.

(Modification 6)
In the above, a configuration has been described in which nozzle circulation and manifold circulation are performed in units of three individual channels (first individual channel 60a, second individual channel 60b, and third individual channel 60c), but the present invention is not limited to this. Hereinafter, as Modification 6, another modification (Modification 6) in which nozzle circulation and manifold circulation can be performed in units of three individual channels will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a liquid flow direction in a cross-sectional structure of a liquid ejection head 713 according to modification 6 of the embodiment of the present invention.

In the liquid ejection head 713 according to the sixth modification, as shown in FIG. It's communicating. In the second island portion 300b, the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold 52a1 are arranged in an overlapping manner, and are communicated by a fifth bypass path 74. In the third island portion 300c, the third supply manifold 51c and the first return manifold 52a2 are arranged in an overlapping manner and are communicated by a sixth bypass path 75.

In the first island portion 300a, the first supply manifold 51a is connected to the first pressure chamber 50a1 of the first individual channel 60a by a first supply constriction portion 53a1. Further, the first pressure chamber 50a1 communicates with one end of the first descender 56a1, and a first nozzle outlet 57a1 is provided at the other end of the first descender 56a1. Then, the liquid is supplied from the first supply manifold 51a to the first pressure chamber 50a1 through the first supply constriction portion 53a1, and droplets are discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a1 at a predetermined timing. The liquid not discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a1 is sent to the first return manifold 52a1 provided in the second island portion 300b via the first return throttle portion 54a1. Further, a portion of the liquid that was not sent to the second individual channel 60b from the second supply manifold 51b is also sent to the first return manifold 52a1 via the fifth bypass path 74. The liquid sent to the first return manifold 52a1 is then returned to the tank 16 via the second outlet port 59b.

Furthermore, in the first island portion 300a, the first supply manifold 51a is connected to the first pressure chamber 50a2 of the first individual channel 60a by a first supply constriction portion 53a2. Further, the first pressure chamber 50a2 communicates with one end of the first descender 56a2, and a first nozzle outlet 57a2 is provided at the other end of the first descender 56a2. Then, the liquid is supplied from the first supply manifold 51a to the first pressure chamber 50a2 through the first supply constriction portion 53a2, and droplets are discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a2 at a predetermined timing. The liquid that is not discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a2 is sent to the first return manifold 52a2 provided in the third island section 300c via the first return throttle section 54a2. Further, a portion of the liquid that was not sent to the third individual channel 60c from the third supply manifold 51c is also sent to the first return manifold 52a2 via the sixth bypass path 75. The liquid sent to the first return manifold 52a2 is then returned to the tank 16 via a third outlet port (not shown).

In the second island portion 300b, the second supply manifold 51b is connected to the second pressure chamber 50b of the second individual channel 60b by a second supply constriction portion 53b. Further, the second pressure chamber 50b communicates with one end of the second descender 56b, and a second nozzle outlet 57b is provided at the other end of the second descender 56b. Then, the liquid is supplied from the second supply manifold 51b to the second pressure chamber 50b through the second supply constriction section 53b, and droplets are discharged from the second nozzle discharge port 57b at a predetermined timing. The liquid that is not discharged from the second nozzle discharge port 57b is sent to the second return manifold 52b provided in the first island section 300a via the second return throttle section 54b.

Further, liquid is also supplied to the second return manifold 52b from the third island portion 300c as follows. That is, in the third island portion 300c, the third supply manifold 51c is connected to the third pressure chamber 50c of the third individual channel 60c by the third supply constriction portion 53c. Further, the third pressure chamber 50c communicates with one end of the third descender 56c, and a third nozzle outlet 57c is provided at the other end of the third descender 56c. Then, the liquid is supplied from the third supply manifold 51c to the third pressure chamber 50c through the third supply constriction section 53c, and droplets are discharged from the third nozzle discharge port 57c at a predetermined timing. The liquid that is not discharged from the third nozzle discharge port 57c is sent to the second return manifold 52b provided in the first island section 300a via the third return throttle section 54c.

Further, a portion of the liquid that was not sent to the first individual channel 60a from the first supply manifold 51a is also sent to the second return manifold 52b via the first bypass path 70. The liquid sent to the second return manifold 52b is then returned to the tank 16 via the first outlet port 59a. As described above, the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of first individual channels 60a, each including a first nozzle ejection port 57a, and is connected to the first individual channel 60a, and is configured to supply liquid to the first individual channel 60a. A first supply manifold 51a that supplies to the individual channel 60a, a first return manifold 52a that is connected to the first individual channel 60a and through which liquid that has not been discharged from the first nozzle discharge port 57a flows, and a second nozzle discharge port 57b. a plurality of second individual channels 60b, respectively, a second supply manifold 51b connected to the second individual channels 60b and supplying liquid to the second individual channels 60b; It includes a second return manifold 52b through which liquid that has not been ejected from the nozzle outlet 57b flows, and a first bypass path 70 that communicates the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b.

According to the above configuration, the influence of crosstalk of pressure waves can be suppressed.

Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, the first bypass path 70 includes a first discharge hole 70a communicating with the second return manifold 52b, a first nozzle discharge port 57a, and a first nozzle discharge port 57a. When viewed from the nozzle surface in which the two-nozzle discharge ports 57b are formed, the two nozzle discharge ports 57b are arranged at positions overlapping each other with the first supply manifold 51a and the first discharge hole 70a, and the first supply manifold 51a and the first discharge hole 70a are It may be configured to include a first flow path 70b that communicates with the first flow path 70b.

According to the above configuration, since the first bypass path 70 is composed of the first flow path 70b and the first discharge hole 70a, by appropriately setting the shapes and dimensions of these, the fluid can flow through the first bypass path 70. Fluid pressure can be easily adjusted.

Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, when the surface on the side where the nozzle surface is formed is downward and the surface on the opposite side is upward, the first supply manifold 51a is , the second supply manifold 51b is arranged above the first return manifold 52a, and the first flow passage 70b connects the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b. In the partitioning wall portion (the first damper plate 80 and the second damper plate 81), it is a groove portion extending from the first supply manifold 51a toward the second return manifold 52b side, and the first discharge hole 70a is a groove portion extending in the vertical direction. It may also be a hole that extends.

According to the above configuration, since the first flow path 70b is a groove, even if the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b are located apart from each other when viewed from the nozzle surface, the liquid can flow between them. can be distributed. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b can be increased. Furthermore, by adjusting the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the groove, the pressure of the fluid flowing through the first bypass path 70 can be easily adjusted.

Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, when the surface on the side where the nozzle surface is formed is downward and the surface on the opposite side is upward, the first supply manifold 51a is , the second supply manifold 51b is arranged above the first return manifold 52a, and the first flow passage 70b connects the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b. The first discharge hole 70a may be a hole that extends in the vertical direction in the dividing wall, and the first discharge hole 70a may be a hole that extends in the vertical direction in the wall and has a smaller diameter than the first flow path 70b.

According to the above configuration, the first flow path 70b and the first discharge hole 70a are holes extending in the vertical direction in the wall portion, so by appropriately setting the diameter dimensions of these holes, the inside of the first bypass path can be The pressure of the flowing fluid can be easily adjusted. Further, since the first discharge hole 70a has a smaller diameter than the first flow passage 70b, for example, a first damper plate 80 in which the first flow passage 70b is formed and a second damper plate in which the first discharge hole 70a is formed. 81, the fluid can be made to flow from the first supply manifold 51a to the second return manifold 52b at least at a predetermined pressure defined by the diameter of the first discharge hole 70a.

Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a are arranged so as to overlap when viewed in plan from the nozzle surface, and The first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a may extend in the same direction and have different lengths in the extending direction.

According to the above configuration, since the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a have different lengths in the extending direction, the first bypass path 70 communicating with the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a communicate with each other. (second bypass path 71) can be arranged at different positions.

Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, when viewed from the nozzle surface, the center of the first discharge hole 70a is located between the first supply manifold 51a and the second supply manifold 51a extending in the same direction. The structure may be such that it is located on the center line O between the return manifold 52b and the return manifold 52b.

According to the above configuration, the center of the first discharge hole 70a of the first bypass path 70 is located on the center line O between the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b, which extend in the same direction. For this reason, the shapes of the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b when viewed from above should be symmetrical with respect to the center line O, including the shape of the first bypass path 70 that is the connecting portion between them. Can be done. Therefore, the two can be connected smoothly. For example, when the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b are viewed in a plan view, if one of them is straight, the tip of the other is bent to connect them. In this case, the connecting portion between the two has a sharper arc shape. However, when the center of the first discharge hole 70a of the first bypass path 70 is located on the center line O, the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b are shaped to meet each other, and the connecting portion between the two can be in the shape of a gentle arc.

Further, in the above-described configuration, the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention further includes a second bypass path 71 that connects the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold 52a, and the second bypass path 71 , the second supply manifold 51b and the second discharge when viewed from the nozzle surface where the second discharge hole 71a communicating with the first return manifold 52a, the first nozzle discharge port 57a, and the second nozzle discharge port 57b are formed. The configuration may include a second flow path 71b that is arranged at a position overlapping each of the holes 71a and communicates the second supply manifold 51b and the second discharge hole 71a.

According to the above configuration, since the second bypass path 71 is further provided, the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b are communicated with each other, and the second supply manifold 51b and the first return manifold 52a are communicated with each other. be able to.

Therefore, the pressure wave propagating inside the first supply manifold 51a is propagated to the second feedback manifold 52b, and the pressure wave propagating inside the first supply manifold 51a and the first feedback manifold 52a are in phase with this pressure wave. It is possible to prevent crosstalk from occurring due to merging of pressure waves propagating inside. Further, the pressure wave propagating inside the second supply manifold 51b is propagated to the first return manifold 52a, and the pressure wave propagating inside the second supply manifold 51b and the pressure wave inside the second return manifold 52b are in the same phase. It is possible to prevent crosstalk from occurring due to the merging of the pressure waves propagating with the pressure waves.

Furthermore, since the second bypass path 71 is composed of the second flow path 71b and the second discharge hole 71a, by appropriately setting the shapes and dimensions of these, the pressure of the fluid flowing through the second bypass path 71 can be adjusted. can be easily adjusted.

Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, the first supply manifold 51a has a first inlet port 58a into which the liquid flows at one end, and a first inlet port 58a at the other end. The first return manifold 52a is connected to the first bypass path 70, and has a first outlet port 59a at one end through which the liquid flows out, and is connected to the second bypass path 71 at the other end, and has a second return manifold 52a. The supply manifold 51b has a second inlet port 58b at one end into which the liquid flows, and is connected to the second bypass path 71 at the other end, and the second return manifold 52b has a second inlet port 58b at one end into which the liquid flows. The second outlet port 59b has a second outlet port 59b through which the second return manifold 52b flows out, and is connected to a first bypass path 70 at the other end, and the first bypass path 70 has a first discharge hole 70a communicating with the second return manifold 52b. , the distance R1 from the first inlet port 58a to the center of the first discharge hole 70a is equal to the distance R2 from the second outlet port 59b to the center of the first discharge hole 70a, and the distance R1 from the second inlet port 58b to the center of the first discharge hole 70a is equal to The distance r1 to the center of the hole 71a may be equal to the distance r2 from the first outlet port 59a to the center of the second discharge hole 71a.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to equalize the resistance of the flow path through which the liquid circulating in the manifold flows. Therefore, the pressures applied to the first nozzle discharge ports 57a constituting the first individual channel and the pressures applied to the second nozzle discharge ports 57b constituting the second individual channel can be made equal to each other. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of meniscus breaks, eliminate variations in the position of the meniscus, and reduce ejection variations.

Further, in the above-described configuration, the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention is configured such that the center of the first discharge hole 70a and the center of the second discharge hole 71a are separated from each other in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction. , a first bypass path 70 and a second bypass path 71 may be arranged.

Here, if it is necessary to provide a certain distance between the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71 from the viewpoint of preventing liquid leakage, the center of the first discharge hole 70a and the center of the second discharge hole 71a may be In the configuration in which the first discharge hole 70a and the second discharge hole 71a are arranged in the same straight line in the stretching direction, a predetermined gap is formed between the first bypass path 70 and the second bypass path 71 by separating the first discharge hole 70a and the second discharge hole 71a in the stretching direction. It is necessary to maintain distance. For this reason, in the liquid ejecting device 1, the dimensions of the manifold become large in the extending direction.

On the other hand, if the center position of the first discharge hole 70a and the center position of the second discharge hole 71a are located apart from each other in the direction orthogonal to the stretching direction, the first discharge hole There is no need to separate the hole 70a and the second discharge hole 71a, and the device configuration can be made smaller.

Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b, which are communicated with each other by the first bypass path 70, are In some cases, they may be arranged adjacent to each other.

According to the above configuration, since the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b are arranged adjacent to each other when viewed from the nozzle surface, the length of the first bypass path 70 can be made the shortest. This allows easy connection between the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b.

In addition, when viewed from the nozzle surface in plan, "adjacent to each other" refers to a state in which the first supply manifold 51a and the second return manifold 52b do not sandwich other manifolds between them, and the positional relationship between them is the shortest distance. means.

Further, in the above-described configuration, the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first island portion 300a in which the first individual channel 60a is arranged, and a second individual channel 60b adjacent to the first island portion 300a. A second island portion 300b is provided. The first supply manifold 51a may be arranged on the first island section 300a, and the first return manifold 52a may be arranged on the second island section 300b.

According to the above configuration, the first individual channel 60a arranged on the first island section 300a is connected to the first supply manifold 51a arranged on the same first island section 300a, and is connected to the adjacent second island section 300b. The first return manifold 52a is connected to the first return manifold 52a. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the first supply manifold 51a and the first return manifold 52a are arranged in the same island, the path connecting the first individual channel 60a and the first return manifold 52a (return throttle section ) can be increased to provide a desired amount of resistance to the liquid flowing through this path.

Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, the second supply manifold 51b is disposed on the second island portion 300b, and the second return manifold 52b is disposed on the first island portion 300a. There is. The first individual channel 60a has a first return constriction part 54a which is a path connecting to the first return manifold 52a disposed on the second island part 300b, and the second individual channel 60b has a The configuration may include a second feedback constriction portion 54b that is a path connecting to a second return manifold 52b disposed at 300a.

According to the above configuration, two adjacent island parts can be connected to each other via the first feedback throttle part 54a and the second feedback throttle part 54b. Therefore, for example, the first individual channel 60a in the first island part 300a is connected to the first feedback manifold 52a in the second island part 300b by the first return throttle part 54a, and the second Compared to a configuration in which the second individual channel 60b on the island section 300b is connected to the second return manifold 52b on another island section different from the first island section 300a, the number of individual channels is reduced and high integration is achieved. can be achieved.

Further, the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of first individual channels 60a each including a first nozzle ejection port 57a, and is connected to the first individual channel 60a, and the liquid ejection device 1 is connected to the first individual channel 60a, and the liquid ejection device a first supply manifold 51a that supplies the liquid to the first individual channel 60a, a first return manifold 52a that is connected to the first individual channel 60a, through which liquid that has not been ejected from the first nozzle ejection port 57a flows, and a second nozzle ejection port 57b, respectively. , a plurality of second individual channels 60b, a second supply manifold 51b connected to the second individual channels 60b and supplying liquid to the second individual channels 60b, and a second nozzle discharge port connected to the second individual channels 60b. A second return manifold 52b through which the liquid not discharged from 57b flows, a plurality of third individual channels 60c each including a third nozzle discharge port 57c, and a first island portion 300a in which the first individual channel 60a is arranged. , a second island portion 300b adjacent to the first island portion 300a and in which the second individual channel 60b is arranged; and a third island portion 300c adjacent to the second island portion 300b and in which the third individual channel 60c is arranged. It is also possible to have a configuration including the following.

The first supply manifold 51a is arranged on the first island section 300a, the first return manifold 52a is arranged on the second island section 300b, and the second supply manifold 51b is arranged on the second island section 300b. , the second return manifold 52b is arranged on the third island portion 300c. The first individual channel 60a has a first return constriction portion 54a that is a path connecting to the first return manifold 52a disposed on the second island portion 300b, and the second individual channel 60b has a It may be configured to include a second feedback constriction portion 54b that is a path connecting to the second feedback manifold 52b arranged therein.

According to the above configuration, the first island part 300a and the second island part 300b are connected through the first feedback throttle part 54a, and the second island part 300b and the third island part 300c are connected through the second feedback throttle part 54b. and can be connected.

Therefore, the liquid ejecting device 1 can increase the number of individual channels compared to, for example, a configuration in which the first feedback throttle section and the second feedback throttle section are connected between two adjacent island sections. Moreover, between the first island part 300a and the second island part 300b, it is sufficient to provide only either the first feedback throttle part 54a or the second feedback throttle part 54b, which is necessary for forming the feedback throttle part. It is possible to suppress the area where

Here, in order to reduce the influence of pressure waves propagating within the supply manifold and the return manifold in each island part, a configuration may be considered in which a damper part is provided between the supply manifold and the return manifold. In the case of such a configuration, the liquid ejecting device can increase the number of individual channels, and also reduce the area required to form the feedback constriction between the first island portion 300a and the second island portion 300b. Since the damper portion can be suppressed, the area in which the damper portion is formed can be widened, and the damper performance can be improved.

Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, the first supply manifold 51a has a first inlet port 58a into which the liquid flows, and the first return manifold 52a has a first inlet port 58a through which the liquid flows out. It has a first outlet port 59a. The first individual channel 60a is a path that connects the first supply manifold 51a with the first connection section 40, which is the first supply constriction section 53a, and a path that connects the first return manifold 52a with the second connection section 41. A configuration including a certain first feedback aperture portion 54a may also be adopted. In such a configuration, the distance from the first outlet port 59a to the second connection part 41 may be equal to the distance from the first inlet port 58a to the first connection part 40.

Here, the pressure inside the first supply manifold 51a is positive, and the pressure inside the first feedback manifold 52a is negative.

According to the above configuration, the distance β from the first outlet port 59a to the second connecting portion 41 is equal to the distance α from the first inlet port 58a to the first connecting portion 40. Therefore, the magnitude of the pressure at the first nozzle discharge port 57a of the first individual channel 60a can be easily adjusted.

Further, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention, in the above-described configuration, the plurality of first individual channels 60a are arranged in a line in the first island portion 300a, and the first individual channels 60a are arranged in a line in the second island portion 300b. A plurality of second individual channels 60b are arranged in the same direction as the direction in which the individual channels 60a are arranged. The second connecting portion 41 may be provided between the second individual channels 60b in the second island portion 300b.

According to the above configuration, the second connecting portion 41 is provided between the second individual channels 60b in the second island portion 300b, so that the first feedback throttle portion 54a is located between the second individual channels 60b in the second island portion 300b. can be prevented from interfering with

Further, in the above-described configuration, the liquid ejection device 1 according to an aspect of the present invention is connected to a plurality of third individual channels 60c, each including a third nozzle ejection port 57c, and the third individual channel 60c, and is configured to emit liquid. A third supply manifold 51c that supplies to the third individual channel 60c, a third return manifold 52c that is connected to the third individual channel 60c and through which liquid not discharged from the third nozzle discharge port 57c flows, and a second supply manifold. 51b and the third feedback manifold 52c, and a fourth bypass path 73 that communicates the third supply manifold 51c and the first feedback manifold 52a. A circulation path through which liquid flows may be configured through the first individual channel 60a, the second individual channel 60b, and the third individual channel 60c.

According to the above configuration, the second connecting portion 41 is provided between the second individual channels 60b in the second island portion 300b, so that the first feedback throttle portion 54a is located between the second individual channels 60b in the second island portion 300b. can be prevented from interfering with

In addition, in the above configuration that enables nozzle circulation and manifold circulation, in order to suppress the influence of crosstalk of pressure waves, the bypass path that communicates the supply manifold and the return manifold is arranged between different island parts. , or a configuration in which the return aperture section is arranged between different island sections has been described. However, the bypass path and the return throttle section may be arranged between different island sections.

The present invention can be applied to, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects droplets onto paper from a nozzle.

1 Liquid discharge device 40 First connection part 41 Second connection part 51a First supply manifold 51b Second supply manifold 52a First feedback manifold 52b Second feedback manifold 54a First feedback throttle part 54b Second feedback throttle part 57 Nozzle discharge port 57a First nozzle outlet 57b Second nozzle outlet 57c Third nozzle outlet 58a First inlet port 58b Second inlet port 59a First outlet port 59b Second outlet port 60a First individual channel 60b Second individual channel 60c 3 individual channels 70 first bypass path 70A first bypass path 70a first discharge hole 70B first bypass path 70b first flow path 71 second bypass path 71a second discharge hole 71b second flow path 213 liquid ejection head 300a first Island part 300b Second island part 300c Third island part O Chuo line

Claims (16)

a plurality of first individual channels each including a first nozzle outlet;
a first supply manifold connected to the first individual channel and supplying liquid to the first individual channel;
a first return manifold connected to the first individual channel, through which liquid that has not been ejected from the first nozzle outlet flows;
a plurality of second individual channels each including a second nozzle outlet;
a second supply manifold connected to the second individual channel for supplying liquid to the second individual channel;
a second return manifold connected to the second individual channel, through which liquid that has not been ejected from the second nozzle outlet flows;
a first bypass path that communicates the first supply manifold and the second return manifold,
A liquid ejecting device in which the first supply manifold and the first return manifold are not in direct communication. The first bypass route is
a first discharge hole communicating with the second return manifold;
When viewed from a nozzle surface in which the first nozzle discharge port and the second nozzle discharge port are formed, the first supply manifold is arranged at a position overlapping with the first supply manifold and the first discharge hole, respectively; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first flow path that communicates with the first discharge hole. When the surface on which the nozzle surface is formed is downward and the opposite surface is upward, the first supply manifold is above the first return manifold, and the second supply manifold is above the first return manifold. 2 is located above the return manifold,
The first flow path is a groove extending from the first supply manifold toward the second return manifold in a wall section that partitions the first supply manifold and the second return manifold,
The liquid ejection device according to claim 2, wherein the first discharge hole is a hole extending in the vertical direction in the wall portion. When the surface on which the nozzle surface is formed is downward and the opposite surface is upward, the first supply manifold is above the first return manifold, and the second supply manifold is above the first return manifold. 2 is located above the return manifold,
The first flow path is a hole extending in the vertical direction in a wall portion that partitions the first supply manifold and the second return manifold,
3. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 2, wherein the first discharge hole is a hole extending in the vertical direction in the wall portion and having a diameter smaller than that of the first flow path. When viewed in plan from the nozzle surface, the first supply manifold and the first return manifold are arranged to overlap and extend in the same direction,
5. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 2, wherein the first supply manifold and the first return manifold have different lengths in the stretching direction. The liquid according to claim 5, wherein the center of the first discharge hole is located on a center line between the first supply manifold and the second return manifold that extend in the same direction when viewed in plan from the nozzle surface. Discharge device. further comprising a second bypass path that communicates the second supply manifold and the first return manifold,
The second bypass route is
a second discharge hole communicating with the first return manifold;
When viewed from a nozzle surface in which the first nozzle discharge port and the second nozzle discharge port are formed, the second supply manifold is arranged at a position overlapping with the second supply manifold and the second discharge hole, respectively; The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, further comprising a second flow path that communicates with the second discharge hole. The first supply manifold has a first inlet port into which liquid flows at one end, and is connected to the first bypass path at the other end.
The first return manifold has a first outlet port through which the liquid flows out at one end, and is connected to the second bypass path at the other end.
The second supply manifold has a second inlet port into which liquid flows at one end, and is connected to the second bypass path at the other end.
The second return manifold has a second outlet port through which the liquid flows out at one end, and is connected to the first bypass path at the other end,
The first bypass route is
a first discharge hole communicating with the second return manifold;
the distance from the first inlet port to the center of the first discharge hole is equal to the distance from the second outlet port to the center of the first discharge hole;
The liquid ejection device according to claim 7, wherein a distance from the second inlet port to the center of the second discharge hole is equal to a distance from the first outlet port to the center of the second discharge hole. When viewed in plan from the nozzle surface, the first supply manifold and the first return manifold are arranged to overlap, and the second supply manifold and the second return manifold are arranged to overlap. With,
Each of the first supply manifold, the first return manifold, the second supply manifold, and the second return manifold extend in the same direction;
9. The first bypass path and the second bypass path are arranged such that the center of the first discharge hole and the center of the second discharge hole are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the stretching direction. The liquid ejection device described in . Any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first supply manifold and the second return manifold, which are communicated through the first bypass path, are arranged adjacent to each other when viewed in plan from the nozzle surface. The liquid ejection device described in . a first island portion on which the first individual channel is arranged;
a second island adjacent to the first island, in which the second individual channel is arranged;
The liquid ejecting device according to claim 1, wherein the first supply manifold is disposed on the first island, and the first return manifold is disposed on the second island. the second supply manifold is disposed on the second island;
the second return manifold is disposed on the first island,
The first individual channel has a first return constriction part that is a path connecting to the first return manifold disposed in the second island part,
12. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 11, wherein the second individual channel has a second return constriction part that is a path connecting to the second return manifold arranged in the first island part. a plurality of first individual channels each including a first nozzle outlet;
a first supply manifold connected to the first individual channel and supplying liquid to the first individual channel;
a first return manifold connected to the first individual channel, through which liquid that has not been ejected from the first nozzle outlet flows;
a plurality of second individual channels each including a second nozzle outlet;
a second supply manifold connected to the second individual channel for supplying liquid to the second individual channel;
a second return manifold connected to the second individual channel, through which liquid that has not been ejected from the second nozzle outlet flows;
a plurality of third individual channels each including a third nozzle outlet;
a first island portion on which the first individual channel is arranged;
a second island adjacent to the first island, in which the second individual channel is arranged;
a third island adjacent to the second island, in which the third individual channel is arranged;
Equipped with
The first supply manifold is arranged on the first island, and the first return manifold is arranged on the second island,
The second supply manifold is arranged on the second island, and the second return manifold is arranged on the third island,
The first individual channel has a first return constriction part that is a path connecting to the first return manifold disposed in the second island part,
The second individual channel has a second return constriction part that is a path connecting with the second return manifold arranged in the third island part,
A liquid ejecting device in which the first supply manifold and the first return manifold are not in direct communication. the first supply manifold has a first inlet port into which liquid enters;
the first return manifold has a first outlet port through which liquid exits;
The first individual channel includes a first supply constriction section, which is a path connected to the first supply manifold at a first connection section, and a first feedback constriction section, which is a path connected to the first feedback manifold at a second connection section. and has a
12. The liquid ejection device of claim 11, wherein a distance from the first outlet port to the second connection is equal to a distance from the first inlet port to the first connection. In the first island part, the plurality of first individual channels are arranged in alignment, and in the second island part, the plurality of second individual channels are arranged in the same direction as the alignment direction of the first individual channels. It is arranged as follows.
15. The liquid ejection device according to claim 14, wherein the second connection section is provided between second individual channels in the second island section. a plurality of third individual channels each including a third nozzle outlet;
a third supply manifold connected to the third individual channel and supplying liquid to the third individual channel;
a third return manifold connected to the third individual channel and through which liquid not discharged from the third nozzle discharge port flows;
a third bypass path that communicates the second supply manifold and the third return manifold;
a fourth bypass path that communicates the third supply manifold and the first return manifold,
The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein the first individual channel, the second individual channel, and the third individual channel constitute a circulation path through which the liquid flows.

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