Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of liquid injection head and liquid injection device.Liquid injection head has multiple head chips for ejecting liquid to first direction towards medium, the width direction of medium is set as second direction, the direction orthogonal to first direction and second direction is set as third direction, the direction perpendicular to first direction and intersecting with second direction and third direction is set as fourth direction, multiple head chips have: first chip group, which is arranged and configured by multiple first head chips in second direction, first head chip has multiple first nozzle arranged to constitute first nozzle row in fourth direction;Second chip group, which is arranged and configured by multiple second head chips in second direction, second head chip has multiple second nozzle arranged to constitute second nozzle row in fourth direction, first chip group is arranged and configured relative to second chip group in third direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid injection head and a liquid injection device. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid ejection devices, such as inkjet printers, have been known for having liquid ejection heads that eject liquids such as ink. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection head in which multiple head chips having a nozzle array arranged at an angle relative to the transport direction of a medium such as printing paper are arranged in the width direction of the medium and mounted on a fixed plate, and multiple head chips are arranged in the width direction of the medium to form a row head.

[0003] However, when multiple line heads equipped with the existing liquid jetting heads described above are arranged in the transport direction to cope with high resolution or multiple colors, the print quality may be reduced due to positional misalignment between the multiple line heads.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-55476 Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the above problems, a preferred embodiment of the liquid injection head of the present invention comprises a liquid injection head having a plurality of head chips that inject liquid toward a medium in a first direction. The width direction of the medium is designated as a second direction, a direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions is designated as a third direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting both the second and third directions is designated as a fourth direction. The plurality of head chips includes: a first chip group, which is formed by arranging a plurality of first head chips in the second direction, the first head chips having a first nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles in the fourth direction; and a second chip group, which is formed by arranging a plurality of second head chips in the second direction, the second head chips having a second nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of second nozzles in the fourth direction, the first chip group being arranged relative to the second chip group in the third direction.

[0006] To solve the above problems, one preferred embodiment of the liquid injection device of the present invention includes: a liquid injection head as described above; and a delivery unit that delivers the medium.

[0007] To solve the above problems, a preferred embodiment of the liquid injection device of the present invention includes a row head, which is formed by arranging a plurality of liquid injection heads as described above in the second direction. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the liquid injection device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of head module 3.

[0010] Figure 3 A diagram showing multiple liquid jet heads 30 viewed along the Z1 direction.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid injection head 30.

[0012] Figure 5 This is an exploded stereoscopic view of the head chip 38_1.

[0013] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A sectional view along line VI-VI.

[0014] Figure 7 An explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration relationship of multiple head chips 38.

[0015] Figure 8 An explanatory diagram to show the degree of repetition of multiple head chips 38.

[0016] Figure 9 A diagram showing the liquid jet head 30a of the reference example viewed along the Z1 direction.

[0017] Figure 10 A diagram showing the liquid injection head 30b in the second embodiment viewed along the Z1 direction.

[0018] Figure 11 A diagram showing the liquid jet head 30c in the first modified example viewed along the Z1 direction.

[0019] Figure 12 A diagram showing the liquid jet head 30d in the second modified example viewed along the Z1 direction. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions and scales of the various parts in the drawings differ appropriately from the actual objects. Furthermore, although various technically preferred limitations have been implemented for the embodiments described below as preferred specific examples of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise stated in the following description.

[0021] 1. First Implementation Method

[0022] First, the liquid injection device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0023] 1.1. Overview of the liquid injection device 100

[0024] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the liquid jetting apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The liquid jetting apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is an inkjet printing apparatus that jets ink, as an example of a liquid, as droplets onto a medium PP. The liquid jetting apparatus 100 of this embodiment is a so-called line-type printing apparatus in which a plurality of nozzles N for jetting ink are distributed across the entire width direction of the medium PP. The medium PP is, for example, printing paper, but any printing material such as resin film or fabric can also be used as the medium PP.

[0025] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the liquid jetting device 100 includes a liquid container 93 for storing ink. The liquid container 93 can be, for example, a box that can be detached from the liquid jetting device 100, a bag-shaped ink pouch formed of a flexible film, or an ink canister that can be refilled with ink. The liquid container 93 stores various inks of different colors.

[0026] Although not shown, liquid container 93 includes a first liquid container and a second liquid container. The first liquid container stores a first ink. The second liquid container stores a second ink of a different type than the first ink. For example, the first ink and the second ink may be inks of different colors. Alternatively, the first ink and the second ink may be inks of the same color.

[0027] As in Figure 1 As illustrated, the liquid injection device 100 includes: a head module 3 having multiple liquid injection heads 30, a control device 90, a delivery mechanism 92, and a circulation mechanism 94. The control device 90 includes, for example, processing circuits such as a CPU or FPGA, and storage circuits such as semiconductor memory, to control the various elements of the liquid injection device 100. Here, CPU refers to Central Processing Unit, and FPGA refers to Field Programmable Gate Array.

[0028] Under the control of the control device 90, the conveying mechanism 92 conveys the medium PP in the Y1 direction. Furthermore, in the following text, the Y1 direction and the opposite direction, the Y2 direction, will be collectively referred to as the Y-axis direction.

[0029] Under the control of the control device 90, head module 3 ejects ink supplied from liquid container 93 in the Z2 direction. The Z2 direction is orthogonal to the Y1 direction. In the following text, the Z2 direction and the opposite direction, Z1, are sometimes collectively referred to as the Z-axis direction. Figure 2 The following section explains the head module 3.

[0030] 1.2. Header Module 3

[0031] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of head module 3. Head module 3 includes a plurality of liquid ejection heads 30 and a head fixing base plate 13 for holding the plurality of liquid ejection heads 30. The plurality of liquid ejection heads 30 are arranged orthogonally to the Y1 direction, which is the conveying direction, i.e., the X1 direction and the X2 direction, and are fixed on the head fixing base plate 13. The X2 direction is the direction opposite to the X1 direction. In the following text, the X1 direction and the X2 direction are sometimes collectively referred to as the X-axis direction. Head module 3 is a row head having a plurality of liquid ejection heads 30 arranged in such a way that a plurality of nozzles N span the entire range of the medium PP in the X-axis direction. That is, the plurality of liquid ejection heads 30 constitute a row head that is longer in the X-axis direction. By ejecting ink from the plurality of liquid ejection heads 30 in a manner parallel to the conveying of the medium PP carried out by the conveying mechanism 92, an image composed of ink is formed on the surface of the medium PP. Alternatively, the head module 3 can also be a long, linear head extending in the X-axis direction, consisting only of individual liquid injection heads 30 arranged in a manner where multiple nozzles span the entire range of the medium PP in the X-axis direction and are distributed N-fold. The head fixing base plate 13 has multiple mounting holes 15 for mounting the liquid injection heads 30. The liquid injection heads 30 are supported by the head fixing base plate 13 in a state where they are inserted into the mounting holes 15.

[0032] Return to description Figure 1 The conveying mechanism 92 transports the medium PP relative to the head module 3 in the Y-axis direction. In such a case... Figure 1 In the example shown, the liquid container 93 is connected to the head module 3 via a circulation mechanism 94. The circulation mechanism 94 is a mechanism that supplies ink to the plurality of liquid injection heads 30 respectively, and recovers ink discharged from the plurality of liquid injection heads 30 to the liquid injection heads 30. The circulation mechanism 94 includes, for example, a secondary tank for storing ink, a flow channel for supplying ink from the secondary tank to the liquid injection heads 30, a flow channel for recovering ink from the liquid injection heads 30 to the secondary tank, and a pump for properly flowing the ink. Through the operation of the circulation mechanism 94, the increase in ink viscosity can be suppressed or the retention of air bubbles within the ink can be reduced.

[0033] As in Figure 1As illustrated, the control device 90 supplies a drive signal Com for driving the liquid ejector head 30 and a control signal SI for controlling the liquid ejector head 30 to the liquid ejector head 30. Furthermore, under the control implemented according to the control signal SI, the liquid ejector head 30 is driven by the drive signal Com, thereby causing ink to be ejected from some or all of the plurality of nozzles N provided on the liquid ejector head 30 in the Z2 direction. Additionally, regarding the nozzles N, in Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The narrative will be presented in the text.

[0034] Figure 3 The diagram shows a plurality of liquid injection heads 30 viewed along the Z1 direction. Each of the plurality of liquid injection heads 30 has a plurality of head chips 38 and a fixing plate 39. In the first embodiment, one liquid injection head 30 has six head chips 38. In the following description, when the individual head chips 38 are distinguished, they are referred to as head chips 38_1, 38_2, 38_3, 38_4, 38_5, and 38_6; when the head chips 38 are not distinguished, they are referred to as head chip 38.

[0035] The fixing plate 39 is used to hold the various heads of the multiple head chips 38 relative to each other. Figure 4 The plate component is fixed by the retainer 37 shown. The fixing plate 39 will be described in further detail below.

[0036] Multiple head chips 38 are configured to extend in the V2 direction. The V2 direction is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and intersects both the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and is the direction between the X1 and Y2 directions. The opposite direction of the V2 direction is called the V1 direction. Furthermore, the V1 and V2 directions are collectively referred to as the V-axis direction. Additionally, directions perpendicular to both the Z-axis and V-axis directions are called the W1 and W2 directions. The W1 direction is the direction between the X1 and Y1 directions, and the W2 direction is the direction between the X2 and Y2 directions. The W1 and W2 directions are collectively referred to as the W-axis direction.

[0037] Additionally, V2 is an example of the "fourth direction", and W1 is an example of the "fifth direction".

[0038] Multiple head chips 38 each have a nozzle array Ln. The nozzle array Ln is formed by arranging M nozzles N in the V2 direction. M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. For example, the number of nozzles N in the X-axis direction of a head chip 38 is configured to achieve 600 dpi. For simplicity, the resolution achieved by a single head chip 38 is referred to as "unit resolution".

[0039] 1.3. Liquid injection head 30

[0040] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid injection head 30. (See image below.) Figure 4 As shown, the liquid injection head 30 includes a frame 31, a cover substrate 32, a collection substrate 33, a flow channel structure 34, a wiring substrate 35, a retainer 37, and a fixing plate 39. Furthermore, as in... Figure 3 As illustrated, the liquid injection head 30 has head chips 38_1, 38_2, 38_3, 38_4, 38_5 and 38_6.

[0041] The flow channel structure 34 has a flow channel plate Su1, a flow channel plate Su2, a flow channel plate Su3, a connecting pipe 341i1, a connecting pipe 341i2, a connecting pipe 341o1, a connecting pipe 341o2, and a connector hole 343.

[0042] The cage 37 includes flow channel component Du1, flow channel component Du2, connecting tubes 373i1, 373i2, 373o_1, 373o_2, 373o_3, 373o_4, 373o_5, and 373o_6. In the following description, connecting tubes 373i1, 373i2, 373o_1, 373o_2, 373o_3, 373o_4, 373o_5, and 373o_6 are collectively referred to as connecting tubes 373. Furthermore, the cage 37 has six openings 371 extending through in the Z-axis direction.

[0043] The frame 31 supports the flow channel structure 34, wiring board 35, retainer 37, and fixing plate 39. Furthermore, the frame 31 has a supply hole 311i1, a supply hole 311i2, a discharge hole 312o1, a discharge hole 312o2, and a collection board hole 313. A connecting tube 341i1 is inserted and fitted into the supply hole 311i1. A connecting tube 341i2 is inserted and fitted into the supply hole 311i2. A connecting tube 341o1 is inserted and fitted into the discharge hole 312o1. A connecting tube 341o2 is inserted and fitted into the discharge hole 312o2. A collection board 33 is inserted into the collection board hole 313. The frame 31 is made of metal or resin. Alternatively, the frame 31 may be constructed of a component whose resin surface is covered with a metal film.

[0044] The cover substrate 32 clamps the assembly substrate 33 between itself and a portion of the frame 31 extending along the Z1 direction. The assembly substrate 33 is a substrate on which wiring is formed for transmitting drive signals Com and control signals SI supplied from the control device 90 to each of the plurality of head chips 38. The assembly substrate 33 is a plate-shaped component extending parallel to the XZ plane. Here, "parallel" refers not only to complete parallelism but also to design parallelism, including, for example, cases where parallelism can be considered when considering errors caused by manufacturing errors of the liquid injection head 30.

[0045] The flow channel structure 34 is a structure with internally provided flow channels for allowing ink to flow between the circulation mechanism 94 and each of the plurality of head chips 38. The flow channel structure 34 is disposed between the frame 31 and the wiring substrate 35. The flow channel plates Su1, Su2, and Su3 included in the flow channel structure 34 are laminated in the Z1 direction in this order. The flow channel plates Su1, Su2, and Su3 are bonded together with each other by adhesives or the like. The flow channel plates Su1, Su2, and Su3 are formed, for example, by resin injection molding. The connector 355 of the wiring substrate 35 is inserted into the connector hole 343.

[0046] Connecting tube 341i1 guides the first ink supplied from the first liquid container into the holder 37. Connecting tube 341i2 guides the second ink supplied from the second liquid container into the holder 37. Connecting tube 341o1 discharges the first ink discharged from the holder 37 to the outside of the liquid ejector head 30. Connecting tube 341o2 discharges the second ink discharged from the holder 37 to the outside of the liquid ejector head 30.

[0047] Wiring board 35 is a mounting component for electrically connecting liquid injection head 30 to control device 90. Wiring board 35 is a board with wiring formed for transmitting various control signals and power supply voltages to head chip 38. Wiring board 35 is a plate-shaped component extending parallel to the XY plane and disposed between flow channel structure 34 and holder 37. Wiring board 35 is, for example, a rigid board. Wiring board 35 has connector 355, four openings 351, two cutouts 352, four openings 357, and two cutouts 358. (As shown in...) Figure 4 As illustrated, the four openings 351 and two cutouts 352 are arranged in an alternating pattern. The connector 355 is inserted into the connector hole 343 and electrically connected to the assembly substrate 33.

[0048] In each of the four openings 357, one of the connecting tubes 373o_1, 373o_3, 373o_4, and 373o_6 is inserted. In each of the two cutouts 358, one of the connecting tubes 373o_2 and 373o_5 is inserted.

[0049] A retainer 37 is disposed between the wiring substrate 35 and the fixing plate 39 and is fixed to the fixing plate 39 by adhesive. Therefore, the retainer 37 reinforces the fixing plate 39. The retainer 37 is also a structure with internally provided flow channels for allowing ink to flow between the circulation mechanism 94 and each of the plurality of head chips 38. Flow channel components Du1 and Du2 included in the retainer 37 are laminated in the Z1 direction in this order. The retainer 37 is made of, for example, resin or metal. The retainer 37 has a recess (not shown) on its Z2 direction side surface for accommodating the plurality of head chips 38, and holds the plurality of head chips 38 in such a manner that the plurality of head chips 38 are disposed between the recess and the fixing plate 39.

[0050] Connecting pipe 373i1 communicates with any one of a plurality of outlets (not shown) formed on the Z2 direction surface of the flow channel structure 34, and introduces the first ink from the flow channel structure 34 into the holder 37. The first ink introduced into the holder 37 is distributed within the holder 37 and supplied to the head chips 38_1, 38_3, and 38_5. The first ink discharged from the head chips 38_1, 38_3, and 38_5 is introduced into the holder 37. Connecting pipes 373o_1, 373o_3, and 373o_5 communicate with any one of a plurality of inlet ports (not shown) formed on the Z2 direction surface of the flow channel structure 34, and introduce the first ink from the holder 37 into the flow channel structure 34.

[0051] The connecting pipe 373i2 communicates with any one of a plurality of outlets (not shown) formed on the Z2 direction surface of the flow channel structure 34, and introduces the second ink from the flow channel structure 34 into the holder 37. The second ink introduced into the holder 37 is distributed within the holder 37 and supplied to the head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6. The second ink discharged from the head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6 is introduced into the holder 37. The connecting pipes 373o_2, 373o_4, and 373o_6 communicate with any one of a plurality of inlets (not shown) formed on the Z2 direction surface of the flow channel structure 34, and introduce the second ink from the holder 37 into the flow channel structure 34.

[0052] At each of the six openings 371, the wiring component 388 of each of the plurality of head chips 38 is inserted. The six openings 371 are arranged in an interleaved manner.

[0053] Each head chip 38 has a nozzle plate 387 and piezoelectric elements PZq corresponding to the M nozzles N of the head chip 38. The arrangement of the six head chips 38 is also staggered, similar to the openings 351 and cutouts 352 of the wiring substrate 35. Utilizing... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The head chip 38 is described in more detail.

[0054] 1.3. Head chip 38

[0055] Figure 5 This is an exploded stereoscopic view of the head chip 38_1. Figure 6 for, Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of line VI-VI. Line VI-VI is an imaginary line segment that passes through inlet 3851 and outlet 3852, and through nozzle N. Additionally, in... Figure 6 In the figure shown, in addition to the cross-section of the head chip 38_1, the cross-section of the fixing plate 39 is also shown.

[0056] As in Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As illustrated, the head chip 38_1 includes a nozzle plate 387, a malleable substrate 3861, a connecting plate 382, ​​a pressure chamber substrate 383, a vibrating plate 384, a housing 385, and a wiring component 388.

[0057] As in Figure 5 As illustrated, the nozzle plate 387 is a plate-shaped component that is longer in the V-axis direction and extends parallel to the VW plane, and has M nozzles N formed thereon. The nozzle plate 387 is manufactured, for example, by processing a single-crystal silicon substrate using semiconductor manufacturing techniques such as etching. However, known materials and manufacturing methods can be arbitrarily used in the manufacture of the nozzle plate 387. Furthermore, the nozzles N are through holes provided on the nozzle plate 387. In this embodiment, as an example, a nozzle array Ln extending in the V-axis direction with M nozzles N is envisioned on the nozzle plate 387. However, the nozzle plate 387 may also have a structure having multiple nozzle arrays Ln formed by positioning a portion of the M nozzles N in the V-axis direction.

[0058] As in Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As illustrated, a connecting plate 382 is provided in the Z1 direction of the nozzle plate 387. The connecting plate 382 is a plate-shaped component that is longer in the V-axis direction and extends in a manner substantially parallel to the VW plane, and has ink flow channels formed therein.

[0059] Specifically, a supply liquid chamber RA1 and a discharge liquid chamber RA2 are formed on the connecting plate 382. The supply liquid chamber RA1 is configured to communicate with the supply liquid chamber RB1 (described later) and extends in the V-axis direction. Similarly, the discharge liquid chamber RA2 is configured to communicate with the discharge liquid chamber RB2 (described later) and extends in the V-axis direction. Furthermore, the supply liquid chamber RA1 can be divided into multiple parts in the V-axis direction, and the discharge liquid chamber RA2 can also be divided into multiple parts in the V-axis direction. Hereinafter, the common liquid chamber formed by the supply liquid chamber RA1 and the supply liquid chamber RB1 will be referred to as the "supply-side common liquid chamber MN1". Likewise, the common liquid chamber formed by the discharge liquid chamber RA2 and the discharge liquid chamber RB2 will be referred to as the "discharge-side common liquid chamber MN2".

[0060] Furthermore, the connecting plate 382 is formed with: M nozzle channels RN corresponding to M nozzles N one-to-one, M connecting channels RR1 corresponding to M nozzles N one-to-one, M connecting channels RR2 corresponding to M nozzles N one-to-one, M connecting channels RK1 corresponding to M nozzles N one-to-one, M connecting channels RK2 corresponding to M nozzles N one-to-one, M connecting channels RX1 corresponding to M nozzles N one-to-one, and M connecting channels RX2 corresponding to M nozzles N one-to-one. Alternatively, a connecting channel RX1 and a connecting channel RX2 shared by the M nozzles N may also be formed on the connecting plate 382. In this case, the connecting channel RX1 constitutes part of the "supply-side common liquid chamber MN1", and the connecting channel RX2 constitutes part of the "discharge-side common liquid chamber MN2". Furthermore, multiple connecting channels RX1 shared by a portion of the M nozzles N may also be formed, and multiple connecting channels RX2 shared by a portion of the M nozzles N may also be formed.

[0061] As in Figure 5 As illustrated, in the first embodiment, the connecting channel RX1 is configured to communicate with the supply liquid chamber RA1 and, when viewed from the supply liquid chamber RA1, is located in the W2 direction and extends in the W-axis direction. Furthermore, the connecting channel RK1 is configured to communicate with the connecting channel RX1 and, when viewed from the connecting channel RX1, is located in the W2 direction and extends in the Z-axis direction. Additionally, the connecting channel RR1 is configured to be located in the W2 direction and extends in the Z-axis direction when viewed from the connecting channel RK1.

[0062] Furthermore, the connecting channel RX2 is configured to communicate with the discharge chamber RA2, and when viewed from the discharge chamber RA2, it is located in the W1 direction and extends in the W-axis direction. Furthermore, the connecting channel RK2 is configured to communicate with the connecting channel RX2, and when viewed from the connecting channel RX2, it is located in the W1 direction and extends in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the connecting channel RR2 is configured to be located in the W1 direction when viewed from the connecting channel RK2, and in the W2 direction when viewed from the connecting channel RR1, extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0063] Furthermore, the nozzle channel RN is configured to connect to both the connecting channels RR1 and RR2, and is located in the W2 direction when viewed from the connecting channel RR1, and in the W1 direction when viewed from the connecting channel RR2, extending in the W-axis direction. The nozzle channel RN is connected to the nozzle N corresponding to the nozzle channel RN.

[0064] Furthermore, the connecting plate 382 can be manufactured, for example, by processing a single-crystal silicon substrate using semiconductor manufacturing technology. However, any known materials and manufacturing methods can be used in the manufacturing of the connecting plate 382.

[0065] As in Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As illustrated, a pressure chamber substrate 383 is provided in the Z1 direction of the connecting plate 382. The pressure chamber substrate 383 is a plate-shaped component that is longer in the V-axis direction and extends in a manner substantially parallel to the VW plane, and has ink flow channels formed thereon.

[0066] Specifically, on the pressure chamber substrate 383, M pressure chambers CB1 and M pressure chambers CB2, each corresponding to one of the M nozzles N, are formed. Hereinafter, pressure chambers CB1 and CB2 are collectively referred to as pressure chambers CB. Pressure chamber CB1 is configured to connect to the connecting flow channel RK1 and the connecting flow channel RR1, and when viewed along the Z-axis, the end of the connecting flow channel RK1 in the W1 direction and the end of the connecting flow channel RR1 in the W2 direction are connected and extend in the W-axis direction. Similarly, pressure chamber CB2 is configured to connect to the connecting flow channel RK2 and the connecting flow channel RR2, and when viewed along the Z-axis, the end of the connecting flow channel RK2 in the W2 direction and the end of the connecting flow channel RR2 in the W1 direction are connected and extend in the W-axis direction. Alternatively, the number of pressure chambers CB provided corresponding to one nozzle N can be one; in other words, a structure in which either pressure chamber CB1 or pressure chamber CB2 is provided for one nozzle N can also be adopted.

[0067] Furthermore, the pressure chamber substrate 383 can be manufactured, for example, by processing a single-crystal silicon substrate using semiconductor manufacturing technology. However, any known materials and manufacturing methods can be used in the manufacture of the pressure chamber substrate 383.

[0068] As in Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As illustrated, a vibrating plate 384 is provided in the Z1 direction of the pressure chamber substrate 383. The vibrating plate 384 is a plate-shaped component that is longer in the V-axis direction and extends substantially parallel to the VW plane, and is a component capable of elastic vibration. In addition, the vibrating plate 384 may be formed from the same component as the pressure chamber substrate 383.

[0069] As in Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As illustrated, M piezoelectric elements PZ1, corresponding one-to-one with the M pressure chambers CB1, and M piezoelectric elements PZ2, corresponding one-to-one with the M pressure chambers CB2, are arranged on the Z1 direction surface of the vibrating plate 384. In the following text, piezoelectric elements PZ1 and PZ2 are collectively referred to as piezoelectric element PZq. Piezoelectric element PZq is a driven element that deforms according to the potential change of the driving signal Com.

[0070] exist Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As illustrated, a wiring component 388 is mounted on the Z1 direction surface of the vibrating plate 384. The wiring component 388 is a component for electrical connection with the control device 90 and the head chip 38. The wiring component 388 can be, for example, a flexible wiring substrate such as FPC, COF, or FFC. Here, FPC stands for Flexible Printed Circuit, COF for Chip on Film, and FFC for Flexible Flat Cable. A drive circuit 3884 is mounted on the wiring component 388. The drive circuit 3884 is a circuit that switches whether to supply a drive signal Com to the piezoelectric element PZq under control implemented according to the control signal SI.

[0071] The fixing plate 39 is bonded to the Z2 direction surface of the malleable substrate 3861 and the Z2 direction surface of the retainer 37. That is, six exposed openings 391 are provided on the fixing plate 39, exposing the nozzle surface FN of the nozzle plate 387 within each opening 391. The nozzle surface FN is formed with a plurality of nozzles N, and is the Z2 direction facing surface of the nozzle plate 387, and is perpendicular to the Z2 direction. Similar to the openings 351 and cutouts 352 of the wiring substrate 35, the arrangement of the six exposed openings 391 is also staggered.

[0072] As in Figure 6 As illustrated, the plastic substrate 3861 has a flexible membrane 3861a and a support plate 3861b. The flexible membrane 3861a is a flexible component, for example, it can be a film made of resin such as PPS, and the support plate 3861b is a rigid component, for example, it can be made of stainless steel. PPS is short for Poly Phenylene Sulfide. The flexible membrane 3861a is a component that, by being fixed to the Z2 direction surface of the connecting plate 382, ​​covers the openings of the connecting plate 382 that divide the supply liquid chamber RA1, connecting channel RX1, connecting channel RK1, connecting channel RK2, connecting channel RX2, and discharge liquid chamber RA2 from the Z2 direction side. In other words, the flexible membrane 3861a is a component that defines the supply liquid chamber RA1, connecting channel RX1, connecting channel RK1, connecting channel RK2, connecting channel RX2, and discharge liquid chamber RA2. The support plate 3861b is fixed to the Z2 direction surface of the flexible membrane 3861a, and when viewed along the Z-axis, an opening is formed at the position overlapping with the supply liquid chamber RA1, the connecting flow channel RX1, the connecting flow channel RK1, the connecting flow channel RK2, the connecting flow channel RX2, and the discharge liquid chamber RA2. The fixing plate 39 is bonded to the support plate 3861b in a manner that seals the opening of the support plate 3861b from the Z2 direction. The space defined by the Z2 direction surface of the flexible membrane 3861a, the opening of the support plate 3861b, and the Z1 direction surface of the fixing plate 39 is connected to the atmosphere through an atmospheric communication channel (not shown), and through this space, the flexible membrane 3861a deforms in the Z1 and Z2 directions, thereby absorbing pressure fluctuations generated within the head chip 38.

[0073] As in Figure 5 as well as Figure 6As illustrated, a housing 385 is provided in the Z1 direction of the connecting plate 382. The housing 385 is a longer component in the V-axis direction and forms ink flow channels. Specifically, a supply liquid chamber RB1 and a discharge liquid chamber RB2 are formed in the housing 385. The supply liquid chamber RB1 is configured to communicate with the supply liquid chamber RA1 and is located in the Z1 direction when viewed from the supply liquid chamber RA1, extending in the V-axis direction. Furthermore, the discharge liquid chamber RB2 is configured to communicate with the discharge liquid chamber RA2 and is located in the Z1 direction when viewed from the discharge liquid chamber RA2, and in the W2 direction when viewed from the supply liquid chamber RB1, extending in the V-axis direction.

[0074] Furthermore, the housing 385 is provided with an inlet 3851 communicating with the supply liquid chamber RB1 and an outlet 3852 communicating with the discharge liquid chamber RB2. In the supply liquid chamber RB1, ink is supplied from the liquid container 93 to the supply-side common liquid chamber MN1 via the inlet 3851. The ink supplied to the supply-side common liquid chamber MN1 is stored in the discharge-side common liquid chamber MN2 via a flow channel communicating with the nozzle N. The ink stored in the discharge-side common liquid chamber MN2 is recovered via the outlet 3852.

[0075] Furthermore, an opening 3850 is provided on the housing 385. A pressure chamber substrate 383, a vibrating plate 384, and a wiring component 388 are disposed inside the opening 3850. The housing 385 is formed, for example, by injection molding of a resin material. However, known materials and manufacturing methods can be used arbitrarily in the manufacture of the housing 385.

[0076] Return to the instructions Figure 4 Although in Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The section describes head chip 38_1, but the structures of head chips 38_2 to 38_6 are identical to those of head chip 38_1. The wiring components 388 of each of head chips 38_1 to 38_6 are all of the same shape. The wiring components 388 of head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6 are configured with an orientation based on the orientation of the wiring component 388 of head chip 38_1, rotated 180 degrees around the Z-axis.

[0077] 1.3. Configuration relationship of head chip 38

[0078] As in Figure 3 As illustrated, multiple head chips 38 are each configured to extend in the V2 direction. Utilizing Figure 7 The configuration of multiple head chips 38 will be explained in more detail.

[0079] Figure 7This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration relationship of multiple head chips 38. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 The figure shown is a view of a liquid jet head 30 viewed along the Z1 direction.

[0080] A liquid injection head 30 has a plurality of head chips 38, including a first chip group CG1 and a second chip group CG2. The first chip group CG1 has head chips 38_1, 38_3, and 38_5. The second chip group CG2 has head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6. For simplicity, the head chips 38 included in the first chip group CG1 are referred to as "first head chip 38A", and the head chips 38 included in the second chip group CG2 are referred to as "second head chip 38B". Furthermore, the nozzle array Ln of the first head chip 38A is referred to as "first nozzle array LnA", and the nozzle array Ln of the second head chip 38B is referred to as "second nozzle array LnB". Moreover, the nozzle N constituting the first nozzle array LnA is referred to as "first nozzle NA", and the nozzle N constituting the second nozzle array LnB is referred to as "second nozzle NB".

[0081] The first ink is supplied to the first chip group CG1. The second ink is supplied to the second chip group CG2.

[0082] A plurality of first head chips 38A are arranged in the X1 direction. Similarly, a plurality of second head chips 38B are arranged in the X1 direction. The arrangement of the plurality of head chips 38 in the X1 direction means that, when viewed along the X1 direction, adjacent head chips 38 partially or completely overlap with each other. In the first embodiment, for example, when viewed along the X1 direction, a portion of head chips 38_1 and 38_3 overlaps.

[0083] Additionally, head chips 38_1, 38_3, and 38_5 are examples of "multiple first head chips". Head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6 are examples of "multiple second head chips". The X1 direction is an example of a "second direction".

[0084] Furthermore, when viewed along the Y2 direction, adjacent head chips 38 of the plurality of first head chips 38A contained in the first chip group CG1 partially overlap with each other. Similarly, when viewed along the Y2 direction, adjacent head chips 38 of the plurality of second head chips 38B contained in the second chip group CG2 partially overlap with each other. Additionally, the Y2 direction is an example of a "third direction".

[0085] The first chip group CG1 is arranged relative to the second chip group CG2 in the Y2 direction. This arrangement means that, when viewed along the X1 direction perpendicular to the Y2 direction, the centroids G1 of the first chip group CG1 and G2 of the second chip group CG2 are aligned in the Y2 direction. The centroid is the point where the sum of the first moments of the cross-sections in the shape of the object is zero; for a rectangular shape, it is the intersection of the diagonals. In the first embodiment, the centroid G1 is located at a position overlapping with the head chip 38_3. The centroid G2 is located at a position overlapping with the head chip 38_4.

[0086] Furthermore, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 substantially overlap when viewed along the Y2 direction. This substantial overlap means that, when viewed along the Y2 direction, the head chip 38_5 of the plurality of first head chips 38A positioned closest to the X1 direction and the head chip 38_6 of the plurality of second head chips 38B positioned closest to the X1 direction substantially overlap, and the head chip 38_1 of the plurality of first head chips 38A positioned closest to the X2 direction and the head chip 38_2 of the plurality of second head chips 38B positioned closest to the X2 direction substantially overlap. In other words, the fact that the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 roughly overlap when viewed along the Y2 direction means that the head chip 38_5 of the plurality of first head chips 38A, which is configured in the direction closest to X1, and the head chip 38_6 of the plurality of second head chips 38B, which is configured in the direction closest to X1, are located at approximately the same position in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the head chip 38_1 of the plurality of first head chips 38A, which is configured in the direction closest to X2, and the head chip 38_2 of the plurality of second head chips 38B, which is configured in the direction closest to X2, are located at approximately the same position in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the fact that two head chips 38 are located at approximately the same position in the X-axis direction means, for example, that the first nozzle NA of the head chip 38_5, which is located in the X-axis direction and is located in the X-axis direction, and the second nozzle NB of the head chip 38_6, which is located in the X-axis direction and is located in the X-axis direction, are located at the same position in the X-axis direction, or that the relative distance between these head chips 38 in the X-axis direction is less than half of the distance dx1 between adjacent nozzles N in the second nozzle column LnB described later.

[0087] Furthermore, when viewed along the X1 direction, a portion of the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 overlap. Specifically, as in Figure 7As illustrated, in the Y-axis direction, there are overlapping portions in the width wY1 from the end of the first chip group CG1 in the Y2 direction to the end of the first chip group CG1 in the Y1 direction, and in the width wY2 from the end of the second chip group CG2 in the Y2 direction to the end of the second chip group CG2 in the Y1 direction.

[0088] Furthermore, multiple first head chips 38A and multiple second head chips 38B are alternately adjacent to each other along the X-axis. In other words, a first head chip 38A, one of the multiple first head chips 38A, and a second head chip 38B, one of the multiple second head chips 38B, are adjacent to each other along the X-axis. Specifically, head chip 38_1, one of the multiple first head chips 38A, and head chip 38_2, one of the multiple second head chips 38B, are adjacent to each other along the X-axis. Similarly, head chips 38_3 and head chips 38_4 are adjacent to each other along the X-axis. In addition, head chips 38_5 and head chips 38_6 are adjacent to each other along the X-axis.

[0089] Regarding the case where multiple first head chips 38A and multiple second head chips 38B are alternately adjacent in the X-axis direction, in other words, the multiple first head chips 38A and multiple second head chips 38B are configured in an alternating pattern. More specifically, head chips 38_1, 38_2, 38_3, 38_4, 38_5, and 38_6 are configured in this order in the X-axis direction. In other words, one of the multiple second head chips 38B, 38Bα, is located next to one of the multiple first head chips 38A, 38Aα, and is located in the X1 direction relative to the first head chip Aα. Moreover, second head chip 38Bα is located next to one of the multiple first head chips 38A, 38Aβ, which is different from the first head chip 38Aα, and is located in the X2 direction relative to the first head chip 38Aβ, which is opposite to the X1 direction. Furthermore, in the above description, when one of the multiple second head chips 38B that becomes the object is, for example, head chip 38_2, head chip 38_1 is an example of "first head chip α", and head chip 38_3 is an example of "first head chip β".

[0090] Furthermore, head chips 38_1 to 38_6 are each configured along one of the imaginary lines OL1 and OL2, which is parallel to OL1. The imaginary lines OL1 and OL2 are lines along the U1 direction that are orthogonal to the Z-axis and intersect both the X-axis and Y-axis directions. A plurality of first head chips 38A are configured along the imaginary line OL1. The U1 direction is the direction between the X1 and Y2 directions. Therefore, among two adjacent first head chips 38A, one first head chip 38A configured in the X1 direction is offset in the Y2 direction compared to the other. For example, head chip 38_3, configured in the X1 direction among head chips 38_1 and 38_3, is offset in the Y2 direction compared to head chip 38_1. Similarly, of the head chips 38_3 and 38_5, the head chip 38_5, which is configured in the X1 direction, is configured offset in the Y2 direction compared to the head chip 38_3.

[0091] Multiple second head chips 38B are arranged along an imaginary straight line OL2. Therefore, among two adjacent second head chips 38B, one second head chip 38B arranged in the X1 direction is offset in the Y2 direction compared to the other. For example, in head chips 38_2 and 38_4, head chip 38_4, arranged in the X1 direction, is offset in the Y2 direction compared to head chip 38_2. Similarly, in head chips 38_4 and 38_6, head chip 38_6, arranged in the X1 direction, is offset in the Y2 direction compared to head chip 38_4.

[0092] In other words, "the multiple head chips 38 are arranged along an imaginary straight line" means that when viewed from above in the Z1 direction, the ends of the multiple head chips 38 in the V2 direction overlap the imaginary straight line. Hereinafter, the view from above in the Z1 direction will be simply referred to as "view from above". "The multiple head chips 38 are arranged along an imaginary straight line" can mean that when viewed from above in the Z1 direction, the ends of the multiple head chips 38 in the V1 direction overlap the imaginary straight line, or it can mean that when viewed from above, the centers of the multiple head chips 38 in the V-axis direction overlap the imaginary straight line.

[0093] The following situation is recorded: when viewed along the Y2 direction, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 are approximately identical. Here, using... Figure 8 This will explain the specific degree of overlap between the first chip 38A and the second chip 38B.

[0094] Figure 8This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the degree of repetition of multiple head chips 38. The first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 have multiple groups UN, including a first head chip 38A and a second head chip 38B adjacent to each other along the Y-axis. In the same group UN, the first head chip 38A is located next to the second head chip 38B and is positioned in the Y2 direction relative to the second head chip 38B. Specifically, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 have: group UN1 including head chips 38_1 and 38_2, group UN2 including head chips 38_3 and 38_4, and group UN3 including head chips 38_5 and 38_6. In the following description, group UN is a collective term for group UN1, group UN2, and group UN3. Furthermore, although in the first embodiment, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 have three groups UN, they can have two groups UN or more.

[0095] As in Figure 8 As illustrated, the spacing in the X1 direction between adjacent nozzles N in nozzle column Ln is a first length dx1. In the first nozzle column LnA and the second nozzle column LnB included in a certain group UNx of groups UN1, UN2, and UN3, the first spacing in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NA in the first nozzle column LnA located in the V2 direction and the center of the second nozzle NB in ​​the second nozzle column LnB located in the V2 direction is less than or equal to a second length dx2. In this embodiment, x is an integer from 1 to 3. The second length dx2 is half the first length dx1. In the first embodiment, the first spacing is the second length dx2. For example, the first spacing between the center of the first nozzle NA1 in the first nozzle column LnA located in the V2 direction and the center of the second nozzle NB2 in the second nozzle column LnB located in the V2 direction of group UN1 is the second length dx2.

[0096] Furthermore, in the first nozzle column LnA and the second nozzle column LnB included in group UNx, the second interval in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NA in the first nozzle column LnA located in the direction most close to V1 and the center of the second nozzle NB in ​​the second nozzle column LnB located in the direction most close to V1 is a second length dx2 or less. In the first embodiment, the second interval is the second length dx2. For example, the second interval between the center of the first nozzle NA3 in the first nozzle column LnA located in the direction most close to V1 and the center of the second nozzle NB4 in the second nozzle column LnB included in group UN1 is the second length dx2.

[0097] In the first embodiment, the first nozzle NA1 is positioned relative to the second nozzle NB2 in the X2 direction. However, the first nozzle NA1 may also be positioned relative to the second nozzle NB2 in the X1 direction. Furthermore, although in Figure 8 In the example, the number of first nozzles NA that overlap when viewed along the Y-axis in two adjacent first head chips 38A along the X-axis is four in total for both first head chips 38A, and two in one first head chip 38A, but only one or more is required. Similarly, the number of second nozzles NB that overlap when viewed along the Y-axis in two adjacent second head chips 38B along the X-axis is four in total for both second head chips 38B, and two in one second head chip 38B, but only one or more is required. Hereinafter, the region where the nozzles N that overlap when viewed along the Y-axis are configured will be referred to as the "nozzle overlap region".

[0098] Ink can be ejected from either of the two overlapping nozzles N within the nozzle overlap area when viewed along the Y-axis. For example, the control device 90 ejects ink from the nozzle N that does not produce ejection defects among the two nozzles N arranged within the nozzle overlap area. Ejection defects in nozzle N are caused by increased ink viscosity and the introduction of air bubbles, etc. The control device 90 executes at least one of the following methods: a method for determining whether there is an ejection defect based on image information obtained by reading the printed image formed on the medium PP, and a method for determining whether there is an ejection defect based on the waveform of the residual vibration of the vibrating plate 384, etc.

[0099] Regarding the distance of the head chip 38 in the W-axis direction, the first distance in the W1 direction between the first head chip 38A and the second head chip 38B contained in group UNx of the plurality of groups UN is shorter than the distance in the W1 direction between the head chip 38 in group UNx that is configured closest to the group UNy adjacent to group UNx, and the distance in the W1 direction between the head chips 38 in group UNy that is configured closest to group UNx. As described above, x is an integer from 1 to 3. y is an integer from 1 to 3, and is an integer whose difference from x is 1. When using the example where x is 1 and y is 2, as in Figure 8 As illustrated, the first distance between head chips 38_1 and 38_2 contained in group UN1 in the W1 direction is length dw1, and the second distance between head chips 38_2 and 38_3 in the W1 direction is length dw2. Furthermore, length dw1 is shorter than length dw2. Additionally, when group UNx is considered an example of "Group 1", group UNy is an example of "Group 2". More specifically, when group UN1 is considered an example of "Group 1", group UN2 is an example of "Group 2".

[0100] 1.4. Summary of the First Implementation Method

[0101] The liquid injection head 30 in the first embodiment described above includes a plurality of head chips 38 that inject liquid toward the medium PP in the Z2 direction. The Z2 direction is an example of a "first direction". The plurality of head chips 38 have a first chip group CG1 and a second chip group CG2. The first chip group CG1 is formed by arranging a plurality of first head chips 38A in the X1 direction, and the first head chips 38A have a first nozzle column LnA formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles NA in the V2 direction. The second chip group CG2 is formed by arranging a plurality of second head chips 38B in the X1 direction, and the second head chips 38B have a second nozzle column LnB formed by arranging a plurality of second nozzles NB in ​​the V2 direction. The first chip group CG1 is arranged relative to the second chip group CG2 in the Y2 direction. The X1 direction is an example of a "second direction". The X1 direction is the width direction of the medium PP. The Y2 direction is an example of a "third direction". The Y2 direction is a direction orthogonal to the X1 direction. The V2 direction is an example of a "fourth direction". The V2 direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction and intersects the X1 and Y2 directions.

[0102] In a configuration where the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 are fixed on different mounting plates 39, that is, in a configuration where the liquid jet head with the first chip group CG1 and the liquid jet head with the second chip group CG2 are different, the positional offset between the two liquid jet heads may lead to a decrease in print quality. To suppress the decrease in print quality, the position of the liquid jet head is adjusted on the head mounting plate that fixes the liquid jet head. However, when the scale of the liquid jetting device is large, since the number of liquid jet heads increases, there is a problem that more time is required to adjust the position of all the liquid jet heads.

[0103] On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 are fixed on a single fixing plate 39 and a single retainer 37. Therefore, compared with the method where the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 are fixed on different fixing plates 39, the positioning accuracy of the nozzles N of the multiple head chips 38 included in a liquid jet head can be improved. By improving the positioning accuracy of the nozzles N, the print quality can be reduced. Specifically, when the first ink and the second ink are inks of the same color, by arranging the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 in appropriate positions, high resolution can be achieved while suppressing the reduction in print quality. For example, when the unit resolution is 600 dpi, the liquid jet head 30 can achieve twice the resolution of 600 dpi, namely 1200 dpi. Furthermore, when the first ink and the second ink are inks of different colors, printing with multiple colors can be achieved while suppressing the reduction in print quality.

[0104] Furthermore, at the ends of the liquid injection head 30 in the X1 direction and the X2 direction, a nozzle overlap region is generated between two adjacent liquid injection heads 30 along the X-axis. However, after the control device 90 prints on the medium PP using the individual nozzles N included in the nozzle overlap region generated between the two liquid injection heads 30, it determines the nozzle N to be used based on the printed image formed on the medium. Thus, the control device 90 can suppress the spray deviation to less than half of the first length dx1 of the spacing between the adjacent nozzles N in the X1 direction of the nozzle array Ln.

[0105] By achieving high resolution, the size of the dots formed by a single droplet on the PP medium is reduced. Reducing the dot size decreases the area that can be fully coated, improving the quality of so-called full-coverage spraying. Furthermore, reducing the dot size improves graininess, or fineness. Additionally, reducing the dot size increases the ratio of ink surface area to ink volume. This increases the ink drying speed. Moreover, both high resolution and reduced dot size improve text quality.

[0106] Furthermore, when viewed along the X1 direction, a portion of the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 overlap with each other.

[0107] According to the first embodiment, compared to a configuration where the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 do not repeat when viewed along the X1 direction, the size of the liquid jet head 30 in the Y-axis direction can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the droplet ejection accuracy from the nozzle N can be improved, thereby enhancing print quality.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the reason for the improved spray accuracy will be explained. Although the medium PP is conveyed along the Y1 direction as described above, there is a problem when the medium PP is supplied to the liquid injection device 100 at an angle relative to the Y1 direction. When the medium PP is conveyed at an angle relative to the Y1 direction, corresponding to the increase in the distance between the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 in the Y-axis direction, the deviation of the spray position of the droplets ejected from the second nozzle NB included in the second chip group CG2 will become larger. When using... Figure 8 When illustrating the first nozzle NA1 and the second nozzle NB2, the deviation refers to the distance in the X-axis direction from the actual landing position of the droplet ejected from the second nozzle NB2 to the position where the droplet should have been ejected from the second nozzle NB2. The position where the droplet should have been ejected from the second nozzle NB2 refers to, in the example of the first embodiment, the position after moving a second length dx2 along the X1 direction from the landing position ejected by the first nozzle NA1. Since in the first embodiment, the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 partially overlap when viewed along the X1 direction, the distance between the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than in a scenario where the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 do not overlap when viewed along the X1 direction. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the deviation of the landing position of the droplet ejected from the second nozzle NB included in the second chip group CG2 is smaller than the deviation in a scenario where the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 do not overlap when viewed along the X1 direction. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, even when the medium PP is conveyed in a manner that is inclined relative to the Y1 direction, the spraying accuracy of the droplets ejected from the nozzle N can be improved.

[0109] The first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 have multiple groups UN, including first head chips 38A and second head chips 38B that are adjacent along the Y-axis. The centers of adjacent first nozzles NA in the first nozzle column LnA are spaced apart by a first length dx1 in the X1 direction. The centers of adjacent second nozzles NB in ​​the second nozzle column LnB are spaced apart by a first length dx1 in the X1 direction. In the first nozzle column LnA and the second nozzle column LnB included in a certain group UNx, the first interval is less than or equal to a second length dx2, and the second interval is less than or equal to a second length dx2, wherein the second length dx2 is half the first length dx1. The first interval is the distance in the X1 direction between the centers of the first nozzle NA located in the V2 direction in the first nozzle column LnA and the centers of the second nozzles NB located in the V2 direction in the second nozzle column LnB. The second interval is the distance in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NA in the first nozzle row LnA, which is located in the direction closest to V1, and the center of the second nozzle NB in ​​the second nozzle row LnB, which is located in the direction closest to V1. The V1 direction is the opposite direction to the V2 direction.

[0110] It can also be said that the first length dx1 is the spacing of adjacent nozzles N of a head chip 38 in the X-axis direction, and the second length dx2 is the spacing of the first nozzle NA included in the first head chip 38A and the second nozzle NB included in the second head chip 38B included in a group UN in the X-axis direction. In a manner where the second length dx2 is longer than the first length dx1, in the X-axis direction, portions capable of achieving high resolution and portions unable to achieve high resolution are created. When printing at high resolution, the nozzles N in the portions unable to achieve high resolution become useless. In a reference example where the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 are aligned in the Y2 direction... Figure 9 While showing the nozzle, we will also explain the nozzle N that has become useless.

[0111] Figure 9This is a diagram showing the liquid injection head 30a of the reference example viewed along the Z1 direction. The liquid injection head 30a has a fixing plate 39a and a plurality of head chips 38a. The fixing plate 39a differs from the first embodiment in that its shape is approximately a parallelogram when viewed from above. Although the head chips 38a have the same structure as the head chips 38, their arrangement relative to the fixing plate 39a differs from the first embodiment. The plurality of head chips 38a have a first chip group CGa1 and a second chip group CGa2. The first chip group CGa1 has head chips 38a_1, 38A_3, and 38A_5. The second chip group CGa2 has head chips 38a_2, 38A_4, and 38A_6. When viewed along the X1 direction, the centroid Ga1 of the first chip group CGa1 and the centroid Ga2 of the second chip group CGa2 overlap. That is, the first chip group CGa1 is not arranged relative to the second chip group CGa2 in the Y2 direction.

[0112] In the reference example, the first interval in the X1 direction between the center of the first nozzle NAa1 located in the V2 direction of the first nozzle row LnA included in the head chip 38a_1 and the center of the second nozzle NBa2 located in the V2 direction of the second nozzle row LnB included in the head chip 38a_2 is a length dxa2. The length dxa2 is longer than the length dx1. Therefore, when the same color ink is used in the first ink ejected from the first chip group CGa1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CGa2, in the X-axis direction, a portion XR1 that can achieve a high resolution compared to the unit resolution, and portions XR2 and XR3 that cannot achieve a high resolution corresponding to the unit resolution will be generated. For example, in the case of achieving 600 dpi by a single head chip 38, although 1200 dpi can be achieved in portion XR1, only 600 dpi can be achieved in portions XR2 and XR3. Furthermore, when the first ink ejected from the first chip group CGa1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CGa2 are of different colors, in the X-axis direction, portions XR1 capable of multi-color (two-color in this embodiment) printing and portions XR2 and XR3 unable to achieve multi-color (two-color in this embodiment) printing will be generated. Thus, in the case of high-resolution printing or multi-color printing, nozzles N corresponding to portions XR2 and XR3 cannot be used, and therefore become useless nozzles. However, when... Figure 9When the liquid injection head 30a illustrated is designated as the first liquid injection head 30a, a second liquid injection head 30a located next to the first liquid injection head 30a and positioned in the X2 direction relative to the first liquid injection head 30a can enable a portion of the XR2 of the first liquid injection head 30a to handle high resolution and multiple colors (two colors in this reference example). Similarly, a third liquid injection head 30a located next to the first liquid injection head 30a and positioned in the X1 direction relative to the first liquid injection head 30a can enable a portion of the XR3 of the first liquid injection head 30a to handle high resolution and multiple colors (two colors in this reference example). However, in order to enable a portion of the XR2 and a portion of the XR3 of the first liquid injection head 30a to handle high resolution or multiple colors, the second liquid injection head 30a and the third liquid injection head 30a located next to the first liquid injection head 30a need to be configured with high precision.

[0113] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, by making the second length dx2 less than or equal to the first length dx1, it is possible to suppress situations where high resolution and multiple color processing cannot be achieved. When the first ink and the second ink are the same color, high resolution can be achieved while suppressing a decrease in print quality. Even when the first ink and the second ink are different colors, printing with multiple colors can be achieved while suppressing a decrease in print quality. Furthermore, as in... Figure 9As illustrated, part XR2 is located at the end of the liquid jet head 30a in the X2 direction, and part XR3 is located at the end of the liquid jet head 30a in the X1 direction. Therefore, in the reference example, when printing at high resolution is performed by using the same color ink for the first ink jetted from the first chip group CGa1 and the second ink jetted from the second chip group CGa2, or when printing corresponding to each color with a resolution of single unit resolution is performed by using different colors ink for the first ink jetted from the first chip group CGa1 and the second ink jetted from the second chip group CGa2, the printable width in the X-axis direction will be shorter compared to the case where the same color ink is used for the first ink jetted from the first chip group CGa1 and the second ink jetted from the second chip group CGa2 and printing with a resolution of single unit resolution is performed. Furthermore, although multiple liquid jet heads 30 can be arranged in the X-axis direction to be able to print up to the end of the medium PP in the X-axis direction, this will result in the liquid jetting device 100 becoming larger in the X-axis direction. On the other hand, according to the first embodiment, in either the case of printing at high resolution by using the same color ink for the first ink ejected from the first chip group CG1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CG2, or in the case of printing corresponding to two colors with a resolution of unit resolution for each color by using different colors for the first ink ejected from the first chip group CG1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CG2, the printable width in the X-axis direction can be maintained compared to the case of printing at unit resolution by using the same color ink for the first ink ejected from the first chip group CG1 and the second ink ejected from the second chip group CG2.

[0114] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first interval and the second interval are of a second length dx2. When the first ink and the second ink are of the same color, by making the first interval and the second interval of the second length dx2, it is possible to achieve twice the resolution achieved by a single head chip 38. However, as described above, the first ink and the second ink can also be inks of different colors.

[0115] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the first distance in the W1 direction between the first head chip 38A and the second head chip 38B included in group UNx of the plurality of groups UN is shorter than the second distance in the W1 direction between the head chip 38 of the plurality of head chips 38 included in group UNx that is configured on the group UNy closest to group UNx and the head chip 38 of the plurality of head chips 38 included in group UNy that is configured on the group UNx closest to group UNx. The W1 direction is an example of a "fifth direction". The W1 direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z2 direction and orthogonal to the V1 direction. Group UNx is an example of a "first group", and group UNy is an example of a "second group".

[0116] In other words, the first distance is the spacing between the head chips 38 within a group in the W1 direction, and the second distance is the spacing between the head chips 38 of adjacent groups UN in the W1 direction. By shortening the spacing between the head chips 38 within a group in the W1 direction, the distance between the first chip group CG1 and the second chip group CG2 in the Y-axis direction is shortened. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, even when the medium PP is conveyed at an angle relative to the Y1 direction, the spraying accuracy of the droplets ejected from the nozzle N can be improved compared to a method where the first distance is greater than or equal to the second distance.

[0117] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, among the plurality of first head chips 38A, one of the adjacent first head chips 38A configured in the X1 direction is offset in the Y2 direction compared to the other first head chip 38A. Similarly, among the plurality of second head chips 38B, one of the two adjacent second head chips 38B configured in the X1 direction is offset in the Y2 direction compared to the other second head chip 38B. The V2 direction is the direction between the X1 direction and the Y2 direction.

[0118] According to the first embodiment, when multiple liquid ejector heads 30 are arranged in the X-axis direction, compared to the arrangement of multiple first head chips 38A in the X-axis direction, the distance between the multiple liquid ejector heads 30 can be increased while maintaining the number of nozzles N included in the nozzle overlap area between the liquid ejector heads 30. By increasing the distance between the multiple liquid ejector heads 30, the available space can be utilized more flexibly. For example, the holder 37 can be thickened to fill the available space. Alternatively, ink channels can be configured to fill the available space.

[0119] 2. Second Implementation Method

[0120] In the first embodiment, the first interval and the second interval are a second length dx2, while in the second embodiment, the first interval and the second interval are 0, which is different from the first embodiment. The second embodiment will be described below.

[0121] Figure 10 The diagram shows a view of the liquid injection head 30b in the second embodiment along the Z1 direction. The liquid injection head 30b has a plurality of head chips 38b. Although the head chips 38b adopt the same structure as the head chip 38, they differ from the first embodiment in their arrangement relative to the fixing plate 39. The plurality of head chips 38b have: a group UNb1 including head chips 38b_1 and head chips 38b_2, a group UNb2 including head chips 38b_3 and head chips 38b_4, and a group UNb3 including head chips 38b_5 and head chips 38b_6.

[0122] Although not in Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, however, in the second embodiment, the plurality of head chips 38b have a first chip group CGb1 and a second chip group CGb2. The first chip group CGb1 has head chips 38_1, 38_3, and 38_5. The second chip group CGb2 has head chips 38_2, 38_4, and 38_6. The head chips 38b included in the first chip group CGb1 are referred to as "first head chips 38Ab", and the head chips 38b included in the second chip group CGb2 are referred to as "second head chips 38Bb".

[0123] The nozzle array Ln of the first head chip 38Ab is referred to as "first nozzle array LnAb", and the nozzle array Ln of the second head chip 38Bb is referred to as "second nozzle array LnBb". Furthermore, the nozzle N constituting the first nozzle array LnAb is referred to as "first nozzle NAb", and the nozzle N constituting the second nozzle array LnBb is referred to as "second nozzle NBb".

[0124] In the second embodiment, the center of the first nozzle NAb1 located in the V2 direction from the first nozzle column LnAb included in the head chip 38b_1, and the center of the second nozzle NBb2 located in the V2 direction from the second nozzle column LnBb included in the head chip 38b_2, have a first interval of 0 in the X1 direction. In other words, the center of the first nozzle NAb1 and the center of the second nozzle NBb2 are at the same position in the X1 direction. Similarly, the center of the first nozzle NAb3 located in the V1 direction from the first nozzle column LnAb included in the head chip 38b_1, and the center of the second nozzle NBb4 located in the V1 direction from the second nozzle column LnBb included in the head chip 38B_2, have a second interval of 0 in the X1 direction. In other words, the center of the first nozzle NAb3 and the center of the second nozzle NBb4 are at the same position in the X1 direction.

[0125] 2.1. Summary of the Second Implementation Method

[0126] In the second embodiment, the first and second intervals are both zero. Since the first and second intervals are zero, there exists a second nozzle NBb located at the same position in the X-axis direction as each of the first nozzles NAb of the first head chip 38A included in the same group UN. Therefore, when the first ink and the second ink are different colors, the liquid jet head 30b can form a higher quality image compared to the liquid jet head 30 in the first embodiment. Specifically, this is because, in the image formed by the liquid jet head 30 in the first embodiment, the spray position for a point changes depending on the ink color. On the other hand, in the image formed by the liquid jet head 30b, the spray position for a point does not change depending on the ink color. Furthermore, when the first and second inks are the same color, even if a spray defect occurs in either the first nozzle NAb included in the same group UN or the second nozzle NBb located at the same position in the X-axis direction as that first nozzle NAb, the leak can be suppressed by the other nozzle N.

[0127] 3. Variations

[0128] The methods illustrated above can be modified in various ways. Specific modifications are illustrated below. Two or more methods arbitrarily selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined without contradiction.

[0129] 3.1. First Variation Example

[0130] Although in the first and second embodiments, a head chip 38 has one nozzle row Ln, it is not limited thereto. For example, a head chip 38 may also have multiple nozzle rows Ln.

[0131] Figure 11 The diagram shows the liquid injection head 30c in the first modified example viewed along the Z1 direction. The liquid injection head 30c comprises multiple head chips 38c, including head chips 38c_1, 38c_2, 38c_3, 38c_4, 38c_5, and 38c_6. Each head chip 38c comprises two nozzle rows Ln, including nozzle row Ln1 and nozzle row Ln2. In the following description, the nozzle N constituting the nozzle row Ln1 included in head chip 38c_1 will be referred to as "nozzle NA1c", and the nozzle N constituting the nozzle row Ln2 included in head chip 38c_1 will be referred to as "nozzle NA2c". Furthermore, the nozzle N constituting the nozzle row Ln1 included in head chip 38c_2 will be referred to as "nozzle NB1c", and the nozzle N constituting the nozzle row Ln2 included in head chip 38c_2 will be referred to as "nozzle NB2c".

[0132] exist Figure 11 In the example, the center of nozzle NA1c1, located in the V2 direction among multiple nozzles NA1c, and the center of nozzle NA2c1, located in the V2 direction among multiple nozzles NA2c, are 0 apart in the X1 direction. Similarly, the center of nozzle NB1c2, located in the V2 direction among multiple nozzles NB1c, and the center of nozzle NB2c2, located in the V2 direction among multiple nozzles NB2c, are 0 apart in the X1 direction. Furthermore, the center of nozzle NA1c3, located in the V1 direction among multiple nozzles NA1c, and the center of nozzle NA2c3, located in the V1 direction among multiple nozzles NA2c, are 0 apart in the X1 direction. Similarly, the center of nozzle NB1c4, located in the V1 direction among multiple nozzles NB1c, and the center of nozzle NB2c4, located in the V1 direction among multiple nozzles NB2c, are 0 apart in the X1 direction.

[0133] On the other hand, the distance between the center of nozzle NA1c1 and the center of nozzle NB1c2 is the second length dx2. Similarly, the distance between the center of nozzle NA1c3 and the center of nozzle NB1c4 is the second length dx2.

[0134] like Figure 11The spacing of nozzles N in the X1 direction shown is an example and is not limited to it. For example, the spacing of nozzles N in the X1 direction can be adjusted to achieve a resolution four times that of a single unit. Specifically, the spacing in the X1 direction between the centers of nozzles NA1c1 and NA2c1, the spacing in the X1 direction between the centers of nozzles NA2c1 and NB1c2, and the spacing in the X1 direction between the centers of nozzles NB1c2 and NB2c2 is half of the second length dx2.

[0135] The colors of the ink supplied to the nozzle array Ln1 included in the head chip 38c_1, the ink supplied to the nozzle array Ln2 included in the head chip 38c_1, the ink supplied to the nozzle array Ln1 included in the head chip 38c_2, and the ink supplied to the nozzle array Ln2 included in the head chip 38c_2 can all be the same or all different. As an example of all ink colors being different, yellow ink is supplied to the nozzle array Ln1 included in the head chip 38c_1, magenta ink is supplied to the nozzle array Ln2 included in the head chip 38c_1, blue-green ink is supplied to the nozzle array Ln1 included in the head chip 38c_2, and black ink is supplied to the nozzle array Ln2 included in the head chip 38c_2.

[0136] 3.2. Second variation

[0137] In addition to the methods mentioned above, a temperature sensor 392 can also be installed on the Z1 direction surface of the fixing plate 39.

[0138] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the liquid injection head 30d in the second modified example viewed along the Z1 direction. The liquid injection head 30d has a fixing plate 39d. A temperature sensor 392 is provided on the Z1 direction surface of the fixing plate 39d in such a way that it is housed in a recess provided on the Z2 direction surface of a retainer 37 (not shown). In the second modified example, the temperature sensor 392 is provided in region SR1. Region SR1 is the area in the Z2 direction surface of the fixing plate 39d, when viewed from above, surrounded by a portion of the edge in the Y2 direction, a portion near the V2 direction end of the edge in the W1 direction of the head chip 38_1, the edge in the V2 direction of the head chip 38_2, and a portion near the V2 direction end of the edge in the W2 direction of the head chip 38_3.

[0139] By placing a temperature sensor 392 in the free space of the non-existent head chip 38, i.e. region SR1, on the fixed plate 39d, the free space can be effectively and flexibly utilized.

[0140] Although in the second variation, only one temperature sensor 392 is provided in region SR1, this is not the limitation. Multiple temperature sensors 392 can also be provided on the surface of the fixing plate 39 in the Z1 direction. Furthermore, more than one temperature sensor 392 can be provided. Figure 12 The region is defined as at least one of the regions SR2, SR3, and SR4 shown in the illustration. Region SR2 is the region enclosed, when viewed from above, in the plane of the fixing plate 39d in the Z1 direction, by a portion of the edge in the Y2 direction, a portion near the V2 direction end of the edge in the W1 direction of the head chip 38_3, the edge in the V2 direction of the head chip 38_4, and a portion near the V2 direction end of the edge in the W2 direction of the head chip 38_5.

[0141] Region SR3 is the area within the plane of the fixing plate 39d in the Z1 direction, when viewed from above, surrounded by a portion of the edge in the Y1 direction, a portion near the V1 end of the edge in the W1 direction of the head chip 38_2, the edge in the V1 direction of the head chip 38_3, and a portion near the V1 end of the edge in the W2 direction of the head chip 38_4. Region SR4 is the area within the plane of the fixing plate 39d in the Z1 direction, when viewed from above, surrounded by a portion of the edge in the Y1 direction, a portion near the V1 end of the edge in the W1 direction of the head chip 38_4, the edge in the V1 direction of the head chip 38_5, and a portion near the V1 end of the edge in the W2 direction of the head chip 38_6.

[0142] Furthermore, although not shown, a protrusion may be provided on the Z2-direction surface of the fixed plate 39d, which, when viewed from above, overlaps with at least one of the regions SR1, SR2, SR3, and SR4. This structure can suppress the contact of the medium PP with the nozzle surface FN of the fixed plate 39d. The protrusion can be integrally formed with the fixed plate 39d, or it can be provided by joining other components to the Z2-direction surface of the fixed plate 39d.

[0143] 3.3. Third variation

[0144] Although in the above-described embodiments, the liquid jet head 30 has two chip groups, namely a first chip group CG1 and a second chip group CG2, it may also have three or more chip groups. In the third modification, where the multiple head chips 38 have three chip groups and each head chip 38 has a nozzle array Ln, by appropriately configuring the multiple head chips 38, the liquid jet head 30 in the third modification can achieve a resolution three times that of a single unit.

[0145] 3.4. Fourth Variation Example

[0146] Although in the first embodiment, the first interval and the second interval are the second length dx2, they can also be greater than 0 and less than the second length dx2.

[0147] 3.5. Fifth Variation

[0148] Although in the first embodiment, one of the adjacent first head chips 38a in the plurality of first head chips 38a is configured offset in the Y2 direction compared to the other in the X1 direction, this is not a limitation. For example, two adjacent first head chips 38a in the plurality of first head chips 38a may also be configured in a manner that does not offset in the Y2 direction, that is, they completely overlap when viewed along the X1 direction.

[0149] 3.6. Sixth Variation

[0150] Although in the first embodiment, the first distance between the head chips 38 within a group UN in the W1 direction is shorter than the second distance between the head chips 38 in adjacent groups UN in the W1 direction, this is not a limitation. For example, the first distance may be the same as or longer than the second distance.

[0151] 3.7. Seventh Variation

[0152] Although the liquid jetting apparatus 100 described above is a so-called line-type liquid jetting apparatus that performs printing by fixing the head module 3 and only conveying the medium PP, the structure of the line-type recording apparatus is not limited to the structure described above. For example, the above-described methods can also be applied to a so-called serial liquid jetting apparatus that performs printing by mounting the head module 3 or multiple liquid jetting heads 30 on a carriage, moving the head module 3 or multiple liquid jetting heads 30 in the X-axis direction, and conveying the medium PP. In addition, in the case of a serial liquid jetting apparatus, the X-axis direction in the first embodiment is used as the conveying direction of the medium PP.

[0153] 3.8. Eighth Variation

[0154] In each of the above methods, the liquid jet head 30 may also have a heating element instead of the piezoelectric element PZq used in the above methods, as an energy generating element for generating energy in the pressure chamber CB for ink jetting.

[0155] 3.9. Ninth Variation

[0156] The aforementioned liquid jetting apparatus, besides being used in printing equipment, can also be employed in various devices such as fax machines and copiers. Of course, the applications of the liquid jetting apparatus of the present invention are not limited to printing. For example, a liquid jetting apparatus for jetting solutions of color materials can be used as an apparatus for manufacturing color filters for liquid crystal display devices. Furthermore, a liquid jetting apparatus for jetting solutions of conductive materials can be used as an apparatus for manufacturing wiring and electrodes for wiring boards.

[0157] 4. Notes

[0158] Based on the examples above, one can grasp structures such as the following.

[0159] The liquid injection head according to preferred embodiment 1 is a liquid injection head having a plurality of head chips that spray liquid toward a medium in a first direction. The width direction of the medium is defined as a second direction, a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is defined as a third direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting the second direction and the third direction is defined as a fourth direction. The plurality of head chips have: a first chip group, which is formed by arranging a plurality of first head chips in the second direction, and the first head chips have a first nozzle column formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles in the fourth direction; and a second chip group, which is formed by arranging a plurality of second head chips in the second direction, and the second head chips have a second nozzle column formed by arranging a plurality of second nozzles in the fourth direction. The first chip group is arranged relative to the second chip group in the third direction.

[0160] According to method 1, since the first chip group and the second chip group are configured in one liquid jet head, the positioning accuracy of the first chip group and the second chip group can be improved compared with the method in which the first chip group and the second chip group are configured in different liquid jet heads.

[0161] In Method 2, which is a specific example of Method 1, the first chip group and the second chip group partially overlap each other when viewed along the second direction.

[0162] According to method 2, the size of the liquid jet head in the third direction can be reduced.

[0163] In Method 3, which is a specific example of Method 2, the second head chip α, one of the plurality of second head chips, is located next to the first head chip α, one of the plurality of first head chips, and is located in a second direction relative to the first head chip α. The second head chip α is located next to a first head chip β, which is different from the first head chip α, and is located in the opposite direction relative to the first head chip β.

[0164] In Method 4, which is a specific example of any of Methods 1 to 3, the first chip group and the second chip group have multiple groups including adjacent first head chips and second head chips among the plurality of first head chips and the plurality of second head chips. In the same group among the plurality of groups, the first head chip is located next to the second head chip and is located in the third direction relative to the second head chip. The centers of adjacent first nozzles in the first nozzle column are spaced apart by a first length in the second direction. The centers of adjacent second nozzles in the second nozzle column are spaced apart by the first length in the second direction. In the first nozzle column and the second nozzle column included in the same group among the plurality of groups, the first distance between the center of the first nozzle in the first nozzle column located in the fourth direction and the center of the second nozzle in the second nozzle column located in the fourth direction is less than half of the first length, i.e., a second length. The second distance between the center of the first nozzle in the first nozzle column located in the opposite direction to the fourth direction and the center of the second nozzle in the second nozzle column located in the opposite direction to the fourth direction is less than the second length.

[0165] In the case where the second length is longer than the first length, when performing high-resolution printing, portions capable of achieving a higher resolution than that achieved by a single head chip and portions unable to achieve high resolution are generated in the second direction. The nozzles in the portions unable to achieve high resolution become useless. However, according to method 4, the generation of portions unable to achieve high resolution can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the case where the second length is longer than the first length, when performing multi-color printing, portions capable of achieving multiple colors and portions unable to achieve multiple colors are also generated in the second direction. The nozzles unable to achieve multiple colors become useless. However, according to method 4, the generation of portions unable to achieve multiple colors can be suppressed.

[0166] In Method 5, which is a specific example of Method 4, the first interval and the second interval are the second length.

[0167] According to method 5, when the first ink and the second ink are inks of the same color, it is possible to achieve twice the resolution that can be achieved by a single head chip.

[0168] In method 6, which is a specific example of method 4, the first interval and the second interval are 0. According to method 6, when the first ink and the second ink are inks of different colors, the liquid jetting head in method 6 is able to form a high-quality image compared to methods where the first interval and the second interval are greater than 0.

[0169] In Method 7, which is a specific example of any of Methods 4 to 6, the plurality of groups includes an adjacent first group and a second group, wherein a direction perpendicular to the first direction and orthogonal to the fourth direction is designated as the fifth direction, and the distance between the first head chip and the second head chip included in the first group in the fifth direction is shorter than the distance between the head chip in the first group that is configured closest to the second group and the head chip in the second group that is configured closest to the first group in the fifth direction.

[0170] According to method 7, even when the medium is conveyed at an angle relative to a third direction, the spraying accuracy of the droplets ejected from the nozzle can be improved compared to the method where the first distance is more than the second distance.

[0171] In mode 8, which is a specific example of any one of modes 1 to 7, the fourth direction is the direction between the second direction and the third direction, wherein one of two adjacent first head chips in the plurality of first head chips is configured offset toward the third direction compared to the other first head chip, and one of two adjacent second head chips in the plurality of second head chips is configured offset toward the third direction compared to the other second head chip.

[0172] According to method 8, when multiple liquid injection heads are arranged in a second direction, compared with the method of arranging multiple first head chips in a second direction, it is possible to maintain the number of nozzles N overlapping in a third direction between the liquid injection heads while extending the distance between the multiple liquid injection heads.

[0173] As a preferred embodiment, the liquid injection device according to embodiment 9 includes: a liquid injection head as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8; and a conveying unit for conveying the medium.

[0174] According to method 9, a liquid jetting device can be provided that can improve the positioning accuracy of the first chip group and the second chip group.

[0175] As a preferred embodiment, the liquid injection device according to embodiment 10 includes a row head, which is formed by arranging a plurality of liquid injection heads described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8 in the second direction.

[0176] According to method 10, a liquid jetting device having a row of heads arranged in a plurality of liquid jetting heads that can improve the positioning accuracy of a first chip group and a second chip group can be provided.

[0177] Symbol Explanation

[0178] 1…Liquid jetting device; 3…Head module; 13…Head fixing base plate; 15…Mounting hole; 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d…Liquid jetting head; 31…Frame; 32…Cover base plate; 33…Assembly base plate; 34…Flow channel structure; 35…Wiring base plate; 37…Cage; 38, 38A, 38Ab, 38B, 38Bb, 38_1, 38_2, 38_3, 38_4, 38_5, 38_6, 38a, 38a_1, 38a_2, 38a_3, 38a_4, 38a_5, 38a_6, 38b, 38b_1, 38b_2, 38b_3, 38b_4, 38b_5, 38b_6, 38c, 38c_1, 38c_2, 38c_3, 38c_4, 38c_5, 38c_6… head chip; 39, 39a, 39d… fixing plate; 90… control device; 92… conveying mechanism; 93… liquid container; 94… circulation mechanism; 100… liquid injection device; 311i1, 311i2… supply hole; 312o1, 312o2… discharge hole; 313… assembly substrate hole; 341i1, 341i2, 341o1, 341o2… connecting tube; 343… connector hole; 351… opening; 352… cutout; 355… connector; 357… opening; 358… cutout; 371… opening; 373, 373i1, 373i2, 373o_1, 373o_2, 37… 3o_3, 373o_4, 373o_5, 373o_6… Connecting pipe; 382… Connecting plate; 383… Pressure chamber substrate; 384… Vibrating plate; 385… Housing; 387… Nozzle plate; 388… Wiring components; 391… Exposed opening; 392… Temperature sensor; 3850… Opening; 3851… Inlet; 3852… Outlet; 3861… Plastic substrate; 3861a… Flexible membrane; 3861b… Support plate; 3884… Drive circuit; CB, CB1, CB2… Pressure chamber; CG1, CGa1, CGb1… First chip group; CG2, CGa2, CGb2… Second chip group; Com… Drive signal; Dul… Flow channel component; Du2… Flow channel component FN… Nozzle face; G1, G2, Ga1, Ga2… Center of gravity; Ln, Ln1, Ln2, LnA, LnAb, LnB, LnBb… Nozzle array; MN1… Common liquid chamber on the supply side; MN2… Common liquid chamber on the discharge side; NA, NA1, NA1c, NA1c1, NA1c3, NA2c, NA2c1, NA2c3, NA3, NAa1, NAb, NAb1, NAb3, NB, NB1c, NB1c2, NB1c4, NB2, NB2c, NB2c2, NB2c4, NB4, NBa2, NBb, NBb2, NBb4… Nozzle; OL1, OL2… Imaginary straight line; PP… Medium; PZ1, PZ2, PZq… Piezoelectric element;RA1…Supply chamber; RA2…Discharge chamber; RB1…Supply chamber; RB2…Discharge chamber; RK1, RK2…Connecting flow channel; RN…Nozzle flow channel; RR1, RR2…Connecting flow channel; RX1, RX2…Connecting flow channel; SI…Control signal; SR1, SR2, SR3, SR4…Area; Su1, Su2, Su3…Flow channel plate; UN1, UN2, UN3, UNb1, UNb2…Group; XR1, XR2, XR3…Part.

Claims

1. A liquid injection head comprising a plurality of head chips for injecting liquid toward a medium in a first direction. The width direction of the medium is defined as the second direction, the direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting both the second and third directions is defined as the fourth direction. The plurality of head chips have: The first chip group is composed of a plurality of first head chips arranged in the second direction, and the first head chips have a first nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles in the fourth direction. The second chip group is composed of a plurality of second head chips arranged in the second direction, and the second head chips have a second nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of second nozzles in the fourth direction. The first chip group is arranged in an upward orientation relative to the second chip group on the third side. The first chip group and the second chip group substantially overlap when viewed along the third direction.

2. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first chip group and the second chip group partially overlap when viewed along the second direction.

3. The liquid injection head as described in claim 2, wherein, The second head chip α, one of the plurality of second head chips, is located next to the first head chip α, one of the plurality of first head chips, and is located in a second direction relative to the first head chip α. The second head chip α is located next to a first head chip β that is different from the first head chip α among the plurality of first head chips, and is located in the opposite direction to the second direction compared to the first head chip β.

4. The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first chip group and the second chip group have multiple groups, including adjacent first head chips and second head chips among the plurality of first head chips and the plurality of second head chips. In the same group of the plurality of groups, the first head chip is located next to the second head chip, and is located at a third position relative to the second head chip. The center-to-center distance between adjacent first nozzles in the first nozzle array in the second direction is a first length. The center-to-center distance between adjacent second nozzles in the second nozzle column in the second direction is the first length. In the first nozzle column and the second nozzle column contained in the same group of the plurality of groups, The center of the first nozzle in the first nozzle array located closest to the fourth direction and the center of the second nozzle in the second nozzle array located closest to the fourth direction are spaced apart in the second direction by a first distance of less than a second length, wherein the second length is half of the first length. The second distance between the center of the first nozzle in the first nozzle column located in the opposite direction to the fourth direction and the center of the second nozzle in the second nozzle column located in the opposite direction to the fourth direction in the second direction is less than or equal to the second length.

5. The liquid injection head as described in claim 4, wherein, The first interval and the second interval are the second length.

6. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The first interval and the second interval are both 0.

7. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The plurality of groups includes an adjacent first group and a second group. The direction perpendicular to the first direction and orthogonal to the fourth direction is designated as the fifth direction. The distance between the first head chip and the second head chip included in the first group in the fifth direction is shorter than the distance between the head chip in the first group that is configured closest to the second group and the head chip in the second group that is configured closest to the first group in the fifth direction.

8. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The fourth direction is the direction between the second direction and the third direction. Of the plurality of first head chips, one of two adjacent first head chips configured in the second direction is offset towards the third direction compared to the other first head chip. One of the two adjacent second head chips in the plurality of second head chips, which is configured in the second direction, is offset in the third direction compared to the other second head chip.

9. A liquid injection head comprising a plurality of head chips for injecting liquid toward a medium in a first direction. The width direction of the medium is defined as the second direction, the direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting both the second and third directions is defined as the fourth direction. The plurality of head chips have: The first chip group is composed of a plurality of first head chips arranged in the second direction, and the first head chips have a first nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles in the fourth direction. The second chip group is composed of a plurality of second head chips arranged in the second direction, and the second head chips have a second nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of second nozzles in the fourth direction. The first chip group is arranged in an upward orientation relative to the second chip group on the third side. When viewed along the third direction, adjacent first-head chips partially overlap each other. When viewed along the third direction, adjacent second head chips partially overlap each other.

10. A liquid injection head comprising a plurality of head chips for injecting liquid toward a medium in a first direction. The width direction of the medium is defined as the second direction, the direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting both the second and third directions is defined as the fourth direction. The plurality of head chips have: The first chip group is composed of a plurality of first head chips arranged in the second direction, and the first head chips have a first nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles that spray the same type of liquid in the fourth direction. The second chip group is composed of multiple second-head chips arranged in the second direction, and the second-head chips have a second nozzle array formed by arranging multiple second nozzles that spray the same type of liquid in the fourth direction. The first chip group is arranged in an upward orientation relative to the second chip group on the third side. The first chip group and the second chip group substantially overlap when viewed along the third direction. The first chip group does not include nozzles configured relative to the first nozzle array in the fourth direction and in directions opposite to the fourth direction. The second chip group does not include nozzles that are configured in the fourth direction and in the direction opposite to the fourth direction relative to the second nozzle column.

11. A liquid injection head comprising a plurality of head chips for injecting liquid toward a medium in a first direction. The width direction of the medium is defined as the second direction, the direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting both the second and third directions is defined as the fourth direction. The plurality of head chips have: The first chip group is composed of a plurality of first head chips arranged in the second direction, and the first head chips have a first nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles in the fourth direction. The second chip group is composed of a plurality of second head chips arranged in the second direction, and the second head chips have a second nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of second nozzles in the fourth direction. The first chip group is arranged in an upward orientation relative to the second chip group on the third side. The ends of the plurality of first head chips in the first chip group are arranged in a manner that overlaps with a first imaginary straight line when viewed along the first direction. The ends of the plurality of second-head chips in the second chip group are arranged in a manner that overlaps with a second imaginary straight line when viewed along the first direction. The first imaginary line is positioned relative to the second imaginary line at the third direction.

12. A liquid injection head comprising a plurality of head chips for injecting liquid toward a medium in a first direction. The width direction of the medium is defined as the second direction, the direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting both the second and third directions is defined as the fourth direction. The plurality of head chips have: The first chip group is composed of a plurality of first head chips arranged in the second direction, and the first head chips have a first nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles in the fourth direction. The second chip group is composed of a plurality of second head chips arranged in the second direction, and the second head chips have a second nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of second nozzles in the fourth direction. The first chip group is arranged in an upward orientation relative to the second chip group on the third side. Each of the plurality of first head chips is configured in the third direction relative to all of the second head chips.

13. A liquid injection head comprising a plurality of head chips for injecting liquid toward a medium in a first direction. The width direction of the medium is defined as the second direction, the direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting both the second and third directions is defined as the fourth direction. The plurality of head chips have: The first chip group is composed of a plurality of first head chips arranged in the second direction, and the first head chips have a first nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles in the fourth direction. The second chip group is composed of a plurality of second head chips arranged in the second direction, and the second head chips have a second nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of second nozzles in the fourth direction. The first chip group is arranged in an upward orientation relative to the second chip group on the third side. The first chip group and the second chip group have multiple groups. The plurality of groups respectively include adjacent first head chips and second head chips among the plurality of first head chips and the plurality of second head chips. In the same group of the plurality of groups, the first head chip is adjacent to the second head chip and is configured relative to the second head chip at the third direction. The plurality of groups includes a first group and a second group that are adjacent to each other. The first head chip and the second head chip of the first group and the first head chip and the second head chip of the second group partially overlap when viewed along the third direction.

14. A liquid injection head comprising a plurality of head chips for injecting liquid toward a medium in a first direction. The width direction of the medium is defined as the second direction, the direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting both the second and third directions is defined as the fourth direction. The plurality of head chips have: The first chip group is composed of a plurality of first head chips arranged in the second direction, and the first head chips have a first nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles in the fourth direction. The second chip group is composed of a plurality of second head chips arranged in the second direction, and the second head chips have a second nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of second nozzles in the fourth direction. The first nozzle array of one of the adjacent first head chips in the plurality of first head chips includes, in the second direction, a first overlapping region that overlaps with the first nozzle array of the other adjacent first head chip when viewed along the third direction, and a first non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the first nozzle array of the other chip when viewed along the third direction. The second nozzle array of one of the adjacent second head chips in the plurality of second head chips includes, in the second direction, a second overlapping region that overlaps with the second nozzle array of the other adjacent second head chip when viewed along the third direction, and a second non-overlapping region that does not overlap with the second nozzle array of the other chip when viewed along the third direction. The first non-overlapping region is smaller than the first overlapping region. The second non-overlapping region is smaller than the second overlapping region. The first chip group is arranged in an upward orientation relative to the second chip group on the third side. The first chip group and the second chip group substantially overlap when viewed along the third direction.

15. A liquid injection head comprising a plurality of head chips for injecting liquid toward a medium in a first direction. The width direction of the medium is defined as the second direction, the direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions is defined as the third direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction and intersecting both the second and third directions is defined as the fourth direction. The plurality of head chips have: The first chip group is composed of a plurality of first head chips arranged in the second direction, and the first head chips have a first nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of first nozzles in the fourth direction. The second chip group is composed of a plurality of second head chips arranged in the second direction, and the second head chips have a second nozzle array formed by arranging a plurality of second nozzles in the fourth direction. The first chip group is arranged in an upward orientation relative to the second chip group on the third side. The first chip group and the second chip group substantially overlap when viewed along the third direction. The plurality of first nozzle rows of the same first head chip substantially overlap when viewed along the third direction. The multiple rows of second nozzles of the same second head chip generally overlap when viewed along the third direction.

16. A liquid injection device comprising: The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 15; A conveying unit that conveys the medium.

17. A liquid injection device comprising a traveling head, The row head is formed by arranging a plurality of liquid injection heads as described in any one of claims 1 to 15 in the second direction.

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