Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a liquid jetting head and a liquid jetting device that improve print quality by suppressing deviations in the ejection characteristics of droplets between nozzle rows. The liquid jetting head has a length direction of +X (a first direction) and a width direction of +Y (a second direction), and jets liquid in a +Z direction (a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions). It includes: a first inlet; a second inlet; a first filter chamber group having a first filter chamber and a second filter chamber; a second filter chamber group having a third filter chamber and a fourth filter chamber; a first supply channel supplying liquid from the first inlet to the first filter chamber group; and a second supply channel supplying liquid from the second inlet to the second filter chamber group. The first inlet, second inlet, first filter chamber group, and second filter chamber group are arranged in this order facing the +X direction (the first direction).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a liquid ejector head and a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid from a nozzle, and more particularly to an inkjet recording head and an inkjet recording device that ejects ink as a liquid. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid jetting devices, such as inkjet printers and plotters, are equipped with liquid jetting heads that can eject liquids such as ink stored in ink cartridges or containers in the form of droplets.

[0003] Such liquid jetting heads are difficult to manufacture because achieving elongated nozzles (multi-nozzle) and high density in a single-unit form leads to larger liquid jetting heads, resulting in lower yield and higher manufacturing costs. Therefore, a liquid jetting head is proposed that elongates the nozzle by fixing multiple liquid jetting head chips on a common flow channel component.

[0004] In the liquid injection head, for example, nozzle rows extending in the X direction are arranged side by side along the Y direction, and two nozzle rows are provided for each color of liquid, and a filter chamber is provided in the flow channel component in a manner corresponding to each nozzle row. Moreover, a structure is disclosed in which ink introduced from a connection of the flow channel component is branched directly below the connection and thus distributed to the two filter chambers (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0005] Furthermore, in the liquid injection head, the head chips are offset in the extension direction of the nozzle array, and filter chambers are provided in a manner corresponding to each head chip. In addition, a structure is disclosed in which a supply port for supplying liquid is provided at the end in the long side direction of the liquid injection head in a manner that avoids electrical elements arranged on the central side (for example, see Patent Document 2).

[0006] However, in the liquid jet head of Patent Document 1, since the flow path length from the connection point of the supplied liquid to each filter chamber is different, there is a problem that causes a deviation in the pressure loss between the nozzles of the same series in the head chip and a deviation in the droplet ejection characteristics, which may lead to a decrease in print quality.

[0007] Furthermore, as in Patent Document 2, in a structure where multiple supply ports for supplying liquid are arranged in the long side direction of the liquid jet head, thereby providing multiple supply ports at positions offset from the area where multiple filter chambers are provided, there is a problem that pressure loss between nozzles of the same series in the head chip is more likely to occur, and deviations will occur in the droplet ejection characteristics, which may lead to a decrease in print quality.

[0008] Furthermore, this problem exists not only in inkjet recorders but also in liquid ejection heads that eject liquids other than ink.

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-196169

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-49874 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, relates to a liquid injection head characterized in that it sprays liquid in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, with a first direction as its length direction and a second direction as its width direction, and includes: a first inlet for introducing liquid from the outside; a second inlet for introducing liquid from the outside; a first filter chamber group having a first filter chamber and a second filter chamber; a second filter chamber group having a third filter chamber and a fourth filter chamber; a first supply channel for supplying liquid from the first inlet to the first filter chamber group; and a second supply channel for supplying liquid from the second inlet to the second filter chamber group, wherein the first inlet, the second inlet, the first filter chamber group, and the second filter chamber group are arranged in this order toward the first direction.

[0012] Furthermore, other aspects of the present invention relate to a liquid injection device, characterized by comprising: a liquid injection head as described above; and a conveying unit for conveying a medium. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the general structure of a recording device.

[0014] Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of the head module.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the head module.

[0016] Figure 4 A stereoscopic view of the recording head viewed in the +Z direction.

[0017] Figure 5 An exploded stereoscopic view of the recording head viewed in the +Z direction.

[0018] Figure 6 An exploded stereoscopic view of the recording head viewed in the -Z direction.

[0019] Figure 7 A plan view observed in the +Z direction to illustrate the shape of the recording head.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a planar view of the recording head viewed in the -Z direction.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the chip head.

[0022] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating the flow channels of the head chip.

[0023] Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the flow channel.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a three-dimensional view of the flow channel.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a plan view of the flow channel.

[0026] Figure 14 The plan view of the first supply channel and the second supply channel was extracted.

[0027] Figure 15 The side views of the first supply channel and the second supply channel were extracted.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a plan view of the first filter chamber group and the second filter chamber group.

[0029] Figure 17 The plan view of the first filter chamber group was extracted.

[0030] Figure 18 The plan views of the first discharge channel and the second discharge channel were extracted.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a side view of the first discharge channel and the second discharge channel.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a plan view showing a modified example of the first filter chamber assembly.

[0033] Figure 21 This is a plan view showing a modified example of the first filter chamber assembly.

[0034] Figure 22 A three-dimensional view showing a portion of the first supply channel. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the following description, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments. However, the following description is an illustration of one aspect of the present invention and can be modified arbitrarily within the scope of the present invention. Components marked with the same symbol in the various figures represent the same component, and thus descriptions are appropriately omitted. Furthermore, in the various figures, X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, the directions along these axes will be defined as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. The direction in which the arrow marks in each figure point will be defined as the positive (+) direction, and the opposite direction of the arrow marks will be defined as the negative (-) direction. Furthermore, the Z direction represents the vertical direction, the +Z direction represents vertically downward, and the -Z direction represents vertically upward. Moreover, the three spatial axes X, Y, and Z, which do not have defined positive and negative directions, will be described as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. Furthermore, in the following Embodiment 1, as an example, the "first direction" will be defined as the +X direction, the "second direction" as the +Y direction, and the "third direction" as the +Z direction.

[0036] Implementation Method 1

[0037] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the outline structure of an inkjet recording device 1, which is an example of a "liquid jetting device" according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, an inkjet recording device 1, as an example of a liquid jetting device, is a printing device that jets ink, a type of liquid, in the form of ink droplets onto a medium S such as printing paper, and prints images, etc., by arranging the dots formed on the medium S. Furthermore, the medium S can be any material other than recording paper, such as resin film or cloth.

[0039] The inkjet recording device 1 includes: a head module 100, a liquid container 2, a control unit 3 as a control unit, a delivery mechanism 4 for delivering a medium S, and a moving mechanism 6. The head module 100 includes an inkjet recording head 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the recording head 10) as an example of a "liquid jet head".

[0040] The liquid container 2 independently stores various types (e.g., various colors) of ink ejected from the inkjet recording device 100. Examples of liquid containers 2 include, for instance, ink cartridges that are removable from the inkjet recording device 1, ink pouches formed of flexible films, and ink refill containers. Furthermore, although not specifically illustrated, the liquid container 2 stores various types and colors of ink.

[0041] Although not specifically illustrated, the control unit 3 is configured to include, for example, a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and a storage device such as semiconductor memory. The control unit 3 executes a program stored in the storage device via the control device to comprehensively control various elements of the inkjet recording device 1, namely the transport mechanism 4, the movement mechanism 6, and the head module 100.

[0042] The conveying mechanism 4 is an example of a "conveyor unit" that is controlled by the control unit 3 to convey the medium S in the -X or +X direction, and it includes, for example, a conveyor roller 4a. However, the conveying mechanism 4 for conveying the medium S is not limited to the conveyor roller 4a; it can also be a mechanism that conveys the medium S via a belt or rollers.

[0043] The moving mechanism 6 is controlled by the control unit 3 to move the head module 100 back and forth along the Y-axis in the +Y and -Y directions. The +Y and -Y directions in which the head module 100 moves back and forth by the moving mechanism 6 are directions that intersect with the -X or +X direction in which the medium S is transported.

[0044] The moving mechanism 6 of this embodiment includes a conveyor body 7 and a conveyor belt 8. The conveyor body 7 is a generally box-shaped structure, a so-called carriage, that houses the head module 100, and is fixed to the conveyor belt 8. The conveyor belt 8 is a seamless belt that is mounted along the Y-axis. The conveyor belt 8 is rotated based on control implemented by the control unit 3, thereby causing the head module 100 and the conveyor body 7 to move back and forth along the Y-axis in the +Y and -Y directions. In addition, the liquid container 2 can also be mounted on the conveyor body 7 together with the head module 100.

[0045] In this embodiment, two liquid containers 2 are provided, and ink is supplied from both liquid containers 2 for a single recording head 10. Additionally, in Figure 1 In the diagram, multiple liquid containers 2 are collectively represented as one. Two liquid containers 2 corresponding to a record head 10 are designated as liquid container 2A and liquid container 2B, respectively. A supply pipe TAin and a discharge pipe TAout are connected to liquid container 2A. A supply pipe TBin and a discharge pipe TBout are connected to liquid container 2B. The supply pipe TAin, discharge pipe TAout, supply pipe TBin, and discharge pipe TBout are collectively referred to as pipes.

[0046] Supply pipes TAin and TBin are pipes that supply ink to the recording head 10 in liquid containers 2A and 2B, which are pressurized by pump 200. Discharge pipes TAout and TBout are pipes that discharge ink discharged from the recording head 10 into liquid containers 2A and 2B.

[0047] Such liquid containers 2A and 2B, and the aforementioned pipes are provided for each record head 10.

[0048] The recording head 10 ejects ink supplied from the liquid container 2 into the medium S in the form of droplets, i.e., ink droplets, based on control implemented by the control unit 3. Furthermore, the ink droplets are ejected from the recording head 10 in the +Z direction. Moreover, while the medium S is conveyed in the -X or +X direction using the conveying mechanism 4, and the recording head 10 is conveyed along the Y-axis using the moving mechanism 6, ink droplets are ejected into the medium S through the recording head 10, thereby forming the desired image on the medium S.

[0049] Regarding header module 100, refer to... Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 Let me explain in detail. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the head module 100 involved in this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a plan view of the head module 100.

[0050] The head module 100 includes a support body 101 and a plurality of recording heads 10. The support body 101 is a plate-shaped component that supports the plurality of recording heads 10. Support holes 102 for holding each recording head 10 are provided on the support body 101. In this embodiment, the support holes 102 are provided independently for each recording head 10. Of course, it is also possible to adopt an arrangement in which the support holes 102 are provided continuously across the plurality of recording heads 10.

[0051] The recording head 10 is inserted into the support hole 102, and the flange portion 35 of the recording head 10, described later (see reference) Figure 4 The head chip 44 of the recording head 10 is supported by the edge of the support hole 102. Figure 6 The side protrudes from the +Z direction side of the support body 101.

[0052] Each recording head 10 has a fixing port 103 at both ends in the +X and -X directions. The support body 101 has screw holes 104 for fixing each recording head 10. Each recording head 10 is fixed to the support body 101 by inserting a screw 105 through the fixing port 103 and screwing it into the screw hole 104.

[0053] In this embodiment, two recording heads 10 are fixed to the support body 101 along the X-axis, four are fixed along the Y-axis, and a total of eight are fixed. Each recording head 10 is arranged in a manner where the nozzle N, as described below, is arranged side by side in a direction consistent with the X-axis.

[0054] Here, refer to Figures 4 to 8 The recording header 10 of this embodiment will be described below. Additionally, Figure 4 To record the stereoscopic image of head 10. Figure 5 An exploded stereoscopic view of the recording head 10 was observed in the +Z direction. Figure 6 An exploded stereoscopic view of the recording head 10 was observed in the -Z direction. Figure 7 A plan view illustrating the shape of the recording head 10. Figure 8 A plan view of the head chip 44 set in the recording head 10, viewed in the +Z direction.

[0055] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the recording head 10 has a shape with the +X direction as its length and the +Y direction as its width. Here, the recording head 10 having the +X direction as its length and the +Y direction as its width means that when the recording head 10 is viewed in the +Z direction, and the rectangle containing the smallest area of ​​the recording head 10 is set to R, the long side E1 is arranged along the +X direction, and the short side E2 is arranged along the +Y direction.

[0056] This recording head 10 includes: a plurality of head chips 44 provided with nozzles N for ejecting ink droplets; a holder 30 for holding the head chips 44; a flow channel member 60 for supplying ink to the head chips 44; a connector 75 connected to wiring for sending control signals to or receiving control signals from the head chips 44; and a cover member 65 that internally houses the flow channel member 60. In this embodiment, one recording head 10 includes two head chips 44. Furthermore, although details will be described later, the two head chips 44 are arranged at different positions in the +X direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the head chip 44 arranged on the +X direction side is referred to as the first head chip 44A, and the head chip 44 arranged on the -X direction side is referred to as the second head chip 44B.

[0057] Here, regarding the head chip 44 of this embodiment, further reference is made... Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 To explain further. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the head chip 44. Figure 10This diagram schematically illustrates the flow path of the first head chip 44A. Furthermore, the various orientations of the head chip 44 are described based on the orientations used in the recording head 10, namely the X, Y, and Z directions. Additionally, in the following description, while structures common to both the first head chip 44A and the second head chip 44B will be referred to as "head chip 44," structures unique to each of the first head chip 44A and the second head chip 44B will be described as either "first head chip 44A" or "second head chip 44B."

[0058] like Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the head chip 44 of this embodiment has the following structure: a pressure chamber substrate 482, a vibration plate 483, a piezoelectric actuator 484, a frame portion 485, and a protective substrate 486 are disposed on one side of the flow channel forming substrate 481, i.e., the -Z direction side, and a nozzle plate 487 and a buffer plate 488 are disposed on the other side of the flow channel forming substrate 481, i.e., the +Z direction side.

[0059] The flow channel forming substrate 481, pressure chamber substrate 482, and nozzle plate 487 are formed, for example, by a silicon flat plate, and the frame portion 485 is formed, for example, by injection molding of a resin material. A plurality of nozzles N are formed on the nozzle plate 487. The surface of the nozzle plate 487 opposite to the flow channel forming substrate 481 is called the nozzle surface.

[0060] The flow channel forming substrate 481 has an opening 481A, an independent flow channel 481B serving as a throttling flow channel, and a connecting flow channel 481C. The independent flow channel 481B and the connecting flow channel 481C are through holes formed for each nozzle N, and the opening 481A is a continuous opening spanning multiple nozzles N. The buffer plate 488 is a flexible substrate made of a flat plate, disposed on the surface of the flow channel forming substrate 481 opposite to the pressure chamber substrate 482, and blocking the opening 481A. Pressure fluctuations within the opening 481A are absorbed by the buffer plate 488 through flexible deformation.

[0061] A manifold SR is formed in the frame portion 485 as a common liquid chamber communicating with the opening 481A of the flow channel forming substrate 481. The manifold SR is a space for storing ink supplied to multiple nozzles N, and it is continuously arranged across multiple nozzles N. Furthermore, as Figure 10 As shown, the frame portion 485 is provided with an inlet Rin for ink to be supplied from the upstream side to the manifold SR, and an outlet Rout for ink to be discharged from the manifold SR to the downstream side. Additionally, in Figure 10In this diagram, the inlet Rin is represented by "in" and the outlet Rout by "out". Although the details will be described later, the inlet Rin is connected to the supply pipes PAin and PBin of the flow channel component 60 via the first supply channel Sa and the second supply channel Sb, and the outlet Rout is connected to the discharge pipes PAout and PBout of the flow channel component 60 via the first discharge channel Da and the second discharge channel Db.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 8 as well as Figure 10 As shown, a nozzle array is formed by nozzles N arranged side-by-side along the +X direction, which is the first direction, on the head chip 44. Furthermore, multiple rows of nozzle arrays formed by the side-by-side arrangement of nozzles N in the +X direction are provided on the head chip 44 along the +Y direction; in this embodiment, two rows are provided. In this embodiment, the one of the two nozzle arrays provided on one head chip 44 that is positioned in the -Y direction is called nozzle array La, and the other that is positioned in the +Y direction is called nozzle array Lb. Moreover, in this embodiment, nozzle array La and nozzle array Lb are collectively referred to as nozzle array L. The positions of the nozzles N in each of the two nozzle arrays La and Lb can be arranged at the same position in the +X direction, i.e., at the overlapping position when viewed in the +Y direction, or the other nozzle array Lb can be arranged relative to one nozzle array La by offsetting half a pitch of nozzle N in the +X direction.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two nozzle columns La and Lb of the first head chip 44A are referred to as the first nozzle column La1 and the third nozzle column Lb1. Moreover, the inlet Ri that communicates with the first nozzle column La1 among the two inlet Ri of the first head chip 44A is referred to as the first inlet Ri1, and the inlet Ri that communicates with the third nozzle column Lb1 is referred to as the third inlet Ri3.

[0064] Furthermore, the two nozzle columns La and Lb of the second head chip 44B are referred to as the second nozzle column La2 and the fourth nozzle column Lb2. Moreover, the inlet port Ri that communicates with the second nozzle column La2 among the two inlet ports Ri of the second head chip 44B is referred to as the second inlet port Ri2, and the inlet port Ri that communicates with the fourth nozzle column Lb2 is referred to as the fourth inlet port Ri4.

[0065] like Figure 10As shown, the inlet Rin of the first head chip 44A is disposed at one end of the manifold SR relative to the parallel arrangement direction of the nozzles N, and in this embodiment, it is disposed at the -X direction side. The outlet Rout is disposed at the other end of the manifold SR relative to the parallel arrangement direction of the nozzles N, and in this embodiment, it is disposed at the +X direction side. Furthermore, the ink supplied to the manifold SR from the inlet Rin is discharged to the outside of the manifold SR from the outlet Rout. That is, the ink circulates within the manifold SR. In other words, in one head chip 44, two ink circulation channels are formed to the inlet Rin, the manifold SR connected to one nozzle row L, and the outlet Rout.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the inlet Rin of the second head chip 44B is configured on the other end of the manifold SR, i.e., the +X direction side, relative to the parallel arrangement direction of the nozzle N, and the outlet Rout is configured on one end of the manifold SR, i.e., the -X direction side, relative to the parallel arrangement direction of the nozzle N.

[0067] In other words, the first chip 44A and the second chip 44B are configured such that the positions of the inlet Rin and the outlet Rout are reversed in the +X direction.

[0068] In the pressure chamber substrate 482 of the head chip 44, an opening 482A is formed for each nozzle N. The vibrating plate 483 is a flat plate that can elastically deform, disposed on the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 482 opposite to the flow channel forming substrate 481. The space between the vibrating plate 483 and the flow channel forming substrate 481 inside each opening 482A of the pressure chamber substrate 482 functions as a pressure chamber SC filled with ink supplied from the manifold SR via an independent flow channel 481B. Each pressure chamber SC is connected to the nozzle N via a connecting flow channel 481C of the flow channel forming substrate 481.

[0069] On the surface of the vibrating plate 483 opposite to the pressure chamber substrate 482, a piezoelectric actuator 484 is formed for each nozzle N. Each piezoelectric actuator 484 is a driving element, also called a piezoelectric element, that places a piezoelectric body between opposing electrodes. The piezoelectric actuator 484 deforms based on a driving signal to vibrate the vibrating plate 483, thereby changing the pressure of the ink in the pressure chamber SC, and thus causing the ink in the pressure chamber SC to be ejected from the nozzle N. Furthermore, a protective substrate 486 protects the plurality of piezoelectric actuators 484.

[0070] Alternatively, instead of the piezoelectric actuator 484, actuators that arrange heating elements in the flow channel and cause ink droplets to be ejected from the nozzle N by using the foam generated by the heating of the heating elements, and so-called electrostatic actuators that generate electrostatic force between the vibrating plate 483 and the electrode and deform the vibrating plate 483 by the electrostatic force to cause ink droplets to be ejected from the nozzle N, can be used.

[0071] This head chip 44 sets the parallel arrangement direction of the nozzles N, i.e., the +X direction, as the length direction. Here, setting the +X direction as the length direction means that when viewed from the +Z direction, the long side of the rectangle containing the smallest area of ​​the head chip 44 is arranged along the +X direction. Furthermore, the head chip 44 sets the +Y direction as the width direction. That is, when viewed from the +Z direction, the short side of the rectangle containing the smallest area of ​​the head chip 44 is arranged along the +Y direction. In this way, by setting the parallel arrangement direction of the nozzles N as the length direction, the head chip 44 ensures the length of the nozzle array L with the nozzles N arranged side-by-side and suppresses the possibility of excessive size in the +Y direction.

[0072] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, multiple such head chips 44 are provided on a recording head 10, and in this embodiment, two are provided. Specifically, the two head chips 44 are held by a common holder 30 of the recording head 10.

[0073] The retainer 30 has a recess 33 with an opening on the +Z direction side surface, and a concave receiving portion 31 is provided on the bottom surface of the recess 33, i.e., the -Z direction side surface within the recess 33. The recess 33 has an opening of a size and shape for inserting and fixing the fixing plate 36. In addition, the receiving portion 31 has an opening of a size and shape for storing the head chip 44.

[0074] The holder 30 is provided with a plurality of connecting channels 34 for the flow of ink between the head chip 44 and the flow channel component 60. One end of each connecting channel 34 opens on the bottom surface of the receiving portion 31, i.e., the -Z direction surface within the receiving portion 31, thereby communicating with the two inlet ports Rin and the two outlet ports Rout of the head chip 44, respectively. Therefore, four connecting channels 34 are provided for each head chip 44. Furthermore, the other end of each connecting channel 34 opens on the -Z direction side surface of the holder 30, specifically communicating with the first supply channel Sa, the second supply channel Sb, the first discharge channel Da, and the second discharge channel Db of the flow channel component 60, as described later.

[0075] Furthermore, the retainer 30 is provided with a plurality of wiring insertion holes 39 (not shown) for connecting the peer chip 44 and the relay substrate 73. The wiring insertion holes 39 are provided such that they open on the bottom surface of the housing 31, i.e., the surface on the -Z direction side of the housing 31, and also open on the surface on the -Z direction side of the retainer 30.

[0076] A pair of flanges 35 protruding in the +X and -X directions respectively are provided on the -Z direction side of the retainer 30. A fixing hole 103 for the screw 105 to be inserted is provided on the flange 35 in a through manner in the +Z direction.

[0077] Each head chip 44 is fixed to the fixing plate 36. Specifically, the fixing plate 36 is shaped to be housed in the recess 33, and an exposed opening 37 is formed at a predetermined position. Each head chip 44 is fixed to the fixing plate 36 with an adhesive or the like, such that a buffer plate 488 is covered by the fixing plate 36 and the nozzle N, i.e., the nozzle plate 487, protrudes from the exposed opening 37. In this manner, the head chips 44 fixed to the fixing plate 36 are housed in the housing 31 with the nozzle plate 487 side being the +Z direction side. The fixing plate 36 is fixed to the recess 33 with an adhesive or the like. Furthermore, the -Z direction side surface of the head chip 44 is bonded to the bottom of the housing 31, i.e., the -Z direction side surface of the inner surface of the housing 31, with an adhesive.

[0078] That is, the head chip 44 is housed in the space formed by the housing part 31 and the fixing plate 36, and the nozzle N is exposed from the exposed opening 37. In addition, the housing part 31 may be provided in a common manner across multiple head chips 44.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the plurality of head chips 44 held by the holder 30 are arranged in such a way that their positions on the XY plane, determined by the X and Y axes, are different from each other. That is, when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction, two head chips 44 are positioned in a position that does not overlap. In other words, the first nozzle array La1 and the second nozzle array La2 are arranged in a way that they are offset at different positions in both the +X and +Y directions. Furthermore, the fact that two head chips 44 are positioned in different positions on the XY plane means that the nozzle surfaces of the head chips 44 are positioned in different positions relative to each other. Therefore, the portions of the plurality of head chips 44 other than their nozzle surfaces can also be positioned in a position that overlaps when viewed in the +Z direction. In this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown, a first head chip 44A is configured on the +X direction side, and a second head chip 44B is configured on the -X direction side.

[0080] Moreover, in this embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the nozzle arrays L of the two head chips 44 are arranged to partially overlap each other in the +X direction, thereby forming a continuous array of nozzles N spanning the +X direction. In other words, by arranging the first nozzle array La1 of the first head chip 44A and the second nozzle array La2 of the second head chip 44B in a manner that partially overlaps each other when viewed in the +Y direction, a continuous array of nozzles N along the +X direction can be formed by the first nozzle array La1 and the second nozzle array La2. Furthermore, "arranging the first nozzle array La1 of the first head chip 44A and the second nozzle array La2 of the second head chip 44B in a manner that partially overlaps each other when viewed in the +Y direction" also includes the case where the range of the first nozzle array La1 of the first head chip 44A in the +X direction, in other words, from the nozzle N of the first nozzle array La1 arranged most in the +X direction to the nozzle N arranged most in the -X direction, overlaps with the range of the second nozzle array La2 of the second head chip 44B in the +X direction when viewed in the +Y direction, in other words, from the nozzle N of the second nozzle array La2 arranged most in the +X direction to the nozzle N arranged most in the -X direction. That is, it is not necessarily limited to the structure where the nozzle N constituting the first nozzle array La1 of the first head chip 44A and the nozzle N constituting the second nozzle array La2 of the second head chip 44B are located at the same position in the +X direction.

[0081] Similarly, the third nozzle column Lb1 of the first head chip 44A and the fourth nozzle column Lb2 of the second head chip 44B are arranged in a position where they overlap when viewed in the +Y direction, so that a column of nozzles N that is continuous along the +X direction can be formed by the third nozzle column Lb1 and the fourth nozzle column Lb2. In addition, the definition of "arranging the third nozzle column Lb1 of the first head chip 44A and the fourth nozzle column Lb2 of the second head chip 44B in a manner that partially overlaps each other when viewed in the +Y direction" is the same as the definition of "arranging the first nozzle column La1 of the first head chip 44A and the second nozzle column La2 of the second head chip 44B in a manner that partially overlaps each other when viewed in the +Y direction" described above, so the repeated explanation is omitted.

[0082] Thus, by configuring the first inlet Rin1 of the first head chip 44A on the -X direction side and configuring the second inlet Rin2 of the second head chip 44B on the +X direction side, the first inlet Rin1 and the second inlet Rin2 can be configured to be relatively close in the +X direction. However, by configuring the first nozzle array La1 and the second nozzle array La2 such that they partially overlap each other when viewed in the +Y direction, the first inlet Rin1 communicating with the first nozzle array La1 and the second inlet Rin2 communicating with the second nozzle array La2 are configured to be offset from each other in the +X direction.

[0083] Similarly, by configuring the third inlet Rin3 of the first head chip 44A on the -X direction side and configuring the fourth inlet Rin4 of the second head chip 44B on the +X direction side, the third inlet Rin3 and the fourth inlet Rin4 can be configured at a relatively close position in the +X direction. However, by configuring the third nozzle array Lb1 and the fourth nozzle array Lb2 such that they partially overlap when viewed in the +Y direction, the third inlet Rin3 communicating with the third nozzle array Lb1 and the fourth inlet Rin4 communicating with the fourth nozzle array Lb2 are configured to be offset from each other in the +X direction. In this embodiment, the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3 are configured at a position offset in the -X direction relative to the second inlet Rin2 and the fourth inlet Rin4.

[0084] Here, use Figure 7 The shape of the recording head 10 when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction will be described. The recording head 10 has a first part P1 ( Figure 7 Parts indicated by shading in the middle), Part 2 P2 and Part 3 P3.

[0085] When the rectangle containing the smallest area of ​​the recording head 10 is defined as R, the long side E1 of the rectangle R overlaps with the side of the holder 30 along the +X direction, and the short side E2 of the rectangle R overlaps with the side of the holder 30 along the +Y direction. An imaginary centerline parallel to the long side E1 of the rectangle R is defined as L1.

[0086] The first part, P1, is the rectangular section through which the centerline L1 passes.

[0087] The second part P2 is a rectangular portion protruding from the first part P1 in the direction opposite to the +X direction, i.e., the -X direction. Furthermore, the dimension W2 of the second part P2 in the +Y direction is smaller than the dimension W1 of the first part P1 in the +Y direction. Additionally, the second part P2 is configured such that it is biased towards the +Y direction or the opposite direction (-Y direction) relative to the first part P1. This configuration means that, even if the position of the centerline L2 of the second part P2 is not consistent with the centerline L1 of the first part P1, the centerline L2 is offset towards the +Y or -Y direction relative to the centerline L1. Preferably, the sides of the first part P1 and the second part P2 are continuous in a straight line. However, this is not a limitation; the sides of the first part P1 and the second part P2 may also be discontinuous in a straight line.

[0088] Furthermore, preferably, the dimension W2 in the +Y direction of the second portion P2 is less than half the dimension W1 in the +Y direction of the first portion P1 (W2 < W1 / 2), and the second portion P2 is positioned relative to the center of the first portion P1 in the +Y direction, or in the opposite direction, i.e., the -Y direction. In other words, the second portion P2 is positioned with a dimension and location in the +Y direction such that the center line L1 representing the center of the first portion P1 does not pass through it. Therefore, since the recording head 10 can be further miniaturized in the +Y direction, it is easy to arrange multiple recording heads 10 on the support 101, thereby enabling miniaturization of the head module 100 in the +Y direction. Furthermore, the nozzle arrays of the recording heads 10 can overlap each other in the +X direction while being arranged along the +X direction. Of course, the second portion P2 can either have a dimension W2 in the +Y direction such that the center line L1 would pass through it, or it can be positioned offset in the +Y direction such that the center line L1 would pass through it.

[0089] The third part P3 is a rectangular portion protruding in the +X direction from the first part P1. Furthermore, the dimension of the third part P3 in the +Y direction is smaller than the dimension of the first part P1 in the +Y direction. Additionally, the third part P3 is configured to be biased towards the +Y direction relative to the first part P1, or in the opposite direction (-Y direction). Furthermore, the configuration of the third part P3 biased towards the +Y or -Y direction relative to the first part P1 means that, even if the position of the centerline L3 of the third part P3 is not consistent with the centerline L1 of the first part P1, the centerline L3 is offset towards the +Y or -Y direction relative to the centerline L1.

[0090] In this embodiment, the third portion P3 is configured with a width in the +Y direction such that the center line L1 does not pass through it, and is biased in the -Y direction relative to the first portion P1. Of course, the third portion P3 may have a width in the +Y direction such that the center line L1 passes through it, or the third portion P3 may be configured at a position biased in the -Y direction such that the center line L1 passes through it.

[0091] In the first part P1, the second part P2, and the third part P3, the nozzle surface of the head chip 44 is configured at different positions in the +X and +Y directions. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, when the recording heads 10 are arranged side by side along the +X direction to form a head module 100, by making one recording head 10 (in Figure 8 The middle part is the second part P2 of the record head 10 configured in the +X direction, and the other record head 10 (in Figure 8 The third portion P3 of the recording head 10, which is positioned in the -X direction, is arranged opposite each other in the +Y direction, so that the nozzles N of the recording heads 10 that are adjacent to each other in the +X direction partially overlap in the +X direction, thereby forming a row of nozzles N that are continuous across the +X direction. Furthermore, when the recording heads 10 are arranged side by side along the +X direction, miniaturization can be achieved in the +Y direction by setting the second portion P2 and the third portion P3.

[0092] Furthermore, although this embodiment employs the method of providing a third portion P3 in the recording head 10, it is not particularly limited to this, and the third portion P3 may not be provided. That is, when the recording heads 10 are arranged side by side along the +X direction as the head module 100, by arranging the second portions P2 of one recording head 10 and the second portions P2 of another recording head 10 opposite each other in the +Y direction, the nozzles N of the recording heads 10 that are adjacent to each other in the +X direction partially overlap in the +X direction, thereby forming a row of nozzles N that are continuous across the +X direction. However, when three or more recording heads 10 are arranged side by side along the +X direction, the method of providing a third portion P3 in the recording head 10 makes it easier to form nozzles N that are continuous across the +X direction, and also enables miniaturization in the +Y direction.

[0093] Here, further reference Figure 11 The flow channel component 60 will be described in detail. Additionally, Figure 11 A schematic diagram illustrating the flow channel.

[0094] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 11As shown, the flow channel component 60 is a component that forms a flow channel for supplying ink to the head chip 44. In the flow channel component 60 of this embodiment, a first supply channel Sa and a second supply channel Sb for supplying ink to the head chip 44, and a first discharge channel Da and a second discharge channel Db for discharging ink from the head chip 44 are formed. As described above, since the head chip 44 of this embodiment is provided with two manifolds SR, and each manifold SR is provided with an inlet Rin and an outlet Rout, both types of ink are supplied and discharged in the head chip 44 for circulation. Therefore, the flow channel component 60 is provided with a first supply channel Sa that is connected to two inlet ports Rin respectively provided on different head chips 44, a second supply channel Sb that is connected to two inlet ports Rin respectively provided on different head chips 44, a first discharge channel Da that is connected to two outlet ports Rout respectively provided on different head chips 44, and a second discharge channel Db that is connected to two outlet ports Rout respectively provided on different head chips 44.

[0095] Furthermore, cylindrical supply pipes PAin, PBin, discharge pipe PAout, and discharge pipe PBout protruding in the -Z direction are provided on the surface of the flow channel component 60. For example... Figure 7 As shown, a first inlet section Sa1, which is part of a first supply channel Sa, is provided inside the supply pipe PAin, and a second inlet section Sb1, which is part of a second supply channel Sb, is provided inside the supply pipe PBin. Furthermore, a first discharge section Da3, which is part of a first discharge channel Da, is provided inside the discharge pipe PAout, and a second discharge section Db3, which is part of a second discharge channel Db, is provided inside the discharge pipe PBout.

[0096] Each supply pipe (PAin, PBin) and discharge pipe (PAout, PBout) is connected to a conduit, or the conduit can be disconnected. A supply conduit (TAin) is connected to the supply pipe (PAin), and a supply conduit (TBin) is connected to the supply pipe (PBin). Furthermore, a discharge conduit (TAout) is connected to the discharge pipe (PAout), and a discharge conduit (TBout) is connected to the discharge pipe (PBout).

[0097] Although details will be described later, the first supply channel Sa branches into two within the flow channel component 60. Each branched flow channel communicates with the connecting channel 34 formed on the retainer 30 (see reference). Figure 5 Similarly, the second supply channel Sb branches into two within the flow channel component 60. Each branched flow channel communicates with the communication channel 34 formed on the holder 30 (see reference). Figure 5 Connect.

[0098] The first discharge channel Da branches into two within the flow channel component 60. Each branched flow channel communicates with the communication channel 34 formed on the retainer 30 (see reference). Figure 5 Similarly, the second discharge channel Db branches into two within the flow channel component 60. Each branched flow channel communicates with the communicating channel 34 formed on the retainer 30 (see reference). Figure 5 Connect.

[0099] The ink in liquid container 2A is pressurized to a predetermined pressure by pump 200 and supplied to the first supply channel Sa via supply pipe TAin and supply pipe PAin. Furthermore, the ink branches in the first supply channel Sa and is supplied to one inlet Rin of the two head chips 44 via the communication channel 34 of the holder 30. Specifically, the ink supplied to the first supply channel Sa is supplied to the first inlet Rin1 of the first head chip 44A and the second inlet Rin2 of the second head chip 44B. Additionally, the ink supplied from the second supply channel Sb is supplied to the third inlet Rin3 of the first head chip 44A and the fourth inlet Rin4 of the second head chip 44B. Furthermore, the ink discharged from the outlet Rout of the two head chips 44 converges in the first discharge channel Da via the communication channel 34 of the holder 30 and returns to liquid container 2A via discharge pipe PAout and discharge pipe TAout. The liquid container 2A, supply pipe TAin, supply pipe PAin, discharge pipe PAout, and discharge pipe TAout adopt a structure that maintains the respective nozzles N of the first head chip 44A and the second head chip 44B at a negative pressure within a predetermined range.

[0100] The ink in liquid container 2B is pressurized to a predetermined pressure by pump 200 and supplied to the second supply channel Sb via supply pipe Tbin and supply pipe PBin. Furthermore, the ink branches in the second supply channel Sb and is supplied to another inlet Rin of the two head chips 44 via connecting channel 34. The ink discharged from the outlets Rout of the two head chips 44 flows through connecting channel 34 into the second discharge channel Db, and returns to liquid container 2B via discharge pipe PBout and discharge pipe TBout. Liquid container 2B, supply pipe TBin, supply pipe PBin, discharge pipe PBout, and discharge pipe TBout also employ the same structure as liquid container 2A, maintaining the respective nozzles N of the first head chip 44A and the second head chip 44B at a negative pressure within a predetermined range.

[0101] In addition, as mentioned above, a connecting channel 34 for ink flow is provided on the retainer 30, so that the retainer 30 also functions as a flow channel component.

[0102] like Figure 5As shown, this flow channel component 60 is housed within a cover component 65 fixed on the -Z side of the retainer 30.

[0103] Furthermore, four through holes 67 are provided on the cover component 65 on the surface in the -Z direction, so that the supply pipe PAin, supply pipe PBin, discharge pipe PAout, and discharge pipe PBout are exposed to the outside through these four through holes 67.

[0104] In addition, such as Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, a relay board 73 with a connector 75 is housed inside the cover member 65. The connector 75, which is provided on the relay board 73, protrudes to the outside from a through hole, i.e., a connection opening 63, provided on the surface of the cover member 65 in the -Z direction direction, and a wiring (not shown) for connecting to an external control unit 3 is connected to the connector 75.

[0105] Furthermore, the aforementioned supply pipes PAin and PBin, namely the first inlet Sa1 and the second inlet Sb1 (details to be described later), are provided in the second portion P2 of the recording head 10. Furthermore, the discharge pipes PAout and PBout, namely the first discharge section Da3 and the second discharge section Db3 (details to be described later), are provided in the third portion P3 of the recording head 10. Additionally, the connector 75, as an electrical element of this embodiment, is provided in the first portion P1 of the recording head 10. In this embodiment, the supply pipe PAin with the first inlet Sa1 and the supply pipe PBin with the second inlet Sb1 are arranged in this order facing the +X direction. That is, the first inlet Sa1 and the second inlet Sb1 are arranged at the same position in the +Y direction but at different positions in the +X direction, and the second inlet Sb1 is arranged on the +X direction side relative to the first inlet Sa1, using the first inlet Sa1 as a reference. Furthermore, although in this embodiment the first inlet section Sa1 and the second inlet section Sb1 are arranged in the same position in the +Y direction, this is not a limitation. The first inlet section Sa1 and the second inlet section Sb1 may also be arranged in different positions in the +Y direction. In addition, the two discharge pipes PAout and PBout are also arranged in the same order facing the +X direction.

[0106] Thus, by providing the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1, and the first outlet portion Da3 and the second outlet portion Db3 in the second portion P2 and the third portion P3, it is not necessary to place the space for providing the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1, the first outlet portion Da3 and the second outlet portion Db3 in the flow channel component 60 on the outer side compared to the first portion P1, the second portion P2, and the third portion P3, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the flow channel component 60. Furthermore, by providing the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1, the first outlet portion Da3 and the second outlet portion Db3 in the second portion P2 and the third portion P3, the connector 75 can be provided in the first portion P1, thereby effectively utilizing space to achieve miniaturization of the flow channel component 60. Furthermore, by providing the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1, the first outlet portion Da3 and the second outlet portion Db3 in the second portion P2 and the third portion P3, the supply pipe PAin and the supply pipe PBin, the outlet pipe PAout and the outlet pipe PBout can be provided at a position away from the connector 75 provided in the first portion P1. Therefore, when the supply pipe PAin and the supply pipe PBin, the outlet pipe PAout and the outlet pipe PBout are disassembled and assembled, respectively, ink leaking out is less likely to adhere to the connector 75, thereby suppressing electrical defects caused by ink adhering to the connector 75.

[0107] Furthermore, it is preferable that the dimension W3 of the first inlet portion Sa1 in the +Y direction is more than half of the dimension W2 of the second portion P2 in the +Y direction (W3 ≥ W2 / 2). Additionally, it is preferable that the dimension W4 of the second inlet portion Sb1 in the +Y direction is more than half of the dimension W2 of the second portion P2 in the +Y direction (W4 ≥ W2 / 2). Thus, by setting the respective dimensions W3 and W4 of the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 to more than half of the dimension W2 of the second portion P2, the dimensions of the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 can be increased, thereby improving the supply performance. Furthermore, even though the first inlet section Sa1 and the second inlet section Sb1 are offset in the +X direction to reduce the size W2 in the +Y direction of the second part P2, the deviation in the flow length of the first supply channel Sa2 connecting the first inlet section Sa1 and the first filter chamber group Fa, and the second supply channel Sb2 connecting the second inlet section Sb1 and the second filter chamber group Fb can be reduced by arranging the first inlet section Sa1, the second inlet section Sb1, and the second filter chamber group Fb in this order, as described in detail later. Therefore, the deviation in pressure loss between the first supply channel Sa2 and the second supply channel Sb2 can be reduced.

[0108] Here, further reference Figures 12 to 20 The flow channels provided in the flow channel component 60 and the retainer 30 will be described. Figure 12 The main feature is a three-dimensional view of the flow channel formed inside the flow channel component 60. Figure 13 It is mainly a plan view of the flow channel formed inside the flow channel component 60. Figure 14 The plan view of the first supply channel Sa and the second supply channel Sb was extracted. Figure 15 The side views of the first supply channel Sa and the second supply channel Sb were extracted. Figure 16 This is a plan view of the first filter chamber group Fa and the second filter chamber group Fb. Figure 17 A plan view of the first filter chamber group Fa was extracted. Figure 18 The plan view of the first discharge channel Da and the second discharge channel Db was extracted. Figure 19 The side view of the first discharge channel Da and the second discharge channel Db was extracted.

[0109] like Figure 5 As shown, the flow channel component 60 of this embodiment includes a plurality of flow channel substrates stacked on the Z-axis, which are five flow channel substrates in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the five flow channel substrates stacked on the Z-axis are sequentially referred to as the first flow channel substrate 81, the second flow channel substrate 82, the third flow channel substrate 83, the fourth flow channel substrate 84, and the fifth flow channel substrate 85 from the -Z direction side to the +Z direction side.

[0110] like Figure 12 As shown, this flow channel component 60 is provided with a first supply channel Sa and a second supply channel Sb, a first discharge channel Da and a second discharge channel Db. Furthermore, different types of ink are supplied to the first supply channel Sa and the second supply channel Sb in the flow channel component 60. In this embodiment, the two inks are referred to as ink Ia and ink Ib, respectively.

[0111] Here, as Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the first supply channel Sa extends from the upstream side to the downstream side and includes a first inlet Sa1, a first supply channel Sa2, a first filter chamber group Fa having a first filter chamber Fa1 and a second filter chamber Fa2, a first outflow channel Sa3, and a second outflow channel Sa4.

[0112] The first inlet portion Sa1 is a component for introducing ink Ia from the outside into the flow channel component 60, and is provided in such a way that it extends through the first flow channel substrate 81 and the second flow channel substrate 82 from the supply pipe PAin protruding in the -Z direction of the first flow channel substrate 81 and across the Z axis.

[0113] One end of the first supply channel Sa2 is connected to the first inlet Sa1, and it branches off midway. The two other ends of the branch are respectively connected to the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2, which constitute the first filter chamber group Fa. Specifically, the first supply channel Sa2 has a first supply section Sa21, a first through section Sa22, a first connecting section Sa23, a first connecting section Sa24, and a first branch section Sa25, which extend from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0114] The first supply section Sa21 is a component that extends along an in-plane direction in the XY plane, including the X-axis and Y-axis, on the interface where the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83 are fixed to each other. One end of the first supply section Sa21 is connected to the first inlet section Sa1.

[0115] The first through portion Sa22 is provided such that one end is connected to the other end of the first supply portion Sa21, and the other end is open on the surface of the second flow channel substrate 82 in the -Z direction direction, and passes through the second flow channel substrate 82 along the Z axis.

[0116] The first connecting portion Sa23 is a member that extends along the in-plane direction of the XY plane at the interface where the first flow channel substrate 81 and the second flow channel substrate 82 are fixed to each other. One end of the first connecting portion Sa23 is connected to the other end of the first through portion Sa22, which has an opening on the surface of the second flow channel substrate 82 in the -Z direction direction.

[0117] The first connecting portion Sa24 is provided to pass through the second flow channel substrate 82 along the Z-axis, with one end connected to the other end of the first connecting portion Sa23 and the other end open on the surface of the second flow channel substrate 82 in the +Z direction direction.

[0118] The first branch Sa25 is a component equivalent to a "branch channel" and is provided on the interface where the second channel substrate 82 and the third channel substrate 83 are fixed to each other, extending in the in-plane direction along the XY plane. The first branch Sa25 is connected midway to the other end of the first connecting portion Sa24, which has an opening on the +Z direction side of the second channel substrate 82. The portion where the first connecting portion Sa24 connects to the first branch Sa25 forms the first branch position Sc1 where the first supply channel Sa2 is branched to distribute liquid ink to the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2.

[0119] In addition, one end of the first branch Sa25 is connected to the first filter chamber Fa1, and the other end is connected to the second filter chamber Fa2.

[0120] Furthermore, the flow channels of the first supply section Sa21, the first connecting section Sa23, the first branch section Sa25, etc., can be formed either by forming a recess on one substrate and covering the recess with another substrate, or by forming recesses on two substrates and aligning the openings of the two recesses with each other.

[0121] Here, a first filter chamber Fa1 is disposed at the interface where the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83 are fixed to each other. This first filter chamber Fa1 is formed by aligning the openings of a recess on the second flow channel substrate 82 and a recess on the third flow channel substrate 83 with each other. Furthermore, a filter F is disposed within the first filter chamber Fa1. The filter F is disposed at the interface where the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83 are fixed to each other, dividing the first filter chamber Fa1 into a first upstream filter chamber Fa11 on the upstream side and a first downstream filter chamber Fa12 on the downstream side. That is, the recess on the second flow channel substrate 82 becomes the first upstream filter chamber Fa11, and the recess on the third flow channel substrate 83 becomes the first downstream filter chamber Fa12. The filter F, installed in the first filter chamber Fa1, is a device that filters ink by capturing foreign matter such as air bubbles and debris contained in the ink. For example, it can use a sheet-like material with multiple micropores formed by finely knitting or weaving fibers such as metal or resin, or a material obtained by perforating multiple micropores through a plate-like component such as metal or resin. Furthermore, the filter F can also be, for example, a nonwoven fabric made of metal or resin.

[0122] like Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 As shown, this first filter chamber Fa1 has a shape with the +Y direction as its length direction. In this embodiment, the first filter chamber Fa1, when viewed in the +Z direction, has the following shape: it is based on a rectangle with the side along the +Y direction as the long side and the side along the +X direction as the short side, and the corners of the rectangle are rounded. Thus, by making the first filter chamber Fa1 a shape with rounded corners when viewed in the +Z direction, air bubbles contained in the ink are less likely to remain at the corners, thereby improving air bubble removal. Furthermore, the shape of the first filter chamber Fa1 is not particularly limited to this; it can be an ellipse with the +Y direction as its major axis, or it can be a polygon, a square, or a shape with the +X direction as its length direction. In other words, the first filter chamber Fa1 having the +Y direction as its length direction means that, when viewed in the +Z direction, the long side of the rectangle containing the minimum area of ​​the first filter chamber Fa1 is arranged along the +Y direction.

[0123] One end of the first branch Sa25 of the first supply channel Sa2 is connected to the first filter chamber Fa1. Here, "the first supply channel Sa2 is connected to the first filter chamber Fa1" means that the first supply channel Sa2 is connected to the first upstream filter chamber Fa1, i.e., the first upstream filter chamber Fa11, which is located upstream of the filter F. In other words, one end of the first branch Sa25 of the first supply channel Sa2 is provided with an opening on the inner wall surface of the first upstream filter chamber Fa11. In this embodiment, the opening of the first branch Sa25 on the inner surface of the first filter chamber Fa1 is referred to as the first inlet Fa1_in.

[0124] Furthermore, the first filter chamber Fa1 has a first outlet Fa1_out for ink to flow out. Here, "the first filter chamber Fa1 has a first outlet Fa1_out" means that the first outlet Fa1_out is located on the downstream side of the first filter chamber Fa1, which is divided by the filter F, namely the first downstream filter chamber Fa12. This first outlet Fa1_out is the opening of a first outflow channel Sa3 that opens on the inner wall of the first filter chamber Fa1.

[0125] In addition, the first outflow channel Sa3 has a first outflow through portion Sa31, a first outflow portion Sa32 and a first outflow connection portion Sa33.

[0126] The first outflow through-port Sa31 is provided to pass through the third flow channel substrate 83 along the Z-axis, with one end open on the +Z direction side of the first downstream filter chamber Fa12 and the other end open on the +Z direction side of the third flow channel substrate 83.

[0127] The first outflow portion Sa32 is a member that extends along the in-plane direction of the XY plane on the interface where the third flow channel substrate 83 and the fourth flow channel substrate 84 are fixed to each other. One end of the first outflow portion Sa32 is connected to the first outflow through portion Sa31. Furthermore, the first outflow portion Sa32 can be formed by providing a recess on either the third flow channel substrate 83 or the fourth flow channel substrate 84 and covering it with the other, or by forming recesses on both the third flow channel substrate 83 and the fourth flow channel substrate 84 and aligning the openings of the recesses with each other.

[0128] The first outflow connection portion Sa33 is provided to pass through the fourth flow channel substrate 84 along the Z-axis, with one end connected to the first outflow portion Sa32 and the other end open on the +Z direction side surface of the fourth flow channel substrate 84. The other end of the first outflow connection portion Sa33, which is open on the +Z direction side surface of the fourth flow channel substrate 84, is connected to the first inlet Rin1 of the first head chip 44A via the communication channel 34 of the holder 30.

[0129] On the other hand, the second filter chamber Fa2 is disposed at the interface where the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83 are fixed to each other. That is, in this embodiment, the second filter chamber Fa2 is disposed at the same interface as the first filter chamber Fa1. The second filter chamber Fa2 is formed by aligning the recess provided on the second flow channel substrate 82 with the opening of the recess provided on the third flow channel substrate 83. Furthermore, a filter F is disposed in the second filter chamber Fa2. The filter F is disposed at the interface where the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83 are fixed to each other, and divides the second filter chamber Fa2 into a second upstream filter chamber Fa21 on the upstream side and a second downstream filter chamber Fa22 on the downstream side. In addition, the filter F disposed in the second filter chamber Fa2 can use the same filter as the filter F disposed in the first filter chamber Fa1.

[0130] This second filter chamber Fa2 has a shape with the +Y direction as its length direction. In this embodiment, the second filter chamber Fa2, when viewed in the +Z direction, has the following shape: it is based on a rectangle with the side along the +Y direction as the long side and the side along the +X direction as the short side, and the corners of the rectangle are rounded. Thus, by making the second filter chamber Fa2 a shape with rounded corners when viewed in the +Z direction, air bubbles contained in the ink are less likely to remain at the corners, thereby improving air bubble removal. Furthermore, the shape of the second filter chamber Fa2 is not particularly limited to this; it can also be any of the shapes of the first filter chamber Fa1 illustrated above. In this embodiment, the second filter chamber Fa2 has the same shape as the first filter chamber Fa1 when viewed in the +Z direction. Thus, by forming the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 with the same shape, the deviation in the effective area of ​​the filters F provided in each filter chamber can be reduced, thereby reducing the deviation in pressure loss caused by the deviation in the effective area of ​​the filters F.

[0131] The other end of the first branch Sa25 of the first supply channel Sa2 is connected to the second filter chamber Fa2. Here, "the first supply channel Sa2 is connected to the second filter chamber Fa2" means that the first supply channel Sa2 is connected to the second upstream filter chamber Fa2, i.e., the second upstream filter chamber Fa21, compared to the filter F. In other words, the other end of the first branch Sa25 of the first supply channel Sa2 is provided with an opening on the inner wall surface of the second upstream filter chamber Fa21. In this embodiment, the opening of the first branch Sa25 on the inner surface of the second filter chamber Fa2 is referred to as the second inlet Fa2_in.

[0132] Furthermore, the second filter chamber Fa2 has a second outlet Fa2_out for ink to flow out. Here, "the second filter chamber Fa2 has a second outlet Fa2_out" means that the second outlet Fa2_out is located on the downstream side of the second filter chamber Fa2, which is divided by the filter F, i.e., on the second downstream filter chamber Fa22. This second outlet Fa2_out is the opening of the second outflow channel Sa4, which is open on the inner wall of the second filter chamber Fa2.

[0133] In addition, the second outflow channel Sa4 includes a second outflow through portion Sa41, a second outflow portion Sa42, and a second outflow connection portion Sa43.

[0134] The second outflow through-port Sa41 is provided to pass through the third flow channel substrate 83 along the Z-axis, with one end opening on the +Z direction side of the second downstream filter chamber Fa22 and the other end opening on the +Z direction side of the third flow channel substrate 83.

[0135] The second outflow portion Sa42 is a member that extends along the in-plane direction of the XY plane on the interface where the third flow channel substrate 83 and the fourth flow channel substrate 84 are fixed to each other. One end of the second outflow portion Sa42 is connected to the second outflow through portion Sa41. Furthermore, the second outflow portion Sa42 can be formed by providing a recess on either the third flow channel substrate 83 or the fourth flow channel substrate 84 and covering it with the other, or by forming recesses on both the third flow channel substrate 83 and the fourth flow channel substrate 84 and aligning the openings of the recesses with each other.

[0136] The second outflow connection portion Sa43 is provided to pass through the fourth flow channel substrate 84 along the Z-axis, with one end connected to the second outflow portion Sa42 and the other end open on the +Z direction side surface of the fourth flow channel substrate 84. The other end of the second outflow connection portion Sa43, which is open on the +Z direction side surface of the fourth flow channel substrate 84, is connected to the second inlet Rin2 of the second head chip 44B via the communication channel 34 of the holder 30.

[0137] This first filter chamber group Fa, which constitutes the first supply channel Sa and has a first filter chamber Fa1 and a second filter chamber Fa2, is formed in... Figure 7 In the first part P1 shown. Thus, by setting the first filter chamber group Fa in the first part P1, it is possible to ensure that there is space for setting the first filter chamber group Fa to set up a filter F with a larger area, thereby reducing the pressure loss caused by the filter F and suppressing the occurrence of poor supply.

[0138] Furthermore, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 are disposed on the same interface, namely the interface between the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83. Moreover, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 are arranged with a gap in the +Y direction. That is, when viewed in the +X direction, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 are arranged in a non-overlapping position.

[0139] In addition, such as Figure 17As shown, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 are configured such that they at least partially overlap when viewed in the +Y direction. Alternatively, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 may be configured such that they completely overlap when viewed in the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 are configured to be offset in the +X direction with a partial overlap when viewed in the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the second filter chamber Fa2 is configured offset in the +X direction relative to the first filter chamber Fa1. That is, a portion of the -X direction side of the first filter chamber Fa1 and a portion of the +X direction side of the second filter chamber Fa2 are configured to overlap when viewed in the +Y direction. Thus, by configuring the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 to be offset in the +X direction with a partial overlap when viewed in the +Y direction, in the recording head 10 where the nozzle arrays are offset from each other, even if the two inlet ports Rin are offset in the +X direction, the distance between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the inlet port Rin, and the distance between the second filter chamber Fa2 and the inlet port Rin, can be shortened. Therefore, the deviation in pressure loss of the ink supplied to the two inlet ports Rin can be reduced. That is, even when the first inlet port Rin1 of the first head chip 44A, which is supplied with ink from the first filter chamber Fa1, and the second inlet port Rin2 of the second head chip 44B, which is supplied with ink from the second filter chamber Fa2, are arranged offset from each other in the +X direction, by arranging the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 offset in the +X direction, the distance from the first filter chamber Fa1 to the first inlet port Rin1 of the first head chip 44A, and the distance from the second filter chamber Fa2 to the second inlet port Rin2 of the second head chip 44B, can be shortened. Therefore, the deviation in pressure loss between the first outflow channel Sa3 and the second outflow channel Sa4 can be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable to set the offset in the +X direction of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 to be the same as the offset in the +X direction of the first inlet port Rin1 and the second inlet port Rin2. Thus, by setting the offset in the +X direction of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 to be the same as the offset in the +X direction of the first inlet Rin1 and the second inlet Rin2, the deviation of the flow path length from the first filter chamber Fa1 to the first inlet Rin1 of the first head chip 44A and the flow path length from the second filter chamber Fa2 to the second inlet Rin2 of the second head chip 44B can be suppressed, thereby reducing the deviation of the ejection characteristics of ink droplets ejected from the first nozzle line La1 connected to the first inlet Rin and the second nozzle line La2 connected to the second inlet Rin2.

[0140] Furthermore, since the distances between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the inlet Rin, and between the second filter chamber Fa2 and the inlet Rin, can be shortened, the amount of waste ink generated when air bubbles located downstream of the filter F in the recording head 10 are discharged from the nozzle N by suction cleaning using a maintenance mechanism (not shown). Additionally, the maintenance mechanism (not shown) includes at least a cover capable of sealing the nozzle surface of the nozzle N, a waste liquid flow channel communicating with the cover, and a negative pressure generating unit such as a pump for creating negative pressure inside the cover while the nozzle surface is sealed.

[0141] Furthermore, preferably, the width W5 of the overlapping portion of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 in the +Y direction when viewed in the +Y direction is less than half of the width W6 of the first filter chamber Fa1 in the +X direction (W5 < W6 / 2). Thus, by making the overlapping width W5 of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 less than half of the width W6 of the first filter chamber Fa1, even if the first inlet Fa1_in is positioned at the end of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second inlet Fa2_in is positioned at the end of the second filter chamber Fa2, it is easy to bring the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 closer together in the +Y direction. Moreover, by bringing the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 closer together in the +Y direction, the recording head 10 can be miniaturized in the +Y direction. Furthermore, by bringing the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 closer together in the +Y direction, the head chips 44 arranged side-by-side in the +Y direction can be brought closer to each other in the +Y direction, thereby reducing the timing difference of ink droplets ejected from different head chips 44. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the offset of the ink droplet's spray position onto the medium S.

[0142] Furthermore, the first branch position Sc1, which connects the first connecting part Sa24 and the first branch part Sa25, is positioned between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction.

[0143] Here, the first branch position Sc1, when viewed in the plane along the +Z direction, is positioned between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2, meaning it is located in... Figure 17The area S1, indicated by the shaded line, is the region sandwiched between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2. In other words, the region S1 sandwiched between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 is the area sandwiched between the tangent S1a in the -X direction (where both the first and second filter chambers Fa1 and Fa2 meet) and the tangent S1b in the +X direction (where both the first and second filter chambers Fa1 and Fa2 meet) when viewed in the +Z direction.

[0144] Furthermore, the first branch position Sc1 refers to the center position Sa24c of the opening of the first connecting portion Sa24 that opens on the first branch portion Sa25. Therefore, if the center position Sa24c of the first branch position Sc1 is within the range of region S1, then the other parts can be outside the range of region S1.

[0145] Thus, by positioning the first branch position Sc1 between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2, the flow path length of the first branch portion Sa25, from the first branch position Sc1 to both the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2, can be shortened, while the flow path length of the common flow path from the first inlet portion Sa1 to the first branch position Sc1 before branching can be extended. Therefore, compared to the case where the flow path length of the first branch portion Sa25 becomes longer, the layout of the first supply flow path Sa2 can be simplified.

[0146] Furthermore, the first inlet Fa1_in, where ink flows from the first supply channel Sa2 into the first filter chamber Fa1, and the second inlet Fa2_in, where ink flows from the first supply channel Sa2 into the second filter chamber Fa2, are positioned at the portion where the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 overlap when viewed in the +Y direction. Figure 17 Within the range of S2 shown.

[0147] Thus, by positioning the first inlet Fa1_in and the second inlet Fa2_in within the region S3 of the overlapping portion of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2, the flow path lengths of the first branch Sa25 from the first branch position Sc1 to the first inlet Fa1_in and from the first branch position Sc1 to the second inlet Fa2_in can be made shorter. Therefore, the pressure loss deviation of the first branch Sa25 from the first branch position Sc1 to the first inlet Fa1_in and from the first branch position Sc1 to the second inlet Fa2_in can be further reduced. Furthermore, if the first inlet Fa1_in and the second inlet Fa2_in are positioned outside the region S2 of the overlapping portion of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2, the flow path lengths from the first branch position Sc1 to the first inlet Fa1_in and the second inlet Fa2_in will increase, thereby increasing the pressure loss deviation proportional to the flow path length.

[0148] Furthermore, the first inlet Fa1_in is disposed on the surface of the first filter chamber Fa1 opposite to the second filter chamber Fa2, and the second inlet Fa2_in is disposed on the surface of the second filter chamber Fa2 opposite to the first filter chamber Fa1. That is, the first inlet Fa1_in is disposed on the surface of the first filter chamber Fa1 in the +Y direction, and the second inlet Fa2_in is disposed on the surface of the second filter chamber Fa2 in the -Y direction. Thus, by disposing the first inlet Fa1_in on the surface of the first filter chamber Fa1 opposite to the second filter chamber Fa2, and disposing the second inlet Fa2_in on the surface of the second filter chamber Fa2 opposite to the first filter chamber Fa1, the first branch position Sc1 can be disposed directly in front of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2. Of course, the first inlet Fa1_in can also be disposed on a surface other than the surface of the first filter chamber Fa1 in the +Y direction, i.e., a surface in the +Z direction, a surface in the -Z direction, a surface in the +X direction, a surface in the -X direction, or a surface in the -Y direction. However, when the first inlet Fa1_in is positioned on a surface other than the surface in the +Y direction, compared to the case where the first inlet Fa1_in is positioned on the surface in the +Y direction, it becomes impossible to position the first branch position Sc1 directly in front of the first filter chamber Fa1, and the flow path length of the first branch Sa25 increases, resulting in a deviation in the pressure loss of the first branch Sa25. By positioning the first inlet Fa1_in on the surface of the first filter chamber Fa1 opposite to the second filter chamber Fa2, the first branch position Sc1 can be positioned directly in front of the first filter chamber Fa1, thereby shortening the flow path length of the first branch Sa25 and reducing the deviation in the pressure loss of the first branch Sa25. The same method is used for the second inlet Fa2_in.

[0149] Furthermore, the width W7 of the first inlet Fa1_in in the +X direction and the width W8 of the second inlet Fa2_in in the +X direction are smaller than the width W5 of the overlapping portion of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 when viewed in the +Y direction (W7 < W5, W8 < W5). Thus, by making the width W7 of the first inlet Fa1_in and the width W8 of the second inlet Fa2_in smaller than the width W5 of the overlapping portion of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 when viewed in the +Y direction, the flow rate of ink flowing into the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 can be accelerated, thereby improving the so-called bubble removal capability, which allows air bubbles contained in the ink within the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 to be discharged downstream.

[0150] Furthermore, the first branch Sa25 is formed on the straight line connecting the first inlet Fa1_in and the second inlet Fa2_in. The first branch Sa25 is also arranged at an angle relative to both the +X and +Y directions. In this embodiment, the first inlet Fa1_in is located at the end of the first filter chamber Fa1 on the +X direction side, and the second inlet Fa2_in is located at the end of the second filter chamber Fa2 on the -X direction side. As described above, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 are offset in the +X direction such that they partially overlap each other when viewed in the +Y direction. Therefore, the second inlet Fa2_in is arranged on the -X direction side relative to the first inlet Fa1_in. Therefore, the first branch Sa25 is formed from the first inlet Fa1_in toward the second inlet Fa2_in along a vector direction having components of both the -X and +Y directions.

[0151] Furthermore, a portion of the first branch Sa25 and a portion of the inner wall of the first filter chamber Fa1 are arranged in a manner that is continuous along the +Y direction when viewed in a plane along the Z direction. That is, the inner wall Sa25a of the first branch Sa25 in the +X direction and the inner wall Fa1a of the first filter chamber Fa1 in the +X direction are arranged in a manner that is continuous along a straight line along the +Y direction. In other words, the inner wall Sa25a of the first branch Sa25 and the inner wall Fa1a of the first filter chamber Fa1 are arranged in a manner that are coplanar.

[0152] Thus, by arranging the inner wall Sa25a of the first branch Sa25 and the inner wall Fa1a of the first filter chamber Fa1 continuously along the +Y direction, ink from the first branch Sa25 flows into the first filter chamber Fa1 from the first inlet Fa1_in along the inner walls Sa25a and Fa1a. Therefore, the decrease in ink flow rate when flowing into the first filter chamber Fa1 can be suppressed, thereby improving the air bubble removal performance, also known as air bubble removal performance, of the ink contained in the first filter chamber Fa1.

[0153] Similarly, a portion of the first branch Sa25 and a portion of the inner wall of the second filter chamber Fa2 are arranged in a manner that is continuous along the +Y direction when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction. That is, the inner wall Sa25b of the first branch Sa25 in the -X direction and the inner wall Fa2a of the second filter chamber Fa2 in the -X direction are arranged in a manner that is continuous along a straight line along the +Y direction. In other words, the inner wall Sa25b of the first branch Sa25 and the inner wall Fa2a of the second filter chamber Fa2 are arranged in a manner that are coplanar.

[0154] Thus, by arranging the inner wall Sa25b of the first branch Sa25 and the inner wall Fa2a of the second filter chamber Fa2 continuously along the +Y direction, ink from the first branch Sa25 flows into the second filter chamber Fa2 from the second inlet Fa2_in along the inner walls Sa25b and Fa2a. Therefore, the decrease in ink flow rate when flowing into the second filter chamber Fa2 can be suppressed, thereby improving the air bubble removal performance, also known as air bubble removal.

[0155] Furthermore, in the first branch section Sa25, between the first branch position Sc1 and the first inlet Fa1_in, a portion is provided that is narrower in the +X direction than the width W7 of the first inlet Fa1_in. In this embodiment, the first branch section Sa25 is connected by a curved surface, i.e., an R-surface, formed by bending the inner wall in the -X direction to the inner wall in the +Y direction of the first filter chamber Fa1. This results in a first throttling section Sa25c, with a width in the +X direction smaller than that of the first inlet Fa1_in, located directly in front of the first inlet Fa1_in. The width Wa1 of the first throttling section Sa25c is smaller than the width W7 of the first inlet Fa1_in (Wa1 < W7).

[0156] Thus, by providing a first throttling section Sa25c on the first branch Sa25, the flow rate of ink flowing from the first branch Sa25 into the first filter chamber Fa1 can be accelerated, and the discharge of air bubbles contained in the ink in the first filter chamber Fa1 can be improved.

[0157] Similarly, in the first branch section Sa25, between the first branch position Sc1 and the second inlet Fa2_in, a portion is provided that is narrower in the +X direction than the width W8 of the second inlet Fa2_in. In this embodiment, the first branch section Sa25 is connected by a curved surface, i.e., an R-surface, formed by bending the inner wall in the +X direction to the inner wall in the -Y direction of the second filter chamber Fa2, thereby providing a second throttling section Sa25d in front of the second inlet Fa2_in, whose width in the +X direction is smaller than that of the second inlet Fa2_in. The width Wa2 of the second throttling section Sa25d is smaller than the width W8 of the second inlet Fa2_in (Wa2 < W8).

[0158] Thus, by providing a second throttling section Sa25d in the first branch Sa25, the flow rate of ink flowing from the first branch Sa25 into the second filter chamber Fa2 can be accelerated, and the discharge of air bubbles contained in the ink in the second filter chamber Fa2 can be improved.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the first branch Sa25, the first inlet Fa1_in, and the second inlet Fa2_in are positioned at the same location in the +Z direction. Thus, by positioning the first branch Sa25 at the same location as the first inlet Fa1_in and the second inlet Fa2_in in the +Z direction, the first branch position Sc1 can be positioned at the same location as the first inlet Fa1_in and the second inlet Fa2_in in the +Z direction. Moreover, by positioning the first branch position Sc1 at the same location as the first inlet Fa1_in and the second inlet Fa2_in in the +Z direction, compared to a structure where the first branch position Sc1 is positioned above (i.e., in the -Z direction) or below (i.e., in the +Z direction) the Z-axis of the first filter chamber group Fa, the first branch position Sc1 can be positioned directly in front of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2. Therefore, the flow path length of the common portion of the first supply channel Sa that is forward of the first branch position Sc1 can be extended, and the layout of the first supply channel Sa can be simplified.

[0160] Of course, the first branch Sa25 is not particularly limited to this; a portion of the first branch Sa25 may also be configured at a position different in the +Z direction from the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the second flow inlet Fa2_in. Furthermore, the first branch position Sc1 may also be configured at a position different in the +Z direction from the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the second flow inlet Fa2_in. Further, the first branch position Sc1 may be configured at the same position in the +Z direction as the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the second flow inlet Fa2_in, while a portion of the first branch Sa25 may be configured at a position different in the +Z direction from the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the second flow inlet Fa2_in.

[0161] Furthermore, the first flow outlet Fa1_out is the portion that does not overlap with the second filter chamber Fa2 when viewed in the +Y direction, and is configured in the Y direction away from the second filter chamber Fa2 relative to the center Fa1c of the first filter chamber Fa1. That is, the first flow outlet Fa1_out is configured outside region S2 in the +X direction, i.e., on the -X direction side compared to region S2, and is configured in region S3 on the -Y direction side compared to the center Fa1c of the first filter chamber Fa1 in the +Y direction. Specifically, when viewed in the +Z direction, within the rectangle containing the minimum area of ​​the first filter chamber Fa1, a first flow inlet Fa1_in is provided at one diagonal corner, i.e., the corner in both the +X and +Y directions, and a first flow outlet Fa1_out is provided near the other diagonal corner, i.e., the corner in both the -X and -Y directions. Therefore, by configuring the first outlet Fa1_out far from the first inlet Fa1_in, sedimentation in the ink flowing within the first filter chamber Fa1 can be suppressed. In other words, the ink in the first filter chamber Fa1 flows fastest along the straight line connecting the first inlet Fa1_in and the first outlet Fa1_out, and the flow rate decreases as it moves away from this line. Therefore, by configuring the first inlet Fa1_in and the first outlet Fa1_out at positions far apart on the diagonal of the first filter chamber Fa1, sedimentation of ink within the first filter chamber Fa1 can be reduced.

[0162] Furthermore, similar to the first outlet Fa1_out, the second outlet Fa2_out is also a portion that does not overlap with the first filter chamber Fa1 when viewed in the +Y direction, and is configured in the +Y direction away from the first filter chamber Fa1 relative to the center Fa2c of the second filter chamber Fa2. That is, the second outlet Fa2_out is configured outside region S2 in the +X direction, i.e., on the +X direction side compared to region S2, and is configured in region S4 on the +Y direction side compared to the center Fa2c of the second filter chamber Fa2 in the +Y direction. Therefore, by configuring the second outlet Fa2_out away from the second inlet Fa2_in, the occurrence of sedimentation in the ink flowing within the second filter chamber Fa2 can be reduced.

[0163] In other words, the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the first flow outlet Fa1_out, as well as the second flow inlet Fa2_in and the second flow outlet Fa2_out, can be configured at a point symmetrical about the first branch position Sc1.

[0164] Furthermore, the flow of ink from the first inlet Fa1_in to the first outlet Fa1_out can be made to be in the opposite direction to the flow of ink from the second inlet Fa2_in to the second outlet Fa2_out. Therefore, the positions of the first outlet Fa1_out and the second outlet Fa2_out can be configured at a point symmetrical about the first branch position Sc1. Thus, although the inlets Rin connected to each nozzle line L, i.e., the first inlet Rin1 and the second inlet Rin2, also shift in the +X direction when the first nozzle line La1 and the second nozzle line La2 shift in the +X direction, the positions of the first outlet Fa1_out and the second outlet Fa2_out can be staggered in conjunction with the +X shift of the first inlet Rin1 and the second inlet Rin2. Therefore, the distance from the first outlet Fa1_out to the first inlet Rin1 and the distance from the second outlet Fa2_out to the second inlet Rin2 can be shortened, and pressure loss deviations can be suppressed by using a shorter flow path length.

[0165] The second supply channel Sb has the same structure as the first supply channel Sa. That is, as shown below... Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the second supply channel Sb extends from the upstream side toward the downstream side and includes a second inlet Sb1, a second supply flow channel Sb2, a second filter chamber group Fb having a third filter chamber Fb1 and a fourth filter chamber Fb2, a third outflow channel Sb3, and a fourth outflow channel Sb4.

[0166] The second inlet section Sb1 is a component for introducing ink Ib from the outside into the flow channel component 60, and is provided in such a way that it extends through the first flow channel substrate 81, the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83 from the supply pipe PBin protruding in the -Z direction to the first flow channel substrate 81 and across the Z axis.

[0167] One end of the second supply channel Sb2 is connected to the second inlet Sb1, and it branches off midway. The two other ends of the branch are respectively connected to the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2, which constitute the second filter chamber group Fb. Specifically, the second supply channel Sb2 has a second supply section Sb21, a second through section Sb22, a second connecting section Sb23, a second connecting section Sb24, and a second branch section Sb25 from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0168] Furthermore, since the second supply section Sb21, the second through section Sb22, the second connecting section Sb23, the second connecting section Sb24, and the second branch section Sb25 of the second supply channel Sb2 are components corresponding to the first supply section Sa21, the first through section Sa22, the first connecting section Sa23, the first connecting section Sa24, and the first branch section Sa25 of the first supply channel Sa2, and have almost the same structure, repeated descriptions are omitted. Additionally, the second branch section Sb25 is equivalent to a "branch channel." That is, the middle of the second branch section Sb25 is connected to the other end of the second connecting section Sb24, which has an opening on the +Z direction side of the second channel substrate 82. The portion where the second connecting section Sb24 and the second branch section Sb25 are connected becomes the second branch position Sc2 where the second supply channel Sb2 is branched to distribute liquid ink to the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2.

[0169] A third filter chamber Fb1 is disposed at the interface where the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83 are fixed to each other. This third filter chamber Fb1 is formed by aligning the openings of a recess on the second flow channel substrate 82 and a recess on the third flow channel substrate 83 with each other. Furthermore, a filter F is disposed within the third filter chamber Fb1. The filter F is disposed at the interface where the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83 are fixed to each other, dividing the third filter chamber Fb1 into an upstream third filter chamber Fb11 and a downstream third filter chamber Fb12. That is, the recess on the second flow channel substrate 82 becomes the third upstream filter chamber Fb11, and the recess on the third flow channel substrate 83 becomes the third downstream filter chamber Fb12. Additionally, the filter F disposed within the third filter chamber Fb1 can use the same structure as the filter F disposed within the first filter chamber Fa1.

[0170] like Figure 16 As shown, this third filter chamber Fb1 has the same shape as the first filter chamber Fa1, with the +Y direction set as the length direction. In this embodiment, the third filter chamber Fb1 has the same shape as the first filter chamber Fa1 when viewed in the +Z direction. Thus, by forming the first filter chamber Fa1 and the third filter chamber Fb1 with the same shape, the deviation of the effective area of ​​the separately installed filters F can be reduced, and the deviation of pressure loss caused by the deviation of the effective area of ​​the filters F can be reduced. Of course, the shape of the third filter chamber Fb1 is not particularly limited to this, and it can be the same as any of the shapes of the first filter chamber Fa1 illustrated above.

[0171] One end of the second branch Sb25 of the second supply channel Sb2 is connected to the third filter chamber Fb1. Here, "the second supply channel Sb2 is connected to the third filter chamber Fb1" means that the second supply channel Sb2 is connected to the third upstream filter chamber Fb1, i.e., the third upstream filter chamber Fb11, relative to filter F. In other words, one end of the second branch Sb25 of the second supply channel Sb2 is provided with an opening on the inner wall surface of the third upstream filter chamber Fb11. In this embodiment, the opening of the second branch Sb25 on the inner surface of the third filter chamber Fb1 is called the third inlet Fb1_in.

[0172] Furthermore, the third filter chamber Fb1 has a third outlet Fb1_out for ink to flow out. Here, "the third filter chamber Fb1 has a third outlet Fb1_out" means that the third outlet Fb1_out is located on the downstream side of the third filter chamber Fb1, which is divided by the filter F, namely the third downstream filter chamber Fb12. This third outlet Fb1_out is the opening of the third outflow channel Sb3, which opens on the inner wall of the third filter chamber Fb1.

[0173] Furthermore, the third outflow channel Sb3 includes a third outflow through-section Sb31, a third outflow section Sb32, and a third outflow connecting section Sb33. Since these third outflow through-sections Sb31, Sb32, and Sb33 constituting the third outflow channel Sb3 are almost identical to the first outflow through-sections Sa31, Sa32, and Sa33 constituting the first outflow channel Sa1, repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0174] The other end of the third outflow connection portion Sb33 of the third outflow channel Sb3, which opens on the surface of the fourth channel substrate 84 in the +Z direction, is connected to the third inlet Rin3 of the first head chip 44A via the communication channel 34 of the holder 30.

[0175] A fourth filter chamber Fb2 is disposed at the interface where the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83 are fixed to each other. This fourth filter chamber Fb2 is formed by aligning the openings of a recess on the second flow channel substrate 82 with the openings of a recess on the third flow channel substrate 83. Furthermore, a filter F is disposed within the fourth filter chamber Fb2. The filter F is disposed at the interface where the second flow channel substrate 82 and the third flow channel substrate 83 are fixed to each other, dividing the fourth filter chamber Fb2 into an upstream fourth filter chamber Fb21 and a downstream fourth filter chamber Fb22. Additionally, the filter F disposed within the fourth filter chamber Fb2 can use the same structure as the filter F disposed within the first filter chamber Fa1.

[0176] This fourth filter chamber Fb2, like the first filter chamber Fa1, has a shape with the +Y direction set as the length direction. In this embodiment, the fourth filter chamber Fb2 has the same shape as the third filter chamber Fb1 when viewed in the +Z direction. Thus, by forming the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 with the same shape, it is possible to reduce the deviation in the effective area of ​​the respective filters F, and further reduce the deviation in pressure loss caused by the deviation in the effective area of ​​the filters F. Of course, the shape of the fourth filter chamber Fb2 is not particularly limited to this, and it can also be the same as any of the shapes of the first filter chamber Fa1 illustrated above.

[0177] The other end of the second branch Sb25 of the second supply channel Sb2 is connected to the fourth filter chamber Fb2. Here, "the second supply channel Sb2 is connected to the fourth filter chamber Fb2" means that the second supply channel Sb2 is connected to the fourth upstream filter chamber Fb2, i.e., the fourth upstream filter chamber Fb21, which is located upstream of the filter F. In other words, the other end of the second branch Sb25 of the second supply channel Sb2 is provided with an opening on the inner wall surface of the fourth upstream filter chamber Fb21. In this embodiment, the opening of the second branch Sb25 on the inner surface of the fourth filter chamber Fb2 is called the fourth inlet Fb2_in.

[0178] Furthermore, the fourth filter chamber Fb2 has a fourth outlet Fb2_out for ink to flow out. Here, "the fourth filter chamber Fb2 has a fourth outlet Fb2_out" means that the fourth outlet Fb2_out is located on the downstream side of the fourth filter chamber Fb2, which is divided by the filter F, i.e., on the fourth downstream filter chamber Fb22. This fourth outlet Fb2_out is the opening of the fourth outflow channel Sb4, which opens on the inner wall of the fourth filter chamber Fb2.

[0179] Furthermore, the fourth outflow channel Sb4 includes a fourth outflow through-section Sb41, a fourth outflow section Sb42, and a fourth outflow connecting section Sb43. Since these fourth outflow through-sections Sb41, Sb42, and Sb43 constituting the fourth outflow channel Sb4 are almost identical to the second outflow through-sections Sa41, Sa42, and Sa43 constituting the second outflow channel Sa4, repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0180] The other end of the fourth outflow connection portion Sb43 of the fourth outflow channel Sb4, which opens on the surface of the fourth outflow substrate 84 in the +Z direction, is connected to the fourth inlet Rin4 of the second head chip 44B via the communication channel 34 of the holder 30.

[0181] Since the relationship between the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 is the same as that between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fb2, repeated explanations are omitted. That is, the first filter chamber Fa1 is equivalent to the third filter chamber Fb1, and the second filter chamber Fa2 is equivalent to the third filter chamber Fb2. Therefore, the above-described relationship between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 can be applied to the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2. Furthermore, since the third flow inlet Fb1_in and the third flow outlet Fb1_out of the third filter chamber Fb1 are the same as the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the first flow outlet Fa1_out of the first filter chamber Fa1, repeated explanations are omitted. Similarly, since the fourth flow inlet Fb2_in and the fourth flow outlet Fb2_out of the fourth filter chamber Fb2 are the same as the second flow inlet Fa2_in and the second flow outlet Fa2_out of the second filter chamber Fa2, repeated explanations are omitted.

[0182] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the first inlet section Sa1, the second inlet section Sb1, the first filter chamber group Fa, and the second filter chamber group Fb are arranged in this order and facing the +X direction.

[0183] In other words, taking the first inlet Sa1 located on the -X direction side as a reference, the second inlet Sb1 is located on the +X direction side compared to the first inlet Sa1, the first filter chamber group Fa is located on the +X direction side compared to the second inlet Sb1, and the second filter chamber group Fb is located on the +X direction side compared to the first filter chamber group Fa. Furthermore, the arrangement of the first filter chamber group Fa and the second filter chamber group Fb in this order towards the +X direction means that, compared to the center C1 of the region S10 in the +X direction that includes the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 constituting the first filter chamber group Fa, the center C2 of the region S11 in the +X direction that includes the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 constituting the second filter chamber group Fb is located closer to the +X direction. Therefore, for example, the second filter chamber Fa2 and the third filter chamber Fb1 can also be arranged at a position where they overlap when viewed in the +Y direction.

[0184] Thus, by arranging the first inlet Sa1, the second inlet Sb1, the first filter chamber group Fa, and the second filter chamber group Fb in this order in the +X direction, deviations in the lengths of the first supply channel Sa2 connecting the first inlet Sa1 to the first filter chamber group Fa, and the second supply channel Sb2 connecting the second inlet Sb1 to the second filter chamber group Fb, can be suppressed. Therefore, deviations in pressure loss between the first supply channel Sa2 and the second supply channel Sb2 can be reduced, and deviations in the ink supply pressure to each head chip 44 can be reduced. Therefore, in each head chip 44, deviations in the ejection characteristics of ink supplied from the first supply channel Sa2 and ink supplied from the second supply channel Sb2 can be reduced. That is, deviations in the ejection characteristics of ink droplets between nozzle rows with different supply paths, such as the first supply channel Sa2 and the second supply channel Sb2, can be reduced, thereby improving print quality.

[0185] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 16 As shown, the third filter chamber Fb1 is arranged adjacent to the first filter chamber Fa1 in the +X direction. In this embodiment, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the third filter chamber Fb1 are arranged side by side in the +X direction such that their positions in the +Y direction are the same. That is, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the third filter chamber Fb1 are arranged in a position that partially overlaps when viewed in the +X direction, and in this embodiment, completely overlaps.

[0186] Similarly, the fourth filter chamber Fb2 is arranged adjacent to the second filter chamber Fa2 in the +X direction. In this embodiment, the second filter chamber Fa2 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 are arranged side by side in the +X direction such that their positions in the +Y direction are the same. That is, the second filter chamber Fa2 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 are arranged in a position that partially overlaps when viewed in the +X direction, and in this embodiment, completely overlaps.

[0187] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second filter chamber Fa2 and the third filter chamber Fb1 are configured such that they partially overlap when viewed in the +Y direction. Thus, by configuring the second filter chamber Fa2 and the third filter chamber Fb1 in such a way that they partially overlap when viewed in the +Y direction, the first filter chamber group Fa and the second filter chamber group Fb can be configured close together in the +X direction. Therefore, the recording head 10 can be miniaturized in the +X direction.

[0188] Furthermore, although in this embodiment, the second filter chamber Fa2 is positioned offset in the +X direction relative to the first filter chamber Fa1 in the first filter chamber group Fa, and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 is positioned offset in the +X direction relative to the third filter chamber Fb1 in the second filter chamber group Fb, thus arranging the second filter chamber Fa2 and the third filter chamber Fb1 in a manner that partially overlaps when viewed in the +Y direction, this is not a particular limitation. For example, the second filter chamber Fa2 may be positioned offset in the -X direction relative to the first filter chamber Fa1 in the first filter chamber group Fa, and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 may be positioned offset in the -X direction relative to the third filter chamber Fb1 in the second filter chamber group Fb. In this case, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 can be arranged in a manner that partially overlaps when viewed in the +Y direction.

[0189] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction, the line segment Ls1 connecting the first flow outlet Fa1_out and the third flow outlet Fb1_out is arranged to overlap with the line segment Ls2 connecting the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3. Furthermore, line segment Ls1 connects the center of the first flow outlet Fa1_out with the center of the third flow outlet Fb1_out. Similarly, line segment Ls2 connects the center of the first inlet Rin1 with the center of the third inlet Rin3. The overlap of line segments Ls1 and Ls2 when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction includes both cases where line segments Ls1 and Ls2 intersect each other and cases where line segments Ls1 and Ls2 are completely aligned. Thus, by configuring the first outlet Fa1_out, the third outlet Fb1_out, the first inlet Rin1, and the third inlet Rin3 with overlapping line segments Ls1 and Ls2, the deviation in the flow path lengths of the first outlet channel Sa3 downstream of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the third outlet channel Sb3 downstream of the third filter chamber Fb1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the deviation in pressure loss between the first outlet channel Sa3 and the third outlet channel Sb3. Therefore, the deviation in the ejection characteristics of ink droplets Ia ejected from the first nozzle array La1 connected to the first inlet Rin1 and ink droplets Ib ejected from the third nozzle array Lb1 connected to the third inlet Rin3 can be reduced, thereby improving print quality.

[0190] Furthermore, the same approach is used for the second flow outlet Fa2_out, the fourth flow outlet Fb2_out, the second inlet Rin2, and the fourth inlet Rin4. That is, when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction, the line segment Ls3 connecting the second flow outlet Fa2_out and the fourth flow outlet Fb2_out, and the line segment Ls4 connecting the second inlet Rin2 and the fourth inlet Rin4, are arranged in an overlapping manner. Line segment Ls3 connects the center of the second flow outlet Fa2_out with the center of the fourth flow outlet Fb2_out. Similarly, line segment Ls4 connects the center of the second inlet Rin2 with the center of the fourth inlet Rin4. The overlap of line segments Ls3 and Ls4 when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction includes both cases where line segments Ls3 and Ls4 intersect each other and cases where line segments Ls3 and Ls4 are completely aligned. Thus, by configuring the second outlet Fa2_out, the fourth outlet Fb2_out, the second inlet Rin2, and the fourth inlet Rin4 with overlapping line segments Ls3 and Ls4, the deviation in the flow path lengths of the second outlet channel Sa4 downstream of the second filter chamber Fa2 and the fourth outlet channel Sb4 downstream of the fourth filter chamber Fb2 can be reduced, thereby reducing the deviation in pressure loss between the second outlet channel Sa4 and the fourth outlet channel Sb4. Therefore, the deviation in the ejection characteristics of ink droplets Ia ejected from the second nozzle array La2 connected to the second inlet Rin2 and ink droplets Ib ejected from the fourth nozzle array Lb2 connected to the fourth inlet Rin4 can be reduced, thereby improving print quality.

[0191] Furthermore, the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out are arranged side-by-side in the +X direction, and the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3 are arranged side-by-side in the +Y direction. Moreover, when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction, the center positions of the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out are approximately the same as the center positions of the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3. Here, "approximately the center positions of the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out are approximately the same as the center positions of the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3" means that, when viewed in the +Z direction, at least a portion of the imaginary outlet V_out located at the center of the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out overlaps with the imaginary inlet V_in located at the center of the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3.

[0192] The center of the hypothetical outlet V_out is positioned at the center of the line segment Ls1 connecting the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out. Furthermore, the size of the hypothetical outlet V_out is the same as the size of the larger of the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out.

[0193] The center of the hypothetical inlet V_in is positioned at the center of the line segment Ls2 connecting the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3. Furthermore, the size of the hypothetical inlet V_in is the same as the opening of the larger of the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3.

[0194] Furthermore, the center positions of the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out are approximately aligned with the center positions of the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3, including the case where the hypothetical outlet V_out and the hypothetical inlet V_in at least partially overlap when viewed in the +Z direction. Thus, by making the center positions of the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out approximately aligned with the center positions of the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3, the deviation in the flow length of the first outlet channel Sa3 downstream of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the third outlet channel Sb3 downstream of the third filter chamber Fb1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the deviation in pressure loss of the first outlet channel Sa3 and the third outlet channel Sb3. Therefore, the deviation in the ejection characteristics of ink droplets Ia ejected from the first nozzle group La1 connected to the first inlet Rin1 and the ejection characteristics of ink droplets Ib ejected from the third nozzle group Lb1 connected to the third inlet Rin3 can be reduced, thereby improving print quality.

[0195] Furthermore, more preferably, the hypothetical outlet V_out and the hypothetical inlet V_in completely overlap when viewed in the +Z direction. This complete overlap in the +Z direction means, for example, that if either the hypothetical outlet V_out or the hypothetical inlet V_in has a larger opening area than the other, the opening of the latter completely overlaps with the opening of the former. Furthermore, more preferably, the centers of the hypothetical outlet V_out and the hypothetical inlet V_in are positioned at the same location when viewed in the +Z direction. This further reduces the deviation in the flow path lengths of the first outflow channel Sa3 and the third outflow channel Sb3, thereby reducing the deviation in pressure loss between the first outflow channel Sa3 and the third outflow channel Sb3.

[0196] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the third filter chamber Fb1 are arranged adjacent to each other in the +X direction, and when viewed in the +Z direction, they have a shape with the +Y direction set as the length direction. Therefore, by adjusting the shape and arrangement of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the third filter chamber Fb1, the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out can be arranged close together. Thus, the flow path lengths from the first outlet Fa1_out to the first inlet Rin1 (i.e., the first outlet flow path Sa3) and from the third outlet Fb1_out to the third inlet Rin3 (i.e., the third outlet flow path Sb3) can be shortened, thereby reducing the pressure loss deviation between the first outlet flow path Sa3 and the third outlet flow path Sb3.

[0197] Furthermore, the relationships between the second flow outlet Fa2_out and the fourth flow outlet Fb2_out, and the second inlet Rin2 and the fourth inlet Rin4, are the same as those between the first flow outlet Fa1_out and the third flow outlet Fb1_out, and the first inlet Rin1 and the fourth inlet Rin4. In other words, as... Figure 16 As shown, the second flow outlet Fa2_out and the fourth flow outlet Fb2_out are arranged side by side in the +X direction, and the second inlet Rin2 and the fourth inlet Rin4 are arranged side by side in the +Y direction. Furthermore, when viewed along the +Z direction, the center positions of the second flow outlet Fa2_out and the fourth flow outlet Fb2_out are approximately the same as the center positions of the second inlet Rin2 and the fourth inlet Rin4. Since this approximate alignment of the center positions of the second flow outlet Fa2_out and the fourth flow outlet Fb2_out with the center positions of the second inlet Rin2 and the fourth inlet Rin4 is the same as the relationship between the center positions of the first flow outlet Fa1_out and the third flow outlet Fb1_out and the center positions of the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3, repeated explanations are omitted. Thus, by aligning the center positions of the second outlet Fa2_out and the fourth outlet Fb2_out approximately with the center positions of the second inlet Rin2 and the fourth inlet Rin4, the deviation in the flow path lengths of the second outlet channel Sa4 downstream of the second filter chamber Fa2 and the fourth outlet channel Sb4 downstream of the fourth filter chamber Fb2 can be reduced, thereby reducing the deviation in pressure loss between the second outlet channel Sa4 and the fourth outlet channel Sb4. Therefore, the deviation in the ejection characteristics of ink droplets Ia ejected from the second nozzle array La2 connected to the second inlet Rin2 and the ejection characteristics of ink droplets Ib ejected from the fourth nozzle array Lb2 connected to the fourth inlet Rin4 can be reduced, thereby improving print quality.

[0198] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first outlet Fa1_out, the third outlet Fb1_out, the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3, the second outlet Fa2_out, the fourth outlet Fb2_out, the second inlet Rin2 and the fourth inlet Rin4 are arranged in a manner that is approximately point-symmetrical. Therefore, deviations in the lengths of the first outlet channel Sa3 and the third outlet channel Sb3, and the second outlet channel Sa4 and the fourth outlet channel Sb4 can be suppressed, thereby reducing deviations in pressure loss. Thus, by reducing the deviations in pressure loss from the second outlet channel Sa4 and the fourth outlet channel Sb4, the ejection characteristics of the ink droplets ejected from the first nozzle array La1, the third nozzle array Lb1, the second nozzle array La2, and the fourth nozzle array Lb2 can be made consistent, thereby improving print quality.

[0199] Furthermore, the flow channel component 60 in this embodiment is also provided with a first discharge channel Da and a second discharge channel Db.

[0200] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 As shown, the first discharge channel Da extends from upstream to downstream and has two first discharge through portions Da1, first discharge branch portions Da2, and first discharge portions Da3.

[0201] The first discharge through-hole Da1 is provided to penetrate the fourth flow channel substrate 84 along the Z-axis, with one end opening on the +Z direction side of the fifth flow channel substrate 85. In this embodiment, two such first discharge through-holes Da1 are provided. That is, two first discharge through-holes Da1 are provided at positions that communicate with the communication channels 34 of the holder 30 corresponding to one discharge outlet Rout of the first head chip 44A and one discharge outlet Rout of the second head chip 44B, respectively.

[0202] The first discharge branch Da2 is a component provided on the interface where the fourth flow channel substrate 84 and the fifth flow channel substrate 85 are fixed to each other, and is a component that extends along the in-plane direction of the XY plane. The first discharge branch Da2 is connected at both ends to the other end of the first discharge through portion Da1, which has an opening on the surface of the fourth flow channel substrate 84 in the -Z direction.

[0203] The first discharge section Da3 is a component for discharging ink from inside the flow channel component 60 to the outside, and is provided in a manner that extends through the first flow channel substrate 81, the second flow channel substrate 82, the third flow channel substrate 83, and the fourth flow channel substrate 84, starting from the discharge pipe PAout protruding in the -Z direction towards the first flow channel substrate 81 and passing through it along the Z-axis. The first discharge section Da3 is provided such that one end is connected to the middle of the first discharge branch section Da2. In this embodiment, the first discharge section Da3 is provided such that one end of the first discharge branch section Da2 is connected in the +X direction.

[0204] In this first discharge channel Da, the ink Ia discharged from the respective discharge outlets Rout of the two head chips 44 flows through the connecting channel 34 of the holder 30 and the first discharge through-section Da1 to converge at the first discharge branch Da2, and then returns to the liquid container 2A through the first discharge section Da3 and the discharge pipe TAout.

[0205] The second discharge channel Db extends from the upstream side to the downstream side and includes a second discharge through section Db1, a second discharge branch section Db2, and a second discharge section Db3.

[0206] The second discharge through-hole Db1 is provided to span the Z-axis and penetrate the fourth flow channel substrate 84 and the fifth flow channel substrate 85, with one end opening on the +Z direction side of the fourth flow channel substrate 84. In this embodiment, two such second discharge through-holes Db1 are provided. That is, two second discharge through-holes Db1 are provided at positions communicating with the communication channels 34 of the holder 30 corresponding to the other discharge outlet Rout of the first head chip 44A and the other discharge outlet Rout of the second head chip 44B, respectively.

[0207] The second discharge branch Db2 is a component disposed on the interface where the third flow channel substrate 83 and the fourth flow channel substrate 84 are fixed to each other, and is a component that extends along the in-plane direction of the XY plane. The second discharge branch Db2 is connected at both ends to the other end of the second discharge through portion Db1 that opens on the surface of the third flow channel substrate 83 in the -Z direction.

[0208] The second discharge section Db3 is a component for discharging ink from inside the flow channel component 60 to the outside, and is provided in such a way that it extends through the first flow channel substrate 81, the second flow channel substrate 82, and the third flow channel substrate 83 from the discharge pipe PBout protruding in the -Z direction toward the first flow channel substrate 71, spanning the Z-axis. The second discharge section Db3 is provided such that one end is connected to the middle of the second discharge branch section Db2. In this embodiment, the second discharge section Db3 is provided such that one end of the second discharge branch section Db2 is connected in the +X direction.

[0209] In this second discharge channel Db, the ink Ib discharged from the respective discharge outlets Rout of the two head chips 44 flows through the connecting channel 34 of the holder 30, the second discharge through-hole Db1, and converges at the second discharge branch Db2, and returns to the liquid container 2B through the second discharge section Db3 and the discharge pipe TBout.

[0210] The recording head 10 of the above structure supplies ink from the liquid container 2 to the head chip 44 via the flow channel component 60, and sends printing signals to the head chip 44 from the control unit 3 via the relay board 73, etc., and drives the piezoelectric actuator 484 in the head chip 44 based on the printing signals, thereby ejecting ink droplets from the nozzle N.

[0211] As explained above, the inkjet recording head 10, which is the liquid ejector head of this embodiment, is an inkjet recording head with the +X direction (a first direction) as its length direction and the +Y direction (a second direction) as its width direction, and ejects ink, which is liquid, into a third direction orthogonal to the +X and +Y directions, namely the +Z direction. Furthermore, the inkjet recording head 10 includes: a first inlet section Sa1 for introducing ink from the outside; a second inlet section Sb1 for introducing ink from the outside; a first filter chamber group Fa, which has a first filter chamber Fa1 and a second filter chamber Fa2; a second filter chamber group Fb, which has a third filter chamber Fb1 and a fourth filter chamber Fb2; a first supply channel Sa2 for supplying liquid from the first inlet section Sa1 to the first filter chamber group Fa; and a second supply channel Sb2 for supplying liquid from the second inlet section Sb1 to the second filter chamber group Fb. Furthermore, the first inlet section Sa1, the second inlet section Sb1, the first filter chamber group Fa, and the second filter chamber group Fb are arranged in this order facing the +X direction.

[0212] Thus, by arranging the first inlet section Sa1, the second inlet section Sb1, the first filter chamber group Fa, and the second filter chamber group Fb in this order toward the +X direction, the deviation in the flow path lengths of the first supply channel Sa2 and the second supply channel Sb2 can be reduced. Therefore, the deviation in pressure loss between the first supply channel Sa2 and the second supply channel Sb2 can be reduced, thereby reducing the deviation in the ink supply pressure to the printhead 44. Consequently, in the printhead 44, the deviation between the ejection characteristics of ink supplied from the first supply channel Sa2 and the ejection characteristics of ink supplied from the second supply channel Sb2 can be reduced, thereby improving print quality.

[0213] Furthermore, in the recording head 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the first supply channel Sa2 is branched at the first branch position Sc1, thereby distributing liquid ink to the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2. Furthermore, the second supply channel Sb2 is branched at the second branch position Sc2, thereby distributing ink to the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2. Preferably, the first branch position Sc1 is positioned between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction (a third direction), and the second branch position Sc2 is positioned between the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 when viewed in a plane. Thus, by positioning the first branch position Sc1 between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2, the channel length of the first branch portion Sa25 from the first branch position Sc1 to both the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 can be shortened, thereby extending the channel length of the common channel from the first inlet portion Sa1 to the first branch position Sc1 before branching. Therefore, compared to the case where the flow channel length of the first branch Sa25 increases, the layout of the first supply flow channel Sa2 can be simplified. Similarly, by positioning the second branch position Sc2 between the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2, the flow channel length of the second branch Sb25 from the second branch position Sc2 to both the third and fourth filter chambers Fb1 and Fb2 can be shortened, thereby extending the flow channel length of the common flow channel from the second inlet Sb1 to the second branch position Sc2 before branching. Therefore, compared to the case where the flow channel length of the second branch Sb25 increases, the layout of the second supply flow channel Sb2 can be simplified.

[0214] Furthermore, in the recording head 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 are arranged with a gap in the +Y direction, which is the second direction, and that the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 are arranged with a gap in the +Y direction. Thus, by arranging the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 with a gap in the +Y direction, and arranging the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 with a gap in the +Y direction, the distance between the first branch position Sc1 and the second branch position Sc2 can be shortened compared to the case where the first filter chamber Fa1, the second filter chamber Fa2, the third filter chamber Fb1, and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 are arranged side-by-side in the +X direction, which is the first direction. Thus, since the distance between the first branch position Sc1 and the second branch position Sc2 can be shortened, the flow path length from the first branch position Sc1 to the first inlet Sa1 and the flow path length from the second branch position Sc2 to the second inlet Sb1 can be made the same, and the first inlet Sa1 and the second inlet Sb1 can be arranged close together. Therefore, by arranging the first inlet Sa1 and the second inlet Sb1 in a relatively close manner, the pipes installed on the first inlet Sa1 and the second inlet Sb1 can be concentrated, thereby reducing the space required for pipe processing and reducing the possibility of pipes interfering with other components. In addition, since interference between the first inlet Sa1 and the second inlet Sb1 and the connector 75 can be suppressed, space for arranging the connector 75 can be ensured. Furthermore, since the connector 75 can be arranged at a relatively far position from the first inlet Sa1 and the second inlet Sb1, the connection and disconnection of wiring to the connector 75 and the connection and disconnection of pipes to the first inlet Sa1 and the second inlet Sb1 can be easily performed. Furthermore, since the connector 75 can be positioned relatively far from the first inlet Sa1 and the second inlet Sb1, even if ink leakage occurs when the pipe is disassembled or reassembled relative to the first inlet Sa1 and the second inlet Sb1, ink adhesion to the connector 75 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the occurrence of electrical defects caused by ink adhesion to the connector 75.

[0215] Furthermore, in the recording head 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the third filter chamber Fb1 is arranged side by side with respect to the first filter chamber Fa1 in the +X direction, which is the first direction, and the fourth filter chamber Fb2 is arranged side by side with respect to the second filter chamber Fa2 in the +X direction.

[0216] Furthermore, in the recording head 10 of this embodiment, the first filter chamber Fa1 has a first outlet Fa1_out for liquid ink to flow out, and the third filter chamber Fb1 has a third outlet Fb1_out for ink to flow out. The recording head 10 includes a first head chip 44A, which has a first nozzle array La1 and a third nozzle array Lb1 for ejecting ink. The first head chip 44A also includes a first inlet Rin1 for introducing ink flowing out from the first outlet Fa1_out and supplied to the first nozzle array La1; and a third inlet Rin3 for introducing ink flowing out from the third outlet Fb1 and supplied to the third nozzle array Lb2. Preferably, when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction (a third direction), the line segment Ls1 connecting the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out overlaps with the line segment Ls2 connecting the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3. Thus, by configuring the first outlet Fa1_out, the third outlet Fb1_out, the first inlet Rin1, and the third inlet Rin3 in a manner that overlaps line segments Ls1 and Ls2, the deviation in the flow path lengths of the first outlet channel Sa3 downstream of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the third outlet channel Sb3 downstream of the third filter chamber Fb1 can be reduced, thereby reducing the deviation in pressure loss between the first outlet channel Sa3 and the third outlet channel Sb3. Therefore, the deviation in the ejection characteristics of ink droplets ejected from the first nozzle array La1 connected to the first inlet Rin1 and the ejection characteristics of ink droplets ejected from the third nozzle array Lb2 connected to the third inlet Rin3 can be reduced, thereby improving print quality.

[0217] Furthermore, in the recording head 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the first flow outlet Fa1_out and the third flow outlet Fb1_out are arranged side by side in the +X direction, which is the first direction, and the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3 are arranged side by side in the +Y direction, which is the second direction. When viewed in a plane along the +Z direction, which is the third direction, the center positions of the first flow outlet Fa1_out and the third flow outlet Fb1_out are approximately the same as the center positions of the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3. Thus, by configuring the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out at a position that is approximately aligned with the center positions of the first inlet Rin1 and the third inlet Rin3, the deviation in the length of the flow channel from the first outlet Fa1_out to the first inlet Rin1 (i.e., the first outflow channel Sa3) and the flow channel from the third outlet Fb1_out to the third inlet Rin3 (i.e., the third outflow channel Sb3) can be reduced, thereby reducing the deviation in pressure loss between the first outflow channel Sa3 and the third outflow channel Sb3.

[0218] Furthermore, in the recording head 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the first filter chamber Fa1 and the third filter chamber Fb1 have the +Y direction as their length direction, which is the second direction. Thus, by having the first filter chamber Fa1 and the third filter chamber Fb1 have the +Y direction as their length direction, the first outlet Fa1_out and the third outlet Fb1_out can be configured in a close manner. Therefore, the flow path lengths from the first outlet Fa1_out to the first inlet Rin1 (i.e., the first outlet flow path Sa3) and from the third outlet Fb1_out to the third inlet Rin3 (i.e., the third outlet flow path Sb3) can be shortened, thereby reducing the deviation in pressure loss between the first outlet flow path Sa3 and the third outlet flow path Sb3.

[0219] Furthermore, in the recording head 10 of this embodiment, when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction (a third direction), the shape of the recording head 10 has a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The second portion P2 is adjacent to the first portion P1 and protrudes from the first portion P1 in a direction opposite to the +X direction (a first direction). Furthermore, the dimension W2 of the second portion P2 in the +Y direction (a second direction) is smaller than the dimension W1 of the first portion P1 in the +Y direction, and the second portion P2 is configured to be biased towards the +Y direction or in the -Y direction (an opposite direction to the +Y direction). Preferably, the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 are configured to overlap with the second portion P2 when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction, and the first filter chamber group Fa and the second filter chamber group Fb are configured to overlap with the first portion P1 when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction. In this embodiment, the second portion P2 is configured relative to the first portion P1 in a direction biased towards the +Y direction.

[0220] Thus, by providing the second portion P2, when multiple recording heads 10 are arranged side-by-side along the +Y direction, the nozzles N of adjacent recording heads 10 in the +X direction can partially overlap in the +X direction, thereby forming a continuous column of nozzles N spanning the +X direction. Furthermore, by providing the second portion P2, miniaturization in the +Y direction is achieved when multiple recording heads 10 are arranged side-by-side along the +X direction. Moreover, by providing the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 on the second portion P2, it is not necessary to place the space for the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 in the recording head 10 on the outer side compared to the first portion P1 and the second portion P2, thereby preventing the recording head 10 from becoming too large. Furthermore, by providing the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 on the second portion P2, it is possible to ensure that the space for the first filter chamber group Fa and the second filter chamber group Fb in the first portion P1 is sufficient to accommodate a larger filter F, thereby reducing pressure loss caused by the filter F. Furthermore, by providing the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 in the second part P2, the connector 75, which is an electrical element, can be provided in the first part P1, thereby effectively utilizing space to achieve miniaturization of the recording head 10. Moreover, by providing the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 in the second part P2, the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 can be provided at a position away from the connector 75 provided in the first part P1. Therefore, when disassembling and assembling the supply pipes PAin and PBin, respectively, where the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 are provided, ink leaking out is less likely to adhere to the connector 75, which is an electrical element, thereby suppressing electrical defects caused by ink adhering to the connector 75.

[0221] Furthermore, in the recording head 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the dimension W2 of the second portion P2 in the +Y direction, which is the second direction, is less than half the dimension W1 of the first portion P1 in the +Y direction, and the second portion P2 is arranged in a manner that is closer to the +Y direction or the -Y direction than the center line L1 representing the center of the first portion P1 in the +Y direction. Therefore, since the recording head 10 can be further miniaturized in the +Y direction, which is the second direction, it is easy to arrange multiple recording heads 10 on the support 101, thereby enabling miniaturization of the head module 100 in the +Y direction. Furthermore, the nozzle arrays of adjacent recording heads 10 along the +X direction can be arranged to overlap each other in the +X direction while also being arranged along the +X direction.

[0222] Furthermore, in the recording head 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the dimensions W3 and W4 of the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 in the +Y direction (which is the second direction) are more than half of the dimension W2 of the second portion P2 in the +Y direction. Thus, by setting the dimensions W3 and W4 of the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 to more than half of the dimension W2 of the second portion P2, the first inlet portion Sa1 and the second inlet portion Sb1 can be increased to improve supply performance. Furthermore, even if the first inlet section Sa1 and the second inlet section Sb1 are configured to be offset in the +X direction in order to reduce the size W2 in the +Y direction of the second part P2, by arranging the first inlet section Sa1, the second inlet section Sb1, the first filter chamber group Fa, and the second filter chamber group Fb in this order toward the +X direction, the deviation in the flow path length of the first supply channel Sa2 connecting the first inlet section Sa1 and the first filter chamber group Fa, and the second supply channel Sb2 connecting the second inlet section Sb1 and the second filter chamber group Fb, can be reduced, thereby reducing the deviation in pressure loss.

[0223] Furthermore, the inkjet recording apparatus 1, which is the liquid jetting device of this embodiment, includes: a recording head 10 as described above; and a transport mechanism 4, which is a transport section for transporting the medium S. In this inkjet recording apparatus 1, deviations in the ejection characteristics of the ink ejected from the recording head 10 can be reduced, thereby improving print quality.

[0224] Other implementation methods

[0225] While one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the basic structure of the present invention is not limited to the above description.

[0226] For example, although the structure in Embodiment 1 described above, in which the second filter chamber Fa2 is positioned offset in the +X direction relative to the first filter chamber Fa1, is not particularly limited thereto, the second filter chamber Fa2 may also be positioned offset in the -X direction relative to the first filter chamber Fa1. The same approach is taken for the third filter chamber Fb1 and the fourth filter chamber Fb2; the fourth filter chamber Fb2 may also be positioned offset in the +-X direction relative to the third filter chamber Fb1.

[0227] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment 1 employs a method of supplying inks Ia and Ib of different colors to the first supply channel Sa and the second supply channel Sb, it is not particularly limited to this method, and it is also possible to supply inks of the same color to the first supply channel Sa and the second supply channel Sb.

[0228] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment 1 illustrates a structure in which the first nozzle array La1 and the second nozzle array La2 are partially overlapping when viewed in the +Y direction, it is not particularly limited to this configuration. The first nozzle array La1 and the second nozzle array La2 may also be configured in a position where they do not overlap when viewed in the +Y direction. The same approach is adopted for the third nozzle array Lb1 and the fourth nozzle array Lb2.

[0229] Furthermore, although in the above-described embodiment 1, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 constituting the first filter chamber group Fa are offset in the +X direction such that they partially overlap when viewed in the +Y direction, this is not a particular limitation. Here, in Figure 20 and Figure 21 The image shows a modified example of the first filter chamber group Fa. Furthermore, Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 This is a plan view showing a modified example of the first filter chamber group Fa.

[0230] like Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 As shown, the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2, which constitute the first filter chamber group Fa, are arranged at the same position in the +X direction in such a way that they completely overlap when viewed in the +Y direction.

[0231] In addition, such as Figure 20 As shown, the first inlet Fa1_in for ink to flow into the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second inlet Fa2_in for ink to flow into the second filter chamber Fa2 can also be provided on the same side on the X-axis of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2. In this embodiment, they are provided at the end in the -X direction.

[0232] Furthermore, preferably, the first outlet Fa1_out is located at the end on the X-axis opposite to the first inlet Fa1_in, i.e., in the +X direction, and in region S3 on the -Y direction side compared to the center Fa1c of the first filter chamber Fa1 in the +Y direction. This allows the first inlet Fa1_in and the first outlet Fa1_out to be positioned near a location far from the diagonal of the first filter chamber Fa1, thereby suppressing ink deposition within the first filter chamber Fa1.

[0233] Preferably, the second outlet Fa2_out is located in region S4, on the X-axis opposite to the second inlet Fa2_in (i.e., in the +X direction), and closer to the +Y direction side than the center Fa2c of the second filter chamber Fa2 in the +Y direction. This allows the second inlet Fa2_in and the second outlet Fa2_out to be positioned near a location far from the diagonal of the second filter chamber Fa2, thereby suppressing ink deposition within the second filter chamber Fa2.

[0234] Furthermore, the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the first flow outlet Fa1_out may not be configured on the diagonal of the first filter chamber Fa1 or around it. That is, as... Figure 21 As shown, the first inlet Fa1_in and the first outlet Fa1_out can also be arranged at the center in the +X direction of the first filter chamber Fa1. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first outlet Fa1_out is arranged in a region S3 on the -Y direction side compared to the center Fa1c of the first filter chamber Fa1 in the +Y direction. Preferably, the second outlet Fa2_out is arranged in a region S4 on the +Y direction side compared to the center Fa2c of the second filter chamber Fa2 in the +Y direction. Thus, when the first inlet Fa1_in, the first outlet Fa1_out, the second inlet Fa2_in, and the second outlet Fa2_out are arranged at the center in the +X direction of the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2, the results are consistent with the above-described Embodiment 1 and... Figure 20 In contrast, ink is more likely to accumulate in the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2. Therefore, as described in Embodiment 1 above, and Figure 20 As shown, preferably, the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the first flow outlet Fa1_out are arranged on the diagonal and around the first filter chamber Fa1. Similarly, preferably, the second flow inlet Fa2_in and the second flow outlet Fa2_out are arranged on the diagonal and around the second filter chamber Fa2.

[0235] Additionally, the second filter chamber group Fb can also be set to be the same as... Figure 20 as well as Figure 21 The same structure.

[0236] Furthermore, although in the above-described embodiment 1, the first branch Sa25, the first inlet Fa1_in, and the second inlet Fa2_in are arranged at the same position in the +Z direction, this is not a particular limitation. Here, in Figure 22 The image shows a modified example of the first supply channel Sa. Additionally, Figure 22 A three-dimensional view showing a portion of the first supply channel Sa.

[0237] The first branch Sa25 has a pair of first flow channels Sa251 connected to the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the second flow inlet Fa2_in, a pair of second flow channels Sa252 connected to the pair of first flow channels Sa251, and a third flow channel Sa253 connecting the pair of second flow channels Sa252 and the first connecting part Sa24.

[0238] A pair of first flow channels Sa251 are configured at the same position in the +Z direction as the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the second flow inlet Fa2_in, and one end of each of them is connected to the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the second flow inlet Fa2_in, respectively. The pair of first flow channels Sa251 are arranged along the Y-axis.

[0239] A pair of second flow channels Sa252 are provided along the Z-axis, and one second flow channel Sa252 is connected to the other end of one first flow channel Sa251 and one end of the third flow channel Sa253. In addition, the other second flow channel Sa252 is connected to the other end of the other first flow channel Sa251 and the other end of the third flow channel Sa253.

[0240] The third flow channel section Sa253 is positioned at a different location in the +Z direction from the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the second flow inlet Fa2_in. In this embodiment, it is positioned on the -Z direction side compared to the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the second flow inlet Fa2_in. A first connecting section Sa24 is connected midway through this third flow channel section Sa253. That is, the first branch position Sc1 is positioned at a different location in the +Z direction from the first flow inlet Fa1_in and the second flow inlet Fa2_in.

[0241] In this structure, similar to Embodiment 1 described above, the first branch position Sc1 is positioned between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2 when viewed in a plane along the +Z direction. Therefore, as Figure 22 As shown, even if a portion of the first branch Sa25 is positioned at a different location in the +Z direction from the first inlet Fa1_in and the second inlet Fa2_in, by positioning the first branch position Sc1 within the region S1 between the first filter chamber Fa1 and the second filter chamber Fa2, the flow path length of the first branch Sa25 can be shortened compared to the case where the first branch position Sc1 is positioned outside the region S1. Of course, as in Embodiment 1 described above, positioning the first branch Sa25 at one of the same positions in the +Z direction as the first inlet Fa1_in and the second inlet Fa2_in further shortens the flow path length of the first branch Sa25, thereby suppressing deviations in pressure loss.

[0242] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment 1 illustrates a recording head 10 having two supply channels, a first supply channel Sa and a second supply channel Sb, it is not particularly limited to this, and a recording head 10 having three or more supply channels may also be used. By designating the three supply channels as a first supply channel, a second supply channel, and a third supply channel, and providing an inlet portion and a filter chamber assembly for each supply channel, it is sufficient to simply designate the inlet portion and filter chamber assembly of the first supply channel as the "first inlet portion" and "first filter chamber assembly" described in the technical solution, and the inlet portion and filter chamber assembly of the second supply channel as the "second inlet portion" and "second filter chamber assembly" described in the technical solution, and apply the structure described in the technical solution. Furthermore, it is sufficient to designate the inlet portion and filter chamber assembly of the second supply channel as the "first inlet portion" and "first filter chamber assembly" described in the technical solution, and the inlet portion and filter chamber assembly of the third supply channel as the "second inlet portion" and "second filter chamber assembly" described in the technical solution, and apply the structure described in the technical solution between the second and third supply channels. Of course, even if there are four or more supply channels, the same structure as described above can be applied. Therefore, even in multiple supply channels with three or more, deviations in flow path length can be reduced, thereby reducing deviations in pressure loss and suppressing deviations in ink droplet ejection characteristics.

[0243] Symbol Explanation

[0244] 1…Inkjet recording device (liquid jet device); 2, 2A, 2B…Liquid container; 3…Control unit; 4…Conveyor mechanism; 4a…Conveyor roller; 6…Moving mechanism; 7…Conveyor body; 8…Conveyor belt; 10…Inkjet recording head (liquid jet head); 30…Retainer; 31…Reception section; 33…Recess; 34…Connecting channel; 35…Flange; 36…Fixing plate; 37…Exposed opening; 39…Wiring insertion hole; 44…Head chip; 44A…First head chip; 44B…Second head chip; 60…Flow channel component; 63…Connecting opening; 65…Cover component; 67…Through hole; 71…First flow channel substrate; 72…Second flow channel substrate; 73…Relay substrate; 75…Connector; 81…First flow channel substrate Plate; 82…Second flow channel substrate; 83…Third flow channel substrate; 84…Fourth flow channel substrate; 85…Fifth flow channel substrate; 100…Head module; 101…Support body; 102…Support hole; 103…Fixing port; 104…Screw hole; 105…Screw; 200…Pump; 481…Flow channel forming substrate; 481A…Opening; 481B…Independent flow channel; 481C…Connecting flow channel; 482…Pressure chamber substrate; 482A…Opening; 483…Vibrating plate; 484…Piezoelectric actuator; 485…Frame part; 486…Protective substrate; 487…Nozzle plate; 488…Buffer plate; Da…First discharge channel; Da1…First discharge through part; Da2…First discharge branch part; Da3…First discharge part; D b…Second discharge channel; Db1…Second discharge through section; Db2…Second discharge branch section; Db3…Second discharge section; F…Filter; Fa…First filter chamber group; Fa1…First filter chamber; Fa1a…Inner wall; Fa11…First upstream filter chamber; Fa12…First downstream filter chamber; Fa1_in…First flow inlet; Fa1_out…First flow outlet; Fa2…Second filter chamber; Fa2a…Inner wall; Fa21…Second upstream filter chamber; Fa22…Second downstream filter chamber; Fa2_in…Second flow inlet; Fa2_out…Second flow outlet; Fb…Second filter chamber group; Fb1…Third filter chamber; Fb1a…Inner wall; Fb11…Third upstream filter… Filter chamber; Fb12…Third downstream filter chamber; Fb1_in…Third flow inlet; Fb1_out…Third flow outlet; Fb2…Fourth filter chamber; Fb2a…Inner wall; Fb21…Fourth upstream filter chamber; Fb22…Fourth downstream filter chamber; Fb2_in…Fourth flow inlet; Fb2_out…Fourth flow outlet; I…Ink; L, La, Lb…Nozzle array; La1…First nozzle array; La2…Second nozzle array; Lb1…Third nozzle array; Lb2…Fourth nozzle array; N…Nozzle; P1…First section; P2…Second section; P3…Third section; PAin…Supply pipe; PAout…Discharge pipe; PBin…Supply pipe; PBout…Discharge pipe; Rin…Inlet;Rin1…First inlet; Rin2…Second inlet; Rin3…Third inlet; Rin4…Fourth inlet; Rout…Outlet; S…Medium; Sa…First supply channel; Sa1…First inlet section; Sa2…First supply flow channel; Sa21…First supply section; Sa22…First through section; Sa23…First connecting section; Sa24…First connecting section; Sa25…First branch section; Sa25a, Sa25b…Inner wall; Sa25c…First throttling section; Sa25d…Second throttling section; Sa251…First flow channel section; Sa252…Second flow channel section; Sa253…Third flow channel section; Sa3…First outflow channel; Sa31…First outflow through section; Sa32…First outflow section; Sa33…First outflow connection section; Sa4…Second outflow channel; Sa41…Second outflow through section; Sa42…Second outflow section; Sa43…Second outflow connection section; Sb…The… Second supply channel; Sb1…Second inlet section; Sb2…Second supply flow channel; Sb21…Second supply section; Sb22…Second through section; Sb23…Second connecting section; Sb24…Second connecting section; Sb25…Second branch section; Sb25a, Sb25b…Inner wall; Sb25c…Third throttling section; Sb25d…Fourth throttling section; Sb3…Third outlet flow channel; Sb31…Third outlet through section; Sb32…Third outlet section; Sb3 3…Third outflow connection; Sb4…Fourth outflow channel; Sb41…Fourth outflow through-hole; Sb42…Fourth outflow section; Sb43…Fourth outflow connection; Sc1…First branch position; Sc2…Second branch position; SC…Pressure chamber; SR…Manifold; TAin…Supply pipe; TAout…Discharge pipe; TBin…Supply pipe; TBout…Discharge pipe; V_out…Imaginary outlet; V_in…Imaginary inlet.

Claims

1. A liquid injection head, characterized in that, It sprays liquid in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions, with a first direction as its length and a second direction as its width, and includes: The first inlet section is used to introduce liquid from the outside; The second inlet section is used to introduce liquid from the outside; A first filter chamber assembly has a first filter chamber and a second filter chamber, wherein the first filter chamber has a first filter inside, and the second filter chamber has a second filter inside, which is independent of the first filter; The second filter chamber assembly has a third filter chamber and a fourth filter chamber, wherein the third filter chamber has a third filter inside and the fourth filter chamber has a fourth filter inside; A first supply channel supplies liquid from the first inlet to the first filter chamber assembly; The second supply channel supplies liquid from the second inlet to the second filter chamber assembly. The first inlet, the second inlet, the first filter chamber group, and the second filter chamber group are arranged in this order facing the first direction.

2. The liquid injection head as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first supply channel is branched at the first branch location, thereby distributing liquid to the first filter chamber and the second filter chamber. The second supply channel is branched at the second branch location, thereby distributing liquid to the third filter chamber and the fourth filter chamber. The first branch position is positioned between the first filter chamber and the second filter chamber when viewed along the third-direction plane. The second branch is positioned between the third and fourth filter chambers when viewed in the plan view.

3. The liquid injection head as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first filter chamber and the second filter chamber are configured to be spaced apart in the second direction. The third filter chamber and the fourth filter chamber are configured to be spaced apart in the second direction.

4. The liquid injection head as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The third filter chamber is arranged side by side with respect to the first filter chamber in the first direction. The fourth filter chamber is arranged side by side with respect to the second filter chamber in the first direction.

5. The liquid injection head as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first filter chamber has a first outlet for liquid to flow out. The third filter chamber has a third outlet for liquid to flow out. The liquid injection head includes a first head chip, which has a first nozzle array and a third nozzle array for injecting liquid. The first head chip has: A first inlet is used to introduce liquid flowing out from the first outlet and supplied to the first nozzle array; The third inlet is used to introduce liquid flowing out from the third outlet and supplied to the third nozzle array. When viewed along the plane of the third direction, the line segment connecting the first flow outlet and the third flow outlet overlaps with the line segment connecting the first inlet and the third inlet.

6. The liquid injection head as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first flow outlet and the third flow outlet are arranged side by side in the first direction. The first inlet and the third inlet are arranged side by side in the second direction. When viewed from the plane, the center positions of the first outlet and the third outlet are approximately the same as the center positions of the first inlet and the third inlet.

7. The liquid injection head as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The first filter chamber and the third filter chamber are oriented with the second direction as their length direction.

8. The liquid injection head as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shape of the liquid jet head, when viewed along the third-direction plane, has a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being adjacent to the first portion and protruding from the first portion in a direction opposite to the first direction. The dimension of the second part in the second direction is smaller than the dimension of the first part in the second direction. The second part is configured in a manner that is biased toward the second direction or in a direction opposite to the second direction. The first and second inlet portions are configured to overlap with the second portion when viewed in the plane. The first filter chamber group and the second filter chamber group are configured to overlap with the first portion when viewed in the plane.

9. The liquid injection head as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The dimension of the second part in the second direction is less than half the dimension of the first part in the second direction. The second portion is configured such that it is positioned relative to the center of the first portion in the second direction, or in a direction opposite to the second direction.

10. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The dimensions of the first inlet portion and the second inlet portion in the second direction are more than half of the dimensions of the second portion in the second direction.

11. A liquid injection device, characterized in that, have: The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The conveying unit is responsible for transporting the medium.

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