Liquid injection device

Abstract

In the liquid injection device involved in the present disclosure, the sealing performance during the capping is ensured. The liquid injection device comprises: a liquid injection head having a plurality of head chips and a fixed plate, wherein the plurality of head chips have a nozzle plate provided with a plurality of nozzles, and the fixed plate is provided with a plurality of openings for respectively exposing the nozzle plates provided by each of the plurality of head chips; and a cap, which can abut against an annular abutment area provided on the fixed plate. The fixed plate is provided with a first hole and a second hole different from the plurality of openings, the fixed plate having a first surface provided with the abutment area, and a surface on the opposite side of the first surface and a second surface to which the plurality of head chips are fixed, the plurality of openings are arranged on the inner side of the abutment area when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, the first hole and the second hole are respectively arranged on the inner side of the abutment area when viewed from above, and are blocked by a filler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection device. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-110306) discloses a liquid ejecting device having a cap that covers a nozzle array of a head. A cover having six openings that expose the nozzle array is fixed to the head of the liquid ejecting device. Two abutment areas for abutting an annular rib provided at the top of the cap are provided on the cover so as to surround three of the six openings, and further, a positioning hole is provided between the two abutment areas.

[0003] In the liquid injection device described in the above document, two caps are provided for one head. In order to reduce the number of components of the liquid injection device, the inventors of the present application have studied the following content, that is, the number of caps provided for one head is set to one, and one cover is used to cover all the nozzle columns of one head. In addition, since the ribs provided at the top of the cap overlap with the positioning holes of the cover, a gap formed by the positioning holes will be generated between the caps and the cover, and it is found that it is difficult to ensure the sealing. Therefore, the inventors of the present application have studied the content of changing the configuration of the positioning holes. However, in the case of changing the configuration of the positioning holes to the outside of the abutment area, it is possible to enlarge the head. In the case of changing the configuration of the positioning holes to the inside of the abutment area, even if the nozzle column is covered with a cap, the space in the cap will be connected to the atmosphere through the positioning holes, so there is a possibility that the water content of the ink in the nozzle evaporates and the nozzle is dried. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid ejection device is provided. The liquid ejection device comprises: a liquid ejection head having a plurality of head chips and a fixing plate, wherein the plurality of head chips have a nozzle plate provided with a plurality of nozzles, and the fixing plate is provided with a plurality of openings for respectively exposing the nozzle plates provided by each of the plurality of head chips; and a cap which can abut against an annular abutment area provided on the fixing plate. The fixing plate is provided with a first hole and a second hole which are different from the plurality of openings, and the fixing plate has a first surface provided with the abutment area, and a second surface which is a surface on the opposite side of the first surface and to which the plurality of head chips are fixed, and the plurality of openings are arranged on the inner side of the abutment area when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, and the first hole and the second hole are respectively arranged on the inner side of the abutment area when viewed from above and are blocked by a filler. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of the liquid ejecting device according to the first embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a first exploded perspective view showing a schematic structure of the head unit according to the first embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a second exploded perspective view showing a schematic structure of the head unit according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 It is a bottom view showing a schematic structure of the head unit according to the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first liquid outflow port according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic structure of the liquid ejecting head according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the head chip according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 8 It is a first bottom view showing the structure of the fixing plate according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 9 It is a second bottom view showing the structure of the fixing plate according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Fig.10 It is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a liquid ejecting head is assembled.

[0015] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing the filler arranged in the first hole according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Fig.12 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a filler arranged in a first hole according to a comparative example.

[0017] Fig.13 It is a bottom view showing the structure of the fixing plate according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Fig.14 It is a first cross-sectional view showing the structure of a first liquid outlet according to another embodiment.

[0019] Fig.15 It is a second cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first liquid outlet according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] A. First Implementation Method:

[0021] Figure 1 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic structure of a liquid ejecting device 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 In the figure, arrows indicating mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions are shown. The X and Y directions are directions parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z direction is the gravity direction. The arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions are also shown in the other figures in the same direction as the arrows. Figure 1 In the following description, when a direction is particularly specified, the direction indicated by the arrow mark, i.e., the positive direction, is designated as "+", and the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow mark, i.e., the negative direction, is designated as "-", and both positive and negative signs are used in the direction mark. In addition, the +X direction is sometimes referred to as the "first direction D1", and the +Y direction is sometimes referred to as the "second direction D2".

[0022] In the present embodiment, the liquid ejecting device 10 is configured as an inkjet printer that ejects ink as liquid to print an image on a medium M. The liquid ejecting device 10 includes a control unit 15 , a liquid container 20 , a head unit 30 , a conveying mechanism 40 , a capping mechanism 50 , a suction mechanism 60 , and a wiping mechanism 70 .

[0023] The control unit 15 is composed of a computer having one or more processors, a main storage device, and an input / output interface for inputting and outputting signals to and from the outside. The processor executes the program or command read from the main storage device, so that the control unit 15 performs various functions. For example, the control unit 15 receives image data from a computer connected by wired communication or wireless communication, and converts the received image data into print data indicating the presence or absence of dots formed on the medium M. The control unit 15 forms dots formed by ink at predetermined positions on the medium M by ejecting ink from the head unit 30 while conveying the medium M in the +Y direction using the conveying mechanism 40 according to the print data, thereby printing an image on the medium M.

[0024] The liquid container 20 stores ink to be ejected toward the medium M. In the present embodiment, the liquid container 20 is composed of four containers, and each container stores ink of four colors, namely, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Each container of the liquid container 20 is connected to the head unit 30 via a supply channel 21. The supply channel 21 is composed of, for example, a flexible tube. The ink stored in the liquid container 20 is supplied to the head unit 30, for example, by a water level difference. In addition, a pressure pump for pressurizing the ink toward the head unit 30 may be provided between the liquid container 20 and the head unit 30.

[0025] The head unit 30 includes six liquid ejecting heads 100 arranged side by side along the X direction. The head unit 30 distributes ink of each color supplied from the liquid container 20 via the supply channel 21 to each liquid ejecting head 100, and ejects ink from each liquid ejecting head 100 toward the medium M under the control of the control unit 15. In addition, the number of liquid ejecting heads 100 provided in the head unit 30 is not limited to six, and may be one, two to five, or seven or more.

[0026] The conveying mechanism 40 conveys the medium M under the control of the control unit 15. In the present embodiment, the conveying mechanism 40 conveys the medium M in the +Y direction. The conveying mechanism 40 is, for example, a roller conveying method that sandwiches the medium M from both sides with rollers and rotates the rollers by a motor to convey the medium M. The conveying mechanism 40 may be a belt conveying method that uses static electricity or air pressure to adsorb the medium M to a belt and conveys the medium M through the belt, instead of a roller conveying method, or a roller conveying method that rotates a roller around which the medium M is wound to convey the medium M.

[0027] The capping mechanism 50 includes a cap unit 51 and a cap moving part 52. In the present embodiment, the cap unit 51 is composed of six caps 53 arranged side by side along the X direction and a supporting member 54 for supporting the six caps 53. Each cap 53 has a base 55 and a rib 56 protruding from the base 55 toward the -Z direction. When viewed in the +Z direction, the rib 56 is configured to be annular. In the base 55, a through hole 57 is provided on the inner side of the rib 56. The cap moving part 52 moves the cap unit 51 relative to the head unit 30 under the control of the control unit 15. The cap moving part 52 is composed of, for example, a guide rail or a motor. The cap moving part 52 moves the cap unit 51 relative to the head unit 30 in the -Z direction during the period when ink is not ejected from each liquid ejecting head 100 to the medium M, so that the top end of each rib 56 abuts against the ejection surface of each liquid ejecting head 100, thereby covering at least a portion of the ejection surface of each liquid ejecting head 100 with the cap 53. The ejection surface means a surface on the +Z direction side of the surface of the liquid ejecting head 100, and is composed of the nozzle plate 210 and the fixing plate 150 described later. The situation where at least a portion of the ejection surface of each liquid ejecting head 100 is covered with the cap 53 is called capping. In addition, the following method can be adopted, that is, the cap moving part 52 does not move the cap unit 51, but moves the head unit 30, and covers at least a portion of the ejection surface of each liquid ejecting head 100 with the cap 53.

[0028] The suction mechanism 60 includes a discharge channel 61, a suction pump 62, and a waste liquid tank 63. The discharge channel 61 is connected to each through hole 57 provided on the cap 53. The discharge channel 61 is composed of, for example, a flexible tube. The suction pump 62 is driven under the control of the control unit 15, and generates negative pressure in the space surrounded by each liquid ejecting head 100 and the cap 53 at the time of capping, thereby sucking bubbles or foreign matter from each liquid ejecting head 100 together with the ink. The suction pump 62 is composed of, for example, a tube pump. The waste liquid tank 63 stores the ink discharged from each liquid ejecting head 100 by the suction pump 62. The situation in which negative pressure is generated in the space surrounded by each liquid ejecting head 100 and the cap 53 at the time of capping, thereby sucking bubbles or foreign matter from each liquid ejecting head 100 together with the ink is called suction cleaning.

[0029] The wiping mechanism 70 includes a wiping member 71 and a wiping member moving portion 72. The wiping member 71 is formed of, for example, a rubber plate. The wiping member 71 may also be formed of cloth or the like. The wiping member moving portion 72 is formed of, for example, a guide rail or a motor or the like. The wiping member moving portion 72 moves the wiping member 71 relative to the head unit 30 toward the +X direction under the control of the control portion 15, thereby wiping the ink or foreign matter attached to the head unit 30 using the wiping member 71. Wiping the ink or foreign matter attached to the head unit 30 using the wiping member 71 is referred to as wiping. In addition, the wiping member moving portion 72 may also wipe the ink or foreign matter attached to the head unit 30 using the wiping member 71 by moving the wiping member 71 relative to the head unit 30 toward the -X direction.

[0030] Figure 2 It is a first exploded perspective view showing a schematic structure of the head unit 30 . Figure 3 It is a second exploded perspective view showing a schematic structure of the head unit 30 . Figure 4 It is a bottom view showing a schematic structure of the head unit 30 . Figure 5 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first liquid outlet Di1 of the head unit 30. Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the head unit 30 includes a distribution flow path member 31 , a support member 32 , and six liquid ejecting heads 100 .

[0031] The distribution channel member 31 is provided with a number of first liquid inlets Si1 corresponding to the number of ink colors and a number of first liquid outlets Di1 corresponding to the number of ink colors and the number of liquid ejecting heads 100. Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , four first liquid inlet ports Si1 are provided on the surface on the −Z direction side of the distribution channel member 31. The supply channel 21 is connected to each of the first liquid inlet ports Si1. Figure 3 As shown, twenty-four first liquid outlets Di1 are provided on the surface on the +Z direction side of the distribution flow channel member 31 .

[0032] In the distribution channel component 31, four systems of ink flow channels are provided. One system of ink flow channels is composed of a common flow channel connected to a first liquid inlet Si1 and six independent flow channels branching from the common flow channel. One independent flow channel is connected to a first liquid outlet Di1. The ink introduced into the distribution channel component 31 from a first liquid inlet Si1 is distributed to the six first liquid outlets Di1 via the common flow channel and the independent flow channels. A plurality of independent flow channels are provided between each independent flow channel and the first liquid outlet Di1. Figure 5 In the pressure regulating valve 500 shown, the pressure of the ink distributed to each of the first liquid outlets Di1 is regulated by the pressure regulating valve 500. The structure of the pressure regulating valve 500 will be described below.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the support member 32 is arranged on the +Z direction side of the distribution flow channel member 31, and is fixed to the distribution flow channel member 31 by screws or adhesives. Each liquid ejection head 100 is arranged on the +Z direction side of the support member 32. Each liquid ejection head 100 is fixed to the support member 32 by screws or adhesives. Each liquid ejection head 10 has four second liquid inlets Si2. An opening portion that exposes the second liquid inlet Si2 is provided on the surface on the -Z direction side of the support member 32. Each second liquid inlet Si2 is connected to each first liquid outlet Di1. In addition, the distribution flow channel member 31 and the support member 32 can also be integrated and composed of the same component.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , each liquid ejecting head 100 has a plurality of nozzle rows arranged side by side along the X direction. Each nozzle row is composed of a plurality of nozzles N arranged side by side along the third direction D3 as follows, wherein the third direction D3 is a direction orthogonal to the Z direction and intersecting both the X direction and the Y direction. Each liquid ejecting head 100 ejects ink from each nozzle N. The plurality of nozzles N are divided into a group ejecting cyan ink, a group ejecting magenta ink, a group ejecting yellow ink, and a group ejecting black ink.

[0035] like Figure 5As shown, the pressure regulating valve 500 includes a housing 510, a valve body 520, a valve seat 530, a cover member 540, a film member 550, and a spring 560. A primary chamber 511 and a secondary chamber 512 are provided in the housing 510. The primary chamber 511 and the secondary chamber 512 are separated by a partition wall 513. The partition wall 513 is provided with a communication passage 514 that allows the primary chamber 511 and the secondary chamber 512 to communicate.

[0036] The primary chamber 511 is formed by sealing the opening of the recess provided on the housing 510 using the cover member 540. The secondary chamber 512 is formed by sealing the opening of the recess provided on the housing 510 using the flexible film member 550. As the material of the film member 550, for example, high-density polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate can be used. A pressure plate 555 is bonded to the surface of the film member 550 on the secondary chamber 512 side. The rigidity of the pressure plate 555 is higher than that of the film member 550. The space on the opposite side of the secondary chamber 512 across the film member 550 is connected to the atmosphere.

[0037] The primary chamber 511 is connected to the independent flow channel FP via the inflow channel 541 provided on the cover member 540. The independent flow channel FP is connected to the first liquid inlet Si1. The secondary chamber 512 is connected to the first liquid outlet Di1 via the outflow channel 518 provided on the housing 510. A sealing member 519 is provided in the first liquid outlet Di1. At the top end of the second liquid inlet Si2 of the liquid jet head 100, a supply needle 105 for introducing ink into the liquid jet head 100 is provided. In the supply needle 105, a flow channel for ink and a filter F for capturing bubbles or foreign matter contained in the ink are provided. The supply needle 105 penetrates the sealing member 519, so that the flow channel of the ink in the supply needle 105 is connected to the outflow channel 518.

[0038] The valve body 520 is arranged in the housing 510 in a movable manner. The valve body 520 includes a valve body main body 521 and a contact member 522. The valve body main body 521 has a cylindrical shaft portion 525 and a disc-shaped flange portion 526 connected to one end of the shaft portion 525. The shaft portion 525 is inserted into the connecting passage 514. A gap for ink circulation is formed between the shaft portion 525 and the connecting passage 514. The top end of the shaft portion 525 on the opposite side of the flange portion 526 contacts the pressure receiving plate 555. The flange portion 526 is arranged in the primary chamber 511. The contact member 522 is fixed on the surface of the flange portion 526 on the side of the partition wall 513. The contact member 522 is set in a circular ring shape in a manner of surrounding the shaft portion 525. The contact member 522 is formed of rubber or an elastomer. The valve seat 530 is fixed to the partition wall 513 so as to face the abutment member 522. The valve seat 530 is provided in an annular shape so as to surround the communication passage 514.

[0039] The spring 560 is disposed between the flange portion 526 of the valve body 520 and the cover member 540. One end of the spring 560 abuts against the flange portion 526, and the other end of the spring 560 abuts against the cover member 540. The spring 560 urges the valve body 520 toward the secondary chamber 512. The abutting member 522 of the valve body 520 abuts against the valve seat 530 by the urging force of the spring 560, so that the communication passage 514 is closed. In other words, the pressure regulating valve 500 is closed.

[0040] When the ink stored in the secondary chamber 512 flows out from the outflow channel 518 and the pressure in the secondary chamber 512 decreases, the film member 550 is bent due to the pressure difference between the pressure in the secondary chamber 512 and the atmospheric pressure, so that the pressure receiving plate 555 bonded to the film member 550 moves toward the primary chamber 511. The pressure receiving plate 555 overcomes the urging force of the spring 560 and presses the shaft 525 to move the valve body 520, thereby forming a gap between the abutting member 522 and the valve seat 530, so that the communication channel 514 is opened. In other words, the pressure regulating valve 500 is opened.

[0041] When the pressure regulating valve 500 is opened and ink flows from the primary chamber 511 into the secondary chamber 512, the pressure difference between the pressure in the secondary chamber 512 and the atmospheric pressure decreases, and the valve body 520 and the pressure receiving plate 555 return to their original positions due to the force of the spring 560, so that the gap between the abutting member 522 and the valve seat 530 disappears, thereby closing the communication channel 514. In other words, the pressure regulating valve 500 is closed. In this way, since the pressure regulating valve 500 can regulate the pressure of the ink supplied from the distribution channel member 31 to the liquid ejecting head 100, the supply of ink from the distribution channel member 31 to each liquid ejecting head 100 can be stabilized.

[0042] Figure 6 , is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic structure of the liquid jet head 100. The liquid jet head 100 includes six head chips 200, a filter unit 110, a cover member 120, a circuit substrate 130, a holder 140, and a fixed plate 150. In the present embodiment, the fixed plate 150, the holder 140, the circuit substrate 130, the cover member 120, and the filter unit 110 are sequentially arranged in a stacked manner from the +Z direction side. The six head chips 200 are accommodated in a space surrounded by the fixed plate 150 and the holder 140. In addition, the number of head chips 200 provided in one liquid jet head 100 only needs to be two or more, and is not limited to six.

[0043] In the filter unit 110, four second liquid inlets Si2 and four second liquid outlets Di2 are provided. Each second liquid inlet Si2 is configured as a tube and protrudes from the filter unit 110 toward the -Z direction. The supply needle 105 is provided at the top end of each second liquid inlet Si2. In the filter unit 110, a flow channel connected to a second liquid inlet Si2 and a second liquid outlet Di2 is provided. In each flow channel, a filter is provided to capture bubbles or foreign matter contained in the ink. In the present embodiment, the filter unit 110 is formed of a resin material such as Zylon (registered trademark) or a liquid crystal polymer.

[0044] The cover member 120 is provided with four through holes 125 for connecting the four second liquid outlets Di2 of the filter unit 110 and two cable holes 126 for inserting the signal cables connecting the circuit substrate 130 and the control unit 15. In the present embodiment, the cover member 120 is formed by integrating the main body 121 and the sealing part 122 by co-injection molding, wherein the main body 121 is formed of a resin material that is relatively difficult to deform, such as Zylon (registered trademark) or liquid crystal polymer, and the sealing part 122 is formed of an elastomer such as nitrile rubber, silicone rubber or fluororubber. The sealing part 122 is arranged at the peripheral part of the through hole 125 to suppress the leakage of ink. The cover member 120 is fixed to the filter unit 110 by screws. In addition, the main body 121 can also be formed of a metal material such as stainless steel. In this case, the metal material forming the main body 121 and the elastomer forming the sealing part 122 can also be integrated by insert molding or insert molding.

[0045] The circuit substrate 130 supplies a driving signal or a power supply voltage to each head chip 200. Circuit elements 131 such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and coils are arranged on the circuit substrate 130. A connector 132 for connecting a flexible wiring substrate 246 extending from the head chip 200 described later and a connector 133 for connecting a signal cable extending from the control unit 15 are provided on the surface on the -Z direction side of the circuit substrate 130. The flexible wiring substrate 246 is connected to the connector 132 through a slit hole 136 provided on the circuit substrate 130. A cutout portion 135 is provided on the circuit substrate 130 so as not to block each through hole 125 of the cover member 120. In the present embodiment, the circuit substrate 130 is fixed to the cover member 120 and the holder 140 by an adhesive.

[0046] The holder 140 is composed of a first holder member 141, a second holder member 142, and a third holder member 143. The third holder member 143, the second holder member 142, and the first holder member 141 are arranged in a stacked manner from the +Z direction side. Four third liquid inlets Si3 are provided on the surface of the first holder member 141 on the -Z direction side. Each third liquid inlet Si3 is formed in a tubular shape and protrudes from the first holder member 141 toward the -Z direction. Each third liquid inlet Si3 is connected to each through hole 125 of the cover member 120. In each of the holder members 141 to 143, a flow channel for distributing the ink introduced from each third liquid inlet Si3 to the six head chips 200 is provided. In the present embodiment, each of the holder members 141 to 143 is formed of a resin material such as Zylon (registered trademark) or a liquid crystal polymer. Each of the holder members 141 to 143 is fixed to each other by an adhesive. The first holder member 141 is fixed to the main body portion 121 of the cover member 120 and the circuit board 130 by an adhesive.

[0047] The fixed plate 150 has a first surface 151 as a surface on the +Z direction side, and a second surface 152 as a surface on the -Z direction side. The first surface 151 is a surface parallel to the X direction and the Y direction, and constitutes the bottom surface of the liquid jet head 100. The fixed plate 15 has a number of openings 155 corresponding to the number of head chips 200. In the present embodiment, the fixed plate 150 has six openings 155 arranged side by side along the X direction. Each opening 155 is set to penetrate the fixed plate 150. The fixed plate 150 is formed of a metal material such as stainless steel. The plate thickness of the fixed plate 150 is 80 microns. The second surface 152 of the fixed plate 150 is fixed to the outer wall portion 145 of the third retaining frame member 143 by an adhesive. In addition, a more specific structure of the fixed plate 150 will be described later.

[0048] Each head chip 200 is arranged inside the outer wall portion 145 of the third holder member 143. Each head chip 200 is arranged side by side along the X direction on each opening portion 155 of the fixing plate 150. Each head chip 200 is fixed to the second surface 152 of the fixing plate 150 by an adhesive. Four liquid introduction ports 251 for introducing ink are provided on each head chip 200. Ink distributed by each of the holder members 141 to 143 is supplied to each liquid introduction port 251.

[0049] Figure 7 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the head chip 200. Figure 7 , a cross section of a head chip 200 and a fixing plate 150 is shown. The head chip 200 includes a nozzle plate 210 provided with a plurality of nozzles N for ejecting ink, a flow path forming substrate 221, a pressure chamber substrate 222, a protective substrate 223, a compliance portion 230, a vibration plate 240, a piezoelectric element 245, a flexible wiring substrate 246, and a housing 224.

[0050] In the head chip 200, as a flow channel 250 of ink communicating with the nozzle N, there are provided a liquid introduction port 251 for introducing ink, a liquid reservoir R, an independent flow channel 253, a pressure chamber C, and a communication flow channel 255. The flow channel 250 of ink is constituted by laminating a flow channel forming substrate 221, a pressure chamber substrate 222, and a housing 224. The communication flow channel 255, the independent flow channel 253, and the lower part of the liquid reservoir R are provided on the flow channel forming substrate 221. The pressure chamber C is provided on the pressure chamber substrate 222. The liquid introduction port 251 and the upper part of the liquid reservoir R are provided in the housing 224.

[0051] The ink introduced into the housing 224 from the liquid introduction port 251 is stored in the liquid storage chamber R. The liquid storage chamber R is a common flow channel that communicates with a plurality of independent flow channels 253 corresponding to the plurality of nozzles N constituting the nozzle array. The ink stored in the liquid storage chamber R is supplied to the pressure chamber C via the independent flow channels 253. The ink pressurized in the pressure chamber C is ejected from the nozzle N in the +Z direction via the communication flow channel 255. In the head chip 200, the independent flow channel 253, the pressure chamber C, and the communication flow channel 255 are provided for each nozzle N.

[0052] The nozzle plate 210, the flow channel forming substrate 221, and the pressure chamber substrate 222 are formed of single crystal silicon. The housing 224 is formed of a resin material such as Zylon (registered trademark) or a liquid crystal polymer. The nozzle plate 210, the flow channel forming substrate 221, the pressure chamber substrate 222, and the housing 224 are fixed to each other by an adhesive.

[0053] The nozzle plate 210 and the plastic part 230 are fixed to the bottom surface of the flow channel forming substrate 221. The nozzle plate 210 is fixed to the lower side of the communication flow channel 255. The plastic part 230 is fixed to the lower side of the liquid storage chamber R and the independent flow channel 253. The plastic part 230 is composed of a sealing film 231 and a support body 232. The sealing film 231 is a flexible film-like member. The lower side of the liquid storage chamber R and the independent flow channel 253 is sealed by the sealing film 231. The outer peripheral edge of the sealing film 231 is supported by the frame-shaped support body 232. The bottom surface of the support body 232 is fixed to the fixed plate 150. The plastic part 230 suppresses the pressure change of the ink in the liquid storage chamber R or the independent flow channel 253.

[0054] The upper side of the pressure chamber C is sealed by the vibration plate 240. In the present embodiment, the vibration plate 240 is formed by laminating a film-like member having elasticity such as silicon oxide and a film-like member having insulation properties such as zirconium oxide. The film-like member having elasticity such as silicon oxide of the vibration plate 240 and the pressure chamber substrate 222 may be integrated and formed of the same member.

[0055] A piezoelectric element 245 as a driving device is provided on the upper surface of the vibration plate 240. The piezoelectric element 245 is composed of a piezoelectric body and electrodes formed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric body. Each electrode of the piezoelectric element 245 is electrically connected to a flexible wiring substrate 246 provided in the housing 224. The flexible wiring substrate 246 is electrically connected to the circuit substrate 130. The piezoelectric element 245 receives a driving signal from the control unit 15 via the flexible wiring substrate 246, thereby vibrating together with the vibration plate 240, thereby changing the volume of the pressure chamber C. By reducing the volume of the pressure chamber C, the ink in the pressure chamber C is pressurized, and the ink is ejected from the nozzle N. In addition, a heating element may be used instead of the piezoelectric element 245 as a driving device.

[0056] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , an adhesive 180 is provided in the gap between the edge of the opening 155 of the fixing plate 150 and the edge of the plastic portion 230 and the edge of the nozzle plate 210 to block the gap. An epoxy adhesive or a silicone adhesive or the like can be used as the adhesive 180. By providing the adhesive 180, it is possible to prevent ink from entering the gap, and by smoothly connecting the surface of the nozzle plate 210 on the +Z direction side to the step portion of the first surface 151 of the fixing plate 150, it is possible to improve the wiping property achieved by the wiping action.

[0057] Figure 8 1 is a first bottom view showing the structure of the fixing plate 150 . Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a second bottom view showing the structure of the fixing plate 150. Figure 8In FIG. 1 , the first side 151 of the fixing plate 150 is shown. Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , the first surface 151 of the fixing plate 150 is indicated by a solid line, and the six head chips 200 and the outer wall portion 145 of the third holder member 143 are indicated by a dotted line.

[0058] like Fig. 9 As shown, each head chip 200 has an elongated outer shape in the third direction D3. More specifically, each head chip 200 has a substantially rectangular outer shape having a long side along the third direction D3 when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the fixing plate 150 has six openings 155 arranged side by side along the X direction. Each opening 155 exposes the nozzle column provided on the nozzle plate 210 of each head chip 200. In the present embodiment, the opening shape of each opening 155 is a rectangle having a long side direction along the third direction D3. In the following description, in order to distinguish the six openings 155, letters "A" to "F" are sometimes added to the end of the symbol. When distinguishing the six openings 155, the openings 155 are referred to as opening 155A, opening 155B, opening 155C, opening 155D, opening 155E, and opening 155F in order from the -X direction side.

[0060] The fixing plate 150 has a first hole 156 and a second hole 157 that are different from the respective openings 155. The first surface 151 of the fixing plate 150 has a contact region Rc with which the top end of the annular rib 56 provided on the cap 53 contacts, and when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151, the respective openings 155, the first hole 156, and the second hole 157 are arranged on the inner side of the contact region Rc.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are arranged between two adjacent openings 155 among the six openings 155. More specifically, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are arranged between the opening 155C and the opening 155D. In addition, the opening 155 closest to the first hole 156 among the openings 155 arranged on the -X direction side of the first hole 156 is referred to as the "first opening", and the opening 155 closest to the first hole 156 among the openings 155 arranged on the +X direction side of the first hole 156 is referred to as the "second opening".

[0062] In the present embodiment, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are arranged between a first imaginary line LN1 connecting the end of the opening 155C on the +Y direction side and the end of the opening 155D on the +Y direction side, and a second imaginary line LN2 connecting the end of the opening 155C on the -Y direction side and the end of the opening 155D on the -Y direction side. The end of the opening 155C on the +Y direction side refers to the portion of the opening 155C that is located most on the +Y direction side, and the end of the opening 155D on the +Y direction side refers to the portion of the opening 155D that is located most on the +Y direction side. The end portion of the opening 155C on the −Y direction side refers to the portion of the opening 155C that is closest to the −Y direction side, and the end portion of the opening 155D on the −Y direction side refers to the portion of the opening 155D that is closest to the −Y direction side.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are arranged between the range where each nozzle N exists and the contact area Rc in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the wiping member 71, that is, the wiping direction. As described above, in the present embodiment, the wiping direction is the +X direction. The first hole 156 is arranged on the inner side of the contact area Rc and is arranged on the +Y direction side compared to the nozzle N arranged closest to the +Y direction side among the plurality of nozzles N. The second hole 157 is arranged on the inner side of the contact area Rc and is arranged on the -Y direction side compared to the nozzle N arranged closest to the -Y direction side among the plurality of nozzles N.

[0064] like Fig. 9 As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the outer wall portion 145 of the holder 140 includes a first outer wall portion 145A and a second outer wall portion 145B which are arranged so as to sandwich the six head chips 200 in the Y direction. The first outer wall portion 145A is arranged on the +Y direction side with respect to the six head chips 200, and the second outer wall portion 145B is arranged on the -Y direction side with respect to the six head chips 200. The first outer wall portion 145A includes a first straight portion 146A provided along the X direction, and a plurality of first convex portions 147A protruding from the first straight portion 146A in the -Y direction. The second outer wall portion 145B includes a second straight portion 146B provided along the X direction, and a plurality of second convex portions 147B protruding from the second straight portion 146B in the +Y direction.

[0065] In the following description, the head chip 200 disposed on the -X direction side of the two adjacent head chips 200 is referred to as a "first head chip", and the head chip 200 disposed on the +X direction side of the two adjacent head chips 200 is referred to as a "second head chip". In a plan view viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151 of the fixing plate 150, the first convex portion 147A is provided in a region A surrounded by the first straight portion 146A, a short side 201A of the two short sides of the first head chip close to the first straight portion 146A, and a long side 202A of the two long sides of the second head chip close to the first head chip. In a plan view viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151, the second convex portion 147B is provided in a region B surrounded by the second straight portion 146B, a short side 201B of the two short sides of the second head chip close to the second straight portion 146B, and a long side 202B of the two long sides of the first head chip close to the second head chip. In a top view observed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151 of the fixing plate 150, the short side of the head chip 200 refers to a side perpendicular to the long side of the head chip 200. In the present embodiment, since the long side of the head chip 200 extends along the third direction D3, the short side of the head chip 200 means a side extending in a direction perpendicular to the third direction D3.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the top end of the outer wall portion 145 of the retainer 140 facing the second surface 152 of the fixing plate 150 has a bottom surface 148 disposed with a gap between the bottom surface 148 and the second surface 152, and a plurality of protrusions 149 protruding from the bottom surface 148 toward the fixing plate 150 and abutting against the second surface 152. Each protrusion 149 is provided on the first straight portion 146A, the first convex portion 147A, the second straight portion 146B, and the second convex portion 147B. Each protrusion 149 has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis along the Z direction. The protrusion 149 of the retainer 140 is fixed to the second surface 152 of the fixing plate 150 by an adhesive. In addition, "a plurality of protrusions 149 abut against the second surface 152" includes the case where the two members are indirectly abutted by sandwiching the adhesive between each protrusion 149 and the second surface 152. That is to say, “multiple protrusions 149 abut against the second surface 152” does not necessarily mean that each protrusion 149 is in direct contact with the second surface 152. If further explained, “multiple protrusions 149 abut against the second surface” means that “in the state where the adhesive is not provided, although the second surface 152 is in direct contact with the multiple protrusions 149, it is not in direct contact with the bottom surface 148”.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the first hole 156 of the fixing plate 150 overlaps with the protrusion 149 provided on the first convex portion 147A when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151, and the second hole 157 overlaps with the protrusion 149 provided on the second convex portion 147B when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151. In addition, the protrusion 149 overlapping with the first hole 156 when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151 is sometimes referred to as a "first protrusion", and the protrusion 149 overlapping with the second hole 157 when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151 is sometimes referred to as a "second protrusion".

[0068] In this embodiment, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are arranged side by side in a fourth direction D4 that intersects the X direction, the Y direction, and the third direction D3 in a direction that is orthogonal to the Z direction. The opening shape of the first hole 156 is a circle, and the opening shape of the second hole 157 is an ellipse that is long in the fourth direction D4. The ellipse refers to a shape formed by connecting a semicircle with both ends of a rectangle or a square, that is, in addition to a shape like a track in an athletic field, it also includes a shape generated when the circle is trimmed by two parallel lines that are equidistant from the center point of the circle.

[0069] Fig.10 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the liquid ejecting head 100 is assembled. The first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are used as positioning holes for inserting positioning pins when assembling the liquid ejecting head 100. Fig.10 As shown in the figure, the positioning pins PN of the jig 300 used when fixing each head chip 200 to the fixing plate 150 are inserted into the first hole 156 and the second hole 157. Then, in a state where the fixing plate 150 is positioned at a correct position relative to the jig 300 by the positioning pins PN, the plurality of head chips 200 are aligned on the fixing plate 150. In addition, the positioning pins used when fixing the holder 140 to the fixing plate 150 may be inserted into the first hole 156 and the second hole 157.

[0070] Fig.11 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the filler 160 disposed in the first hole 156. Fig.11 In the Fig. 9The first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are blocked by the filler 160. In the present embodiment, the filler 160 is an epoxy adhesive. The filler 160 is not limited to epoxy adhesives, and may be, for example, a silicone adhesive. The viscosity of the adhesive used as the filler 160 is preferably low. After being used as positioning holes, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are blocked by the filler 16. At this time, the filler 160 is concavely arranged in the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 in a manner that does not bulge out from the first surface 151 of the fixing plate 150. In addition, as described above, the peripheral edge portions of each opening portion 155A to 155F of the fixing plate 150 and the nozzle plate 210 of each head chip 200 are sealed by an epoxy adhesive or a silicone adhesive. Alternatively, a recess may be provided on the first surface 151 of the fixing plate 150 instead of the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 penetrating the fixing plate 150. When the recess is used as a positioning hole, no filler may be placed in the recess. However, in the present embodiment, it is difficult to provide a recess on the fixing plate 150 instead of the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 because the thickness of the fixing plate 150 is less than 100 microns even if the thickness increases due to manufacturing errors.

[0071] Fig.12 : is a cross-sectional view of the filler 160 arranged in the first hole 156 in the comparative example. When the first hole 156 of the fixing plate 150 and the protrusion 149 of the retaining frame 140 do not overlap when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151, when the first hole 156 is blocked by the filler 160, the filler 160 flows in the gap between the bottom surface 148 of the outer wall portion 145 of the retaining frame 140 and the second surface 152 of the fixing plate 150. Therefore, there is a possibility that the amount of filler 160 used to block the first hole 156 increases, or a gap is generated between the peripheral portion of the first hole 156 and the filler 160, so that the first hole 156 is not blocked. The same is true for the case where the second hole 157 of the fixing plate 150 and the protrusion 149 of the retaining frame 140 do not overlap when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151. Figure 6As shown in the figure, the gap between the second surface 152 of the fixing plate 150 and the bottom surface 148 of the holder 140 is communicated with the atmosphere through the gap between the holder 140 and the head chip 200, the through hole provided in the holder 140 for inserting the flexible wiring substrate 246 of the head chip 200, the slit hole 136 provided in the circuit substrate 130 for inserting the flexible wiring substrate 246, the gap between the circuit substrate 130 and the cover member 120, and the cable hole 126 provided in the cover member 120. Therefore, when the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are not blocked by the filler 160, the space formed between the cap 53 and the first surface 151 of the fixing plate 150 during the capping is communicated with the atmosphere through the first hole 156 and the second hole 157. Therefore, during the period of the capping, the liquid component of the ink may evaporate and the nozzle N may dry. Furthermore, during suction cleaning, even if the suction pump 62 is driven, air may flow into the space formed between the cap 53 and the first surface 151 of the fixing plate 150 through the first hole 156 or the second hole 157, so that a sufficient negative pressure cannot be generated in the above space, and foreign matter or bubbles are not discharged from the nozzle N together with the ink, resulting in poor suction cleaning. Even if the gap between the second surface 152 of the fixing plate 150 and the bottom surface 148 of the holder 140 is small, the above-mentioned drying of the nozzle N or poor suction cleaning may occur.

[0072] According to the liquid ejection device 10 in the present embodiment described above, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 provided on the fixing plate 150 are arranged inside the contact region Rc to which the cap 53 contacts when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151 of the fixing plate 150, and the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are blocked by the filler 160. Therefore, since the sealing property in the space formed between the cap 53 and the fixing plate 150 can be ensured during capping, the liquid component of the ink can be prevented from being evaporated and drying the nozzle N. Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are arranged inside the contact region Rc, the liquid ejection head 100 can be miniaturized compared to a method in which at least one of the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 is arranged outside the contact region Rc.

[0073] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are arranged between the opening 155C and the opening 155D which are two adjacent openings 155 in the X direction. Therefore, at least one of the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 is not provided between the two adjacent openings 155, so that the liquid ejecting head 100 can be miniaturized in the X direction compared with, for example, the arrangement on the -X direction side of the opening 155A.

[0074] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are arranged between a first imaginary line LN1 connecting the end of the opening 155C on the +Y direction side and the end of the opening 155D on the +Y direction side, and a second imaginary line LN2 connecting the end of the opening 155C on the -Y direction side and the end of the opening 155D on the -Y direction side. Therefore, since the contact area Rc can be provided at a position close to each opening 155 in the Y direction, the liquid ejecting head 100 can be miniaturized in the Y direction.

[0075] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the first holes 156 and the second holes 157 are provided at positions overlapping with the protrusions 149 of the holder 140 when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151, it is possible to suppress the filler 160 from flowing between the second surface 152 of the fixing plate 150 and the bottom surface 148 of the holder 140 when the first holes 156 and the second holes 157 are blocked by the filler 160. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the first holes 156 and the second holes 157 are provided at positions not overlapping with the protrusions 149, the first holes 156 and the second holes 157 can be blocked more reliably, and it is possible to suppress the amount of the filler 160 used to block the first holes 156 and the second holes 157 from increasing. Furthermore, when the bottom surface 148 of the holder 140 and the fixing plate 150 are bonded instead of the protruding portion 149 of the holder 140, it is difficult to ensure the flatness of the bottom surface so that the bottom surface 148 of the holder 140 and the fixing plate 150 are not separated. In the present embodiment, since the protruding portion 149 protruding from the bottom surface 148 of the holder 140 and the fixing plate 150 are bonded, the bonding of the holder 140 and the fixing plate 150 is facilitated, and the holder 140 and the fixing plate 150 can be fixed with excellent dimensional accuracy.

[0076] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the protrusion 149 of the holder 140 bonded to the peripheral portion of the first hole 156 protrudes from the first protrusion 147A provided on the -Y direction side relative to the first straight portion 146A. Therefore, since the first hole 156 and the protrusion 149 can be bonded in the region A surrounded by the first straight portion 146A and the head chips 200 formed when the head chips 200 are arranged so that the long side direction of each head chip 200 is along the third direction D3, the liquid jet head 100 can be miniaturized while reducing the waste of space. Furthermore, the protrusion 149 of the holder 140 bonded to the peripheral portion of the second hole 157 protrudes from the second protrusion 147B provided on the +Y direction side relative to the second straight portion 146B. Therefore, since the second hole 157 and the protrusion 149 can be bonded within the second straight line portion 146B formed when each head chip 200 is arranged so that the long side direction of each head chip 200 is along the third direction D3 and the area B surrounded by each head chip 200, it is possible to reduce space waste and miniaturize the liquid injection head 100.

[0077] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the opening shape of the first hole 156 is circular, and the opening shape of the second hole 157 is an ellipse that is elongated in the fourth direction D4. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation where a manufacturing error in the fourth direction D4 is generated on the fixing plate 150, and the positioning pin PN of the clamp 300 cannot be inserted into the first hole 156 and the second hole 157. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are arranged at different positions in the X direction, the distance between the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 can be increased compared to a method in which the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are arranged at the same position in the X direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily ensure the positioning accuracy of the fixing plate 150.

[0078] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the liquid ejecting device 10 includes a discharge passage 61 communicating with the inside of the cap 53, and a suction pump 62 for generating negative pressure in the cap 53 through the discharge passage 61. Therefore, during capping, negative pressure is generated in the space formed between the cap 53 and the fixing plate 150 using the suction pump 62, so that foreign matter or bubbles can be discharged from the nozzle N together with the ink.

[0079] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first hole 156 is arranged on the +Y direction side relative to the nozzle N arranged most on the +Y direction side among the plurality of nozzles N arranged in the liquid ejecting head 100, and the second hole 157 is arranged on the -Y direction side relative to the nozzle N arranged most on the -Y direction side among the plurality of nozzles N arranged in the liquid ejecting head 100. Therefore, when the ink dried and solidified in the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 is scraped out by the wiping member 71 during wiping, the solidified ink moves together with the wiping member 71, thereby suppressing the nozzle N from being damaged.

[0080] B. Second Implementation Method:

[0081] Fig.13 1 is a bottom view showing the structure of the fixing plate 150b in the second embodiment. In the liquid injection device 10 of the second embodiment, the orientation of the long side direction of each opening 155 of the fixing plate 150b is different from that of the first embodiment. As for other structures, unless otherwise specified, they are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0082] In this embodiment, the liquid jet head 100b has four head chips 200. Four openings 155 are provided on the fixed plate 150b. The opening shape of each opening 155 is a rectangle having a long side along the Y direction. A quadrilateral abutment area Rc is provided on the first surface 151 of the fixed plate 150b. Each opening 155, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are provided on the inner side of the abutment area Rc. Since the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 are provided at different positions in the X direction, it is easy to ensure the positioning accuracy of the fixed plate 150b.

[0083] According to the liquid ejecting device 10 in the present embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to ensure the sealing performance of the space formed between the cap 53 and the fixing plate 150 b during capping while suppressing an increase in size of the liquid ejecting head 100 b .

[0084] C. Other implementations:

[0085] (C1) In the liquid ejection device 10 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 provided on the fixing plate 150, 150b are arranged between two adjacent openings 155. In contrast, the first hole 156 provided on the fixing plate 150, 150b may not be arranged between two adjacent openings 155, and the second hole 157 may not be arranged between two adjacent openings 155. For example, Figure 8 In the fixing plate 150 shown in the figure, the second hole 157 may be arranged on the −X direction side with respect to the opening 155A.

[0086] (C2) In the liquid ejection apparatus 10 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the second hole 157 provided on the fixing plate 150, 150b is arranged at a position between the opening portion 155 arranged closest to the first hole 156 among the opening portions 155 arranged on the -X direction side of the first hole 156 and the opening portion 155 arranged closest to the first hole 156 among the opening portions 155 arranged on the +X direction side of the first hole 156. In contrast, the second hole 157 provided on the fixing plate 150, 150b may not be arranged at a position between the opening portion 155 arranged closest to the first hole 156 among the opening portions 155 arranged on the -X direction side of the first hole 156 and the opening portion 155 arranged closest to the first hole 156 among the opening portions 155 arranged on the +X direction side of the first hole 156. For example, in Figure 8 In the fixing plate 150 shown, the first hole 156 may be arranged between the opening 155C and the opening 155D, and the second hole 157 may be arranged between the opening 155B and the opening 155C. In addition, when three or more openings 155 are arranged side by side in the X direction, for example, in the case of the first embodiment, one of the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 may be arranged between the opening 155A arranged closest to the -X direction and the opening 155B adjacent to the opening 155A and arranged in the +X direction relative to the opening 155A among the openings 155 arranged side by side in the X direction, and the other of the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 may be arranged between the opening 155F arranged closest to the +X direction and the opening 155E adjacent to the opening 155F and arranged in the -X direction relative to the opening 155F. According to such a structure, the distance between the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 can be lengthened, and the positioning accuracy can be improved.

[0087] (C3) In the liquid ejection apparatus 10 of each of the above-described embodiments, the second hole 157 provided on the fixing plate 150, 150b is arranged at a position different from the first hole 156 in the X direction. In contrast, the second hole 157 provided on the fixing plate 150, 150b may be arranged at the same position as the first hole 156 in the X direction.

[0088] (C4) In the liquid ejection apparatus 10 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the first hole 156 provided in the fixing plate 150, 150b is arranged on the -Y direction side with respect to the first imaginary line LN1, and the second hole 157 is arranged on the +Y direction side with respect to the second imaginary line LN2. In contrast, the first hole 156 provided in the fixing plate 150, 150b may be arranged on the first imaginary line LN1 or on the +Y direction side with respect to the first imaginary line LN1, and the second hole 157 may be arranged on the second imaginary line LN2 or on the -Y direction side with respect to the second imaginary line LN2.

[0089] (C5) In the liquid ejection apparatus 10 of each of the above-described embodiments, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 provided in the fixing plate 150, 150b are arranged so as to overlap with the protrusion 149 of the holder 140 when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151. In contrast, the first hole 156 may not overlap with the protrusion 149 of the holder 140 when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151, and the second hole 157 may not overlap with the protrusion 149 of the holder 140 when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface 151.

[0090] (C6) In the liquid injection device 10 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the opening shape of the second hole 157 provided on the fixing plate 150, 150b is an elongated ellipse in the fourth direction D4. In contrast, the opening shape of the second hole 157 provided on the fixing plate 150, 150b may also be an elongated ellipse in a direction different from the fourth direction D4. For example, the opening shape of the second hole 157 may also be an elongated ellipse in the third direction D3. In this case, the first hole 156 and the second hole 157 may also be arranged side by side along the third direction D3.

[0091] (C7) The liquid ejecting apparatus 10 in each of the above-described embodiments includes the suction mechanism 60 . On the other hand, the liquid ejecting apparatus 10 may not include the suction mechanism 60 .

[0092] (C8) The liquid ejecting apparatus 10 in each of the above-described embodiments includes the wiping mechanism 70 . On the other hand, the liquid ejecting apparatus 10 may not include the wiping mechanism 70 .

[0093] (C9) The liquid ejection apparatus 10 of each of the above-described embodiments includes the transport mechanism 40 for transporting the medium M. In contrast, in the liquid ejection apparatus 10, the transport mechanism 40 may not transport the medium M but may move the head unit 30 in the Y direction to relatively move the medium M and the head unit 30.

[0094] (C10) The liquid ejection device 10 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments is configured as a line printer. In contrast, the liquid ejection device 10 may also be configured as a serial printer. In this case, the liquid ejection device 10 may also include a carriage that holds the liquid ejection head 100 and reciprocates it along the X direction that is orthogonal to the conveying direction of the medium M, that is, the +Y direction.

[0095] (C11) Fig.14 1 is a first cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first liquid outlet Di1 of the head unit 30 in another embodiment. In the liquid ejecting device 10 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, it is also possible to replace Figure 5 The pressure regulating valve 500 shown in the figure is arranged in the distribution channel component 31 of the head unit 30. Fig.14 The pressure regulating unit 600 shown in the figure. The pressure regulating unit 600 includes a housing 610 and a flexible film member 620. A buffer chamber 611, an inflow channel 612, and an outflow channel 613 are provided in the housing 610. The buffer chamber 611 is formed by sealing the opening of the recess provided on the housing 610 using the film member 620. The buffer chamber 611 is connected to the independent flow channel FP via the inflow channel 612, and is connected to the first liquid outflow port Di1 via the outflow channel 613. The supply needle 105 provided on the liquid injection head 100 is inserted into the first liquid outflow port Di1. The inner diameter of the first liquid outflow port Di1 and the outer diameter of the supply needle 105 are substantially the same. The ink flowing into the buffer chamber 611 from the inflow channel 612 is supplied to the liquid injection head 100 via the outflow channel 613. Since a part of the inner wall surface of the buffer chamber 611 is formed of the flexible film member 620 , the film member 620 is bent, thereby suppressing the pressure fluctuation of the ink supplied to the liquid ejecting head 100 .

[0096] (C12) Fig.15 2 is a second cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first liquid outlet Di1 of the head unit 30 in another embodiment. In the liquid ejecting device 10 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, it is also possible not to provide Figure 5 The pressure regulating valve 500 shown. In this case, Fig.15 As shown, the supply needle 105 provided in the liquid ejecting head 100 is inserted into the first liquid outlet Di1 provided at the end of the independent flow path FP. The inner diameter of the first liquid outlet Di1 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the supply needle 105.

[0097] (C13) Although in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the +X direction and the +Y direction are directions parallel to the horizontal plane, and the +Z direction is the gravity direction, this is not limited to this. For example, the direction in which the liquid is ejected from the nozzle N, that is, the +Z direction, may be a direction different from the gravity direction, and the +X direction and the +Y direction may be directions not parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0098] (C14) The suction mechanism 60 of the liquid ejecting device 10 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments may also include an on-off valve for opening and closing the discharge channel 61 in the middle of the discharge channel 61. According to such a structure, by closing the on-off valve in advance in the capping, the evaporation of the ink from the nozzle N can be further reduced.

[0099] D. Another way:

[0100] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of its purpose. For example, the present disclosure can also be implemented in the following manner. For the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the methods described below, in order to solve part or all of the problems of the present disclosure, or in order to achieve part or all of the effects of the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately implement replacement or combination. In addition, if the technical feature is not described as a necessary feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0101] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid ejection device is provided. The liquid ejection device comprises: a liquid ejection head having a plurality of head chips and a fixing plate, wherein the plurality of head chips have a nozzle plate provided with a plurality of nozzles, and the fixing plate is provided with a plurality of openings for respectively exposing the nozzle plates provided by each of the plurality of head chips; and a cap capable of abutting against an annular abutment area provided on the fixing plate. The fixing plate is provided with a first hole and a second hole different from the plurality of openings, the fixing plate having a first surface provided with the abutment area, and a second surface which is a surface opposite to the first surface and to which the plurality of head chips are fixed, the plurality of openings being arranged on the inner side of the abutment area when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, and the first hole and the second hole are respectively arranged on the inner side of the abutment area when viewed from above and are blocked by a filler.

[0102] According to the liquid injection device of this mode, since the first hole and the second hole of the fixing plate are arranged inside the contact area, the enlargement of the liquid injection head can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the first hole and the second hole are blocked by the filler, when the cap is brought into contact with the contact area of ​​the fixing plate, the sealing of the space surrounded by the fixing plate and the cap can be ensured.

[0103] (2) In the liquid ejecting device of the above aspect, the first hole may be arranged between two adjacent openings among the plurality of openings, and the second hole may be arranged between two adjacent openings among the plurality of openings.

[0104] According to the liquid ejecting device of this aspect, since the contact area can be reduced compared with an aspect in which the first hole and the second hole are not arranged between adjacent openings, the liquid ejecting head can be miniaturized compared with an aspect in which the first hole and the second hole are not arranged between adjacent openings.

[0105] (3) In the liquid ejecting device of the above aspect, the plurality of openings may include a first opening and a second opening that are adjacent to each other, and the first hole and the second hole may be disposed between the first opening and the second opening.

[0106] According to the liquid ejecting device of this aspect, since the contact area can be reduced compared with an aspect in which the first hole and the second hole are not arranged between adjacent openings, the liquid ejecting head can be miniaturized compared with an aspect in which the first hole and the second hole are not arranged between adjacent openings.

[0107] (4) In the liquid injection device of the above-mentioned method, the following method can also be adopted, that is, the multiple opening portions are arranged side by side in a first direction along the first surface, each of the multiple opening portions is an elongated strip in a second direction along the direction of the first surface and orthogonal to the first direction, and the first hole and the second hole are arranged at different positions in the first direction.

[0108] According to the liquid ejecting device of this aspect, since the distance between the first hole and the second hole can be increased, when the first hole and the second hole are used as positioning holes, positioning accuracy can be easily ensured.

[0109] (5) In the liquid injection device of the above-mentioned method, the following method can also be adopted, that is, the multiple openings are arranged side by side in a first direction along the first surface, and the first hole and the second hole are arranged at the following position, that is, between an imaginary line connecting the respective ends of the multiple openings on the second direction side along the direction of the first surface and orthogonal to the first direction, and an imaginary line connecting the respective ends of the multiple openings on the opposite direction side of the second direction.

[0110] According to the liquid ejecting device of this aspect, since the interval between the contact region and each opening in the second direction can be narrowed, the liquid ejecting head can be reduced in size in the second direction.

[0111] (6) In the liquid injection device of the above-mentioned method, the following method can also be adopted, that is, the liquid injection head has a retaining frame fixed on the multiple head chips, the retaining frame has an outer wall portion fixed on the second surface of the fixing plate, the top end portion of the outer wall portion opposite to the second surface has a bottom surface arranged with a gap between the second surface, and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the bottom surface toward the fixing plate and abutting against the second surface, the plurality of protrusions have a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first hole overlaps with the first protrusion when observed in the top view, and the second hole overlaps with the second protrusion when observed in the top view.

[0112] According to the liquid injection device of this mode, even if the size of the bottom surface of the holder is deviated, the protrusion of the holder and the second surface of the fixing plate can be fixed with excellent dimensional accuracy. Moreover, when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, the first hole overlaps with the first protrusion, and the second hole overlaps with the second protrusion, so when the first hole and the second hole are blocked by the filler, the flow of the filler from the first hole and the second hole can be suppressed, so that the first hole and the second hole can be easily blocked.

[0113] (7) In the liquid injection device of the above-mentioned method, the following method can also be adopted, that is, the multiple head chips are arranged side by side in a first direction along the first surface, and each of the multiple head chips is an elongated strip in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, wherein the second direction is a direction along the first surface and is orthogonal to the first direction, the multiple head chips have adjacent first head chips and second head chips, the first opening portion exposes the first head chip, and the second opening portion exposes the second head chip, the outer wall portion has a first outer wall portion and a second outer wall portion arranged in a manner of sandwiching the multiple head chips in the second direction, the first outer wall portion has a first straight line portion set along the first direction, and a first straight line portion extending from the first straight line portion. The first outer wall portion has a first convex portion protruding toward the second direction, the second outer wall portion has a second straight portion arranged along the first direction, and a second convex portion protruding from the first straight portion to an opposite direction opposite to the second direction, the first convex portion is arranged in an area surrounded by the first straight portion, the short side of the first head chip close to the first straight portion, and the long side of the second head chip close to the first head chip when viewed from above, the second convex portion is arranged in an area surrounded by the second straight portion, the short side of the second head chip close to the second straight portion, and the long side of the first head chip close to the second head chip when viewed from above, the first protrusion protrudes from the bottom surface of the first protrusion, and the second protrusion protrudes from the bottom surface of the second protrusion.

[0114] According to the liquid injection device of this method, even if the size of the bottom surface of the retaining frame is deviated, the protrusion of the retaining frame and the second surface of the fixing plate can be fixed with excellent dimensional accuracy. Moreover, when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, the first hole overlaps with the first protrusion, and the second hole overlaps with the second protrusion. Therefore, when the first hole and the second hole are blocked by a filler, the outflow of the filler from the first hole and the second hole can be suppressed, so that the first hole and the second hole can be easily blocked. Furthermore, since the first hole overlaps with the first protrusion and the second hole overlaps with the second protrusion in the area formed when the head chip is arranged along the third direction with the long side direction of the head chip, the liquid injection head can be suppressed from being enlarged.

[0115] (8) In the liquid injection device of the above-mentioned method, the following method can also be adopted, that is, the first hole and the second hole are arranged side by side in a fourth direction along the first surface, one of the shapes of the first hole and the second hole is a circle, and the other of the shapes of the first hole and the second hole is an ellipse that is elongated in the fourth direction.

[0116] According to the liquid injection device of this embodiment, when assembling the liquid injection head, when the positioning pin is inserted into the first hole and the second hole to position the fixing plate, even if the position of the second hole relative to the first hole is offset in the fourth direction due to a manufacturing error of the fixing plate, the positioning pin can be easily inserted into the first hole and the second hole.

[0117] (9) The liquid ejecting device of the above aspect may further include: a discharge passage communicating with the inside of the cap; and a suction mechanism for generating negative pressure in the cap via the discharge passage.

[0118] According to the liquid injection device of this mode, since the first hole and the second hole are blocked by the filler, when the cap is brought into contact with the fixing plate, it is possible to suppress the space formed by the cap and the fixing plate from being connected to the atmosphere via the first hole or the second hole. Therefore, negative pressure can be effectively generated in the space formed by the cap and the fixing plate by the suction mechanism.

[0119] (10) The liquid ejection device of the above-mentioned method may also be provided with a wiping member, which contacts the nozzle plate and the fixing plate while moving relative to the liquid ejection head in a predetermined wiping direction, thereby wiping the nozzle plate and the fixing plate.

[0120] According to the liquid ejecting apparatus of this aspect, in an aspect including a wiping member for wiping the nozzle plate and the fixing plate, it is possible to ensure the sealing performance of the space surrounded by the fixing plate and the cap.

[0121] (11) In the liquid ejecting device of the above aspect, the first hole and the second hole may be arranged between a range where the plurality of nozzles exist and the contact region in a direction perpendicular to the wiping direction.

[0122] According to the liquid injection device of this type, when foreign matter retained in the first hole or the second hole is scraped off by the wiping member, the contact between the foreign matter moving with the wiping member and the nozzle can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the nozzle from being damaged by the foreign matter scraped out from the first hole or the second hole.

[0123] (12) The liquid ejecting apparatus of the above aspect may be provided with a conveying mechanism for conveying the medium.

[0124] According to the liquid ejecting device of this aspect, in an aspect in which the medium is transported by the transport mechanism, it is possible to ensure the sealing performance of the space surrounded by the fixing plate and the cap.

[0125] The present disclosure can be implemented in various forms other than the liquid ejecting device, for example, in the form of a liquid ejecting head, a head unit, or the like.

[0126] Explanation of symbols

[0127] 10…Liquid ejection device; 15…Control unit; 20…Liquid container; 21…Supply channel; 30…Head unit; 31…Distribution channel member; 32…Support member; 40…Conveying mechanism; 50…Capping mechanism; 51…Cap unit; 52…Cap moving unit; 53…Cap; 56…Rib; 60…Suction mechanism; 61…Discharge channel; 62…Suction pump; 63…Waste liquid tank; 70…Wiping mechanism; 71…Wiping member; 72…Wiping Component moving portion; 100…liquid ejecting head; 110…filter unit; 120…cover component; 130…circuit substrate; 140…holder; 145…outer wall portion; 148…bottom surface; 149…protrusion; 150…fixing plate; 151…first surface; 152…second surface; 155…opening portion; 156…first hole; 157…second hole; 160…filler; 180…adhesive; 200…head chip; 210…nozzle plate.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device comprising: A liquid ejecting head having a plurality of head chips and a fixing plate, wherein the plurality of head chips have a nozzle plate provided with a plurality of nozzles, and the fixing plate has a plurality of openings for respectively exposing the nozzle plate provided in each of the plurality of head chips; a cap that can abut against an annular abutment area provided on the fixing plate, The fixing plate is provided with a first hole and a second hole different from the plurality of openings, and the fixing plate has a first surface provided with the abutting area, and a second surface which is a surface opposite to the first surface and to which the plurality of head chips are fixed. The plurality of openings are arranged inside the contact area when viewed from above in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. In the liquid ejecting device, it is characterized in that: The first hole and the second hole are respectively arranged inside the contact region in the plan view and are blocked by a filler.

2. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 1, wherein: The first hole is arranged between two adjacent openings among the plurality of openings. The second hole is arranged between two adjacent openings among the plurality of openings.

3. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of openings include a first opening and a second opening that are adjacent to each other. The first hole and the second hole are arranged between the first opening and the second opening.

4. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The plurality of openings are arranged side by side in a first direction along the first surface, Each of the plurality of openings is elongated in a second direction that is along the first surface and orthogonal to the first direction. The first hole and the second hole are arranged at different positions in the first direction.

5. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of openings are arranged side by side in a first direction along the first surface, The first hole and the second hole are arranged at the following position, that is, between an imaginary line connecting the ends of the multiple openings on the second direction side along the direction of the first surface and orthogonal to the first direction, and an imaginary line connecting the ends of the multiple openings on the opposite direction side of the second direction.

6. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid ejecting head has a holder fixed to the plurality of head chips. The retainer has an outer wall portion fixed to the second surface of the fixing plate, The top end of the outer wall portion facing the second surface has a bottom surface arranged with a gap between the bottom surface and the second surface, and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the bottom surface toward the fixing plate and contacting the second surface. The plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, The first hole overlaps with the first protrusion in the plan view, The second hole overlaps with the second protrusion in the plan view.

7. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 3, wherein: The liquid ejecting head has a holder fixed to the plurality of head chips. The retainer has an outer wall portion fixed to the second surface of the fixing plate, The top end of the outer wall portion facing the second surface has a bottom surface arranged with a gap between the bottom surface and the second surface, and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the bottom surface toward the fixing plate and contacting the second surface. The plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, The first hole overlaps with the first protrusion in the plan view, The second hole overlaps with the second protrusion in the plan view, The plurality of head chips are arranged side by side in a first direction along the first surface, Each of the plurality of head chips is elongated in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, wherein the second direction is a direction along the first surface and is orthogonal to the first direction. The plurality of head chips include a first head chip and a second head chip adjacent to each other, and the first opening exposes the first head chip. The second opening exposes the second head chip. The outer wall portion includes a first outer wall portion and a second outer wall portion which are arranged so as to sandwich the plurality of head chips in the second direction. The first outer wall portion includes a first straight portion provided along the first direction and a first convex portion protruding from the first straight portion toward the second direction. The second outer wall portion includes a second straight portion provided along the first direction, and a second convex portion protruding from the first straight portion in a direction opposite to the second direction. The first convex portion is provided in a region surrounded by the first straight portion, a short side of the first head chip close to the first straight portion, and a long side of the second head chip close to the first head chip when viewed from above. The second convex portion is provided in a region surrounded by the second straight portion, a short side of the second head chip close to the second straight portion, and a long side of the first head chip close to the second head chip when viewed from above. The first protrusion protrudes from the bottom surface of the first convex portion, The second protrusion protrudes from a bottom surface of the second convex portion.

8. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 1, wherein: The first hole and the second hole are arranged side by side in a fourth direction along the first surface, One of the shapes of the first hole and the second hole is circular, The other of the shapes of the first hole and the second hole is an ellipse that is elongated in the fourth direction.

9. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 1, wherein: have: a discharge channel, which is communicated with the interior of the cap; A suction mechanism generates negative pressure in the cap through the exhaust passage.

10. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 1, wherein: A wiping member is provided for wiping the nozzle plate and the fixing plate by contacting the nozzle plate and the fixing plate while relatively moving in a predetermined wiping direction with respect to the liquid ejecting head, thereby wiping the nozzle plate and the fixing plate.

11. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 10, wherein: The first hole and the second hole are arranged between a range where the plurality of nozzles exist and the contact region in a direction perpendicular to the wiping direction.

12. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 1, wherein: A conveying mechanism for conveying the medium is provided.

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