Liquid ejection device, and head module

Abstract

The present application provides a liquid ejecting apparatus and a head module that increase the moving speed in the main scanning direction of the head module without enlarging the interval of the dots. The head module of the present application is characterized by having a first nozzle row including first nozzles that eject liquid, a second nozzle row including second nozzles that eject liquid, and a third nozzle row including third nozzles that eject liquid, and by having an interval (P1) between the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row in a first direction and an interval (P2) between the first nozzle row and the third nozzle row in the first direction that can be expressed as P1:P2=E1:O1, where E1 is a positive even number and O1 is a positive odd number that satisfies O1>E1.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Liquid ejection devices, such as inkjet printers, which have a head module that ejects liquid and forms dots on a medium, are well known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a liquid ejection device that includes a head module provided with a nozzle array consisting of a plurality of nozzles that eject liquid, and a carriage that reciprocates the head module relative to the medium in the main scanning direction.

[0003] In recent years, with the increasing demand for high-speed processing of point formation in liquid ejection devices, there has been a pursuit of increasing the relative movement speed of the head module relative to the medium in the main scanning direction. However, increasing the relative movement speed of the head module relative to the medium in the main scanning direction results in a problem where the spacing between points in the main scanning direction widens.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-147248 Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of the head module involved in this invention is a head module in which a first direction is set as the main scanning direction. It is characterized by comprising: a first nozzle column, including a first nozzle for ejecting liquid; a second nozzle column, including a second nozzle for ejecting liquid; and a third nozzle column, including a third nozzle for ejecting liquid. The interval P1 between the first nozzle column and the second nozzle column in the first direction, and the interval P2 between the first nozzle column and the third nozzle column in the first direction, can be represented by values ​​E1 and O1 as P1:P2 = E1:O1, where E1 is a positive even number and O1 is a positive odd number satisfying O1 > E1.

[0006] One embodiment of the head module involved in this invention is a head module in which a first direction is set as the main scanning direction, characterized in that it comprises: a first nozzle column, which includes a first nozzle for ejecting liquid; a second nozzle column, which includes a second nozzle for ejecting liquid; and a third nozzle column, which includes a third nozzle for ejecting liquid. The interval P1 between the first nozzle column and the second nozzle column in the first direction, and the interval P2 between the first nozzle column and the third nozzle column in the first direction, can be represented by the values ​​M, α, and β as P1:P2=M×α:M×β+1, where the value M is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, the value α is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, and the value β is a natural number that satisfies β>α.

[0007] One embodiment of the head module involved in this invention is a head module in which the first direction is set as the main scanning direction, characterized by comprising: a first nozzle column, which includes nozzles for ejecting liquid; a second nozzle column, which includes nozzles for ejecting liquid; and (M-1) specific nozzle columns, which include nozzles for ejecting liquid, wherein when the value m is set to a natural number satisfying 1≤m≤M-1, the interval P1 between the first nozzle column and the second nozzle column in the first direction, and the interval P1 between the first nozzle column and the m-th specific nozzle column among the (M-1) specific nozzle columns in the first direction are... The interval PT[m] of the mouth column can be represented as P1:PT[m]=M×α:M×βT[m]+γT[m] by the value M, the value α, the value βT[m] and the value γT[m]. Here, βT[m] is a natural number that satisfies βT[m]>α, and the value γT[m] is a natural number that satisfies 0<γT[m]≤M-1 and satisfies γT[m1]≠γT[m2] when the value m1 is set to a natural number that satisfies 1≤m1≤M-1 and the value m2 is set to a natural number that satisfies 1≤m2≤M-1 and satisfies m1≠m2.

[0008] One embodiment of the head module involved in this invention is a head module with a first direction set as the main scanning direction, characterized in that it comprises: a first nozzle that ejects liquid; a second nozzle that ejects liquid; and a third nozzle that ejects liquid. When the distance in the first direction between a first point formed by liquid ejected by the first nozzle at a first timing and a second point formed by liquid ejected by the first nozzle at a second timing after the first timing, in the first direction, is set as distance D1; the distance in the first direction between a third point formed by liquid ejected by the second nozzle at the first timing and the first point, in the first direction, is set as distance D2; and the distance in the first direction between a fourth point formed by liquid ejected by the third nozzle at the first timing and the first point, in the first direction, is set as distance D3, the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle are configured such that distance D2 is an integer multiple of distance D1, and distance D3 is a distance different from an integer multiple of distance D1. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an example of the schematic internal structure of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the head module 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the head chip 3 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of chip 3 in the middle.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the nozzle plate C and the fixing plate 26 of the head module 2 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2 and the position of the formed point Dt according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2 and the position of the formed point Dt according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2 and the position of the formed point Dt according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the nozzle plate CQ and the nozzle plate CS and the fixing plate 26 in the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2QS and the position of the formed point Dt according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2QS and the position of the formed point Dt in the second embodiment is provided.

[0020] Figure 12 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2QS and the position of the formed point Dt according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the nozzle plate CA and the fixing plate 26 according to the third embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2A and the position of the formed point Dt according to the third embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2A and the position of the formed point Dt according to the third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 16An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2A and the position of the formed point Dt in the third embodiment is provided.

[0025] Figure 17 An explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the nozzle plate C and the fixing plate 26 according to the fourth embodiment is provided.

[0026] Figure 18 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2B and the position of the formed point Dt according to the fourth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 19 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2B and the position of the formed point Dt according to the fourth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 20 An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation of the head module 2B and the position of the formed point Dt according to the fourth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 21 An explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the nozzle plate C and the fixed plate 26 involved in Modified Example 3 is provided.

[0030] Figure 22 An explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the nozzle plate C and the fixed plate 26C in the reference example is provided.

[0031] Figure 23 This is a block diagram illustrating the transmission path of the drive signal Com in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions and scales of the parts in the drawings may differ from actual dimensions, and some parts may be shown schematically for ease of understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description.

[0033] 1. First Implementation Method

[0034] In the first embodiment, the liquid ejection device will be described by way of example, which is an inkjet printer that ejects ink and forms an image on recording paper PE. In addition, in this embodiment, "ink" refers to an example of "liquid" and "recording paper PE" refers to an example of "medium".

[0035] 1.1. Overview of Inkjet Printers

[0036] In reference Figure 1At the same time, an overview of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Here, Figure 1 Here is a perspective view showing an example of the schematic internal structure of the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0037] In inkjet printer 1, printing data Img representing an image that inkjet printer 1 should form is supplied from a host computer such as a personal computer or digital camera. Inkjet printer 1 performs printing processing to form the image represented by the printing data Img supplied from the host computer on recording paper PE.

[0038] like Figure 1 As illustrated, in the first embodiment, the inkjet printer 1 is envisioned as a serial printer. Specifically, the inkjet printer 1 performs printing by moving the head module 2 in the main scanning direction and ejecting ink from nozzles N disposed on a head chip 3 (not shown) on the head module 2. Furthermore, the inkjet printer 1 transports the recording paper PE in the secondary scanning direction.

[0039] The following, such as Figure 1 As shown, the +X direction and the -X direction, which is opposite to the +X direction, are collectively referred to as the "X-axis direction". The X-axis direction is an example of the "main scanning direction" in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the +Y direction, which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction, and the -Y direction, which is opposite to the +Y direction, are collectively referred to as the "Y-axis direction". The Y-axis direction is an example of the "sub-scanning direction" in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the +Z direction, which is orthogonal to the +X and +Y directions, and the -Z direction, which is opposite to the +Z direction, are collectively referred to as the "Z-axis direction". The description of the head chip 3 and the nozzle N will be detailed later.

[0040] like Figure 1 As illustrated in the illustration, the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment includes: a housing 10; a head module 2 having a head chip 3 on which a plurality of ink-ejecting nozzles N are independently provided; and a transport mechanism 7 for changing the relative position of the recording paper PE with respect to the head module 2.

[0041] When printing is performed, the conveying mechanism 7 drives the carriage 761, which is capable of reciprocating within the housing 10 in the X-axis direction and carries the head module 2, and conveys the recording paper PE in the sub-scanning direction (specifically, at least one of the +Y and -Y directions). This causes the relative position of the recording paper PE with respect to the head module 2 to change, and causes ink to be sprayed onto the entire recording paper PE.

[0042] Specifically, the conveying mechanism 7 includes: the aforementioned carriage 761; a conveying motor (not shown) serving as the drive source for reciprocating the carriage 761 in the X-axis direction; a paper feed motor 73 serving as the drive source for conveying the recording paper PE in the +Y direction; a carriage guide shaft 74 extending in the X-axis direction; a pulley 711 that is rotatably driven by the conveying motor; a rotatable pulley 712; and a synchronous toothed belt 710 that is mounted between the pulleys 711 and 712 and extends in the X-axis direction. The carriage 761 is supported by the carriage guide shaft 74 in a reciprocating manner in the X-axis direction and is fixed at a predetermined position on the synchronous toothed belt 710 via a fixing member 762. Therefore, by using the conveying motor to rotatably drive the pulley 711, the conveying mechanism 7 can move the carriage 761 and the head module 2 mounted on the carriage 761 along the carriage guide shaft 74 in the X-axis direction.

[0043] Furthermore, the conveying mechanism 7 includes: an impression plate 75 disposed on the lower side of the carriage 761, that is, in the +Z direction of the carriage 761; a feed roller (not shown) for rotating according to the drive of the feed motor 73 and feeding the recording paper PE one sheet at a time onto the impression plate 75; and a discharge roller 730 for rotating according to the drive of the feed motor 73 and conveying the recording paper PE on the impression plate 75 to the discharge port. Therefore, as Figure 1 As shown, the conveying mechanism 7 can convey the recording paper PE on the impression plate 75 from the -Y direction, which is the upstream side, to the +Y direction, which is the downstream side.

[0044] In the first embodiment, such as Figure 1 As illustrated, an ink cartridge 4 is housed on the carriage 761 of the inkjet printer 1. The ink cartridge 4 is filled with a single-color ink, and it is an example of a liquid reservoir. Furthermore, Figure 1 As an example, the ink cartridge 4 could also be a device mounted externally to the carriage 761. Furthermore, the carriage 761 could also house multiple ink cartridges 4, each filled with a different color of ink. For example, the carriage 761 could house four ink cartridges 4 corresponding to the four colors of ink: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Alternatively, instead of the ink cartridge 4, an ink bag made of a flexible pouch or an ink container with an inlet for refilling ink from an ink bottle could be used as a liquid storage unit.

[0045] like Figure 1As illustrated, the inkjet printer 1 includes a control unit 8. The control unit 8 includes a storage unit for storing the control program for the inkjet printer 1 or various information such as printing data (Img) supplied from the host computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and various other circuits. Alternatively, the control unit 8 may be a device that, instead of having a CPU, incorporates a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array).

[0046] like Figure 1 As illustrated, the control unit 8 is located outside the carriage 761. Furthermore, the control unit 8 and the head module 2 are connected via... Figure 1 The cable CB illustrated herein is electrically connected. Alternatively, in the first embodiment, a flexible flat cable is used as the cable CB.

[0047] The control unit 8 operates according to the control program stored in the storage unit via the CPU, thereby controlling the operation of each part of the inkjet printer 1. For example, the control unit 8 controls the operation of the head module 2 and the transport mechanism 7 by performing printing processing to form an image corresponding to the printing data Img on the recording paper PE.

[0048] Specifically, the control unit 8 supplies a drive signal Com and a printing signal SI to the head module 2. Here, the drive signal Com is a signal used to drive the piezoelectric elements corresponding to the nozzles N, thereby ejecting ink from the nozzles N. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 can supply a common drive signal Com to the multiple piezoelectric elements corresponding to the multiple nozzles N of the head module 2. Furthermore, the printing signal SI is a signal that specifies whether to supply the drive signal Com to each piezoelectric element. That is, in this embodiment, assuming that the printing signal SI specifies the supply of the drive signal Com to all piezoelectric elements corresponding to the multiple nozzles N of the head module 2, the control unit 8 will supply a common drive signal Com to all piezoelectric elements provided on the head module 2. In other words, in this embodiment, assuming that the printing signal SI specifies the supply of the drive signal Com to all piezoelectric elements corresponding to the multiple nozzles N of the head module 2, the control unit 8 will supply a drive signal Com with the same waveform to all piezoelectric elements provided on the head module 2 at the same timing. In this embodiment, the piezoelectric elements disposed on the head module 2 include multiple piezoelectric elements 331 and multiple piezoelectric elements 332. The piezoelectric elements 331 and 332 will be described later.

[0049] 1.2. Overview of the Header Module

[0050] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the head module 2 in this embodiment. The head module 2 in this embodiment includes an ink introduction component 22, a circuit board 24, an intermediate flow channel component 23, a head chip 3, a holder 25, and a fixing plate 26. In addition, in the following text, the surface of each component perpendicular to the Z-axis direction on the -Z direction side will sometimes be referred to as the upper surface, and the surface on the +Z direction side will be referred to as the lower surface.

[0051] An ink inlet needle 21 is provided on the upper surface of the ink inlet component 22. Both the ink inlet component 22 and the ink inlet needle 21 are made of synthetic resin. Furthermore, a filter 213 is provided between the ink inlet needle 21 and the ink inlet component 22. The filter 213 is a component that filters the ink introduced from the ink inlet needle 21, and is, for example, a component made of metal woven into a mesh or a component with numerous holes in a thin metal plate. Foreign matter or air bubbles in the ink are captured by the filter 213. In this embodiment, an ink cartridge 4 is mounted on the upper surface of the ink inlet component 22, and the ink inlet needle 21 is inserted inside the ink cartridge 4. The ink in the ink cartridge 4 is introduced into the needle flow channel 212 through the needle hole 211 provided at the tip of the ink inlet needle 21. The ink introduced from the ink inlet needle 21 is supplied to the interior of the head module 2 through the inlet port 220 via the filter 213. Subsequently, the ink is supplied through the distribution channel 221 to the intermediate channel component 23, which is disposed on the +Z direction side of the ink inlet component 22.

[0052] In the intermediate flow channel component 23, an intermediate flow channel 232 is formed, through which ink is supplied from the distribution flow channel 221. Furthermore, a cylindrical flow channel connecting portion 231 is provided on the upper surface of the intermediate flow channel component 23. The height of the flow channel connecting portion 231 in the Z-axis direction is above the thickness of the circuit board 24 disposed between the ink introduction component 22 and the intermediate flow channel component 23. The flow channel connecting portion 231 guides the ink supplied from the distribution flow channel 221 of the ink introduction component 22 into the intermediate flow channel 232. The intermediate flow channel 232 communicates with the supply flow channel 251 provided in the holder 25. Furthermore, in the intermediate flow channel component 23, when viewed from the +Z direction, an opening 233 is provided at a position different from the intermediate flow channel 232. The opening 233 communicates with both the opening 242 provided in the circuit board 24 and the opening 252 provided in the holder 25. A wiring board 30 with a drive circuit 300 is inserted through the opening 233.

[0053] The circuit board 24 is disposed between the ink inlet member 22 and the intermediate flow channel member 23. The circuit board 24 is a printed circuit board having a wiring pattern formed for supplying drive signals Com and print signals SI from the control unit 8 of the inkjet printer 1 to the wiring board 30. On the upper surface of the circuit board 24, board terminals 243 connected to the wiring board 30 are formed. Furthermore, a connector 249 (not shown) connected to the cable CB supplying drive signals Com and print signals SI from the control unit 8 is mounted on at least one of the upper or lower surfaces of the circuit board 24.

[0054] An opening 241 is provided on the circuit board 24 for the flow channel connection portion 231 to pass through. The opening 241 is a through hole larger than the outer diameter of the flow channel connection portion 231. In addition, an opening 242 is provided on the circuit board 24 for the wiring board 30 to pass through.

[0055] The retainer 25 has multiple lower recesses 254. Each lower recess 254 is a concave space that opens in the +Z direction. The lower recesses 254 house and hold the head chip 3, which is fixed to the fixing plate 26. The fixing plate 26 is made of a metal sheet, such as stainless steel.

[0056] Furthermore, an upper recess 253 is provided on the retainer 25. The upper recess 253 is a concave space that opens to the -Z direction. The intermediate flow channel component 23 and the circuit board 24 are housed in the upper recess 253.

[0057] Furthermore, as mentioned above, a supply channel 251 is provided in the holder 25. The supply channel 251 communicates with the supply ports 311 and 312 provided on the head chip 3 housed in the lower recess 254. Thus, ink introduced from the ink cartridge 4 via the ink introduction needle 21 is filtered by the filter 213 and then supplied to the head chip 3 from the supply ports 311 and 312 via the distribution channel 221, the intermediate channel 232, and the supply channel 251. In the first embodiment, since the head module 2 has one ink introduction needle 21, the ink supplied to each of the plurality of head chips 3 is of the same type, and the ink supplied to each nozzle N of each head chip 3 is of the same type. That is, all nozzles of the head module 2 eject the same type of ink.

[0058] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, multiple head chips 3 are arranged in a manner along the X-axis direction. Specifically, from the -X direction toward the +X direction, they are fixed to multiple lower recesses 254 provided on the holder 25 in the order of head chip 3[1], head chip 3[2], head chip 3[3], and head chip 3[4]. In addition, head chips 3[1] to 3[4] are simply referred to as head chips 3 without distinguishing between them. Furthermore, head chip 3[1] has a nozzle plate C[1], head chip 3[2] has a nozzle plate C[2], head chip 3[3] has a nozzle plate C[3], and head chip 3[4] has a nozzle plate C[4]. Furthermore, the nozzle plate C[1] is exposed from the plate opening W[1] on the fixed plate 26, the nozzle plate C[2] is exposed from the plate opening W[2] on the fixed plate 26, the nozzle plate C[3] is exposed from the plate opening W[3] on the fixed plate 26, and the nozzle plate C[4] is exposed from the plate opening W[4] on the fixed plate 26, all facing the +X direction. In addition, multiple plate openings W are arranged on the fixed plate 26 in the order of plate opening W[1], plate opening W[2], plate opening W[3], and plate opening W[4], facing the +X direction from the -X direction.

[0059] Figure 3 Here is an exploded 3D view of head chip 3. Figure 4 for, Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the head chip 3 along line III-III. However, in Figure 4 In addition to the head chip 3, the mounting plate 26 is also shown in the diagram.

[0060] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the head chip 3 includes: a flow channel substrate 35; a pressure chamber forming substrate 34 disposed on the upper surface of the flow channel substrate 35; a vibrating plate 33 disposed on the upper surface of the pressure chamber forming substrate 34; a protective plate 32 disposed on the upper surface of the vibrating plate 33; a housing 31 disposed on the upper surfaces of the flow channel substrate 35 and the protective plate 32; a nozzle plate C disposed on the lower surface of the flow channel substrate 35; and a malleable portion 36. A plurality of nozzles N are formed on the nozzle plate C. Specifically, a nozzle array L1 consisting of a plurality of nozzles N1 and a nozzle array L2 consisting of a plurality of nozzles N2 are formed on the nozzle plate C.

[0061] The pressure chamber forming substrate 34 is a flat plate-shaped component formed from, for example, a single-crystal silicon substrate. Multiple pressure chambers 341 corresponding to multiple nozzles N1 and multiple pressure chambers 342 corresponding to multiple nozzles N2 are formed in the pressure chamber forming substrate 34.

[0062] The flow channel substrate 35 is a flat plate-shaped component that forms the flow channel of the ink, and is formed of, for example, a single-crystal silicon substrate. A pressure chamber forming substrate 34 is provided on the upper surface of the flow channel substrate 35.

[0063] Furthermore, the flow channel substrate 35 contains an opening 351, a plurality of communicating flow channels 35L corresponding to a plurality of nozzles N1, and a plurality of ejection flow channels 357 corresponding to a plurality of nozzles N1. Here, the ejection flow channel 357 is a flow channel that connects the pressure chamber 341 and the nozzles N1. The communicating flow channel 35L is a flow channel that connects the opening 351 and the pressure chamber 341, and includes flow channels 353 and 355. Although this embodiment exemplifies a case where a plurality of flow channels 353 are provided in the flow channel substrate 35 corresponding to a plurality of nozzles N1, it is also possible for a single flow channel 353 to be shared by a plurality of nozzles N1 in the flow channel substrate 35.

[0064] Furthermore, the flow channel substrate 35 contains an opening 352, a plurality of communicating flow channels 35R corresponding to a plurality of nozzles N2, and a plurality of ejection flow channels 358 corresponding to a plurality of nozzles N2. Here, the ejection flow channel 358 is a flow channel connecting the pressure chamber 342 and the nozzles N2. The communicating flow channel 35R is a flow channel connecting the opening 352 and the pressure chamber 342, and includes flow channels 354 and 356. Although this embodiment exemplifies a case where a plurality of flow channels 354 are provided in the flow channel substrate 35 corresponding to a plurality of nozzles N2, it is also possible for a single flow channel 354 to be shared by a plurality of nozzles N2 in the flow channel substrate 35.

[0065] The malleable part 36 is a mechanism for suppressing pressure fluctuations within the flow channel of the head chip 3, and is configured to include two sealing plates 361 and two support bodies 362. The sealing plates 361 are flexible, thin-film resin components. One of the sealing plates 361 blocks the opening 351 and flow channel 353 provided in the flow channel substrate 35 from the +Z direction side. The other sealing plate 361 blocks the opening 352 and flow channel 354 provided in the flow channel substrate 35 from the +Z direction side. The support body 362 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel. The support body 362 fixes the sealing plate 361 to the flow channel substrate 35. Alternatively, the two sealing plates 361 can be a single, shared sealing plate 361, and the two support bodies 362 can be a single, shared support body 362.

[0066] A vibrating plate 33 is provided on the upper surface of the pressure chamber forming substrate 34. The vibrating plate 33 is a flat plate capable of elastic vibration, and is constructed, for example, by laminating an elastic film formed of an elastic material such as silicon oxide and an insulating film formed of an insulating material such as zirconium oxide. In addition, the pressure chambers 341 and 342 described above are spaces sandwiched between the upper surface of the flow channel substrate 35 and the lower surface of the vibrating plate 33.

[0067] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, a piezoelectric element 331 is provided on the upper surface of the vibrating plate 33 such that it partially or completely overlaps with the pressure chamber 341 when viewed in the +Z direction. Similarly, a piezoelectric element 332 is provided on the upper surface of the vibrating plate 33 such that it partially or completely overlaps with the pressure chamber 342 when viewed in the +Z direction. The piezoelectric element 331 is provided corresponding to the nozzle array L1 of the head chip 3. The piezoelectric element 332 is provided corresponding to the nozzle array L2 of the head chip 3. In other words, either the piezoelectric element 331 or 332 is provided in a manner corresponding to all the nozzles N of the head chip 3.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, a housing 31 is fixed to the upper surface of the flow channel substrate 35 and the protective plate 32. The housing 31 is integrally formed, for example, by molding a resin material.

[0069] Within the housing 31, a space 313 and a supply port 311 are formed. The space 313, together with the opening 351 of the flow channel substrate 35, forms a storage chamber H1. The supply port 311 connects the storage chamber H1 and the supply flow channel 251. Ink introduced from the supply port 311 is stored in the storage chamber H1. The ink stored in the storage chamber H1 is supplied to the pressure chamber 341 via the connecting flow channel 35L. The ink supplied to the pressure chamber 341 is ejected from the nozzle N1 in the +Z direction via the ejection flow channel 357.

[0070] Furthermore, a space 314 and a supply port 312 are formed in the housing 31. The space 314, together with the opening 352 of the flow channel substrate 35, forms a storage chamber H2. The supply port 312 connects the storage chamber H2 and the supply flow channel 251. Ink introduced from the supply port 312 is stored in the storage chamber H2. The ink stored in the storage chamber H2 is supplied to the pressure chamber 342 via the connecting flow channel 35R. The ink supplied to the pressure chamber 342 is ejected from the nozzle N2 in the +Z direction via the ejection flow channel 358.

[0071] The wiring board 30 is inserted into the opening 310 penetrating the housing 31 in the Z-axis direction and the opening 320 penetrating the protective plate 32 in the Z-axis direction, and the end of the wiring board 30 is joined to the vibrating plate 33. The wiring board 30 is a wiring board formed with wiring for transmitting the drive signal Com to the piezoelectric element 331 and the piezoelectric element 332.

[0072] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, a drive circuit 300 is provided on the wiring board 30. In the drive circuit 300, a drive signal Com and a printing signal SI are supplied from the control unit 8. Based on the printing signal SI, the drive circuit 300 switches whether to supply the drive signal Com for each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 331 and each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements 332.

[0073] The fixing plate 26 is a flat plate component. The fixing plate 26 is formed of metal. Suitable metals for forming the fixing plate 26 include, for example, stainless steel. Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the fixing plate 26 has multiple plate openings W corresponding to the multiple head chips 3 of the head module 2. Each plate opening W has a shape corresponding to the nozzle plate C. Specifically, the plate opening W is a long rectangular shape in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, when the head module 2 is viewed in the -Z direction, with the nozzle plate C located inside the plate opening W, each head chip 3 is fixed to the lower surface of the fixing plate 26 by, for example, adhesive. Thus, the nozzles N of each nozzle row are respectively arranged within the plate opening W.

[0074] Figure 23 This is a block diagram illustrating the transmission path of the drive signal Com in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment. As... Figure 23As illustrated, the control unit 8 includes a drive signal generation circuit 85. The drive signal generation circuit 85 generates a drive signal Com, which is a signal used to drive piezoelectric elements 331 and 332 to eject ink from the nozzles N. Furthermore, the drive signal generation circuit 85 generates the drive signal Com at fixed time intervals t. The generated drive signal Com is supplied via wiring 851, wiring 852, connector 249, wiring pattern formed on circuit board 24, board terminal 243, wiring board 30, and drive circuit 300 to the piezoelectric elements 331 and 332, which are corresponding to all nozzles N provided on all head chips 3, in the head module 2 of the inkjet printer 1. Additionally, in the first embodiment, the control unit 8 includes a wiring 851. The wiring 851 is a common wiring for supplying the drive signal Com generated in the drive signal generation circuit 85 to a plurality of piezoelectric elements 331 and 332. Therefore, the drive signal generation circuit 85 can supply a common drive signal Com to piezoelectric elements 331 and 332. That is, the drive signal generation circuit 85 supplies drive signals Com with the same waveform shape to all piezoelectric elements 331 and 332 at the same timing in each time t.

[0075] 1.3. Regarding the formation of ink ejection points based on nozzle position and ink location

[0076] Figure 5 An explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the nozzle plate C and the fixing plate 26 of the head module 2 according to the first embodiment is provided. Furthermore, Figure 5 The figure illustrates the various positional relationships of the perspective observation head module 2 when viewed from the -Z direction to the +Z direction.

[0077] As Figure 5As shown, the head module 2 includes: nozzle plate C[1], nozzle plate C[2], nozzle plate C[3], and nozzle plate C[4]. Nozzle plate C[1], nozzle plate C[2], nozzle plate C[3], and nozzle plate C[4] are nozzle plates that constitute different head chips 3. Here, it is envisioned that the four nozzle plates composed of nozzle plate C[1], nozzle plate C[2], nozzle plate C[3], and nozzle plate C[4] all have a common structure, and these four nozzle plates are collectively referred to as nozzle plate C[m]. Here, the value m is any natural number that satisfies 1≤m≤4. In addition, in the following text, when the head module 2 has M nozzle plates C, it is sometimes expressed that the head module 2 has nozzle plates C[1] to C[M]. In this case, the value M is a natural number greater than 2, and the value m is any natural number that satisfies 1≤m≤M. In the first embodiment, M=4. Furthermore, the m-th nozzle plate C[m] is configured such that as the value m becomes greater than 1, it moves away from the reference nozzle plate C[1] in the +X direction. Additionally, although the value m can take any value satisfying 1 ≤ m ≤ 4 when the head module 2 has four nozzle plates C, unless otherwise specified, the value m is assumed to be a specific value satisfying 1 ≤ m ≤ 4 (e.g., "m = 1"). Furthermore, although the value m can take any value satisfying 1 ≤ m ≤ M when the head module 2 has M nozzle plates C, unless otherwise specified, the value m is assumed to be a specific value satisfying 1 ≤ m ≤ M (e.g., "m = 1").

[0078] In the first embodiment, for any natural number m satisfying 1≤m≤M, the nozzle plate C[m] has a nozzle array L1[m] and a nozzle array L2[m] having J nozzles N that eject ink. That is, the nozzle plate C[1] has a nozzle array L1[1] having J nozzles N that eject ink and a nozzle array L2[1] having J nozzles N that eject ink. In addition, the nozzle plate C[2] has a nozzle array L1[2] having J nozzles N that eject ink and a nozzle array L2[2] having J nozzles N that eject ink. In addition, the nozzle plate C[3] has a nozzle array L1[3] having J nozzles N that eject ink and a nozzle array L2[3] having J nozzles N that eject ink. In addition, the nozzle plate C[4] has a nozzle array L1[4] having J nozzles N that eject ink and a nozzle array L2[4] having J nozzles N that eject ink. Here, nozzle arrays L1[m] and L2[m] are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the nozzle plate C[m] is fixed such that nozzle arrays L1[m] and L2[m] intersect the main scanning direction; in this embodiment, it is fixed such that they intersect the X-axis direction. Specifically, the nozzle plate C[m] is fixed such that both nozzle arrays L1[m] and L2[m] are parallel to the Y-axis direction. Additionally, the value J is a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0079] In this embodiment, nozzle arrays L1[m] and L2[m] are both positioned at equidistant points from the center of nozzle plate C[m] in the X-axis direction. That is, in this embodiment, nozzle arrays L1[1] and L2[1] are both positioned at equidistant points from the center of nozzle plate C[1] in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, nozzle arrays L1[2] and L2[2] are both positioned at equidistant points from the center of nozzle plate C[2] in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, nozzle arrays L1[3] and L2[3] are both positioned at equidistant points from the center of nozzle plate C[3] in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, nozzle arrays L1[4] and L2[4] are both positioned at equidistant points from the center of nozzle plate C[4] in the X-axis direction.

[0080] In this embodiment, nozzle array L1[m] is positioned at a location moved in the -X direction from the center of nozzle plate C[m], and nozzle array L2[m] is positioned at a location moved in the +X direction from the center of nozzle plate C[m]. That is, in this embodiment, nozzle array L1[1] is positioned at a location moved in the -X direction from the center of nozzle plate C[1], and nozzle array L2[1] is positioned at a location moved in the +X direction from the center of nozzle plate C[1]. Furthermore, in this embodiment, nozzle array L1[2] is positioned at a location moved in the -X direction from the center of nozzle plate C[2], and nozzle array L2[2] is positioned at a location moved in the +X direction from the center of nozzle plate C[2]. Furthermore, in this embodiment, nozzle array L1[3] is positioned at a location moved in the -X direction from the center of nozzle plate C[3], and nozzle array L2[3] is positioned at a location moved in the +X direction from the center of nozzle plate C[3]. Furthermore, in this embodiment, nozzle array L1[4] is positioned at a location moved in the -X direction from the center of nozzle plate C[4], and nozzle array L2[4] is positioned at a location moved in the +X direction from the center of nozzle plate C[4]. Additionally, the center of nozzle plate C[m] refers to the geometric center of nozzle plate C[m] as observed when viewed in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the distance between nozzle arrays L1[m] and L2[m] in the X-axis direction is denoted as nozzle array spacing DL. That is, in this embodiment, the distance between nozzle arrays L1[1] and L2[1] in the X-axis direction is nozzle array spacing DL. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between nozzle arrays L1[2] and L2[2] in the X-axis direction is nozzle array spacing DL. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between nozzle arrays L1[3] and L2[3] in the X-axis direction is nozzle array spacing DL. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between nozzle array L1[4] and nozzle array L2[4] in the X-axis direction is the nozzle array spacing DL.

[0081] In this embodiment, it is envisioned that, in the X-axis direction, the center of the head chip 3 [m] coincides with the center of the nozzle plate C [m] provided by the head chip 3 [m]. That is, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that, in the X-axis direction, the center of the head chip 3 [1] coincides with the center of the nozzle plate C [1] provided by the head chip 3 [1]. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that, in the X-axis direction, the center of the head chip 3 [2] coincides with the center of the nozzle plate C [2] provided by the head chip 3 [2]. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that, in the X-axis direction, the center of the head chip 3 [3] coincides with the center of the nozzle plate C [3] provided by the head chip 3 [3]. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that, in the X-axis direction, the center of the head chip 3 [4] coincides with the center of the nozzle plate C [4] provided by the head chip 3 [4]. However, the present invention is not limited to such arrangements. In the X-axis direction, the center of each head chip 3 may not coincide with the center of the nozzle plate C [m] provided by each head chip 3.

[0082] Furthermore, the spacing between two nozzles N is determined based on the geometric centers of each nozzle N as observed when viewed along the Z-axis. Additionally, the spacing between two nozzle rows in the X-axis direction is determined based on the geometric centers of the total number of nozzles N in each of the two nozzle rows as observed when viewed along the Z-axis.

[0083] In the first embodiment, a nozzle N on the nozzle array L1[m] of the nozzle plate C[m], which is set to the j1th position from the -Y direction side towards the +Y direction, is denoted as nozzle N1[m]{j1}. Here, the value j1 is a natural number satisfying 1≤j1≤J. Furthermore, the nozzle N on the nozzle array L1[m] of the nozzle plate C[m], which is set to the first position from the -Y direction side towards the +Y direction, i.e., nozzle N1[m]{1}, refers to the nozzle N located on the nozzle array L1[m] closest to the -Y direction side. Similarly, a nozzle N on the nozzle array L2[m] of the nozzle plate C[m], which is set to the j2th position from the -Y direction side towards the +Y direction, is denoted as nozzle N2[m]{j2}. Here, the value j2 is a natural number satisfying 1≤j2≤J. In addition, the nozzle N on the nozzle array L2[m] of the nozzle plate C[m] that is set as the first one from the -Y direction side towards the +Y direction, namely nozzle N2[m]{1}, refers to the nozzle N located on the nozzle array L2[m] closest to the -Y direction side.

[0084] In this embodiment, the J nozzles N included in nozzle array L1[m] are equally arranged in the Y-axis direction with a fixed interval between adjacent nozzles N. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the J nozzles N included in nozzle array L2[m] are equally arranged in the Y-axis direction with a fixed interval between adjacent nozzles N. Specifically, the J nozzles N included in nozzle array L1[1] are equally arranged in the Y-axis direction with a fixed interval between adjacent nozzles N. The J nozzles N included in nozzle array L2[1] are equally arranged in the Y-axis direction with a fixed interval between adjacent nozzles N. The J nozzles N included in nozzle array L1[2] are equally arranged in the Y-axis direction with a fixed interval between adjacent nozzles N. The J nozzles N included in nozzle array L2[2] are equally arranged in the Y-axis direction with a fixed interval between adjacent nozzles N. The J nozzles N contained in nozzle array L1[3] are equally arranged in the Y-axis direction with a fixed interval between adjacent nozzles N. The J nozzles N contained in nozzle array L2[3] are equally arranged in the Y-axis direction with a fixed interval between adjacent nozzles N. The J nozzles N contained in nozzle array L1[4] are equally arranged in the Y-axis direction with a fixed interval between adjacent nozzles N. The J nozzles N contained in nozzle array L2[4] are equally arranged in the Y-axis direction with a fixed interval between adjacent nozzles N.

[0085] Nozzle N1[m]{j} in nozzle plate C[m] is positioned offset in the -Y direction relative to nozzle N2[m]{j}. In the Y-axis direction, the nozzle spacing between nozzle N1[m]{j} and nozzle N2[m]{j} is equal to the nozzle spacing between nozzle N2[m]{j} and nozzle N1[m]{j+1}, and this spacing is called the spacing R. In other words, in the Y-axis direction, between adjacent nozzles N1[m]{j} and nozzle N1[m]{j+1} in the J nozzles N contained in nozzle column L1[m], nozzle N2[m]{j} in the J nozzles N contained in nozzle column L2[m] is positioned. Here, the value j is a natural number satisfying 1 ≤ j ≤ J-1.

[0086] Specifically, in the Y-axis direction, between adjacent nozzles N1[1]{j} and N1[1]{j+1} among the J nozzles N included in nozzle column L1[1], nozzle N2[1]{j} among the J nozzles N included in nozzle column L2[1] is provided. Furthermore, in the Y-axis direction, between adjacent nozzles N1[2]{j} and N1[2]{j+1} among the J nozzles N included in nozzle column L1[2], nozzle N2[2]{j} among the J nozzles N included in nozzle column L2[2] is provided. Furthermore, in the Y-axis direction, between adjacent nozzles N1[3]{j} and N1[3]{j+1} among the J nozzles N included in nozzle column L1[3], nozzle N2[3]{j} among the J nozzles N included in nozzle column L2[3] is provided. Furthermore, in the Y-axis direction, between adjacent nozzles N1[4]{j} and nozzle N1[4]{j+1} among the J nozzles N included in nozzle column L2[4], nozzle N2[4]{j} is provided. Furthermore, in the Y-axis direction, the interval between nozzle N1[1]{j} and nozzle N2[1]{j} is interval R, and the interval between nozzle N2[1]{j} and nozzle N1[1]{j+1} is interval R. Furthermore, in the Y-axis direction, the interval between nozzle N1[2]{j} and nozzle N2[2]{j} is interval R, and the interval between nozzle N2[2]{j} and nozzle N1[2]{j+1} is interval R. Furthermore, in the Y-axis direction, the interval between nozzle N1[3]{j} and nozzle N2[3]{j} is interval R, and the interval between nozzle N2[3]{j} and nozzle N1[3]{j+1} is interval R. Furthermore, in the Y-axis direction, the interval between nozzle N1[4]{j} and nozzle N2[4]{j} is interval R, and the interval between nozzle N2[4]{j} and nozzle N1[4]{j+1} is interval R.

[0087] In the first embodiment, the interval between the two corresponding sets of nozzles disposed on the two nozzle plates C[m1] and C[m2] is represented as follows.

[0088] In the X-axis direction, the interval between the nozzle array L1[m1] of nozzle plate C[m1] and the nozzle array L1[m2] of nozzle plate C[m2] is denoted as the nozzle array interval D1[m1][m2]. Similarly, the interval between the nozzle array L2[m1] of nozzle plate C[m1] and the nozzle array L2[m2] of nozzle plate C[m2] is denoted as the nozzle array interval D2[m1][m2]. Here, the values ​​m1 and m2 are any natural numbers that satisfy 1 ≤ m1 < m2 ≤ M. Furthermore, when the values ​​m1 and m2 satisfy "m2 = 1 + m1", nozzle plate C[m2] is adjacent to nozzle plate C[m1] in the +X direction.

[0089] On the fixing plate 26, there are M plate openings W[1] to W[M] corresponding one-to-one with the M nozzle plates C[1] to C[M]. The head chip 3[m] is fixed to the fixing plate 26 such that the nozzle rows L1[m] and L2[m] provided on the nozzle plates C[m] of the head chip 3[m] protrude from the plate openings W[m] provided on the fixing plate 26. Here, it is envisioned that the M plate openings W[1] to W[M] provided on the fixing plate 26 all have a common shape. In addition, the plate opening W[m2] is provided in the +X direction of the plate opening W[m1].

[0090] In the first embodiment, it is envisioned that the nozzle plates C[1] to C[M] are all fixed at the same position in the Y-axis direction. In this case, for any natural number m1 and m2 that satisfies 1≤m1<m2≤M, the nozzles N1[m1]{j1} on the nozzle column L1[m1] and the nozzles N1[m2]{j1} on the nozzle column L1[m2] are arranged at the same position in the Y-axis direction. That is, the nozzles N1[1]{j1} on the nozzle column L1[1], the nozzles N1[2]{j1} on the nozzle column L1[2], the nozzles N1[3]{j1} on the nozzle column L1[3], and the nozzles N1[4]{j1} on the nozzle column L1[4] are arranged at the same position in the Y-axis direction.

[0091] In the X-axis direction, the distance between the center of the plate opening W[m1] and the center of the plate opening W[m2] is denoted as the plate opening distance U[m1][m2]. Furthermore, the center of the plate opening W[m] mentioned here refers to the geometric center of the plate opening W[m] as observed in the Z-axis direction.

[0092] In the first embodiment, it is envisioned that the plate opening interval U[m1][m2] is a fixed interval when the values ​​m1 and m2 satisfy "m2=1+m1" and M≥3. That is, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that the plate opening intervals U[1][2]~U[M-1][M] are all equal. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that the nozzle plate C[m] is fixed such that the relative positional relationship between the nozzle plate C[m] and the plate opening W[m] in the X-axis direction is fixed. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that the interval between the center of the nozzle plate C[m] and the center of the plate opening W[m] in the X-axis direction is fixed. More specifically, consider the following scenario: in the X-axis direction, the intervals between the center of nozzle plate C[1] and the center of plate opening W[1], the intervals between the center of nozzle plate C[2] and the center of plate opening W[2], the intervals between the center of nozzle plate C[3] and the center of plate opening W[3], and the intervals between the center of nozzle plate C[4] and the center of plate opening W[4] are fixed. In this case, the nozzle row spacings D1[1][2]~D1[M-1][M] and D2[1][2]~D2[M-1][M] are all equal.

[0093] Figures 6-8 For, to use Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the relationship between the movement of the head module 2 and the position of the resulting point Dt when the printing action is performed. Figures 6-8 In the diagram, solid rectangles represent the positions of nozzles N at various times. Furthermore, dashed rectangles represent the positions of the M nozzle plates C[1] to C[M], each equipped with multiple nozzles N. Additionally, shaded rectangles represent the positions of points Dt formed by ink ejected from nozzles N. Figures 6-8 In the middle, the focus is on what is set up Figure 5 The printing operation is explained by describing the M nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[M]{j}, M nozzles N2[1]{j}~N2[M]{j}, M nozzles N1[1]{j+1}~N1[M]{j+1}, and M nozzles N2[1]{j+1}~N2[M]{j+1} on the M nozzle plates C[1]~C[M], which total 2×M×J nozzles N. Furthermore, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the case of M=4 is envisioned. Therefore, in Figures 6-8The image shows four nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[4]{j}, four nozzles N2[1]{j}~N2[4]{j}, four nozzles N1[1]{j+1}~N1[4]{j+1}, and four nozzles N2[1]{j+1}~N2[4]{j+1}, which are arranged on the M nozzle plates C[1]~C[4] of the head module 2.

[0094] also, Figures 6-8 This is a diagram illustrating the formation process of point Dt as the head module 2 moves in the +X direction (the main scanning direction) along the X-axis and ejects ink over time. Wherein, Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the positional relationship between head module 2 and point Dt when time T ranges from Tc+0t to Tc+3t. Furthermore, Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the positional relationship between head module 2 and point Dt when time T ranges from Tc+4t to Tc+7t. Furthermore, Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the head module 2 and point Dt when time T is from Tc+8t to Tc+11t. Here, time Tc represents the moment when the printing signal SI is supplied to the head module 2 for the printing operation. Furthermore, time t is the time from when the head module 2 forms point Dt until the next point Dt is formed. For clarity, the position of the nozzle plate C[m] in the X-axis direction at each time point is illustrated below the rectangle representing the head module 2 using a dashed line with the same height as the spacing R. Additionally, for ease of illustration, in... Figures 6-8 In the diagram, point Dt is a square with a width equal to the interval R in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and any point Dt is considered to have the same shape.

[0095] As described above, in the first embodiment, time t is the time from when point Dt is formed in the head module 2 until the next point Dt is formed. In other words, time t is the period during which the drive signal Com is generated and supplied to the piezoelectric elements 331 and 332, which are disposed corresponding to the nozzles N that eject ink for forming point Dt.

[0096] Furthermore, time t is a value constrained by conditions such as the responsiveness and stability of the ink's fluid movement. For example, when the scanning speed of the head module 2 is set to twice the predetermined reference speed, the minimum interval of the dots Dt formed using a specific nozzle N becomes twice that when the head module 2 scans at the predetermined reference speed. Therefore, when the scanning speed of the head module 2 is set to twice the predetermined reference speed, the resolution in the X-axis direction becomes half that when the head module 2 scans at the predetermined reference speed. Here, even when the scanning speed of the head module 2 is set to twice the predetermined reference speed, if we assume that the period for forming dots Dt, i.e., time t, can also be halved, the minimum interval of the dots Dt formed using a specific nozzle N can be equal to that when the scanning speed of the head module 2 is at the predetermined reference speed. However, time t, which is determined by the aforementioned constraints, cannot be set to an arbitrary value. That is, there are cases where the period for forming dots Dt, i.e., time t, cannot be halved. Therefore, scanning speed becomes the speed control condition for determining resolution. In other words, when the scanning speed of head module 2 is set to twice the predetermined reference speed, it is not possible to set the minimum interval of point Dt formed by using a specific nozzle N to be equal to the case where the scanning speed of head module 2 is the predetermined reference speed.

[0097] In the first embodiment, the head module 2 ejects the initial ink at time T = Tc + 1t, forming a dot Dt on the recording paper PE. Thereafter, a new dot Dt is formed every time t elapsed. Furthermore, although the illustration is for clarity, it shows... Figures 6-8 The process described is a so-called full-coat printing process in which ink is ejected from all nozzles N of the head module 2 at the same timing to form dots Dt without gaps, but it is not limited to this. The head module 2 can also eject ink from a portion of the nozzles N to form dots Dt. Specifically, by supplying a printing signal SI to the head module 2 and specifying whether to supply a drive signal Com relative to each piezoelectric element corresponding to the nozzle N, dots Dt are formed at predetermined positions at each time t. Furthermore, for all nozzles N of the head module 2, since ink introduced from a common pinhole 211 is supplied as described above, the same type of ink is ejected to form dots Dt.

[0098] Furthermore, the various dimensions and configurations of the head module 2, head chip 3, nozzle plate C, and nozzle N in the X-axis direction are set based on the basic resolution unit ΔX in the X-axis direction. Here, the resolution in the X-axis direction of the image formed by a common inkjet printer is set as the basic resolution. The basic resolution (dpi) is the value obtained by multiplying 100 by a natural number or by multiplying 90 by a natural number, for example, 100dpi, 200dpi, 300dpi, 400dpi, 600dpi, 900dpi, 1200dpi, 2400dpi, 90dpi, 180dpi, 360dpi, 540dpi, 720dpi, and 1080dpi. Moreover, the basic resolution unit ΔX is the length corresponding to the basic resolution, which is equivalent to the X-axis distance between adjacent points Dt in the X-axis direction of the image printed in full-color printing. In addition, the X-axis distance between adjacent points Dt refers to the distance between the centers of adjacent points Dt. Furthermore, the basic resolution unit ΔX can also be expressed as the length obtained by dividing 1 inch by the number of points Dt that can be formed in 1 inch along the X-axis. As mentioned earlier, since the basic resolution unit ΔX corresponds to the basic resolution, it is a value obtained by multiplying 100 by a natural number and dividing it by 1, or by multiplying 90 by a natural number and dividing it by 1. Examples of such values ​​are 1 / 100 inch, 1 / 200 inch, 1 / 300 inch, 1 / 400 inch, 1 / 600 inch, 1 / 900 inch, 1 / 1200 inch, 1 / 2400 inch, 1 / 90 inch, 1 / 180 inch, 1 / 360 inch, 1 / 540 inch, 1 / 720 inch, and 1 / 1080 inch. In other words, for example, when the basic resolution in the X-axis direction is 600 dpi, the basic resolution unit ΔX becomes 1 / 600 inch; when the basic resolution in the X-axis direction is 360 dpi, the basic resolution unit ΔX becomes 1 / 360 inch. Furthermore, the scanning speed of head module 2 in the X-axis direction is set based on the basic resolution unit ΔX. For example, after time T = Tc + 1t, head module 2 scans at intervals G, which are set based on the basic resolution unit ΔX, every time time t elapses. Specifically, the interval G is set to a natural multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX.

[0099] Furthermore, the various dimensions and configurations of the head module 2, head chip 3, nozzle plate C, and nozzle N in the Y-axis direction are set based on the basic resolution unit ΔY in the Y-axis direction. The basic resolution unit ΔY is a value obtained by multiplying 100 by a natural number and dividing it by 1, or by multiplying 90 by a natural number and dividing it by 1, similar to the basic resolution unit ΔX described above. For example, the interval R is set based on the basic resolution unit ΔY. Specifically, the interval R is set to a natural number multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔY.

[0100] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as an example, it is envisioned that the basic resolution unit ΔX is equal to the basic resolution unit ΔY. Also, in the first embodiment, as an example, it is envisioned that the interval R is set in a manner equal to both the basic resolution unit ΔX and the basic resolution unit ΔY.

[0101] In this embodiment, the interval G is set to be M times the basic resolution unit ΔX. As described above, in this embodiment, the interval R is set to be equal to the basic resolution unit ΔX. Therefore, in this embodiment, the interval G is equal to M times the basic resolution unit ΔX, in other words, equal to M times the interval R. That is, in this embodiment, the interval G becomes G = M × ΔX. More specifically, in this embodiment, as mentioned above, M = 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the scanning speed of the head module 2 is set such that the interval G is G = 4ΔX. Further, in this embodiment, since the interval R is set to be equal to the basic resolution unit ΔX, the scanning speed of the head module 2 is set such that the interval G is G = 4R.

[0102] In addition, Figures 6-8 In this example, for ease of explanation, the position of nozzle N1[1]{j} at time T=Tc+1t is set to "0" as the X-axis coordinate AX, and a value of "1" is assigned for each movement in the +X direction by the basic resolution unit ΔX. For example, in Figures 6-8 During the period from Tc+1t to Tc+2t, the position of nozzle N2[4]{j} set on head module 2 moves from AX=31 to AX=35.

[0103] Furthermore, the nozzle array spacing DL is set based on the basic resolution unit ΔX in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to a natural number multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX. In addition, in the first embodiment, the aforementioned spacing G is set as the value obtained by dividing the nozzle array spacing DL by a natural number. In other words, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to α times the spacing G. That is, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to (M×α) times the basic resolution unit ΔX. That is, DL = (M×α)ΔX. In this embodiment, since the spacing R is set in a manner equal to the basic resolution unit ΔX, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to (M×α) times the spacing R. That is, in this embodiment, DL = (M×α)R. Here, the value α is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. In other words, in the head module 2, which moves (M×1)ΔX every time time t elapses, the nozzle line L1[1] can be formed relative to the nozzle line L2[1] which is set at a position that moves away from the nozzle line L1[1] by (M×α)ΔX at time T, and after time α times from time T, the point Dt is formed at the same position in the X-axis direction.

[0104] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the nozzle spacing D1[1][ma] is determined based on the basic resolution unit ΔX in the X-axis direction. Here, the value ma is any natural number satisfying 2≤ma≤M. In addition, although the value ma can take any value satisfying 2≤ma≤M, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the value ma is a specific value satisfying 2≤ma≤M (e.g., "ma=2"). In this case, for any natural number satisfying 2≤ma≤M, i.e., the value ma, the nozzle spacing D1[1][ma] is set to a natural multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX. That is, the nozzle spacing D1[1][2], nozzle spacing D1[1][3], and nozzle spacing D1[1][4] are set to natural multiples of the basic resolution unit ΔX. As mentioned above, the head module 2 moves the spacing G every time time t, in other words, moves by a multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX. Furthermore, based on setting the minimum interval of the point Dt formed by the head module 2 as the basic resolution unit ΔX, it is preferable that the nozzle column L1[ma] is configured such that it can form point Dt in the X-axis direction at a position different from the point Dt formed by the nozzle columns L1[1] and L2[1]. In other words, it is preferable that the nozzle column L1[ma] is configured such that it can form point Dt in the X-axis direction at a position that supplements the position of point Dt formed by the nozzle column L1[1]. Here, "supplement" will be explained. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, since the nozzles N1[1]{j1} of the nozzle column L1[1] and the nozzles N1[ma]{j1} of the nozzle column L1[ma] are arranged at the same position about the Y-axis direction, the nozzle columns L1[1] and L1[ma] are nozzle columns that form the same grating row. Furthermore, the term "supplementation" refers to the situation where points Dt formed by nozzles N1[1]{j1} of nozzle column L1[1] along the X-axis direction adjacent to each other are filled between points Dt formed by nozzles N1[ma]{j1} of nozzle column L1[ma]. Specifically, it is preferable that (M-1) nozzle columns L1[2] to L1[M] are configured to form (M-1) points in the X-axis direction between the two closest points Dt formed by nozzle column L1[1]. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the interval D1[1][ma] between nozzle column L1[1] and nozzle column L1[ma] is set to be an interval different from a natural multiple of interval G. Specifically, the nozzle column interval D1[1][ma] is set to be the interval obtained by adding a multiple of interval G to a multiple of interval R to a multiple of interval R. That is, the nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma] is set to (M×β[ma]+γ[ma]) times the basic resolution unit ΔX, or in other words, it is set to (M×β[ma]+γ[ma]) times the spacing R.That is, it becomes D1[1][ma]=(M×β[ma]+γ[ma])ΔX. More specifically, in this embodiment, it becomes D1[1][2]=(M×β[2]+γ[2])ΔX, and becomes D1[1][3]=(M×β[3]+γ[3])ΔX, and becomes D1[1][4]=(M×β[4]+γ[4])ΔX.

[0105] Here, the value β[ma] is a natural number that satisfies α<β[ma]. Furthermore, the value γ[ma] is a natural number that satisfies 1≤γ[ma]≤M-1. That is, when M=2, γ[ma]=γ[2] is 1. Furthermore, when M≥3, in the case that the natural numbers ma1 and ma2 satisfy 2≤ma1<ma2≤M, the value γ[ma] satisfies γ[ma1]≠γ[ma2]. Here, for example, when M=3, it becomes 1≤γ[ma]≤2, in the case that γ[ma1] is 1, γ[ma2] is 2, and in the case that γ[ma1] is 2, γ[ma2] is 1. Furthermore, when M = 4, it becomes 1 ≤ γ[ma] ≤ 3. When γ[ma1] is 1, γ[ma2] is either 2 or 3. When γ[ma1] is 2, γ[ma2] is either 1 or 3. Moreover, when γ[ma1] is 3, γ[ma2] is either 1 or 2.

[0106] As described above, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL and nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma] in the X-axis direction are set to satisfy DL: D1[1][ma]=M×α×ΔX:(M×β[ma]+γ[ma])×ΔX=M×α:M×β[ma]+γ[ma]. More specifically, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL and nozzle array spacing D1[1][2] in the X-axis direction are set to satisfy DL: D1[1][2]=M×α:M×β[2]+γ[2]. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL and nozzle array spacing D1[1][3] in the X-axis direction are set to satisfy DL: D1[1][3]=M×α:M×β[3]+γ[3]. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL and nozzle array spacing D1[1][4] in the X-axis direction are set to satisfy DL:D1[1][4]=M×α:M×β[4]+γ[4].

[0107] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in the first embodiment, the case of M=4 is envisioned. Additionally, as mentioned above, 1... Figures 6-8In the above, the position of nozzle N1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 0. Furthermore, the position of nozzle N1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 2t is AX = 4, and the position of nozzle N1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 3t is AX = 8. Therefore, nozzle N1[1]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4k - 4 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N1[1]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × k1. Here, variable k is a natural number greater than 1. Furthermore, variable k1 is an integer satisfying k1 = k - 1.

[0108] In addition, Figures 6-8 In this embodiment, the case of α = 1 is assumed. Nozzle N2[1]{j} is set at a position that is moved from nozzle N1[1]{j} in the +X direction by an interval equal to the nozzle column spacing DL. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since M = 4, the nozzle column spacing DL is set to (M × α) times the basic resolution unit ΔX, in other words, it is set to (M × α) times the spacing R, which is 4 times the spacing R. Therefore, since nozzle N2[1]{j} is set at a position that is moved from nozzle N1[1]{j} in the +X direction by 4ΔX, it is possible to form point Dt relative to AX = 4k at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N2[1]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × (k1 + 1).

[0109] In addition, Figures 6-8 In the middle, the position of nozzle N1[2]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T=Tc+1t becomes AX=9. Since the position of nozzle N1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T=Tc+1t is AX=0, therefore in Figures 6-8 In the aforementioned formula, substituting M = 4 and ma = 2, we get D1[1][2] = (4 × β[2] + γ[2])ΔX = 9ΔX. As mentioned earlier, since α = 1 < β[ma] and 1 ≤ γ[ma] ≤ M - 1 = 3, therefore in Figures 6-8In the case of ma=2, it becomes β[2]=2 and γ[2]=1. Moreover, for nozzle N1[2]{j}, since it is set at a position that has moved from nozzle N1[1]{j} by AX=+9, it can form point Dt relative to AX=4k+5 at time T=Tc+kt. In other words, nozzle N1[2]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX=4×k2+1. Here, variable k2 is an integer that satisfies k2=k+1. That is, variable k2 is expressed as k2=k+β[2]-1. Furthermore, according to γ[2]=1, nozzle N1[2]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX=4×k2+γ[2].

[0110] In addition, Figures 6-8 In the above, for nozzle N2[2]{j}, since it is set at a position that is 4ΔX, which is the same distance as the nozzle column spacing DL, which is moved from nozzle N1[2]{j} in the +X direction, it can form point Dt relative to AX = 4k + 9 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N2[2]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × (k2 + 1) + 1.

[0111] In addition, Figures 6-8 In the middle, the position of nozzle N1[3]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T=Tc+1t becomes AX=18. Since the position of nozzle N1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T=Tc+1t is AX=0, therefore in Figures 6-8 In the aforementioned formula, substituting M = 4 and ma = 3, we get D1[1][3] = (4 × β[3] + γ[3])ΔX = 18ΔX. As mentioned earlier, since α = 1 < β[ma] and 1 ≤ γ[ma] ≤ M - 1 = 3, therefore, in other words, in Figures 6-8 In the case of ma=3, β[3]=4 and γ[3]=2. Moreover, for nozzle N1[3]{j}, since it is set at a position that has moved AX=+18 from nozzle N1[1]{j}, it can form point Dt relative to AX=4k+14 at time T=Tc+kt. In other words, nozzle N1[3]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX=4×k3+2. Here, variable k3 is an integer that satisfies k3=k+3. That is, variable k3 is expressed as k3=k+β[3]-1. Furthermore, according to γ[3]=2, nozzle N1[3]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX=4×k3+γ[3].

[0112] In addition, Figures 6-8In the above, for nozzle N2[3]{j}, since it is positioned at a position that is 4ΔX away from nozzle N1[3]{j} in the +X direction, it can form point Dt relative to AX = 4k + 18 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N2[3]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × (k3 + 1) + 2.

[0113] In addition, Figures 6-8 In the middle, the position of nozzle N1[4]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t becomes AX = 27. Since the position of nozzle N1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 0, therefore in Figures 6-8 In the aforementioned formula, substituting M = 4 and ma = 4, we get D1[1][4] = (4 × β[4] + γ[4])ΔX = 27ΔX. As mentioned earlier, since α = 1 < β[ma] and 1 ≤ γ[ma] ≤ M - 1 = 3, therefore, that is to say, in Figures 6-8 In the case of ma = 4, β[4] = 6 and γ[4] = 3. Moreover, for nozzle N1[4]{j}, since it is set at a position that has moved from nozzle N1[1]{j} by AX = +27, it can form point Dt relative to AX = 4k + 23 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N1[4]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × k4 + 3. Here, the variable k4 is an integer that satisfies k4 = k + 5. That is, the variable k4 is expressed as k4 = k + β[4] - 1. Furthermore, according to γ[4] = 3, nozzle N1[4]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × k4 + γ[4].

[0114] In addition, Figures 6-8 In the above, for nozzle N2[4]{j}, since it is positioned at a position that is 4ΔX away from nozzle N1[4]{j} in the +X direction, it can form point Dt relative to AX = 4k + 27 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N2[4]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × (k4 + 1) + 3.

[0115] As described above, nozzle N1[1]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX=M×k1. Furthermore, nozzle N1[ma]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX=M×ka+γ[ma]. Here, variable ka is an integer satisfying ka=k+β[ma]―1. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, when the value γ[ma] is a natural number satisfying 1≤γ[ma]≤M-1 and M≥3, since γ[ma1]≠γ[ma2], the group {γ[2], γ[3], …, γ[M]} of M-1 values ​​becomes the same as the group {1, 2, …, M-1} of M-1 values, or becomes a group obtained by changing the order of the group {1, 2, …, M-1} of M-1 values. Furthermore, when M=2, γ[ma]=γ[2] becomes 1.

[0116] Therefore, according to this embodiment, by using M nozzles N1[1]{j} to N1[M]{j}, multiple points Dt can be formed in the X-axis direction at intervals R without repetition. That is, according to this embodiment, by using M nozzles N1[1]{j} to N1[M]{j}, multiple points Dt can be formed in the X-axis direction at intervals of a basic resolution unit ΔX without repetition.

[0117] Specifically, in Figures 6-8 In the process, nozzle N1[1]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX=4×k1. Furthermore, in Figures 6-8 In the process, nozzle N1[ma]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX=4×ka+γ[ma]. Furthermore, in Figures 6-8 In the above, the group of three values ​​{γ[2], γ[3], γ[4]} is the same as the group of three values ​​{1, 2, 3}, or it is a group obtained by changing the order of the three values ​​{1, 2, 3}.

[0118] Therefore, in Figures 6-8 In this process, through four nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[4]{j}, multiple points Dt can be formed at intervals R in the X-axis direction without repetition. That is, in Figures 6-8 In the middle, through four nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[4]{j}, multiple points Dt can be formed in the X-axis direction at intervals of basic resolution unit ΔX without repetition.

[0119] In this way, by using the head module 2 in the first embodiment to perform the printing action, printing can be performed in the X-axis direction without producing repetition or gaps in the dots Dt. Specifically, in Figure 8 In this case, it can be confirmed that point Dt is formed continuously in the +X direction compared to 28 of the X-axis coordinate AX.

[0120] In other words, because there is a discontinuity in the -X direction compared to 28 of the X-axis coordinate AX, the image formed by, for example, full-coat printing will contain areas where points D are not formed. Therefore, in the actual printing process, points Dt can also be formed starting from the region after 28 of the X-axis coordinate AX.

[0121] As described above, according to this embodiment, the head module 2 can form dots Dt at intervals of a basic resolution unit ΔX in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the basic resolution unit ΔX and the basic resolution unit ΔY are equal to the interval R. That is, according to this embodiment, the head module 2 can form multiple dots Dt on the recording paper PE in such a manner that the intervals of dots Dt in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions are equal to the basic resolution unit.

[0122] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the nozzle array spacing DL satisfies a relationship that is α times the spacing G. Therefore, according to this embodiment, nozzles N1[m]{j} disposed in nozzle array L1[m] and nozzles N2[m]{j} disposed in nozzle array L2[m] can form point Dt at the same position in the X-axis direction and at different positions in the Y-axis direction. That is, in this embodiment, nozzles N1[m]{j} and nozzles N2[m]{j} disposed at positions different from nozzles N1[m]{j} in the Y-axis direction contribute to improved resolution in the Y-axis direction.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the nozzle row spacing D1[1][ma] satisfies the relationship that it is a spacing different from a natural multiple of the spacing G. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the nozzle N1[ma]{j} disposed in the nozzle row L1[ma] can form a point Dt in the X-axis direction at a position different from the point Dt formed by the nozzle N1[1]{j}, wherein the nozzle N1[1]{j} is disposed in the nozzle row L1[1] which is configured with the nozzle row spacing D1[1][ma] vacated relative to the nozzle row L1[ma]. That is, in this embodiment, the inkjet printer 1 can perform printing that satisfies the desired basic resolution unit ΔX by setting the scanning speed of the head module 2 in the X-axis direction to a scanning speed that moves a basic resolution unit ΔX every time t.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the interval between nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L2[1] and nozzle array L1[ma] is set according to the intended scanning speed. That is, according to the intended scanning speed, specifically, according to the value M, the interval between head chip 3[1] equipped with nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L2[1] and head chip 3[ma] equipped with nozzle array L1[ma] is set. In other words, even if the minimum interval of the point Dt formed by the nozzle array L1[1] and the nozzle array L2[1] is increased by increasing the scanning speed of the head module 2, it is possible to set the position of (M-1) nozzle arrays L1[2] to L1[M] corresponding to the nozzle arrays L1[2] to L1[M] without changing the structure of the head chip 3, and to form the point Dt at a position different from the point Dt formed by the nozzle arrays L1[1] and L2[1] from the nozzle arrays L1[2] to L1[M], thereby enabling printing without reducing the resolution.

[0125] Furthermore, although the value M is treated above as the number of nozzle plates C having a common structure, fixed at the same position in the Y-axis direction, and arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction, it is not limited to this. The value M can also be treated as the number of nozzle columns capable of ejecting the same type of ink to the same grating row but different grating columns. Specifically, in the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment and the head module 2B according to the fourth embodiment described later, in the case where nozzle plates C with a common structure are used to eject different types of ink, or in the case where nozzle plates C with a common structure are fixed at different positions in the Y-axis direction, the value M and the number of nozzle plates C with a common structure are different.

[0126] Furthermore, although nozzle array L1[ma] is treated above as nozzle array L1 set on a nozzle plate [ma] different from nozzle plate [1], it is not limited to this. Nozzle array L1[ma] can be any nozzle array that can eject the same type of ink to the same grating row but different grating columns relative to nozzle array L1[1]. The same applies to nozzle array L2[ma].

[0127] In order to clarify the effects of this embodiment, the following will refer to... Figure 22 At the same time, the header module 2V involved in the reference example will be described. The header module 2V is a header module that is mounted in an inkjet printer different from the inkjet printer 1 involved in the first embodiment.

[0128] Figure 22This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the M nozzle plates C and the fixing plate 26C of the head module 2V involved in the reference example. Additionally, Figure 22 This diagram illustrates the various positional relationships of the perspective observation head module 2V when viewed from the -Z direction towards the +Z direction. Furthermore, in Figure 22 In this section, the case of M=4 is illustrated and explained.

[0129] Except for the following two points, head module 2V is constructed in the same manner as head module 2 in the first embodiment. These two points are: it has a fixing plate 26C with plate openings W[1] to W[M] exposing each of the nozzle plates C[1] to C[M]; and the values ​​of nozzle row spacings D1[m1][m2] and D2[m1][m2] and plate opening spacing U[m1][m2] are different from those in head module 2 in the first embodiment. In other words, the head chip 3 constituting head module 2 in embodiment 1 and the head chip 3 constituting head module 2V in the reference example are the same. Furthermore, the nozzle row spacing DL in embodiment 1 and the nozzle row spacing DL in the reference example are the same.

[0130] In the reference example, similar to the first embodiment, it is envisioned that the nozzle plates C[1] to C[M] of each of the M head chips 3 are fixed at the same position in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the center of each of the M head chips 3 is aligned with the center of the nozzle plate C[m] of each head chip 3 in the X-axis direction. Additionally, the M head chips 3 are fixed to the fixing plate 26C such that the nozzle arrays L1[m] and L2[m] provided on the nozzle plates C[m] of the head chips 3 protrude from the plate opening W[m] provided on the fixing plate 26. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the plate opening W[m2] is provided in the +X direction of the plate opening W[m1]. Furthermore, the nozzle plate C[m2] is provided in the +X direction of the nozzle plate C[m1].

[0131] In the reference example, similar to the first embodiment, it is envisioned that the plate opening interval U[m1][m2] becomes a fixed interval when the values ​​m1 and m2 satisfy "m2=1+m1". That is, in the reference example, it is envisioned that the plate opening intervals U[1][2]~U[M-1][M] are all equal. Furthermore, in the reference example, it is envisioned that the nozzle plate C[m] is fixed in such a way that the relative positional relationship between the nozzle plate C[m] and the plate opening W[m] in the X-axis direction is fixed. Specifically, it is envisioned that the interval between the center of the nozzle plate C[m] and the center of the plate opening W[m] in the X-axis direction is fixed. In this case, the nozzle row intervals D1[1][2]~D1[M-1][M] and the nozzle row intervals D2[1][2]~D2[M-1][M] are all equal.

[0132] In the reference example, the nozzle array spacings D1[1][ma], D2[1][ma], and plate opening spacing U[1][ma] are all equal and are set to a natural number multiple of the spacing G. Specifically, the nozzle array spacings D1[1][ma], D2[1][ma], and plate opening spacing U[1][ma] are set to a multiple of the spacing G. Here, the value ψ[ma] is a natural number greater than the value α. Furthermore, in the reference example, similarly to the first embodiment, the spacing G is set to a multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX, in other words, it is set to a multiple of the spacing R. That is, the nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma] is set to a multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX (M×ψ[ma]), in other words, it is set to a multiple of the spacing R (M×ψ[ma]). Furthermore, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to a natural number multiple of the spacing G. Specifically, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to a multiple of the spacing G. That is, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to (M×α) times the basic resolution unit ΔX, in other words, it is set to (M×α) times the spacing R.

[0133] As described above, in the reference example, in the X-axis direction, the interval G, the nozzle column interval DL, and the nozzle column interval D1[1][ma] are set such that G:DL:D1[1][ma]=M:M×α:M×ψ[ma]. That is, the nozzle column interval DL and the nozzle column interval D1[1][ma] are set as natural multiples of the interval G. Therefore, every time time t elapses, the ink ejected from the nozzles N set on the nozzle columns L1[1], L2[1], and L1[ma] at the same timing will form points Dt on the recording paper PE in the X-axis direction on multiple columns spaced apart from each other by the interval G. In other words, in the reference example, the positions of point Dt formed by ink ejected from nozzle N belonging to nozzle column L1[1], point Dt formed by ink ejected from nozzle N belonging to nozzle column L2[1], and point Dt formed by ink ejected from nozzle N belonging to nozzle column L1[ma] are the same in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when the scanning speed of head module 2V is increased, in other words, when the interval G is increased, more specifically, when the value M is increased, the interval of point Dt formed from nozzle column L1[1], nozzle column L2[1], and nozzle column L1[ma] increases proportionally with the value M, thereby reducing the resolution in the X-axis direction.

[0134] Specifically, when M=4, when the head module 2V involved in the reference example scans at a speed of moving interval G at each time t and forms a point Dt at each time t, the minimum interval of the point Dt formed by the head module 2V in the X-axis direction is equal to the interval G corresponding to the scanning speed, or in other words, four times the basic resolution unit ΔX, that is, four times the interval R. In other words, the head module 2V forms the point Dt in the X-axis direction at an interval four times the interval of the point Dt formed by the head module 2 involved in the first embodiment, which can form the point Dt at the basic resolution unit ΔX. That is, in the X-axis direction, the minimum interval of the point Dt formed by the head module 2 involved in the first embodiment is the basic resolution unit ΔX, while the minimum interval of the point Dt formed by the head module 2V involved in the reference example is four times the basic resolution unit ΔX, thereby reducing the resolution. Furthermore, in the X-axis direction, if the interval of the point Dt formed by using the head module 2V involved in the reference example is set to a value equal to the basic resolution unit ΔX, then the scanning speed of the head module 2V needs to be set to the speed of moving the basic resolution unit ΔX (interval R) per time t. In other words, it needs to be set to 1 / 4 of the interval G, which is slower than the scanning speed of the head module 2 involved in the first embodiment.

[0135] In contrast, in the head module 2 of the first embodiment, the interval G, the nozzle column interval DL, and the nozzle column interval D1[1][ma] are set to satisfy G:DL:D1[1][ma]=M:M×α:M×β[ma]+γ[ma]. That is, the nozzle column interval DL is set to a natural multiple of the interval G. On the other hand, the nozzle column interval D1[1][ma] is set to an interval different from a natural multiple of the interval G. Therefore, ink ejected from the nozzles N provided on the nozzle columns L1[1] and L2[1] at the same timing every time t elapses forms a point Dt on a plurality of grating columns on the recording paper PE that are spaced apart from each other by an interval G in the X-axis direction. On the other hand, every time time t elapses, ink ejected from nozzles N set on nozzle columns L1[2] to L1[M] in (M-1) head chips 3[2] to 3[M] at the same timing forms a point Dt on a grating column between multiple grating columns formed by ink ejected from nozzles N set on nozzle columns L1[1] and L2[1]. Furthermore, when the values ​​ma1 and ma2 satisfy ma1≠ma2, since the values ​​γ[ma1] and γ[ma2] satisfy 0<γ[ma1]≠γ[ma2]≤M-1, in the X-axis direction, the ink ejected from the nozzle N on the nozzle column L1[ma1] located at a position away from (M×β[ma1]+γ[ma1])R from the nozzle column L1[1], and the ink ejected from the nozzle N on the nozzle column L1[ma2] located at a position away from (M×β[ma2]+γ[ma2])R from the nozzle column L1[1], form a point Dt on the grating column at different positions in the X-axis direction. Therefore, even if the scanning speed of the head module 2 is faster than a predetermined reference speed, the value M can be increased according to the increase in the scanning speed of the head module 2, so that the interval of the dots Dt formed when the scanning speed of the head module 2 is the predetermined reference speed is not increased, and the interval of the dots Dt formed by the nozzle array L1[1], nozzle array L2[1] and nozzle array L1[ma] is formed on the recording paper PE. In other words, the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment can increase the scanning speed of the head module 2 as the value M increases while maintaining the resolution in the X-axis direction as is. Specifically, when M=4, in the X-axis direction, the moving speed of the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, which scans at a speed of moving interval G every time t while forming points Dt at intervals equal to the basic resolution unit ΔX, and the scanning speed of the head module 2V when the interval of points Dt formed using the head module 2V according to the reference example is set to a value equal to the basic resolution unit ΔX, is 4 times faster according to the aforementioned correspondence.That is, compared to the head module 2V of the reference example, the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment can shorten the printing time while maintaining the resolution in the X-axis direction. In other words, the minimum interval of point Dt formed by the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, which scans at a speed of moving interval G at each time interval t and forms point Dt at each time interval t, is 1 / 4 of the minimum interval of point Dt formed by the head module 2V according to the reference example, according to the aforementioned correspondence. That is, the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment can improve the resolution while maintaining the scanning speed in the X-axis direction compared to the head module 2V according to the reference example.

[0136] As explained above, the head module 2 involved in the first embodiment is a head module 2 with the X-axis direction set as the main scanning direction, characterized in that it comprises: a nozzle column L1[1], which includes nozzles N for ejecting ink; a nozzle column L2[1], which includes nozzles N for ejecting ink; (M-1) specific nozzle columns, which include nozzles N for ejecting ink, wherein when the value ma is set to a natural number satisfying 2≤ma≤M, the nozzle column spacing DL between the nozzle column L1[1] and the nozzle column L2[1] in the X-axis direction, and the nozzle column spacing D1[1] between the nozzle column L1[1] and the nozzle column L1[ma] in the (M-1) specific nozzle columns in the X-axis direction. 1][ma], represented as DL: D1[1][ma]=M×α:M×β[ma]+γ[ma] by the following values ​​M, α, β[ma], and γ[ma], where M is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, α is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, β[ma] is a natural number that satisfies β[ma]>α, and γ[ma] is a natural number that satisfies 0<γ[ma]≤M-1 and satisfies γ[ma1]≠γ[ma2] when ma1 is set to a natural number that satisfies 2≤ma1≤M and ma2 is set to a natural number that satisfies 2≤ma2≤M and ma1≠ma2.

[0137] Therefore, in the first embodiment, for example, even if the nozzle spacing DL between nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L2[1] is defined such that nozzle array L2[1] can form point Dt at the same position as point Dt formed by nozzle array L1[1] in the X-axis direction, the nozzle spacing D1[1][ma] between nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L1[ma] can be defined such that nozzle array L1[ma] can form point Dt at a different position than point Dt formed by nozzle array L1[1] in the X-axis direction. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when ink is ejected from each nozzle N in each predetermined time t, and nozzle array L1[1] forms multiple points Dt at intervals G in the X-axis direction, point Dt can be formed by nozzle array L1[ma] so that the multiple points Dt formed by nozzle array L1[1] at intervals G can be supplemented in the X-axis direction. That is, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the repetition or gap of point Dt in the X-axis direction, which is the main scanning direction, thereby enabling high-speed and high-resolution printing.

[0138] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, for example, even if the nozzle spacing D1[1][ma] between nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L1[ma] is defined such that nozzle array L1[ma] can form point Dt at a different position in the X-axis direction than point Dt formed by nozzle array L1[1], the nozzle spacing DL between nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L2[1] can be defined such that nozzle array L2[1] can form point Dt at the same position in the X-axis direction as point Dt formed by nozzle array L1[1]. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when ink is ejected from each nozzle N at each predetermined time t, and nozzle array L1[1] forms multiple points Dt at intervals G in the X-axis direction, nozzle array L2[1] can form point Dt at the same position in the X-axis direction as multiple points Dt formed by nozzle array L1[1]. That is, according to the first embodiment, high-speed and high-resolution printing can be achieved in the X-axis direction, which is the main scanning direction, while high-resolution printing can also be achieved in the Y-axis direction, which is the secondary scanning direction that intersects with the main scanning direction.

[0139] In addition, in the first embodiment, the X-axis direction is an example of "first direction", the head module 2 is an example of "head module", the ink is an example of "liquid", the nozzle N is an example of "nozzle", the nozzle column L1[1] is an example of "first nozzle column", the nozzle column L2[1] is an example of "second nozzle column", the nozzle column interval DL is an example of "interval P1", the nozzle column L1[ma] is an example of "m-th specific nozzle column", the nozzle column interval D1[1][ma] is an example of "interval PT[m]", β[ma] is an example of "βT[m]", and γ[ma] is an example of "γT[m]". Furthermore, ma takes a value equal to m+1, ma1 takes a value equal to m1+1, and ma2 takes a value equal to m2+1.

[0140] Furthermore, regarding the nozzle array spacing DL and nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma], as in the spacing R in the first embodiment, there are cases where there are values ​​other than 1 that are the greatest common divisors of the nozzle array spacing DL and nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma]. When the value that is the greatest common divisor of the nozzle array spacing DL and nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma] is called value F1, the value obtained by dividing the nozzle array spacing DL by value F1 is called value DLF1, and the value obtained by dividing the nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma] by value F1 is called value D1F1, if the values ​​DLF1 and D1F1 satisfy DLF1:D1F1=M×α:M×β[ma]+γ[ma], it can also be considered that the nozzle array spacing DL and nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma] can be expressed as DL:D1[1][ma]=M×α:M×β[ma]+γ[ma]. In addition, the values ​​DLF1 and D1F1 are coprime. Furthermore, the nozzle spacing DL and the nozzle spacing D1[1][ma] can also be coprime. In other words, the value obtained by multiplying the value M and the value α and the value obtained by multiplying the value M and the value β[ma] and then adding γ[ma] can also be coprime.

[0141] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, the nozzle array L1[1] includes nozzles N1[1]{j} for ejecting ink, and the nozzle array L1[ma] includes nozzles N1[ma]{j} for ejecting ink. The nozzles N1[1]{j} and N1[ma]{j} are arranged at the same position in the Y-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction. That is, the ink ejected from the nozzles N1[1]{j} and N1[ma]{j} can form a point Dt at the same position in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the head module 2 can improve the resolution in the X-axis direction.

[0142] In addition, in the first embodiment, nozzle N1[1]{j} is an example of a "first nozzle", nozzle N1[ma]{j} is an example of a "specific nozzle", and the Y-axis direction is an example of a "second direction".

[0143] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized in that the nozzle array L1[1] includes a plurality of nozzles N for ejecting ink, and the nozzle array L2[1] includes a plurality of nozzles N for ejecting ink. In the Y-axis direction, among the plurality of nozzles N included in the nozzle array L1[1], one of the plurality of nozzles N included in the nozzle array L2[1] is provided between two adjacent nozzles N. That is, in the Y-axis direction, the point Dt formed by nozzle N2[1]{j} is located between the point Dt formed by nozzle N1[1]{j} and nozzle N1[1]{j+1}. Thus, the head module 2 can improve the resolution in the Y-axis direction.

[0144] Furthermore, in the head module 2 of the first embodiment, it is characterized by comprising: a head chip 3[1] having a nozzle array L1[1] and a nozzle array L2[1]; (M-1) specific head chips, wherein the head chip 3[ma] having a nozzle plate C[ma] among the (M-1) specific head chips has a nozzle array L1[ma].

[0145] As described above, in this embodiment, by setting the nozzle spacing DL between nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L2[1], and the nozzle spacing D1[1][ma] between nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L1[ma] to be expressible as DL: D1[1][ma] = M×α: M×β[ma] + γ[ma], high-speed and high-resolution printing can be achieved in the X-axis direction, which is the main scanning direction, while high-resolution printing can be achieved in the Y-axis direction, which is the sub-scanning direction that intersects with the main scanning direction.

[0146] However, if the value of M changes, the actual dimensions of the nozzle row spacing DL and nozzle row spacing D1[1][ma] that satisfy the ratio will change. That is, there is a possibility that the nozzle row spacing DL and nozzle row spacing D1[1][ma] need to be appropriately changed according to M. In addition, there is a need for a head module such that, as shown in the reference example, the nozzle row spacing DL and all nozzle row spacings D1[1][ma] are divisible by M. Therefore, it is preferable to have a structure in which not all nozzle rows are formed on a single nozzle plate, but rather multiple head chips, each having a nozzle row, are arranged on a fixed plate or a holder. Specifically, instead of forming nozzle rows L1[1], L2[1], and L1[ma] on a single head chip, the structure allows for free modification of the nozzle row spacing DL or nozzle row spacing D1[1][ma] by arranging head chips with nozzle row L1[1], head chips with nozzle row L2[1], and head chips with nozzle row L1[ma]. By adopting this approach, various head modules can be achieved simply by changing the conditions of the process of arranging multiple head chips. Since multiple head chips can be platformized, manufacturing costs can be reduced. However, in a structure where multiple head chips are arranged in units of nozzle rows to form a head module, in addition to increasing the number of head chip arrangement steps, there is also a problem that the impact of spray accuracy deviations becomes greater. Therefore, it is preferable to provide multiple nozzle rows in each platformized head chip.

[0147] Although there is some repetition, in order to achieve the aforementioned effect of this embodiment, it is sufficient to express the nozzle spacing DL between nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L2[1], and the nozzle spacing D1[1][ma] between nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L1[ma] using the ratio DL:D1[1][ma]=M×α:M×β[ma]+γ[ma]. Therefore, it is not necessary to set all nozzle arrays L1[1], L2[1] and L1[ma] on the same head chip, and it is also not necessary to set nozzle arrays L1[1] and L1[2] on the same head chip 3 as in this embodiment. In other words, if either nozzle array L2[2] or nozzle array L1[ma] is set on the same head chip as nozzle array L1[1], and the other is set on another head chip, then as long as multiple head chips are arranged in a manner that satisfies the aforementioned ratio, the aforementioned effect can be achieved on the basis of having multiple nozzle arrays in the platform-based head chip. Here, in order to achieve high resolution in the Y-axis direction, or, although details will be explained in Embodiment 3 below, in order to replace the point intended to be ejected by the nozzle N1[1]{j} with the point ejected from the nozzle N2[1]{j} in the event of a leakage point caused by an ejection abnormality in the nozzle N1[1]{j}, the nozzle array L1[1] and the nozzle array L2[1] are nozzle arrays that form points on the same grating array. Therefore, for the nozzle array L1[1] and the nozzle array L2[1] that form points on the same grating array, when they are set on the same head chip 3, it is more preferable that the ejection position of the point Dt in the X-axis direction is less likely to be disordered, and the printing accuracy can be improved compared to when they are set on different head chips 3. In addition, if the nozzle array interval DL is a nozzle array interval in which the value of M is changed within the range of the aforementioned proportional formula, then the value of the nozzle array interval D1[1][ma] can be changed in a manner that satisfies the aforementioned proportional formula. In other words, if nozzle columns L1[1] and L2[1] that form the same grating column are set on the same head chip 3, the nozzle column spacing D1[1][ma] can be changed in a proportional manner by simply adjusting the spacing between the head chips 3 in the main scanning direction, so as not to change the internal structure of the head chip 3 and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0148] In addition, in the first embodiment, head chip 3[1] is an example of "first head chip" and head chip 3[ma] is an example of "mth specific head chip".

[0149] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, the head chip 3[1] and the head chip 3[ma] have a common structure. This reduces the manufacturing cost of the head chip.

[0150] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, the head chip 3 [1] is characterized by having a nozzle plate C [1] provided with nozzle rows L1 [1] and nozzle rows L2 [1], and the head chip 3 [ma] has a nozzle plate C [ma] provided with nozzle row L1 [ma] among (M-1) specific nozzle plates corresponding to (M-1) specific head chips. This improves the alignment accuracy of the two nozzle rows that can form a point Dt at the same position in the X-axis direction.

[0151] In addition, in the first embodiment, nozzle plate C[1] is an example of "first nozzle plate" and nozzle plate C[ma] is an example of "mth specific nozzle plate".

[0152] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized by having a fixing plate 26 on which head chip 3[1] and head chip 3[ma] are fixed, and the fixing plate 26 has a plate opening W for exposing at least nozzle rows L1[1] and L2[1] in nozzle plate C[1] and at least nozzle rows L1[ma] in nozzle plate C[ma]. When viewed from above, head chip 3[1] and head chip 3[ma] are fixed to the fixing plate 26 such that the distance between the center of head chip 3[1] and the center of head chip 3[ma] in the X-axis direction is the nozzle row distance D1[1][ma]. In the X-axis direction, the center of head chip 3[m] coincides with the center of nozzle plate C[m] on which head chip 3[m] is located. Furthermore, in the X-axis direction, the distance between the center of nozzle plate C[m] and the center of plate opening W[m] is fixed. That is, the head chip 3[1] and the head chip 3[ma] are fixed on the fixing plate 26 such that the center-to-center spacing in the X-axis direction is consistent with the plate opening spacing U[1][ma] and the nozzle row spacing D1[1][ma]. In addition, a plurality of head chips 3 are provided in the head module 2. As a result, when printing is performed using the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, compared with the case where the same printing is performed using a plurality of head modules with a total number of nozzles equal to the number of nozzles N in the head module 2 in the X-axis direction, it is less likely to cause disorder of the spray position of point Dt, thereby improving the printing accuracy.

[0153] In addition, in the first embodiment, the plate opening W and the plate opening W[m] are examples of "openings", and the fixing plate 26 is an example of "fixing plate".

[0154] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized by having a retainer 25 having a supply channel 251 for supplying ink to the head chip 3[1] and (M-1) specific head chips, and holding the head chip 3[1] and (M-1) specific head chips in such a way that the distance between the center of the head chip 3[1] and the center of the head chip 3[ma] in the X-axis direction is called the nozzle row spacing D1[1][ma]. Thus, ink supply can be performed for each head chip.

[0155] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the supply channel 251 is an example of a "supply channel," and the holder 25 is an example of a "holder." Additionally, although the first embodiment illustrates a method of supplying ink to each head chip from different supply channels 251, the invention is not limited to this method. The supply channel for supplying ink to each head chip can also be a common channel with branches.

[0156] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized by comprising: an inlet 220 for introducing ink; and a distribution channel 221 connected to nozzle N1[1]{j} and at least one of the (M-1) specific nozzles corresponding to a (M-1) specific nozzle array, and distributing the ink introduced from the inlet 220 to nozzle N1[1]{j} and at least one specific nozzle. Thus, the same ink can be supplied to multiple nozzles N.

[0157] In addition, in the first embodiment, the inlet 220 is an example of an "inlet", and the distribution channel 221 is an example of a "distribution channel".

[0158] Furthermore, the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment is characterized by comprising: a head module 2 according to the first embodiment; and a carriage 761 that causes the head module 2 to reciprocate in the X-axis direction and in the opposite direction. Therefore, by using the inkjet printer 1 equipped with the head module 2 according to the first embodiment to perform the printing operation, the repetition or gaps in the dots Dt can be suppressed, thereby enabling high-speed and high-resolution printing. Additionally, in the first embodiment, the inkjet printer 1 is an example of a "liquid ejection device," and the carriage 761 is an example of a "carriage."

[0159] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the nozzle array L1[1] includes ink-ejecting nozzles N1[1]{j}, and the minimum interval in the X-axis direction between the two points Dt formed by the nozzles N1[1]{j} is the interval obtained by dividing the nozzle array interval DL by the value obtained by multiplying the value M and the value α, and is the interval obtained by dividing the nozzle array interval D1[1][ma] by adding the value γ[ma] to the value obtained by multiplying the value M and the value β[ma], which is also an interval that is M times the basic resolution unit ΔX. That is, the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, mounted on the inkjet printer 1, scans at a speed of M times the basic resolution unit ΔX, that is, the interval G, during the period when two points Dt are formed from a specific nozzle N in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, in the X-axis direction, the nozzle array interval DL is set to an integer multiple of the interval G relative to the minimum interval G between the points Dt formed by the specific nozzles N of the head module 2. Therefore, while the head module 2 is scanning in the X-axis direction, when point Dt is formed from nozzle N1[1]{j} of nozzle L1[1] and nozzle N2[1]{j} of nozzle L2[1], the point Dt formed from nozzle N1[1]{j} and the point Dt formed from nozzle N2[1]{j} are formed at the same position in the X-axis direction.

[0160] In addition, in the first embodiment, point Dt is an example of a “point” and the basic resolution unit ΔX is an example of an “interval P0”.

[0161] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the nozzle array L2[1] includes ink-ejecting nozzles N2[1]{j}, and each of the (M-1) specific nozzle arrays includes a specific ink-ejecting nozzle. The nozzles N1[1]{j}, N2[1]{j}, and the (M-1) specific nozzles corresponding to the (M-1) specific nozzle arrays are capable of ejecting ink at the same timing. Thus, dots Dt can be formed at predetermined intervals.

[0162] In addition, in the first embodiment, nozzle N2[1]{j} is an example of a "second nozzle".

[0163] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized in that the nozzle array L1[1] includes nozzles N1[1]{j} that eject ink, the nozzle array L2[1] includes nozzles N2[1]{j} that eject ink, each of the (M-1) specific nozzle arrays includes a specific nozzle that ejects ink, and a common drive signal Com is supplied to the first drive element provided for nozzle N1[1]{j}, the second drive element provided for nozzle N2[1]{j}, and the (M-1) specific drive elements provided for the (M-1) specific nozzles corresponding to the (M-1) specific nozzle arrays. Thus, compared with the structure of supplying different drive signals Com to the first drive element, the second drive element, and the (M-1) specific drive elements, it is possible to achieve miniaturization or cost reduction of the device.

[0164] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the term "first driving element" is exemplified by piezoelectric element 331 corresponding to nozzle N1[1]{j} disposed on nozzle plate C[1], the term "second driving element" is exemplified by piezoelectric element 332 corresponding to nozzle N2[1]{j} disposed on nozzle plate C[1], and the term "specific driving element" is exemplified by piezoelectric element 331 corresponding to nozzle N1[ma]{j} disposed on nozzle plate C[ma]. Additionally, the driving signal Com is an example of a "driving signal".

[0165] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the same type of ink is ejected from each of the plurality of nozzles N included in nozzle column L1[1], each of the plurality of nozzles N included in nozzle column L2[1], and each of the plurality of nozzles N included in (M-1) specific nozzle columns. That is, the same type of ink is ejected from each of the plurality of nozzles N which are set at different positions in the Y-axis direction. As a result, high resolution in the Y-axis direction can be achieved.

[0166] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, nozzle column L1[1] includes nozzle N1[1]{j} that ejects ink, nozzle column L2[1] includes nozzle N2[1]{j} that ejects ink, each of the (M-1) specific nozzle columns includes a specific nozzle that ejects ink, nozzle N1[1]{j}, nozzle N2[1]{j}, and (M-1) specific nozzles corresponding to the (M-1) specific nozzle columns eject the same type of ink, and the minimum interval in the X-axis direction of the two points Dt formed by nozzle N1[1]{j} is the interval obtained by dividing the nozzle column interval DL by the value obtained by multiplying the value M and the value α, and is the interval between the nozzle columns. The interval obtained by dividing D1[1][ma] by the value obtained by multiplying the value M and the value β[ma] and adding the value γ[ma] is the interval that is M times the basic resolution unit ΔX. In the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, the interval between two adjacent nozzles N in the multiple nozzles N contained in the nozzle array L1[1] is n times the basic resolution unit ΔX. In the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, the interval between nozzle N1[1]{j} and nozzle N2[1]{j} is the basic resolution unit ΔX. The value n is a natural number representing the number of nozzle arrays provided by the nozzle plate C[1] which is provided with nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L2[1]. Thus, the resolution of both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction can be made consistent. In addition, the n nozzle arrays are arranged in a staggered manner about the Y-axis direction. That is, among the n nozzle arrays, the nozzle arrays arranged in the same position about the Y-axis direction are not included. Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent nozzles N in the Y-axis direction is equal among the plurality of nozzles N constituting each of the n nozzle rows. Moreover, regarding the Y-axis direction, between adjacent nozzles N in any of the n nozzle rows constituting any given nozzle row, each nozzle N from one or more other nozzle rows different from that given nozzle row is located between them. Furthermore, the n nozzle rows are arranged such that the value obtained by dividing the spacing between adjacent nozzles N in the Y-axis direction among the plurality of nozzles N constituting a nozzle row by n corresponds to the spacing R.

[0167] Furthermore, the head module 2 involved in the first embodiment is a head module 2 with the X-axis direction set as the main scanning direction, characterized in that it comprises: a nozzle N1[1]{j} that ejects ink; a nozzle N2[1]{j} that ejects ink; a nozzle N1[2]{j} that ejects ink, wherein the distance in the X-axis direction between the first point formed by the ink ejected by the nozzle N1[1]{j} at a first timing and the second point formed by the ink ejected by the nozzle N1[1]{j} at a second timing after the first timing, which is the first time to eject ink, is set as the first... In a first interval, the distance between the third point formed by the ink ejected by nozzle N2[1]{j} at the first timing and the distance in the X-axis direction between the first point and the third point is set as the second interval, and the distance between the fourth point formed by the ink ejected by nozzle N1[2]{j} at the first timing and the distance in the X-axis direction between the first point and the third interval is set as the third interval. In this arrangement, nozzles N1[1]{j}, N2[1]{j}, and N1[2]{j} are configured such that the second interval is an integer multiple of the first interval, and the third interval is a distance different from an integer multiple of the first interval. That is, nozzles N1[1]{j} and N2[1]{j} are configured to form point Dt at the same position in the X-axis direction, and nozzles N1[1]{j}, N2[1]{j}, and N1[2]{j} are configured to form point Dt at different positions in the X-axis direction. Therefore, even when printing speed is increased, point Dt can be formed without gaps in the X-axis direction, which is the main scanning direction.

[0168] In addition, in the first embodiment, nozzle N1[2]{j} is an example of a "third nozzle". Furthermore, "first interval" is set as an example of a value equal to interval G, "second interval" is set as an example of a value equal to nozzle column interval DL, and "third interval" is set as an example of a value equal to nozzle column interval D1[1][2]. Furthermore, "first timing" is any timing at which nozzle N1[1]{j} ejects ink (e.g., timing when time T becomes Tc+1t), and "second timing" is a timing after time t compared to the first timing (e.g., timing when time T becomes Tc+2t). Furthermore, "the first point" is the point Dt formed by the ink ejected from nozzle N1[1]{j} at the first timing, "the second point" is the point Dt formed by the ink ejected from nozzle N1[1]{j} at the second timing, "the third point" is the point Dt formed by the ink ejected from nozzle N2[1]{j} at the first timing, and "the fourth point" is the point Dt formed by the ink ejected from nozzle N1[2]{j} at the first timing.

[0169] Furthermore, the head module 2 involved in the first embodiment is a head module 2 with the X-axis direction set as the main scanning direction, characterized in that it includes: a nozzle column L1[1], which includes a nozzle N1[1]{j} for ejecting ink; a nozzle column L2[1], which includes a nozzle N2[1]{j} for ejecting ink; a nozzle column L1[2], which includes a nozzle N1[2]{j} for ejecting ink, wherein the nozzle column spacing DL between the nozzle column L1[1] and the nozzle column L2[1] in the X-axis direction and the nozzle column spacing D1[1][2] between the nozzle column L1[1] and the nozzle column L1[2] in the X-axis direction can be expressed as DL: D1[1][2] = M×α: M×β[2]+1 by the following values ​​M, α, and β[2], wherein the value M is a natural number of 3 or more, the value α is a natural number of 1 or more, and the value β[2] is a natural number that satisfies β[2]>α. That is, when the head module 2 scans in the X-axis direction and forms dots Dt at predetermined intervals, the nozzle spacing D1[1][2] between the nozzle columns L1[1] and L2[1] is set to a predetermined ratio relative to the nozzle column spacing DL between the nozzle columns L1[1] and L2[1]. Therefore, by using the head module 2 according to the first embodiment to perform the printing operation, it is possible to suppress the repetition or gaps of dots Dt in the X-axis direction, thereby enabling high-speed and high-resolution printing.

[0170] In addition, in the first embodiment, nozzle line L1[2] is an example of “third nozzle line”, nozzle line spacing D1[1][2] is an example of “spacing P2”, and β[2] is an example of “β”.

[0171] In addition, the nozzle spacing DL and the nozzle spacing D1[1][2] can also be coprime. In other words, the value obtained by multiplying the value M and the value α, and the value obtained by multiplying the value M and the value β[2] plus 1 can also be coprime.

[0172] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, the nozzles N1[1]{j} and N1[2]{j} are arranged at the same position in the Y-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction. That is, the ink ejected from the nozzles N1[1]{j} and N1[2]{j} can form a point Dt at the same position in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the head module 2 can improve the resolution in the X-axis direction.

[0173] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized by comprising: a head chip 3 [1], which has a nozzle array L1 [1] and a nozzle array L2 [1]; and a head chip 3 [2], which has a nozzle array L1 [2]. That is, two nozzle arrays forming a point Dt at the same position in the X-axis direction are provided on a head chip 3. As a result, it is less likely to cause disorder in the spray position of the point Dt in the X-axis direction, thereby improving the printing accuracy.

[0174] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, the head chip 3[1] having nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L2[1] and the head chip 3[2] having nozzle array L1[2] have a common structure. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the head chip can be reduced.

[0175] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, the head chip 3 [1] having nozzle rows L1 [1] and nozzle rows L2 [1] has a nozzle plate C [1] provided with nozzle rows L1 [1] and nozzle rows L2 [1], and the head chip 3 [2] having nozzle rows L1 [2] has a nozzle plate C [2] provided with nozzle rows L1 [2]. This improves the alignment accuracy of the two nozzle rows that can form a point Dt at the same position in the X-axis direction.

[0176] In addition, in the first embodiment, the nozzle plate C[2] is an example of a "second nozzle plate".

[0177] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized by having a fixing plate 26, on which a head chip 3 [1] having a nozzle array L1 [1] and a nozzle array L2 [1] and a head chip 3 [2] having a nozzle array L1 [2] are fixed, and the fixing plate 26 has a function for exposing at least the nozzle array L1 [1] and the nozzle array L2 [1] in the nozzle plate C [1] and at least the nozzle array L1 [2] in the nozzle plate C [2]. The head chip 3 [1] with nozzle rows L1 [1] and L2 [1] and the head chip 3 [2] with nozzle rows L1 [2] are fixed to the fixing plate 26 in a manner that, when viewed from above, the center of the head chip 3 [1] with nozzle rows L1 [1] and L2 [1] and the center of the head chip 3 [2] with nozzle rows L1 [2] are spaced apart in the X-axis direction by a distance called the nozzle row spacing D1 [1][2]. In the X-axis direction, the center of the head chip 3 [m] coincides with the center of the nozzle plate C [m] of the head chip 3 [m]. Furthermore, in the X-axis direction, the distance between the center of the nozzle plate C [m] and the center of the plate opening W [m] is fixed. That is, the head chip 3[1] with nozzle array L1[1] and nozzle array L2[1] and the head chip 3[2] with nozzle array L1[2] are fixed on the fixing plate 26 such that the center-to-center spacing between them in the X-axis direction is consistent with the plate opening spacing U[1][2] and the nozzle array spacing D1[1][2]. In addition, multiple head chips 3 are provided on the head module 2 at fixed intervals. As a result, when printing is performed using the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, compared with the case where the same printing is performed using multiple head modules with a total number of nozzles equal to the number of nozzles N in the head module 2 in the X-axis direction, it is less likely to cause disorder of the spray position of point Dt, thereby improving the printing accuracy.

[0178] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized by having a retainer 25 having a supply channel 251 for supplying ink to the head chip 3 [1] having nozzle array L1 [1] and nozzle array L2 [1] and the head chip 3 [2] having nozzle array L1 [2], and holding the head chip 3 [1] having nozzle array L1 [1] and nozzle array L2 [1] and the head chip 3 [2] having nozzle array L1 [2] in the X-axis direction such that the distance between the center of the head chip 3 [1] having nozzle array L1 [1] and the center of the head chip 3 [2] having nozzle array L1 [2] in the X-axis direction is a nozzle array distance D1 [1][2]. Thus, ink supply can be performed for each head chip.

[0179] Furthermore, in the head module 2 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized by comprising: an inlet 220 for introducing ink; and a distribution channel 221 that communicates with nozzles N1[1]{j} and N1[2]{j} and distributes the ink introduced from the inlet 220 to nozzles N1[1]{j} and N1[2]{j}. Thus, the same ink can be supplied to multiple nozzles N.

[0180] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized in that nozzles N1[1]{j}, N2[1]{j}, and N1[2]{j} are capable of ejecting ink at the same timing. Thus, dots Dt can be formed at predetermined intervals.

[0181] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, a common drive signal Com is supplied to the first drive element corresponding to nozzle N1[1]{j}, the second drive element corresponding to nozzle N2[1]{j}, and the third drive element corresponding to nozzle N1[2]{j}. This enables miniaturization or cost reduction of the device.

[0182] In addition, in the first embodiment, the "third driving element" is exemplified by the piezoelectric element 331 corresponding to the nozzle N1[2]{j} disposed on the nozzle plate C[2].

[0183] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, the nozzles N1[1]{j}, N2[1]{j}, and N1[2]{j} eject the same type of ink. That is, the same type of ink is ejected from nozzle N2[1]{j} and nozzles N1[1]{j} and N1[2]{j}, which are located at positions different from nozzle N2[1]{j} in the Y-axis direction. As a result, high resolution in the Y-axis direction can be achieved.

[0184] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment, it is characterized in that nozzles N1[1]{j}, N2[1]{j}, and N1[2]{j} eject the same type of ink. In the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, the interval between two adjacent nozzles N in the plurality of nozzles N included in the nozzle array L1[1] is n times the basic resolution unit ΔX. In the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, the interval between nozzles N1[1]{j} and N2[1]{j} is the basic resolution unit ΔX. The value n is a natural number representing the number of nozzle arrays provided in the nozzle plate C[1] on which nozzle arrays L1[1] and L2[1] are provided. As a result, the resolution in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction can be made consistent.

[0185] Furthermore, the numerical values ​​used in the foregoing description related to the first embodiment are examples, and the numerical values ​​shown below can also be applied in a manner that includes units.

[0186] Basic resolution unit ΔX = Basic resolution unit ΔY = 1 / 600 inch, nozzle row spacing DL = 24 / 600 inch, value α = 6, nozzle row spacing D1[1][2] = 193 / 600 inch, value β[2] = 48, value γ[2] = 1, spacing R = 1 / 600 inch, spacing G = 4 / 600 inch, nozzle row spacing D1[1][3] = 386 / 600 inch, value β[3] = 2β[2] = 96, value γ[3] = 2, nozzle row spacing D1[1][4] = 579 / 600 inch, value β[4] = 3β[2] = 144, value γ[4] = 3.

[0187] 2. Second Implementation Method

[0188] The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Furthermore, in the various embodiments illustrated below, elements that function or have the same effect as those in the first embodiment will be referred to by the same symbols used in the description of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0189] The inkjet printer according to the second embodiment differs from the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has multiple ink cartridges 4 corresponding to multiple colors of ink and a head module 2QS corresponding to multiple colors of ink.

[0190] Head module 2QS includes head chip group 300Q and head chip group 300S. Without distinguishing between head chip group 300Q and head chip group 300S, they are referred to as head chip group 300. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each head chip group 300, like in the first embodiment, includes M head chips 3. In addition, in this embodiment, each head chip 3, like in the first embodiment, includes a nozzle array L1 composed of J nozzles N1 and a nozzle array L2 composed of J nozzles N2.

[0191] Specifically, in the second embodiment, as an example, it is envisioned that two ink cartridges 4, one containing yellow ink (not shown) and the other containing blue-green ink (not shown), are housed in the carriage 761. Furthermore, the inkjet printer according to the second embodiment includes two head chip groups 300, one corresponding to ink cartridge 4Q and the other corresponding to ink cartridge 4S.

[0192] The head chip assembly 300Q comprises M head chips 3Q (illustration omitted). Each head chip 3Q has 2J nozzles NQ that eject yellow ink. Specifically, the head chip 3Q includes a nozzle plate CQ, on which a nozzle array LQ1 consisting of J nozzles NQ1 and a nozzle array LQ2 consisting of J nozzles NQ2 are formed.

[0193] Furthermore, the head chip assembly 300S includes M head chips 3S (illustration omitted). Each head chip 3S has 2J nozzles NS that eject blue-green ink. Specifically, each head chip 3S includes a nozzle plate CS, on which a nozzle array LS1 consisting of J nozzles NS1 and a nozzle array LS2 consisting of J nozzles NS2 are formed.

[0194] Figure 9 An explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the M nozzle plates CQ of the head chip group 300Q, the M nozzle plates CS of the head chip group 300S, and the fixing plate 26 is provided. Additionally, Figure 9 The diagram illustrates various positional relationships of the head chip group 300Q and head chip group 300S when viewed from the -Z direction to the +Z direction. Furthermore, the case where M=2 is illustrated and explained below.

[0195] As Figure 9 As shown, M nozzle plates CQ[1] to CQ[M] and M nozzle plates CS[1] to CS[M] are fixed on the fixing plate 26. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the M nozzle plates CQ[1] to CQ[M] and the M nozzle plates CS[1] to CS[M] all have a common structure.

[0196] In the following text, the m-th nozzle plate CQ, counting from the -X direction to the +X direction, among the M nozzle plates CQ[1] to CQ[M], is referred to as nozzle plate CQ[m]. Furthermore, the m-th nozzle plate CS, counting from the -X direction to the +X direction, among the M nozzle plates CS[1] to CS[M], is referred to as nozzle plate CS[m]. In this embodiment, the value m is any natural number satisfying 1 ≤ m ≤ M. Additionally, nozzle plate CQ[m] is fixed to head chip 3Q[m], and nozzle plate CS[m] is fixed to head chip 3S[m]. In this embodiment, nozzle plate CQ[1] is fixed to head chip 3Q[1], and nozzle plate CS[1] is fixed to head chip 3S[1]. Furthermore, nozzle plate CQ[2] is fixed to head chip 3Q[2], and nozzle plate CS[2] is fixed to head chip 3S[2].

[0197] In this embodiment, nozzle plate CQ[m2] is located in the +X direction of nozzle plate CQ[m1]. Here, as mentioned above, the values ​​m1 and m2 are any natural numbers satisfying 1 ≤ m1 < m2 ≤ M. Furthermore, in this embodiment, nozzle plate CS[m2] is located in the +X direction of nozzle plate CS[m1]. Also, in this embodiment, nozzle plate CS[m] is located in the +X direction of nozzle plate CQ[m]. Additionally, in this embodiment, since the case of M = 2 is assumed, the values ​​m1 and m2 satisfy 1 ≤ m1 < m2 ≤ 2. That is, in this embodiment, the case of m1 = 1 and m2 = 2 is assumed.

[0198] In the following text, the nozzle array LQ1 set on the nozzle plate CQ[m] is referred to as nozzle array LQ1[m], the nozzle array LQ2 set on the nozzle plate CQ[m] is referred to as nozzle array LQ2[m], the nozzle array LS1 set on the nozzle plate CS[m] is referred to as nozzle array LS1[m], and the nozzle array LS2 set on the nozzle plate CS[m] is referred to as nozzle array LS2[m].

[0199] In this embodiment, the distance between nozzle arrays LQ1[m] and LQ2[m] in the X-axis direction is the nozzle array spacing DL, and the distance between nozzle arrays LS1[m] and LS2[m] in the X-axis direction is the nozzle array spacing DL. Furthermore, in the following text, the distance between nozzle arrays LQ1[m1] and LQ1[m2] in the X-axis direction is denoted as the nozzle array spacing DQ1[m1][m2], the distance between nozzle arrays LQ2[m1] and LQ2[m2] in the X-axis direction is denoted as the nozzle array spacing DQ2[m1][m2], the distance between nozzle arrays LS1[m1] and LS1[m2] in the X-axis direction is denoted as the nozzle array spacing DS1[m1][m2], and the distance between nozzle arrays LS2[m1] and LS2[m2] in the X-axis direction is denoted as the nozzle array spacing DS2[m1][m2]. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the spacing in the X-axis direction between nozzle array LQ1[m] and nozzle array LS1[m], and the spacing in the X-axis direction between nozzle array LQ2[m] and nozzle array LS2[m] are both spacing DQS.

[0200] Furthermore, in the following text, the j-th nozzle N from the -Y direction side among the J nozzles N of nozzle column LQ1[m] is called nozzle NQ1[m]{j}, the j-th nozzle N from the -Y direction side among the J nozzles N of nozzle column LQ2[m] is called nozzle NQ2[m]{j}, the j-th nozzle N from the -Y direction side among the J nozzles N of nozzle column LS1[m] is called nozzle NS1[m]{j}, and the j-th nozzle N from the -Y direction side among the J nozzles N of nozzle column LS2[m] is called nozzle NS2[m]{j}. In this embodiment, nozzle NQ1[m]{j} is located on the -Y direction side compared to nozzle NQ2[m]{j}, and the distance between nozzles NQ1[m]{j} and NQ2[m]{j} in the Y-axis direction is distance R, as is the distance between nozzles NQ2[m]{j} and NQ1[m]{j+1} in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, nozzle NS1[m]{j} is located on the -Y direction side compared to nozzle NS2[m]{j}, and the distance between nozzles NS1[m]{j} and NS2[m]{j} in the Y-axis direction is distance R, as is the distance between nozzles NS2[m]{j} and NS1[m]{j+1} in the Y-axis direction.

[0201] On the fixing plate 26, there are M plate openings WQ[1] to WQ[M] corresponding one-to-one with the M nozzle plates CQ[1] to CQ[M], and M plate openings WS[1] to WS[M] corresponding one-to-one with the M nozzle plates CS[1] to CS[M]. The head chip 3Q[m] is fixed on the fixing plate 26 such that the nozzle rows LQ1[m] and LQ2[m] provided on the nozzle plates CQ[m] of the head chip 3Q[m] protrude from the plate openings WQ[m] provided on the fixing plate 26. The head chip 3S[m] is fixed on the fixing plate 26 such that the nozzle rows LS1[m] and LS2[m] provided on the nozzle plates CS[m] of the head chip 3S[m] protrude from the plate openings WS[m] provided on the fixing plate 26. In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the nozzle plates CQ[1]~CQ[M] and CS[1]~CS[M] are all fixed at the same position in the Y-axis direction. That is, nozzles NQ1[m1]{j}, NQ1[m2]{j}, NS1[m1]{j}, and NS1[m2]{j} are arranged at the same position in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the plate opening WQ[m2] is provided in the +X direction of the plate opening WQ[m1]. Furthermore, the plate opening WS[m2] is provided in the +X direction of the plate opening WS[m1].

[0202] In the following text, the distance between the center of plate opening WQ[m1] and the center of plate opening WQ[m2] along the X-axis is called the plate opening distance UQ[m1][m2], and the distance between the center of plate opening WS[m1] and the center of plate opening WS[m2] along the X-axis is called the plate opening distance US[m1][m2]. In this embodiment, it is envisioned that when the values ​​m1 and m2 satisfy "m2=1+m1", the plate opening distance UQ[m1][m2] and the plate opening distance US[m1][m2] become fixed distances. That is, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that the plate opening distance UQ[1][2] and the plate opening distance US[1][2] are both equal.

[0203] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a case is envisioned where the distance between the center of the nozzle plate CQ[m] and the center of the plate opening WQ[m] in the X-axis direction, and the distance between the center of the nozzle plate CS[m] and the center of the plate opening WS[m] in the X-axis direction, are fixed. In this embodiment, the distance between the plate opening WQ[m] and the plate opening WS[m] in the X-axis direction is distance UQS. In this embodiment, distance UQS is equal to distance DQS.

[0204] Figures 10-12 For, use Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the operation of the head chip group 300Q and the head chip group 300S when the head module 2QS performs the printing operation, and the positional relationship of the point Dt formed by the head chip group 300Q and the head chip group 300S.

[0205] In addition, Figures 10-12 In this paper, we focus on the M nozzles NQ1[1]{j}~NQ1[M]{j}, M nozzles NQ1[1]{j+1}~NQ1[M]{j+1}, M nozzles NQ2[1]{j}~NQ2[M]{j}, M nozzles NQ2[1]{j+1}~NQ2[M]{j+1}, M nozzles NS1[1]{j}~NS1[M]{j}, M nozzles NS1[1]{j+1}~NS1[M]{j+1}, M nozzles NS2[1]{j}~NS2[M]{j+1}~NS2[M]{j+1}, M nozzles NS2[1]{j}~NS2[M]{j+1}~NS2[M]{j+1}, and M nozzles NS1[1]{j+1}~NS2[M]{j+1}, which are set in the total of 4×M×J nozzles N in the head module 2QS, and thus explain the printing operation.

[0206] Furthermore, as mentioned above, this embodiment envisions the case where M=2. Therefore, in Figures 10-12The diagram shows two nozzles NQ1[1]{j}~NQ1[2]{j}, two nozzles NQ1[1]{j+1}~NQ1[2]{j+1}, two nozzles NQ2[1]{j}~NQ2[2]{j}, two nozzles NQ2[1]{j+1}~NQ2[2]{j+1}, two nozzles NS1[1]{j}~NS1[2]{j}, two nozzles NS1[1]{j+1}~NS1[2]{j+1}, two nozzles NS2[1]{j}~NS2[2]{j}, and two nozzles NS2[1]{j+1}~NS2[2]{j+1}.

[0207] In addition, Figures 10-12 In, with Figures 6-8 Similarly, the formation process of point Dt when the head module 2QS moves in the +X direction while ejecting ink is illustrated. Among them, Figure 10 The positional relationship between the head module 2QS and point Dt is illustrated for times T ranging from Tc+1t to Tc+4t. Furthermore, Figure 11 The positional relationship between the head module 2QS and point Dt is illustrated for times T ranging from Tc+5t to Tc+8t. Furthermore, Figure 12 The positional relationship between head module 2QS and point Dt for times T ranging from Tc+9t to Tc+12t is illustrated. Furthermore, for clarity, a rectangle with a dashed line of the same height as the interval R is used, and the X-axis positions of nozzle plate CQ[m] and nozzle plate CS[m] at each time point are shown below the rectangle representing head module 2QS. Additionally, for ease of illustration, in... Figures 10-12 In the diagram, point Dt is a square with a width equal to the interval R in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and any point Dt is considered to have the same shape.

[0208] In addition, Figures 10-12 In this context, the point Dt formed by yellow ink ejected from nozzle NQ in head chip assembly 300Q among the multiple points Dt formed by head module 2QS is called point Dty, and the point Dt formed by blue-green ink ejected from nozzle NS in head chip assembly 300S is called point Dtc. Furthermore, in... Figures 10-12 In this context, the green point Dt, resulting from placing the yellow point Dty and the blue-green point Dtc in the same location, is called point Dtg. Just as... Figures 10-12As shown, the area with the lightest shading represents the position of point Dty, the area with the darkest shading represents the position of point Dtg, and the area shaded with a density intermediate between the shading of the area representing the position of point Dty and the shading of the area representing the position of point Dtg represents the position of point Dtc. To explain in more detail... Figure 12 As shown, during the formation of point Dt at time T = Tc + 12t, the point Dt formed at the position of X-axis coordinate AX = 8 is called point Dty, the point Dt formed at the position of X-axis coordinate AX = 21 is called point Dtg, and the point Dt formed at the position of X-axis coordinate AX = 36 is called point Dtc.

[0209] In the second embodiment, each of the plurality of nozzles N disposed on the head module 2QS ejects an initial ink at time T = Tc + 1t, thereby forming a dot Dt on the recording paper PE. Thereafter, a new dot Dt is formed every time t elapsed. Additionally, although for ease of illustration, [the text abruptly ends here]. Figures 6-8 Similarly, the diagram illustrates a so-called full-coat printing process in which ink is ejected from all nozzles N of the head module 2QS at the same timing to form dots Dt without gaps, but it is not limited to this. The head module 2QS can also eject ink from a portion of the nozzles N to form dots Dt.

[0210] Furthermore, in the header module 2QS, various dimensions and configurations in the X-axis direction are set based on the basic resolution unit ΔX in the X-axis direction. Similarly, in the header module 2QS, various dimensions and configurations in the Y-axis direction are also set based on the basic resolution unit ΔY in the Y-axis direction. In the second embodiment, as an example, it is envisioned that the basic resolution unit ΔX and the basic resolution unit ΔY are equal. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as an example, it is envisioned that the interval R is set to be equal to both the basic resolution unit ΔX and the basic resolution unit ΔY.

[0211] Furthermore, the scanning speed of the head module 2QS in the X-axis direction is set based on the basic resolution unit ΔX. For example, after time T = Tc + 1t, the head module 2QS scans at a speed of G, which is set based on the basic resolution unit ΔX, every time time t elapses. In this embodiment, the interval G is set to a natural multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX. Specifically, the interval G is set to be M times the basic resolution unit ΔX, or in other words, M times the interval R. That is, in this embodiment, the interval G becomes G = MR. More specifically, in this embodiment, as mentioned above, M = 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the scanning speed of the head module 2QS is set such that the interval G becomes G = 2R.

[0212] In this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL is set based on the basic resolution unit ΔX in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to a natural multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX. Furthermore, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to a natural multiple of the spacing G. Specifically, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to α times the spacing G. That is, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to (M×α) times the basic resolution unit ΔX, in other words, it is set to (M×α) times the spacing R. In other words, it becomes DL = (M×α)×R. Here, the value α is a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0213] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][ma] is determined based on the basic resolution unit ΔX in the X-axis direction. As mentioned above, the value ma is any natural number satisfying 2≤ma≤M. Specifically, the nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][ma] is set to a natural multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX. More specifically, in this embodiment, since the case of M=2 is assumed, the value ma satisfies ma=2. That is, the nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][2] is set to a natural multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX. Furthermore, the nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][ma] is set to an interval different from a natural multiple of the spacing G. Specifically, the nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][ma] is set to the interval obtained by adding a multiple of β[ma] of the spacing G and a multiple of γ[ma] of the spacing R. That is, the nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][ma] is set to (M×β[ma]+γ[ma]) times the basic resolution unit ΔX, in other words, it is set to (M×β[ma]+γ[ma]) times the spacing R. That is, it becomes DQ1[1][ma]=(M×β[ma]+γ[ma])×R. In addition, as mentioned above, the value ma is any natural number that satisfies 2≤ma≤M. In addition, the value β[ma] is a natural number that satisfies α<β[ma]. In addition, the value γ[ma] is a natural number that satisfies 1≤γ[ma]≤M-1. In addition, when M≥3, if the natural numbers ma1 and ma2 satisfy 2≤ma1<ma2≤M, the value γ[ma] satisfies γ[ma1]≠γ[ma2]. In other words, in this embodiment, since the case of M=2 is assumed, ma=2, β[ma]=β[2], γ[ma]=γ[2]=1, DQ1[1][ma]=DQ1[1][2]=(2×β[2]+γ[2])×R=(2×β[2]+1)×R are valid.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DS1[1][ma] is determined based on the basic resolution unit ΔX in the X-axis direction. Moreover, the nozzle array spacing DS1[1][ma] is set to be the same as the nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][ma]. That is, the nozzle array spacing DS1[1][ma] is set to (M×β[ma]+γ[ma]) times the basic resolution unit ΔX, in other words, it is set to (M×β[ma]+γ[ma]) times the spacing R. That is, DS1[1][ma] = (M×β[ma]+γ[ma])×R. Furthermore, as mentioned above, since the case of M=2 is assumed, ma=2, β[ma]=β[2], γ[ma]=γ[2]=1, DS1[1][ma]=DS1[1][2]=(2×β[2]+γ[2])×R=(2×β[2]+1)×R holds true.

[0215] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the interval DQS is set to a natural number multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX. Additionally, the interval DQS is set to a natural number multiple of the interval G. Specifically, the interval DQS is set to ω times the interval G. That is, the interval DQS is set to (M×ω) times the basic resolution unit ΔX, in other words, it is set to (M×ω) times the interval R. In other words, DQS = (M×ω)×R. Here, the value ω is a natural number that satisfies β[ma] < ω.

[0216] As described above, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL, nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][ma], DS1[1][ma], and spacing DQS are set to satisfy the following: DL: DQ1[1][ma] (=DS1[1][ma]): DQS=ΔX×M×α: ΔX×(M×β[ma]+γ[ma]): ΔX×M×ω=M×α: M×β[ma]+γ[ma]: M×ω.

[0217] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case of M=2 and ma=2 is envisioned. Therefore, in this embodiment, γ[ma]=1, and M×α, M×β[ma], and M×ω are even numbers. In other words, in this embodiment, M×α is even, M×β[ma]+γ[ma] is odd, and M×ω is even. Therefore, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL, nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][ma], DS1[1][ma], and spacing DQS are set to satisfy DL:DQ1[1][ma](=DS1[1][ma]):DQS=E1:O1:E2. Here, the value E1 is a positive even number, the value O1 is a positive odd number satisfying O1>E1, and the value E2 is a positive even number satisfying E2>O1.

[0218] exist Figures 10-12 In this context, the position of nozzle NQ1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t becomes AX = 0. Therefore, nozzle NQ1[1]{j} can form point Dty relative to AX = 2k - 2 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle NQ1[1]{j} can form point Dty relative to AX = 2 × k1. Here, variable k is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, variable k1 is an integer satisfying k1 = k - 1.

[0219] In addition, Figures 10-12 In this embodiment, the case of α = 1 is assumed. Nozzle NQ2[1]{j} is positioned at a position that is moved in the +X direction from nozzle NQ1[1]{j} by an interval equal to the nozzle column spacing DL. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since M = 2, the nozzle column spacing DL is set to (M × α) times the basic resolution unit ΔX, in other words, it is set to (M × α) times the spacing R, which is twice the spacing R. Therefore, nozzle NQ2[1]{j} can form point Dty relative to AX = 2k at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle NQ2[1]{j} can form point Dty relative to AX = 2 × (k1 + 1).

[0220] In addition, Figures 10-12 In the middle, the position of nozzle NQ1[2]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t becomes AX = 7. Since the position of nozzle NQ1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 0, therefore in Figures 10-12 In this context, it is represented as DQ1[1][2]=(2×β[2]+γ[2])R=7R. As mentioned above, since it becomes γ[2]=1, therefore in Figures 10-12 In the case of ma = 2, β[2] = 3. Moreover, for nozzle NQ1[2]{j}, since it is set at a position that has moved AX = +7 from nozzle NQ1[1]{j}, it can form point Dty relative to AX = 2k + 5 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle NQ1[2]{j} can form point Dty relative to AX = 2 × k2 + 1. In addition, in this embodiment, the variable k2 is an integer that satisfies k2 = k + 2.

[0221] In addition, Figures 10-12In the above, for nozzle NQ2[2]{j}, since it is set at a position that is 2R away from nozzle NQ1[2]{j} in the +X direction, with an interval equal to the nozzle column interval DL, it can form point Dty relative to AX = 2k + 7 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle NQ2[2]{j} can form point Dty relative to AX = 2 × (k2 + 1) + 1.

[0222] As described above, nozzle NQ1[1]{j} can form point Dty relative to AX=2×k1, and nozzle NQ1[2]{j} can form point Dty relative to AX=2×k2+1. Therefore, in Figures 10-12 In the middle, it is possible to form multiple points Dty in the X-axis direction, without repetition, with a basic resolution unit ΔX (interval R) through two nozzles NQ1[1]{j} and NQ1[2]{j}.

[0223] In addition, Figures 10-12 In this context, the position of nozzle NS1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t becomes AX = 12. Therefore, nozzle NS1[1]{j} can form point Dtc relative to AX = 2k + 10 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle NS1[1]{j} can form point Dtc relative to AX = 2 × k3. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the variable k3 is an integer satisfying k3 = k + 5.

[0224] In addition, Figures 10-12 In the above, for nozzle NS2[1]{j}, since it is set at a position that is 2R away from NS1[1]{j} in the +X direction, with an interval equal to the nozzle column interval DL, it can form point Dtc relative to AX = 2k + 12 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle NS2[1]{j} can form point Dty relative to AX = 2 × (k3 + 1).

[0225] In addition, Figures 10-12 In the middle, the position of nozzle NS1[2]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T=Tc+1t is AX=19. That is to say, since the positional relationship between nozzle NS1[1]{j} and nozzle NS1[2]{j} is the same as the aforementioned positional relationship between nozzle NQ1[1]{j} and nozzle NQ1[2]{j}, therefore in Figures 10-12In this context, β[2] = 3 and γ[2] = 1. Moreover, the nozzle NS1[2]{j} can form point Dtc relative to AX = 2k + 17 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, the nozzle NS1[2]{j} can form point Dtc relative to AX = 2 × k4 + 1. In addition, in this embodiment, the variable k4 is an integer satisfying k4 = k + 8.

[0226] In addition, Figures 10-12 In the above, for nozzle NS2[2]{j}, since it is positioned at a position that is 2R away from nozzle NS1[2]{j} and moved in the +X direction by an interval equal to the nozzle column interval DL, it can form point Dtc relative to AX = 2k + 19 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle NS2[2]{j} can form point Dtc relative to AX = 2 × (k4 + 1) + 1.

[0227] As described above, nozzle NS1[1]{j} can form point Dtc relative to AX=2×k3, and nozzle NS1[2]{j} can form point Dtc relative to AX=2×k4+1. Therefore, in Figures 10-12 In this process, multiple points Dtc can be formed in the X-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔX (interval R) without repetition, through two nozzles NS1[1]{j} and NS1[2]{j}.

[0228] In this manner, according to this embodiment, the header module 2QS can form points Dty and Dtc in the X-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔX. That is, according to this embodiment, the header module 2QS can form point Dtg in the X-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔX (interval R) without repetition. In other words, according to this embodiment, multiple points Dtg can be formed on the recording paper PE in such a way that the interval between points Dtg in the X-axis direction and the interval between points Dtg in the Y-axis direction are equal.

[0229] As described above, according to this embodiment, the header module 2QS can form multiple types of dots Dt at intervals R in the X-axis direction. As previously stated, since the interval R is equal to both the basic resolution unit ΔX and the basic resolution unit ΔY, according to this embodiment, the header module 2QS can form multiple types of dots Dt on the recording paper PE in such a way that the intervals of dots Dt in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions are equal to the basic resolution units.

[0230] Furthermore, in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, multiple types of points Dt can be formed at different positions in the Y-axis direction by using two nozzle arrays that are set at different positions in the Y-axis direction.

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, by using two nozzle arrays capable of forming points Dt at different positions in the X-axis direction, multiple types of points Dt can be formed at different positions in the X-axis direction.

[0232] As explained above, the head module 2QS involved in the second embodiment is a head module 2QS with the X-axis direction set as the main scanning direction. It is characterized by comprising: a nozzle column LQ1[1], which includes a nozzle NQ1[1]{j} for ejecting ink; a nozzle column LQ2[1], which includes a nozzle NQ2[1]{j} for ejecting ink; and a nozzle column LQ1[2], which includes a nozzle NQ1[2]{j} for ejecting ink. The nozzle column spacing DL between the nozzle column LQ1[1] and the nozzle column LQ2[1] in the X-axis direction and the nozzle column spacing DQ1[1][2] between the nozzle column LQ1[1] and the nozzle column LQ1[2] in the X-axis direction can be expressed as DL:DQ1[1][2]=E1:O1 through the values ​​E1 and O1, wherein the value E1 is a positive even number and the value O1 is a positive odd number that satisfies O1>E1. That is, when the head module 2QS scans in the X-axis direction and forms dots Dty at predetermined intervals, the nozzle column interval DQ1[1][2] between the nozzle columns LQ1[1] and LQ2[1] is set to a predetermined ratio relative to the nozzle column interval DL between the nozzle columns LQ1[1] and LQ1[2]. Therefore, by using the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment to perform the printing operation, the repetition or gaps of dots Dty in the X-axis direction can be suppressed, thereby enabling high-speed and high-resolution printing.

[0233] In addition, in the second embodiment, the X-axis direction is an example of a "first direction", the head module 2QS is an example of a "head module", the ink is an example of a "liquid", the nozzle NQ1[1]{j} is an example of a "first nozzle", the nozzle column LQ1[1] is an example of a "first nozzle column", the nozzle NQ2[1]{j} is an example of a "second nozzle", the nozzle column LQ2[1] is an example of a "second nozzle column", the nozzle NQ1[2]{j} is an example of a "third nozzle", the nozzle column LQ1[2] is an example of a "third nozzle column", the nozzle column interval DL is an example of an "interval P1", and the nozzle column interval DQ1[1][2] is an example of an "interval P2".

[0234] Furthermore, regarding the nozzle spacing DL and nozzle spacing DQ1[1][2], there exists a value other than 1 that is the greatest common divisor of the nozzle spacing DL and nozzle spacing DQ1[1][2]. When the value that is the greatest common divisor of the nozzle spacing DL and nozzle spacing DQ1[1][2] is called value F2, the value obtained by dividing the nozzle spacing DL by value F2 is called value DLF2, and the value obtained by dividing the nozzle spacing DQ1[1][2] by value F2 is called value D1F2, it can also be considered that the nozzle spacing DL and nozzle spacing DQ1[1][2] can be expressed as DL:DQ1[1][2] = E1:O1, provided that the values ​​DLF2 and D1F2 satisfy DLF2:D1F2=E1:O1. In addition, the values ​​DLF2 and D1F2 are coprime. Furthermore, the nozzle spacing DL and nozzle spacing DQ1[1][2] can also be coprime. In other words, values ​​E1 and O1 can also be coprime.

[0235] Furthermore, in the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment, the nozzles NQ1[1]{j} and NQ1[2]{j} are arranged at the same position in the Y-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction. That is, the ink ejected from the nozzles NQ1[1]{j} and NQ1[2]{j} can form a point Dt at the same position in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the head module 2QS can improve the resolution in the X-axis direction.

[0236] Additionally, in the second embodiment, the Y-axis direction is an example of a "second direction".

[0237] Furthermore, in the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment, it is characterized in that the nozzle array LQ1[1] includes a plurality of nozzles N for ejecting ink, and the nozzle array LQ2[1] includes a plurality of nozzles NQ for ejecting ink. In the Y-axis direction, between two adjacent nozzles N among the plurality of nozzles NQ included in the nozzle array LQ1[1], one of the plurality of nozzles NQ included in the nozzle array LQ2[1] is provided. That is, in the Y-axis direction, the point Dty formed by nozzle NQ2[1]{j} is located between the point Dty formed by nozzle NQ1[1]{j} and nozzle NQ1[1]{j+1}. Thus, the head module 2QS can improve the resolution in the Y-axis direction.

[0238] In addition, in the second embodiment, nozzle NQ is an example of "nozzle".

[0239] Furthermore, in the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment, it is characterized by comprising: a head chip 3Q[1] having nozzle array LQ1[1] and nozzle array LQ2[1]; and a head chip 3Q[2] having nozzle array LQ1[2]. That is, two nozzle arrays forming a point Dty at the same position in the X-axis direction are provided on a head chip 3Q. As a result, it is less likely to cause disorder in the spray position of point Dty in the X-axis direction, thereby improving printing accuracy.

[0240] In addition, in the second embodiment, head chip 3Q[1] is an example of a "first head chip" and head chip 3Q[2] is an example of a "second head chip".

[0241] Furthermore, in the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment, the head chip 3Q[1] having nozzle rows LQ1[1] and nozzle rows LQ2[1] and the head chip 3Q[2] having nozzle rows LQ1[2] have a common structure. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the head chip can be reduced.

[0242] Furthermore, in the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment, the head chip 3Q[1] having nozzle rows LQ1[1] and LQ2[1] has a nozzle plate CQ[1] on which nozzle rows LQ1[1] and LQ2[1] are provided, and the head chip 3Q[2] having nozzle row LQ1[2] has a nozzle plate CQ[2] on which nozzle rows LQ1[2] are provided. Therefore, the alignment accuracy of the two nozzle rows that can form a point Dty at the same position in the X-axis direction can be improved.

[0243] In addition, in the second embodiment, nozzle plate CQ[1] is an example of a "first nozzle plate" and nozzle plate CQ[2] is an example of a "second nozzle plate".

[0244] Furthermore, in the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment, it is characterized by having a fixing plate 26, on which a head chip 3Q[1] having a nozzle array LQ1[1] and a nozzle array LQ2[1] and a head chip 3Q[2] having a nozzle array LQ1[2] are fixed, and the fixing plate 26 has a function for exposing at least the nozzle array LQ1[1] and the nozzle array LQ2[1] in the nozzle plate CQ[1] and at least the nozzle array LQ1[2] in the nozzle plate CQ[2]. The plate opening W, the head chip 3Q[1] with nozzle rows LQ1[1] and LQ2[1], and the head chip 3Q[2] with nozzle rows LQ1[2] are fixed to the fixing plate 26 in a manner that, when viewed from above, the center of the head chip 3Q[1] with nozzle rows LQ1[1] and LQ2[1] and the center of the head chip 3Q[2] with nozzle rows LQ1[2] are spaced about the X-axis by a distance called the nozzle row spacing DQ1[1][2]. In the X-axis direction, the center of each head chip coincides with the center of the nozzle plate C of each head chip. Furthermore, in the X-axis direction, the distance between the center of the nozzle plate CQ[m] and the center of the plate opening WQ[m] is fixed. That is, the head chip 3Q[1] with nozzle array LQ1[1] and nozzle array LQ2[1] and the head chip 3Q[2] with nozzle array LQ1[2] are fixed on the fixing plate 26 in such a way that the center-to-center spacing between them in the X-axis direction is consistent with the plate opening spacing UQ[1][2] and the nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][2]. In addition, in the head module 2QS, a plurality of head chips 3Q are arranged at fixed intervals. As a result, when printing is performed using the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment, compared with the case where the same printing is performed using a plurality of head modules with a total number of nozzles equal to the number of nozzles N in the head module 2QS in the X-axis direction, it is less likely to cause disorder of the spray position of point Dt, thereby improving the printing accuracy.

[0245] In addition, in the second embodiment, the plate opening W is an example of an "opening portion", and the fixing plate 26 is an example of a "fixing plate".

[0246] Furthermore, in the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment, it is characterized by having a retainer 25 having a supply channel 251 for supplying ink to the head chip 3Q[1] with nozzle array LQ1[1] and nozzle array LQ2[1] and the head chip 3Q[2] with nozzle array LQ1[2]. The head chip 3Q[1] with nozzle array LQ1[1] and nozzle array LQ2[1] and the head chip 3Q[2] with nozzle array LQ1[2] are held in such a way that the distance between the center of the head chip 3Q[1] with nozzle array LQ1[1] and the center of the head chip 3Q[2] with nozzle array LQ1[2] in the X-axis direction is called the nozzle array distance DQ1[1][2]. Thus, ink supply can be performed for each head chip.

[0247] In addition, in the second embodiment, the supply channel 251 is an example of a "supply channel", and the cage 25 is an example of a "cage".

[0248] Furthermore, in the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment, it is characterized by comprising: an inlet 220 for introducing liquid; and a distribution channel 221 that communicates with nozzles NQ1[1]{j} and NQ1[2]{j} and distributes the ink introduced from the inlet 220 to nozzles NQ1[1]{j} and NQ1[2]{j}. Thus, the same ink can be supplied to multiple nozzles N.

[0249] In addition, in the second embodiment, the inlet 220 is an example of an "inlet", and the distribution channel 221 is an example of a "distribution channel".

[0250] Furthermore, the inkjet printer according to the second embodiment is characterized by comprising: a head module 2QS according to the second embodiment; and a carriage 761 that causes the head module 2QS to reciprocate in the X-axis direction and in the opposite direction of the X-axis direction. Therefore, by using an inkjet printer equipped with the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment to perform the printing operation, it is possible to suppress the repetition or gaps in dot density (Dty), thereby enabling high-speed and high-resolution printing.

[0251] In addition, in the second embodiment, the inkjet printer is an example of a "liquid ejection device" and the carriage 761 is an example of a "carriage".

[0252] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer according to the second embodiment, the minimum interval in the X-axis direction between the two points Dty formed by the nozzles NQ1[1]{j} is the interval obtained by dividing the nozzle column interval DL by the value E1, and is twice the basic resolution unit ΔX obtained by dividing the nozzle column interval DQ1[1][2] by the value O1. That is, the head module 2QS according to the second embodiment, mounted on the inkjet printer, scans at a speed of twice the basic resolution unit ΔX, i.e., interval G, during the period when two points Dty are formed from a specific nozzle NQ in the X-axis direction. In addition, in the X-axis direction, the nozzle column interval DL is set to an integer multiple of the interval G relative to the minimum interval G between the points Dty formed by the specific nozzles NQ of the head module 2QS. Therefore, when the head module 2QS scans in the X-axis direction, it can form a point Dty from the nozzle NQ1[1]{j} of the nozzle column LQ1[1] and the nozzle NQ2[1]{j} of the nozzle column LQ2[1] at the same position in the X-axis direction.

[0253] In addition, in the second embodiment, point Dty is an example of a “point” and the basic resolution unit ΔX is an example of an “interval P0”.

[0254] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer according to the second embodiment, the nozzles NQ1[1]{j}, NQ2[1]{j}, and NQ1[2]{j} are characterized in that they can eject ink at the same timing. Thus, dots Dty can be formed at predetermined intervals.

[0255] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer according to the second embodiment, a common drive signal Com is supplied to the first drive element corresponding to nozzle NQ1[1]{j}, the second drive element corresponding to nozzle NQ2[1]{j}, and the third drive element corresponding to nozzle NQ1[2]{j}. This enables miniaturization or cost reduction of the device.

[0256] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the "first driving element" is exemplified by piezoelectric element 331 corresponding to nozzle NQ1[1]{j} disposed on nozzle plate CQ[1], the "second driving element" is exemplified by piezoelectric element 332 corresponding to nozzle NQ2[1]{j} disposed on nozzle plate CQ[1], and the "third driving element" is exemplified by piezoelectric element 331 corresponding to nozzle NQ1[2]{j} disposed on nozzle plate CQ[2]. Additionally, the driving signal Com is an example of a "driving signal".

[0257] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer according to the second embodiment, the same type of ink is ejected from nozzles NQ1[1]{j}, NQ2[1]{j}, and NQ1[2]{j}. That is, the same type of ink is ejected from nozzle NQ2[1]{j}, and from nozzles NQ1[1]{j} and NQ1[2]{j} which are located at different positions in the Y-axis direction from nozzle NQ2[1]{j}. As a result, high resolution in the Y-axis direction can be achieved.

[0258] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer according to the second embodiment, it is characterized in that nozzles NQ1[1]{j}, NQ2[1]{j}, and NQ1[2]{j} eject the same type of ink, and in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, the interval between two adjacent nozzles NQ in the plurality of nozzles NQ included in the nozzle column LQ1[1] is twice the basic resolution unit ΔX, and in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction, the interval between nozzles NQ1[1]{j} and nozzles NQ2[1]{j} is the basic resolution unit ΔX. Thus, the resolution in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction can be made consistent.

[0259] 3. Third Implementation Method

[0260] The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0261] The inkjet printer according to the third embodiment differs from the inkjet printers according to the first and second embodiments in that the positions of each nozzle N1[m]{j} constituting the nozzle array L1 disposed on the head chip 3 in the Y-axis direction are the same as the positions of each nozzle N2[m]{j} constituting the nozzle array L2 disposed on the head chip 3 in the Y-axis direction.

[0262] Specifically, the inkjet printer according to the third embodiment differs from the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a head module 2A instead of a head module 2. The head module 2A has M head chips 3A. The head chip 3A differs from the head chip 3 according to the first embodiment in that it has a nozzle plate CA instead of a nozzle plate C. That is, in this embodiment, the head module 2A has M nozzle plates CA[1] to CA[M]. In the following text, the m-th nozzle plate CA from the -X direction among the M nozzle plates CA[1] to CA[M] provided on the head module 2A will be called nozzle plate CA[m]. Furthermore, based on the change from nozzle plate C to nozzle plate CA, the pressure chamber forming substrate 34, flow channel substrate 35, and wiring substrate 30 of the head chip 3A are different from those of the head chip 3.

[0263] Figure 13 A diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the M nozzle plates CA of the head module 2A and the fixed plate 26 is provided. Additionally, Figure 13 The diagram illustrates various positional relationships of the perspective observation head module 2A when viewed from the -Z direction towards the +Z direction. Furthermore, the case where M=4 is illustrated and explained below.

[0264] like Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, M nozzle plates CA[1] to CA[M] are fixed on the fixing plate 26. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the M nozzle plates CA[1] to CA[M] all have a common structure. Furthermore, nozzle plate CA[m2] is located in the +X direction of nozzle plate CA[m1]. Here, as mentioned above, the values ​​m1 and m2 are natural numbers that satisfy 1 ≤ m1 < m2 ≤ M.

[0265] like Figure 13 As shown, nozzle rows L1[m] and L2[m] are provided on the nozzle plate CA[m]. As mentioned above, the distance between nozzle rows L1[m] and L2[m] in the X-axis direction is set as the nozzle row spacing DL. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the distance between nozzle rows L1[m1] and L1[m2] in the X-axis direction is called the nozzle row spacing D1[m1][m2], and the distance between nozzle rows L2[m1] and L2[m2] in the X-axis direction is called the nozzle row spacing D2[m1][m2]. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the j-th nozzle N from the -Y direction side among the J nozzles N of nozzle row L1[m] is called nozzle N1[m]{j}, and the j-th nozzle N from the -Y direction side among the J nozzles N of nozzle row L2[m] is called nozzle N2[m]{j}.

[0266] like Figure 13 As shown, in this embodiment, on the nozzle plate CA[m], nozzles N1[m]{1}~N1[m]{J} and nozzles N2[m]{1}~N2[m]{J} are set to be positioned in the same direction as nozzles N1[m]{j} and N2[m]{j} in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between nozzles N1[m]{j} and N1[m]{j+1} in the Y-axis direction, and the distance between nozzles N2[m]{j} and N2[m]{j+1} in the Y-axis direction, are both based on the basic resolution unit ΔY.

[0267] On the fixing plate 26, there are M plate openings W[1] to W[M] corresponding one-to-one with the M nozzle plates CA[1] to CA[M]. The nozzle plates CA[m] are fixed in such a way that the nozzle rows L1[m] and L2[m] are exposed through the plate openings W[m] provided on the fixing plate 26.

[0268] As mentioned earlier, the distance between the center of the plate opening W[m1] and the center of the plate opening W[m2] along the X-axis is called the plate opening interval U[m1][m2]. It is envisioned that the plate opening interval U[m1][m2] becomes a fixed interval when the values ​​of m1 and m2 satisfy "m2=1+m1". Furthermore, it is envisioned that the distance between the center of the nozzle plate C[m] and the center of the plate opening W[m] along the X-axis is fixed.

[0269] Figures 14-16 For example, the use of Figure 13 The diagram illustrates the movement of the head module 2A when it performs the printing action and the positional relationship between the head module 2A and the point Dt formed by the head module 2A.

[0270] exist Figures 14-16 In the middle, the focus is on what is set in Figure 13 The printing operation is explained by referring to M nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[M]{j}, M nozzles N2[1]{j}~N2[M]{j}, M nozzles N1[1]{j+1}~N1[M]{j+1}, and M nozzles N2[1]{j+1}~N2[M]{j+1} in the total 2×M×J nozzles N in the head module 2A shown. Furthermore, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the case of M=4 is envisioned.

[0271] Therefore, in Figures 14-16 The diagram shows four nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[4]{j}, four nozzles N2[1]{j}~N2[4]{j}, four nozzles N1[1]{j+1}~N1[4]{j+1}, and four nozzles N2[1]{j+1}~N2[4]{j+1}.

[0272] exist Figures 14-16 In the process, the head module 2A, as time passes, ejects ink while moving in the +X direction, thus forming point Dt. Among these, Figure 14 The positional relationship between head module 2A and point Dt is illustrated for time intervals T from Tc+1t to Tc+4t. Furthermore, Figure 15 The positional relationship between head module 2A and point Dt is illustrated for time intervals T from Tc+5t to Tc+8t. Furthermore, Figure 16 The positional relationship between head module 2A and point Dt is illustrated for time T ranging from Tc+9t to Tc+12t.

[0273] In addition, Figures 14-16 In this context, the point Dt formed by ink ejected from nozzle N2 among the multiple points Dt formed by multiple nozzles N set in the head module 2A is called point Dtd.

[0274] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of nozzles N disposed in the head module 2A ejects the initial ink at the time point T = Tc + 1t, thereby forming a dot Dt on the recording paper PE. Thereafter, a new dot Dt is formed every time t elapses.

[0275] Furthermore, after time T = Tc + 1t, head module 2A scans at a speed of advance interval G every time t elapsed. In this embodiment, the interval G is set to be M times the basic resolution unit ΔX. Specifically, in this embodiment, as mentioned above, M = 4. Therefore, in this embodiment, the scanning speed of head module 2A is set such that the interval G is G = 4ΔX. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the basic resolution unit ΔX is 1 / 2 times the basic resolution unit ΔY is envisioned.

[0276] In this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to a natural number multiple of the spacing G. Specifically, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to α times the spacing G. That is, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to (M×α) times the basic resolution unit ΔX. In other words, it becomes DL = (M×α)ΔX. That is, in this embodiment, it becomes DL = 4×α×ΔX. Here, the value α is a natural number greater than or equal to 1.

[0277] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma] is set to an interval different from a natural number multiple of the spacing G. Specifically, the nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma] is set to be the spacing obtained by adding a multiple of the spacing G (β[ma]) and a multiple of the basic resolution unit ΔX (γ[ma]). That is, the nozzle array spacing D1[1][ma] is set to (M×β[ma]+γ[ma]) times the basic resolution unit ΔX. In other words, it becomes D1[1][ma]=(M×β[ma]+γ[ma])ΔX. In addition, as mentioned above, the value ma is a natural number that satisfies 2≤ma≤M. In addition, the value β[ma] is a natural number that satisfies α<β[ma]. In addition, the value γ[ma] is a natural number that satisfies 1≤γ[ma]≤M-1 and satisfies γ[ma1]≠γ[ma2]. In addition, the values ​​ma1 and ma2 are natural numbers that satisfy 2≤ma1<ma2≤M.

[0278] As described above, in this embodiment, the nozzle row spacing DL and the nozzle row spacing D1[1][ma] in the X-axis direction are set to satisfy DL:D1[1][ma]=Mα:Mβ[ma]+γ[ma].

[0279] exist Figures 14-16 In this context, the position of nozzle N1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t becomes AX = 0. Therefore, nozzle N1[1]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4k - 4 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N1[1]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × k1. Here, variable k is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, variable k1 is an integer satisfying k1 = k - 1.

[0280] In addition, Figures 14-16 In the above, the case of α = 1 is assumed. Therefore, nozzle N2[1]{j} can form point Dtd relative to AX = 4k at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N2[1]{j} can form point Dtd relative to AX = 4 × (k1 + 1).

[0281] In addition, Figures 14-16 In the middle, the position of nozzle N1[2]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T=Tc+1t is AX=9. That is, in Figures 14-16 In this case, D1[1][2]=(4×β[2]+γ[2])=9. That is to say, in Figures 14-16In the case of ma = 2, β[2] = 2 and γ[2] = 1. Moreover, nozzle N1[2]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4k + 5 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N1[2]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × k2 + 1. Here, in this embodiment, the variable k2 is an integer satisfying k2 = k + 1.

[0282] In addition, Figures 14-16 In the above, nozzle N2[2]{j} can form point Dtd relative to AX = 4k + 9 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N2[2]{j} can form point Dtd relative to AX = 4 × (k2 + 1) + 1.

[0283] In addition, Figures 14-16 In the middle, the position of nozzle N1[3]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T=Tc+1t is AX=18. That is, in Figures 14-16 In this case, D1[1][3]=(4×β[3]+γ[3])=18. That is to say, in Figures 14-16 In the case of ma = 3, β[3] = 4 and γ[3] = 2. Moreover, nozzle N1[3]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4k + 14 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N1[3]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × k3 + 2. Here, in this embodiment, the variable k3 is an integer satisfying k3 = k + 3.

[0284] In addition, Figures 14-16 In the above, nozzle N2[3]{j} can form point Dtd relative to AX = 4k + 18 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N2[3]{j} can form point Dtd relative to AX = 4 × (k3 + 1) + 2.

[0285] In addition, Figures 14-16 In the middle, the position of nozzle N1[4]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T=Tc+1t is AX=27. That is, in Figures 14-16 In this case, D1[1][4]=(4×β[4]+γ[4])=27. That is to say, in Figures 14-16 In the case of ma = 4, β[4] = 6 and γ[4] = 3. Moreover, nozzle N1[4]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4k + 23 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N1[4]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4 × k4 + 3. Here, in this embodiment, the variable k4 is an integer satisfying k4 = k + 5.

[0286] In addition, Figures 14-16In the above, nozzle N2[4]{j} can form point Dtd relative to AX = 4k + 27 at time T = Tc + kt. In other words, nozzle N2[4]{j} can form point Dtd relative to AX = 4 × (k4 + 1) + 3.

[0287] As described above, according to this embodiment, nozzle N1[1]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX=M×k1, and nozzle N1[ma]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX=M×ka+γ[ma]. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the variable ka is an integer satisfying ka=k+β[ma]-1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by using M nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[M]{j}, multiple points Dt can be formed in the X-axis direction at intervals of a basic resolution unit ΔX without repetition. Specifically, in Figures 14-16 In the middle, through four nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[4]{j}, multiple points Dt can be formed in the X-axis direction at intervals of basic resolution unit ΔX without repetition.

[0288] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, nozzle N2[1]{j} can form point Dtd relative to AX=M×(k1+1), and nozzle N2[ma]{j} can form point Dtd relative to AX=M×(ka+1)+γ[ma]. Therefore, according to this embodiment, by using M nozzles N2[1]{j}~N2[M]{j}, multiple points Dtd can be formed in the X-axis direction at intervals of basic resolution unit ΔX without repetition. Specifically, in Figures 14-16 In the middle, through four nozzles N2[1]{j}~N2[4]{j}, multiple points Dtd can be formed in the X-axis direction at intervals of basic resolution unit ΔX without repetition.

[0289] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, nozzle N2[m]{j} can form point Dtd at the same position as point Dt formed by nozzle N1[m]{j}. Therefore, assuming that an ejection abnormality such as ink ejection failure occurs in nozzle N1[m]{j}, preventing point Dt from being formed on the recording paper PE by ink ejected from nozzle N1[m]{j}, point Dtd formed by ink ejected from nozzle N2[m]{j} can replace the point Dt that is intended to be formed by ink ejected from nozzle N1[m]{j}. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if an ejection abnormality occurs in a portion of the plurality of nozzles N provided in the head module 2A, the degree of degradation of the image quality formed by the head module 2A can be suppressed.

[0290] In this embodiment, the control unit 8 checks whether an ejection abnormality has occurred in each of the plurality of nozzles N provided in the head module 2A. Specifically, in this embodiment, firstly, the control unit 8 drives the piezoelectric element 331 or piezoelectric element 332 corresponding to the nozzle N via the drive signal Com, thereby causing the piezoelectric element 331 or piezoelectric element 332 to vibrate. Next, the control unit 8 checks whether an ejection abnormality has occurred in the nozzle N based on the waveform of the vibration generated in the piezoelectric element 331 or piezoelectric element 332. Then, if the check result indicates that an ejection abnormality has occurred in nozzle N1[m]{j}, the control unit 8 changes the printing signal SI, thereby causing ink to be ejected from nozzle N2[m]{j} instead of from nozzle N1[m]{j}. Furthermore, if the inspection result indicates that an ejection abnormality has occurred in nozzle N2[m]{j}, the control unit 8 changes the printing signal SI to eject ink from nozzle N1[m]{j} instead of from nozzle N2[m]{j}.

[0291] 4. Fourth Implementation Method

[0292] The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0293] The inkjet printer according to the fourth embodiment differs from the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment in that the positions of the nozzle plates C[1] and C[3] in the Y-axis direction are different from the positions of the nozzle plates C[2] and C[4] in the Y-axis direction.

[0294] Specifically, the inkjet printer according to the fourth embodiment differs from the inkjet printer 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a head module 2B instead of a head module 2. The head module 2B has M head chips 3. As described above, the head chip 3 has a nozzle plate C.

[0295] Figure 17 A diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the M nozzle plates C of the head module 2B and the fixing plate 26 is provided. Additionally, Figure 17 The diagram illustrates various positional relationships of the perspective observation head module 2B when viewed from the -Z direction towards the +Z direction. Furthermore, the case where M=4 is illustrated and explained below.

[0296] like Figure 17As shown, in this embodiment, M nozzle plates C[1] to C[M] are fixed on the fixing plate 26. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the M nozzle plates C[1] to C[M] all have a common structure. Furthermore, nozzle plate C[m2] is located in the +X direction of nozzle plate C[m1]. Here, as mentioned above, the values ​​m1 and m2 are natural numbers that satisfy 1 ≤ m1 < m2 ≤ M.

[0297] As mentioned above, nozzle arrays L1[m] and L2[m] are provided on the nozzle plate C[m]. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the j-th nozzle N from the -Y direction side among the J nozzles N of nozzle array L1[m] is called nozzle N1[m]{j}, and the j-th nozzle N from the -Y direction side among the J nozzles N of nozzle array L2[m] is called nozzle N2[m]{j}.

[0298] like Figure 17 As shown, nozzle N1[m]{j} is positioned on the -Y direction side compared to nozzle N2[m]{j}. In this embodiment, the distance between nozzle N1[m]{j} and nozzle N2[m]{j} in the Y-axis direction is distance R, and the distance between nozzle N2[m]{j} and nozzle N1[m]{j+1} in the Y-axis direction is also distance R.

[0299] Furthermore, in this embodiment, nozzle N1[mz1]{j} is located in the -Y direction compared to nozzle N1[mz2]{j}, and nozzle N2[mz1]{j} is located in the -Y direction compared to nozzle N2[mz2]{j}. Here, the value mz1 is an odd number satisfying 1≤mz1≤M, and the value mz2 is an even number satisfying 2≤mz2≤M. However, the present invention is not limited to this manner. For example, nozzle N1[mz1]{j} may also be located in the +Y direction compared to nozzle N1[mz2]{j}, and nozzle N2[mz1]{j} may also be located in the +Y direction compared to nozzle N2[mz2]{j}.

[0300] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance between nozzles N1[mz1]{j} and N1[mz2]{j} in the Y-axis direction is half of the distance R, and the distance between nozzles N2[mz1]{j} and N2[mz2]{j} in the Y-axis direction is also half of the distance R. That is, in this embodiment, nozzle plates C[1] to C[M] are configured such that nozzle plate C[mz1] is offset from nozzle plate C[mz2] by half of the distance R in the -Y direction. In the following text, the distance half of the distance R will be referred to as distance Rh.

[0301] In this embodiment, the nozzle plate CA[m] is fixed in such a way that the nozzle arrays L1[m] and L2[m] are exposed from the plate opening W[m] provided on the fixing plate 26.

[0302] Furthermore, even in this embodiment, the distance between nozzle arrays L1[m1] and L1[m2] in the X-axis direction is referred to as nozzle array spacing D1[m1][m2], and the distance between nozzle arrays L2[m1] and L2[m2] in the X-axis direction is referred to as nozzle array spacing D2[m1][m2]. Additionally, even in this embodiment, the distance between the center of plate opening W[m1] and the center of plate opening W[m2] in the X-axis direction is referred to as plate opening spacing U[m1][m2].

[0303] Figures 18-20 For example, it shows how to use Figure 17 This diagram illustrates the relationship between the movement of the head module 2B during the printing process and the position of the point Dt formed by the head module 2B. Figures 18-20 In the middle, the focus is on what is set in Figure 17 The printing operation is explained by referring to M nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[M]{j}, M nozzles N2[1]{j}~N2[M]{j}, M nozzles N1[1]{j+1}~N1[M]{j+1}, and M nozzles N2[1]{j+1}~N2[M]{j+1} in the total 2×M×J nozzles N in the head module 2B shown. Furthermore, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the case where M=4 is envisioned. Therefore, in... Figures 18-20 The diagram shows four nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[4]{j}, four nozzles N2[1]{j}~N2[4]{j}, four nozzles N1[1]{j+1}~N1[4]{j+1}, and four nozzles N2[1]{j+1}~N2[4]{j+1}.

[0304] also, Figures 18-20 The diagram illustrates the formation process of point Dt as the ink is ejected from head module 2B while it moves in the +X direction over time. Among other things, Figure 18 The positional relationship between head module 2B and point Dt is illustrated for time intervals T from Tc+1t to Tc+3t. Furthermore, Figure 19 The positional relationship between head module 2B and point Dt is illustrated for time intervals T from Tc+4t to Tc+6t. Furthermore, Figure 20 The positional relationship between head module 2B and point Dt is illustrated for times T ranging from Tc+7t to Tc+9t. Additionally, Figures 18-20In the diagram, for clarity, the position of the nozzle plate C[m] in the X-axis direction at each moment is illustrated below the rectangle representing the head module 2B using dashed lines with a height of Rh intervals. Furthermore, for ease of illustration, in... Figures 18-20 In the diagram, point Dt represents a square with intervals Rh in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0305] In this embodiment, each of the plurality of nozzles N disposed in the head module 2B ejects the initial ink at the time point T = Tc + 1t, thereby forming a dot Dt on the recording paper PE. Thereafter, a new dot Dt is formed every time t elapses.

[0306] Furthermore, after time T = Tc + 1t, head module 2B scans at a speed of advancing interval G every time t elapsed. In this embodiment, interval G is defined as the value obtained by multiplying the number Mh of head chips 3 that are at the same position in the Y-axis direction relative to interval R, and the reciprocal Mg of the value obtained by dividing the value M by the value Mh. Figures 18-20 In the example, Mh = 2. Furthermore, the value of Mg is half. Therefore, in Figures 18-20 In the example, the interval G equals the interval R. In other words, in Figures 18-20 In the example, the interval G is twice the interval Rh. That is, in this embodiment, the scanning speed of the head module 2B is set such that the interval G is G = R = 2Rh.

[0307] In addition, Figures 18-20 In this context, for ease of explanation, the X-axis coordinate AX is used, and the position of nozzle N1[1]{j} at time T=Tc+1t is set to "0", and the value is increased by "1" for each interval Rh moved in the +X direction. For example, in Figures 18-20 During the period from Tc+1t to Tc+2t, the position of nozzle N2[4]{j} set in head module 2B moves from AX=15 to AX=17.

[0308] In this embodiment, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to a natural number multiple of the spacing G. Specifically, the nozzle array spacing DL is set to α times the spacing G. That is, the nozzle array spacing DL becomes DL = αG = αR = 2αRh. Here, the value α is a natural number greater than or equal to 1. Figures 18-20 In this context, the case where the value of α is 1 is assumed. Therefore, in Figures 18-20 In this case, the nozzle row spacing DL becomes DL = 2Rh.

[0309] In addition, Figures 18-20 In this configuration, the nozzle array spacing D1[mz1][mz1+1] is set to a natural multiple of the spacing G. For example, in... Figures 18-20 In this context, the nozzle array spacing D1[1][2] and D1[3][4] are set to twice the spacing G, which is 4Rh.

[0310] In addition, Figures 18-20 In this context, the nozzle array spacing D1[1][3] is set to an interval that is different from a natural multiple of the spacing G. For example, in Figures 18-20 In this context, the nozzle row spacing D1[1][3] is set to 9Rh.

[0311] exist Figures 18-20 In the above, the position of nozzle N1[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 0. Therefore, nozzle N1[1]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 0, 2, 4, 6, ..., 2×k1, ... Here, the variable k1 is an integer greater than 0.

[0312] exist Figures 18-20 In the above, the position of nozzle N2[1]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 2. Therefore, nozzle N2[1]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 2, 4, 6, 8, ..., 2×k2, ... Here, the variable k2 is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0313] exist Figures 18-20 In the above, the position of nozzle N1[2]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 4. Therefore, nozzle N1[2]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 4, 6, 8, 10, ..., 2×k3, ... Here, the variable k3 is an integer greater than 2.

[0314] exist Figures 18-20 In the above, the position of nozzle N2[2]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 6. Therefore, nozzle N2[2]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 6, 8, 10, 12, ..., 2×k4, ... Here, the variable k4 is an integer greater than 3.

[0315] exist Figures 18-20 In the above, the position of nozzle N1[3]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 9. Therefore, nozzle N1[3]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 9, 11, 13, 15, ..., 2×k5+1, ... Here, the variable k5 is an integer greater than 4.

[0316] exist Figures 18-20In the above, the position of nozzle N2[3]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 11. Therefore, nozzle N2[3]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 11, 13, 15, 17, ..., 2×k6+1, ... Here, the variable k6 is an integer greater than 5.

[0317] exist Figures 18-20 In the above, the position of nozzle N1[4]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 13. Therefore, nozzle N1[4]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 13, 15, 17, 19, ..., 2×k7+1, ... Here, the variable k7 is an integer greater than 6.

[0318] exist Figures 18-20 In the above, the position of nozzle N2[4]{j} in the X-axis direction at time T = Tc + 1t is AX = 15. Therefore, nozzle N2[4]{j} can form point Dt relative to AX = 15, 17, 19, 21, ..., 2×k8+1, ... Here, the variable k8 is an integer greater than 7.

[0319] As mentioned above, in Figures 18-20 In this embodiment, points Dt are formed at positions where the X-axis coordinate AX is an even multiple of the interval Rh by means of nozzles N1[1]{j}, N2[1]{j}, N1[2]{j}, and N2[2]{j}. Furthermore, points Dt are formed at positions where the X-axis coordinate AX is an odd multiple of the interval Rh by means of nozzles N1[3]{j}, N2[3]{j}, N1[4]{j}, and N2[4]{j}. Therefore, according to this embodiment, multiple points Dt can be formed in a manner where the multiple nozzles N provided on the head module 2B are spaced Rh apart in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0320] 5. Variations

[0321] The above methods can be implemented in a variety of variations. Specific variations are illustrated below. Furthermore, two or more methods selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined without contradiction. In addition, for elements in the variations illustrated below that have the same function or effect as the aforementioned implementation methods, the symbols already used in the above description will be used, and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.

[0322] 5.1. Variation Example 1

[0323] In the aforementioned first embodiment, the case in which nozzles N1[m]{j} and N2[m]{j} spray ink of the same color was illustrated and described, but the present invention is not limited to such a manner.

[0324] For example, nozzles N1[m]{j} and N2[m]{j} can also spray ink of different colors.

[0325] like Figure 5 As shown in head module 2, the inkjet printer involved in this variation has a head module, which has multiple head chips. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, the inkjet printer of this modified example has a nozzle plate C[m] on its printhead chip, on which nozzle rows L1[m] and nozzle rows L2[m] are provided. Furthermore, in the inkjet printer of this modified example, the ink ejected from nozzle N1[m]{j} belonging to nozzle row L1[m] and the ink ejected from nozzle N2[m]{j} belonging to nozzle row L2[m] have different colors. Specifically, in this modified example, yellow ink is ejected from nozzle N1[m]{j} belonging to nozzle row L1[m], and blue-green ink is ejected from nozzle N2[m]{j} belonging to nozzle row L2[m].

[0326] Furthermore, in this modified example, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the scanning speed of the head module is set such that the interval G is G = M × ΔX. Therefore, the inkjet printer according to this modified example can form multiple dots Dty in the X-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔX under non-repetition conditions through M nozzles N1[1]{j} to N1[M]{j}. Similarly, through M nozzles N2[1]{j} to N2[M]{j}, multiple dots Dtc can be formed in the X-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔX under non-repetition conditions. In addition, the inkjet printer according to this modified example can form multiple dots Dty in the Y-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔY, and multiple dots Dtc in the Y-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔY. Here, the basic resolution unit ΔY of this modified example corresponds to twice the basic resolution unit ΔX.

[0327] In this modified example, the scanning speed of the head module can also be set to a value obtained by multiplying the number of nozzle columns set on the nozzle plate C[m]. That is, the scanning speed of the head module can also be set to 2×G. In other words, the interval G can also be set to a value obtained by multiplying the number of nozzle columns set on the nozzle plate C[m], the value M, and the interval R. Specifically, the scanning speed of the head module can also be set such that the interval G is G=2M×R. In addition, in this case, the nozzle column interval DL is set to twice the interval G. That is, the nozzle column interval DL is set to 2×α×M×R. Furthermore, in this case, the nozzle column interval D1[1][ma] is set to twice the interval G. That is, the nozzle column interval D1[1][ma]=2×(M×β[ma]+γ[ma])×R. In addition, in this case, the basic resolution unit ΔX is twice the interval R, and the basic resolution unit ΔY is twice the interval R. That is, the interval G is G=M×ΔX, the nozzle column interval DL becomes DL=α×M×ΔX, and the nozzle column interval D1[1][ma] becomes D1[1][ma]=(M×β[ma]+γ[ma])×ΔX. In this case, the inkjet printer involved in this modification example can form multiple dots Dty in the X-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔX under non-repetition conditions by using M nozzles N1[1]{j}~N1[M]{j}, in other words, multiple dots Dty are formed at an interval twice the interval R. Similarly, multiple dots Dty can be formed in the X-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔX under non-repetition conditions by using M nozzles N2[1]{j}~N2[M]{j}. Furthermore, in this case, the inkjet printer involved in this modification example can form multiple dots Dty in the Y-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔY, in other words, multiple dots Dty are formed at an interval twice the interval R. Similarly, the inkjet printer involved in this variation is capable of forming multiple points Dtc in the Y-axis direction with a basic resolution unit ΔY.

[0328] 5.2. Variation Example 2

[0329] Although in the aforementioned second embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, an example is illustrated where yellow ink is ejected from nozzle NQ, which is mounted on nozzle plate CQ, and blue-green ink is ejected from nozzle NS, which is mounted on nozzle plate CS. However, the present invention is not limited to such a method.

[0330] For example, in this variation, in Figure 9Alternatively, the following method can be used: nozzle NQ1 belonging to nozzle row LQ1 on nozzle plate CQ and nozzle NS2 belonging to nozzle row LS2 on nozzle plate CS spray ink of the same color; and nozzle NQ2 belonging to nozzle row LQ2 on nozzle plate CQ and nozzle NS1 belonging to nozzle row LS1 on nozzle plate CS spray ink of the same color. Specifically, in this modified example, in Figure 9 Alternatively, the following method can be used: nozzle NQ1, belonging to nozzle row LQ1 set on nozzle plate CQ, and nozzle NS2, belonging to nozzle row LS2 set on nozzle plate CS, spray yellow ink; and nozzle NQ2, belonging to nozzle row LQ2 set on nozzle plate CQ, and nozzle NS1, belonging to nozzle row LS1 set on nozzle plate CS, spray blue-green ink.

[0331] Furthermore, in this modified example, similar to the second embodiment, it is envisioned that the interval G is M times the interval R, and the value M is M = 2. Therefore, the inkjet printer according to this modified example can form dots Dty and Dtc with an interval R in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. That is, the inkjet printer according to this modified example can form dots Dtg with an interval R in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0332] 5.3. Variation Example 3

[0333] Although the foregoing embodiments and variations illustrate cases where the plate opening spacing U[m1][m2] is equal to the nozzle row spacing D1[m1][m2] and the nozzle row spacing D2[m1][m2], the present invention is not limited to such a manner. For example, the plate opening spacing U[m1][m2] may also be a spacing different from the nozzle row spacing D1[m1][m2] and the nozzle row spacing D2[m1][m2].

[0334] Figure 21 An explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the M nozzle plates C and the fixing plate 26C of the head module 2C involved in this modified example is provided. Furthermore, Figure 21 The diagram illustrates various positional relationships of the perspective observation head module 2C when viewed from the -Z direction towards the +Z direction. Furthermore, in... Figure 21 In this example, the case where M=4 is illustrated and explained. The difference between this modified example and Embodiment 1 is that the head module 2C of this modified example does not have the fixing plate 26 present in the head module 2 of Embodiment 1, but instead has a fixing plate 26C. The fixing plate 26C of this modified example is configured to be mounted on an inkjet printer different from the inkjet printer 1 involved in the first embodiment. Figure 22The mounting plate 26C of the head module 2V shown in the reference example has the same structure.

[0335] In this variation, such as Figure 21 As shown, the plate opening spacing U[m1][m2] is set in a manner that is different from the nozzle row spacing D1[m1][m2] and the nozzle row spacing D2[m1][m2]. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the nozzle row spacing D1[m1][m2] and the nozzle row spacing D2[m1][m2] in this modified example are equal to the nozzle row spacing D1[m1][m2] and the nozzle row spacing D2[m1][m2] in the first embodiment.

[0336] For example, in this modified example, the plate opening spacing U[1][ma] is represented as U[1][ma]=(M×ψ[ma])R. Here, the value ψ[ma] is a natural number greater than the value α. Furthermore, in this modified example, similar to the first embodiment, it is envisioned that the nozzle row spacing D1[1][ma] becomes D1[1][ma]=(M×β[ma]+γ[ma])R.

[0337] In this case, in this modified example, the plate opening spacing U[1][ma] and the nozzle row spacing D1[1][ma] satisfy the relationship U[1][ma]:D1[1][ma]=M×ψ[ma]:M×β[ma]+γ[ma].

[0338] Here, for example, when the value M is 2, the value ma becomes 2, the value γ[2] becomes 1, and the relationship U[1][2]:D1[1][2]=EK1:O1 is satisfied. Here, the value EK1 is a positive even number, and the value O1 is a positive odd number that satisfies O1>EK1. Alternatively, the value EK1 can also be an even number that satisfies EK1>O1.

[0339] As explained above, in the head module 2C involved in the modified example 3, the plate opening W is characterized by having: plate opening W[1]; (M-1) specific openings corresponding to (M-1) specific nozzle plates, the plate opening W[1] exposing at least nozzle rows L1[1] and nozzle rows L2[1] in the nozzle plate C[1], the plate opening W[ma] among the (M-1) specific openings exposing at least nozzle rows L1[ma] in the nozzle plate C[ma], and the plate opening interval U[1][ma] between the center of the plate opening W[1] and the center of the plate opening W[ma] in the X-axis direction can be expressed as U[1][ma]: D1[1][ma]=M×ψ:M×β[ma]+γ[ma] by the value M, the value ψ, the value β[ma], and the value γ[ma]. That is, in this modified example, since the plate opening spacing depends on the nozzle row spacing as in Embodiment 1, the fixing plate 26C used in the reference example and the fixing plate 26C used in this modified example can be shared, thereby achieving a reduction in manufacturing costs by reducing the number of parts.

[0340] In addition, in variation example 3, the plate opening W is an example of an "opening", the plate opening W[1] is an example of a "first opening", the plate opening W[ma] is an example of a "mth specific opening", the nozzle plate C[ma] is an example of a "mth specific nozzle plate", the nozzle column L1[ma] is an example of a "mth specific nozzle column", the plate opening interval U[1][ma] is an example of an "interval PKT[m]", the nozzle column interval D1[1][ma] is an example of an "interval PT[m]", the nozzle plate C[1] is an example of a "first nozzle plate", the nozzle column L1[1] is an example of a "first nozzle column", the nozzle column L2[1] is an example of a "second nozzle column", the value β[ma] is an example of a "value βT[m]", and the value γ[ma] is an example of a "value γT[m]".

[0341] Furthermore, in this modified example, the characteristic is that, when M=2, the plate opening W has a plate opening W[1] and a plate opening W[2]. The plate opening W[1] exposes at least the nozzle array L1[1] and the nozzle array L2[1] in the nozzle plate C[1], and the plate opening W[2] exposes at least the nozzle array L1[2] in the nozzle plate C[2]. The plate opening interval U[1][2] between the center of the plate opening W[1] and the center of the plate opening W[2] in the X-axis direction can be represented as PK1:P2=EK1:O1 by the value EK1 as a positive even number and the value O1 as a positive odd number.

[0342] In addition, in this modified example where M=2, the plate opening W is an example of an "opening", the plate opening W[1] is an example of a "first opening", the plate opening W[2] is an example of a "second opening", the nozzle plate C[2] is an example of a "second nozzle plate", the nozzle column L1[2] is an example of a "third nozzle column", the plate opening interval U[1][2] is an example of an "interval PK1", the nozzle column interval D1[1][2] is an example of an "interval P2", the nozzle plate C[1] is an example of a "first nozzle plate", the nozzle column L1[1] is an example of a "first nozzle column", and the nozzle column L2[1] is an example of a "second nozzle column".

[0343] 5.4. Variation Example 4

[0344] Although in the aforementioned first embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the structure in which the dispensing channel 221 is disposed in the ink inlet member 22 has been illustrated, but the dispensing channel 221 may be disposed in either the intermediate channel member 23 or the holder 25. Furthermore, the intermediate channel member 23 may also be part of the holder 25.

[0345] 5.5. Variation Example 5

[0346] Although the first embodiment described above exemplifies a serial printer in which the main scanning direction is the X-axis and the secondary scanning direction is the Y-axis, and the carriage 761 reciprocates in the X-axis direction (the main scanning direction), thereby causing the recording paper PE and the head module 2 to move relative to each other in the main scanning direction, the present invention is not limited to this method. A line printer could also be used where the main scanning direction is the Y-axis and the secondary scanning direction is the X-axis, with the width of the secondary scanning direction exceeding the paper width. In this case, the head module 2, acting as the line head, does not move but is transported in the Y-axis direction, causing the recording paper PE and the head module 2 to move relative to each other in the main scanning direction. Even if the scanning speed of the carriage 761 is increased by using the head module 2 according to the present invention instead of the scanning speed of the head module 2, the same effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the head module 2 is arranged in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, with the nozzle array intersecting the main scanning direction. In this modified example, the nozzle array intersects the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the head module 2 of this modified example is used, for example, in a state in which the head module 2 of embodiment 1 is rotated 90 degrees about the Z-axis.

[0347] 5.6. Variation Example 6

[0348] Although in the aforementioned second embodiment, such as Figure 9As shown, an example has been illustrated where the nozzle plates are arranged in the order of CQ[1], CQ[2], CS[1], CS[2] from the -X direction toward the +X direction, but the present invention is not limited to this arrangement. Nozzle plates that spray two different colors of ink can also be arranged in any order.

[0349] In other words, if the nozzle array spacing DL, nozzle array spacing DQ1[1][ma], and DS1[1][ma] and spacing DQS are set to satisfy DL:DQ1[1][ma](=DS1[1][ma]):DQS=E1:O1:E2, then, for example, in this modified example, the following method can also be adopted, that is, the nozzle plates are arranged in the order of nozzle plates CQ[1], CS[1], CQ[2], CS[2] from the -X direction to the +X direction. In other words, the nozzle plates C that spray ink of different colors are arranged alternately. In this case, the value O1 satisfies O1>E2.

[0350] Symbol Explanation

[0351] 1…Inkjet printer; 2…Head module; 3…Head chip; 4…Ink cartridge; 8…Control unit; N…Nozzle; C…Nozzle plate; W…Plate opening; Dt…Point; 26…Fixing plate; 30…Wiring board; 33…Vibrating plate; 220…Inlet; 221…Distribution channel; 251…Supply channel; 300…Drive circuit; 331…Piezoelectric element; 332…Piezoelectric element; 761…Carriage.

Claims

1. A header module, characterized in that, It is a head module that sets the first direction as the main scanning direction. The header module has the following features: The first head chip has a first nozzle plate, on which a first nozzle column and a second nozzle column are provided. The first nozzle column includes a first nozzle that sprays liquid, and the second nozzle column includes a second nozzle that sprays liquid. The second head chip has a second nozzle plate, on which a third nozzle array is provided, the third nozzle array including a third nozzle for ejecting liquid; A fixing plate having a first opening for exposing at least the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row in the first nozzle plate, and a second opening for exposing at least the third nozzle row in the second nozzle plate. The first head chip and the second head chip have a common structure. The interval P1 between the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array in the first direction, and the interval P2 between the first nozzle array and the third nozzle array in the first direction, can be represented by the values ​​E1 and O1 as P1:P2=E1:O1, where the value E1 is a positive even number and the value O1 is a positive odd number that satisfies O1>E1.

2. The head module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first nozzle and the third nozzle are configured at the same position in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

3. The head module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first nozzle array includes multiple nozzles that eject liquid. The second nozzle array includes multiple nozzles that eject liquid. In the second direction, between two adjacent nozzles among the plurality of nozzles included in the first nozzle array, one of the plurality of nozzles included in the second nozzle array is disposed.

4. The header module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first head chip and the second head chip are fixed to the fixing plate such that, when viewed from above, the distance between the center of the first head chip and the center of the second head chip about the first direction is the distance P2. The distance PK1 between the center of the first opening and the center of the second opening in the first direction can be represented as PK1:P2=EK1:O1 by the value EK1, which is a positive even number, and the value O1.

5. The head module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a retainer having a supply channel for supplying liquid to the first head chip and the second head chip, and holding the first head chip and the second head chip in such a way that the distance between the center of the first head chip and the center of the second head chip in the first direction is the distance P2.

6. The header module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, have: The inlet is for introducing liquid; A distribution channel, which communicates with the first nozzle and the third nozzle, distributes the liquid introduced from the inlet into the first nozzle and the third nozzle.

7. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The head module according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A conveying mechanism that transports media.

8. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The head module according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The carriage causes the head module to reciprocate in the first direction and in the opposite direction.

9. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The head module is a head module with a first direction set as the main scanning direction. The head module has a first nozzle column, a second nozzle column and a third nozzle column. The first nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a first nozzle that ejects liquid. The second nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a second nozzle that ejects liquid. The third nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a third nozzle that ejects liquid. The carriage causes the head module to reciprocate in the first direction and the opposite direction. All the nozzles included in the first nozzle column, all the nozzles included in the second nozzle column, and all the nozzles included in the third nozzle column are capable of ejecting liquid at the same timing. The interval P1 between the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array in the first direction, and the interval P2 between the first nozzle array and the third nozzle array in the first direction, can be represented by the values ​​E1 and O1 as P1:P2=E1:O1, where the value E1 is a positive even number and the value O1 is a positive odd number that satisfies O1>E1.

10. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The head module is a head module with a first direction set as the main scanning direction. The head module has a first nozzle column, a second nozzle column and a third nozzle column. The first nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a first nozzle that ejects liquid. The second nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a second nozzle that ejects liquid. The third nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a third nozzle that ejects liquid. A conveying mechanism that conveys the medium in the first direction. All the nozzles included in the first nozzle column, all the nozzles included in the second nozzle column, and all the nozzles included in the third nozzle column are capable of ejecting liquid at the same timing. The interval P1 between the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array in the first direction, and the interval P2 between the first nozzle array and the third nozzle array in the first direction, can be represented by the values ​​E1 and O1 as P1:P2=E1:O1, where the value E1 is a positive even number and the value O1 is a positive odd number that satisfies O1>E1.

11. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The minimum interval in the first direction between the two points formed by the first nozzle is the interval obtained by dividing the interval P1 by the value E1, and is twice the interval obtained by dividing the interval P2 by the value O1, i.e., the interval P0.

12. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle are capable of ejecting liquid at the same timing.

13. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The header module has the following features: A first driving element, which corresponds to the first nozzle; A second driving element, which corresponds to the second nozzle; The third driving element corresponds to the third nozzle. The first driving element, the second driving element, and the third driving element are supplied with a common driving signal.

14. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, The first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle spray out the same type of liquid.

15. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle all spray out the same type of liquid. In a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the spacing between two adjacent nozzles among the plurality of nozzles included in the first nozzle array is twice the spacing P0. In the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the minimum distance between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is the distance P0.

16. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The head module is a head module with a first direction set as the main scanning direction. The head module has a first nozzle column, a second nozzle column and a third nozzle column. The first nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a first nozzle that ejects liquid. The second nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a second nozzle that ejects liquid. The third nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a third nozzle that ejects liquid. The carriage causes the head module to reciprocate in the first direction and the opposite direction. All the nozzles included in the first nozzle column, all the nozzles included in the second nozzle column, and all the nozzles included in the third nozzle column are capable of ejecting liquid at the same timing. The interval P1 between the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array in the first direction, and the interval P2 between the first nozzle array and the third nozzle array in the first direction, can be represented by the values ​​M, α, and β as P1:P2=M×α:M×β+1, where the value M is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, the value α is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, and the value β is a natural number that satisfies β>α.

17. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The head module is a head module with a first direction set as the main scanning direction. The head module has a first nozzle column, a second nozzle column and a third nozzle column. The first nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a first nozzle that ejects liquid. The second nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a second nozzle that ejects liquid. The third nozzle column includes multiple nozzles including a third nozzle that ejects liquid. A conveying mechanism that transports the medium. All the nozzles included in the first nozzle column, all the nozzles included in the second nozzle column, and all the nozzles included in the third nozzle column are capable of ejecting liquid at the same timing. The interval P1 between the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array in the first direction, and the interval P2 between the first nozzle array and the third nozzle array in the first direction, can be represented by the values ​​M, α, and β as P1:P2=M×α:M×β+1, where the value M is a natural number greater than or equal to 3, the value α is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, and the value β is a natural number that satisfies β>α.

18. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The minimum interval in the first direction between the two points formed by the first nozzle is the interval P1 divided by the value obtained by multiplying the value M and the value α, and the interval P2 divided by the value obtained by adding 1 to the value M multiplied by the value β, which is the interval P0 times the interval P0.

19. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that, The first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle all spray out the same type of liquid. In a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the spacing between two adjacent nozzles among the plurality of nozzles included in the first nozzle array is n times the spacing P0. In the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the minimum distance between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is the distance P0. The value n is a natural number representing the number of nozzle rows in the first nozzle plate equipped with the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row.

20. A header module, characterized in that, It is a head module that sets the first direction as the main scanning direction, and the head module includes: The first nozzle array includes nozzles that eject liquid; The second nozzle array includes nozzles that eject liquid; (M-1) specific nozzle columns, which include nozzles that eject liquid when the value M is a natural number greater than or equal to 3. When the value M is set to a natural number greater than or equal to 3 and the value m is set to a natural number satisfying 1 ≤ m ≤ M-1, The interval P1 between the first nozzle column and the second nozzle column in the first direction, and the interval PT[m] between the first nozzle column and the m-th specific nozzle column among the (M-1) specific nozzle columns in the first direction, can be represented as P1:PT[m]=M×α:M×βT[m]+γT[m] by the values ​​M, α, βT[m] and γT[m], where the value α is a natural number greater than or equal to 1, the value βT[m] is a natural number satisfying βT[m]>α, and the value γT[m] is a natural number that, when the value m1 is set to a natural number satisfying 1≤m1≤M-1 and the value m2 is set to a natural number satisfying 1≤m2≤M-1 and m1≠m2, satisfies 0<γT[m]≤M-1 and γT[m1]≠γT[m2].

21. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The head module as described in claim 20; A conveying mechanism that transports media.

22. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The head module as described in claim 20; The carriage causes the head module to reciprocate in the first direction and in the opposite direction.

23. The liquid ejection device as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that, The first nozzle array includes a first nozzle that ejects liquid. The second nozzle array includes a second nozzle that ejects liquid. Each of the (M-1) specific nozzle columns includes a specific nozzle that ejects liquid. The first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the (M-1) specific nozzles corresponding to the (M-1) specific nozzle columns spray out the same type of liquid. The minimum interval in the first direction between the two points formed by the first nozzle is the interval P1 divided by the value obtained by multiplying the value M and the value α, and is the interval PT[m] divided by the value obtained by multiplying the value M by the value βT[m] and adding the value γT[m], which is the interval P0 multiplied by M. In a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the spacing between two adjacent nozzles among the plurality of nozzles included in the first nozzle array is n times the spacing P0. In the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the minimum distance between the first nozzle and the second nozzle is the distance P0. The value n is a natural number representing the number of nozzle rows in the first nozzle plate equipped with the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row.

24. A header module, characterized in that, It is a head module that sets the first direction as the main scanning direction, and the head module includes: The first nozzle array includes multiple nozzles, including a first nozzle that ejects liquid. The second nozzle array includes multiple nozzles, including a second nozzle that ejects liquid. The third nozzle array comprises multiple nozzles, including a third nozzle that ejects liquid. All the nozzles included in the first nozzle column, all the nozzles included in the second nozzle column, and all the nozzles included in the third nozzle column are capable of ejecting liquid at the same timing. When the distance in the first direction between a first point formed by liquid ejected from the first nozzle at a first timing and a second point formed by liquid ejected from the first nozzle at a second timing after the first timing is defined as a first distance, the distance in the first direction between a third point formed by liquid ejected from the second nozzle at the first timing and the first point is defined as a second distance, and the distance in the first direction between a fourth point formed by liquid ejected from the third nozzle at the first timing and the first point is defined as a third distance, the first nozzle, the second nozzle, and the third nozzle are configured such that the second distance is an integer multiple of the first distance, and the third distance is a distance different from an integer multiple of the first distance.

Images