Liquid ejection head and inkjet recording device

Abstract

A liquid ejector head and inkjet recording device are provided that maintain a compact size while ensuring ejection performance. The liquid ejector head of this embodiment includes an actuator, a substrate, a first manifold, and a second manifold. The actuator has multiple pressure chambers. The actuator is disposed on one surface of the substrate, and liquid is supplied to the actuator, forming a supply orifice with an elongated opening. The first manifold is disposed on another surface of the substrate and has a first opening continuous with the supply orifice. The second manifold is disposed on the first manifold and has a second opening forming a supply path together with the first opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a liquid ejector head. Background Technology

[0002] As an example of a liquid ejector head used in a liquid ejection device, an inkjet head that ejects liquid ink is known. An actuator and a manifold are disposed on the substrate of the liquid ejector head. Existing standard substrates primarily use ink supply with multiple holes arranged in a row. Furthermore, the ink chamber formed inside the manifold primarily supplies ink at a lower position along the bottom surface of the manifold. However, recently, in the printer industry requiring high-volume, high-speed printing, existing structures may be unable to meet ink supply requirements, thus necessitating a liquid ejector head capable of supplying ink in large volumes and rapidly.

[0003] However, ensuring stable ejection performance to withstand large-volume supplies becomes a burden on customer-end printer units due to larger components, increased size of the liquid ejector head itself, and increased costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a liquid nozzle that can ensure both spray performance and compact size.

[0006] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0007] The liquid ejector head of this embodiment includes an actuator, a substrate, a first manifold, and a second manifold. The actuator has multiple pressure chambers. The actuator is disposed on one surface of the substrate, and liquid is supplied to the actuator to form a supply orifice with an elongated opening. The first manifold is disposed on the other surface of the substrate and has a first opening continuous with the supply orifice. The second manifold is disposed on the first manifold and has a second opening that, together with the first opening, forms a supply path.

[0008] The inkjet recording apparatus of this embodiment utilizes a liquid ejector head, which includes an actuator, a substrate, a first manifold, and a second manifold. The actuator has multiple pressure chambers. The actuator is disposed on one surface of the substrate, and liquid is supplied to the actuator to form a supply orifice with an elongated opening. The first manifold is disposed on the other surface of the substrate and has a first opening continuous with the supply orifice. The second manifold is disposed on the first manifold and has a second opening forming a supply path together with the first opening. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the liquid ejector head according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the liquid ejector head according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the structure of the liquid ejector head according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a bottom view showing the structure of the liquid ejector head according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the head body and manifold unit of the liquid ejector according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the head body and manifold unit involved in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the structure of the head body and manifold unit involved in the embodiment is shown in section VII-VII.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the head body and manifold unit involved in the embodiment is shown by line VII-VII.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 5 A perspective view of the structure of the head body and manifold unit involved in the embodiment is shown in section VIII-VIII.

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Arrow IX indicates a cross-sectional view of the structure of the head body and manifold unit involved in the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the head body and manifold unit involved in the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the manifold unit involved in the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A perspective view of the structure of the manifold unit involved in the embodiment is shown in cross section XIII-XIII.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate of the head body according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A perspective view of the structure of the substrate involved in the embodiment is shown in the XV-XV line cross section.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a bottom view showing the structure of the head body involved in the embodiment, partially omitted.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the flow path structure of the head body and manifold unit involved in the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a top view showing a portion of the flow path structure of the head body and manifold unit involved in the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 19 This is a side view showing a portion of the flow path structure of the head body and manifold unit involved in the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 20 This is a side view showing a portion of the flow path structure of the head body and manifold unit involved in the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the liquid ejection device according to the embodiment.

[0030] Symbol Explanation

[0031] 1. Liquid ejector head; 2. Liquid ejection device (inkjet recording device); 11. Head body; 12. Manifold unit; 13. Circuit board; 14. Cover; 111. Board; 112. Frame; 113. Actuator; 114. Nozzle plate; 115. Mask plate; 116. Common liquid chamber; 121. Manifold; 122. Top plate; 123. Ink supply pipe; 124. Ink discharge pipe; 127. Damper; 128. Bypass path; 1111, Supply port; 1112, Discharge port; 1131, Pressure chamber; 1133, Wall; 1141, Nozzle; 1142, Nozzle array; 1151, Window; 1161, First common liquid chamber; 1162, Second common liquid chamber; 1163, Third common liquid chamber; 1211, Supply path; 1212, Discharge path; 1213, First manifold; 1214, Second manifold; 2001, Conveying path; 2111, Frame; 2112. Media supply unit; 2113. Image forming unit; 2114. Media discharge unit; 2115. Conveying device; 2117. Maintenance device; 2118. Control unit; 2120. Support unit; 2130. Head unit; 2132. Supply tank; 2134. Pump; 2135. Connecting flow path; 12111. Top; 12112. Bottom; 12131. First opening; 12132. Second opening; 12141. Third opening; 12142, Fourth opening; 12143, Fifth opening; 12144, Sixth opening; 12145, Mounting groove; 12147, Flange; 12148, Reference hole; 21121, Paper feed box; 21141, Paper discharge tray; 21201, Conveyor belt; 21202, Support plate; 21203, Belt roller; 21211~21218, Guide plate pair; 21221~21228, Conveying roller. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 21 The liquid nozzle 1 and the liquid ejection device 2 using the liquid nozzle 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the liquid ejector head 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the liquid ejector head 1. Figure 3 This is a side view showing the structure of the liquid ejector head 1. Figure 4 This is a bottom view showing the structure of the liquid ejector head 1.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the head body 11 of the liquid ejector head 1 and the manifold unit 12. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the head body 11 and the manifold unit 12. Figure 7 yes Figure 5The three-dimensional view of the head body 11 and manifold unit 12 is shown in section VII-VII. Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of the head body 11 and manifold unit 12 is shown along line VII-VII. Figure 9 yes Figure 5 The three-dimensional view shows the structure of the head body 11 and the manifold unit 12 in cross section VIII-VIII. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Arrow IX indicates a cross-sectional view of the head body 11 and the manifold unit 12. Figure 11 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure of the head body 11 and the manifold unit 12.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the manifold unit 12. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The structure of the manifold unit 12 is shown in a three-dimensional view using the XIII-XIII line section. Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the substrate 111 of the head body 11. Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A three-dimensional view of the structure of substrate 111 is shown using the XV-XV line cross section. Figure 16 This is a bottom view showing the structure of the head body 11, partially omitted.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the flow path structure of the head body 11 and the manifold unit 12. Figure 18 This is a top view showing a portion of the flow path structure of the head body 11 and the manifold unit 12. Figure 19 This is a side view showing a portion of the flow path structure of the head body 11 and the manifold unit 12. Figure 20 This is a side view showing a portion of the flow path structure of the head body 11 and the manifold unit 12. Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the liquid ejection device 2. Figures 13 to 16 In the image, an arrow is used to represent the flow of a liquid.

[0036] Figures 1 to 21 The diagram shows mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. Furthermore, in the following explanation, the direction along the X-axis will be referred to as the first direction X, the direction along the Y-axis as the second direction Y, and the direction along the Z-axis as the third direction Z. Additionally, in each figure, structures may be appropriately enlarged, reduced, or omitted for ease of explanation.

[0037] Liquid ejector head 1 is, for example, set in Figure 21The inkjet head is shown in the liquid ejection device 2, such as an inkjet recording device. The liquid ejection head 1 is provided in the head unit 2130, which includes a supply tank 2132 as a liquid receiving section provided in the liquid ejection device 2.

[0038] The liquid ejector head 1 is supplied with liquid ink stored in the supply tank 2132. It should be noted that the liquid ejector head 1 can be a non-circulating type head that does not circulate the ink, or it can be a circulating type head that circulates the ink. In this embodiment, an example using a non-circulating type liquid ejector head 1 will be described.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the liquid ejector head 1 includes a head body 11, a manifold unit 12, a circuit board 13, and a cover 14. For example, the liquid ejector head 1 is a side-firing type four-row integrated head with two sets of head bodies 11 each having a pair of actuators 113.

[0040] The head body 11 ejects liquid. For example... Figures 1 to 11 as well as Figure 16 As shown, the head body 11 includes a base plate 111, a frame 112, an actuator 113, a nozzle plate 114, and a mask plate 115. Additionally, the head body 11 has a common liquid chamber 116. In this embodiment, an example with two actuators 113 in one head body 11 will be described.

[0041] like Figures 14 to 16 As shown, the substrate 111 is formed into a rectangular plate shape, for example, from a ceramic material. The substrate 111 is formed into a rectangle that is elongated in one direction (first direction X). The substrate 111 has a single supply port 1111 and one or more discharge ports 1112. A pair of actuators 113 are disposed on the substrate 111, and wiring patterns for driving the actuators 113 are formed thereon. The supply port 1111 and the discharge port 1112 are through holes that pass through the two main surfaces of the substrate 111.

[0042] The supply port 1111 is, for example, a single port located opposite the first common liquid chamber 1161 (described later) of the common liquid chamber 116. The supply port 1111 is, for example, an elongated hole along the long side direction (first direction X) of the first common liquid chamber 1161. The supply port 1111 is, for example, a rectangular shape that is longer in one direction, or an elongated hole with semi-circular ends and the same width. The width of the supply port 1111 in the long side direction is, for example, set to a length greater than or equal to the width (length) of the actuator 113 in the long side direction, or set to a length smaller than the length of the actuator 113, and of the same extent as the range (full nozzle range) of the pressure chamber 1131 typically driven during ink ejection in the actuator 113.

[0043] The discharge outlet 1112 is provided, for example, in two locations opposite to at least one of the two third common liquid chambers 1163 described later, which is the common liquid chamber 116. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, for example, two discharge outlets 1112 are respectively provided in the two third common liquid chambers 1163 of the common liquid chamber 116. It should be noted that, as... Figure 16 As shown, the outlet 1112 can also be a structure in which a pair of actuators 113 are disposed adjacent to one end on the substrate 111 along the long side direction.

[0044] like Figure 16 As shown, the frame 112 is fixed to one main surface of the substrate 111 by an adhesive or the like. The frame 112 surrounds the supply port 1111, multiple discharge ports 1112, and actuator 113 provided on the substrate 111.

[0045] For example, the frame 112 is formed as a rectangular frame that is longer in one direction (first direction X), thereby forming an opening that is longer in one direction along the long side of the frame 112. A pair of actuators 113, a supply port 1111, and two discharge ports 1112 are arranged in the opening of the frame 112.

[0046] The actuator 113 is formed as a plate that is longer in one direction (first direction X). A pair of actuators 113 are bonded to the mounting surface of the substrate 111. Figure 16 As shown, a pair of actuators 113 are arranged in two rows on a substrate 111, separated by a supply port 1111, in a short-side direction (second direction Y) orthogonal to the long-side direction of the actuators 113. The actuators 113 are disposed within an opening in a frame 112 and are bonded to the main surface of the substrate 111. Specifically, the actuators 113 are formed by bonding two rectangular plates of piezoelectric material, each longer in one direction, to each other with opposite polarization directions. Here, the piezoelectric material is, for example, PZT (lead zirconate titanate). The actuators 113 are bonded to the mounting surface of the substrate 111, for example, using a thermosetting epoxy adhesive.

[0047] For example, the actuator 113 has a plurality of pressure chambers 1131 arranged at equal intervals along its long side (first direction X). In the actuator 113, a plurality of grooves are formed along the long side of the actuator 113 on the main surface opposite to the substrate 111 side, and pressure chambers 1131 are formed through these grooves. In other words, the actuator 113 has a plurality of walls 1133 arranged at equal intervals along its long side, and grooves are formed therebetween. The plurality of walls 1133 form a plurality of pressure chambers 1131 between adjacent walls. That is, the plurality of walls 1133 are partition walls separating the plurality of pressure chambers 1131. Furthermore, the walls 1133 are piezoelectric elements that change the volume of the pressure chambers 1131 by applying a driving voltage.

[0048] The side of the actuator 113 opposite to the substrate 111 is bonded to the nozzle plate 114. In addition, the actuator 113 forms a wiring pattern for driving a plurality of pressure chambers 1131.

[0049] Pressure chamber 1131 is used to eject ink from nozzle 1141 when the liquid ejector head 1 performs actions such as printing. It should be noted that in this embodiment, an example of actuator 113 having multiple pressure chambers 1131 has been described, but for example, it may also have a structure having air chambers that do not eject ink, which are arranged alternately with multiple pressure chambers 1131.

[0050] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, the nozzle plate 114 is formed in a plate shape. The nozzle plate 114 is fixed to the main surface of the frame 112 opposite to the base plate 111 by an adhesive or the like. The nozzle plate 114 has a plurality of nozzles 1141 formed at positions opposite to the plurality of pressure chambers 1131. In this embodiment, the nozzle plate 114 has two rows of nozzle rows 1142 formed by the plurality of nozzles 1141 arranged in one direction (first direction X).

[0051] The multiple nozzles 1141, which are opposite to the multiple pressure chambers 1131, are holes for spraying ink when the liquid ejector head 1 performs actions such as printing.

[0052] The mask 115 covers, for example, the main surface of the outer surface of the nozzle plate 114, the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle plate 114, the outer peripheral surface of the frame 112, and the outer peripheral surface of the substrate 111. In addition, the mask 115 covers the first manifold 1213 of the manifold unit 12, which will be described later.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the mask template 115 has a pair of windows 1151 that expose a nozzle array 1142 consisting of a plurality of nozzles 1141 of a pair of nozzle plates 114 that eject liquid.

[0054] like Figure 16 As shown, the common liquid chamber 116 is connected to the supply port 1111. The common liquid chamber 116 is disposed around a pair of actuators 113. Specifically, the common liquid chamber 116 is connected to the primary and secondary sides of the plurality of pressure chambers 1131 of each actuator 113. In addition, the common liquid chamber 116 is connected to the discharge port 1112.

[0055] As a specific example, such as Figure 16As shown, the common liquid chamber 116 has a first common liquid chamber 1161 that is longer in one direction (first direction X), two second common liquid chambers 1162 that are longer in one direction (first direction X), and a third common liquid chamber 1163 that is continuous at both ends of the first common liquid chamber 1161 and at both ends of the two second common liquid chambers 1162. In addition, the common liquid chamber 116 connects the supply port 1111 to one opening of the plurality of pressure chambers 1131 of the actuator 113 through the first common liquid chamber 1161, and connects the third common liquid chamber 1163 to the other opening of the plurality of pressure chambers 1131 through the second common liquid chambers 1162.

[0056] A first common liquid chamber 1161 is formed between a pair of actuators 113. The first common liquid chamber 1161 constitutes an ink flow path from the supply port 1111 to the opening of one of the plurality of pressure chambers 1131 of each actuator 113. In addition, the first common liquid chamber 1161 constitutes an ink flow path from the supply port 1111 to two third common liquid chambers 1163 at both ends of the first common liquid chamber 1161 (actuator 113) in the long side direction (first direction X).

[0057] The second common liquid chamber 1162 is formed between each actuator 113 and the frame 112. The second common liquid chamber 1162 forms an ink flow path from the third common liquid chamber 1163 to the other side of the plurality of pressure chambers 1131.

[0058] The third common liquid chamber 1163 is adjacent to both ends of the actuator 113 along its long side. The third common liquid chamber 1163 connects to the first common liquid chamber 1161 and the two second common liquid chambers 1162 at both ends of the pair of actuators 113 along their long sides. The third common liquid chamber 1163 forms a portion of the ink flow path extending from the first common liquid chamber 1161 to the second common liquid chambers 1162 without passing through the plurality of pressure chambers 1131 of each actuator 113. Additionally, the third common liquid chamber 1163 forms an ink flow path from the first common liquid chamber 1161 and the two second common liquid chambers 1162 to the discharge port 1112.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 13 As shown, the manifold unit 12 includes a manifold 121, a top plate 122, an ink supply pipe 123, an ink discharge pipe 124, a damper 127, and a bypass flow path 128. It should be noted that the number of ink supply pipes 123 and ink discharge pipes 124 can be appropriately set.

[0060] Manifold 121 is formed in a plate-like or block-like shape. For example... Figure 10 as well as Figure 11As shown, the manifold 121 has a supply path 1211 that is continuous with the supply port 1111 of the substrate 111 and forms a liquid supply flow path, and a discharge path 1212 that is continuous with the discharge port 1112 of the substrate 111 and forms a liquid discharge path. It should be noted that since the manifold 121 is connected to a pair of head bodies 11, it has a pair of supply paths 1211 and a pair of discharge paths 1212. It should be noted that... Figures 17 to 20 This is a diagram showing a flow path structure formed by a head body 11 and a manifold unit 12.

[0061] One main surface of the manifold 121 is fixed to the main surface of the substrate 111. In addition, a top plate 122 is fixed to the manifold 121 on the main surface opposite to the main surface on which the substrate 111 is fixed. Furthermore, an ink supply pipe 123 and an ink discharge pipe 124 are fixed to the manifold 121, for example, via the top plate 122.

[0062] Manifold 121 includes a first manifold 1213 and a second manifold 1214. Manifold 121 is formed by assembling the first manifold 1213 and the second manifold 1214 into one piece.

[0063] The supply path 1211 is a cuboid liquid chamber that is elongated in one direction (first direction X) by holes or grooves formed on the manifold 121. The supply path 1211 is fluidly connected to the ink supply pipe 123 and the supply port 1111 of the substrate 111.

[0064] For example, the supply path 1211 is a cuboid liquid chamber extending along the long side of the actuator 113 and the long side of the supply port 1111. The supply path 1211 is the flow path for the liquid between the ink supply pipe 123 and the supply port 1111. Below the supply path 1211, the supply port 1111 is continuous, and above the supply path 1211, i.e., at the top 12111, a damper 127 is provided.

[0065] For example, the width of the substrate 111 side of the supply path 1211 in the long side direction (first direction X) is greater than the width of the supply port 1111 in the long side direction (first direction X). Furthermore, the width of the top 12111 above in the long side direction (first direction X) is smaller than the width of the bottom 12112 below the substrate 111 side in the long side direction (first direction X). Additionally, for example, in the short side direction (second direction Y) orthogonal to the long side direction (first direction X) of the supply path 12111, the width of the top 12111 is greater than the width of the bottom 12112. In other words, the top 12111 and the bottom 12112 are formed as a cuboid that is longer in one direction (first direction X), and compared to the bottom 12112, the top 12111 has a larger short side direction (second direction Y) and a smaller long side direction (first direction X). For example, the bottom 12112 of the supply path 1211 is formed by the first manifold 1213, and the top 12111 is formed by the second manifold 1214.

[0066] The discharge path 1212 is a flow path formed by holes or grooves in the manifold 121. The discharge path 1212 is, for example, a fluid connection between the ink discharge pipe 124 and the two discharge ports 1112 of the substrate 111.

[0067] The first manifold 1213 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The first manifold 1213, for example, has grooves and openings that form part of a pair of supply paths 1211 and a pair of discharge paths 1212. The grooves and openings that form part of the supply paths 1211 and the discharge paths 1212 are appropriately configured and sized based on the shape of the supply paths 1211 and the discharge paths 1212 and the shape of other fluid flow paths.

[0068] In this embodiment, for example, a pair of first openings 12131 forming the bottom 12112 of the supply path 1211 and a pair of second openings 12132 forming a part of the discharge path 1212 are formed on the first manifold 1213.

[0069] The first opening 12131 is a rectangular hole formed between the two main surfaces of the first manifold 1213. In other words, the first opening 12131 is a rectangular through hole with the same shape as the bottom 12112. The first opening 12131 is longer than the supply port 1111 of the substrate 111. The width of the first opening 12131 in the long side direction (first direction X) is greater than the width of the area (the entire nozzle area) in which the pressure chamber 1131 is provided, which is formed in the actuator 113 and driven during normal ink ejection.

[0070] The second opening 12132 is formed, for example, by a groove provided on the two main surfaces of the first manifold 1213 or by a hole formed in the thickness direction (third direction Z).

[0071] The second manifold 1214 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The second manifold 1214, for example, has grooves and openings that form part of a pair of supply paths 1211 and a pair of discharge paths 1212. The grooves and openings that form part of the supply paths 1211 and the discharge paths 1212 are appropriately configured and sized based on the shape of the supply paths 1211 and the discharge paths 1212 and the shape of other fluid flow paths.

[0072] In this embodiment, for example, a pair of third openings 12141, a pair of fourth openings 12142, a pair of fifth openings 12143, a pair of sixth openings 12144, and a pair of mounting grooves 12145 are formed on the second manifold 1214.

[0073] The third opening 12141 forms the top 12111 of the supply path 1211. The third opening 12141 is a rectangular hole formed between the two main surfaces of the second manifold 1214. In other words, the third opening 12141 is a rectangular through hole with the same shape as the top 12111. The width of the third opening 12141 in the long side direction (first direction X) is smaller than the width of the first opening 12131 in the long side direction, and the width in the short side direction (second direction Y) is larger than the width of the first opening 12131 in the short side direction. In addition, the width of the second manifold 1214 in the thickness direction (third direction Z) of the third opening 12141 is smaller than the width of the first opening 12131 in the thickness direction (third direction Z).

[0074] The fourth opening 12142 is connected to the first opening 12131. The fourth opening 12142 connects the bottom 12112 of the supply path 1211 and the ink supply tube 123. The fourth opening 12142 is, for example, positioned opposite the first opening 12131 that forms the bottom 12112, and is formed by a hole formed in the thickness direction (third direction Z) of the second manifold 1214.

[0075] The fifth opening 12143 is connected to the second opening 12132. The fifth opening 12143 connects the second opening 12132 and the ink discharge pipe 124. The fifth opening 12143 is formed by a groove formed on the main surface of the second manifold 1214 or a hole formed in the thickness direction (third direction Z).

[0076] The sixth opening 12144 forms a bypass flow path 128. The sixth opening 12144 is formed with the same shape as the bypass flow path 128. The sixth opening 12144 connects to the fifth opening 12143 and the top 12111 of the supply path 1211. The sixth opening 12144 is, for example, a groove formed on the main surface of the second manifold 1214 that engages with the top plate 122. The sixth opening 12144 forms the bypass flow path 128, for example, by being covered by the top plate 122.

[0077] Mounting groove 12145 is a groove for aligning and engaging damper 127. Mounting groove 12145 engages the main surface of top plate 122 of second manifold 1214 and is formed around third opening 12141. Mounting groove 12145 is formed, for example, with a shape that is the same as or slightly larger than the external shape of damper 127, and has a recess with third opening 12141 disposed in the center.

[0078] Additionally, the second manifold 1214 fixes the liquid nozzle 1 within the liquid dispensing device 2 and also serves as a reference plate defining the position of the nozzle body 11. For example, Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, the second manifold 1214 has a pair of flange portions 12147 formed at both ends in the long side direction (first direction X). Reference holes 12148 are formed on the flange portions 12147 for fixing and aligning the liquid ejector head 1.

[0079] That is, the second manifold 1214 is formed such that its length in the long side direction is longer than that of the first manifold 1213 by the amount of a pair of flange portions 12147. In addition, the pair of flange portions 12147 and the reference hole 12148 are used for alignment with the liquid ejection device 2 and for mounting to the liquid ejection device 2.

[0080] The first manifold 1213 and the second manifold 1214 are integrally joined to form a supply path 1211 and a discharge path 1212.

[0081] The top plate 122 is disposed on the surface of the manifold 121 opposite to the surface on which the substrate 111 is disposed. The top plate 122 has an opening that connects the ink supply pipe 123 and the ink discharge pipe 124 to the supply path 1211 and the discharge path 1212 of the manifold 121.

[0082] The ink supply pipe 123 is connected to the supply path 1211. The ink discharge pipe 124 is connected to the discharge path 1212. In this embodiment, since the liquid ejector head 1 has a pair of head bodies 11, a pair of ink supply pipes 123 and ink discharge pipes 124 are respectively provided.

[0083] In this embodiment, a pair of ink supply pipes 123 are arranged at one end of the manifold 121 along its long side, and a pair of ink discharge pipes 124 are arranged at the other end of the manifold 121 along its long side.

[0084] like Figure 16 As shown, the damper 127 is formed as an elastically deformable film, sheet, or plate. For example... Figure 7 As shown, damper 127 covers a third opening 12141, which is formed at the top 12111 of the supply path 1211 formed in the second manifold 1214. Damper 127 elastically deforms according to pressure variations in the supply path 1211. Damper 127 is fixed in a mounting groove 12145 surrounding the third opening 12141 at the top 12111 of the second manifold 1214. The lower surface of damper 127 faces the supply path 1211.

[0085] As a specific example, the damper 127 is formed from a polyimide film. The damper 127 is formed in a rectangular shape, which is longer in the same direction as the long side direction (first direction X) of the opening at the top 12111 of the supply path 1211, which is longer in one direction (first direction X).

[0086] As a preferred example, the width of the damper 127 in the short side direction (second direction Y) is 4 mm or more. The width of the damper 127 in the short side direction is a width that can be ensured when used for the head body 11. Here, the width of the damper 127 in the short side direction refers to the width of the opening of the top 12111 of the supply path 1211 in the short side direction. Furthermore, the thickness of the damper 127 is 25 μm or less. The lower limit of the thickness of the damper 127 is a thickness at which the deformation of the damper 127 will not become plastic deformation due to the pressure of the supply path 1211, and is set according to the characteristics of the damper 127. Additionally, for example, the damper 127 is formed using a polyimide film with a Young's modulus of 3.4 GPa.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, the bypass flow path 128 connects the top 12111 of the supply path 1211 to the common liquid chamber 116 or the secondary side of the common liquid chamber 116. It should be noted that the common liquid chamber 116 or the secondary side of the common liquid chamber 116 connected to the bypass flow path 128 refers, for example, to the second common liquid chamber 1162 or the third common liquid chamber 1163, the discharge path 1212, or the ink discharge pipe 124. The fluid resistance of the bypass flow path 128 is greater than the fluid resistance of the supply path 1211 and the fluid resistance of the common liquid chamber 116.

[0088] The bypass flow path 128 bypasses the supply path 1211 and the common liquid chamber 116, thereby expelling air bubbles within the supply path 1211 during ink maintenance or filling. The cross-sectional shape of the bypass flow path 128 is rectangular or circular. The shape of the bypass flow path 128 may be, for example, straight or partially curved.

[0089] That is, the cross-sectional area, length, and shape of the bypass flow path 128 are set to prevent excessive ink flow. Here, excessive ink flow refers to the flow of air bubbles during ink maintenance or filling without obstructing the flow of ink during maintenance or filling, and / or without obstructing the function of the liquid ejector head 1.

[0090] A specific example of the bypass path 128 in this embodiment will be described. For example... Figures 17 to 20 As shown in the fluid structure, one end of the bypass flow path 128 is connected to the top 12111 of the supply path 1211 and directly below the damper 127, that is, on the side opposite to the side connected to the ink supply pipe 123 in the long side direction (first direction X) of the supply path 1211.

[0091] In other words, one end of the bypass flow path 128 is connected to the secondary side of the top 12111 of the supply path 1211 and directly below the damper 127. The other end of the bypass flow path 128 is connected to the ink discharge pipe 124, which is connected to the discharge path 1212.

[0092] Furthermore, the bypass flow path 128 is, for example, formed into a rectangular shape in terms of its cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area of ​​the bypass flow path 128 is, for example, 1mm × 1mm. Additionally, the length of the bypass flow path 128 is 10mm. Furthermore, the bypass flow path 128 is, for example, formed into a shape that bends at 90° in three locations.

[0093] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, one end of the circuit board 13 is connected to the wiring pattern of the actuator 113 via the wiring pattern of the substrate 111. The circuit board 13 includes, for example, a wiring film, a driver IC mounted on the wiring film, and a printed wiring board mounted on the wiring film.

[0094] The circuit board 13 drives the actuator by applying a driving voltage to the wiring pattern of the actuator through the driving IC, thereby increasing or decreasing the volume of the pressure chamber 1131 and ejecting droplets from the nozzle 1141.

[0095] Multiple wiring films are provided, for example. The wiring films are, for example, COF (Chip on Film) with a driver IC mounted on them. The driver IC is electrically connected to the wiring pattern formed in the pressure chamber 1131 via the wiring films. The printed wiring substrate is a PWA (Printing Wiring Assembly) with various electronic components and connectors mounted on it.

[0096] Cover 14 covers or contains a portion of head body 11, a portion of manifold unit 12, and circuit board 13.

[0097] The liquid nozzle 1 thus configured is installed, for example, via a second manifold 1214 that also serves as a reference plate, on a device that... Figure 21 In the example of the liquid ejection device 2 shown in the inkjet recording apparatus, the liquid ejection device 2 will be described hereafter as an inkjet recording apparatus 2. The liquid ejection head 1 is connected to the supply tank 2132, which is a liquid receiving section provided in the inkjet recording apparatus 2. The liquid ejection head 1 is either a circulating type head that circulates ink between itself and the supply tank 2132, or a non-circulating type head that supplies ink from the supply tank 2132 and discharges ink to the maintenance device 2117 during maintenance. The liquid ejection head 1 is arranged with the nozzle 1141 of the nozzle plate 114 of the head body 11 facing downward.

[0098] The following is for reference Figure 21 The inkjet recording apparatus 2 having a liquid ejector head 1 will be described. The inkjet recording apparatus 2 includes a frame 2111, a media supply unit 2112, an image forming unit 2113, a media discharge unit 2114, a transport device 2115 as a support device, a maintenance device 2117, and a control unit 2118.

[0099] The inkjet recording device 2 is an inkjet printer that ejects liquid such as ink while conveying a recording medium (e.g., paper P) that is the object to be ejected, along a predetermined transport path 2001 extending from the media supply section 2112 through the image forming section 2113 to the media discharge section 2114, thereby performing image forming processing on the paper P.

[0100] The media supply unit 2112 includes multiple paper feed trays 21121. The image forming unit 2113 includes a support 2120 for supporting paper and multiple head units 2130 disposed opposite each other above the support 2120. The media discharge unit 2114 includes a paper discharge tray 21141.

[0101] The support portion 2120 includes: a conveyor belt 21201 which is arranged annularly in a predetermined area for image formation; a support plate 21202 which supports the conveyor belt 21201 from the inside; and a plurality of belt rollers 21203 which are arranged on the inside of the conveyor belt 21201.

[0102] The head unit 2130 includes: a liquid ejector head 1, which is a plurality of inkjet heads; a plurality of supply tanks 2132, which are liquid tanks respectively mounted on each liquid ejector head 1; a pump 2134, which supplies ink; and a connecting flow path 2135, which connects the liquid ejector head 1 and the supply tanks 2132.

[0103] In this embodiment, a liquid nozzle 1 having four colors—cyan, magenta, yellow, and black—is used as the liquid nozzle 1, and four supply tanks 2132 for each color of ink are used to hold these inks respectively. The supply tanks 2132 are connected to the liquid nozzle 1 via a connecting flow path 2135.

[0104] Pump 2134 is, for example, a liquid delivery pump composed of a piezoelectric pump. Pump 2134 is connected to control unit 2118 and is driven and controlled by control unit 2118.

[0105] The connecting flow path 2135 includes a supply flow path connected to the ink supply pipe 123 of the liquid nozzle 1. Additionally, the connecting flow path 2135 includes a recovery flow path connected to the ink discharge pipe 124 of the liquid nozzle 1. For example, since the liquid nozzle 1 is non-circulating, the recovery circuit is connected to the maintenance device 2117. It should be noted that, for example, in the case where the liquid nozzle 1 is circulating, the recovery flow path is connected to the supply tank 2132.

[0106] The conveying device 2115 conveys paper P along a conveying path 2001 from the paper feed cassette 21121 of the media supply unit 2112 through the image forming unit 2113 to the paper discharge tray 21141 of the media discharge unit 2114. The conveying device 2115 includes multiple guide plates 21211-21218 arranged along the conveying path 2001, and multiple conveying rollers 21221-21228. The conveying device 2115 supports the paper P so that it can move relative to the liquid ejector head 1.

[0107] Maintenance device 2117, for example, draws in and recovers ink residue on the outer surface of nozzle plate 114 during maintenance. Additionally, in the case where the liquid nozzle 1 is non-circulating, maintenance device 2117 recovers ink from the nozzle 1141 within the head body 11 during maintenance. Such maintenance device 2117 includes a tray, container, or the like for storing the recovered ink.

[0108] The control unit 2118 includes: a CPU 21181, which is an example of a processor; memory, such as ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various programs, RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing various variable data or image data; and an interface unit that performs data input from the outside and data output to the outside.

[0109] Next, the flow of liquid ink in the liquid ejector head 1 configured as described will be explained. First, when liquid ink is supplied to the ink supply pipe 123, the ink flows in the supply path 1211 of the manifold 121. Then, the ink moves from the supply port 1111 of the substrate 111 opposite to the supply path 1211 to the first common liquid chamber 1161.

[0110] like Figure 6 As indicated by the arrows, a portion of the ink that has moved to the first common liquid chamber 1161 moves to the plurality of pressure chambers 1131. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As indicated by the arrows, a portion of the ink that has moved to the first common liquid chamber 1161 moves to the third common liquid chamber 1163. The ink that has moved to the third common liquid chamber 1163 moves to the second common liquid chamber 1162. The ink that has moved to the second common liquid chamber 1162 moves to the plurality of pressure chambers 1131. That is, in this embodiment, ink is supplied from both the first common liquid chamber 1161 and the second common liquid chamber 1162 to the plurality of pressure chambers 1131. It should be noted that by driving the pressure chambers 1131, the ink in the driven pressure chambers 1131 is ejected from the nozzle 1141.

[0111] In this embodiment, since the liquid ejector head 1 is non-circulating, the ink in the second common liquid chamber 1162 moves to the plurality of pressure chambers 1131. Furthermore, during maintenance or ink refilling, when the secondary side of the ink discharge pipe 124 is open, the ink in the second common liquid chamber 1162 moves to the ink discharge pipe 124 via the third common liquid chamber 1163, the discharge port 1112 of the substrate 111, and the discharge path 1212 of the manifold 121.

[0112] In addition, during maintenance or ink filling, the ink in the pressure chamber 1131 is ejected from the nozzle 1141 along with air accumulated in the first common liquid chamber 1161, the second common liquid chamber 1162, and the third common liquid chamber 1163 by driving the pressure chamber 1131.

[0113] Furthermore, in the configuration of the liquid ejection device 2, for example, the liquid ejection head 1 is positioned such that the head body 11 is below and the manifold unit 12 is above in the direction of gravity (third direction Z). Additionally, in the configuration of the liquid ejection device 2, for example, in the liquid ejection head 1, the long side direction (first direction X) and the short side direction (second direction Y) of the actuator 113 are horizontal. That is, in the configuration of the liquid ejection device 2, the main surface directions of the substrate 111 and the nozzle plate 114 are horizontal. Therefore, if air bubbles are present in the supply path 1211, the air bubbles in the supply path 1211 are located directly below the damper 127. Therefore, during maintenance or ink filling, the ink and air bubbles in the supply path 1211 move through the bypass flow path 128 to the common liquid chamber 116 or the secondary side of the common liquid chamber 116 and are discharged from the supply path 1211. Air bubbles from the supply path 1211 through the bypass path 128 are discharged from the nozzle 1141. It should be noted that air bubbles from the supply path 1211 through the bypass path 128 can also be discharged from the ink discharge pipe 124 to the maintenance device 2117.

[0114] Based on the liquid ejector head 1 configured in this way and the liquid ejection device 2 using the liquid ejector head 1, a supply port 1111 is provided in the substrate 111. This supply port 1111 is an elongated hole extending along the long side direction (first direction X) parallel to the nozzle array 1142. Furthermore, as... Figure 16 As shown, since the supply port 1111 is arranged along the long side of the actuator 113, it can ensure the same width as the actuator 113, thus allowing the supplied ink to cover the entire nozzle range, i.e., the multiple pressure chambers 1131 driven. Furthermore, the supply port 1111, which is a row of elongated holes, can supply ink from the third common liquid chamber 1163 to the second common liquid chamber 1162 from both ends of the substrate 111 in the long side direction (first direction X). In this way, by dividing the ink supplied from the supply port 1111 into two rows, the liquid ejector head 1 can effectively supply ink to the multiple pressure chambers 1131 of the pair of actuators 113.

[0115] Furthermore, the liquid nozzle 1 forms a supply path 1211 such that it penetrates the manifold 121 in the thickness direction (third direction Z). In other words, the liquid nozzle 1 forms the supply path 1211 by a first opening 12131 penetrating the first manifold 1213 and a third opening 12141 penetrating the second manifold 1214. Additionally, as... Figure 7 As shown, the width of the first opening 12131 of the first manifold 1213 in the long side direction (first direction X) is greater than the width of the supply port 1111 in the long side direction (first direction X). Therefore, it can be ensured that the width and height of the liquid chamber shape of the supply path 1211 are both large, so that the ink can be distributed from the supply port 1111 to the entire nozzle range.

[0116] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, when the main surface direction (first direction X, second direction Y) of the substrate 111 is defined as horizontal, the supply port 1111 of the substrate 111, the supply path 1211 serving as the liquid chamber of the manifold 121, the opening shape (window shape) of the supply path 1211 (third opening 12141) formed on the second manifold 1214, and the damper 127 all extend horizontally with their long side direction being the first direction X. Furthermore, they are arranged side-by-side in the height direction (third direction Z) of the liquid ejector head 1. Therefore, the liquid ejector head 1 can form a smooth ink flow path with consistency and can handle high-speed printing.

[0117] Furthermore, the phase arrangement of the supply port 1111 of the substrate 111 is within the range of the bottom 12112 of the supply path 1211 of the liquid chamber, which serves as the manifold 121. Therefore, the liquid ejector head 1 can be kept to a compact size.

[0118] Furthermore, the second manifold 1214 also serves as a reference plate by having reference holes 12148 on a pair of flange portions 12147. Therefore, the liquid ejector head 1 does not require a separate reference plate, and the height direction (third direction Z) dimension of the liquid ejector head 1 can be suppressed. In addition, the head body 11 is disposed adjacent to the outlet 1112 formed on the substrate 111 and the end of the actuator 113 in the long side direction (first direction X), thereby reducing the width of the substrate 111 in the short side direction (second direction Y). Therefore, the liquid ejector head 1 can suppress the dimension in the short side direction (second direction Y) (the dimension in the thickness direction (second direction Y)), and a pair of head bodies 11 can be arranged in a compact configuration. Therefore, the liquid ejector head 1 can be suppressed to a compact size.

[0119] Additionally, in the liquid ejector head 1, a damper 127 is disposed at the top 12111 of the supply path 1211 connected to the common liquid chamber 116. The damper 127 contacts the ink in the supply path 1211 and deforms due to pressure variations in the ink. Thus, the damper 127 can suppress pressure variations, keeping the negative pressure of the common liquid chamber 116 connected to the supply path 1211 constant, or keeping the negative pressure of the common liquid chamber 116 substantially constant.

[0120] Therefore, the liquid ejector head 1 can suppress pressure fluctuations in the flow path of the liquid ejector head 1, including the supply path 1211, the common liquid chamber 116 which is the secondary side of the supply path 1211, and the actuator 113. By suppressing pressure fluctuations, the liquid ejector head 1 can achieve high ejection stability. Therefore, the liquid ejector head 1 can cope with pulsations by means of the damper 127 which acts as a buffer, and can ensure high-speed printing performance.

[0121] Furthermore, the liquid nozzle 1 has a damper 127 at the top 12111 of the supply path 1211 opposite to the supply port 1111 of the substrate 111, and the substrate 111 is continuous with the common liquid chamber 116. The liquid nozzle 1 has a simple structure in which an opening forming the supply path 1211 is provided on the manifold 121, and the damper 127 is fixed to the manifold 121 in a manner that covers the opening. Therefore, the liquid nozzle 1 can be easily manufactured. In addition, since the damper 127 is formed on the supply path 1211 formed by the manifold 121, the damper 127 can ensure a sufficiently large area in contact with the supply path 1211. As described above, the liquid nozzle 1 with the damper 127 can be obtained inexpensively with a damper of sufficient performance, and its manufacture is also easy.

[0122] Furthermore, in the liquid nozzle 1, the supply path 1211 is connected to the common liquid chamber 116 or the secondary side of the common liquid chamber 116 via a bypass flow path 128. This allows air bubbles to be easily expelled from the supply path 1211 during maintenance or ink filling. Therefore, the liquid nozzle 1 can be easily maintained, including ink filling and cleaning of its flow path.

[0123] Furthermore, in the liquid ejector head 1, the bypass flow path 128 is connected to the top 12111 of the supply path 1211 and directly below the damper 127. Thus, the liquid ejector head 1 can effectively discharge air bubbles accumulated directly below the damper 127.

[0124] With the liquid ejector head 1 and liquid ejection device 2 configured in this way, a supply path 1211 that is continuous with the supply port 1111 of the substrate 111 and a damper 127 are provided on the manifold 121, so that both ejection performance and compact size can be ensured.

[0125] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described structure. For example, in the above example, the head body 11 is described as a non-circular type, but it can also be a circular type head body.

[0126] Furthermore, the above example illustrates an example where the bypass flow path 128 connects the secondary side of the supply path 1211 to the flow path of the common liquid chamber 116 or the secondary side of the common liquid chamber 116, but it is not limited to this. For example, the bypass flow path 128 could also be a structure that connects the primary side of the supply path 1211 to the flow path of the common liquid chamber 116 or the secondary side of the common liquid chamber 116. Alternatively, it could be a structure that provides multiple bypass flow paths 128. For example, the liquid nozzle 1 could be a structure that provides two bypass flow paths 128. In such a liquid nozzle 1, the bypass flow paths 128 can be connected in such a way that one bypass flow path 128 connects the secondary side of the supply path 1211 to the flow path of the common liquid chamber 116 or the secondary side of the common liquid chamber 116, and the other bypass flow path 128 connects the primary side of the supply path 1211 to the flow path of the common liquid chamber 116 or the secondary side of the common liquid chamber 116. Alternatively, the liquid nozzle 1 may also have a structure without the bypass flow path 128.

[0127] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate an example of a recording apparatus for ejecting liquid ink using a liquid ejector head 1 and a liquid ejection device 2, the invention is not limited thereto. That is, the liquid ejector head 1 and the liquid ejection device 2 can also be used, for example, in 3D printers, industrial manufacturing machinery, and medical applications.

[0128] According to at least one embodiment described above, by providing a supply path and a damper on the manifold, a compact size can be ensured while ensuring ejection performance.

[0129] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and likewise within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid ejector head, comprising: An actuator having multiple pressure chambers; A substrate, wherein the actuator is disposed on one side of the substrate, and liquid is supplied to the actuator to form a supply port with an elongated hole; A first manifold is disposed on another side of the substrate and has a first opening that is continuous with the supply port. as well as A second manifold is disposed on the first manifold and has a second opening that, together with the first opening, forms a supply path. The length of the supply port in the long side direction is greater than or equal to the length of the actuator in the long side direction, or is the length of the range provided by the pressure chamber that is driven when ink is ejected from the actuator.

2. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the substrate on which the actuator is disposed extends along a first direction and a second direction. The supply port, the first opening, and the second opening extend along a first direction, respectively. The supply port, the first opening, and the second opening are arranged side by side in a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

3. The liquid ejector head according to claim 2, further comprising: A frame, the frame being disposed on one surface of the substrate and surrounding the actuator; and A nozzle plate covers the actuator and the frame, and has a plurality of nozzles opposite to the plurality of pressure chambers. The actuators are provided in pairs. The liquid ejector head has a common liquid chamber formed by the base plate, the nozzle plate, and the frame, and is continuous between the pair of actuators and between the actuators and the frame. The supply port is configured between a pair of actuators.

4. The liquid ejector head according to claim 3, wherein, A supply flow path is formed on the second manifold, which is connected to the first opening and the ink supply pipe that supplies the liquid.

5. The liquid ejector head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The liquid ejection head has a pair of head bodies including the actuator and the substrate. A reference hole is formed on the second manifold to define the position of the head body.

6. An inkjet recording device utilizing a liquid ejector head, the liquid ejector head comprising: An actuator having multiple pressure chambers; A substrate, wherein the actuator is disposed on one side of the substrate, and liquid is supplied to the actuator to form a supply port with an elongated hole; A first manifold is disposed on another side of the substrate and has a first opening that is continuous with the supply port. as well as A second manifold is disposed on the first manifold and has a second opening that, together with the first opening, forms a supply path. The length of the supply port in the long side direction is greater than or equal to the length of the actuator in the long side direction, or is the length of the range provided by the pressure chamber that is driven when ink is ejected from the actuator.

7. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The surface of the substrate on which the actuator is disposed extends along a first direction and a second direction. The supply port, the first opening, and the second opening extend along a first direction, respectively. The supply port, the first opening, and the second opening are arranged side by side in a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

8. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The liquid ejector head also features: A frame, the frame being disposed on one surface of the substrate and surrounding the actuator; and A nozzle plate covers the actuator and the frame, and has a plurality of nozzles opposite to the plurality of pressure chambers. The actuators are provided in pairs. The liquid ejector head has a common liquid chamber formed by the base plate, the nozzle plate, and the frame, and is continuous between the pair of actuators and between the actuators and the frame. The supply port is configured between a pair of actuators.

9. The inkjet recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, A supply flow path is formed on the second manifold, which is connected to the first opening and the ink supply pipe that supplies the liquid.

10. The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The liquid ejection head has a pair of head bodies including the actuator and the substrate. A reference hole is formed on the second manifold to define the position of the head body.

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