Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a liquid ejecting head and a liquid ejecting apparatus that prevent excessive attenuation of pressure waves from a plurality of pressure chambers toward nozzles, respectively. The liquid ejecting head includes: a nozzle that ejects liquid; first to fourth pressure chambers; a communication flow path that communicates the nozzle with the first to fourth pressure chambers; first to fourth drive elements that change the pressure of the first to fourth pressure chambers; a first common liquid chamber that communicates with the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber; and a second common liquid chamber that communicates with the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber. A first merging position at which the nozzle merges with the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber is closer to an end portion of the nozzle on the side of the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber than the nozzle is, in plan view. A second merging position at which the nozzle merges with the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber is closer to an end portion of the nozzle on the side of the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber than the nozzle is, in plan view.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a liquid jet head and a liquid jetting device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a liquid injection head in which four pressure chambers are provided on both sides of the nozzle and the flow channels from the four pressure chambers to the nozzle converge near the nozzle.

[0003] However, in the aforementioned prior art, since the four flow channels from the four pressure chambers to the nozzle converge near the nozzle, there is a possibility that the pressure waves from each pressure chamber toward the nozzle are excessively attenuated.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-155768 Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a liquid injection head comprising: a nozzle for injecting liquid; first to fourth pressure chambers; a communicating channel connected to the nozzle and communicating the nozzle with the first to fourth pressure chambers; a first driving element for changing the pressure in the first pressure chamber; a second driving element for changing the pressure in a second pressure chamber; a third driving element for changing the pressure in a third pressure chamber; a fourth driving element for changing the pressure in the fourth pressure chamber; a first common liquid chamber communicating with the first and second pressure chambers; and a second common liquid chamber communicating with the third and fourth pressure chambers. In a top-view view, the first confluence position of the first pressure wave generated by the first driving element and transmitted from the first pressure chamber to the nozzle, and the second pressure wave generated by the second driving element and transmitted from the second pressure chamber to the nozzle, is closer than the nozzle to a first end of the first pressure chamber on the nozzle side and a second end of the second pressure chamber on the nozzle side. When viewed from above, the second confluence position of the third pressure wave generated by the third driving element and transmitted from the third pressure chamber to the nozzle, and the fourth pressure wave generated by the fourth driving element and transmitted from the fourth pressure chamber to the nozzle, is closer to the third end of the third pressure chamber on the nozzle side and the fourth end of the fourth pressure chamber on the nozzle side than to the nozzle.

[0006] One aspect of the liquid injection device disclosed herein includes: the aforementioned liquid injection head; and a liquid storage unit for storing liquid supplied to the aforementioned liquid injection head. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the liquid injection device in the embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the liquid injection head.

[0009] Figure 3 To indicate Figure 2 Sectional view of section III-III.

[0010] Figure 4 To indicate from Figure 3 A diagram showing a portion of the nozzle flow channel observed from the bottom surface.

[0011] Figure 5 To be Figure 4 The diagram shows the enlarged representation of the flow channel.

[0012] Figure 6 To indicate Figure 5 A sectional view of section VI-VI.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the flow channel of the second embodiment in an enlarged view.

[0014] Figure 8 To indicate Figure 7 A sectional view of section VIII-VIII.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of multiple connected flow channels in the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 To indicate Figure 9 A sectional view of section X-X.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow channel in the third embodiment.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow channel in the fourth embodiment.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow channel in the fifth embodiment.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the connecting flow path in the sixth embodiment.

[0021] Figure 15 To indicate Figure 14 A sectional view of section IX-IX.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the connecting flow path in the seventh embodiment.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the connecting flow path in the eighth embodiment.

[0024] Figure 18This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the flow channel structure in the ninth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] A. First Implementation Method

[0026] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the liquid jetting apparatus 400 in the embodiment. The liquid jetting apparatus 400 is an inkjet printing apparatus that jets ink, as an example of a liquid, onto a medium PM. The composition of the ink is not particularly limited; for example, it can be an aqueous ink in which color materials such as dyes or pigments are dissolved in an aqueous solvent, a solvent-based ink in which color materials are dissolved in an organic solvent, or an ultraviolet-curable ink. Furthermore, the liquid jetting apparatus 400 can also jet coatings as a liquid instead of ink. A liquid storage unit 420 for storing ink can be installed in the liquid jetting apparatus 400. The liquid jetting apparatus 400 performs printing by jetting the ink contained in the liquid storage unit 420 toward the medium PM. The liquid jetting apparatus 400 includes a liquid jetting head 100, a moving mechanism 430, a conveying mechanism 440, a control unit 450, and a circulation mechanism 60.

[0027] The liquid jet head 100 has multiple nozzles 200, from which liquid ink supplied from the liquid storage unit 420 is jetted. Specific examples of the liquid storage unit 420 include containers such as a box detachably mounted to the liquid jet device 400, a bag-shaped ink pouch formed of a flexible film, and an ink can for replenishing ink. The ink jetted from the nozzles 200 lands on the medium PM. Typically, the medium PM is printing paper. However, the medium PM is not limited to printing paper; for example, it can be any printing material such as resin film or fabric.

[0028] The moving mechanism 430 includes an annular belt 432 and a carriage 434 fixed to the belt 432. The carriage 434 holds the liquid injection head 100. The moving mechanism 430 can reciprocate the liquid injection head 100 in the X direction by rotating the annular belt 432 in both directions.

[0029] During the intervals between movements of the liquid jet head 100 implemented by the moving mechanism 430, the conveying mechanism 440 conveys the medium PM along the Y direction. The Y direction is a direction orthogonal to the X direction. In this embodiment, the X and Y directions are horizontal. The Z direction is a direction intersecting both the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, the Z direction is vertically downward. The liquid jet head 100 jets ink along the Z direction while being conveyed along the X direction. The Z direction is also referred to as the "jet direction Z". Furthermore, in the following description, the top side of the arrow indicating the X direction in the figure is called the +X side, and the base side is called the -X side; the top side of the arrow indicating the Y direction in the figure is called the +Y side, and the base side is called the -Y side; the top side of the arrow indicating the Z direction in the figure is called the +Z side, and the base side is called the -Z side.

[0030] The control unit 450 controls the ejection action of ink from the liquid ejection head 100. The control unit 450 controls the conveying mechanism 440, the moving mechanism 430, and the liquid ejection head 100, so that an image is formed on the medium PM.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the liquid injection head 100. The liquid injection head 100 has a plurality of nozzles 200. The plurality of nozzles 200 are formed such that a nozzle plate 240 arranged parallel to the XY plane passes through them. The plurality of nozzles 200 are arranged in a straight line along the Y direction to form a nozzle array NL. The nozzle plate 240 is manufactured, for example, by processing a single-crystal silicon substrate using semiconductor processing technology. As the single-crystal silicon substrate, a single-crystal silicon substrate, such as (100), is preferably used. Alternatively, the nozzle plate 240 may also be formed of materials such as stainless steel (SUS), titanium, etc.

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view of section III-III. Figure 4 To indicate from Figure 3 A diagram showing a nozzle flow path and a portion of the common liquid chambers 110 and 120 as observed from the bottom surface. Figure 5 To be Figure 4 The diagram shows the enlarged representation of the flow channel. Figure 6 To indicate Figure 5 A sectional view of section VI-VI. Additionally, for ease of illustration, in... Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 In the diagram, the connecting flow channel 350 is depicted with solid lines, the pressure chamber 330 with dotted lines, the drive element 300 with dashed lines, and the common liquid chambers 110 and 120 with single-dot-dashed lines. Furthermore, in... Figure 6In the cross-section at the locations of pressure chambers 331 and 332, the symbols for each part are followed by parentheses to indicate the locations of other pressure chambers 333 and 334. Figure 5 The symbols for each part in section VII-VII.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the liquid jet head 100 includes: a first common liquid chamber 110 for supplying ink, a second common liquid chamber 120 for discharging ink, and a nozzle-independent flow channel 130 connecting the first common liquid chamber 110 and the second common liquid chamber 120. The first common liquid chamber 110 and the second common liquid chamber 120 are configured to be shared for multiple nozzles 200, and the nozzle-independent flow channel 130 is configured separately for each nozzle 200. The common liquid chambers 110 and 120 extend in the direction along the nozzle array NL, i.e., the Y direction. That is, the long side direction of the common liquid chambers 110 and 120 is parallel to the direction in which the multiple nozzles 200 are arranged.

[0034] The liquid injection head 100 has a column L1 of multiple pressure chambers 330 communicating with a first common liquid chamber 110 and a column L2 of multiple pressure chambers 330 communicating with a second common liquid chamber 120. Column L1 is formed by arranging the multiple pressure chambers 330 in the Y direction, and column L2 is formed by arranging the multiple pressure chambers 330 in the Y direction. Column L1 is positioned on the -X side relative to nozzle column NL, and column L2 is positioned on the +X side relative to nozzle column NL. Hereinafter, the multiple pressure chambers 330 constituting column L1 will be referred to as pressure chamber 330_L1, and the multiple pressure chambers 330 constituting column L2 will be referred to as pressure chamber 330_L2. In detail, regarding the driving element 300, connecting channel 320, and connecting hole 340 described below, the driving element 300 corresponding to column L1 will be referred to as driving element 300_L1, the driving element 300 corresponding to column L2 will be referred to as driving element 300_L2, the connecting channel 320 corresponding to column L1 will be referred to as connecting channel 320_L1, the connecting channel 320 corresponding to column L2 will be referred to as connecting channel 320_L2, the connecting hole 340 corresponding to column L1 will be referred to as connecting hole 340_L1, and the connecting hole 340 corresponding to column L2 will be referred to as connecting hole 340_L2.

[0035] In this embodiment, the nozzle independent flow channel 130 corresponding to a nozzle 200 includes two pressure chambers 330_L1 in column L1, two pressure chambers 330_L2 in column L2, two connecting flow channels 320_L1 corresponding to the two pressure chambers 330_L1, two connecting flow channels 320_L2 corresponding to the two pressure chambers 330_L2, two connecting holes 340_L1 corresponding to the two pressure chambers 330_L1, two connecting holes 340_L2 corresponding to the two pressure chambers 330_L2, and a connecting flow channel 350. Here, the two pressure chambers 330_L1 of column L1 are referred to as pressure chambers 331 and 332, the two pressure chambers 330_L2 of column L2 are referred to as pressure chambers 333 and 334, the two connecting channels 320_L1 are referred to as connecting channels 321 and 322, the two connecting channels 320_L2 are referred to as connecting channels 323 and 324, the two connecting holes 340_L1 are referred to as connecting holes 341 and 342, and the two connecting holes 340_L2 are referred to as connecting holes 343 and 344. Furthermore, the four driving elements 300 corresponding to pressure chambers 331 to 334 are referred to as driving elements 301 to 304.

[0036] It can be assumed that the common liquid chambers 110 and 120 each extend in the Y direction, in the direction in which adjacent pressure chambers 331 and 332 are arranged, in other words, in the direction of extension of column L1 of pressure chambers 330. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction in which adjacent pressure chambers 331 and 332 are arranged is an example of a "first direction". In addition, multiple nozzle independent flow channels 130 are arranged along nozzle column NL in the Y direction.

[0037] The lower parts of the shared liquid chambers 110 and 120 and the multiple independent flow channels 130 for the nozzles are mainly formed by a connecting plate 140. The connecting plate 140 can be constructed by stacking multiple plate-shaped components. On the upper surface of the connecting plate 140, i.e., the surface of the connecting plate 140 facing the -Z side, a housing portion 160 and a pressure chamber substrate 250 are provided. When viewed from above in the Z direction, the pressure chamber substrate 250 is located inside the housing portion 160. On the upper surface of the pressure chamber substrate 250, i.e., the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 250 facing the -Z side, a vibrating plate 310 is provided. Multiple pressure chambers 330 are provided on the pressure chamber substrate 250. Each pressure chamber 330 is a space defined by the connecting plate 140, the vibrating plate 310, and the pressure chamber substrate 250. The pressure chamber substrate 250 is manufactured, for example, by processing a single-crystal silicon substrate using semiconductor processing technology. For example, a (110) single-crystal silicon substrate is preferably used as the single-crystal silicon substrate.

[0038] The vibrating plate 310 is a plate-shaped component capable of elastic vibration. The vibrating plate 310 is, for example, a laminate comprising a first layer of silicon oxide (SiO2) and a second layer of zirconium oxide (ZrO2). Other layers, such as metal oxides, may also exist between the first and second layers. Furthermore, part or all of the vibrating plate 310 may be integrally formed from the same material as the pressure chamber substrate 250. For example, by selectively removing a portion in the thickness direction of the plate-shaped component corresponding to the pressure chamber 330 using etching or the like, the vibrating plate 310 and the pressure chamber substrate 250 can be integrally formed. Alternatively, the vibrating plate 310 may be constructed from a single layer of material.

[0039] A nozzle plate 240 is provided on the lower surface of the connecting plate 140, that is, on the surface of the connecting plate 140 facing the +Z side. Furthermore, the lower ends of the first common liquid chamber 110 and the second common liquid chamber 120, that is, the ends of the first common liquid chamber 110 and the second common liquid chamber 120 on the +Z side, are sealed by a flexible sealing membrane 150 made of resin film or thin film metal.

[0040] A wiring substrate 59 is bonded to the -Z side surface of the vibrating plate 310. The wiring substrate 59 is a mounting component that forms multiple wirings for electrical connection between the control unit 450 and the liquid injection head 100. The wiring substrate 59 is a flexible wiring substrate such as an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) or FFC (Flexible Flat Cable). A drive circuit 70 for driving the drive elements 300 is mounted on the wiring substrate 59. The drive circuit 70 supplies drive signals to each drive element 300.

[0041] On the upper surface of the vibrating plate 310, i.e., the surface of the vibrating plate 310 facing the -Z side, a plurality of driving elements 300 are respectively provided corresponding to each pressure chamber 330. These driving elements 300 are, for example, composed of piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric element is, for example, composed of a piezoelectric layer and two electrodes disposed with the piezoelectric layer separated from it. For example, when the driving elements 301 to 304, which are piezoelectric elements, vibrate, these vibrations are transmitted to the pressure chambers 331 to 334 respectively, thereby generating pressure waves in the pressure chambers 331 to 334. The ink is ejected from the nozzle 200 by the pressure generated by the driving elements 301 to 304. When ejecting ink from the nozzle 200, it is preferable that the four driving elements 301 to 304 corresponding to the nozzle 200 are driven simultaneously with the same phase. Alternatively, a heating element that heats the ink in the pressure chamber 330 may be used instead of a piezoelectric element as the driving element.

[0042] A circulation mechanism 60 is connected to the common liquid chambers 110 and 120. The circulation mechanism 60 supplies ink to the first common liquid chamber 110 and recovers ink discharged from the second common liquid chamber 120 for resupply to the first common liquid chamber 110. The circulation mechanism 60 includes a first supply pump 61, a second supply pump 62, a storage container 63, a recovery channel 64, and a supply channel 65.

[0043] The first supply pump 61 is a pump that supplies ink stored in the liquid storage section 420 to the storage container 63. The storage container 63 is a secondary tank that temporarily stores the ink supplied from the liquid storage section 420. The recovery channel 64 is a channel installed between the second common liquid chamber 120 and the storage container 63 for recovering ink from the second common liquid chamber 120 back into the storage container 63. The ink stored in the liquid storage section 420 is supplied to the storage container 63 from the first supply pump 61. Further, ink supplied to the storage container 63 via the recovery channel 64 is ink that, although supplied from the first common liquid chamber 110 to each nozzle independent channel 130, is not ejected from the nozzle 200, but is discharged from each nozzle independent channel 130 into the second common liquid chamber 120. The second supply pump 62 is a pump that delivers the ink stored in the storage container 63. The supply channel 65 is a channel located between the first common liquid chamber 110 and the storage container 63, and is used to supply ink from the storage container 63 to the first common liquid chamber 110.

[0044] An opening 161 located at the upper end of the first common liquid chamber 110, i.e., the end on the -Z side of the first common liquid chamber 110, is connected to a supply channel 65, which is the exterior of the liquid injection head 100. In other words, the opening 161 in this embodiment functions as an inlet for introducing liquid from the circulation mechanism 60. An opening 162 located at the upper end of the second common liquid chamber 120, i.e., the end on the -Z side of the second common liquid chamber 120, is connected to a recovery channel 64, which is the exterior of the circulation mechanism 60. In other words, the opening 162 in this embodiment functions as an outlet for discharging liquid into the circulation mechanism 60.

[0045] The nozzle independent flow channel 130 has the following flow channel and space. In the following description, the term "connected" is used to mean a direct connection. Furthermore, the term "connected" is used in a broad sense, encompassing not only direct connections but also indirect connections.

[0046] Connecting channels 321 to 324

[0047] The first connecting channel 321 connects the first common liquid chamber 110 and the first pressure chamber 331.

[0048] The second connecting channel 322 connects the first common liquid chamber 110 and the second pressure chamber 332.

[0049] The third connecting channel 323 connects the second common liquid chamber 120 and the third pressure chamber 333.

[0050] The fourth connecting channel 324 connects the second common liquid chamber 120 and the fourth pressure chamber 334.

[0051] Connecting channels 321 to 324 are all channels extending in the Z direction and penetrate the connecting plate 140. Figure 4 and Figure 5 For ease of illustration, shading lines are marked at the connecting channels 321 to 324. Furthermore, the portion where the connecting channel 320 intersects with the pressure chamber 330 can be considered part of the pressure chamber 330.

[0052] Pressure chambers 331 to 334

[0053] The first pressure chambers 331 to the fourth pressure chambers 334 are spaces that receive pressure changes via the first drive element 301 to the fourth drive element 304, respectively. The first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332 are arranged side-by-side in the first direction Dr1, and the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334 are also arranged side-by-side in the first direction Dr1. In this embodiment, the first direction Dr1 is parallel to the Y direction. The first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332 are offset from the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334 in the second direction Dr2, which is orthogonal to the first direction Dr1. In this embodiment, the second direction Dr2 is parallel to the X direction. The pressure waves generated in the first pressure chambers 331 to the fourth pressure chambers 334 reach the nozzle 200, causing ink to be ejected from the nozzle 200. Preferably, the pressure chambers 331 to 334 have the same shape. Although in this embodiment, the multiple pressure chambers 331 to 334 are arranged in an alternating pattern, they may not be arranged in an alternating pattern. Each pressure chamber 330 extends in the second direction Dr2.

[0054] Connecting holes 341 to 344

[0055] The first connecting holes 341 to the fourth connecting holes 344 are flow channels that extend in the Z direction and connect the connecting flow channel 350 to the first pressure chamber 331 to the fourth pressure chamber 334, respectively. That is, each pressure chamber 330 is connected to the connecting flow channel 320 at one end and to the connecting hole 340 at the other end. The first connecting holes 341 to the fourth connecting holes 344 are examples of "first flow channel" to "fourth flow channel". Furthermore, in Figure 4 and Figure 5For ease of illustration, connecting holes 341 to 344 are marked with shaded lines. The first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342 are arranged side-by-side in the first direction Dr1, and the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344 are also arranged side-by-side in the first direction Dr1. Figure 6 In this configuration, the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342 are separated by a connecting hole partition 145. Connecting holes 341 to 344 are flow channels extending in the same direction as connecting channels 321 to 324 and penetrate the connecting plate 140. Preferably, connecting holes 341 to 344 have the same shape. Furthermore, the portion where the connecting hole 340 intersects with the pressure chamber 330 can be considered part of the pressure chamber 330.

[0056] Connecting channel 350

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the connecting flow channel 350 is a flow channel connected to the nozzle 200 and communicating the nozzle 200 with the first pressure chamber 331 to the fourth pressure chamber 334. Furthermore, the connecting flow channel 350 extends along the nozzle surface of the nozzle plate 240 where a plurality of nozzles 200 are formed, and a nozzle 200 is provided at a midway point in the connecting flow channel 350. Specifically, the connecting flow channel 350 extends along the X direction and is defined by the surfaces of the connecting plate 140 and the nozzle plate 240 facing the -Z side. Figure 5 As shown, the connecting channel 350 includes a first portion 351, a second portion 352, and a third portion 353. The first portion 351 is disposed at one end of the connecting channel 350 and connected to the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342. The second portion 352 is disposed at the other end of the connecting channel 350 and connected to the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344. The third portion 353 connects the first portion 351 and the second portion 352. Furthermore, the third portion 353 is a portion with a smaller width in the first direction Dr1 compared to the first portion 351 and the second portion 352. In this embodiment, the width W353 of the third portion 353 in the first direction Dr1 is fixed. Additionally, the portions where the first to fourth connecting holes 341 to 344 intersect with the connecting channel 350 can be considered as part of the connecting channel 350.

[0058] The pressure waves generated in the first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332 converge at a first confluence position Pj1 near the lower ends of the first and second connecting holes 341 and 342, i.e., near the +Z side ends of the first and second connecting holes 341 and 342. The pressure waves generated in the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334 converge at a second confluence position Pj2 near the lower ends of the third and fourth connecting holes 343 and 344, i.e., near the +Z side ends of the third and fourth connecting holes 343 and 344. These pressure waves function as the driving force for ejecting ink from the nozzle 200.

[0059] As an ink, a liquid with, for example, plasticity can be used. More specifically, preferably, the ink has a shear rate of 1000 s at 25°C. -1 The viscosity at that time was above 0.01 Pa·s and below 0.2 Pa·s, and the shear rate was 0.01 s⁻¹. -1 The viscosity is 0.5 Pa·s or more and 50 Pa·s or less. In this embodiment, by using four pressure chambers 331 to 334, the cross-sectional area of ​​each flow channel is reduced and the flow rate is increased, thereby reducing the viscosity of the ink and enabling the use of a liquid ink with pseudo-plasticity. However, since it is desirable to effectively utilize the energy of the drive elements 301 to 304 from the pressure chambers 331 to 334 to the nozzle 200, it is not preferable to excessively increase the flow channel resistance. Therefore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, by causing the flow channels from the adjacent pressure chamber 330 toward the nozzle 200 to merge earlier at the merging positions Pj1 and Pj2, which are closer to the pressure chamber than the nozzle 200, the excessive increase in flow channel resistance is prevented.

[0060] In this embodiment, four pressure chambers 331 to 334 are provided for one nozzle 200, but more than five pressure chambers may also be provided. In any case, the drive element is configured to correspond to each pressure chamber.

[0061] The nozzle independent flow channel 130 in this embodiment can be considered as a flow channel including four independent flow channels corresponding to the four drive elements 301 to 304. "Independent flow channel" means a flow channel that includes at least the pressure chamber 330, and one independent flow channel corresponding to each drive element 300. In this embodiment, the first independent flow channel can be considered as a flow channel including the first connecting flow channel 321, the first pressure chamber 331, and the first connecting hole 341. The second to fourth independent flow channels can also be understood in the same way.

[0062] The liquid jet head 100 of the first embodiment has the following characteristics related to the attenuation of pressure waves.

[0063] Feature F1

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from above along the Z direction, the first confluence position Pj1 is closer to the nozzle 200 side end of the pressure chambers 331 and 332 than to the nozzle 200. That is, the distance from the first confluence position Pj1 to each end of the nozzle 200 side of the pressure chambers 331 and 332 is shorter than the distance from the first confluence position Pj1 to the nozzle 200. Here, "the first end of the nozzle 200 side of the pressure chamber 331" refers to the end of the pressure chamber 331 along the X direction that is opposite to the first common liquid chamber 110, in other words, the +X side end. "The second end of the nozzle 200 side of the pressure chamber 332" refers to the end of the pressure chamber 332 along the X direction that is opposite to the first common liquid chamber 110, in other words, the +X side end. Similarly, when viewed from above along the Z direction, the second confluence position Pj2 is closer to the ends of pressure chambers 333 and 334 than the nozzle 200. "The third end of pressure chamber 333 on the nozzle 200 side" refers to the end of pressure chamber 333 along the X direction that is opposite to the second common liquid chamber 120, in other words, the -X side end. "The fourth end of pressure chamber 334 on the nozzle 200 side" refers to the end of pressure chamber 334 along the X direction that is opposite to the second common liquid chamber 120, in other words, the -X side end.

[0065] According to this feature F1, the pressure waves from the first pressure chamber 33 and the pressure waves from the second pressure chamber 332 converge near the pressure chambers 331 and 332, rather than near the nozzle 200. Therefore, compared to the existing example where the pressure waves from the first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332 converge near the nozzle 200, excessive attenuation of the pressure waves from each pressure chamber 330 toward the nozzle 200 can be prevented. The same applies to the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334.

[0066] Furthermore, according to feature F1, compared to the prior art, the proportion of the portion of the flow path shared by pressure chambers 331 and 332 from each end of pressure chambers 331 and 332 to nozzle 200 can be increased. Therefore, compared to the prior art, the flow path resistance from pressure chambers 331 and 332 to nozzle 200 can be reduced. The same applies to the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334. As a result, pressure loss can be reduced and ejection efficiency improved. The effect of improving ejection efficiency is particularly significant when using high-viscosity inks such as pseudoplastic inks. On the other hand, in the structure where pressure waves converge near nozzle 200, as in the prior art, the pressure waves are significantly attenuated, thus reducing ejection efficiency. Furthermore, there is a possibility that ink may be difficult to refill into nozzle 200, and air bubbles may be entrained in the nozzle.

[0067] Furthermore, the first confluence position Pj1 can also be considered as the confluence position of the flow path from the first pressure chamber 331 to the nozzle 200 and the flow path from the second pressure chamber 332 to the nozzle 200. Similarly, the second confluence position Pj2 can also be considered as the confluence position of the flow path from the third pressure chamber 333 to the nozzle 200 and the flow path from the fourth pressure chamber 334 to the nozzle 200. As described above, in practice, liquid is supplied from the outside to the first common liquid chamber 110, and then guided from the first common liquid chamber 110 to the first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332. Afterward, a portion of the liquid is ejected from the nozzle 200 in the connecting flow path 350 and guided through the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334 to the second common liquid chamber 120, and then discharged from the second common liquid chamber 120 to the outside. Therefore, although the "flow path from the third pressure chamber 333 to the nozzle 200" and the "flow path from the fourth pressure chamber 334 to the nozzle 200" are both assumed to be flows in the opposite direction to the actual liquid flow, it is understandable that these flow paths can be assumed regardless of the direction of liquid flow.

[0068] Feature F2

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from above along the Z direction, the first confluence position Pj1 is located between the first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332, and the second confluence position Pj2 is located between the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334.

[0070] Feature F3

[0071] like Figure 5As shown, the first confluence position Pj1 is located at one end of the connecting channel 350, and the second confluence position Pj2 is located at the other end. According to this feature F3, since the pressure waves from pressure chambers 331 and 332 converge near their source, and the pressure waves from pressure chambers 333 and 334 converge near their source, the attenuation of pressure waves can be suppressed more effectively.

[0072] Feature F4

[0073] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the first merging position Pj1 is located within the first portion 351 of the connecting channel 350, and the second merging position Pj2 is located within the second portion 352 of the connecting channel 350. Based on this feature F4, as... Figure 6 As shown, there is a connecting hole partition 145 between adjacent connecting holes 341 and 342 and between connecting holes 343 and 344, which can reduce the crossflow between pressure chambers 331 and 332 and between pressure chambers 333 and 334.

[0074] Feature F5

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the dimension L353 of the third portion 353 of the connecting channel 350, measured along the second direction Dr2, is longer than the dimension L351 of the first portion 351. Furthermore, the dimension L353 of the third portion 353 is longer than the dimension L352 of the second portion 352.

[0076] Feature F6

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the third portion 353 of the connecting channel 350 is connected to the nozzle 200. According to this feature F6, pressure waves from pressure chambers 331 to 334 converge near their generation source, thus more effectively suppressing pressure wave attenuation.

[0078] Feature F7

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, the width W353 of the third portion 353 of the connecting channel 350, measured along the first direction Dr1, is smaller than the width W351 of the first portion 351. Furthermore, the width W353 of the third portion 353 is smaller than the width W352 of the second portion 352. According to this feature F7, when using a plasticizing liquid, by reducing the width W353 of the third portion 353, the flow rate near the nozzle 200 can be increased, and the viscosity of the ink near the nozzle 200 can be reduced.

[0080] Feature F8

[0081] like Figure 3As shown, the first connecting hole 341 to the fourth connecting hole 344 extend in directions intersecting the extending direction of the connecting channel 350. That is, the long side direction of each of the first connecting hole 341 to the fourth connecting hole 344 is the direction intersecting the long side direction of the connecting channel 350. In this embodiment, the X direction is an example of the "extending direction of the connecting channel 350", and the Z direction is an example of the "direction intersecting the extending direction of the connecting channel 350".

[0082] Furthermore, the first connecting hole 341 to the fourth connecting hole 344 can also be considered as connecting holes extending in a direction intersecting the direction of the adjacent pressure chambers 330. Additionally, from Figure 3 It can be understood that the first connecting hole 341 to the fourth connecting hole 344 can also be considered as connecting holes extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the nozzle plate 240. In addition, the first connecting hole 341 to the fourth connecting hole 344 can also be considered as connecting holes extending in the injection direction Z.

[0083] Feature F9

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from above along the Z-direction, the connecting holes 341 to 344 are closer to the nozzle 200 than the connecting channels 321 to 324. In other words, the distance from each of the connecting holes 341 to 344 to the nozzle 200 is shorter than the distance from each of the connecting holes 341 to 344 to the connecting channels 321 to 324. According to this feature F9, the connecting channel 350 can be shortened, thereby reducing the channel resistance.

[0085] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the liquid injection head 100 has at least some of the features F1 to F9 described above. Therefore, it is possible to make the pressure waves converge on the pressure chambers 331 to 334 side instead of the nozzle 200 side, thereby preventing excessive attenuation of the pressure waves from each pressure chamber 330 toward the nozzle 200. In addition, some of the features described above can be omitted.

[0086] B. Other implementation methods

[0087] Figure 7 This diagram is an enlarged view of the nozzle independent flow channel 130 in the second embodiment. Figure 8 In order to be consistent with the first embodiment 1 Figure 6 The corresponding diagram, and is for representation Figure 7A cross-sectional view of section VIII-VIII. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the connecting portions 361 and 362 are located at one end of the communicating channel 350, the first partition portion 141 is located between the first connecting portion 361 and the second connecting portion 362, the connecting portions 363 and 364 are located at the other end of the communicating channel 350, and the second partition portion 142 is located between the third connecting portion 363 and the fourth connecting portion 364. Otherwise, it is substantially the same as the first embodiment.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, the first partition wall portion 141, by engaging with the -Z side surface of the nozzle plate 240, divides the connecting channel 350 into a first connecting portion 361, which is separately connected to the first connecting hole 341, and a second connecting portion 362, which is separately connected to the second connecting hole 342. These connecting portions 361 and 362 are provided at one end of the connecting channel 350 on the -X side. Similarly, the second partition wall portion 142, by engaging with the -Z side surface of the nozzle plate 240, divides the connecting channel 350 into a third connecting portion 363, which is separately connected to the third connecting hole 343, and a fourth connecting portion 364, which is separately connected to the fourth connecting hole 344. These connecting portions 363 and 364 are provided at the other end of the connecting channel 350 on the +X side.

[0089] In the second embodiment, it can also be considered as four independent flow channels corresponding to each of the pressure chambers 331 to 334. For example, the first independent flow channel can be considered as a flow channel including the first connecting flow channel 321, the first pressure chamber 331, the first connecting hole 341, and the first connecting portion 361. The second to fourth independent flow channels can also be understood in the same way.

[0090] The liquid injection head 100 of the second embodiment, in addition to having the features described in the first embodiment, also has the following features.

[0091] Feature F10

[0092] The dimensions L141 of the first partition 141 and L142 of the second partition 142, measured along the second direction Dr2, are respectively shorter than the dimensions obtained by subtracting dimensions L141 and L142 from the dimension L350 of the connecting channel 350. That is, L141 < (L350 - L141 - L142) and L142 <

[0093] (L350-L141-L142). According to this feature F10, it is possible to prevent the pressure wave from moving from the first connecting hole 341 towards the nozzle 200 towards the second connecting hole 342, thereby reducing crossflow. Furthermore, since the first partition wall portion 141 has a shorter dimension L141, it is possible to suppress the increase in resistance of the connecting flow channel 350 itself, thereby suppressing the reduction in circulating flow and the attenuation of the pressure wave. The second partition wall portion 142 also has the same effect. Additionally, as... Figure 7 As shown, preferably, the first partition wall portion 141 extends in the second direction Dr2 in a manner that spans the entire length of both the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342. Similarly, preferably, the second partition wall portion 142 extends in the second direction Dr2 in a manner that spans the entire length of both the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344. Further, more preferably, the +X side end of the first partition wall portion 141 is the same as the +X side end of the connecting holes 341 and 342. Similarly, more preferably, the -X side end of the second partition wall portion 142 is the same as the -X side end of the connecting holes 343 and 344.

[0094] Feature F11

[0095] The dimensions L141 of the first partition 141 and L142 of the second partition 142 are each shorter than half the aforementioned dimensions (L350-L141-L142). This feature F11 further enhances the effect of the aforementioned feature F10. Furthermore, dimensions L141 and L142 are more preferably shorter than one-third the aforementioned dimensions (L350-L141-L142), and even more preferably shorter than one-quarter the aforementioned dimensions (L350-L141-L142).

[0096] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the multiple connected flow channels 350 in the second embodiment. Figure 10 To indicate Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of section X-X. Here, when nozzle 200 is designated as the first nozzle 200, the nozzle 200a adjacent to the first nozzle 200 is designated as the second nozzle 200a. Figure 9 In the diagram, the connecting flow channel 350 for the first nozzle 200 and the connecting flow channel 350a for the second nozzle 200a are depicted side-by-side. Connecting flow channel 350a is an example of a "second connecting flow channel". Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The diagram depicts connecting holes 345 and 346 for the second nozzle 200a. These connecting holes 345 and 346 correspond to connecting holes 342 and 341 for the first nozzle 200, respectively. Connecting hole 345 is an example of a "fifth connecting hole". Figure 10The image further depicts pressure chambers 335 and 336 for the second nozzle 200a and connecting portions 365 and 366 for the connecting channel 350a. Pressure chambers 335 and 336 correspond to pressure chambers 332 and 331 for the first nozzle 200, respectively, and connecting portions 365 and 366 correspond to connecting portions 362 and 361 for the connecting channel 350. Pressure chamber 335 is an example of a "fifth pressure chamber." The connecting portion 361 for the first nozzle 200 and the connecting portion 365 for the second nozzle 200a are separated by a third partition 143.

[0097] Feature F12

[0098] like Figure 10 As shown, the thickness W141 of the first partition wall portion 141, measured along the first direction Dr1, is thinner than the thickness W143 of the third partition wall portion 143. Similarly, the thickness of the second partition wall portion 142 is also thinner than the thickness W143 of the third partition wall portion 143. According to this feature F12, the flow resistance of the connecting flow channel 350 can be reduced. However, the thicknesses W141 of the first partition wall portion 141 and W143 of the third partition wall portion 143 can also be equal.

[0099] Feature F13

[0100] Alternatively, instead of the aforementioned feature F12, feature F13 can be used, which states that "the thickness W141 of the first partition 141, measured along the first direction Dr1, is thicker than the thickness W143 of the third partition 143." The same applies to the second partition 142. Based on this feature F13, the influence of crosstalk can be further reduced.

[0101] Figure 11 For the first embodiment Figure 6 The corresponding figure is a cross-sectional view of the flow channel in the third embodiment. The third embodiment involves... Figure 6In the cross-section of the first embodiment shown, the Z-direction dimension of the connecting hole partition 145 is reduced, and the space on the lower side of the connecting hole partition 145, i.e., the +Z side of the connecting hole partition 145, is enlarged, thereby providing a first common flow channel 371 between the two connecting holes 341, 342 and one end of the connecting flow channel 350. Similarly, a second common flow channel 372 is provided between the other two connecting holes 343, 344 and the other end of the connecting flow channel 350. In this embodiment, the first common flow channel 371 is connected to the two connecting holes 341, 342 at its -Z side end and to one end of the connecting flow channel 350 at its +Z side end. Similarly, in this embodiment, the second common flow channel 372 is connected to the two connecting holes 343, 344 at its -Z side end and to the other end of the connecting flow channel 350 at its +Z side end. The other structures of the third embodiment are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0102] In the third embodiment, it can also be considered as four independent flow channels corresponding to each pressure chamber 331 to 334. For example, the first independent flow channel can be considered as a flow channel including the first connecting flow channel 321, the first pressure chamber 331, and the first connecting hole 341. The second to fourth independent flow channels can also be understood in the same way.

[0103] The liquid injection head 100 of the third embodiment, in addition to having the features described in the first embodiment, also has the following features.

[0104] Feature F14

[0105] like Figure 11 As shown, the first merging position Pj1 is located in the first common flow channel 371, and the second merging position Pj2 is located in the second common flow channel 372. According to this feature F14, a balance can be appropriately maintained between the suppression of crossflow and the suppression of pressure wave attenuation.

[0106] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow channel in the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment involves... Figure 11 The cross-section of the third embodiment shown omits the connecting hole partition 145, thus further expanding the first common flow channel 371 and the second common flow channel 372; the other structures are substantially the same as the third embodiment. Specifically, the first common flow channel 371 connects to one end of the connecting flow channel 350 at the first end of the first pressure chamber 331 on the nozzle 200 side and the second end of the second pressure chamber 332 on the nozzle 200 side. The second common flow channel 372 connects to the other end of the connecting flow channel 350 at the third end of the third pressure chamber 333 on the nozzle 200 side and the fourth end of the fourth pressure chamber 334 on the nozzle 200 side. This fourth embodiment also has the aforementioned feature F14, similar to the third embodiment.

[0107] In the fourth embodiment, it can also be considered as four independent flow channels corresponding to each pressure chamber 331 to 334. For example, the first independent flow channel can be considered as a flow channel including the first connecting flow channel 321 and the first pressure chamber 331. The second to fourth independent flow channels can also be understood in the same way.

[0108] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow channel in the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment involves... Figure 12 In the cross-section of the fourth embodiment shown, the Z-direction dimension of the +X side end of the partition wall between adjacent pressure chambers 331 and 332 is reduced, thereby forming a first connecting channel 381 between pressure chambers 331 and 332. Similarly, the Z-direction dimension of the -X side end of the partition wall between adjacent pressure chambers 333 and 334 is also reduced, thereby forming a second connecting channel 382 between pressure chambers 333 and 334. The first connecting channel 381 connects a first end on the nozzle 200 side of the first pressure chamber 331 and a second end on the nozzle 200 side of the second pressure chamber 332, and extends from the first end to the second end along the first direction Dr1. The second connecting channel 382 connects a third end on the nozzle 200 side of the third pressure chamber 333 and a fourth end on the nozzle 200 side of the fourth pressure chamber 334, and extends from the third end to the fourth end along the first direction Dr1. Furthermore, these connecting channels 381, 382 are defined by the pressure chamber substrate 250. The other structures of the fifth embodiment are substantially the same as those of the third and fourth embodiments.

[0109] In the fifth embodiment, it can also be considered as four independent flow channels corresponding to each pressure chamber 331 to 334. For example, the first independent flow channel can be considered as the flow channel including the first connecting flow channel 321 and the first pressure chamber 331. The second to fourth independent flow channels can also be understood in the same way.

[0110] The liquid injection head 100 of the fifth embodiment has the following characteristics.

[0111] Feature F15

[0112] The first merging position Pj1 is located in the first connecting channel 381, and the second merging position Pj2 is located in the second connecting channel 382. Based on this feature F15, the attenuation of the pressure wave can be suppressed.

[0113] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the shape of the connecting channel 350 in the sixth embodiment. Figure 15 For the first embodiment Figure 6 The corresponding diagram, and is used to represent Figure 14 A sectional view of section IX-IX. Additionally, in Figure 15 In the cross-section at the locations of pressure chambers 331 and 332, the symbols for each part are followed by parentheses indicating the locations of other pressure chambers 333 and 334. Figure 14 The symbols for each part in section X-X. Furthermore, in Figure 15 In the diagram, dashed arrows are used to depict pressure waves from pressure chambers 331 and 332, black dots are used to depict the convergence point of pressure waves from pressure chambers 331 and 332, i.e., the first convergence point Pj1, dotted arrows are used to depict pressure waves from other pressure chambers 333 and 334, and white dots are used to depict the convergence point of pressure waves from other pressure chambers 333 and 334, i.e., the second convergence point Pj2.

[0114] and Figure 5 The main difference in the first embodiment shown is only the shape of the central third portion 353 of the connecting channel 350; the other structures are largely the same as in the first embodiment. That is, in the sixth embodiment, the third portion 353 differs from the first embodiment in that it bends midway. More specifically, the two sides of the third portion 353 are parallel to the second direction Dr2, and the central portion of the third portion 353 is inclined relative to the second direction Dr2. However, in the sixth embodiment, the fact that the entire connecting channel 350 extends in the second direction Dr2, i.e., the long side of the entire connecting channel 350 is parallel to the second direction Dr2, is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, it is preferable that the third portion 353 is located inside the smallest circumscribed convex polygon CF containing the first portion 351 and the second portion 352. In this way, the connecting channels 350 of adjacent nozzles do not interfere with each other, thus having the advantage of not needing to pull the nozzles apart.

[0115] Furthermore, the first portion 351 of the connecting channel 350 is divided into a portion 391 directly connected to the first connecting hole 341, a portion 392 directly connected to the second connecting hole 342, and a relay channel 411 for connecting portion 391 and portion 392. Since the third portion 353 of the connecting channel 350 is connected to portion 391, the pressure waves from the first pressure chamber 331 and the pressure waves from the second pressure chamber 332 converge at portion 391. That is, in a top-down view along the Z-direction, the first confluence position Pj1 overlaps with the first pressure chamber 331.

[0116] Similarly, the second portion 352 of the connecting channel 350 is divided into a portion 393 directly connected to the third connecting hole 343, a portion 394 directly connected to the fourth connecting hole 344, and a relay channel 412 for connecting portion 393 and portion 394. Since the third portion 353 of the connecting channel 350 is connected to portion 394, the pressure waves from the third pressure chamber 333 and the pressure waves from the fourth pressure chamber 334 converge at portion 394. That is, in a top-down view along the Z direction, the second confluence position Pj2 overlaps with the fourth pressure chamber 334.

[0117] Alternatively, the third part 353 may not be connected to parts 391 and 394, but to parts 392 and 393. That is, it can also be configured such that, when viewed from above along the Z direction, the first confluence position Pj1 overlaps with the second pressure chamber 332, and the second confluence position Pj2 overlaps with the third pressure chamber 333.

[0118] Based on the above, it is sufficient that, when viewed from above, the first confluence position Pj1 overlaps with any one of the first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332, and the second confluence position Pj2 overlaps with any one of the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334.

[0119] Furthermore, although the sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first connecting hole 341 and the third connecting hole 343 are at the same position in the first direction Dr1, and the second connecting hole 342 and the fourth connecting hole 344 are at the same position in the first direction Dr1, it is also possible, as in the first embodiment, that the first connecting hole 341 and the third connecting hole 343 are offset in the first direction Dr1, and that the second connecting hole 342 and the fourth connecting hole 344 are offset in the first direction Dr1.

[0120] Figure 16 This diagram illustrates the shape of the connecting channel 350 in the seventh embodiment. This seventh embodiment is related to... Figure 5 The main difference in the first embodiment shown is only in the shape of the centrally located third portion 353 of the connecting channel 350; the other structures are largely the same as in the first embodiment. That is, in the seventh embodiment, although the third portion 353 is also straight like in the first embodiment, it extends in a direction inclined from the second direction Dr2. However, in the seventh embodiment, the entire connecting channel 350 extends along the second direction Dr2, just like in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the third portion 353 is located inside the smallest circumscribed convex polygon CF that includes the first portion 351 and the second portion 352.

[0121] Figure 17This is a diagram illustrating the shape of the connecting channel 350 in the eighth embodiment. This eighth embodiment is related to... Figure 5 The only difference in the first embodiment shown is the shape of the centrally located third portion 353 of the connecting channel 350; the rest of the structure is substantially the same as the first embodiment. That is, in the eighth embodiment, the third portion 353 is shaped to sequentially and obliquely connect three portions parallel to the second direction Dr2. However, in the eighth embodiment, the entire connecting channel 350 extends in the second direction Dr2, which is also the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, the third portion 353 is located inside the smallest circumscribed convex polygon CF that includes the first portion 351 and the second portion 352.

[0122] The sixth to eighth embodiments described above also achieve substantially the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the shapes of the sixth to eighth embodiments can also be applied to the second to fifth embodiments described above.

[0123] Figure 18 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the flow channel structure in the ninth embodiment. The ninth embodiment differs from the first to eighth embodiments described above in that the two shared liquid chambers 110 and 120, the four pressure chambers 331 to 334, the four connecting holes 341 to 344, and the connecting flow channel 350 are separately arranged at four different height positions. Furthermore, the pressure chambers 331 to 334 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the Z-direction and intersecting the Y-direction, which is the direction in which the plurality of nozzles 200 constituting the nozzle array NL are arranged side-by-side. In this embodiment, the pressure chambers 331 to 334 are arranged in the X-direction, orthogonal to the Y-direction. That is, although not shown in detail, there are columns with the following four pressure chambers: a column containing multiple pressure chambers 330 (including pressure chamber 331) arranged in the Y-direction, a column containing multiple pressure chambers 330 (including pressure chamber 332) arranged in the Y-direction, a column containing multiple pressure chambers 330 (including pressure chamber 333) arranged in the Y-direction, and a column containing multiple pressure chambers 334 arranged in the Y-direction.

[0124] As Figure 18 As shown, the first confluence position Pj1 is the position that overlaps with the second pressure chamber 332 when viewed from above along the Z direction, and the second confluence position Pj2 is the position that overlaps with the third pressure chamber 333 when viewed from above along the Z direction. For this ninth embodiment, some of the features F1 to F15 described above can also be selectively applied.

[0125] As described above, the liquid injection head 100 of this disclosure, by having at least some of the features F1 to F15 described above, is able to prevent excessive attenuation of pressure waves from each pressure chamber 330 toward the nozzle 200.

[0126] Variation Example 1

[0127] While the various embodiments described above illustrate a serial liquid injection device 400 in which the carriage 434 holding the liquid injection head 100 reciprocates, this disclosure can also be applied to a row-type liquid injection device in which multiple nozzles 200 are distributed across the entire width of the medium PM. That is, the carriage holding the liquid injection head 100 is not limited to a serial carriage, but can also be a structure that supports the liquid injection head 100 in a row configuration. In such a case, for example, multiple liquid injection heads 100 are arranged side-by-side in the width direction of the medium PM, and these multiple liquid injection heads 100 are held together on a single carriage.

[0128] Variation Example 2

[0129] Although the liquid injection device 400 with a circulation mechanism 60 is shown in the various embodiments described above, the liquid injection device 400 may also be without a circulation mechanism 60. That is, the openings 161 and 162 of the housing portion 160 may both be configured as inlets for introducing liquid from the liquid storage portion 420, and the first common liquid chamber 110 and the second common liquid chamber 120 may both be used as flow channels for supplying liquid supplied from the liquid storage portion 420 to the nozzle 20.

[0130] Variation Example 3

[0131] Although the above-described configurations involve four pressure chambers 330 corresponding to one nozzle, it is also possible to provide more than four pressure chambers 330 corresponding to one nozzle. For example, in the case of six pressure chambers 330 corresponding to one nozzle, the same effect as described above can be achieved as long as the structure in which the first confluence position Pj1 of the pressure waves from three of the six pressure chambers 330 is closer to the ends of those three pressure chambers 330 than the nozzle 200, and the second confluence position Pj2 of the pressure waves from the other three pressure chambers 330 is closer to the ends of those other three pressure chambers 330 than the nozzle 200.

[0132] Variation Example 4

[0133] Although in the various embodiments described above, a connecting flow channel 320 is provided for each of the pressure chambers 331 to 334, it is also possible to provide a common connecting flow channel 320 for pressure chambers 331 and 332 connected to the same first common liquid chamber 110. That is, it is also possible to have a structure in which one connecting flow channel 320 is provided corresponding to each of the multiple pressure chambers 330. The same applies to pressure chambers 333 and 334 connected to the same second common liquid chamber 120. When considering four independent flow channels corresponding to each of the pressure chambers 331 to 334 in Modification 4, for example, the first independent flow channel does not include the connecting flow channel 320. The second to fourth independent flow channels can also be handled in the same way.

[0134] Modified Example 5

[0135] Although in the above embodiments, the connecting channel 320 is a channel extending in the Z direction, the connecting channel 320 may also be a channel extending in a direction intersecting the Z direction, or it may be a channel including both a portion extending in the Z direction and a portion extending in a direction intersecting the Z direction.

[0136] Variation Example 6

[0137] The liquid jetting apparatus described above can be used not only in printing machines but also in various other machines such as fax machines and copiers. However, the applications of liquid jetting apparatus are not limited to printing. For example, a liquid jetting apparatus for jetting solutions of color materials is used as a manufacturing apparatus for color filters in display devices such as liquid crystal display panels. Furthermore, a liquid jetting apparatus for jetting solutions of conductive materials is used as a manufacturing apparatus for wiring or electrodes in wiring substrates. Additionally, a liquid jetting apparatus for jetting solutions of organic substances related to living organisms is used, for example, as a manufacturing apparatus for biochips.

[0138] Other methods:

[0139] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following aspects. In order to solve part or all of the problems of this disclosure, or to achieve part or all of the effects of this disclosure, the technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various aspects described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, as long as the technical feature is not described as an essential technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0140] (1) The liquid injection head according to the first aspect of this disclosure comprises: a nozzle for injecting liquid; first to fourth pressure chambers; a communicating channel connected to the nozzle and communicating the nozzle with the first to fourth pressure chambers; a first driving element for changing the pressure of the first pressure chamber; a second driving element for changing the pressure of a second pressure chamber; a third driving element for changing the pressure of a third pressure chamber; a fourth driving element for changing the pressure of the fourth pressure chamber; a first common liquid chamber communicating with the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber; and a second common liquid chamber communicating with the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber. When viewed from above, the first confluence position where the first pressure wave generated by the first driving element and transmitted from the first pressure chamber to the nozzle, and the second pressure wave generated by the second driving element and transmitted from the second pressure chamber to the nozzle, converge is closer to the first end of the first pressure chamber on the nozzle side and the second end of the second pressure chamber on the nozzle side, compared to the nozzle. When viewed from above, the second convergence point where the third pressure wave generated by the third driving element and transmitted from the third pressure chamber to the nozzle and the fourth pressure wave generated by the fourth driving element and transmitted from the fourth pressure chamber to the nozzle converge is closer to the third end of the third pressure chamber on the nozzle side and the fourth end of the fourth pressure chamber on the nozzle side than to the nozzle.

[0141] According to this liquid injection head, since the pressure waves converge on the pressure chamber side instead of the nozzle side, it is possible to prevent excessive attenuation of the pressure waves from each pressure chamber toward the nozzle.

[0142] (2) The liquid injection head can also be configured such that, when viewed from above, the first confluence position is located between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, and when viewed from above, the second confluence position is located between the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber.

[0143] (3) The liquid injection head can also be configured such that, when viewed from above, the first confluence position overlaps with either the first or the second pressure chamber, and when viewed from above, the second confluence position overlaps with either the third or the fourth pressure chamber.

[0144] (4) In the above liquid injection head, the first confluence position may be located at one end of the connecting channel, and the second confluence position may be located at the other end of the connecting channel.

[0145] (5) The liquid injection head described above may also be configured to include: a first flow channel extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connecting the connecting flow channel and the first pressure chamber; a second flow channel extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connecting the connecting flow channel and the second pressure chamber; a third flow channel extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connecting the connecting flow channel and the third pressure chamber; and a fourth flow channel extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connecting the connecting flow channel and the fourth pressure chamber. Alternatively, the connecting flow channel may include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, with the first portion disposed at one end of the connecting flow channel and connected to both the first and second flow channels, the second portion disposed at the other end of the connecting flow channel and connected to both the third and fourth flow channels, and the third portion connected to both the first and second portions. Alternatively, the first confluence position may be located at the first portion, and the second confluence position may be located at the second portion.

[0146] (6) In the above liquid injection head, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may also be arranged side by side in the first direction, the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber are arranged side by side in the first direction, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are staggered from the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the dimension of the third part in the second direction is longer than the dimension of the first part in the second direction.

[0147] (7) In the above liquid injection head, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be arranged side by side in the first direction, the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber are arranged side by side in the first direction, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are staggered from the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and the third part is connected to the nozzle.

[0148] (8) In the above liquid injection head, the width of the third part in the first direction may also be smaller than the width of the first part in the first direction.

[0149] (9) The liquid injection head described above may also be configured to include: a first flow channel extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connecting the connecting flow channel and the first pressure chamber; a second flow channel extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connecting the connecting flow channel and the second pressure chamber; a third flow channel extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connecting the connecting flow channel and the third pressure chamber; and a fourth flow channel extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connecting the connecting flow channel and the fourth pressure chamber. Alternatively, it may be configured to include a first partition portion and a second partition portion, wherein the first partition portion divides a first connecting portion in the connecting flow channel that is separately connected to the first flow channel and a second connecting portion that is separately connected to the second flow channel, and the second partition portion divides a third connecting portion in the connecting flow channel that is separately connected to the third flow channel and a fourth connecting portion that is separately connected to the fourth flow channel. Alternatively, the first and second pressure chambers can be arranged side-by-side in a first direction, and the third and fourth pressure chambers can be arranged side-by-side in the same direction, with the first and second pressure chambers offset from the third and fourth pressure chambers in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Alternatively, the first dimension of the first partition portion in the second direction and the second dimension of the second partition portion in the second direction can be respectively shorter than the third dimension obtained by subtracting the first and second dimensions from the dimension of the communicating flow channel in the second direction.

[0150] (10) In the above liquid injection head, the first dimension may also be shorter than 1 / 2 times the third dimension.

[0151] (11) The liquid injection head described above may also be configured to include: a second nozzle adjacent to the first nozzle; a fifth pressure chamber adjacent to the first pressure chamber; a second connecting channel connected to the second nozzle and communicating between the second nozzle and the fifth pressure chamber; a fifth channel connecting the second connecting channel and the fifth pressure chamber; and a third partition portion dividing the fifth connecting portion and the first connecting portion in the second connecting channel that are separately connected to the fifth channel. Alternatively, the thickness of the first partition portion in the first direction may be thinner than the thickness of the third partition portion.

[0152] (12) The liquid injection head described above may also be configured to include: a second nozzle adjacent to the first nozzle; a fifth pressure chamber adjacent to the first pressure chamber; a second connecting channel connected to the second nozzle and communicating between the second nozzle and the fifth pressure chamber; a fifth channel connecting the second connecting channel and the fifth pressure chamber; and a third partition portion dividing the fifth connecting portion and the first connecting portion in the second connecting channel that are separately connected to the fifth channel. Alternatively, the thickness of the first partition portion in the first direction may be greater than the thickness of the third partition portion.

[0153] (13) In the above liquid injection head, the first to fourth flow channels may also be configured to extend in a direction that intersects the extension direction of the connecting flow channel.

[0154] (14) The above-mentioned liquid injection head may also be configured to include: a first connecting channel connecting the first common liquid chamber and the first pressure chamber; a second connecting channel connecting the first common liquid chamber and the second pressure chamber; a third connecting channel connecting the second common liquid chamber and the third pressure chamber; and a fourth connecting channel connecting the second common liquid chamber and the fourth pressure chamber. Alternatively, the first channel may be positioned closer to the nozzle than the first connecting channel when viewed from above, the second channel may be positioned closer to the nozzle than the second connecting channel when viewed from above, the third channel may be positioned closer to the nozzle than the third connecting channel when viewed from above, and the fourth channel may be positioned closer to the nozzle than the fourth connecting channel when viewed from above.

[0155] (15) The liquid injection head described above may also be configured to include: a first common flow channel extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel, and connected to both the first end and the second end, thereby connecting the first end and the second end to the connecting flow channel; and a second common flow channel extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel, and connected to both the third end and the fourth end, thereby connecting the third end and the fourth end to the connecting flow channel. Alternatively, the first confluence position may be located in the first common flow channel, and the second confluence position may be located in the second common flow channel.

[0156] (16) In the above-described liquid injection head, the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be arranged side-by-side in a first direction, the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber may be arranged side-by-side in the first direction, and the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber may be staggered from the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The liquid injection head may also include a first connecting channel and a second connecting channel. The first connecting channel connects the first end and the second end and extends from the first end to the second end along the first direction. The second connecting channel connects the third end and the fourth end and extends from the third end to the fourth end along the first direction. Alternatively, the first confluence position may be located in the first connecting channel, and the second confluence position may be located in the second connecting channel.

[0157] (17) In the above liquid injection head, the first common liquid chamber can also be configured as a flow channel for supplying liquid to the first and second pressure chambers, and the second common liquid chamber can be configured as a flow channel for recovering liquid from the third and fourth pressure chambers.

[0158] (18) In the above liquid injection head, the liquid may also be an ink with plasticity.

[0159] (19) In the above-mentioned liquid injection head, it can also be set that the plastic ink has a shear rate of 1000s at 25°C. -1 The viscosity at that time was above 0.01 Pa·s and below 0.2 Pa·s, and the shear rate was 0.01 s⁻¹. -1 The viscosity at that time is above 0.5 Pa·s and below 50 Pa·s.

[0160] (20) A second aspect of this disclosure is a liquid injection device comprising: the liquid injection head described above; and a liquid storage section for storing liquid supplied to the liquid injection head.

[0161] This disclosure can also be implemented by various means other than liquid injection heads and liquid injection devices. For example, it can be implemented by a method for manufacturing a liquid injection head and a liquid injection device, a method for controlling a liquid injection head and a liquid injection device, a computer program for implementing the control method, a non-transitory recording medium on which the computer program is recorded.

[0162] Symbol Explanation

[0163] 60…Circulation mechanism; 100…Liquid injection head; 110…First common liquid chamber; 120…Second common liquid chamber; 130…Independent nozzle flow channel; 140…Connecting plate; 141…First partition section; 142…Second partition section; 143…Third partition section; 145…Connecting hole partition; 150…Sealing membrane; 160…Housing section; 200, 200a…Nozzle; 240…Nozzle plate; 301 to 304…Drive element; 310…Vibrating plate; 321 to 324… Connecting flow channel; 331 to 336… pressure chamber; 341 to 346… connecting hole; 350, 350a… connecting flow channel; 351 to 353… first to third part of connecting flow channel; 361 to 366… connecting part; 371 to 372… common flow channel; 381 to 382… connecting channel; 400… liquid injection device; 420… liquid storage part; 430… moving mechanism; 432… belt; 434… carriage; 440… conveying mechanism; 450… control unit.

Claims

1. A liquid injection head, characterized in that, have: A nozzle that sprays liquid; First pressure chamber, second pressure chamber, third pressure chamber, and fourth pressure chamber; A connecting channel is provided, which is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is connected to the first pressure chamber, the second pressure chamber, the third pressure chamber, and the fourth pressure chamber; A first driving element that causes a change in the pressure of the first pressure chamber; A second driving element causes a change in the pressure of the second pressure chamber; A third driving element causes a pressure change in the third pressure chamber; A fourth driving element that causes a pressure change in the fourth pressure chamber; A first common liquid chamber is connected to the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber; The second common liquid chamber is connected to the third and fourth pressure chambers. The first common liquid chamber is a flow channel for supplying liquid to the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. The second common liquid chamber is a flow channel for recovering liquid from the third and fourth pressure chambers. When viewed from above, the first confluence point where the first pressure wave generated by the first driving element and transmitted from the first pressure chamber to the nozzle, and the second pressure wave generated by the second driving element and transmitted from the second pressure chamber to the nozzle, converge is closer to the first end of the first pressure chamber on the nozzle side and the second end of the second pressure chamber on the nozzle side, compared to the nozzle itself. When viewed from above, the second confluence point where the third pressure wave generated by the third driving element and transmitted from the third pressure chamber to the nozzle, and the fourth pressure wave generated by the fourth driving element and transmitted from the fourth pressure chamber to the nozzle, converge is closer to the third end of the third pressure chamber on the nozzle side and the fourth end of the fourth pressure chamber on the nozzle side, compared to the nozzle itself. When viewed from above, at least a portion of the connecting channel is located between the first confluence location and the second confluence location. When viewed from above, the nozzle is located between the first confluence position and the second confluence position. The connecting channel extends along a surface orthogonal to the jetting direction of the liquid ejected from the nozzle.

2. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When viewed from above, the first confluence point is located between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. When viewed from above, the second confluence position is located between the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber.

3. The liquid injection head as described in claim 1, wherein, When viewed from above, the first confluence point overlaps with either the first pressure chamber or the second pressure chamber. When viewed from above, the second confluence position overlaps with either the third or fourth pressure chamber.

4. The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first merging position is located at one end of the connecting channel, and the second merging position is located at the other end of the connecting channel.

5. The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, have: A first flow channel extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connects the connecting flow channel and the first pressure chamber. The second flow channel extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connects the connecting flow channel and the second pressure chamber. The third flow channel extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connects the connecting flow channel and the third pressure chamber. A fourth flow channel extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the connecting flow channel, and connects the connecting flow channel and the fourth pressure chamber. The connecting channel includes a first part, a second part, and a third part. The first portion is disposed at one end of the communicating channel and is connected to both the first channel and the second channel. The second part is disposed at the other end of the communicating channel and is connected to the third and fourth channels. The third part is connected to the first part and the second part. The first confluence location is located in the first part. The second confluence location is located in the second part.

6. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are arranged side by side in a first direction. The third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber are arranged side by side in the first direction. The first and second pressure chambers are offset from the third and fourth pressure chambers in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The dimension of the third part in the second direction is longer than the dimension of the first part in the second direction.

7. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are arranged side by side in a first direction. The third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber are arranged side by side in the first direction. The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are offset from the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The third part is connected to the nozzle.

8. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The width of the third part in the first direction is smaller than the width of the first part in the first direction.

9. The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, have: A first flow channel extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connects the connecting flow channel and the first pressure chamber. The second flow channel extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connects the connecting flow channel and the second pressure chamber. The third flow channel extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connects the connecting flow channel and the third pressure chamber. A fourth flow channel extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connects the connecting flow channel and the fourth pressure chamber. The first partition wall divides the communicating flow channel into a first connecting part that is separately connected to the first flow channel and a second connecting part that is separately connected to the second flow channel; The second partition divides the communicating flow channel into a third connecting portion that is separately connected to the third flow channel and a fourth connecting portion that is separately connected to the fourth flow channel. The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are arranged side by side in a first direction. The third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber are arranged side by side in the first direction. The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are offset from the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first dimension of the first partition portion in the second direction and the second dimension of the second partition portion in the second direction are respectively shorter than the third dimension obtained by subtracting the first dimension and the second dimension from the dimension of the connecting channel in the second direction.

10. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The first dimension is shorter than half the third dimension.

11. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 9, wherein, have: A second nozzle, which is adjacent to the said nozzle; The fifth pressure chamber is adjacent to the first pressure chamber; The second connecting channel is connected to the second nozzle and connects the second nozzle to the fifth pressure chamber; The fifth flow channel connects the second connecting flow channel and the fifth pressure chamber; The third partition divides the second communicating channel into a fifth connecting portion and a first connecting portion, which are separately connected to the fifth channel. The thickness of the first partition portion in the first direction is thinner than the thickness of the third partition portion.

12. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 9, wherein, have: A second nozzle, which is adjacent to the said nozzle; The fifth pressure chamber is adjacent to the first pressure chamber; The second connecting channel is connected to the second nozzle and connects the second nozzle to the fifth pressure chamber; The fifth flow channel connects the second connecting flow channel and the fifth pressure chamber; The third partition divides the second communicating channel into a fifth connecting portion and a first connecting portion, which are separately connected to the fifth channel. The thickness of the first partition in the first direction is greater than the thickness of the third partition.

13. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The first to fourth flow channels extend in directions that intersect the extension direction of the connecting flow channel.

14. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 5, wherein, have: A first connecting channel connects the first common liquid chamber and the first pressure chamber; The second connecting channel connects the first common liquid chamber and the second pressure chamber; The third connecting channel connects the second common liquid chamber and the third pressure chamber; The fourth connecting channel connects the second common liquid chamber and the fourth pressure chamber. When viewed from above, the first flow channel is closer to the nozzle than the first connecting flow channel. When viewed from above, the second flow channel is closer to the nozzle than the second connecting flow channel. When viewed from above, the third flow channel is closer to the nozzle than the third connecting flow channel. When viewed from above, the fourth flow channel is closer to the nozzle than the fourth connecting flow channel.

15. The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, have: A first common flow channel extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel and connects to both the first end and the second end, and connects the first end and the second end to the connecting flow channel. A second common flow channel extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the connecting flow channel, and connects to both the third end and the fourth end, thereby connecting the third end and the fourth end to the connecting flow channel. The first confluence location is located in the first shared flow channel. The second confluence location is located in the second common flow channel.

16. The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are arranged side by side in a first direction. The third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber are arranged side by side in the first direction. The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are offset from the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The liquid injection head also has a first connection channel and a second connection channel. The first connecting channel connects the first end and the second end, and extends from the first end to the second end along the first direction. The second connecting channel connects the third end and the fourth end, and extends from the third end to the fourth end along the first direction. The first meeting point is located in the first connecting channel. The second meeting point is located in the second connecting channel.

17. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The liquid is a plastic-like ink.

18. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The pseudo-plastic ink has a shear rate of 1000 s at 25°C. -1 The viscosity at that time was 0.01 Pa. s or more and 0.2 Pa Below s, the shear rate is 0.01s. -1 The viscosity at that time was 0.5 Pa. s or more and 50Pa Below s.

19. A liquid injection device, characterized in that, have: The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 18; The liquid storage unit stores the liquid supplied to the liquid jet head.

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