Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202310126002.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-02-04
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-02-01
AI Technical Summary
[0003]但是,在上述现有技术中,为了形成从四个压力室分别至喷嘴的四条流道而在流道形成部件中设置很多的空间,从而有可能会导致流道形成部件的强度和刚性过度降低
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Figure CN116552125B_ABST
Abstract
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, a lot of space is provided in the flow channel forming component in order to form four flow channels from the four pressure chambers to the nozzle respectively, which may lead to an excessive reduction in the strength and rigidity of the flow channel forming component.
[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 connecting channel connected to the nozzle and communicating the nozzle with the first to fourth pressure chambers; a first channel connecting the connecting channel and the first pressure chamber; a second channel connecting the connecting channel and the second pressure chamber; a third channel connecting the connecting channel and the third pressure chamber; a fourth channel connecting the connecting channel and the fourth pressure chamber; a first driving element for changing the pressure in the first pressure chamber; a second driving element for changing the pressure in the second pressure chamber; a third driving element for changing the pressure in the 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. The first and second flow channels are arranged side-by-side in a first direction, and the third and fourth flow channels are also arranged side-by-side in the first direction. The first and second flow channels are offset from the third and fourth flow channels in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first flow channel is offset from both the third and fourth flow channels in the first direction, and the second flow channel is also offset from both the third and fourth flow channels in the first direction. Attached Figure Description
[0006] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the liquid injection device in the embodiment.
[0007] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the liquid injection head.
[0008] Figure 3To indicate Figure 2 Sectional view of section III-III.
[0009] Figure 4 To indicate from Figure 3 The diagram shows the flow channels of the three nozzles observed on the bottom surface, as well as a portion of the first and second common liquid chambers.
[0010] Figure 5 To indicate from Figure 3 A diagram showing a portion of the nozzle flow channel observed from the bottom surface.
[0011] Figure 6 To be Figure 5 The diagram shows the enlarged representation of the flow channel.
[0012] Figure 7 To indicate Figure 6 A sectional view of section VII-VII.
[0013] Figure 8 This diagram further magnifies the connecting channels and connecting holes.
[0014] Figure 9 This diagram further magnifies the connecting channels and connecting holes.
[0015] Figure 10 To indicate Figure 9 A sectional view of section X-X.
[0016] Figure 11 To indicate Figure 9 A sectional view of section XI-XI.
[0017] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the connecting flow path in the second embodiment.
[0018] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the connecting flow path in the third embodiment.
[0019] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the connecting flow path in the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0020] A. First Implementation Method
[0021] Figure 1This 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view of section III-III. Figure 4 To indicate from Figure 3 The diagram shows the flow channels of the three nozzles observed from the bottom surface, as well as a portion of the first common liquid chamber 110 and the second common liquid chamber 120.
[0028] Figure 5 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 6 To be Figure 5 The diagram shows the enlarged representation of the flow channel. Figure 7 To indicate Figure 6 A sectional view of section VII-VII. Additionally, in Figure 4 Only the three independent flow channels 130 for each nozzle, the first common liquid chamber 110, and the second common liquid chamber 120 are shown in the diagram. Additionally, for ease of illustration, [the remaining text is missing]. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the diagram, solid lines are used to depict the connecting flow channel 350, dotted lines to depict the pressure chamber 330, dashed lines to depict the drive element 300, and single-dotted lines to depict the common liquid chambers 110 and 120. Furthermore, in... Figure 7 In the cross-section at the locations of pressure chambers 331 and 332, the symbols for each part are followed by parentheses, while those at the locations of other pressure chambers 333 and 334 are shown. Figure 6 The symbols for each part in section VII-VII.
[0029] like Figure 4As shown, the arrangement interval Pt1 of adjacent nozzles 200, that is, the distance between the centers of nozzles 200 in the Y direction, is fixed. Furthermore, the interval Pt2 of adjacent pressure chambers 330_L1 constituting column L1, that is, the distance between the centers of pressure chambers 330_L1 in the Y direction, is also fixed. Column L2 follows the same relationship. Additionally, the interval Pt2 in column L1 is the same as the interval Pt2 in column L2, and the interval Pt2 is half the interval Pt1. Moreover, the interval Pt2 of pressure chambers 330 is the same as the interval of the connecting holes 340, and also the same as the distance between the centers of nozzles 200 in the Y direction.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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. As the monocrystalline silicon substrate, it is preferable to use, for example, a (110) substrate, that is, a monocrystalline silicon substrate with the main surface set as the (110) surface.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] Connecting channels 321 to 324
[0044] The first connecting channel 321 connects the first common liquid chamber 110 and the first pressure chamber 331.
[0045] The second connecting channel 322 connects the first common liquid chamber 110 and the second pressure chamber 332.
[0046] The third connecting channel 323 connects the second common liquid chamber 120 and the third pressure chamber 333.
[0047] The fourth connecting channel 324 connects the second common liquid chamber 120 and the fourth pressure chamber 334.
[0048] Connecting channels 321 to 324 are all channels extending in the Z direction and penetrate the connecting plate 140. Figure 5 and Figure 6 For ease of illustration, shading lines are marked at the connecting channels 321 to 324. Additionally, the portion where the connecting channel 320 intersects with the pressure chamber 330 can be considered part of the pressure chamber 330.
[0049] Pressure chambers 331 to 334
[0050] 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. In this embodiment, the plurality of pressure chambers 331 to 334 are arranged in an alternating pattern. Each pressure chamber 330 extends in the second direction Dr2.
[0051] Connecting holes 341 to 344
[0052] 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 and 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 5 and Figure 6For ease of illustration, shading lines are marked at connecting holes 341 to 344. 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 7 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.
[0053] Connecting channel 350
[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the connecting flow channel 350 is a flow channel connected to the nozzle 200 and communicating between the nozzle 200 and 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 6 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 narrower 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. 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] Figure 8 as well as Figure 9The diagram shows a further enlarged view of the connecting channel 350 and the connecting holes 341 to 344. Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 In the image, the shadow lines of connecting holes 341 to 344 are omitted. Figure 8 and Figure 9 Except for a few different symbols shown in the diagram, everything else is the same. Figure 10 To indicate the formation formed by cutting a portion of the connecting plate 140 along the XZ plane Figure 9 A sectional view of section X-X. Figure 11 Formed by cutting a portion of the connecting plate 140 along the XZ plane Figure 9 A sectional view of section XI-XI. (For example, using...) Figures 8 to 11 As will be explained below, the liquid injection head 100 of the first embodiment has various features associated with the strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140, which is a flow channel forming component.
[0060] Feature E1
[0061] The first connecting hole 341, the second connecting hole 342, the third connecting hole 343, and the fourth connecting hole 344 are offset from each other in the second direction Dr2, which is orthogonal to the first direction Dr1. Furthermore, the first connecting hole 341 is offset from both the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344 in the first direction Dr1, and the second connecting hole 342 is also offset from both the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344 in the first direction Dr1. That is, the position of the first connecting hole 341 in the second direction Dr2 is offset from any one of the positions of the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344. Here, "offset in position" means that the center positions of the two connecting holes 340 are different from each other.
[0062] Feature E1 above means that the four connecting holes 341 to 344 are configured in an alternating pattern. Generally, when a large number of spaces, such as connecting holes 341 to 344 and connecting channels 350, are provided on the connecting plate 140, the strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140 will decrease. This is especially true in sections where the connecting plate 140 is cut along the XZ plane, such as... Figure 10 As shown, at the location (hereinafter referred to as the weak location) on the first direction Dr1 where both the connecting holes 341 and 344 are formed on the connecting plate 140, or in other words, where one connecting hole 340_L1 and one connecting hole 340_L2 are formed respectively, the strength of the connecting plate 140 is low. On the other hand, in a cross-section where the connecting plate 140 is cut along the XZ plane, at the location where... Figure 11As shown, at a position on the first direction Dr1 where only one of the connecting holes 341 and 344, or in other words only one of the connecting holes 340_L1 and 340_L2, is formed on the connecting plate 140 (hereinafter referred to as the non-fragile position), the strength of the connecting plate 140 is higher than that of the fragile position.
[0063] Here, we examine a conventional example where the connecting holes 341 to 344 are not configured in an interlaced manner. In this conventional example, the connecting holes 341 and 343 are located at the same positions in the first direction Dr1, and the connecting holes 342 and 344 are located at the same positions in the first direction Dr1. In other words, the positions of the plurality of connecting holes 340_L1 and the plurality of connecting holes 340_L2 in the first direction Dr1 are the same. Therefore, when viewed along the second direction Dr2, the connecting holes 341 and 343 completely overlap, and the connecting holes 342 and 344 completely overlap. That is, in this conventional example, the aforementioned weak points are continuously formed on the connecting plate 140 by the width of the connecting holes 340 in the first direction Dr1, thus the overall strength of the connecting plate 140 is easily reduced. As a result, in this conventional example, the bending strength of the connecting plate 140 is reduced, thus there is a possibility that the connecting plate 140 may break during assembly. Furthermore, the reduced overall rigidity of the connecting plate 140 raises concerns about increased structural crosstalk. Additionally, there is a possibility of increased deformation due to factors such as linear expansion.
[0064] In contrast, when the four connecting holes 341 to 344 are arranged in an alternating pattern, such as Figure 8 As shown in Figure 9, the vulnerable positions corresponding to the connecting hole 341 are continuously arranged in the first direction Dr1 by the extent that connecting holes 341 and 343 overlap when viewed along the second direction Dr2, and are also continuously arranged in the first direction Dr1 by the extent that connecting holes 341 and 344 overlap when viewed along the second direction Dr2. Furthermore, the non-vulnerable positions corresponding to the connecting hole 341 are continuously arranged in the first direction Dr1 between connecting holes 343 and 344. In other words, the two vulnerable positions corresponding to the connecting hole 341 are separated by the non-vulnerable positions corresponding to the connecting hole 341. The same applies to the vulnerable and non-vulnerable positions corresponding to connecting holes 342 to 344 respectively. Therefore, the extent to which the vulnerable positions are continuously arranged in the first direction Dr1 becomes smaller than the width of the connecting hole 340 in the first direction Dr1.
[0065] As described above, by arranging the four connecting holes 341 to 344 in an alternating manner, the vulnerable positions can be dispersed in the first direction Dr1. Therefore, the range in which the vulnerable positions are continuously set in the first direction Dr1 can be reduced compared with the conventional example, thereby preventing the strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140 from being excessively reduced.
[0066] When the “connecting hole” of the above feature E1 is replaced with a “pressure chamber”, feature E1a, which is roughly the same as feature E1, will be obtained.
[0067] Feature E1a
[0068] The first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332, as well as the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334, are offset from each other in a second direction Dr2, which is orthogonal to the first direction Dr1. Furthermore, the first pressure chamber 331 is offset from the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334 in the first direction Dr1, and the second pressure chamber 332 is also offset from the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334 in the first direction Dr1. According to this feature E1a, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the pressure chamber substrate 250 can be suppressed in the same way as with the feature E1 described above.
[0069] Feature E2
[0070] The first connecting hole 341 is disposed in the first direction Dr1 between the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344, and the fourth connecting hole 344 is disposed in the first direction Dr1 between the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342. That is, in the first direction Dr1, the first connecting hole 341 is included in the range spanning both the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344, and the fourth connecting hole 344 is included in the range spanning both the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342. In this embodiment, as... Figure 8 As shown, when observed along the second direction Dr2, specifically on the +X side, the first connecting hole 341 partially overlaps with both the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344. Similarly, when observed along the second direction Dr2, specifically on the -X side, the fourth connecting hole 344 partially overlaps with both the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342. However, the first connecting hole 31 may also not overlap with either the third connecting hole 343 or the fourth connecting hole 344 when observed along the second direction Dr2, and the fourth connecting hole 344 may also not overlap with either the first connecting hole 341 or the second connecting hole 342. Based on this feature E2, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140 can be further suppressed. Furthermore, the connecting channel 350 connecting the connecting holes 341 to 344 can be shortened.
[0071] In the following text, the connecting holes 341 to 344 corresponding to one nozzle 200 will sometimes be referred to as a group of connecting holes. The above-described feature E2 applies not only to one group of connecting holes corresponding to one nozzle 200, but preferably also to two groups of connecting holes corresponding to two adjacent nozzles 200. Regarding this, in the... Figure 4 In the case where the nozzle 200 located at the +Y side of the three nozzles 200 shown is designated as nozzle 200a, and the nozzle 200 adjacent to nozzle 200a and located on the -Y side relative to nozzle 200a is designated as nozzle 200b, the specific explanation will focus on the two sets of connecting holes corresponding to nozzles 200a and 200b. As shown Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the second connecting hole 342 corresponding to the nozzle 200a is disposed in the first direction Dr1 between the third connecting hole 343 corresponding to the nozzle 200b and the fourth connecting hole 344 corresponding to the nozzle 200a, and the third connecting hole 343 corresponding to the nozzle 200b is disposed in the first direction Dr1 between the first connecting hole 341 corresponding to the nozzle 200b and the second connecting hole 342 corresponding to the nozzle 200a.
[0072] When the “connecting hole” of the above feature E2 is replaced with a “pressure chamber”, feature E2a, which is roughly the same as feature E2, will be obtained.
[0073] Feature E2a
[0074] The first pressure chamber 331 is disposed between the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334 in the first direction Dr1, and the fourth pressure chamber 334 is disposed between the first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332 in the first direction Dr1. That is, in the first direction Dr1, the first pressure chamber 331 is included in the range spanning both the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334, and the fourth pressure chamber 334 is included in the range spanning both the first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332. In this embodiment, when observed along the second direction Dr2, the first pressure chamber 331 partially overlaps with both the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334, and the fourth pressure chamber 334 partially overlaps with both the first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332. However, the first pressure chamber 331 can also be completely non-overlapping with the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334 when observed along the second direction Dr2, and the fourth pressure chamber 334 can also be completely non-overlapping with the first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332 when observed along the second direction Dr2. According to this feature E2a, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the pressure chamber substrate 250 can also be further suppressed in the same way as the aforementioned feature E2.
[0075] Feature E3
[0076] like Figure 8 As shown, the first center C1 of the first connecting hole 341 is positioned in the first direction Dr1 at the center of the third center C3 of the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth center C4 of the fourth connecting hole 344. The fourth center C4 of the fourth connecting hole 344 is positioned in the first direction Dr1 at the center of the first center C1 of the first connecting hole 341 and the second center C2 of the second connecting hole 342. That is, in the first direction Dr1, the first connecting hole 341 is located at the center of the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344, and the fourth connecting hole 344 is located at the center of the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342. According to this feature E3, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140 can be further suppressed. In addition, the aforementioned centers C1 to C4 related to feature E3 can be interpreted as the respective centers of the connecting holes 341 to 344 in a top view observed along the Z direction, or as the respective centers of the connecting holes 341 to 344 in the first direction Dr1.
[0077] The aforementioned feature E3 applies not only to one group of connecting holes corresponding to one nozzle 200, but preferably also to two groups of connecting holes corresponding to two adjacent nozzles 200. For a specific example, as follows... Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the second center C2 of the second connecting hole 342 corresponding to the nozzle 200a is disposed in the first direction Dr1 at the center of the third center C3 of the third connecting hole 343 corresponding to the nozzle 200b and the fourth center C4 of the fourth connecting hole 344 corresponding to the nozzle 200a, and the third center C3 of the third connecting hole 343 corresponding to the nozzle 200b is disposed in the first direction Dr1 at the center of the first center C1 of the first connecting hole 341 corresponding to the nozzle 200b and the second center C2 of the second connecting hole 342 corresponding to the nozzle 200a.
[0078] When the “connecting hole” of the above feature E3 is replaced with a “pressure chamber”, feature E3a, which is roughly the same as feature E3, will be obtained.
[0079] Feature E3a
[0080] The first center of the first pressure chamber 331 is disposed at the center of the third center of the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth center of the fourth pressure chamber 334 in the first direction Dr1. The fourth center of the fourth pressure chamber 334 is disposed at the center of the first center of the first pressure chamber 331 and the second center of the second pressure chamber 332 in the first direction Dr1. That is, in the first direction Dr1, the first pressure chamber 331 is located at the center of the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334, and the fourth pressure chamber 334 is located at the center of the first pressure chamber 331 and the second pressure chamber 332. According to this feature E3a, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the pressure chamber substrate 250 can be further suppressed in the same way as the above-described feature E3.
[0081] Feature E4
[0082] When observed along the second direction Dr2, specifically on the +X side, the first connecting hole 341 overlaps with both the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344. Similarly, when observed along the second direction Dr2, specifically on the -X side, the fourth connecting hole 344 overlaps with both the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342. Here, "overlap" means partial overlap. Based on this feature E4, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140 can be further suppressed.
[0083] Furthermore, although the first direction Dr1 is set to the +Y direction in this embodiment, it can also be set to the -Y direction. Similarly, although the second direction Dr2 is set to the +X direction, it can also be set to the -X direction. Moreover, the first direction Dr1 and the second direction Dr2 can be set to directions different from these.
[0084] The aforementioned feature E4 applies not only to one group of connecting holes corresponding to one nozzle 200, but preferably also to two groups of connecting holes corresponding to two adjacent nozzles 200. For specific examples, it would be as follows... Figure 4 As shown, preferably, when observed along the second direction Dr2, the second connecting hole 342 corresponding to the nozzle 200a overlaps with both the third connecting hole 343 corresponding to the nozzle 200b and the fourth connecting hole 344 corresponding to the nozzle 200a, and when observed along the second direction Dr2, the third connecting hole 343 corresponding to the nozzle 200b overlaps with both the first connecting hole 341 corresponding to the nozzle 200b and the second connecting hole 342 corresponding to the nozzle 200a.
[0085] When the “connecting hole” of the above feature E4 is replaced with a “pressure chamber”, feature E4a, which is roughly the same as feature E4, will be obtained.
[0086] Feature E4a
[0087] When viewed along the second direction Dr2, the first pressure chamber 331 overlaps with both the third pressure chamber 333 and the fourth pressure chamber 334. According to this feature E4a, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the pressure chamber substrate 250 can be further suppressed in the same way as the aforementioned feature E4.
[0088] Feature E5
[0089] The connecting holes 341 to 344 extend in directions intersecting the extending direction of the connecting channel 350. In this embodiment, the "extending direction of the connecting channel 350" is the X direction, and the extending direction of each of the connecting holes 341 to 344 is the Z direction. Furthermore, each of the connecting holes 341 to 344 can be considered as a connecting hole extending in a direction intersecting the extending directions of the pressure chambers 331 to 334, which in this embodiment is the second direction Dr2. Additionally, each of the connecting holes 341 to 344 can also be considered as a connecting hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the nozzle plate 240. Furthermore, each of the connecting holes 341 to 344 can also be considered as a connecting hole extending in the injection direction Z.
[0090] Feature E6
[0091] The extension direction of the third portion 353 of the connecting channel 350 is parallel to the second direction Dr2. According to feature E6, the third portion 353 does not extend in a direction inclined relative to the second direction Dr2, but rather extends along the second direction Dr2 where the third portion 353 is the shortest. Therefore, the channel length of the connecting channel 350 can be shortened. As a result, channel resistance can be reduced and ejection efficiency improved. Furthermore, the third portion 353 is the portion with a narrower width in the first direction Dr1 compared to the first portion 351 and the second portion 352. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the width W353 of the first direction Dr1 of the third part 353 is fixed.
[0092] Feature E7
[0093] like Figure 8As shown, sidewalls WL5 and WL6, which define the third portion 353 of the connecting channel 350, exist opposite each other in the first direction Dr1. In a top-view observation along the Z direction, the positions of these sidewalls WL5 and WL6 in the first direction Dr1 are offset from the edges extending in the second direction Dr2 of the connecting holes 341 to 344. Here, "edges extending in the second direction Dr2 of the connecting holes 341 to 344" refers to two edges parallel to the second direction Dr2 in the outer edges of the connecting holes 341 to 344 as observed along the Z direction. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the connecting hole 340 as observed along the Z direction is a parallelogram, and the edge extending in the second direction Dr2 of the connecting hole 340 is the longer side of the parallelogram. Furthermore, the shape of the connecting hole 340 when viewed from above can be any rectangle or polygon with a side extending in the second direction Dr2, and is not limited to a parallelogram. Alternatively, the shape of the connecting hole 340 when viewed from above may not have a side extending in the second direction Dr2, and may be, for example, a circle.
[0094] Specifically, as "the edges extending in the second direction Dr2 of each of the connecting holes 341 to 344", the first connecting hole 341 has an edge 341_1 on the +Y side and an edge 341_2 on the -Y side; the second connecting hole 342 has an edge 342_1 on the +Y side and an edge 342_2 on the -Y side; the third connecting hole 343 has an edge 343_1 on the +Y side and an edge 343_2 on the -Y side; and the fourth connecting hole 344 has an edge 344_1 on the +Y side and an edge 344_2 on the -Y side. Furthermore, although these edges are actually walls, they are composed of line segments when viewed from above, and therefore can be perceived as "edges". Figure 8 In order to easily illustrate the positions of the edges 341_1, 341_2, 342_1, 342_2, 343_1, 343_2, 344_1, and 344_2 parallel to the second direction Dr2 of the connecting holes 341 to 344 in the first direction Dr1, dotted lines and dashed lines are used to show the imaginary straight lines VL1_1, VL1_2, VL2_1, VL2_2, VL3_1, VL3_2, VL4_1, and VL4_2 obtained by extending these edges in the second direction Dr2, respectively. The sidewalls WL5 and WL6 of the third part 353 are parallel to the second direction Dr2 when viewed from above.
[0095] As can be seen from this hypothetical straight line, when viewed from above along the Z direction, the positions of the sidewalls WL5 and WL6 in the first direction Dr1 are offset from the edges of the connecting holes 341 to 344 extending in the second direction Dr2. According to this feature E7, compared to the case where the sidewalls WL5 and WL6 of the third part 353, which are parallel to the second direction Dr2, are in the same position as the edges 341_1, 341_2, 343_1, 343_2, 343_1, 343_2, 344_1, 344_2 of the connecting holes 341 to 344, which are parallel to the second direction Dr2, the strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140 can be improved.
[0096] Feature E8
[0097] Regarding the first portion 351 of the connecting channel 350, as the sidewalls defining the first portion 351 and facing each other in the first direction Dr1, there are a first sidewall WL1 and a second sidewall WL2 arranged in a way that maximizes their distance from each other. Similarly, regarding the second portion 352, as the sidewalls defining the second portion 352 and facing each other in the first direction Dr1, there are a third sidewall WL3 and a fourth sidewall WL4 arranged in a way that maximizes their distance from each other. Further, the third portion 353 has sidewalls WL5 and WL6 defining the third portion 353 and facing each other in the first direction Dr1. The sidewalls WL5 and WL6 of the third portion 353 are disposed between the first sidewall WL1 and the second sidewall WL2, and are disposed between the third sidewall WL3 and the fourth sidewall WL4. According to this feature E8, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140 can be further suppressed. Furthermore, since the ink flows equally from the first part 351 and the second part 352 to the nozzle 200, the flow resistance can be reduced.
[0098] Feature E9
[0099] The distance from the first connecting hole 341 to the nozzle 200 is shorter than the distance from the second connecting hole 342 to the nozzle 200, and the distance from the fourth connecting hole 344 to the nozzle 200 is shorter than the distance from the third connecting hole 343 to the nozzle 200. Furthermore, the first portion 351 of the connecting channel 350, and the sidewalls facing each other in the first direction Dr1, have a first conical surface TP1 closer to the first connecting hole 341 than to the second connecting hole 342, and a second conical surface TP2 closer to the second connecting hole 342 than to the first connecting hole 341. That is, the distance between one sidewall of the first conical surface TP1 and the first connecting hole 341 is less than the distance between one sidewall of the first conical surface TP1 and the second connecting hole 342, and the distance between the other sidewall of the second conical surface TP2 and the second connecting hole 342 is less than the distance between the other sidewall of the second conical surface TP2 and the first connecting hole 341.
[0100] Similarly, in the second portion 352 of the connecting channel 350, one sidewall that is closer to the third connecting hole 343 than the fourth connecting hole 344 has a third conical surface TP3, and the other sidewall that is closer to the fourth connecting hole 344 than the third connecting hole 343 has a fourth conical surface TP4. That is, the distance between the sidewall with the third conical surface TP3 and the third connecting hole 343 is less than the distance between the sidewall with the third conical surface TP3 and the fourth connecting hole 344, and the distance between the other sidewall with the fourth conical surface TP4 and the fourth connecting hole 344 is less than the distance between the other sidewall with the fourth conical surface TP4 and the third connecting hole 343.
[0101] At this time, the second conical surface TP2 is farther from the nozzle 200 than the first conical surface TP1, and the third conical surface TP3 is farther from the nozzle 200 than the fourth conical surface TP4.
[0102] According to this feature E9, the spaces of the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342 can be merged in advance, thus further reducing the amount of removal of the connecting plate 140, and further suppressing the reduction of the strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140.
[0103] Feature E10
[0104] When viewed from above along the Z direction, the length of the first conical surface TP1 is less than the length of the second conical surface TP2. Furthermore, the length of the fourth conical surface TP4 is less than the length of the third conical surface TP3. Based on this feature E10, a structure in which the four connecting holes 341 to 344 are staggered in the first direction Dr1 can be easily obtained.
[0105] Feature E11
[0106] In a top-down view along the Z-direction, the edges 341_1 and 341_2 of the first connecting hole 341 extending in the second direction Dr2 are offset from the edges 343_1 and 343_2 of the third connecting hole 343 extending in the second direction Dr2, and the edges 344_1 and 344_2 of the fourth connecting hole 344 extending in the second direction Dr2. Similarly, the edges 342_1 and 342_2 of the second connecting hole 342 extending in the second direction Dr2 are offset from the edges 343_1 and 343_2 of the third connecting hole 343 extending in the second direction Dr2, and the edges 344_1 and 344_2 of the fourth connecting hole 344 extending in the second direction Dr2.
[0107] This can be based on, for example Figure 8 As shown, it is known that the aforementioned imaginary straight lines VL1_1, VL1_2, VL2_1, VL2_2, VL3_1, VL3_2, VL4_1, and VL4_2 are all in different positions along the first direction Dr1. Based on this feature E11, the reduction in the strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140 can be further suppressed. In particular, since the connecting plate 140 of this embodiment is formed from silicon single crystal, the edges of the connecting hole 340 when viewed from above, especially the long edges extending along the second direction Dr2, are prone to becoming the starting point for breakage of the connecting plate 140. Therefore, to prevent breakage of the connecting plate 140, it is preferable that the edges 341_1, 341_2, 342_1, and 342_2, which are staggered along the second direction Dr2, are staggered along the first direction Dr1. Additionally, "extended edge" can also be interpreted as "parallel edge" or "parallel wall".
[0108] The aforementioned feature E11 applies not only to one group of connecting holes corresponding to one nozzle 200, but preferably also to two groups of connecting holes corresponding to two adjacent nozzles 200. For a specific example, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, preferably, each edge of the first connecting hole 341 and the second connecting hole 342 corresponding to nozzle 200a and nozzle 200b extending in the second direction Dr2 is offset in the first direction Dr1 relative to each edge of the third connecting hole 343 and the fourth connecting hole 344 corresponding to nozzle 200a and nozzle 200b extending in the second direction Dr2.
[0109] When the “connecting hole” of the above feature E11 is replaced with a “pressure chamber”, feature E11a, which is basically the same as feature E11, will be obtained.
[0110] Feature E11a
[0111] When viewed from above, the edge of the first pressure chamber 331 extending in the second direction Dr2 is offset from the edge of the third pressure chamber 333 extending in the second direction Dr2 and the edge of the fourth pressure chamber 334 extending in the second direction Dr2. According to this feature E11a, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the pressure chamber substrate 250 can be further suppressed, similarly to the aforementioned feature E11.
[0112] Feature E12
[0113] like Figure 8 As shown, in a top-down view along the Z-direction, the nozzle 200 overlaps with the intersection point of the first line segment L1 connecting the first connecting hole 341 and the fourth connecting hole 344 and the second line segment L2 connecting the second connecting hole 342 and the third connecting hole 343. The first line segment L1 is the line segment connecting the center C1 of the first connecting hole 341 and the center C4 of the fourth connecting hole 344. Furthermore, the second line segment L2 is the line segment connecting the center C2 of the second connecting hole 342 and the center C3 of the third connecting hole 343. According to feature E12, pressure waves can reach the nozzle 200 approximately uniformly from the four pressure chambers 331 to 334. Additionally, the center of the connecting hole 340 in feature E12 can be interpreted as the position where the connecting hole 340 is the center in the first direction Dr1 and the center in the second direction Dr2, or it can be interpreted as the geometric center of the connecting hole 340.
[0114] Feature E13
[0115] When viewed from above, the first line segment L1 completely overlaps with the connecting channel 350, while a portion of the second line segment L2 does not overlap with the connecting channel 350. Based on this feature E13, the pressure wave can be made to reach the nozzle 200 more evenly from the four pressure chambers 331 to 334.
[0116] Feature E14
[0117] The angles θ1 of the first conical surface TP1 relative to the second direction Dr2, the angle θ2 of the second conical surface TP2 relative to the second direction Dr2, the angle θ3 of the third conical surface TP3 relative to the second direction Dr2, and the angle θ4 of the fourth conical surface TP4 relative to the second direction Dr2 are all equal. In this embodiment, angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 are approximately 35°. When the connecting plate 140 is manufactured from a single-crystal silicon substrate, for example, the flow channels within the connecting plate 140 are formed using anisotropic wet etching. The walls of the space formed by anisotropic wet etching of the single-crystal silicon substrate will become... Figure 8In addition to the walls parallel to the first direction Dr1 and the second direction Dr2, there are also walls inclined at specific angles from these directions Dr1 and Dr2. In this embodiment, the surface and back surface of the monocrystalline silicon substrate are set as (110) surfaces, and anisotropic etching is performed such that angles θ1, θ2, θ3, and θ4 are 35° ± 2°. In this way, a perfect conical surface can be formed by anisotropic wet etching. However, the connecting plate 140 can also be formed using materials other than monocrystalline silicon.
[0118] Feature E15
[0119] Preferably, the sidewalls defining the first portion 351 and extending along the second direction Dr2, namely the first sidewall WL1 and the second sidewall WL2, are offset in the first direction Dr1 from the sidewalls defining the second portion 352 and extending along the second direction Dr2, namely the third sidewall WL3 and the fourth sidewall WL4. According to this feature E15, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140 can be further suppressed.
[0120] The aforementioned feature E15 applies not only to one group of connecting holes corresponding to one nozzle 200, but preferably also to two groups of connecting holes corresponding to two adjacent nozzles 200. For specific examples, it would be as follows... Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the first sidewall surface WL1 and the second sidewall surface WL2, which define the first portion 351 corresponding to the nozzle 200a and extend along the second direction Dr2, are respectively offset in the first direction Dr1 from the third sidewall surface WL3 and the fourth sidewall surface WL4, which define the second portion 352 corresponding to the nozzle 200b and extend along the second direction Dr2.
[0121] In the first embodiment, since the liquid injection head 100 has at least a portion of the features E1 to E15 described above, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the connecting plate 140 can be suppressed. Furthermore, some of the aforementioned features can be omitted.
[0122] The liquid injection head 100 of the first embodiment also has the following characteristics associated with the attenuation of pressure waves.
[0123] Feature F1
[0124] like Figure 6As 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.
[0125] 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.
[0126] 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.
[0127] 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.
[0128] Feature F2
[0129] like Figure 6 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.
[0130] Feature F3
[0131] like Figure 6 As 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.
[0132] Feature F4
[0133] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 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 7 As shown, there are connecting hole partitions 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.
[0134] Feature F5
[0135] like Figure 6 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.
[0136] Feature F6
[0137] like Figure 6 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.
[0138] Feature F7
[0139] like Figure 6 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.
[0140] Feature F8
[0141] like Figure 3 As 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".
[0142] 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.
[0143] Feature F9
[0144] 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.
[0145] 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.
[0146] B. Other implementation methods
[0147] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the shape of the connecting channel 350 in the second embodiment. Figure 6 The main difference in the first embodiment shown is only the shape of the third portion 353 located at the center of the connecting channel 350; the other structures are largely the same as in the first embodiment. That is, in the second 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 second 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, the fact that the plurality of connecting holes 341 to 344 and the plurality of pressure chambers are respectively arranged in an alternating pattern is also the same as in the first embodiment. Additionally, 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.
[0148] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates the shape of the connecting channel 350 in the third embodiment. This third embodiment is related to... Figure 6The main difference in the first embodiment shown is only the shape of the third portion 353 located in the center of the connecting channel 350; the other structures are substantially the same as in the first embodiment. That is, in the third 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 third embodiment, the entire connecting channel 350 extends in the second direction Dr2, which is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the third 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.
[0149] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates the shape of the connecting channel 350 in the fourth embodiment. This fourth embodiment is related to... Figure 6 The main difference in the first embodiment shown is only in the shape of the third portion 353 located in the center of the connecting channel 350; the other structures are largely the same as in the first embodiment. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the third portion 353 is shaped as a series of three portions connected at an angle parallel to the second direction Dr2. However, in the fourth 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 fourth embodiment, the third portion 353 is also located inside the smallest circumscribed convex polygon CF containing the first portion 351 and the second portion 352. The second to fourth embodiments described above also achieve substantially the same effect as the first embodiment.
[0150] As described above, the liquid injection head 100 of this disclosure, by possessing at least a portion of the aforementioned features E1 to E14, is able to suppress the reduction in the strength and rigidity of the connecting plate. Furthermore, by possessing at least a portion of the aforementioned features F1 to F9, it is possible to prevent excessive attenuation of pressure waves from each pressure chamber toward the nozzle.
[0151] Variation Example 1
[0152] 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.
[0153] Variation Example 2
[0154] 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.
[0155] Variation Example 3
[0156] 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.
[0157] Variation Example 4
[0158] 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.
[0159] Modified Example 5
[0160] 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.
[0161] Variation Example 6
[0162] 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.
[0163] Other methods:
[0164] 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.
[0165] (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 connecting channel connected to the nozzle and communicating the nozzle with the first to fourth pressure chambers; a first channel connecting the connecting channel and the first pressure chamber; a second channel connecting the connecting channel and the second pressure chamber; a third channel connecting the connecting channel and the third pressure chamber; a fourth channel connecting the connecting channel and the fourth pressure chamber; a first driving element for changing the pressure of the first pressure chamber; a second driving element for changing the pressure of the second pressure chamber; a third driving element for changing the pressure of the 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. The first and second flow channels are arranged side-by-side in a first direction, and the third and fourth flow channels are also arranged side-by-side in the first direction. The first and second flow channels are offset from the third and fourth flow channels in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first, third, and fourth flow channels are each offset from each other in the first direction, and the second flow channel is also offset from each other in the first direction.
[0166] According to this liquid injection head, compared with the case where the first flow channel and the third flow channel are in the same position in the first direction, and the second flow channel and the fourth flow channel are in the same position in the first direction, the reduction in strength and rigidity of the flow channel forming component can be suppressed.
[0167] (2) In the above liquid injection head, the first flow channel may be configured in the first direction between the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel, and the fourth flow channel may be configured in the first direction between the first flow channel and the second flow channel.
[0168] (3) In the above liquid injection head, the first center of the first flow channel is disposed in the first direction at the center of the third center of the third flow channel and the fourth center of the fourth flow channel, and the fourth center is disposed in the first direction at the center of the first center and the second center of the second flow channel.
[0169] (4) In the above liquid injection head, it can also be configured such that the first flow channel overlaps with both the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel when observed along the second direction, and the fourth flow channel overlaps with both the first flow channel and the second flow channel when observed along the second direction.
[0170] (5) 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.
[0171] (6) In the above liquid injection head, the communicating channel may also be configured to include: a first part, which is connected to the first channel and the second channel; a second part, which is connected to the third channel and the fourth channel; and a third part, which is connected to the first part and the second part and connected to the nozzle, wherein the extension direction of the third part is parallel to the second direction.
[0172] (7) In the above liquid injection head, it can also be configured such that the sidewalls that define the third part and are opposite to each other in the first direction are offset from the edges of the first to fourth flow channels that extend in the second direction when viewed from above.
[0173] (8) In the above liquid injection head, it may also be configured such that the sidewalls that define the first part and are opposite to each other in the first direction include a first sidewall and a second sidewall arranged in a way that is furthest apart, and the sidewalls that define the second part and are opposite to each other in the first direction include a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall arranged in a way that is furthest apart, and the sidewalls that define the third part and are opposite to each other in the first direction are arranged between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and are arranged between the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall.
[0174] (9) In the above liquid injection head, it can also be configured such that the distance from the first flow channel to the nozzle is shorter than the distance from the second flow channel to the nozzle, and the sidewalls that define the first part and are opposite to each other in the first direction have a first conical surface that is closer to the first flow channel than to the second flow channel, and a second conical surface that is closer to the second flow channel than to the first flow channel, and the second conical surface is farther from the nozzle than the first conical surface.
[0175] (10) In the above liquid injection head, it can also be set such that, when viewed from above, the length of the first conical surface is shorter than the length of the second conical surface.
[0176] (11) In the above liquid injection head, it can also be configured such that, when viewed from above, the side of the first flow channel extending in the second direction is offset from the side of the third flow channel extending in the second direction and the side of the fourth flow channel extending in the second direction in the first direction.
[0177] (12) In the above liquid injection head, it can also be configured such that, when viewed from above, the nozzle overlaps with the intersection point of the first line segment connecting the first flow channel and the fourth flow channel and the second line segment connecting the second flow channel and the third flow channel.
[0178] (13) In the above liquid injection head, it can also be configured such that when viewed from above, the first line segment completely overlaps with the connecting channel, and when viewed from above, a portion of the second line segment does not overlap with the connecting channel.
[0179] (14) 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 pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, and the second common liquid chamber can be configured as a flow channel for recovering liquid from the third pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber.
[0180] (15) In the above liquid injection head, the liquid may also be an ink with plasticity.
[0181] (16) 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.
[0182] (17) 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.
[0183] 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.
[0184] Symbol Explanation
[0185] 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; 145…Connecting hole partition; 150…Sealing membrane; 160…Housing part; 200, 200a…Nozzle; 240…Nozzle plate; 250…Pressure chamber base plate; 301 to 304…Drive element; 310…Vibrating plate; 321 to 324…Connecting flow channel; 331 to 334…Pressure chamber; 341 to 344…Connecting hole; 350…Connecting flow channel; 351 to 353…First to third parts of connecting flow channel; 361 to 364…Connecting part; 400…Liquid injection device; 420…Liquid storage part; 430…Moving mechanism; 432…Belt; 434…Slide 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 flow channel connects the connecting flow channel and the first pressure chamber; The second flow channel connects the connecting flow channel and the second pressure chamber; The third flow channel connects the connecting flow channel and the third pressure chamber; A fourth flow channel connects the connecting flow channel 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 flow channel and the second flow channel are arranged side by side in a first direction. The third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are arranged side by side in the first direction. The first and second flow channels are offset from the third and fourth flow channels in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first flow channel is offset from the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel in the first direction. The second flow channel is offset from the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel in the first direction.
2. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first flow channel is disposed between the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel in the first direction. The fourth flow channel is configured between the first flow channel and the second flow channel in the first direction.
3. The liquid injection head as described in claim 2, wherein, The first center of the first flow channel is located at the center of the line connecting the third center of the third flow channel and the fourth center of the fourth flow channel in the first direction. The fourth center is positioned at the center of the line connecting the first center and the second center of the second flow channel in the first direction.
4. The liquid injection head as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein, When observed along the second direction, the first flow channel overlaps with both the third and fourth flow channels. When observed along the second direction, the fourth flow channel overlaps with both the first and second flow channels.
5. The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first to fourth flow channels extend in directions that intersect the extension direction of the connecting flow channel.
6. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The connecting channel includes: The first part is connected to the first flow channel and the second flow channel; The second part is connected to the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel; The third part is connected to the first and second parts, and is also connected to the nozzle. The third part extends in a direction parallel to the second direction.
7. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The third part is defined, and the sidewalls that are opposite each other in the first direction are respectively offset from the edges of the first to fourth flow channels that extend in the second direction when viewed from above.
8. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein, The first portion is defined, and the sidewalls that are opposite each other in the first direction include a first sidewall and a second sidewall configured in a manner that maximizes their distance from each other. The second portion is defined, and the sidewalls facing each other in the first direction include a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall configured in a manner furthest apart. The third portion is defined by sidewalls that are opposite each other in the first direction, which are disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and between the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall.
9. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The distance from the first flow channel to the nozzle is shorter than the distance from the second flow channel to the nozzle. The first portion is defined, and the sidewalls of the two opposing sidewalls in the first direction have a first conical surface that is closer to the first flow channel than the second flow channel, and a second conical surface that is closer to the second flow channel than the first flow channel. The second conical surface is farther from the nozzle than the first conical surface.
10. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 9, wherein, When viewed from above, the length of the first conical surface is shorter than the length of the second conical surface.
11. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When viewed from above, the edge of the first flow channel extending in the second direction is offset from the edges of the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel extending in the second direction in the first direction.
12. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When viewed from above, the nozzle overlaps with the intersection point of the first line segment connecting the first flow channel and the fourth flow channel and the second line segment connecting the second flow channel and the third flow channel.
13. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 12, wherein, When viewed from above, the first line segment completely overlaps with the connecting flow channel. When viewed from above, a portion of the second line segment does not overlap with the connecting channel.
14. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 1, wherein, 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 pressure chamber and the fourth pressure chamber.
15. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The liquid is a plastic-like ink.
16. The liquid injection head as claimed in claim 15, 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.
17. A liquid injection device, characterized in that, have: The liquid injection head according to any one of claims 1 to 16; The liquid storage unit stores the liquid supplied to the liquid jet head.
Citation Information
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