Liquid discharge apparatus and method of assembling liquid discharge apparatus

Abstract

A liquid ejecting apparatus and a method of assembling a liquid ejecting apparatus are provided. The liquid ejecting apparatus includes a head, a holding portion, a cover, and a second fixing member. The head has a first surface that ejects a liquid. The holding portion holds the head. The cover is fixed to the head by a first fixing member that can be removed, and covers the first surface. The second fixing member fixes the head to the holding portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a liquid ejection device and a method for assembling the liquid ejection device. Background Technology

[0002] As liquid ejection devices, inkjet printers and inkjet plotters that utilize inkjet recording methods are known. In such inkjet liquid ejection devices, a liquid nozzle for ejecting liquid is mounted.

[0003] Among such liquid nozzles, there are known liquid nozzles that use a cover to protect the liquid ejection surface and to carry and transport the liquid (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-74038

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-184210 Summary of the Invention

[0008] One embodiment of the liquid dispensing device includes a nozzle, a retaining portion, a cover, and a second fixing member. The nozzle has a first surface from which liquid is dispensed. The retaining portion holds the nozzle. The cover is fixed to the nozzle using a removable first fixing member and covers the first surface. The second fixing member secures the nozzle to the retaining portion. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram (1) of the liquid ejection device according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram (2) of the liquid ejection device according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3A This is a perspective view showing the structure of the main parts of the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3B Observing from another direction Figure 3A A three-dimensional view of the liquid ejection device shown.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the cover has been removed from the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5This is a perspective view showing the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment, in a state where the cover has been removed.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example of a liquid ejection device according to a variation 2 of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 It means from Figure 6 The diagram shows the liquid ejection device with its cover removed.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a top view showing the vicinity of the second fixed component.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a sectional view showing the vicinity of the second fixed member.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a sectional view showing the vicinity of the first fixed member.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the structure of the main parts of the liquid ejection device according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the structure of the main part of the liquid ejection device according to a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the assembly method of the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the assembly method of the liquid ejection device according to a variation of the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the liquid ejection device and assembly method of the liquid ejection device disclosed in this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

[0025] <Printer Structure>

[0026] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Here is an outline of a printer, which is an example of the liquid ejection device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram of the printer involved in the implementation method. Specifically, Figure 1 This is a side view of the printer's outline. Figure 2 This is a top view of the printer's outline. The printer involved in the implementation is, for example, a color inkjet printer.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejection device 1 includes a paper feed roller 2, a guide roller 3, a coating machine 4, a nozzle housing 5, multiple conveying rollers 6, multiple frames 7, multiple nozzles 8, a conveying roller 9, a dryer 10, a conveying roller 11, a sensor unit 12, and a recovery roller 13. The conveying roller 6 is an example of a conveying unit.

[0028] Furthermore, the liquid ejection device 1 includes a control unit 14, which controls the paper feed roller 2, guide roller 3, coating machine 4, nozzle housing 5, multiple conveying rollers 6, multiple frames 7, multiple nozzles 8, conveying roller 9, dryer 10, conveying roller 11, sensor unit 12, and recovery roller 13.

[0029] The liquid ejection device 1 records images and text on the printing paper P by striking it with liquid droplets. The printing paper P is an example of a recording medium. Before use, the printing paper P is wound around the paper feed roller 2. Furthermore, the liquid ejection device 1 conveys the printing paper P from the paper feed roller 2 through the guide roller 3 and the coating machine 4 into the interior of the printhead housing 5.

[0030] The coating machine 4 applies a coating agent to all printing paper P. This allows for surface treatment of the printing paper P, thereby improving the printing quality of the liquid ejection device 1.

[0031] The printhead housing 5 houses multiple conveyor rollers 6, multiple frames 7, and multiple printheads 8. Inside the printhead housing 5, there is a space that is isolated from the outside except for a portion that communicates with the outside, such as the part for the paper P to enter and exit the printing process.

[0032] For the internal space of the printhead housing 5, at least one of the control factors such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure is controlled by the control unit 14 as needed. The conveyor roller 6 conveys the printing paper P to the vicinity of the printhead 8 inside the printhead housing 5.

[0033] Frame 7 is a rectangular flat plate, positioned above and close to the printing paper P conveyed by the conveyor roller 6. Additionally, as... Figure 2 As shown, the frame 7 is configured such that its long side is orthogonal to the transport direction of the printing paper P. Furthermore, inside the printhead housing 5, multiple (e.g., four) frames 7 are arranged along the transport direction of the printing paper P.

[0034] A liquid, such as ink, is supplied to printhead 8 from a liquid tank (not shown). Printhead 8 is a liquid printhead that ejects the liquid supplied from the liquid tank.

[0035] The control unit 14 controls the printhead 8 to spray liquid toward the printing paper P based on data such as images and text. The distance between the printhead 8 and the printing paper P is, for example, 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0036] The printhead 8 is fixed to the frame 7. The printhead 8 is configured such that its long side is orthogonal to the feeding direction of the printing paper P.

[0037] That is, the liquid ejection device 1 involved in the embodiment is a so-called line printer in which a printhead 8 is fixed inside the liquid ejection device 1. It should be noted that the liquid ejection device 1 involved in the embodiment is not limited to a line printer, and may also be a so-called serial printer.

[0038] A serial printer is a printer that alternately performs the following actions and feeds the printing paper P, wherein the printhead 8 moves back and forth in a direction that intersects with the feeding direction of the printing paper P, for example, in a direction that is approximately orthogonal to it, while recording.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple (e.g., 5) nozzles 8 are fixed in a frame 7. Figure 2 The example shown is an example in which three nozzles 8 are arranged in front of the paper P in the transport direction and two nozzles 8 are arranged behind it. In the transport direction of the paper P, the nozzles 8 are arranged in such a way that the centers of each nozzle 8 do not overlap.

[0040] Furthermore, a printhead group 8A is formed by multiple printheads 8 located in a frame 7. The four printhead groups 8A are arranged along the transport direction of the printing paper P. Ink of the same color is supplied to the printheads 8 belonging to the same printhead group 8A. Thus, the liquid ejection device 1 can perform printing based on four-color ink using four printhead groups 8A.

[0041] The ink ejected from each printhead group 8A is, for example, magenta (M), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (K). The control unit 14 controls each printhead group 8A to eject ink of various colors onto the printing paper P, enabling the printing of color images onto the printing paper P.

[0042] It should be noted that, in order to perform surface treatment on the printing paper P, a coating agent can also be sprayed from the printhead 8 onto the printing paper P.

[0043] Furthermore, the number of printheads 8 included in a printhead group 8A and the number of printhead groups 8A mounted on the liquid ejection device 1 can be appropriately changed according to the printing object and printing conditions. For example, if the color being printed on the printing paper P is a single color and the printing is performed on the area that can be printed by one printhead 8, then the number of printheads 8 mounted on the liquid ejection device 1 can also be one.

[0044] Printing paper P, which has been printed inside the printhead housing 5, is conveyed from the outside of the printhead housing 5 by the conveyor roller 9 and passes through the inside of the dryer 10. The dryer 10 dries the printing paper P. The dried printing paper P is conveyed by the conveyor roller 11 and recovered by the recovery roller 13.

[0045] In the liquid ejection device 1, by drying the printing paper P by the dryer 10, it is possible to suppress the following situations: at the recovery roller 13, the overlapping printed paper P sticks to each other, or the undried liquid causes friction.

[0046] The sensor unit 12 consists of a position sensor, a speed sensor, a temperature sensor, etc. The control unit 14 can determine the state of each part of the liquid ejection device 1 based on the information from the sensor unit 12 and control each part of the liquid ejection device 1.

[0047] The liquid ejection device 1 described so far shows the case where printing paper P is used as the printing object (i.e., recording medium), but the printing object in the liquid ejection device 1 is not limited to printing paper P, and can also be a roll of cloth or the like.

[0048] Furthermore, the liquid ejection device 1 can also be used instead of directly conveying the printing paper P, by placing it on a conveyor belt for transport. By using a conveyor belt, the liquid ejection device 1 can handle single sheets of paper, cut pieces of cloth, wood, tiles, etc., as printing objects.

[0049] In addition, the liquid ejection device 1 can also eject a liquid containing conductive particles from the nozzle 8 to print wiring patterns for electronic devices. Furthermore, the liquid ejection device 1 can also eject a predetermined amount of liquid chemical agent or liquid containing chemical agent from the nozzle 8 toward a reaction vessel or the like to produce chemicals.

[0050] Alternatively, the liquid dispensing device 1 may also include a cleaning section for cleaning the nozzle 8. The cleaning section cleans the nozzle 8 by means of, for example, wiping or capping.

[0051] Wiping treatment refers to the process of wiping the surface of the area from which the liquid is sprayed, for example, using a soft wiper, to remove the liquid adhering to the nozzle 8.

[0052] Additionally, the covering process is performed as follows: First, the portion of the liquid being sprayed, such as the first surface 23a of the nozzle plate 23 where the spray hole is located (see reference 23a) is covered. Figure 3BThe cover is then placed over the first surface 23a (this is called covering). This creates a substantially sealed space between the first surface 23a and the cover. Then, liquid is repeatedly ejected into this sealed space. This removes liquids with a viscosity higher than the standard state, foreign matter, etc., that may be clogging the ejection holes of the first surface 23a.

[0053] It should be noted that the liquid ejection device 1 is not limited to the device for conveying the printing object (recording medium) as described above, but can also be a device that moves the coating machine (liquid ejection device) while the printing object is fixed. Such a liquid ejection device 1 may also be a device equipped with a robotic arm, for example.

[0054] [First Implementation Method]

[0055] <Structure of Liquid Nozzle>

[0056] Next, refer to Figure 3A , Figure 3B The structure of the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 3A This is a perspective view showing the structure of the main parts of the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment. Figure 3B Observing from another direction Figure 3A A three-dimensional view of the liquid ejection device shown.

[0057] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a nozzle 8, a first fixing member 31, a second fixing member 32, a frame 40, and a cover 50. The nozzle 8 has a first surface 23a for ejecting liquid. The cover 50 is mounted on the nozzle 8 using the first fixing member 31. In addition, the nozzle 8 is fixed to the frame 40 using the second fixing member 32.

[0058] The frame 40 is made of materials such as stainless steel or aluminum. The frame 40 is the retainer for the nozzle 8. The frame 40 can also be... Figure 1 , Figure 2 A portion of the frame 7 shown can also be fixed to a component of the frame 7.

[0059] The cover 50 is fixed to the nozzle 8 using a first fixing member 31. The cover 50 protects the first surface 23a. The first surface 23a is a spray surface with spray holes for liquid to be sprayed out. The cover 50 can be made of, for example, metal or resin. In the case of metal, the cover 50 can be made of, for example, stainless steel or aluminum. In the case of resin, the cover 50 can be made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin that is resistant to liquid sprayed from the first surface 23a.

[0060] The first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are, for example, threaded members. As shown in FIG. 3, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are both arranged facing the same side along the thickness direction of the nozzle 8. Specifically, when the nozzle 8 is fixed from above the frame 40, the first fixing member 31 is arranged from the frame 40 toward the cover 50 (from top to bottom), and the second fixing member 32 is also arranged in the same orientation from the nozzle 8 toward the frame 40 (from top to bottom). With this structure, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are installed along the direction of gravity, making the assembly of the liquid dispensing device 1 easier and thus improving workability during assembly.

[0061] Furthermore, the first fixing member 31 is designed to be removable. Therefore, the cover 50 can be removed from the nozzle 8 by removing the first fixing member 31.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment with the cover removed. Figure 4 As shown, the first fixing member 31 is provided in a removable manner in the hole 21 through which the nozzle 8 passes and in the hole 51 provided in the cover 50. The first fixing member 31 can be removed in a direction away from the cover 50. By removing the first fixing member 31 in this way, the liquid dispensing device 1 can remove the cover 50 with the nozzle 8 fixed to the frame 40. Therefore, workability can be improved, and the reliability of assembly can be improved by protecting the first surface 23a with the cover 50 until use.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the liquid ejection device according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment with the cover removed. Figure 5 As shown, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are arranged facing opposite sides along the thickness direction of the nozzle 8. The first fixing member 31 is provided in a removable manner in the hole 21 provided in the nozzle 8 and the hole 51 through which the cover 50 passes. In such a liquid dispensing device 1, by removing the first fixing member 31, the liquid dispensing device 1 can remove the cover 50 from the nozzle 8 while the nozzle 8 is fixed to the frame 40. Specifically, in the case where the nozzle 8 is fixed from below the frame 40, the first fixing member 31 is provided from the frame 40 toward the cover 50 (from top to bottom), and the second fixing member 32 is provided from the nozzle 8 toward the frame 40 (from bottom to top) with the opposite orientation to the first fixing member 31. In this structure, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 pass from a heavy object to a light object, which improves workability, and the cover 50 can protect the first surface 23a until use, thereby improving the reliability of assembly.

[0064] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 1 according to this modification, the first fixing member 31 can be removed in a direction away from the first surface 23a and in the same direction as the cover 50. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately ensure a path for removing the first fixing member 31 relative to the path for removing the cover 50, thus increasing, for example, the degree of design freedom.

[0065] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing an example of a liquid ejection device according to a variation 2 of the first embodiment. Figure 7 It means from Figure 6 The diagram shows the liquid ejection device with its cover removed.

[0066] The liquid dispensing device 1 in this modified example has a housing 40A instead of a frame 40. The housing 40A is a holding part that holds the nozzle 8. The housing 40A has an internal space for accommodating a portion of the nozzle 8. The housing 40A may also be a structure that separates the internal space from the external space. Such a liquid dispensing device 1 is suitable, for example, for coating applications that spray volatile liquids.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the housing 40A has a hole 42, through which the nozzle 8 is fixed using a second fixing member 32. Additionally, the cover 50 has a through portion 52 at a position corresponding to the hole 42. The through portion 52 is a through hole extending through the cover 50 along the thickness direction of the nozzle 8. The through portion 52 is not used to fix the cover 50, but rather to allow the second fixing member 32 to pass through and fix the nozzle 8 to the housing 40A. The through portion 52 may, for example, be a notch located at the end of the cover 50 and extending through the cover 50 along the thickness direction of the nozzle 8.

[0068] Figure 7 It means from Figure 6 The diagram shows the liquid ejection device with the cover removed. The cover 50 can be removed from the nozzle 8 by removing the first fixing member 31 located on the outer side of the long side of the first surface 23a. Furthermore, the nozzle 8 has a through portion 26 located on the outer side of the short side of the first surface 23a. The through portion 26 is used to secure the nozzle 8 to the housing 40A using the second fixing member 32.

[0069] Here, an example of the shape of the through portion 26 where the second fixing member 32 is located and its vicinity is described. Figure 8 This is a top view showing the vicinity of the second fixed component. Figure 9 This is a sectional view showing the vicinity of the second fixing member. It should be noted that... Figure 8 The illustration of cover 50 is omitted in the text.

[0070] 8 nozzles Figure 9The nozzle 8 includes a nozzle plate 23, a flow path member 24, and a base plate 25, as shown. The nozzle plate 23 has a first surface 23a from which liquid is ejected and a second surface 23b opposite to the first surface 23a. The flow path member 24 is located on the second surface 23b and has multiple container plates stacked along the thickness direction of the nozzle 8. The base plate 25 is located on the opposite side of the nozzle plate 23, separated from the flow path member 24. The base plate 25 is a component with a greater thickness than the container plates of the flow path member 24. For example, the base plate 25 can be a machined part of a high-rigidity and high-strength metal or a resin molded part.

[0071] Furthermore, the flow path member 24 has a through portion 26 extending along the thickness direction. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the through portion 26 has a notch shape facing the end face 27 of the flow path member 24. The through portion 26 is separately configured from the second fixing member 32, which is shown by a dashed line. The second fixing member 32 securely connects the base plate 25 to the housing 40A, thereby fixing the nozzle 8 to the housing 40A. It should be noted that the through portion 26 is separately configured from the second fixing member 32, meaning that the inner wall of the through portion 26 does not contact the second fixing member 32.

[0072] Since the through portion 26 is separately configured from the second fixing member 32, the flow path member 24 is not subjected to shear stress generated during the assembly of the second fixing member 32. The container plates constituting the flow path member 24 are relatively thin compared to the base plate 25, so when subjected to stress during the fastening connection with the second fixing member 32, deformation may occur, potentially leading to adverse effects on the ejection performance. On the other hand, according to the nozzle 8 of this modified example, the shear stress generated during the assembly of the second fixing member 32 is borne by the base plate 25. The base plate 25 is thicker than the container plates of the flow path member 24, thus it is less prone to deformation during the assembly of the second fixing member 32. Therefore, the durability of the liquid ejection device 1, such as the nozzle 8, is improved according to the flow path member 24 including such a through portion 26. It should be noted that the nozzle 8 can be enlarged without exceeding necessary limits, which also contributes to the miniaturization of the nozzle 8.

[0073] Next, an example of the shape of the cover 50 and its vicinity where the first fixing member 31 is located will be described. Figure 10 This is a sectional view showing the vicinity of the first fixed member.

[0074] like Figure 10 As shown, the cover 50 has a hole 51. Additionally, the base plate 25 has a hole 21 at a position corresponding to the hole 51. A first fixing member 31 is located, for example, inside the holes 21 and 51, thereby fixing the base plate 25 to the cover 50 in a removable manner. It should be noted that... Figure 10The example shown is of the first fixing member 31 being provided from the base plate 25 side, but the shape of the holes 21, 51 can also be changed so that the first fixing member 31 is provided from the cover 50 side.

[0075] [Second Implementation]

[0076] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the structure of the main parts of the liquid ejection device according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 The liquid ejection device 1A shown includes a robotic arm 100 that can be controlled by a control unit 140. A holding part 101 is disposed at the front end of the robotic arm 100.

[0077] The liquid dispensing device 1A may have a robotic arm 100 configured with the holding portion 101 facing downwards, and the nozzle 8 held in the holding portion 101 is fixed to the holding portion 101 using a second fixing member 32 facing upwards from the lower side of the nozzle 8. By configuring the robotic arm 100 and fixing the nozzle 8 in this way, the first surface 23a of the nozzle 8 can be protected by the cover 50 until use, thus improving the reliability of assembly, even in the liquid dispensing device 1A equipped with the robotic arm 100.

[0078] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the structure of the main part of the liquid ejection device according to a modified example of the second embodiment. Figure 12 The liquid dispensing device 1A shown can also be configured with a robotic arm 100 facing upwards via a control unit 140, and the nozzle 8 held in the holding part 101 is fixed to the holding part 101 using a second fixing member 32 facing downwards from the upper side of the nozzle 8. By configuring the robotic arm 100 and fixing the nozzle 8 in this way, the load generated by the mass of the nozzle 8 and the second fixing member 32 can be easily transferred to the holding part 101, for example, improving workability.

[0079] [Assembly method for liquid ejection device]

[0080] Figure 13 This diagram illustrates an example of the assembly method of the liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment. First, a cover 50 covering the first surface 23a of the nozzle 8 is installed using a removable first fixing member 31 (step S11). The first fixing member 31 is provided along the thickness direction of the nozzle 8. The first fixing member 31 can be provided from above the nozzle 8 downwards as shown in the diagram, or it can be provided from below the cover 50 upwards.

[0081] Next, the frame 40 is positioned below the nozzle 8 on which the cover 50 is mounted (step S12), and the nozzle 8 is secured to the frame 40 using the second fixing member 32 (step S13). The second fixing member 32 can be positioned from above the nozzle 8 downwards as shown in the figure, or it can be positioned from below the cover 50 upwards. Thus, the liquid dispensing device 1 equipped with the removable cover 50 is completed (step S14).

[0082] Figure 14 This diagram illustrates an example of the assembly method of the liquid ejection device according to a variation of the first embodiment. First, a cover 50 covering the first surface 23a of the nozzle 8 is installed using a removable first fixing member 31 (step S21). This step S21 is the same as step S11 described above.

[0083] Next, the frame 40 is positioned above the nozzle 8 on which the cover 50 is mounted (step S22), and the nozzle 8 is secured to the frame 40 using the second fixing member 32 (step S23). The second fixing member 32 can be positioned from below the cover 50 upwards as shown in the figure, or it can be positioned from above the nozzle 8 downwards. Thus, the liquid dispensing device 1 equipped with the removable cover 50 is completed (step S24).

[0084] The above describes various embodiments of this disclosure, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made as long as they do not depart from its spirit. For example, as Figure 11 and / or Figure 12 The retaining part 101 located at the front end of the robotic arm 100 shown can also be configured with a frame 40 or a housing 40A.

[0085] As described above, the liquid dispensing device 1 according to the embodiment includes a nozzle 8, a retaining part, a cover 50, and a second fixing member 32. The nozzle 8 has a first surface 23a for dispensing liquid. The retaining part holds the nozzle 8. The cover 50 is fixed to the nozzle 8 using a removable first fixing member 31 to cover the first surface 23a. The second fixing member 32 fixes the nozzle 8 to the retaining part. Thus, the first surface 23a can be protected by the cover 50 until the nozzle 8 is used, thereby improving the assembly reliability of the liquid dispensing device 1.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 are both arranged facing the same side along the thickness direction of the nozzle 8. This improves workability and enhances the reliability of the liquid dispensing device 1 assembly by protecting the first surface 23a with the cover 50 until the nozzle 8 is used.

[0087] Furthermore, the first fixing member 31 and the second fixing member 32 involved in the embodiment are arranged facing opposite sides to each other along the thickness direction of the nozzle 8. As a result, workability can be improved, and the first surface 23a can be protected by the cover 50 until the nozzle 8 is used, thereby improving the reliability of the assembly of the liquid spraying device 1.

[0088] Furthermore, the first fixing member 31 involved in the embodiment is configured to be removable from the holding part in the direction where the cover 50 is located. As a result, workability can be improved, and the first surface 23a can be protected by the cover 50 until the nozzle 8 is used, thereby improving the reliability of the assembly of the liquid spraying device 1.

[0089] Furthermore, the liquid dispensing device 1A according to the embodiment includes a robotic arm 100, which has a holding part 101 disposed at its front end. Thus, in the liquid dispensing device 1A with the robotic arm 100, the first surface 23a of the nozzle 8 can be protected by the cover 50 until the nozzle 8 is used, thereby improving the assembly reliability of the liquid dispensing device 1.

[0090] Furthermore, the nozzle 8 according to the embodiment includes: a nozzle plate 23 having a first surface 23a and a second surface 23b opposite to the first surface 23a; a flow path member 24 located on the second surface 23b and having a plurality of container plates stacked along the thickness direction of the nozzle 8; and a base plate 25 with a greater thickness than each container plate, the base plate 25 being located on the opposite side from the nozzle plate 23, separated by the flow path member 24. The base plate 25 has a first hole for mounting a first fixing member 31 and a second hole for mounting a second fixing member 32. This improves the durability of the nozzle 8.

[0091] Furthermore, the flow path member 24 according to the embodiment has a first through portion disposed separately from the second fixing member 32 at a position corresponding to the second hole. This improves the durability of the nozzle 8 and also contributes to its miniaturization.

[0092] Furthermore, the cover 50 according to the embodiment has a second through portion disposed separately from the second fixing member 32 at a position corresponding to the second hole. This improves workability.

[0093] Further effects and variations can be readily derived by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the broader scope of this disclosure is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Thus, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the scope of the technical solutions and their equivalents.

[0094] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0095] 1,1A Liquid Ejection Device

[0096] 4. Coating machine

[0097] 6. Conveyor roller (an example of a conveyor section)

[0098] 8 nozzles

[0099] 10 Dryer

[0100] 14 Control Department

[0101] 23 Nozzle Plate

[0102] 23a First page

[0103] 24 Flow path components

[0104] 25 Base Plate

[0105] 31 First fixed component

[0106] 32 Second fixed component

[0107] 40 frames

[0108] 50 Covers.

Claims

1. A liquid ejection device, wherein, The liquid ejection device includes: A nozzle, which has a first surface from which liquid is ejected; A retaining part that holds the nozzle; A first fixing member secures the cover covering the first surface to the nozzle in a removable manner; as well as The second fixing member secures the nozzle to the retaining part. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are arranged facing opposite sides of each other along the thickness direction of the nozzle. The nozzle includes: a nozzle plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a flow path member located on the second surface and having a plurality of container plates stacked along the thickness direction of the nozzle; and a base plate with a greater thickness than the container plates, the base plate being located on the opposite side of the nozzle plate, separated from the flow path member. The base plate has a first hole for mounting the first fixing member and a second hole for mounting the second fixing member. The flow path component has a first through portion at a position corresponding to the second hole, which is separately configured from the second fixing component.

2. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1, wherein, The first fixing member is configured to be removable from the holding portion in the direction where the first surface is located.

3. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid ejection device includes a robotic arm, with the retaining part disposed at the front end of the robotic arm.

4. The liquid ejection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid ejection device also includes a cover fixed to the nozzle and covering the first surface. The cover has a second through portion at a position corresponding to the second hole, which is separately configured from the second fixing member.

5. A method for assembling a liquid ejection device, wherein, The assembly method of the liquid ejection device includes the following steps: Install a cover over the first surface of the nozzle that sprays liquid. The nozzle with the cover attached is fixed to the retaining part; Remove the cover from the nozzle fixed to the retaining part; The liquid ejection device is a device equipped with a robotic arm, wherein the holding part is located at the front end of the robotic arm, and the robotic arm is configured with the holding part facing downwards; and The nozzle located below the retaining part is fixed to the retaining part using a second fixing member that faces upward from the nozzle side. The nozzle includes: a nozzle plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a flow path member located on the second surface and having a plurality of container plates stacked along the thickness direction of the nozzle; and a base plate with a greater thickness than the container plates, the base plate being located on the opposite side of the nozzle plate, separated from the flow path member. The base plate has a first hole and a second hole, in which a first fixing member is used to install the cover onto the nozzle in a removable manner, and in which a second fixing member is used to fix the nozzle to the retaining part. The flow path component has a first through portion at a position corresponding to the second hole, which is separately configured from the second fixing component.

6. The assembly method of the liquid ejection device according to claim 5, wherein, The cover is secured to the nozzle using a removable first fixing member. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are both arranged facing the same side along the thickness direction of the nozzle.

7. The assembly method of the liquid ejection device according to claim 5, wherein, The cover is secured to the nozzle using a removable first fixing member. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are arranged facing opposite sides of each other along the thickness direction of the nozzle.

8. The assembly method of the liquid ejection device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The assembly method of the liquid ejection device includes the following steps: fixing the first fixing member so that it can be removed along the direction of the cover away from the first surface.

9. The assembly method of the liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The cover has a second through portion at a position corresponding to the second hole, which is separately configured from the second fixing member.

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