Liquid discharge head and recording apparatus

Abstract

The liquid nozzle (8) includes: a spraying unit (26) comprising a nozzle (163), a pressurizing chamber (162), and a pressurizing section (170); and dummy units (26a, 26b) comprising a dummy pressurizing chamber (162a) and a dummy pressurizing section (170a). The liquid nozzle (8) has: a spraying region (24) in which a plurality of spraying units (26) are arranged in a row; and a dummy region (25) in which one or more dummy units (26a, 26b) are arranged adjacent to the spraying region (24) on the extension line of the row of spraying units (26). The spraying region (24) includes a central region (26c) located at the center of the row and an end region (26d) located at the end of the row adjacent to the dummy region (25). The end region (26d) is the area where the ejection unit (26) is located, which ejects ink dots larger than the ejection unit (26) in the central region (26c) when the dummy units (26a, 26b) are ejected according to the same drive signal and formed on the recording medium without the dummy units (26a, 26b) being driven. The liquid ejection head (8) supplies a drive signal to the dummy units (26a, 26b) during the period when it supplies a drive signal to the ejection unit (26) in the end region (26d).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate to a liquid ejector head and a recording device. Background Technology

[0002] As a printing apparatus, inkjet printers or inkjet plotters that utilize inkjet recording are known. In such inkjet printing apparatuses, a liquid ejector head is provided for ejecting liquid.

[0003] The liquid ejector head, for example, introduces liquid from a reservoir into a pressure chamber, applies a drive signal to activate a piezoelectric element, and ejects the liquid from the pressure chamber through a nozzle. At this point, a technique has been proposed to improve ejection performance by configuring a dummy pressure chamber at the end of the liquid ejection area that does not eject liquid.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-37863

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-65391 Summary of the Invention

[0008] One embodiment of the liquid ejector head includes an ejection unit and a dummy unit. The ejection unit includes a nozzle for ejecting droplets, a pressure chamber connected to the nozzle, and a pressure section that deforms the pressure chamber upon being supplied with a drive signal. The dummy unit includes a dummy pressure chamber and a dummy pressure section that deforms the dummy pressure chamber upon being supplied with a drive signal. The liquid ejector head has an ejection region and a dummy region. The ejection region is a region in which a plurality of the ejection units are arranged in a column. The dummy region is a region in which one or more dummy units are arranged adjacent to the ejection region along an extension line of the column of ejection units. The ejection region includes a central region located at the center of the column and end regions located at the ends of the column adjacent to the dummy regions. The end regions are the regions where, when the dummy units are not driven, the ink dots formed on the recording medium by droplets ejected by the same drive signal are larger than those of the ejection units located in the central region. The liquid ejector head supplies a drive signal to the dummy unit while supplying a drive signal to the ejection unit located in the end region. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the printer involved in the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2It is a top view schematically representing the outline of the printer involved in the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the outline structure of the liquid ejector head according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the structure of the main parts of the liquid nozzle involved in the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of region V shown.

[0014] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The sectional view along line VI-VI is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 The sectional view along line VII-VII shown.

[0016] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the ejection units and the dummy units.

[0017] Figure 9A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the drive signal supplied to the ejection unit.

[0018] Figure 9B This is an explanatory diagram showing the change in ink dot diameter when the dummy unit is not activated.

[0019] Figure 9C This is an explanatory diagram showing the change in the diameter of the ink dot when the dummy unit is activated.

[0020] Figure 10A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a drive signal supplied to a dummy unit.

[0021] Figure 10B This is a diagram illustrating a variation of the drive signal supplied to the dummy unit.

[0022] Figure 11A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the drive control of a dummy unit.

[0023] Figure 11B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the drive control of a dummy unit.

[0024] Figure 11C This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the drive control of a dummy unit.

[0025] Figure 12A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the drive control of a dummy unit.

[0026] Figure 12B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the drive control of a dummy unit.

[0027] Figure 12C This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the drive control of a dummy unit. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the liquid ejector head and recording device disclosed in this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

[0029] In liquid nozzles with a dummy pressure chamber that does not eject liquid at the end of the liquid ejection area, there is still room for improvement in ejection performance.

[0030] Therefore, there is a need to provide a liquid ejection head and a recording device that can improve ejection performance.

[0031] <Printer Structure>

[0032] First, refer to Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 A summary of printer 1, which is an example of a recording device according to the embodiment, will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the printer 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the printer 1 according to the embodiment, showing its high waist plane. The printer 1 according to the embodiment is, for example, a color inkjet printer.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, printer 1 includes a paper feed roller 2, a guide roller 3, an coating machine 4, a head housing 5, multiple conveyor rollers 6, multiple frames 7, multiple liquid nozzles 8, a conveyor roller 9, a dryer 10, a conveyor roller 11, a sensor unit 12, and a recovery roller 13. The conveyor roller 6 is an example of a conveying unit.

[0034] Furthermore, the printer 1 has a control unit 14 that controls each part of the printer 1. The control unit 14 controls the operation of the paper feed roller 2, guide roller 3, coating machine 4, head housing 5, multiple conveyor rollers 6, multiple frames 7, multiple liquid nozzles 8, conveyor roller 9, dryer 10, conveyor roller 11, sensor unit 12, and recovery roller 13.

[0035] Printer 1 records images and text on printing paper P by causing droplets to fall onto the paper. Printing paper P is an example of a recording medium. Before use, printing paper P is wound on the paper feed roller 2. Printer 1 transports printing paper P from the paper feed roller 2 through the guide roller 3 and the coating machine 4 into the interior of the head housing 5.

[0036] The coating machine 4 evenly applies the coating agent to the printing paper P. This allows for surface treatment of the printing paper P, thereby improving the printing quality of the printer 1.

[0037] The head housing 5 houses multiple conveyor rollers 6, multiple frames 7, and multiple liquid ejector heads 8. Inside the head housing 5, except for a portion connected to the outside such as the part where the printing paper P enters or exits, a space isolated from the outside is also formed.

[0038] The internal space of the head housing 5 is controlled by the control unit 14 as needed, including at least one of the following control factors: temperature, humidity, and air pressure. The conveyor roller 6 inside the head housing 5 conveys the printing paper P to the vicinity of the liquid ejection head 8.

[0039] Frame 7 is a rectangular flat plate located near the top of the printing paper P conveyed by conveyor roller 6. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the frame 7 is located at a position where its length direction is orthogonal to the transport direction of the printing paper P. Moreover, inside the head housing 5, multiple (e.g., four) frames 7 are arranged at given intervals along the transport direction of the printing paper P.

[0040] A liquid, such as ink, is supplied from a liquid tank (not shown) to a liquid nozzle 8. The liquid nozzle 8 ejects the liquid supplied from the liquid tank.

[0041] The control unit 14 controls the liquid nozzle 8 based on data such as images and text, and sprays liquid toward the printing paper P. The distance between the liquid nozzle 8 and the printing paper P is, for example, about 0.5 to 20 mm.

[0042] The liquid nozzle 8 is fixed to the frame 7. The liquid nozzle 8 is located at a position where the length direction is orthogonal to the conveying direction of the printing paper P.

[0043] That is, the printer 1 according to the embodiment is a so-called line printer in which a liquid ejector head 8 is fixed inside the printer 1. In addition, the printer 1 according to the embodiment is not limited to a line printer, but may also be a so-called serial printer.

[0044] A serial printer is a printer that alternately performs the following actions and feeds the printing paper P: while moving the liquid nozzle 8 back and forth in a direction that is intersecting with the feeding direction of the printing paper P, for example, in a roughly orthogonal direction, it records data.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, multiple (e.g., 5) liquid nozzles 8 are fixed on a frame 7. Figure 2The example shown is an example in which two liquid nozzles 8 are located in front of the printing paper P in the transport direction and two liquid nozzles 8 are located behind the printing paper P. The liquid nozzles 8 are configured such that the centers of each liquid nozzle 8 do not overlap in the transport direction of the printing paper P.

[0046] Furthermore, a head group 8A is formed by multiple liquid nozzles 8 located in a frame 7. The four head groups 8A are arranged along the transport direction of the printing paper P. Ink of the same color is supplied to the liquid nozzles 8 belonging to the same head group 8A. Thus, the printer 1 can perform printing based on four colors of ink using the four head groups 8A.

[0047] The inks ejected from each of the head groups 8A are, for example, magenta (M), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (K). The control unit 14 controls each of the head groups 8A to eject inks of various colors onto the printing paper P, enabling the printing of color images on the printing paper P.

[0048] In addition, a coating agent can be sprayed from the liquid spray head 8 onto the printing paper P for surface treatment.

[0049] Furthermore, the number of liquid ejector heads 8 included in a head group 8A, or the number of head groups 8A mounted on the printer 1, can be appropriately changed according to the object being printed and the printing conditions. For example, if the color being printed on the printing paper P is monochrome and the printable area is printed by a single liquid ejector head 8, then the number of liquid ejector heads 8 mounted on the printer 1 can also be one.

[0050] The printing paper P, which has undergone printing treatment inside the head housing 5, is conveyed to the outside of the head housing 5 via the conveyor roller 9 and passes through the inside of the dryer 10. The dryer 10 dries the printed paper P after the printing treatment. The printed paper P dried by the dryer 10 is conveyed by the conveyor roller 11 and recovered by the recovery roller 13.

[0051] In printer 1, by using dryer 10 to dry printing paper P, it is possible to prevent the printing paper P that is overlapped and wound in recycling roller 13 from sticking together or from friction caused by undried liquid.

[0052] The sensor unit 12 is composed of a position sensor, a speed sensor, or a temperature sensor, etc. The control unit 14 can determine the status of each part of the printer 1 based on the information from the sensor unit 12, and control each part of the printer 1.

[0053] In the printer 1 described above, the case where printing paper P is used as the printing object (i.e., the recording medium) is shown. However, the printing object in printer 1 is not limited to printing paper P. Rolled cloth or the like can also be used as the printing object.

[0054] Furthermore, instead of directly feeding the printing paper P, printer 1 can be placed on a conveyor belt for transport. By using a conveyor belt, printer 1 can handle single sheets of paper, cut fabric, wood, or tiles as printing objects.

[0055] In addition, printer 1 can also spray liquid containing conductive particles from liquid nozzle 8 to print wiring patterns for electronic devices. Furthermore, printer 1 can also spray a given amount of liquid chemical agent or liquid containing chemical agent from liquid nozzle 8 toward a reaction container or the like to produce chemicals.

[0056] In addition, printer 1 may also have a cleaning unit for cleaning the liquid nozzle 8. The cleaning unit cleans the liquid nozzle 8, for example, by wiping or sealing.

[0057] Wiping treatment, for example, involves wiping the surface of the area from which the liquid is sprayed using a soft wiper to remove the liquid adhering to the liquid nozzle 8.

[0058] Furthermore, the capping process is performed as follows: First, the cap is placed on such a surface that the sprayed liquid is covered, for example, the second surface 21b of the flow path member 21 (see reference). Figure 6 (This is referred to as the cap). Thus, a roughly sealed space is formed between the second surface 21b and the cap.

[0059] Next, the liquid is repeatedly ejected within this confined space. This removes the blockage in the ejection orifice (nozzle) 163 (see reference). Figure 6 Liquids or foreign objects with a viscosity higher than that under standard conditions.

[0060] <Structure of a liquid ejector head>

[0061] use Figure 3 The structure of the liquid ejector head 8 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 An exploded perspective view showing the outline structure of the liquid ejector head 8 according to the embodiment.

[0062] The liquid ejector head 8 includes a head body 20, a wiring section 30, a housing 40, and a pair of heat sinks 45. The head body 20 includes a flow path component 21 and a piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 (see reference). Figure 4 ) and reservoir 23.

[0063] In the following description, for convenience, the direction in which the head body 20 is provided in the liquid ejector head 8 is sometimes marked as "down", and the direction in which the housing 40 is provided relative to the head body 20 is marked as "up".

[0064] The flow path component 21 of the head body 20 is generally flat and has a first surface 21a as a main surface (see reference). Figure 6 ) and the second surface 21b located on the opposite side of the first surface 21a (see reference) Figure 6 The first surface 21a has an opening (not shown) through which liquid is supplied from the reservoir 23 to the interior of the flow path member 21.

[0065] Multiple nozzles 163 (refer to) spray liquid onto printing paper P Figure 6 It is located on the second surface 21b. The flow path member 21 has a flow path inside that allows liquid to flow from the first surface 21a to the second surface 21b.

[0066] The piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 is located on the first surface 21a of the flow path member 21. The piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 has a plurality of displacement elements 170 (see reference). Figure 6 In addition, a flexible substrate 31 with wiring section 30 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22.

[0067] A reservoir 23 is located on the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22. Openings 23a are provided at both ends of the reservoir 23 in a direction orthogonal to the sub-scanning direction (which is the transport direction of the printing paper P) and parallel to the main scanning direction (i.e., the main scanning direction). The reservoir 23 has an internal flow path, through which liquid is supplied from the outside via the openings 23a. The reservoir 23 supplies liquid to the flow path member 21. Furthermore, the reservoir 23 stores the liquid supplied to the flow path member 21.

[0068] The wiring section 30 includes a flexible substrate 31, a wiring substrate 32, multiple driver ICs 33, a pressing member 34, and an elastic member 35. The flexible substrate 31 transmits a given signal sent from the outside to the head body 20. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the liquid ejector head 8 involved in the embodiment may also have two flexible substrates 31.

[0069] One end of the flexible substrate 31 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 of the head body 20. The other end of the flexible substrate 31 is inserted through the slit 23b of the liquid reservoir 23 and led upwards, and electrically connected to the wiring substrate 32. Thus, the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 of the head body 20 can be electrically connected to the outside.

[0070] The wiring board 32 is located above the head body 20. The wiring board 32 distributes signals to multiple driver ICs 33.

[0071] Multiple driver ICs 33 are located on one main surface of the flexible substrate 31. For example... Figure 3As shown, in the liquid ejector head 8 of the embodiment, two driver ICs 33 are provided on a flexible substrate 31, but the number of driver ICs 33 provided on a flexible substrate 31 is not limited to two.

[0072] Driver IC33 is based on control unit 14 (reference) Figure 1 The drive signal sent by the driver IC 33 drives the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 of the head body 20. As a result, the driver IC 33 drives the liquid ejection head 8.

[0073] The pressing member 34 has a generally U-shaped cross-section and presses the driver IC 33 on the flexible substrate 31 from the inside towards the heat sink 45. Thus, in this embodiment, the heat generated when the driver IC 33 is driven can be efficiently dissipated to the heat sink 45 on the outside.

[0074] The elastic member 35 is configured to contact the outer wall of the pressing portion (not shown) of the pressing member 34. By providing this elastic member 35, the possibility of the pressing member 34 damaging the flexible substrate 31 when pressing the driving IC 33 is reduced.

[0075] The elastic member 35 may be made of, for example, foamed double-sided tape. Furthermore, by using a non-silicon thermally conductive sheet as the elastic member 35, the heat dissipation of the driver IC 33 can be improved. Alternatively, the elastic member 35 may not necessarily be required.

[0076] The housing 40 is disposed on the head body 20, covering the wiring portion 30. Thus, the housing 40 can seal the wiring portion 30. The housing 40 is made of, for example, resin or metal.

[0077] The housing 40 is a box-shaped structure that extends elongated in the main scanning direction, and has a first opening 40a and a second opening 40b on a pair of opposing sides along the main scanning direction. In addition, the housing 40 has a third opening 40c on its lower surface and a fourth opening 40d on its upper surface.

[0078] On one side of the first opening 40a, a heat sink 45 is disposed to block the first opening 40a, and on the other side of the second opening 40b, a heat sink 45 is disposed to block the second opening 40b.

[0079] The heat sink 45 is configured to extend along the main scanning direction and is made of a metal or alloy with high heat dissipation properties. The heat sink 45 is configured to contact the driver IC 33 to dissipate the heat generated in the driver IC 33.

[0080] A pair of heat sinks 45 are fixed to the housing 40 by screws (not shown). Therefore, the housing 40 with the heat sinks 45 fixed is box-shaped with the first opening 40a and the second opening 40b blocked and the third opening 40c and the fourth opening 40d open.

[0081] The third opening 40c is located opposite the reservoir 23. A flexible substrate 31 and a pressing member 34 are inserted through the third opening 40c.

[0082] The fourth opening 40d is provided for a connector (not shown) disposed on the wiring board 32 to be inserted. If the space between the connector and the fourth opening 40d is sealed with resin or the like, liquids or debris will have difficulty penetrating into the interior of the housing 40.

[0083] In addition, the housing 40 has a heat insulation portion 40e. The heat insulation portion 40e is configured to be adjacent to the first opening 40a and the second opening 40b, and is arranged to protrude outward from the side of the housing 40 along the main scanning direction.

[0084] Furthermore, the heat insulation portion 40e is formed to extend along the main scanning direction. That is, the heat insulation portion 40e is located between the heat sink 45 and the head body 20. In this way, by providing the heat insulation portion 40e in the housing 40, the heat generated by the driver IC 33 is difficult to be transferred to the head body 20 via the heat sink 45.

[0085] in addition, Figure 3 This is one example of the structure of the liquid ejector head 8, and may also include... Figure 3 Components other than those shown.

[0086] <Structure of the head body>

[0087] Next, refer to Figures 4-7 The structure of the head body 20 involved in the implementation method will be described. Figure 4 This is a top view showing the structure of the main parts of the liquid nozzle involved in the embodiment. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of region V shown.

[0088] As described above, the head body 20 has a flow path member 21 and a piezoelectric actuator substrate 22. Furthermore, the head body 20 has an ejection region 24 and dummy regions 25 (25a, 25b) adjacent to the ejection region 24. A plurality of ejection units 26 are located in the ejection region 24. A plurality of dummy units 26a are located in the dummy region 25a, and a plurality of dummy units 26b are located in the dummy region 25b. The dummy units 26a and dummy units 26b have the same structure.

[0089] like Figure 5As shown, multiple pressurized chambers 162 are arranged in the ejection region 24. Multiple dummy pressurized chambers 162a are arranged in the dummy region 25a. The pressurized chambers 162 constitute part of the ejection unit 26 (see reference). Figure 6 Furthermore, the dummy pressurization chamber 162a constitutes part of the dummy unit 26a (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0090] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The sectional view shown along line VI-VI. (See attached image.) Figure 6 As shown, the flow path component 21 has a stacked structure with multiple plates stacked on top of each other. These plates are arranged sequentially from the first surface 21a side of the flow path component 21, including cavity plate 21A, bottom plate 21B, aperture plate 21C, supply plate 21D, manifold plates 21E, 21F, 21G, cover plate 21H, and nozzle plate 21I.

[0091] Multiple holes are formed on the plates constituting the flow path component 21. The thickness of each plate is approximately 10 μm to 300 μm. This improves the forming accuracy of the holes. The plates are aligned and stacked so that these holes are interconnected to form a separate flow path 164 and a supply manifold 161.

[0092] In the flow path component 21, the supply manifold 161 and the nozzle 163 are connected by a separate flow path 164. The supply manifold 161 is located on the second surface 21b inside the flow path component 21, and the nozzle 163 is located on the second surface 21b of the flow path component 21.

[0093] The separate flow path 164 has a pressurization chamber 162 and a separate supply flow path 165. The pressurization chamber 162 is located on the first surface 21a of the flow path member 21, and the separate supply flow path 165 is a flow path that connects the supply manifold 161 and the pressurization chamber 162.

[0094] Furthermore, the separate supply flow path 165 includes an aperture 166 that is narrower than the other portions of the separate supply flow path 165. Because the aperture 166 is narrower than the other portions of the separate supply flow path 165, it has higher flow resistance. Thus, with the high flow resistance of the aperture 166, the pressure generated in the pressurization chamber 162 is less likely to escape to the supply manifold 161.

[0095] The piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 includes piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B, a common electrode 171, a separate electrode 172, a connecting electrode 175, a dummy connecting electrode 176, and a surface electrode (not shown).

[0096] The piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 has a piezoelectric ceramic layer 22B, a common electrode 171, a piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, and a separate electrode 172 stacked sequentially.

[0097] The piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B each have a thickness of approximately 20 μm. Either layer of the piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B extends across multiple pressurized chambers 162. The piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B can be made of ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) based ceramic materials.

[0098] The common electrode 171 is formed over approximately the entire surface of the region between the piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B. That is, the common electrode 171 overlaps with all the pressure chambers 162 in the region opposite the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22. The thickness of the common electrode 171 is approximately 2 μm. The common electrode 171 can be made of, for example, Ag-Pd based metallic materials.

[0099] Individual electrode 172 includes individual electrode body 173 and lead-out electrode 174. Individual electrode body 173 is located in the region on piezoelectric ceramic layer 22B opposite to pressurized chamber 162. Individual electrode body 173 is smaller than pressurized chamber 162 and has a shape that is approximately similar to pressurized chamber 162.

[0100] Lead-out electrode 174 extends from individual electrode body 173. Connecting electrode 175 is located at one end of lead-out electrode 174, extending to the area opposite the pressurization chamber 162. Individual electrode 172 can be made of, for example, Au-based metallic materials.

[0101] The connecting electrode 175 is located on the lead-out electrode 174, has a thickness of approximately 15 μm, and is convex. Furthermore, the connecting electrode 175 is disposed on the flexible substrate 31 (see reference). Figure 3 The electrodes are electrically bonded. For example, the connecting electrode 175 can be made of silver-palladium containing glass frit.

[0102] The dummy connection electrode 176 is located on the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, in a position that does not overlap with individual electrodes 172 or other electrodes. The dummy connection electrode 176 connects the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 to the flexible substrate 31, improving the connection strength.

[0103] Furthermore, the dummy connection electrode 176 uniformly distributes the contact positions between the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 and the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22, thereby stabilizing the electrical connection. The dummy connection electrode 176 can be formed using the same material and the same process as the connection electrode 175.

[0104] The surface electrode is located on the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, away from the individual electrode 172. The surface electrode is connected to the common electrode 171 via a via formed in the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A. Therefore, the surface electrode is grounded and maintained at ground potential. The surface electrode can be formed using the same material and the same process as the individual electrode 172.

[0105] Multiple individual electrodes 172 are individually connected to the control unit 14 (see reference 14) via the flexible substrate 31 and wiring for individual potential control. Figure 1 Electrical connection. Moreover, when the individual electrode 172 and the common electrode 171 are set to different potentials and an electric field is applied to the polarization direction of the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, the portion of the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A to which the electric field is applied operates as an active part deformed due to the piezoelectric effect.

[0106] That is, a displacement element 170 is formed by a portion of the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22b that faces the pressure chamber 162 in the individual electrode 172, the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, and the common electrode 171. Then, by deforming a single piezoelectric wafer through this displacement element 170, the pressure chamber 162 is pressed, and liquid is ejected from the ejection port 163. In other words, the displacement element 170 functions as a pressure-applying part that deforms the pressure chamber 162. The ejection port 163 is an example of a nozzle that penetrates the nozzle plate 21T.

[0107] Figure 7 It is along Figure 5 The sectional view along line VII-VII shown. Figure 7 As shown, the dummy unit 26a has a dummy pressurization chamber 162a and a dummy pressurization section (displacement element 170a). The dummy unit 26a, except that it does not have the equivalent of... Figure 6 Apart from the openings of the ejection port 163, the separate flow path 164, the separate supply flow path 165, and the aperture 166 shown, it has the same structure as the ejection unit 26.

[0108] The piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 includes piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B, a common electrode 171a, a separate electrode 172a, a connecting electrode 175a, a dummy connecting electrode 176a, and a surface electrode (not shown).

[0109] The piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 has a piezoelectric ceramic layer 22B, a common electrode 171a, a piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, and a separate electrode 172a stacked sequentially. Either piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A or 22B extends across the dummy pressurization chamber 162a.

[0110] The common electrode 171a is formed in the region between the piezoelectric ceramic layers 22A and 22B, covering approximately the entire surface in the planar direction. That is, the common electrode 171a overlaps with all the dummy pressure chambers 162a in the region opposite the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22. The common electrode 171a can be formed in the same way as the common electrode 171.

[0111] Individual electrode 172a comprises individual electrode body 173a and lead-out electrode 174a. Individual electrode body 173a is located in the region on piezoelectric ceramic layer 22B opposite to dummy pressure chamber 162a. Individual electrode body 173a is slightly smaller than dummy pressure chamber 162a, but has a shape roughly similar to dummy pressure chamber 162a.

[0112] Lead-out electrode 174a is led out from individual electrode body 173a. Connecting electrode 175a is located at one end of lead-out electrode 174a, outside the area opposite to the dummy pressurization chamber 162a. Individual electrode 172a can use the same metal material as individual electrode 172.

[0113] The connecting electrode 175a is located on the lead-out electrode 174a. Furthermore, the connecting electrode 175a is disposed on the flexible substrate 31 (see reference 31). Figure 3 The electrodes are electrically connected. The material and shape of the connecting electrode 175a can be the same as those of the connecting electrode 175.

[0114] The dummy connection electrode 176a is located on the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, in a position that does not overlap with individual electrodes such as the individual electrode 172a. The dummy connection electrode 176a connects the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 to the flexible substrate 31, thereby improving the connection strength.

[0115] Furthermore, the dummy connection electrode 176a uniformly distributes the contact positions between the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 and the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22, thereby stabilizing the electrical connection. The dummy connection electrode 176a can be formed using the same material and the same process as the connection electrode 175a.

[0116] The surface electrode is located on the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, away from the individual electrode 172a. The surface electrode is connected to the common electrode 171a via a via formed in the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A. Therefore, the surface electrode is grounded and maintained at ground potential. The surface electrode can be formed using the same material and the same process as the individual electrode 172a.

[0117] Multiple individual electrodes 172a are individually connected to the control unit 14 (see reference 14) via the flexible substrate 31 and wiring for individual potential control. Figure 1 Electrical connection. Furthermore, if the individual electrode 172a and the common electrode 171a are made to have different potentials, and an electric field is applied to the polarization direction of the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, the portion of the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A in which the electric field is applied will act as an active part deformed due to the piezoelectric effect.

[0118] That is, a displacement element 170a is formed by the portion of the piezoelectric actuator substrate 22 that faces the dummy pressure chamber 162a in the individual electrode 172a, the piezoelectric ceramic layer 22A, and the common electrode 171a. Then, the displacement element 170a deforms the single piezoelectric wafer, pressing the dummy pressure chamber 162a. In other words, the displacement element 170a functions as a dummy pressure section that deforms the dummy pressure chamber 162a. Furthermore, since the dummy units 26a and 26b do not have ejection holes, liquid will not be ejected externally even when the dummy pressure chamber 162a is pressurized. That is, the dummy region 25 is a non-printable region that is not printed even when a drive signal is supplied. In contrast, the ejection region 24 is a printable region that can be printed according to the supplied drive signal.

[0119] <Drive Control of Virtual Units>

[0120] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of the ejection units and dummy units. Figure 8 In the example shown, the multiple ejection units 26 of the liquid ejection head 8 and the ejection units 26a and 26b arranged in a row along the main scanning direction are described.

[0121] like Figure 8 As shown, the ejection unit 26 has an ejection unit 261 located in one end region 26d1 and an ejection unit 262 located in another end region 26d2. The dummy units (26a, 26b) have a dummy unit 26a located in a dummy region 25a adjacent to the ejection unit 261 and a dummy unit 26b located in a dummy region 25b adjacent to the ejection unit 262.

[0122] Figure 9A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the drive signal supplied to the ejection unit. Figure 9A The drive signal 50 shown contains three pulses. When the drive signal 50 is supplied to the ejection unit 26, the time T from the start of the first pulse contained in the drive signal 50 to the end of the last pulse is defined as "the period during which the drive signal 50 is supplied".

[0123] Next, the drive control of the virtual units 26a and 26b will be explained. Figure 9B This is an explanatory diagram showing the change in ink dot diameter when the dummy unit is not activated. Figure 9C This is an explanatory diagram showing the change in the diameter of the ink dot when the dummy unit is activated.

[0124] like Figure 9BAs shown, the ink droplets ejected from the ejection units 26 located at both ends of the ejection region 24 are sometimes larger than those ejected from the ejection units 26 located in the center of the ejection region 24. This phenomenon is believed to be caused by crosstalk between the multiple ejection units 26. That is, when multiple ejection units 26 are driven simultaneously, vibrations with different phases are transmitted from other ejection units 26, thereby reducing the amount of ejected droplets and the size of the ink droplets formed by the ejected droplets compared to driving a single ejection unit 26. The ejection unit 26 located in the center of the column has other ejection units 26 on both sides of it, while the ejection units 26 located at the ends of the column have other ejection units 26 on only one side of it. Therefore, the crosstalk effect is smaller for the ejection units 26 located at the ends of the column compared to the ejection units 26 located in the center of the column, resulting in a larger amount of ejected droplets and larger ink droplets formed by the ejected droplets. Furthermore, this phenomenon becomes particularly pronounced in the ejection unit 26 located at the very end of the column, but because the vibration propagates beyond the ejection unit 26, the same phenomenon sometimes occurs in the second or third ejection unit 26 from the end. Moreover, differences in ink droplet size are identified as density differences, thereby degrading the quality of the printed object (recording medium). This is especially noticeable when a portion of a region with constant density exists, or when the size of the portion with a density difference from its surroundings is constant or larger, it is easily identified as density spots.

[0125] Therefore, in the liquid ejector head 8 according to the embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, during the period when a drive signal is supplied to the ejection unit 261 located at one end of the ejection region 24, a drive signal is supplied to the virtual unit 26a located in the virtual region 25a adjacent to the ejection unit 261. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal is supplied to the ejection unit 262 located at the other end of the ejection region 24, a drive signal is supplied to the virtual unit 26b located in the virtual region 25b adjacent to the ejection unit 262. Thus, as... Figure 9C As shown, the size difference between ink droplets formed by droplets ejected from the ejection units 26 (261 and 262) located at both ends of the ejection region 24 and other ink droplets can be reduced. Therefore, according to the liquid ejection head 8 of the embodiment, the concentration spots generated on the recording medium can be reduced.

[0126] Figure 10A This diagram illustrates an example of a drive signal supplied to a dummy unit. Figure 10B This is a diagram illustrating a variation of the drive signal supplied to the dummy unit.

[0127] like Figure 10AAs shown, the drive signal 52 can also be supplied to the dummy units (26a, 26b) at the same timing as the drive signal 51 supplied to the ejection unit 26 located at the end of the ejection region 24. That is, the drive signal 52, which is the same as the drive signal 51 supplied to the ejection unit 26 located at the end region 26d, can be supplied to the dummy units (26a, 26b) at the same timing as the ejection unit 26 located at the end region 26d. This improves the effect of reducing concentration spots. Furthermore, as... Figure 10B As shown, if a drive signal 52 is supplied during the period when a drive signal 51 is supplied to the ejection unit 26 located at the end of the ejection region 24, the timing of supplying drive signals 51 and 52 may also be different. In addition, the time T2 from the start of the initial pulse contained in drive signal 52 to the end of the last pulse may be the same as or different from the time T1 from the start of the initial pulse contained in drive signal 51 to the end of the last pulse.

[0128] In addition, Figure 8 The example shown illustrates a case where one ejection unit 26 exists in one end region of the ejection region 24, but this is not a limitation; multiple ejection units 26 may exist in one end region. Furthermore, the end region is the region located at the end of a column of ejection units 26. When the dummy units (26a or 26b) located in adjacent dummy regions 25 (25a or 25b) are not driven, it is the region where ejection units 26, whose ink droplets formed on the recording medium by droplets ejected according to the same drive signal are larger than those of ejection units 26 located in the central region. Additionally, if a difference of more than 1% exists between the average size of ink droplets formed on the recording medium by droplets ejected from ejection units 26 located in the central region, it can be determined that the size is "larger than that of ejection units 26 located in the central region." Furthermore, the region located in the center of a column of ejection units 26, comprising 20% ​​of the total number of ejection units 26 in a column, can be defined as the central region.

[0129] Thus, the liquid ejector head 8 of this embodiment includes ejection units 26 and dummy units (26a, 26b). The ejection unit 26 includes a nozzle (ejection orifice 163) for ejecting liquid droplets, a pressurization chamber 162 connected to the nozzle (ejection orifice 163), and a pressurization section (displacement element 170) that deforms the pressurization chamber 162 when supplied with a drive signal. The dummy units (26a, 26b) include a dummy pressurization chamber 162a and a dummy pressurization section (displacement element 170a) that deforms the dummy pressurization chamber 162a when supplied with a drive signal. The liquid ejector head 8 has an ejection region 24 and a dummy region 25. The ejection region 24 is a region in which a plurality of ejection units 26 are arranged in a column. The dummy region 25 is a region in which one or more dummy units (26a, 26b) are arranged adjacent to the ejection region 24 along the extension line of the column of ejection units 26. The ejection area 24 includes the central area 26c located in the center of the column (see reference). Figure 11A The dummy region 25 is located at the end of the column, and the end region 26d is located at the end of the column. The end region 26d is the region where the ejection unit 26, when the dummy units (26a, 26b) are not driven, forms ink dots on the recording medium that are larger than those of the ejection unit 26 located in the central region 26c, formed by droplets ejected by the same drive signal. The liquid ejection head 8 supplies a drive signal to the dummy units (26a, 26b) during the period when it supplies a drive signal to the ejection unit 26 located in the end region 26d. With such a structure, the generation of concentration spots caused by the difference in the size of ink dots formed on the recording medium by droplets ejected from the ejection unit 26 can be reduced.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid ejection head 8 supplies a drive signal to the dummy units (26a, 26b) during the period when it supplies a drive signal to the ejection units 26 (261, 262) located closest to the dummy regions 25 (25a, 25b). By having such a structure, the difference in size between ink dots formed on the recording medium by droplets ejected from the ejection units 26 (261, 262) located closest to the dummy regions 25 and other ink dots can be reduced, as the size of ink dots formed on the recording medium by droplets ejected with the same drive signal tends to be the largest.

[0131] Figures 11A to 12C This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of drive control for a dummy unit. In Figure 11AIn the example shown, during the supply of a drive signal (A) to the ejection unit 261 located in the end region 26d1, a drive signal (A) identical to that drive signal is supplied to virtual units 26a1 and 26a2 located in the virtual region 25a adjacent to the end region 26d1. Furthermore, during the supply of a drive signal (B) to the ejection unit 262 located in the end region 26d2, a drive signal (B) identical to that drive signal is supplied to virtual units 26b1 and 26b2 located in the virtual region 25b adjacent to the end region 26d2. That is, in Figure 11A In the liquid ejector head 8 shown, during the period when a drive signal (A) is supplied to the ejector unit 261 closest to the dummy region 25a, a drive signal (A) is also supplied to the end region 26d adjacent to the dummy region 25a, and to the dummy units 26a1 and 26a2 at the first and second closest positions. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (B) is supplied to the ejector unit 262 closest to the dummy region 25b, a drive signal (B) is supplied to the end region 26d2 adjacent to the dummy region 25b, and to the dummy units 26b1 and 26b2 at the first and second closest positions. This reduces the difference in size between the droplets ejected from the ejector units 261 and 262, which are more likely to become the largest ink droplets, and other ink droplet sizes. Alternatively, different driving signals can be supplied to the ejection unit 261 and the dummy units 26a1 and 26a2, and different driving signals can also be supplied to the ejection unit 262 and the dummy units 26b1 and 26b2.

[0132] In addition, such as Figure 11B , Figure 11C As shown, a drive signal (A) can also be supplied to the ejection unit 261 in the end region 26d1, which is located at one end of the ejection region 24. During this period, the same drive signal (A) is supplied only to either of the dummy units 26a1 and 26a2 in the dummy region 25a adjacent to the end region 26d1. Furthermore, a drive signal (B) can also be supplied to the ejection unit 262 located in the end region 26d2, which is located at the other end of the ejection region 24. During this period, the same drive signal (B) is supplied only to either of the dummy units 26b1 and 26b2 in the dummy region 25b adjacent to the end region 26d2.

[0133] That is, in Figure 11BIn the liquid ejector head 8 shown, during the period when a drive signal (A) is supplied to the ejector unit 261 closest to the virtual region 25a, a drive signal (A) is also supplied to the virtual unit 26a2, which is second closest to the end region 26d1 adjacent to the virtual region 25a. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (C) is supplied to the ejector unit 263, which is second closest to the virtual region 25a, a drive signal (C) is supplied to the virtual unit 26a1, which is closest to the end region 26d1. Similarly, during the period when a drive signal (B) is supplied to the ejector unit 262, which is closest to the virtual region 25b, a drive signal (B) is supplied to the virtual unit 26b2, which is second closest to the end region 26d2 adjacent to the virtual region 25b. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (D) is supplied to the ejector unit 264, which is second closest to the virtual region 25b, a drive signal (D) is supplied to the virtual unit 26b1, which is closest to the end region 26d. In this case, the difference in size between the ink droplets formed by the droplets ejected from ejection units 261 to 264 and other ink droplet sizes can be reduced. Furthermore, in each of the outermost ejection units 261 and 262, the vibrations propagating from both sides can be made equal. Additionally, different drive signals can be supplied to ejection unit 261 and dummy unit 26a2, and different drive signals can be supplied to ejection unit 262 and dummy unit 26b2. Furthermore, different drive signals can be supplied to ejection unit 263 and dummy unit 26a1, and different drive signals can be supplied to ejection unit 264 and dummy unit 26b1.

[0134] In addition, Figure 11CIn the liquid ejector head 8 shown, during the period when a drive signal (A) is supplied to the ejector unit 261 closest to the dummy region 25a, a drive signal (A) is also supplied to the dummy unit 26a1 closest to the end region 26d1 adjacent to the dummy region 25a. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (C) is supplied to the ejector unit 263 second closest to the dummy region 25a, a drive signal (C) is supplied to the dummy unit 26a2 second closest to the end region 26d1. Similarly, during the period when a drive signal (B) is supplied to the ejector unit 262 closest to the dummy region 25b, a drive signal (B) is supplied to the dummy unit 26b1 closest to the end region 26d adjacent to the dummy region 25b. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (D) is supplied to the ejector unit 264 second closest to the dummy region 25b, a drive signal (D) is supplied to the dummy unit 26b2 second closest to the end region 26d2. In this case, the difference between the size of ink droplets formed by droplets ejected from ejection units 261 and 262 and the size of other ink droplets can be reduced preferentially, and the difference between the size of ink droplets formed by droplets ejected from ejection units 263 and 264 and the size of other ink droplets can also be reduced. Therefore, the liquid ejection head 8 according to the embodiment can improve ejection performance. In addition, different driving signals can be supplied to ejection unit 261 and dummy unit 26a1, and different driving signals can be supplied to ejection unit 262 and dummy unit 26b1. Furthermore, different driving signals can be supplied to ejection unit 263 and dummy unit 26a2, and different driving signals can be supplied to ejection unit 264 and dummy unit 26b2.

[0135] Figures 12A-12C This indicates the case where the number of ejection units 26 located in the end region 26d is 3. Furthermore, in Figure 12A , Figure 12B The diagram shows the case where the number of dummy units (26a (26a~26a3) or 26b (26b1~26b3)) located in dummy regions 25 (25a and 25b) is 3.

[0136] exist Figure 12AIn the liquid ejector head 8 shown, during the period when a drive signal (A) is supplied to the ejector unit 261 closest to the virtual region 25a, a drive signal (A) is also supplied to the virtual unit 26a3, which is third closest to the end region 26d1 adjacent to the virtual region 25a. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (C) is supplied to the ejector unit 263, which is second closest to the virtual region 25a, a drive signal (C) is also supplied to the virtual unit 26a2, which is second closest to the end region 26d1. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (E) is supplied to the ejector unit 265, which is third closest to the virtual region 25a, a drive signal (E) is also supplied to the virtual unit 26a1, which is closest to the end region 26d1. Similarly, during the period when a drive signal (B) is supplied to the ejector unit 262, which is closest to the virtual region 25b, a drive signal (B) is also supplied to the virtual unit 26b3, which is third closest to the end region 26d2 adjacent to the virtual region 25b. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (D) is supplied to the ejection unit 264, which is located second closest to the dummy region 25b, a drive signal (D) is also supplied to the dummy unit 26b, which is located second closest to the end region 26d. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (E) is supplied to the ejection unit 266, which is located third closest to the dummy region 25b, a drive signal (E) is also supplied to the dummy unit 26b1, which is located closest to the end region 26d2. In this case, the difference between the size of the ink droplets formed by the droplets ejected from the ejection units 261 to 266 and the size of other ink droplets can be reduced. Alternatively, different drive signals can be supplied to the ejection unit 261 and the dummy unit 26a3, or to the ejection unit 262 and the dummy unit 26b3. Furthermore, different drive signals can be supplied to the ejection unit 263 and the dummy unit 26a2, or to the ejection unit 264 and the dummy unit 26b2. Furthermore, different driving signals can be supplied to the ejection unit 265 and the dummy unit 26a1, and different driving signals can also be supplied to the ejection unit 266 and the dummy unit 26b1.

[0137] exist Figure 12BIn the liquid ejector head 8 shown, during the period when a drive signal (A) is supplied to the ejector unit 261 closest to the virtual region 25a, a drive signal (A) is also supplied to the virtual unit 26a1 closest to the end region 26d1 adjacent to the virtual region 25a. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (C) is supplied to the ejector unit 263 second closest to the virtual region 25a, a drive signal (C) is supplied to the virtual unit 26a2 second closest to the end region 26d1. Moreover, during the period when a drive signal (E) is supplied to the ejector unit 265 third closest to the virtual region 25a, a drive signal (E) is supplied to the virtual unit 26a3 third closest to the end region 26d1. Similarly, during the period when a drive signal (B) is supplied to the ejector unit 262 closest to the virtual region 25b, a drive signal (B) is supplied to the virtual unit 26b1 closest to the end region 26d adjacent to the virtual region 25b. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (D) is supplied to the ejection unit 264, which is located second closest to the dummy region 25b, a drive signal (D) is also supplied to the dummy unit 26b2, which is located second closest to the end region 26d2. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (E) is supplied to the ejection unit 266, which is located third closest to the dummy region 25b, a drive signal (E) is also supplied to the dummy unit 26b3, which is located third closest to the end region 26d2. In this case, the difference between the size of the ink droplets formed by the droplets ejected from the ejection units 261 and 262 and the size of other ink droplets can be reduced preferentially, and the difference between the size of the ink droplets formed by the droplets ejected from the ejection units 263 to 266 and the size of other ink droplets can also be reduced. Alternatively, different drive signals may be supplied to the ejection unit 261 and the dummy unit 26a1, and different drive signals may be supplied to the ejection unit 262 and the dummy unit 26b1. Furthermore, different driving signals can be supplied to the ejection unit 263 and the dummy unit 26a2, and different driving signals can also be supplied to the ejection unit 264 and the dummy unit 26b2. Moreover, different driving signals can also be supplied to the ejection unit 265 and the dummy unit 26a3, and different driving signals can also be supplied to the ejection unit 266 and the dummy unit 26b3.

[0138] exist Figure 12CIn the liquid ejector head 8 shown, during the period when a drive signal (C) is supplied to the ejector unit 263 located second closest to the dummy region 25a, a drive signal (C) is supplied to the dummy unit 26a1 located closest to the end region 26d1 adjacent to the dummy region 25a. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (E) is supplied to the ejector unit 265 located third closest to the dummy region 25a, a drive signal (E) is supplied to the dummy unit 26a2 located second closest to the end region 26d1. Similarly, during the period when a drive signal (D) is supplied to the ejector unit 264 located second closest to the dummy region 25b, a drive signal (D) is supplied to the dummy unit 26b1 located closest to the end region 26d2 adjacent to the dummy region 25b. Furthermore, during the period when a drive signal (E) is supplied to the ejector unit 266 located third closest to the dummy region 25b, a drive signal (E) is supplied to the dummy unit 26b2 located second closest to the end region 26d2. In this case, in each of the outermost ejection units 261 and 262, the vibrations propagating from both sides can be made approximately equal, thus reducing the difference in size between the ink droplets formed by the droplets ejected from the ejection units 261 and 262 and other ink droplets. Furthermore, different driving signals can be supplied to the ejection unit 263 and the dummy unit 26a1, and also to the ejection unit 264 and the dummy unit 26b1. Additionally, different driving signals can be supplied to the ejection unit 265 and the dummy unit 26a2, and also to the ejection unit 266 and the dummy unit 26b2.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the number of dummy units 26a and dummy units 26b is the same, but they may also be different. Additionally, a drive signal may be supplied only to one of the dummy units 26a and 26b. For example, when the printer 1 has multiple liquid ejector heads 8, a drive signal may be supplied only to the dummy units of the dummy regions 25 that overlap with the ejection regions 24 of other liquid ejector heads 8 in the recording medium transport direction. In this case, by not supplying drive signals to the dummy units of the dummy regions 25 located at the ends of the printing areas where the density difference is not significant, power consumption can be reduced. Furthermore, when the ejection region 24 of the liquid ejector head 8 has multiple rows of ejection units 26, by performing the drive control of the dummy units 26a and 26b described above in at least one row, an effect corresponding to the number of rows in which the dummy units 26a and 26b are driven can be obtained. For example, the drive control of the dummy units 26a and 26b may be performed every other row. The maximum effect can be obtained when the drive control of the aforementioned dummy units 26a and 26b is performed in all columns. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ejection units 263 to 266 may not be located in the end region.

[0140] Furthermore, the drive control of the aforementioned dummy units 26a and 26b is merely an example, and other methods are also possible. That is, while supplying a drive signal to any one of the ejection units 26 located in the end region 26d, a drive signal can also be supplied to any one of the dummy units (26a or 26b) located in the dummy region 25 adjacent to the end region 26d, thereby expecting the aforementioned effect (improved ejection performance).

[0141] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications can be made as long as they do not depart from its spirit. For example, in the above embodiments, an example of flow path component 21 being composed of multiple stacked plates is shown, but flow path component 21 is not limited to being composed of multiple stacked plates.

[0142] For example, the supply manifold 161 or a separate flow path 164 can also be formed by using an etching process, thereby constituting the flow path component 21.

[0143] Those skilled in the art can readily derive further effects and variations. 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 general invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0144] -Explanation of Figure Markers-

[0145] 1. A printer (an example of a recording device)

[0146] 4 coating machine

[0147] 6. Conveyor rollers (an example of a conveyor section)

[0148] 8 liquid nozzles

[0149] 10 Dryer

[0150] 14 Control Department

[0151] 21Flow path components

[0152] 24 ejection areas

[0153] 25 Virtual Areas

[0154] 26 ejection units

[0155] 26a and 26b are dummy units.

[0156] 26c Central Area

[0157] 26d end region

[0158] 162 pressurized chamber

[0159] 162a Fictitious pressurization chamber

[0160] 163 ejection orifice (nozzle)

[0161] 170° displacement element (an example of a pressure unit)

[0162] 170a Displacement element (an example of a dummy pressure section).

Claims

1. A liquid ejector head, comprising: The ejection unit includes a nozzle for ejecting droplets, a pressurized chamber connected to the nozzle, and a pressurizing part that deforms the pressurized chamber by being supplied with a drive signal; and The dummy unit includes a dummy pressurization chamber and a dummy pressurization section that deforms the dummy pressurization chamber when a drive signal is supplied. The liquid ejector head has: The ejection region is a region in which multiple ejection units are configured in a column; and A dummy region is a region on the extension line of the column of the ejection unit where one or more of the dummy units are arranged adjacent to the ejection region. The ejection area includes a central region located at the center of the column and an end region located at the end of the column adjacent to the dummy region. The end region is: when the dummy unit is not driven, the region where the ink droplets formed on the recording medium by the droplets ejected according to the same driving signal are larger than the ink droplets formed on the recording medium by the droplets ejected from the ejection unit located in the central region. Drive control is performed to print by ejecting liquid, such that: during printing, while a drive signal is supplied to the ejection unit located in the end region and the ejection unit located in the end region is driven, a drive signal is supplied to the dummy unit and the dummy unit is driven.

2. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1, wherein, Drive control is performed to print by ejecting liquid, such that: the same drive signal as the drive signal supplied to the ejection unit located in the end region is supplied to the dummy unit at the same timing as the ejection unit located in the end region and drives the dummy unit.

3. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Drive control is performed to print by spraying liquid, such that: while supplying a drive signal to the ejection unit closest to the dummy area and driving the ejection unit closest to the dummy area, a drive signal is supplied to the dummy unit and the dummy unit is driven.

4. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Drive control is performed to print by spraying liquid, such that: while a drive signal is supplied to the ejection unit closest to the dummy region and the ejection unit closest to the dummy region is driven, drive signals are supplied to the dummy units at the first and second closest positions to the end region and the dummy units at the first and second closest positions to the end region are driven.

5. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Driven by liquid ejection, printing is performed so that: During the process of supplying a drive signal to the ejection unit closest to the dummy region and driving the ejection unit closest to the dummy region, a drive signal is also supplied to the dummy unit second closest to the end region and the dummy unit second closest to the end region is driven. During the period when a drive signal is supplied to the ejection unit at the second closest position to the dummy region and the ejection unit at the second closest position to the dummy region is driven, a drive signal is supplied to the dummy unit at the position closest to the end region and the dummy unit at the position closest to the end region is driven.

6. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Driven by liquid ejection, printing is performed so that: During the process of supplying a drive signal to the ejection unit closest to the dummy region and driving the ejection unit closest to the dummy region, a drive signal is also supplied to the dummy unit closest to the end region and the dummy unit closest to the end region is driven. During the period when a drive signal is supplied to the ejection unit at the second closest position to the dummy region and the ejection unit at the second closest position to the dummy region is driven, a drive signal is supplied to the dummy unit at the second closest position to the end region and the dummy unit is driven.

7. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Driven by liquid ejection, printing is performed so that: During the process of supplying a drive signal to the ejection unit located at the second closest position to the dummy region and driving the ejection unit located at the second closest position to the dummy region, a drive signal is also supplied to the dummy unit located at the closest position to the end region and the dummy unit located at the closest position to the end region. During the period when a drive signal is supplied to the ejection unit at the third closest position to the dummy region and the ejection unit at the third closest position to the dummy region is driven, a drive signal is supplied to the dummy unit at the second closest position to the end region and the dummy unit at the second closest position to the end region is driven.

8. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Driven by liquid ejection, printing is performed so that: During the process of supplying a drive signal to the ejection unit closest to the dummy region and driving the ejection unit closest to the dummy region, a drive signal is also supplied to the dummy unit third closest to the end region and the dummy unit third closest to the end region is driven. During the process of supplying a drive signal to the ejection unit located at the second closest position to the dummy region and driving the ejection unit located at the second closest position to the dummy region, a drive signal is also supplied to the dummy unit located at the second closest position to the end region and the dummy unit located at the second closest position to the end region. During the process of supplying a drive signal to the ejection unit at the third closest position to the dummy region and driving the ejection unit at the third closest position to the dummy region, a drive signal is also supplied to the dummy unit at the position closest to the end region and the dummy unit at the position closest to the end region is driven.

9. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Driven by liquid ejection, printing is performed so that: During the process of supplying a drive signal to the ejection unit closest to the dummy region and driving the ejection unit closest to the dummy region, a drive signal is also supplied to the dummy unit closest to the end region and the dummy unit closest to the end region is driven. During the process of supplying a drive signal to the ejection unit located at the second closest position to the dummy region and driving the ejection unit located at the second closest position to the dummy region, a drive signal is also supplied to the dummy unit located at the second closest position to the end region and the dummy unit located at the second closest position to the end region. During the period when a drive signal is supplied to the ejection unit at the third closest position to the dummy region and the ejection unit at the third closest position to the dummy region is driven, a drive signal is supplied to the dummy unit at the third closest position to the end region and the dummy unit at the third closest position to the end region is driven.

10. A recording device comprising: The liquid ejector head according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and The delivery unit delivers the recording medium to the liquid ejector head.

11. A recording device comprising: The liquid ejector head according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and The coating machine applies the coating agent to the recording medium.

12. A recording device comprising: The liquid ejector head according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and A dryer is used to dry the recording media.

13. The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The recording device has multiple liquid ejection heads. A drive signal is supplied only to a virtual unit of the virtual region located in each of the plurality of liquid ejection heads that overlaps with the ejection region of the other liquid ejection heads in the transport direction of the recording medium.

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