print head

Abstract

The present invention provides a print head that can improve the ejection accuracy of ink from the print head even when the weight of the print head is large. A print head characterized by ejecting a liquid, the print head comprising: a nozzle plate provided at a liquid ejection surface and formed with nozzle openings that eject the liquid in an ejection direction; a housing that accommodates at least a portion of the nozzle plate; and a handle located on the side opposite the nozzle plate from the ejection direction, the handle having a strength greater than the strength of the housing, the handle positioned so that at least a portion of the handle overlaps the nozzle plate in the normal direction of the nozzle plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to printheads. Background Technology

[0002] In ink-ejecting printheads, there are known structures with a flexible handle at the top of the head, as shown in Patent Document 1, to take into account printhead replaceability.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-238883

[0004] However, in recent years, in order to improve the ejection accuracy of ink from the printhead, the weight of the printhead has increased. As a result, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is insufficient and there is room for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The printhead of this invention is characterized by ejecting liquid, and the printhead comprises:

[0006] A nozzle plate is disposed on the liquid ejection surface and has a nozzle opening that ejects liquid along the ejection direction;

[0007] A housing that accommodates at least a portion of the nozzle plate; and

[0008] The handle is located on the side opposite to the spray direction relative to the nozzle plate.

[0009] The handle is stronger than the housing.

[0010] The handle is positioned such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the nozzle plate in the normal direction of the nozzle plate. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the functional structure of a printing apparatus.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate the general structure of the ejector section.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the general structure of a printing apparatus.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of the construction of a printhead.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a side view showing an example of the construction of a printhead.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the ink ejection surface.

[0017] Figure 7This is a top view of the printhead viewed from the -Z side along the Z-axis.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0019] 1... Printing apparatus; 5... Liquid container; 10... Control mechanism; 11... Wiring board; 12... Power supply circuit; 13... Main control circuit; 20... Printhead; 30... Ejection control module; 31... Ejection control board; 32... Ejection control circuit; 34... Connector; 40... Ejection module; 51... Drive circuit board; 52... Drive circuit; 53... Reference voltage output circuit; 54... Heat sink; 60... Piezoelectric element; 70... Delivery unit; 100... Ejector head; 200-1~200-n... Drive signal selection circuit; 210 ...supporting component; 220...fixed plate; 221-224...edge; 225...ink ejection surface; 300...head chip; 310...housing; 312, 314...opening; 320...cooling fan; 410...housing; 520...handle; 521, 522...connecting part; 523...space; 600...ejection part; 601...piezoelectric element; 611, 612...electrode; 621...vibrating plate; 631...cavity; 632...nozzle plate; 641...reservoir; 651...nozzle; 661...supply port; P...medium. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for ease of explanation. It should be noted that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the scope of the invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, not all structures described below are essential structural elements of the present invention.

[0021] 1. Functional structure of a printing device using a printhead

[0022] First, the functional structure of the printing apparatus 1 equipped with the printhead 20 of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the case where the printhead 20 of this embodiment is equipped with a so-called inkjet printer or other printing apparatus 1 that forms a desired image on a medium will be illustrated and described. It should be noted that the printhead 20 can also be used in liquid ejection devices that eject various liquids, such as color material ejection devices used in the manufacture of color filters for liquid crystal displays, electrode material ejection devices used in the electrode formation of organic EL displays, biological organic matter ejection devices used in the manufacture of biochips, and three-dimensional shaping devices used in the formation of three-dimensional structures.

[0023] Figure 1This is a diagram showing the functional structure of printing apparatus 1. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes a control mechanism 10 and a print head 20.

[0024] The control mechanism 10 includes a wiring board 11, a power supply circuit 12 mounted on the wiring board 11, and a main control circuit 13. Furthermore, the control mechanism 10 generates and outputs the power supply voltage that drives the print head 20 and the control signals that control the operation of the print head 20 to the print head 20.

[0025] Specifically, an industrial AC power supply (not shown) located outside the printing apparatus 1 inputs an industrial voltage to the power supply circuit 12. Furthermore, based on the input industrial voltage, the power supply circuit 12 generates various power supply voltages used in the printing apparatus 1, such as voltage VHV (a DC voltage of 42V) and voltage VDD (a DC voltage of 5V). Such a power supply circuit 12 can be configured, for example, to include an AC / DC converter such as a flyback circuit that converts the industrial AC voltage to DC voltage, and a DC / DC converter that converts the DC voltage output from the AC / DC converter. Moreover, the various power supply voltages, including voltages VHV and VDD generated by the power supply circuit 12, are supplied to the printhead 20. As a result, the printhead 20 operates, ejecting ink, for example, a liquid. It should be noted that, in addition to generating voltages VHV and VDD, the power supply circuit 12 may also generate power supply voltages with desired voltage values ​​used in various parts of the printing apparatus 1, including the control mechanism 10 and the printhead 20, and supply them to the corresponding structures.

[0026] Image signals are input to the main control circuit 13 from external devices such as a host computer located outside the printing apparatus 1 via an interface circuit (not shown). Furthermore, the main control circuit 13 generates an image information signal IP as a control signal for forming an image corresponding to the input image signal on the medium, and outputs this image information signal IP to the corresponding structure. Specifically, after performing predetermined image processing on the input image signal, the main control circuit 13 outputs the processed signal as the image information signal IP to the print head 20. Here, the image processing performed by the main control circuit 13 includes, for example, color conversion processing, which converts the input image signal into red, green, and blue color information, and then into color information corresponding to the color of the ink ejected from the printing apparatus 1, and halftone processing, which binarizes the color information. It should be noted that the image processing performed by the main control circuit 13 is not limited to the aforementioned color conversion processing and halftone processing.

[0027] Furthermore, the main control circuit 13 generates a transport control signal for transporting a medium on which an image based on the input image signal is formed, based on the input image signal, and outputs the transport control signal to the transport unit 70 described later. This controls the transport of the medium onto which the ink ejected from the printhead 20 lands. Such a main control circuit 13 is one or more semiconductor devices with multiple functions, and may be configured as, for example, a SoC (System on a Chip).

[0028] As described above, for the control mechanism 10, the power supply circuit 12 generates voltages VHV and VDD as the power supply voltages to drive the printhead 20, and the main control circuit 13 generates an image information signal IP to control the operation of the printhead 20. Furthermore, the voltages VHV and VDD generated by the control mechanism 10 and the image information signal IP are supplied to the printhead 20, thereby ejecting ink from the printhead 20.

[0029] The printhead 20 has an ejection control module 30 and an ejection module 40.

[0030] The ejection control module 30 includes an ejection control circuit 32 mounted on the ejection control substrate 31, drive circuits 52-1 to 52-n mounted on the drive circuit substrate 51, and a reference voltage output circuit 53.

[0031] The image information signal IP output by the main control circuit 13 is input to the ejection control circuit 32. Based on the input image information signal IP, the ejection control circuit 32 generates an ejection timing signal TD and printing data signals SI1-1 to SI1-n, ..., SIm-1 to SIm-n that control the ink ejection from the printhead 20. Furthermore, the ejection control module 30 outputs the ejection timing signal TD and the printing data signals SI1-1 to SI1-n, ..., SIm-1 to SIm-n from the ejection control circuit 32 to the ejection module 40.

[0032] In addition, the ejection control circuit 32 generates base drive signals dA1 to dAm based on the image information signal IP input from the main control circuit 13 and outputs them to the drive circuit board 51.

[0033] The base drive signal dA1 output by the ejection control circuit 32 is input to the drive circuit 52-1 mounted on the drive circuit board 51. After converting the input base drive signal dA1 into an analog signal, the drive circuit 52-1 amplifies the converted analog signal based on voltage VHV to generate the drive signal COM1. Similarly, the drive circuit 52-i (i is any one of 1 to m) converts the input base drive signal dAi into an analog signal and amplifies the converted analog signal based on voltage VHV to generate the drive signal COMi. That is, the base drive signal dA1 is a signal that defines the signal waveform of the drive signal COM1, and the base drive signal dAi is a signal that defines the signal waveform of the drive signal COMi. In addition, the reference voltage output circuit 53 mounted on the drive circuit board 51 generates a reference voltage signal VBS by boosting or bucking voltage VDD or voltage VHV.

[0034] Furthermore, the drive signals COM1 to COMm generated by the drive circuits 52-1 to 52-m respectively and the reference voltage signal VBS generated by the reference voltage output circuit 53 are output from the drive circuit board 51. The drive signals COM1 to COMm and the reference voltage signal VBS output from the drive circuit board 51 propagate in the ejection control board 31 and are output from the ejection control module 30 to the ejection module 40.

[0035] The ejection module 40 has ejection heads 100-1 to 100-m, each of which has a drive signal selection circuit 200-1 to 200-n and a head chip 300-1 to 300-n corresponding to the drive signal selection circuit 200-1 to 200-n.

[0036] The drive signal selection circuit 200-1 included in the printhead 100-1 receives an ejection timing signal TD, a printing data signal SI1-1, and a drive signal COM1 as inputs. Based on the printing data signal SI1-1, the drive signal selection circuit 200-1 selects or deselects the drive waveform included in the drive signal COM1 at the timing specified by the ejection timing signal TD, thereby generating a drive signal VOUT corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection sections 600 included in the printhead chip 300-1. Furthermore, the drive signal selection circuit 200-1 supplies the generated drive signal VOUT to one end of the piezoelectric element 60 included in the corresponding ejection section 600. At this time, a reference voltage signal VBS is supplied to the other end of the piezoelectric element 60. The piezoelectric element 60 is driven by the potential difference between the drive signal VOUT supplied to one end and the reference voltage signal VBS supplied to the other end, and ink is ejected from the ejection section 600 along with the drive of the piezoelectric element 60.

[0037] Similarly, the drive signal selection circuit 200-n included in the printhead 100-1 receives an ejection timing signal TD, a printing data signal SI1-n, and a drive signal COM1 as inputs. Based on the printing data signal SI1-n, the drive signal selection circuit 200-n in the printhead 100-1 selects or deselects the drive waveform included in the drive signal COM1 at the timing specified by the ejection timing signal TD, thereby generating a drive signal VOUT corresponding to each of the plurality of ejection sections 600 included in the printhead 100-1. Furthermore, the drive signal selection circuit 200-n in the printhead 100-1 supplies the generated drive signal VOUT to one end of the piezoelectric element 60 included in the corresponding ejection section 600. At this time, a reference voltage signal VBS is supplied to the other end of the piezoelectric element 60. The piezoelectric element 60 is driven by the potential difference between the drive signal VOUT supplied to one end and the reference voltage signal VBS supplied to the other end, and ink is ejected from the ejection section 600 along with the drive of the piezoelectric element 60.

[0038] Here, for each of the printheads 100-1 and 100-2 to 100-m, only the input signals differ; their structures and operations are identical. Therefore, the description of the structure and operation of printheads 100-2 to 100-m is omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, printheads 100-1 to 100-6 are sometimes referred to simply as printhead 100 unless it is necessary to distinguish between them. In this case, the printhead 100 will be described by inputting the printout timing signal TD, the printout data signals SI-1 to SI-m (as printout data signals SI1-1 to SI1-n, ..., SIm-1 to SIm-n), the drive signals COM (as drive signals COM1 to COMm), and the reference voltage signal VBS. Furthermore, the drive signal COM will be described as being output by drive circuits 52 (as drive circuits 52-1 to 52-m).

[0039] Next, an example of the structure of the ejection section 600 included in each of the head chips 300-1 to 300-n of each of the ejection heads 100-1 to 100-m will be described. Figure 2 This is a diagram used to illustrate the general structure of the ejection section 600. Figure 2 In addition to the ejector section 600 shown in the figure, a nozzle plate 632, a reservoir 641, and a supply port 661 are also shown.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, the ejection section 600 includes a piezoelectric element 60, a vibrating plate 621, a cavity 631, and a nozzle 651. The piezoelectric element 60 includes a piezoelectric body 601 and electrodes 611 and 612, which are positioned by the electrodes 611 and 612 clamping the piezoelectric body 601. A drive signal VOUT is supplied to electrode 611, and a reference voltage signal VBS is supplied to electrode 612. Furthermore, the piezoelectric element 60 is driven to displace its central portion in the vertical direction based on the potential difference between the drive signal VOUT supplied to electrode 611 and the voltage supplied to electrode 612.

[0041] Vibrating plate 621 is located Figure 2 Below the piezoelectric element 60. In other words, the piezoelectric element 60 is formed on the vibrating plate 621. Figure 2 The upper surface of the plate. Moreover, the vibrating plate 621 is displaced in the vertical direction along with the vertical drive of the piezoelectric element 60.

[0042] Cavity 631 is located in the vibrating plate 621 Figure 2 Below the cavity 631. Ink is supplied to the cavity 631 from the reservoir 641. Furthermore, ink is introduced into the reservoir 641 via the supply port 661. That is, the cavity 631 stores the ink supplied through the supply port 661. The internal volume of the cavity 631 increases or decreases with the vertical displacement of the vibrating plate 621. That is, the vibrating plate 621 functions as a diaphragm that changes the internal volume of the cavity 631, and the cavity 631 functions as a pressure chamber whose internal pressure changes with the vertical displacement of the vibrating plate 621.

[0043] Nozzle 651 is an opening provided in nozzle plate 632 and communicates with cavity 631. Moreover, the ink filling the cavity 631 is ejected from nozzle 651 according to the change in the internal volume of cavity 631.

[0044] Specifically, in the ejection section 600, when the piezoelectric element 60 is driven to flex upwards, the vibrating plate 621 is displaced upwards. This increases the internal volume of the cavity 631, allowing ink stored in the reservoir 641 to be introduced into the cavity 631. Conversely, when the piezoelectric element 60 is driven to flex downwards, the vibrating plate 621 is displaced downwards. This decreases the internal volume of the cavity 631, and an amount of ink corresponding to the degree of reduction in the internal volume of the cavity 631 is ejected from the nozzle 651.

[0045] It should be noted that the piezoelectric element 60 is only required to be driven by the drive signal VOUT and the reference voltage signal VBS, and is capable of ejecting ink from the nozzle 651 by the drive; it is not limited to this configuration. Figure 2 The structure shown.

[0046] That is, the printhead 20 of this embodiment includes: a nozzle plate 632 on which nozzles 651 for ejecting ink are formed; and a drive circuit 52 that outputs a drive signal COM as the basis for a drive signal VOUT that causes ink to be ejected from the nozzles 651. Here, the printhead 100 has the same structure for any of the printhead chips 300-1 to 300-n, which include a plurality of ejection sections 600. Therefore, in the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between printhead chips 300-1 to 300-n, they will sometimes be referred to simply as printhead chip 300.

[0047] 2. Structure of the printing apparatus

[0048] Next, the general structure of the printing apparatus 1 will be described. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the printing apparatus 1. Here, the following description will focus on the case where the printhead 20 has six nozzles 100, i.e., nozzles 100-1 to 100-6. Furthermore, in the following description, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are illustrated. Moreover, when defining the directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, the starting side of the arrow indicating the direction along the X-axis is sometimes referred to as the -X side, and the leading side as the +X side; the starting side of the arrow indicating the direction along the Y-axis is referred to as the -Y side, and the leading side as the +Y side; and the starting side of the arrow indicating the direction along the Z-axis is referred to as the -Z side, and the leading side as the +Z side. It should be noted that the following description assumes the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal spatial axes, but is not limited to the case where the components constituting the printing apparatus 1 are orthogonally arranged.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in addition to the control mechanism 10 and the print head 20 described above, the printing apparatus 1 also includes a transport unit 70 for transporting the medium P on which the ink ejected from the print head 20 lands, and a liquid container 5 for storing the ink ejected from the print head 20.

[0050] As described above, the control mechanism 10 has a power supply circuit 12 and a main control circuit 13, which control the operation of the printing apparatus 1, including the print head 20. Alternatively, in addition to the power supply circuit 12 and the main control circuit 13, the control mechanism 10 may also have a storage circuit for storing various information of the printing apparatus 1, an interface circuit for communicating with external devices such as a host computer located outside the printing apparatus 1, etc.

[0051] Furthermore, the control mechanism 10 receives image signals input from an external device located outside the printing apparatus 1, and based on the received image signals, generates and outputs a control signal PT, which corresponds to a transport control signal for controlling the transport of the medium P, to the transport unit 70. Thus, the transport unit 70 transports the medium P along the Y-axis from the -Y side to the +Y side. That is, the direction along the Y-axis from the -Y side to the +Y side corresponds to the transport direction of the medium P. Such a transport unit 70 is configured, for example, to include a roller (not shown) for transporting the medium P, a motor for rotating the roller, etc.

[0052] The liquid container 5 stores the ink ejected from the printhead 20. For example, the liquid container 5 may separately store inks of four colors: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). The ink stored in the liquid container 5 is supplied to the ejector heads 100-1 to 100-6 of the printhead 20 via tubes (not shown). It should be noted that the number of ink storage containers in the liquid container 5 is not limited to four. Furthermore, inks of colors other than cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) may also be stored in the liquid container 5.

[0053] The printhead 20 has nozzles 100-1 to 100-6 arranged in the X-axis direction from the -X side to the +X side, in the order of nozzle 100-1, nozzle 100-2, nozzle 100-3, nozzle 100-4, nozzle 100-5, and nozzle 100-6. In this case, the nozzles 100-1 to 100-6 in the printhead 20 are positioned such that the width of the conveyed medium P in the X-axis direction is greater than or equal to the width of the medium P being transported. Furthermore, the printhead 20 distributes ink supplied from the liquid container 5 to the nozzles 100-1 to 100-6 respectively, and operates based on the image information signal IP input from the control mechanism 10. Thus, the printhead 20 ejects ink to the desired position on the medium P. It should be noted that the printhead 20 is not limited to six nozzles; it may have five or fewer, or seven or more.

[0054] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the control mechanism 10 generates an image information signal IP based on an image signal input from an external device and outputs it to the print head 20. Furthermore, the print head 20 ejects ink onto the medium P at a timing corresponding to the image information signal IP input from the control mechanism 10. Thus, the ink ejected from the print head 20 lands at a desired position on the medium P, forming a desired image on the medium P.

[0055] Furthermore, in the following description, the printing apparatus 1 is described as a so-called line printing liquid ejection device in which ink is ejected onto the transported medium P by ejecting ink from ejector heads 100 continuously arranged above the width of the medium P, thereby forming a desired image on the medium P. However, the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to the so-called line printing method, and may also be a so-called series liquid ejection device in which the print head 20 is mounted on a carriage that can move along the scanning direction, and the carriage moves along with the transport of the medium P, thereby causing the ink to fall at the desired position on the medium P.

[0056] 3. Printhead Structure

[0057] Next, the details of the construction of printhead 20 will be explained. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of the construction of the printhead 20. Figure 5 This is a side view showing an example of the construction of the printhead 20 when viewed along the Y-axis. Furthermore, Figure 5 The dashed line illustrates a part of the structure configured inside the printhead 20.

[0058] In recent years, from the viewpoint of improving the image quality formed on the medium P by ink ejected from the printhead 20 and increasing the ejection speed of the ink ejected from the printhead 20, the number of nozzles 651 in the printhead 20 has increased, resulting in a larger size and weight for the printhead 20. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the ejection accuracy of the ink ejected from the printhead 20, sometimes a drive circuit 52 for outputting the drive signal COM is mounted in the printhead 20, as shown in this embodiment. In a printhead 20 with such a structure, the propagation path of the drive signal COM is shortened, thereby reducing the possibility of deviations in the signal waveform of the drive signal COM, and improving the ejection accuracy of the ink ejected from the printhead 20. However, with the drive circuit 52 mounted in the printhead 20, it is also contemplated that the size and weight of the printhead 20 will further increase, exceeding 5 kg.

[0059] The increased size and weight of the printhead 20 may increase the workload of operators involved in the manufacturing and maintenance of liquid ejection devices such as the printing apparatus 1 equipped with the printhead 20, as well as the replacement of the printhead 20. Furthermore, due to the large size and weight of the printhead 20, the likelihood of it coming into contact with external structures, including various structures of the printing apparatus 1, increases during the manufacturing and replacement of the liquid ejection device. Such contact between the printhead 20 and external structures may cause malfunctions in the printhead 20. In the event of contact between the nozzle plate 632, where the nozzles 651 from which ink is ejected from the printhead 20 are formed, and external structures, scratches or other damage may occur on the nozzle plate 632. Consequently, the amount and direction of ink ejected from the nozzles 651 formed on the nozzle plate 632 may become inconsistent, and the accuracy of ink ejection from the printhead 20 may be significantly reduced.

[0060] In view of the above-mentioned problems, a structure is sought in the printhead 20 such that the printhead 20 can be stably assembled and disassembled even when its size and weight increase, and the possibility of the printhead 20 coming into contact with external structures and the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632 can be reduced. To meet such requirements, the printhead 20 of this embodiment is an ink ejection printhead 20, comprising: a nozzle plate 632, disposed on the ink ejection surface 225, having nozzles 651 formed thereon that eject ink from the -Z side toward the +Z side along the Z-axis; a housing 410 that houses at least a portion of the nozzle plate 632; and a handle 520 located on the opposite side of the nozzle plate 632 in the direction along the Z-axis from the -Z side toward the +Z side, and on the -Z side of the nozzle plate 632, wherein the strength of the handle 520 is greater than the strength of the housing 410, and the handle 520 has the following characteristic structure: at least a portion of the handle 520 is positioned to overlap with the nozzle plate 632 in a direction along the normal direction of the nozzle plate 632 and not along the Z-axis.

[0061] In this printhead 20 structure, the handle 520 is stronger and more rigid than the housing 410, thus reducing the likelihood of deformation when the handle 520 is lifted. Consequently, when the printhead 20 is lifted using the handle 520, the likelihood of the printhead 20 wobbling is reduced, as is the likelihood of the printhead 20 contacting external structures. Specifically, the likelihood of the nozzle plate 632 of the printhead 20 wobbling is reduced, and the likelihood of the nozzle plate 632 contacting external structures is reduced. As a result, even with a large size and weight of the printhead 20, the likelihood of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632 is reduced, and the likelihood of decreased ink ejection precision from the printhead 20 is reduced.

[0062] Furthermore, the handle 520 is positioned such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the nozzle plate 632 in the direction normal to the nozzle plate 632 and along the Z-axis. This allows the nozzle plate 632 to be lifted in a substantially horizontal position even when the print head 20 is large and heavy. This further reduces the likelihood of the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with external structures and the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632. Consequently, even with a large print head 20, the possibility of reduced ink ejection precision from the print head 20 is further reduced.

[0063] A specific example of the construction of the printhead 20 described above will be explained. Here, the printhead 20 of this embodiment is a large printhead in terms of size and weight. Specifically, the length of the printhead 20 along the X-axis is greater than or equal to the width of the shorter side of A3, for example, 440 mm; the length of the printhead 20 along the Y-axis is 90 mm; the length of the printhead 20 along the Z-axis, excluding the handle 520, is 200 mm; and the weight is 5 kg or more. Figure 4 As shown, the printhead 20 includes a fixing plate 220, an ejection control module 30, an ejection module 40, and a handle 520.

[0064] The fixed plate 220 is a plate-shaped component extending along the XY plane formed by the X-axis and Y-axis, supporting the ejection module 40 and the ejection control module 30. Moreover, ink is ejected from the ink ejection surface 225 located on the +Z side of the fixed plate 220 along the Z-axis from the -Z side toward the +Z side.

[0065] The ejection module 40 is located on the -Z side of the fixing plate 220 and is fixed to the -Z side of the fixing plate 220. The ejection module 40 has a housing 410 and the aforementioned ejection heads 100-1 to 100-6. Figure 5 As shown, the housing 410 houses the printheads 100-1 to 100-6. Thus, the housing 410 functions as a protective member to protect the printheads 100-1 to 100-6 from impact and ink mist. Such a housing 410 can be made of, for example, aluminum or iron. It should be noted that the housing 410 only needs to protect the printheads 100-1 to 100-6 from impact and ink mist, and can also be made of resin material.

[0066] The printheads 100-1 to 100-6 are arranged and positioned along the X-axis from the -X side to the +X side in the following order: printhead 100-1, printhead 100-2, printhead 100-3, printhead 100-4, printhead 100-5, and printhead 100-6, while being housed in the housing 410. At this time, at least a portion of the printheads 100-1 to 100-6 are exposed from the ink ejection surface 225 on the +Z side of the fixing plate 220.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the ink ejection surface 225. Here, the following description will cover the case where each of the ejection heads 100-1 to 100-6 has 6 head chips 300.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, the fixing plate 220 includes sides 221 and 222, and sides 223 and 224 that are longer than sides 221 and 222. Side 221 extends along the Y-axis. Side 222 is located on the +X side of side 221 and extends along the Y-axis facing side 222. Side 223 extends along the X-axis and intersects both sides 221 and 222. Side 224 is located on the +Y side of side 223, intersects both sides 221 and 222, and extends along the X-axis facing side 222. That is, the fixing plate 220 is a generally rectangular shape including sides 221 and 222 and sides 223 and 224 that are longer than sides 221 and 222 when viewed from the +Z side along the direction of the ink ejection surface 225 and along the Z-axis. In other words, when viewed along the Z-axis, the ink ejection surface 225 of the fixing plate 220 includes sides 221 and 222 and sides 223 and 224 that are longer than sides 221 and 222 and intersect with sides 221 and 222. It should be noted that the shape of the fixing plate 220 and the ink ejection surface 225 when viewed along the Z-axis is not limited to a generally rectangular shape.

[0069] In addition, each of the printheads 100-1 to 100-6 has six head chips 300, and the nozzle plate 632 included in the six head chips 300 is arranged to be exposed from the ink ejection surface 225 of the fixed plate 220.

[0070] Specifically, each of the six head chips 300 in each of the nozzle heads 100-1 to 100-6 includes a plurality of nozzles 651 corresponding to a plurality of ejection portions 600 formed on the nozzle plate 632. In each head chip 300, the plurality of nozzles 651 included in each of the plurality of ejection portions 600 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and in the XY plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis, in a direction different from both the direction along the X-axis and the direction along the Y-axis. That is, a nozzle array is formed in the head chip 300 by the plurality of nozzles 651 arranged along the nozzle axis RD. At this time, in each of the head chips 300, the nozzle plate 632 on which the nozzles 651 are formed also extends along the direction of the nozzle array formed by the plurality of nozzles 651, i.e., the nozzle axis RD. Furthermore, the six head chips 300 in each of the nozzle heads 100-1 to 100-6 are arranged in a direction along the X-axis. That is, each of the six printheads 100 has six head chips 300, each of which includes a nozzle plate 632 extending along the nozzle axis RD and arranged along the X-axis and positioned on the ink ejection surface 225 of the mounting plate 220 of the printhead 20. In other words, the nozzle plate 632 extending along the nozzle axis RD and forming a nozzle array is arranged along the X-axis and positioned on the ink ejection surface 225 of the mounting plate 220 of the printhead 20, and protrudes from the ink ejection surface 225. Furthermore, the number of head chips 300 in each of the printheads 100-1 to 100-6 is not limited to six.

[0071] return Figure 4 The ejection control module 30 is located on the -Z side of the ejection module 40 and is supported by the support member 210, thereby being fixed to the fixing plate 220. The ejection control module 30 has a housing 310, a cooling fan 320, the aforementioned ejection control board 31, and a drive circuit board 51.

[0072] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing 310 houses the ejection control board 31, the drive circuit board 51, and the cooling fan 320. Thus, the housing 310 functions as a protective member to protect the ejection control board 31, the drive circuit board 51, and the cooling fan 320 from impact and ink mist. Such a housing 310 can be made of, for example, aluminum or iron. Alternatively, as long as the housing 310 can protect the ejection control board 31, the drive circuit board 51, and the cooling fan 320 from impact and ink mist, it can also be made of resin material.

[0073] A connector 34 is provided on the ejection control board 31. The connector 34 is located on the -X side of the -Z side of the ejection control board 31, and protrudes from the opening 312 of the housing 310 toward the outside of the printhead 20. Furthermore, a cable (not shown) electrically connects the wiring board 11 of the control mechanism 10 to the ejection control board 31, and is mounted on the connector 34. Thus, the voltages VHV and VDD output from the power supply circuit 12 of the wiring board 11 of the control mechanism 10, and the image information signal IP output from the main control circuit 13 of the wiring board 11 of the control mechanism 10, are input to the ejection control board 31. In other words, the connector 34, which provides control signals for controlling the operation of the printhead 20 and is input as voltages VHV, VDD, and the image information signal IP, is mounted on the ejection control board 31.

[0074] The drive circuit board 51 is located on the -Z side of the ejection control board 31 when housed in the housing 310. Furthermore, the drive circuit board 51 and the ejection control board 31 are electrically connected, for example, via a BtoB (Board to Board) connector (not shown). Alternatively, the drive circuit board 51 and the ejection control board 31 can be electrically connected via an FPC cable or an FFC cable instead of a BtoB connector.

[0075] Furthermore, a heat sink 54 is mounted on the -Z side of the drive circuit board 51. As described above, drive circuits 52-1 to 52-6 and a reference voltage output circuit 53 are provided on the drive circuit board 51. At least a portion of the heat sink 54 is in contact with the electronic components constituting the drive circuits 52-1 to 52-6 or the electronic components constituting the reference voltage output circuit 53. As a result, the heat sink 54 releases the heat generated by the drive circuits 52-1 to 52-6 and the reference voltage output circuit 53.

[0076] The cooling fan 320 is located on the +X side of the drive circuit board 51, generating airflow in the direction along the X-axis. That is, the cooling fan 320 generates airflow toward the drive circuit board 51. This cools the drive circuits 52-1 to 52-6 mounted on the drive circuit board 51. In other words, the printhead 20 includes the cooling fan 320 for cooling the drive circuits 52-1 to 52-6. Furthermore, the housing 310 has an opening 314 in the region on the -X side of the drive circuit board 51, facing the cooling fan 320 along the X-axis. This allows the airflow generated by the cooling fan 320 to exit from the interior of the housing 310. As a result, the gas circulation efficiency inside the housing 310 is improved, thereby increasing the cooling efficiency of the drive circuits 52-1 to 52-6.

[0077] The handle 520 is located on the -Z side of the ejection control module 30 and is fixed to the -Z side surface of the ejection control module 30. That is, the ejection module 40, the ejection control module 30, and the handle 520 of the printhead 20 are positioned sequentially along the Z-axis from the +Z side to the -Z side in the order of ejection module 40, ejection control module 30, and handle 520. In other words, at least a portion of the ejection control module 30 and at least a portion of the drive circuit 52 provided on the drive circuit board 51 of the ejection control module 30 are located along the Z-axis between the nozzle plate 632 included in the head chip 300 of the ejection head 100 of the ejection module 40 and the handle 520.

[0078] At this point, the handle 520 is positioned in a direction along the Z-axis that does not overlap with the cooling fan 320 or the connector 34. Specifically, the cooling fan 320 is positioned so that it does not overlap with the handle 520 in the normal direction of the nozzle plate 632 included in the head chip 300 of the print head 100 of the print head 40, and in the direction along the Z-axis. Similarly, the connector 34 is positioned so that it does not overlap with the handle 520 in the normal direction of the nozzle plate 632 included in the head chip 300 of the print head 100 of the print head 40, and in the direction along the Z-axis. More specifically, the handle 520 is positioned between the connector 34 and the cooling fan 320 in the direction along the X-axis. Therefore, even when the print head 20 is large in size and weight, the likelihood of the connector 34 and the cooling fan 320 obstructing the user of the printing apparatus 1 or the person replacing the print head 20 is reduced. As a result, the print head 20 can be lifted more stably, the possibility of the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with the external structure is further reduced, and the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632 is further reduced.

[0079] Figure 7 This is a top view of the printhead 20 viewed from the -Z side along the Z-axis. Figure 7 The printhead 20 is illustrated by dashed lines, which includes printheads 100-1 to 100-6 and multiple head chips 300 in each of the printheads 100-1 to 100-6.

[0080] like Figure 7As shown, the handle 520 is positioned such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the nozzle plate 632 in the direction normal to the nozzle chip 300 included in the printhead 100 of the printhead module 40 and in the direction along the Z-axis. In this case, in the direction along the Z-axis, the handle 520 does not need to overlap with all the nozzle plates 632 included in the plurality of nozzle chips 300 included in each of the printheads 100-1 to 100-6 included in the printhead module 40, but only with the nozzle plate 632 included in any one of the plurality of nozzle chips 300. Therefore, by lifting the handle 520 while keeping the printhead 20 approximately horizontal, the nozzle plate 632 can also be lifted while keeping it approximately horizontal, further reducing the possibility of the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with external structures. As a result, the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632 is further reduced, and the possibility of reduced ink ejection precision from the printhead 20 is further reduced.

[0081] In addition, at this time, such as Figure 7 As shown, preferably, at least a portion of the handle 520 is positioned such that, in the direction normal to the nozzle plate 632 included in the nozzle chip 300 of the ejector head 100 of the ejector module 40 and along the Z-axis, at least a portion of the handle 520 overlaps with the central portion of the print head 20. Specifically, at least a portion of the handle 520 is located at the central portion of the print head 20 when viewed along the Z-axis, overlapping the intersection point Cp of imaginary lines La and Lb. Imaginary line La is an imaginary line whose distance to the -X side edge 221 of the fixing plate 220 is equal to the distance to the +X side edge 222. Imaginary line Lb is an imaginary line whose distance to the +Y side edge 223 of the fixing plate 220 is equal to the distance to the -Y side edge 224. Thus, when the print head 20 is raised, the center of gravity of the print head 20 is located near the handle 520. As a result, the stability of the printhead 20 is further improved when the handle 520 is lifted, and the possibility of the printhead 20 and the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with external structures is further reduced. Consequently, the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632 is further reduced, and the possibility of reduced ink ejection precision from the printhead 20 is further reduced.

[0082] return Figure 4 as well as Figure 5When viewing the printhead 20 along the Y-axis, the handle 520 is approximately U-shaped. One end of the handle 520 is fixed to the ejection control module 30 at the connector 521, and the other end of the handle 520 is located on the +X side closer to the connector 521, and is fixed to the ejection control module 30 at the connector 522 located on the same extension line along the Y-axis. In this case, the handle 520 is fixed to the ejection control module 30 such that the distance between the connector 521 and the connector 522 is longer than the length of the connector 521 along the Y-axis and the length of the connector 522 along the Y-axis. That is, when viewing the printhead 20 along the Z-axis from the -Z side, the handle 520 is approximately rectangular in shape, with its length along the X-axis longer than its length along the Y-axis. In other words, when viewing the printhead 20 along the Z-axis in the direction normal to the ink ejection surface 225, the length of the handle 520 along its edge 221 is shorter than the length of the handle 520 along its edge 223 when viewing the printhead 20 along the Z-axis in the direction normal to the ink ejection surface 225. Furthermore, the shape of the handle 520 when viewed along the Z-axis is not limited to a rectangle; for example, it can also be an ellipse. Here, an ellipse refers to a shape based on a rectangle with semicircular ends along its long side, including rounded rectangles, ellipses, egg shapes, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, in the printhead 20, it is preferable to design the handle 520 so that the user of the printing device 1 or the person replacing the printhead 20 can grip it with both hands. Specifically, the handle 520 is fixed to the connecting portions 521 and 522 such that the distance between the handle 520 fixed to the connecting portion 521 of the ejection control module 30 and the connecting portion 522 of the ejection control module 30 is at least twice the width of a standard human hand along the Y-axis, for example, at least 20 cm, and the length of the space 523 along the Z-axis is at least the thickness of a standard human finger, for example, at least 3 cm.

[0084] In addition, the size of the space 523 when the handle 520 is fixed to the ejection control module 30 is an example, and it can be a size that can be gripped by both hands. It can also be adjusted to the optimal size according to the country and region where the liquid ejection device equipped with the printhead 20 is used, and the age and gender of the main user of the liquid ejection device equipped with the printhead 20.

[0085] Furthermore, by fixing the handle 520 to the ejection control module 30 in a manner that allows for gripping with both hands, the printhead 20 can be stably lifted even when it is large and heavy. This further reduces the likelihood of the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with external structures, and further reduces the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632. Consequently, the possibility of reduced ink ejection precision from the printhead 20 is further reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, the handle 520 is made of metal, such as aluminum or iron. In this case, the handle 520 is made stronger than the housing 310 and housing 410. Therefore, even with a large printhead 20 in size and weight, the printhead 20 can be lifted stably. As a result, the possibility of the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with external structures is further reduced, and the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632 is further reduced.

[0087] Here, when the strength of the handle 520 is greater than the strength of the housing 310 and the housing 410, this includes cases where the handle 520 is constructed using a material with greater strength than the materials constituting the housings 310 and 410, and cases where the handle 520 and the housings 310 and 410 are constructed of the same material, and the structure of the handle 520 makes its strength greater than that of the housings 310 and 410. Here, the aforementioned structure includes, for example, the wall thickness of the handle 520 and the housings 310 and 410. Furthermore, the strength of each of the handle 520, housing 310, and 410 includes resistance to deformation caused by each of the handle 520, housing 310, and 410, such as the tensile strength and impact strength of each of the handle 520, housing 310, and 410.

[0088] Here, the ink ejection surface 225 of the fixed plate 220 is an example of a liquid ejection surface, the nozzle 651 formed on the nozzle plate 632 is an example of a nozzle opening, the direction along the Z-axis and from the -Z side to the +Z side is an example of an ejection direction, the housing 410 that houses at least a portion of the nozzle plate 632 is an example of a housing, the edge 221 or edge 222 of the fixed plate 220 and the ink ejection surface 225 is an example of a first edge, the edge 223 or edge 224 of the fixed plate 220 and the ink ejection surface 225 is an example of a second edge, the drive signal VOUT based on the drive signal COM is an example of a drive signal, the drive circuit 52 that outputs the drive signal COM is an example of a drive circuit, and the cooling fan 320 of the cooling drive circuit 52 is an example of a cooling unit.

[0089] 4. Effects

[0090] In the printhead 20 of this embodiment described above, the handle 520 is stronger and harder than the housing 410, thus reducing the likelihood of deformation when the handle 520 is lifted. Consequently, when the printhead 20 is lifted using the handle 520, the likelihood of the printhead 20 wobbling is reduced, and the likelihood of the printhead 20 contacting external structures is reduced. Specifically, the likelihood of the nozzle plate 632 of the printhead 20 wobbling is reduced, and the likelihood of the nozzle plate 632 contacting external structures is reduced. As a result, even with a large size and weight of the printhead 20, the likelihood of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632 is reduced, and the likelihood of decreased ink ejection precision from the printhead 20 is reduced.

[0091] Furthermore, in the printhead 20 of this embodiment, the handle 520 is positioned such that at least a portion overlaps with the nozzle plate 632 along the normal direction of the nozzle plate 632 and along the Z-axis. Therefore, even when the printhead 20 is large in size and weight, the nozzle plate 632 can be lifted while the printhead 20 is kept approximately horizontal by lifting the handle 520. This further reduces the possibility of the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with external structures and further reduces the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632. As a result, even when the printhead 20 is large in size and weight, the possibility of reduced ink ejection accuracy from the printhead 20 is further reduced.

[0092] Furthermore, in the printhead 20 of this embodiment, the ink ejection surface 225 on which the nozzle plate 632 is provided includes an edge 221 and an edge 223 longer than the edge 221. The length of the handle 520 along the edge 221 is shorter than the length of the handle 520 along the edge 223 when the printhead 20 is viewed along the Z-axis in the normal direction of the ink ejection surface 225. That is, the handle 520 extends along the long side of the printhead 20. As a result, the stability of the printhead 20 is improved when the printhead 20 is lifted using the handle 520, the possibility of the printhead 20 and the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with external structures is further reduced, and the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632 is further reduced. As a result, even when the size and weight of the printhead 20 are large, the possibility of reduced ink ejection accuracy from the printhead 20 is further reduced.

[0093] Furthermore, in the printhead 20 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the ejection control module 30, and at least a portion of the drive circuit 52 disposed on the drive circuit board 51 of the ejection control module 30, is located in the direction along the Z-axis between the nozzle plate 632 and the handle 520 included in the head chip 300 of the ejection head 100 of the ejection module 40. This allows the ejection control module 30, including the drive circuit 52, to be lifted integrally during printhead 20 replacement. As a result, the efficiency of printhead 20 replacement operations is improved.

[0094] Furthermore, in the printhead 20 of this embodiment, the cooling fan 320 is positioned such that it does not overlap with the handle 520 along the normal direction of the nozzle plate 632 included in the head chip 300 of the printhead 100 of the printhead module 40 and along the Z-axis direction. Similarly, the connector 34 is positioned such that it does not overlap with the handle 520 along the normal direction of the nozzle plate 632 included in the head chip 300 of the printhead 100 of the printhead module 40 and along the Z-axis direction. This reduces the likelihood of the connector 34 and cooling fan 320 obstructing the printhead 20. Consequently, the printhead 20 can be lifted more stably, further reducing the possibility of the nozzle plate 632 contacting external structures and further reducing the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632.

[0095] Furthermore, in the printhead 20 of this embodiment, the handle 520 is fixed to the ejection control module 30 in a manner that allows for two-handed gripping, thereby enabling the printhead 20 to be lifted stably even when it is large and heavy. This further reduces the likelihood of the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with external structures and further reduces the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632. As a result, the possibility of reduced ink ejection precision from the printhead 20 is further reduced.

[0096] Furthermore, in the printhead 20 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the handle 520 is positioned such that at least a portion overlaps with the central portion of the printhead 20 in a direction normal to the nozzle plate 632 included in the head chip 300 of the ejection module 40 and along the Z-axis, so that when the printhead 20 is lifted, the center of gravity of the printhead 20 is located near the handle 520. As a result, the stability of the printhead 20 when it is lifted by the handle 520 is further improved, and the possibility of the printhead 20 and the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with external structures is further reduced. Consequently, the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate 632 is further reduced, and the possibility of reduced ink ejection precision from the printhead 20 is further reduced.

[0097] Furthermore, in the printhead 20 of this embodiment, when the printhead 20 is lifted by the handle 520, the possibility of the printhead 20 and the nozzle plate 632 coming into contact with the external structure is reduced, and the possibility of the nozzle plate 632 being scratched or damaged can be further reduced. Therefore, even if the printhead 20 weighs more than 5 kg, the possibility of a decrease in the accuracy of ink ejected from the printhead 20 can be reduced.

[0098] 5. Variations

[0099] Regarding the printhead 20 of this embodiment described above, it is explained that the printhead 20 has an ejection control module 30 and an ejection module 40. The ejection control module 30 includes a housing 310 that protects the ejection control substrate 31 and the drive circuit substrate 51. The ejection module 40 includes a housing 410 that protects the ejection heads 100-1 to 100-6. However, the ejection control module 30 and the ejection module 40 may also be housed in a single housing. That is, the printhead 20 may replace the housing 310 and the housing 410, or may have a housing with various structures that house and protect the printhead 20 including the ejection control substrate 31, the drive circuit substrate 51, and the ejection heads 100-1 to 100-6, in addition to the housing 310 and the housing 410.

[0100] In this case, it also has the same effect.

[0101] The embodiments and variations have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit. For example, the above embodiments can also be appropriately combined.

[0102] This invention includes structures that are substantially identical to those described in the embodiments (e.g., structures with the same function, method, and result, or structures with the same purpose and effect). Furthermore, this invention includes structures that replace non-essential parts of the structures described in the embodiments. Furthermore, this invention includes structures capable of achieving the same effect or purpose as the structures described in the embodiments. Furthermore, this invention includes structures incorporating known techniques into the structures described in the embodiments.

[0103] The following content is derived based on the above implementation method.

[0104] One type of printhead is a liquid-ejecting printhead, which has the following features:

[0105] A nozzle plate is disposed on the liquid ejection surface and has a nozzle opening that ejects liquid along the ejection direction;

[0106] A housing that accommodates at least a portion of the nozzle plate; and

[0107] The handle is located on the side opposite to the spray direction relative to the nozzle plate.

[0108] The handle is stronger than the housing.

[0109] The handle is positioned such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the nozzle plate in the normal direction of the nozzle plate.

[0110] According to this printhead design, the handle is stronger than the housing and is made of rigid material, thus reducing the likelihood of handle deformation when lifted. Consequently, when the printhead is lifted using the handle, the likelihood of printhead wobbling and contact with external structures is reduced. That is, the likelihood of the nozzle plate wobbling and contact with external structures is reduced. As a result, even with a large printhead size and weight, the likelihood of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate is reduced, and the likelihood of decreased ink ejection precision is also reduced.

[0111] Furthermore, according to this printhead, the handle is positioned such that at least a portion of it overlaps with the nozzle plate in the normal direction. This allows the nozzle plate to be lifted in a substantially horizontal position even when the printhead is large and heavy, by lifting the handle while keeping the printhead approximately horizontal. This further reduces the likelihood of the nozzle plate coming into contact with external structures and the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate. Consequently, even with a large printhead size and weight, the possibility of reduced ink ejection accuracy from the printhead is further reduced.

[0112] In one of the above-mentioned printhead configurations, it could also be that...

[0113] Viewed along the normal direction, the liquid ejection surface includes a first side and a second side that is longer than the first side and intersects the first side.

[0114] The length of the handle along the first side when viewed along the normal direction is shorter than the length of the handle along the second side when viewed along the normal direction.

[0115] Based on this printhead, a handle extends along the long side of the printhead. This improves printhead stability when the printhead is lifted using the handle, further reducing the likelihood of the printhead and nozzle plate coming into contact with external structures, and further reducing the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate. Consequently, even with a large printhead size and weight, the possibility of reduced ink ejection precision is further reduced.

[0116] In one of the above-mentioned printhead configurations, it could also be that...

[0117] The printhead includes a drive circuit that outputs a drive signal to eject liquid from the nozzle opening.

[0118] At least a portion of the drive circuit is located in the normal direction between the nozzle plate and the handle.

[0119] According to this printhead, at least a portion of the drive circuit is located in the normal direction between the nozzle plate and the handle, thereby enabling the drive circuit to be lifted integrally during printhead replacement. This improves the efficiency of printhead replacement operations.

[0120] In one of the above-mentioned printhead configurations, it could also be that...

[0121] The printhead includes a cooling unit for cooling the drive circuit.

[0122] The cooling unit is positioned so as not to overlap with the handle in the normal direction.

[0123] According to this printhead, the cooling unit is positioned so as not to overlap with the handle in the normal direction of the nozzle plate, thereby reducing the possibility of the connector causing obstruction when the printhead is lifted by the handle. As a result, the printhead can be lifted more stably, the possibility of the nozzle plate coming into contact with external structures is further reduced, and the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate is further reduced.

[0124] In one of the above-mentioned printhead configurations, it could also be that...

[0125] The print head has a connector, and control signals for controlling the movement of the print head are input to the connector.

[0126] The connector is positioned so as not to overlap with the handle in the normal direction.

[0127] According to this printhead, the connector is positioned so as not to overlap with the handle in the normal direction of the nozzle plate, thereby reducing the possibility of the connector causing obstruction when lifting the printhead via the handle. As a result, the printhead can be lifted more stably, the possibility of the nozzle plate coming into contact with external structures is further reduced, and the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate is further reduced.

[0128] In one of the above-mentioned printhead configurations, it could also be that...

[0129] The handle can be gripped with both hands.

[0130] This printhead design allows for a two-handed grip, enabling stable lifting of the printhead even when it is large and heavy. This further reduces the likelihood of the nozzle plate coming into contact with external structures, and the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate. Consequently, the likelihood of reduced ink ejection precision from the printhead is further reduced.

[0131] In one of the above-mentioned printhead configurations, it could also be that...

[0132] The printhead weighs more than 5 kg.

[0133] According to this printhead, even when the printhead weighs more than 5kg, the printhead can be lifted stably, reducing the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate and the possibility of reduced ink precision ejection from the printhead.

[0134] In one of the above-mentioned printhead configurations, it could also be that...

[0135] The handle is made of metal.

[0136] According to this printhead, since the handle is made of metal, the possibility of the handle deforming is reduced, the printhead can be lifted stably, the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate is reduced, and the possibility of reduced ink precision from the printhead is reduced.

[0137] In one of the above-mentioned printhead configurations, it could also be that...

[0138] At least a portion of the handle is positioned such that it overlaps with the central portion of the print head in the normal direction.

[0139] According to this printhead, at least a portion of the handle is positioned in the normal direction of the nozzle plate, overlapping with the central portion of the printhead, so that when the printhead is lifted, the center of gravity of the printhead is located near the handle. As a result, the stability of the printhead when lifted by the handle is further improved, and the possibility of the printhead and nozzle plate coming into contact with external structures is further reduced. Consequently, the possibility of scratches or other damage to the nozzle plate is further reduced, and the possibility of reduced ink ejection precision from the printhead is further reduced.

Claims

1. A printhead, characterized in that, The print head ejects liquid and has the following features: Multiple nozzle plates are disposed on the liquid ejection surface and have nozzle openings that eject liquid along the ejection direction; A housing that accommodates at least a portion of the nozzle plate; The handle is located on the side opposite to the spray direction relative to the nozzle plate; The drive circuit outputs a drive signal that causes the liquid to be ejected from the nozzle opening; A cooling unit is used to cool the drive circuit. as well as The connector is used to input control signals that control the movement of the print head. The handle is stronger than the housing. The nozzle plate is lifted while remaining horizontal by positioning the handle so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the nozzle plate in the normal direction. The cooling unit is positioned so as not to overlap with the handle in the normal direction. The connector is positioned so as not to overlap with the handle in the normal direction. The handle is located between the connector and the cooling unit in the direction in which the plurality of nozzle plates are arranged.

2. The printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, Viewed along the normal direction, the liquid ejection surface includes a first side and a second side that is longer than the first side and intersects the first side. The length of the handle along the first side when viewed along the normal direction is shorter than the length of the handle along the second side when viewed along the normal direction.

3. The printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the drive circuit is located in the normal direction between the nozzle plate and the handle.

4. The printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle can be gripped with both hands.

5. The printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printhead weighs more than 5 kg.

6. The printhead according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle is made of metal.

7. The printhead according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, At least a portion of the handle is positioned such that it overlaps with the central portion of the print head in the normal direction.

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