Liquid ejecting head and recording apparatus

Abstract

The liquid ejection head has a common flow path (11), a wide flow path (13), and a first damper chamber (15A). The common flow path (11) extends along a discharge surface (7) in which a plurality of discharge holes are opened, and communicates with the plurality of discharge holes. The wide flow path (13) is connected to the common flow path (11), and has a width (W1) wider than the width (W3) of the common flow path (11) when viewed in the normal direction of the discharge surface (7). The first damper chamber (15A) faces the wide flow path (13) from a first side in the normal direction, and has a width (W2) narrower than the width (W1) of the wide flow path (13) when viewed in the normal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to liquid ejection heads such as inkjet heads and recording devices having such liquid ejection heads. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid ejection heads (e.g., inkjet heads) that eject liquid (e.g., ink) toward a recording medium (e.g., paper) are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Such a head, for example, has multiple ejection orifices for ejecting liquid and a common flow path communicating with the multiple ejection orifices. The common flow path, for example, facilitates the supply of liquid to the multiple ejection orifices.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a damping chamber for absorbing pressure variations in a common flow path. The damping chamber is positioned opposite the common flow path via a plate and is filled with gas (e.g., air). Patent Document 1 discloses a damping chamber having a width equal to the width of the common flow path.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-156083 Summary of the Invention

[0007] One embodiment of this disclosure includes a liquid ejector head having a common flow path, a wide flow path, and a first damping chamber. The common flow path extends along and communicates with a plurality of ejection holes. The wide flow path is connected to the common flow path and has a width wider than the common flow path when viewed in the normal direction of the ejection surface. The first damping chamber is located opposite the wide flow path from a first side in the normal direction and has a width narrower than the wide flow path when viewed in the normal direction.

[0008] One embodiment of the recording apparatus disclosed herein includes: the aforementioned liquid ejection head; and a moving part that causes the liquid ejection head and a recording medium facing the ejection surface to move relative to each other along the ejection surface.

[0009] One embodiment of the recording device disclosed herein includes the aforementioned liquid ejection head and a wiper for wiping the ejection surface. The wiper simultaneously contacts the area of ​​the ejection surface containing a portion of the plurality of ejection holes and the area that overlaps with the first damping chamber when viewed in the normal direction. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the recording device according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A top view of the head body of the liquid ejection head of the recording device.

[0012] Figure 3 It is an enlarged representation Figure 2 Top perspective view of area III.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view at line IV-IV.

[0014] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of a part of the head.

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of region VI.

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A sectional view at line VII-VII.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the first damping chamber.

[0018] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the head body in other examples. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings used in the following description are schematic. Therefore, for example, the size ratios in the drawings may not necessarily correspond to reality. Furthermore, size ratios may sometimes differ between drawings. Sometimes specific shapes and / or sizes may be exaggerated, or details may be omitted. However, the above does not preclude the possibility that actual shapes and / or sizes can be as shown in the drawings, or that features of shapes and / or sizes can be extracted from the drawings.

[0020] In the accompanying drawings, for convenience, orthogonal coordinate systems D1D2D3 are labeled, and terms such as D1 direction, D2 direction, and D3 direction are sometimes used. As understood from the description below, the term D1 direction can be replaced with a direction orthogonal to the long side direction of the head and / or the direction of relative movement between the head and the recording medium. The term D2 direction can be replaced with a term for the short side direction of the head and / or the aforementioned direction of relative movement. The term D3 direction can be replaced with a term for the normal direction of the ejection surface. The liquid ejection head and recording device of the embodiment can be used in any orientation. However, for convenience, the terminology assuming the +D3 side is upward is sometimes used.

[0021] In the description of the implementation method, when two or more flow paths are "connected" to each other, unless otherwise specified, and as long as there is no contradiction, the two or more flow paths can be directly connected or indirectly connected. The terms "connected" and "connected" are also the same.

[0022] (Summary of the implementation method)

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a printer 1 (an example of a recording device) according to an embodiment. The printer 1 is configured as a color printer that forms an image on printing paper P. Specifically, when the printing paper P is conveyed in the D2 direction, four heads 3 (an example of liquid ejection heads) located above the printing paper P eject ink (an example of liquid) toward the printing paper P.

[0024] The head 3 has a generally plate-shaped head body 5 located at its lower part, which directly facilitates the ejection of ink. It should be noted that the head body 5 can also be considered an example of a liquid ejection head. The head body 5 has a plurality of ejection holes 9 on its lower ejection surface 7 (see below). Figure 4 Ink droplets (liquid droplets) are ejected from multiple ejection holes 9.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a top view of the head body 5 (viewed along the D3 direction). As shown by the dashed lines, the head body 5 has a flow path for ink flow. This flow path has at least one (in the illustrated example, multiple (16)) common flow path 11 extending along the ejection surface 7 (not shown here) and at least one (in the illustrated example, multiple (10)) inlet 13 (an example of a wide flow path) connected to any of the common flow paths 11.

[0026] Shared flow path 11 and multiple nozzles 9 ( Figure 4 The common flow path 11 is shared with respect to the multiple nozzles 9. The common flow path 11, for example, facilitates the supply of liquid to the multiple nozzles 9. The inlet 13 facilitates the supply of liquid to the common flow path 11. In top view, the width of the inlet 13 is wider than the width of the common flow path 11.

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view at VII-VII. However, only a portion of the ejection surface 7 side of the head body 5 is shown. The head body 5 has a first damping chamber 15A opposite the inlet 13 from the -D3 side (ejection surface 7 side). The width W2 of the first damping chamber 15A is narrower than the width W1 of the inlet 13.

[0028] By providing the first damping chamber 15A, the pressure fluctuation at the inlet 13 is reduced. As a result, for example, the influence of the pressure fluctuation at the inlet 13 on the pressure of the ejection holes 9 relatively close to the inlet 13 among the plurality of ejection holes 9 is reduced. Furthermore, the possibility of deviation in the ejection characteristics of the plurality of ejection holes 9 is lowered.

[0029] On the other hand, when the first damping chamber 15A is provided, the thickness from the ejection surface 7 to the cavity (such as the first damping chamber 15A) becomes thinner. In addition, the width W1 of the inlet 13 is wider than the width W3 of the common flow path 11. Therefore, when the width W2 of the first damping chamber 15A is made equal to the width W1, the thinned portion becomes longer in the width direction as described above. As a result, the possibility of undesirable flexural deformation occurring on the ejection surface 7 increases. However, by setting W2 < W1, such a possibility can be reduced.

[0030] The above is the outline of the embodiment. Hereinafter, the details of the embodiment will be described generally in the following order.

[0031] 1. Printer as a whole ( Figure 1 ).

[0032] 2. Head as a whole ( Figures 2-4 ).

[0033] 2.1. Flow path member

[0034] 2.2. Actuator substrate

[0035] 3. Common flow path and inlet

[0036] 3.1. Overall structure ( Figures 2-4 ).

[0037] 3.2. Specific examples of the inlet ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0038] 4. Damping chamber ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0039] 4.1. First damping chamber

[0040] 4.2. Comparison with the second damping chamber

[0041] 5. Wiper ( Figure 2 ).

[0042] 6. Other examples of the common flow path ( Figure 9 ).

[0043] 7. Summary of the embodiment

[0044] (1. Printer as a whole)

[0045] The structure of printer 1 can be configured in various ways, except for the structure involved in the first shock absorption chamber 15A. For example, it can also be configured in a known structure. Figure 1 The printer 1 shown is merely one example. The following will use... Figure 1 Taking printer 1 as an example, the overall structure of printer 1 will be briefly described.

[0046] Figure 1 The illustrated printer 1 is configured as a so-called line printer. For example, the head 3 has a length that extends across the width (D1 direction) of the printing paper P. However, printer 1 is not limited to a line printer. For example, printer 1 can also be a serial printer. In a serial printer, for example, the movement of the head in a direction intersecting with the transport direction of the printing paper P and the transport of the printing paper P are performed alternately. It should be noted that, for convenience, the description of the embodiments is sometimes based on a line printer without specific explanation.

[0047] As described above, printer 1 has four heads 3. The four heads 3 are arranged, for example, in the transport direction of printing paper P. The four heads 3 correspond to inks of different colors (four colors of ink). The four colors of ink are, for example, magenta (M), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and black (K). Thus, printer 1 functions as a color printer.

[0048] Unlike the above description, printer 1 can perform monochrome printing, or conversely, it can print more than four colors. That is, the number of colors is arbitrary. Furthermore, two or more heads 3 can correspond to a single color. Two or more heads 3 corresponding to a single color can be arranged in the D1 direction and / or the D2 direction. Moreover, conversely, one head 3 can correspond to two or more colors. From the above, it can be understood that the number of heads 3 possessed by printer 1 is arbitrary.

[0049] Printer 1 prints, for example, on a single sheet of paper, P, used as printing paper. However, the printing paper P can also be a roll of paper. Furthermore, the size of the printing paper P is arbitrary. For example, the size of the printing paper P can be as small as a receipt, or as large as a poster, or even the size commonly used in an office.

[0050] The structure of the conveying device 17 used to convey printing paper P is arbitrary. Figure 1 In the example, a structure is shown in which the printing paper P is conveyed by a conveyor belt that carries the printing paper P. Other structures include those that convey the printing paper P by rotating a roller holding the printing paper P, and those that convey the printing paper P by rotating a drum wound around the printing paper P. In a broader sense, the conveying device 17 is a moving part that moves the head (3) and the recording medium (P) relative to each other along the ejection surface 7.

[0051] In addition to the head 3 and conveyor 17 already described, printer 1 may also have, for example, a controller 19 for controlling the head 3 and conveyor 17. The controller 19 may be configured, for example, to include a computer, which controls the head 3 and conveyor 17 (its motor 17a) based on printing data containing data including images (in a broad sense, including text).

[0052] Printer 1 may have any components other than those described so far. For example, printer 1 may have a drying device for promoting ink drying, a coating device for uniformly applying a transparent coating agent to printing paper P, and a cleaning device for cleaning the head 3. The cleaning device may include a wiper 21 ( Figure 2 Printer 1 can also utilize head 3 in the coating of a coating agent, either on the basis of or in place of printing based on colored ink.

[0053] (2. Head as a whole)

[0054] The structure of the first three can be set to various structures, except for the structure of the first damping chamber 15A. For example, it can also be set to a known structure. Figures 2-4 The illustrated head body 5 is merely one example. The following will use... Figures 2 to 4 Taking the head body 5 shown as an example, a brief description of the head body 5, excluding the structure of the first damping chamber 15A, will be given.

[0055] As described above, head body 5 ( Figure 2 The shape of the head body 5 is roughly plate-like. Its specific shape and size are arbitrary. In the example shown, the planar shape of the head body 5 is roughly a rectangle with the D1 direction as its long side.

[0056] The head body 5 has: a flow path member 23 having a flow path (11 and 13, etc.) for ink flow; and at least one (in Figure 2 In this example, there are multiple (4) actuator substrates 25, which impart ink to the flow path member 23 for causing the ink to exit through the ejection hole 9. Figure 4 The pressure of the ejection. Although not specifically illustrated, in addition to the head body 5, the head 3 may also have, for example, a component that supplies ink to the flow path component 23, a driver that inputs a drive signal to the actuator substrate 25, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) that relays between the driver and the actuator substrate 25, and a housing that houses the driver and the FPC, etc.

[0057] (2.1. Flow path components)

[0058] Flow path member 23 ( Figure 2The component is generally plate-shaped, having a spray surface 7 as described above and a back surface 23a (upper surface) opposite to the spray surface 7. On the back surface 23a, a port 27 is provided for supplying ink from the outside of the flow path component 23. The port 27 is connected to the inlet 13. The ink supplied to the port 27 flows through the inlet 13, the common flow path 11, and a plurality of spray holes 9 ( Figure 4 The flow is sequential. Port 27 is set in the same number as inlet 13, for example, directly above inlet 13.

[0059] Figure 3 It is an enlarged representation Figure 2 This is a perspective view of region III. For convenience, a portion of the flow path of flow path component 23 is represented by a solid line in this figure. The common flow path 11 and inlet 13 are represented by dashed lines. The ejector orifice 9 is represented by a dot.

[0060] The flow path component 23 has a plurality of independent flow paths 29 arranged along each common flow path 11. Each independent flow path 29 is connected to the common flow path 11 and includes an ejection orifice 9. Thus, ink from the common flow path 11 flows into the independent flow path 29 and is ejected from the ejection orifice 9. The number of columns of independent flow paths connected to one common flow path 11 is arbitrary; in the illustrated example, there are four columns.

[0061] Multiple nozzles 9 (or multiple independent flow paths 29 in another viewpoint) are arranged in one or more columns along each common flow path 11. Furthermore, the multiple common flow paths 11 are arranged side-by-side, thus forming multiple columns (in other words, two-dimensionally) on the nozzle surface 7. The specific arrangement (number of nozzles, arrangement pattern, and spacing, etc.) is arbitrary. It should be noted that the nozzles 9 can also be arranged in a single column.

[0062] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the head body 5 at line IV-IV. This figure schematically shows the range corresponding to a common flow path 11 (its cross-section) and an independent flow path 29 (its longitudinal section).

[0063] The flow path component 23 is constructed, for example, by stacking multiple plates 31A~31L (hereinafter, A~L may be omitted). Multiple cavities (e.g., through holes and recesses) constituting the flow path are formed in the plates 31. The plates 31 are fixed to each other, for example, by an adhesive (not shown) placed between the plates 31. The thickness and number of stacks of the multiple plates 31 can be appropriately set according to the shape of the flow path, etc. For example, the thickness of the plates 31 is 10 μm or more and 300 μm or less. The material of the multiple plates 31 is arbitrary, such as metal or resin.

[0064] The independent flow path 29, for example, sequentially includes a connecting path 33, a pressure chamber 35, a descending section 37, and an ejection hole 9 from the side of the common flow path 11. Pressure is applied to the pressure chamber 35 by the actuator 39 (described later) on the actuator substrate 25, thereby forcing the ink in the descending section 37 toward the ejection hole 9, from which ink droplets (liquid droplets) are ejected. Then, ink is replenished to the pressure chamber 35 from the common flow path 11 via the connecting path 33. The specific shape and size of these components are arbitrary.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the pressure chamber 35 is a thin shape located above the upper surface of the common flow path 11. The pressure chamber 35 opens at the back surface 23a of the flow path member 23 and is blocked by the actuator 39. It should be noted that the pressure chamber 35 may also be blocked by the plate 31. The connecting passage 33 extends from the upper surface of the common flow path 11 and connects to one end and the lower surface of the pressure chamber 35 when viewed from above. The descending portion 37 extends from the other end and the lower surface of the pressure chamber 35 when viewed from above along the ejection surface 7. The ejection hole 9 opens at the bottom surface of the descending portion 37.

[0066] As a different approach from the illustrated example, the following can be cited as an example: The connecting passage 33 is connected to one end of the pressure chamber 35 from the side of the common flow passage 11 and on the side. The descending part 37 is not provided, and the ejector hole 9 opens on the lower surface of the other end of the pressure chamber 35.

[0067] (2.2. Actuator substrate)

[0068] The number, shape, and size of the actuator substrates 25 are arbitrary. Figure 2 In the example shown, four actuator substrates 25 are arranged along the long side of the flow path member 23. Each actuator substrate 25 is formed in a generally trapezoidal shape, with its upper and lower bases facing the long side of the flow path member 23. The upper and lower bases of adjacent actuator substrates 25 are oriented in opposite directions. Unlike the illustrated example, for example, a single actuator substrate 25 may be provided that extends throughout all the pressure chambers 35 of the flow path member 23.

[0069] like Figure 4 As indicated by the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, the actuator substrate 25 has an actuator 39 provided for each pressure chamber 35. The actuator 39 is, for example, a piezoelectric actuator that applies pressure to the ink through the mechanical strain of a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric actuator is, for example, a so-called single piezoelectric crystal type actuator. It should be noted that the actuator 39 may also be constructed from other forms of piezoelectric actuators, such as a dual piezoelectric crystal type.

[0070] A single piezoelectric crystal type actuator 39, for example, sequentially includes a vibrating plate 41, a common electrode 43, a piezoelectric layer 45, and an individual electrode 47, starting from the flow path member 23 side. The vibrating plate 41, the common electrode 43, and the piezoelectric layer 45 extend generally over the entire actuator substrate 25, and further extend throughout the plurality of pressure chambers 35. That is, they are shared across the plurality of pressure chambers 35. An individual electrode 47 is provided for each pressure chamber 35. The individual electrode 47 has a main body portion 47a overlapping the pressure chamber 35 and an extension electrode 47b extending from the main body portion 47a and connected to an FPC (not shown). The main body portion 47a has a shape and dimensions generally the same as those of the pressure chamber 35. The specific material and thickness of each layer are arbitrary.

[0071] At least the portion of the piezoelectric layer 45 sandwiched between the main body portion 47a of the individual electrode 47 and the common electrode 43 is polarized in the thickness direction. Therefore, for example, if an electric field (voltage) is applied in the polarization direction of the piezoelectric layer 45 through the main body portion 47a and the common electrode 43, the piezoelectric layer 45 contracts in the direction along the layer. This contraction is limited by the vibrating plate 41. As a result, the actuator 39 flexes and deforms in a manner that protrudes towards the pressure chamber 35. When an electric field (voltage) is applied in the opposite direction through the main body portion 47a and the common electrode 43, the actuator 39 flexes and deforms towards the side opposite to the pressure chamber 35. By utilizing such flexing and deformation, the volume of the pressure chamber 35 can be changed, thus imparting pressure to the ink within the pressure chamber 35.

[0072] (3. Shared flow path and inlet)

[0073] (3.1. Overall Structure)

[0074] The number, location, shape, and size of the common flow path 11 and the inlet 13 are arbitrary, as long as the common flow path 11 is connected to the inlet 13 and the width W1 of the inlet 13 is wider than the width W3 of the common flow path 11 when viewed from above (along the normal direction of the ejection surface 7).

[0075] exist Figure 2 In the example, there are four groups of four shared flow paths 11 extending side-by-side along the D1 direction, totaling 16 shared flow paths 11. In each group (four shared flow paths 11), the two shared flow paths 11 on the +D2 side (a pair of shared flow paths 11) merge at both ends. The same applies to the pair on the -D2 side. Furthermore, in adjacent groups, pairs located on the same side of the D2 direction merge with each other. Therefore, the eight shared flow paths 11 on the +D2 side of the 16 shared flow paths 11 are interconnected. The same applies to the eight shared flow paths 11 on the -D2 side.

[0076] Inlet 13 is located at both ends of a pair of shared flow paths 11 and connected to the pair. Furthermore, adjacent groups share the inlet 13 located between them. Therefore, 10 inlets 13 are provided.

[0077] It should be noted that, as described above, the system with eight shared flow paths 11 on the -D2 side and the system with eight shared flow paths 11 on the +D2 side are independent of each other within the flow path member 23. These two systems can, for example, be interconnected via a member that supplies ink to the flow path member 23. In another viewpoint, ink of the same color can be supplied. Conversely, the two systems can also be supplied with ink of different colors.

[0078] Examples beyond those shown in the diagram are provided. The direction in which the multiple shared flow paths 11 extend may not be the D1 direction, but the D2 direction, or it may be a direction inclined at an angle of less than 45° relative to the D1 or D2 direction. The multiple shared flow paths 11 may not merge within the flow path member 23. That is, each of the multiple shared flow paths 11 may be independent within the flow path member 23. In another viewpoint, the inlet 13 (and port 27) may not be shared by the multiple shared flow paths 11. Conversely, three or more shared flow paths 11 extending side-by-side may merge within the flow path member 23. The inlet 13 may not be located at both ends of the shared flow path 11, but only at one end. In another viewpoint, the shared flow path 11 may not have ink flowing from both ends to the center, but rather ink flowing from one end to the other.

[0079] In the illustrated example, a manifold-like flow path is formed by the convergence of multiple common flow paths 11. In another viewpoint, a confluence portion 49 is provided between the multiple common flow paths 11 and the inlet 13. In top view, the width of part or all of the confluence portion 49 can be narrower, equal to, or wider than the width of the common flow paths 11. Figure 3 In the example shown, the confluence portion 49 has both a narrow portion and a wide portion relative to the common flow path 11. Additionally, in Figure 3 In the example, the wider portion of the confluence 49 is narrower than part or all of the width of the inlet 13 (in the illustrated example, the entire width). In such an example, the portion of the confluence 49 that is wider than the common flow path 11 can also be considered an example of a wide flow path. Furthermore, when the inlet 13 is considered an example of a wide flow path, the confluence 49 can also be considered an example of a common flow path.

[0080] In the above description, the difference between the shared flow path 11 and the inlet 13 is based on the width in a top view. However, the shared flow path 11 and the inlet 13 can also be distinguished from another perspective, either based on or instead of the width. For example, the shared flow path 11 is directly connected to the independent flow path 29. On the other hand, the inlet 13 is not directly connected to the independent flow path 29, but is connected to the independent flow path 29 via the shared flow path 11. The inlet 13 is connected in a manner where two or more shared flow paths 11 converge (indirectly via a confluence 49, or directly, unlike the illustrated example). In other words, the inlet 13 is shared with respect to two or more shared flow paths 11. The inlet 13 is closer to the port 27 than the shared flow path 11.

[0081] When viewed from above the ejection surface 7, for example, when the length in the direction of ink flow is greater than the length in the direction orthogonal to the direction of ink flow, the width of the common flow path 11 and the inlet 13 is the length in the direction orthogonal to the direction of ink flow. Typically, the common flow path 11 is straight, and its width direction is clearly defined. If it is not straight, the direction orthogonal to the centerline can be used as the width direction. The width of the inlet 13 can be determined based on the shape of the inlet 13 and common sense. For example, the width direction can be orthogonal to the centerline. The centerline can be defined as the distance (shortest distance) between the edges of the flow path on each position along the line and the edges on both sides. If the centerline cannot be defined, the inlet 13 is approximately circular, and its diameter (e.g., the maximum diameter) can be used as the width. When the width of the common flow path 11 and the inlet 13 varies in the D3 direction, for example, referring to the effect described later, the width can be referenced to the side where the first damping chamber 15A is located (the -D3 side in the illustrated example). As can be seen from the above explanation, for example, the width of a straight flow path whose length in the direction of ink flow is shorter than the length in the direction orthogonal to the direction of ink flow is called the length in the direction of ink flow.

[0082] The cross-sectional structure (shape and size, etc.) of the common flow path 11 is arbitrary. Figure 4 In the example, the cross-sectional shape of the common flow path 11 is rectangular. Both the width and height of the common flow path 11 can be relatively large (in the illustrated example, the former is larger). Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example, the thickness of the flow path member 23 between the ejection surface 7 and the common flow path 11 is smaller than the thickness of the flow path member 23 between the back surface 23a and the common flow path 11. The number and thickness of the plates 31 located below the common flow path 11, as well as the number and thickness of the plates 31 located above the common flow path 11, are arbitrary. However, when the second damping chamber 15B described later is provided, at least two plates 31 are provided below the common flow path 11.

[0083] (3.2. Specific example of entrance)

[0084] The structure (shape and size, etc.) of inlet 13 is arbitrary as described above. Hereinafter, an example of the structure of inlet 13 (the structure illustrated in the figure) will be described. It should be noted that the matters described in the following explanation (such as the dimensions of specific parts, etc.) can also be appropriately applied to structures other than the illustrated example.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the lower part of the flow path component 23. Specifically, in Figure 5 In the middle, it is shown that is equivalent to Figure 4 Parts of boards 31A~31E (or 31A~31F or 31A~31G). Additionally, in Figure 5 For convenience, only the system with 8 shared flow paths 11 on the +D2 side and the system with 8 shared flow paths 11 on the -D2 side are shown. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of region VI.

[0086] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the inlet 13 has a roughly parallelogram shape. More specifically, the inlet 13 has two base sides parallel to the D1 direction and two legs connecting the two base sides. The two legs are curved outwards. Additionally, the two base sides of the inlet 13 at both ends also have rounded corners. The common flow path 11 is connected to one leg via the confluence 49. A connecting flow path 51 extends from the other leg. The connecting flow path 51 is connected to the port 27. Therefore, the ink flows roughly along the D1 direction.

[0087] The length of the base can be longer than, equal to, or shorter than, the height of the parallelogram (length in the D2 direction) (as illustrated in the example). As described above, the width of the inlet 13 can be considered as the shortest distance among the distances between the opposite edges of the flow path and the centerline. In this embodiment, the height of the parallelogram is shorter than the base, therefore the width of the inlet 13 corresponds to the height of the parallelogram. Since this width is larger than the width of the common flow path 11, it can be said that the width of the inlet 13 is wider than the width of the common flow path 11.

[0088] Viewed from above, the shape and dimensions of the connecting flow path 51 are the same as those of the port 27. The connecting flow path 51 extends upwards from the upper surface of the common flow path 11 and the inlet 13 to reach the port 27 (or, in another view, the back surface 23a) with a certain planar shape. That is, the port 27 can be the upper end of the connecting flow path 51. Viewed from above, the width of the connecting flow path 51 is smaller than the height of the parallelogram of the inlet 13, for example, less than 1 / 2. The connecting flow path 51 can be considered as part of the inlet 13, or it can be considered as a different part from the inlet 13. In the description of the embodiment, for convenience, the inlet 13 and the connecting flow path 51 are used as different parts. Unlike the illustrated example, the connecting flow path 51 may also extend upwards from the upper surface of the inlet 13 (or it may not extend from the leg that is a parallelogram in view from above).

[0089] The inlet 13 is formed into a generally parallelogram shape as described above, thereby increasing its area when viewed from above. Specifically, the positions of the edges on the +D2 and -D2 sides of the inlet 13 are limited by the long sides of the adjacent common flow path 11 or flow path member 23 (or other members mounted on the outer periphery of the back surface 23a). By making the inlet 13 into a shape with two base edges parallel to the D1 direction, the area of ​​the inlet 13 can be maximized within the aforementioned limitations. In addition, when viewed from above, the inlet 13 is lengthened as much as possible by bringing the connecting flow paths 51 as close as possible to each other, or by bringing the connecting flow paths 51 close to the short sides of the flow path member 23 (or other members mounted on the outer periphery of the back surface 23a), thereby also increasing its area.

[0090] More specifically, for example, when viewed from above, the distance between the inlet 13 and the shared flow path 11 adjacent to it (the shared flow path 11 adjacent to the inlet 13 in the D2 direction) (the distance between adjacent edges, the same below) can be set to less than or equal to the distance between the inlet 13 and the shared flow path 11. This widens the inlet 13. Furthermore, the distance (shortest distance) between inlets 13 adjacent to each other in the D1 direction without passing through the shared flow path 11 (inlets 13 facing each other on the side of the connecting flow path 51) can be less than 1.5 times or less than 1 times the length (maximum length) of the inlet 13 in the D1 direction. In another viewpoint, the distance between the connecting flow paths 51 adjacent to each other in the D1 direction without passing through the shared flow path 11 (the shortest distance between their front ends) can be set to less than 1.5 times or less than 1 times the length (maximum length) of the connecting flow path 51 in the D1 direction. This lengthens the inlet 13.

[0091] As described above, the width W1 of inlet 13 is, for example, wider than the width W3 of the common flow path 11. The specific difference and / or ratio is arbitrary. For example, W1 / W3 can be greater than 1.1, greater than 1.5, greater than 2.0, or greater than 3.0. There is no particular upper limit to W1 / W3, for example, it can be less than 5.0.

[0092] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the bottom surface of inlet 13 can be positioned above the bottom surface of the common flow path 11. The difference in position (in the D3 direction) is arbitrary. The number of plates 31 constituting this difference is also arbitrary. For example, the difference in position relative to the height of the common flow path 11 (length from the bottom surface to the top surface) can be 5% or more, 10% or more, 15% or more, or 20% or more; alternatively, it can be less than 30%, less than 20%, or less than 15%. The lower and upper limits described above can be combined in any way without contradiction. Furthermore, for example, the difference in position can be 50 μm or more and less than 200 μm. The number of plates 31 constituting the difference in position can be one (…). Figure 7 (Example) or two.

[0093] The position of the upper surface of inlet 13 can, for example, be the same as the position of the upper surface of the common flow path 11. Therefore, when the bottom surface of inlet 13 is located above the bottom surface of the common flow path 11 as described above, the height of inlet 13 (length from the bottom surface to the upper surface) can be lower than the height of the common flow path 11. However, the upper surface of inlet 13 can also be located above the upper surface of the common flow path 11. In this case, the height of inlet 13 can be higher, equal to, or lower than the height of the common flow path 11. In the case where the height of inlet 13 is lower than the height of the common flow path 11 (the relative position of the upper and bottom surfaces is arbitrary), the specific value (%, μm, number of plates 31) of the difference in the position of the bottom surface described above can be referenced from the height difference.

[0094] (4. Vibration damping chamber)

[0095] (4.1. First damping chamber)

[0096] like Figure 7As shown, the first damping chamber 15A is formed by a recess on the lower surface of the plate 31 (31D in this case), which forms the bottom surface of the inlet 13. Examples of structural methods for the first damping chamber 15A that differ from the illustrated example are given. Alternatively, the recess may not be formed on the lower surface of plate 31D, but on the upper surface of plate 31C, or a through hole may be formed on at least one plate 31 (e.g., 31C) overlapping below plate 31D. Alternatively, the recess or through hole in plate 31C may be combined with the recess on the lower surface of plate 31D. In the description of the embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the description is sometimes based on the illustrated example.

[0097] The depth of the recess forming the first damping chamber 15A (in other words, the height of the first damping chamber 15A, hereinafter the same) is arbitrary. For example, the depth of the recess can be more than 1 / 3 and less than 2 / 3 of the thickness of the plate 31D. Additionally, the depth of the recess can be more than 20 μm and less than 100 μm. The side of the recess can be orthogonal to the plate 31D or inclined. It should be noted that, in the case of an inclined side, the shape and size (width W2, etc.) when viewed from above can be referenced, for example, to the dimensions of the surface of the first damping chamber 15A opposite to the inlet 13 (the lower surface of the plate 31D). The recess can be formed, for example, by half-etching the lower surface of the plate 31D.

[0098] The thickness of plate 31D is arbitrary. For example, the thickness of plate 31D can be the minimum thickness, the maximum thickness, or a thickness in between among all the plates 31 in the flow path member 23. Furthermore, there may be a plate 31 with the same thickness as plate 31D, or there may not be one. Specifically, the thickness of plate 31D is greater than the thickness of any plate 31 (31A~31C) located below plate 31D. Additionally, the thickness of plate 31D is thinner than the thickness of plate 31E overlapping plate 31D. Figure 7 (Examples) or the same. The thickness of plate 31D can be, for example, greater than 50 μm and less than 150 μm.

[0099] As described above, the width W2 of the first damping chamber 15A is narrower than the width W1 of the inlet 13. Width W2 is located approximately at the center of width W1. For example, the ratio of the margin between width W2 and width W1 on the -D2 side to the margin between width W2 and width W1 on the +D2 side is more than 1 / 2 and less than 2, and more than 2 / 3 and less than 3 / 2. Width W2 can also be closer to one side, provided it converges to width W1 or is far from either end of width W1.

[0100] It should be noted that since width W2 and width W1 are compared, the width direction of width W2 is the same as that of width W1. That is, the width direction of width W2 is not defined based on the planar shape of the first damping chamber 15A, but based on the planar shape of the inlet 13. As will be described later, in the planar shape of the first damping chamber 15A illustrated in the description of the embodiment, even if the width direction of width W2 is defined based on the planar shape of the first damping chamber 15A, it is the same as the width direction of width W1.

[0101] The specific size of the width W2 is arbitrary. For example, W2 / W1 can be greater than 0.5, greater than 0.6, greater than 0.7, or greater than 0.8, and less than 0.9, less than 0.8, or less than 0.7. The aforementioned lower and upper limits can be combined with each other in an arbitrary manner without contradiction. In addition, for example, the width W2 can be greater than 1mm and less than 10mm.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the first damping chamber 15A. In this view, the plate 31D is shown cut into the shape of the inlet 13 and the connecting flow path 51.

[0103] The planar shape of the first damping chamber 15A can be similar to that of the inlet 13. For example, when viewed from above, the distance (width of the margin) between the edge of the first damping chamber 15A and the edge of the inlet 13 can be constant over approximately the circumference of the first damping chamber 15A. More specifically, for example, the margin width, apart from any particular width, can be less than 1.5 (maximum width / minimum width).

[0104] The first damping chamber 15A is completely surrounded by the un-etched portion of plate 31D, thus forming a closed space. Therefore, it is not connected to other damping chambers (e.g., the second damping chamber 15B, described later). Unlike the illustrated example, the first damping chamber 15A (and / or other damping chambers) may also be open to the atmosphere via a narrower flow path. The flow path from the first damping chamber 15A may connect with the flow paths from other damping chambers along the way until it is open to the atmosphere. Furthermore, the first damping chamber 15A may also be directly connected to other damping chambers.

[0105] It should be noted that when the first damping chamber 15A is not connected to the other damping chambers, a connection via the atmosphere can also be implemented. Alternatively, a connection can be made through a flow path having a cross-section significantly narrower than the cross-section of each damping chamber (the cross-section orthogonal to the flow direction) (e.g., less than 1 / 10 of the former). Such a narrow flow path may be due to manufacturing errors or intentionally formed.

[0106] (4.2. Comparison with the second damping chamber)

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown, the flow path member 23 may have a second damping chamber 15B that absorbs pressure fluctuations in the common flow path 11 (in other words, opposite to the common flow path 11). The structure of the second damping chamber 15B can be various or a known structure. Furthermore, as long as there is no contradiction, the description of the first damping chamber 15A can be applied to the second damping chamber 15B. Hereinafter, the second damping chamber 15B will be briefly described, and then the description of the first damping chamber 15A will be supplemented in comparison with the second damping chamber 15B.

[0108] The second damping chamber 15B can be formed by a recess on the lower surface of the plate 31 (31C in this case) that forms the bottom surface of the common flow path 11 (as illustrated in the example), or it can be formed by other cavities (refer to the description of the first damping chamber 15A). The depth of the recess forming the second damping chamber 15B is arbitrary. For example, the depth of the recess can be more than 1 / 3 and less than 2 / 3 of the thickness of the plate 31C. In addition, for example, the height of the second damping chamber 15B (the depth of the recess) can be more than 10 μm and less than 30 μm. The width of the second damping chamber 15B can be equal to the width W3 of the common flow path 11 (as illustrated in the example), or it can be narrower than the width W3 of the common flow path 11.

[0109] The thickness of plate 31C is arbitrary. Specifically, the thickness of plate 31C can be the minimum thickness or the second minimum thickness among all plates 31 in the flow path component 23. For example, the thickness of plate 31C can be greater than 20 μm and less than 50 μm.

[0110] Although not specifically illustrated, a damping chamber that absorbs pressure fluctuations in the confluence 49 (in other words, opposite to the confluence 49) may be provided (or not provided).

[0111] The damping plate 16A, which separates the inlet 13 from the first damping chamber 15A, and the damping plate 16B, which separates the common flow path 11 from the second damping chamber 15B, are composed of different plates 31 (31D or 31C). More specifically, in the illustrated example, the plate 31D constituting the damping plate 16A directly overlaps the plate 31C constituting the damping plate 16B. In a manner where the former (plate 31D) and the latter (plate 31C) are different from each other, unlike the illustrated example, for example, more than one other plate may be sandwiched between the former and the latter, and / or the former may be located below the latter. Furthermore, unlike the above description, the former and the latter may also be the same plate.

[0112] The bottom surface of the first damping chamber 15A is located on the +D3 side (opposite to the ejection surface 7) to the bottom surface of the second damping chamber 15B. In another viewpoint, the thickness t1 from the first damping chamber 15A to the ejection surface 7 is thicker than the thickness t2 from the second damping chamber 15B to the ejection surface 7. Specifically, thickness t1 is the total thickness of plates 31A to 31C, while thickness t2 is the thickness of plates 31A and 31B, and the thickness of plate 31C (in other words, the thickness of a single plate 31). Thickness t1 is thicker than thickness t2.

[0113] As described above, the damping chamber can replace the recess on the lower surface of plate 31, or it can be formed by the recess on the upper surface of plate 31 or a through hole. Furthermore, the plates 31 forming each damper are arbitrary and do not need to be adjacent plates 31. As understood from these circumstances, unlike the illustrated example, the difference between the aforementioned thicknesses t1 and t2 can be less than the thickness of one plate 31 (the remaining thickness after half-etching), or it can be a thickness exceeding the thickness of one plate 31 (e.g., more than one but less than two, or two).

[0114] In the case where thickness t1 is greater than thickness t2, the specific values ​​of thicknesses t1 and t2, as well as the number of plates 31 constituting thicknesses t1 and t2 respectively, are arbitrary. For example, the minimum value of thickness t2 is the remaining thickness after half-etching of plate 31A. The minimum value of thickness t1 is the thickness of plate 31A. Alternatively, for example, thickness t2 can be the thickness of one or more plates 31 (two in the illustrated example), and thickness t1 can be the thickness of two or more plates 31 (three in the illustrated example). Alternatively, for example, thickness t2 can be 30 μm or more and 150 μm or less. Thickness t1 can be set to be 50 μm or more and 200 μm or less, provided it is thicker than thickness t2. The difference between the two can be 20 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

[0115] It should be noted that, unlike the above description, the thickness t1 can also be the same as or thinner than the thickness t2.

[0116] In the illustrated example, the first damping chamber 15A and the second damping chamber 15B are mounted on different plates 31 (31D or 31C). However, a portion or all of the thickness of one damping chamber and a portion or all of the thickness of another damping chamber may also be located on the same plate 31. In this way, it is also possible to achieve the structure described above where the damping plates 16A and 16B belong to different plates 31, and / or the structure where thickness t1 is thicker than thickness t2.

[0117] For example, in the illustrated example, a recess can be formed on the upper surface of plate 31C below inlet 13, which merges with a recess on the lower surface of plate 31D. In this case, damping plates 16A and 16B are also different plates 31 (31D and 31C), with thickness t1 being thicker than thickness t2. Alternatively, for example, in the illustrated example, a recess can be formed on the upper surface of plate 31C instead of the recess on the lower surface of plate 31D. In this case, damping plates 16A and 16B are also different plates 31 (31D and 31C), with thickness t1 being thicker than thickness t2.

[0118] The structure in which the first damping chamber 15A and the second damping chamber 15B are not connected can also be achieved by having part or all of their thicknesses provided on plates 31 of the same thickness. However, as illustrated in the example, if the thicknesses of both are provided entirely on plates 31 of different thicknesses and they are separated from each other in the thickness direction, the possibility of undesirable connection between them is reduced. Conversely, in the case where the thicknesses of the first damping chamber 15A and the second damping chamber 15B are entirely provided on plates 31 of different thicknesses, they can also be directly or indirectly connected to each other.

[0119] The height of the first damping chamber 15A (length from the bottom surface to the top surface) can be higher than, the same as, or lower than the height of the second damping chamber 15B (as illustrated in the example). For example, the former can be more than 1.5 times or more than 2 times the height of the latter, or less than 6 times or less than 4 times the height of the latter. The aforementioned lower and upper limits can be combined with any combination of the lower and upper limits.

[0120] The width W2 of the first damping chamber 15A can be wider than, equal to, or narrower than, the width of the second damping chamber 15B (for convenience, the width W3 is used as a reference numeral in the attached diagram, but it can also be different from the width of the common flow path 11) (as illustrated in the example). For example, W2 / W3 can be 1.1 or more, 1.5 or more, 2.0 or more, or 3.0 or more, or it can be 5.0 or less.

[0121] (5. Wiping device)

[0122] like Figure 2 As shown by the double-dotted line, the printer 1 may have a wiper 21 for wiping the ejection surface 7. The wiper 21 may, for example, have a contact member 21a that directly undertakes wiping by contacting the ejection surface 7, and a drive mechanism 21b that moves the contact member 21a.

[0123] The structure of the wiper 21 can be configured in various ways, such as a known structure. The printer 1, for example, moves at least one of the head 3 and the conveyor 17 away from each other via a drive mechanism (not shown). In this state, the wiper 21, for example, contacts the contact member 21a with the ejection surface 7 and moves at least one of the contact member 21a and the ejection surface 7 so that the contact member 21a and the ejection surface 7 move relative to each other in the long side direction (D1 direction) of the ejection surface 7.

[0124] The contact member 21a, for example, has a length that extends across the width (D2 direction) of the spray surface 7. That is, the entire width of the spray surface 7 is in contact with the spray surface 7. The contact member 21a can be, for example, a scraper made of an elastic member such as rubber in a plate shape. However, the contact member 21a may not be scraper-shaped. In addition, the contact member 21a may also have a water-absorbing surface.

[0125] Here, as Figure 3 As shown, the range of each inlet 13 in the D1 direction overlaps with the range of the region in the D1 direction where multiple ejection holes 9 are formed. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As shown, the first damping chamber 15A converges at the inlet 13 in a top perspective view. Therefore, the contact member 21a simultaneously contacts the area in the ejection surface 7 where multiple ejection holes 9 are formed and the area overlapping with the first damping chamber 15A. As will be described later, in this manner, the structure in which the width W2 of the first damping chamber 15A is narrower than the width W1 of the inlet 13 has an advantageous effect.

[0126] (6. Other examples of shared flow paths)

[0127] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing other examples of the structure of the shared flow path 11, and... Figure 7 correspond.

[0128] In this example, a second damping chamber 15B is not provided. Furthermore, the thickness of the plate 31C sharing the flow path 11 is greater than... Figure 7 The example is more detailed. In this example, the thickness t2 from the common flow path 11 to the ejection surface 7 is thinner than the thickness t1 from the first damping chamber 15A to the ejection surface 7. The explanation of the thickness t2 already described can be applied to the thickness t2 here. Although not specifically illustrated, it is also possible to omit the second damping chamber 15B and configure the structure of the common flow path 11 as follows: Figure 7 The structures are the same.

[0129] (7. Summary of implementation methods)

[0130] As described above, the liquid ejection head 3 of the embodiment has a common flow path 11, a wide flow path (inlet 13), and a first damping chamber 15A. The common flow path 11 extends along the ejection surface 7 in which a plurality of ejection holes 9 are formed, and is connected to the plurality of ejection holes 9. The inlet 13 is connected to the common flow path 11 and has a width W1 that is wider than the width W3 of the common flow path 11 when viewed in the normal direction (D3 direction) of the ejection surface 7. The first damping chamber 15A faces the inlet 13 from the first side (-D3 side) in the D3 direction and has a width W2 that is narrower than the width W1 of the inlet 13 when viewed in the D3 direction.

[0131] Therefore, as described in the summary of the embodiment, the pressure fluctuation of the inlet 13 is reduced. In addition, by making W2 < W1, for example, the possibility of flexural deformation occurring on the surface of the flow path member 23 (the ejection surface 7 in the embodiment) on the side of the first damping chamber 15A with respect to the inlet 13 is reduced.

[0132] The above-mentioned first side (the side where the first damping chamber 15A is located with respect to the inlet 13) may be the side (-D3 side) where the ejection surface 7 is located with respect to the common flow path 11 and the wide flow path (inlet 13).

[0133] In this case, the flexural deformation of the ejection surface 7 is reduced. The ejection surface 7 is sometimes wiped. By this wiping, the possibility of the ejection surface 7 being pressed and causing flexural deformation is reduced. In addition, when flexural deformation occurs in the region directly below the first damping chamber 15A in the ejection surface 7, the surrounding region may be stretched in the direction along the surface and deformed. This deformation may affect the ejection characteristics of the liquid from the ejection holes 9. The possibility of such an adverse situation occurring is reduced.

[0134] The head 3 may further have a second damping chamber 15B that faces the common flow path 11 from the above-mentioned first side (the side where the first damping chamber 15A is located with respect to the inlet 13). The first damping chamber 15A and the second damping chamber 15B may also be provided as not connected.

[0135] In this case, for example, compared with the manner of connecting the first damping chamber 15A and the second damping chamber 15B (this manner is also included in the technology of the present disclosure), the possibility of vibration being transmitted between the common flow path 11 and the inlet 13 via the first damping chamber 15A and the second damping chamber 15B is reduced. As a result, for example, the pressure fluctuation of the first damping chamber 15A caused by the change in the inflow amount of the ink liquid to the port 27 is transmitted to the common flow path 11, thereby reducing the possibility of an adverse situation where this pressure fluctuation affects the ejection of the ink liquid from the ejection holes 9. It should be noted that, as described above, when the first damping chamber 15A and the second damping chamber 15B are not connected, the two may also be connected by a significantly narrow flow path. Of course, in the case of not connecting through such a narrow flow path, the above-mentioned effect is improved.

[0136] The head 3 may have multiple plates 31 stacked in the normal direction of the ejection surface 7. The common flow path 11, the wide flow path (inlet 13), the first damping chamber 15A, and the second damping chamber 15B may be formed by cavities (recesses and / or through holes) formed in the multiple plates 31. The plate 31 (31D) that separates the inlet 13 from the first damping chamber 15A and the plate 31 (31C) that separates the common flow path 11 from the second damping chamber 15B may be different from each other.

[0137] In this case, for example, compared to a situation where the former plate 31 and the latter plate 31 are the same plate 31 (this method is also included in the technology of this disclosure), the possibility of vibration of the inlet 13 being transmitted to the common flow path 11 can be reduced. As a result, for example, the possibility of adverse situations arising from changes in the amount of ink flowing into the port 27, as described above, affecting ink ejection, is reduced. In addition, for example, by making the thickness of plate 31D different from the thickness of plate 31C, the thicknesses of damping plates 16A and 16B can be made different from each other, so it is easy to set the thicknesses of damping plates 16A and 16B to be suitable for the thicknesses of the inlet 13 and the common flow path 11, respectively.

[0138] The thickness t1 from the first damping chamber 15A to the ejection surface 7 can be thicker than the thickness t2 from the second damping chamber 15B to the ejection surface 7.

[0139] In this case, for example, the likelihood of flexural deformation occurring in the region directly below the first damping chamber 15A in the ejection surface 7 is reduced. Combined with the fact that the width W2 of the first damping chamber 15A is narrower than the width W1 of the inlet 13, the likelihood of flexural deformation can be expected to be sufficiently reduced. Conversely, since the likelihood of flexural deformation can be reduced by making the thickness t1 relatively thicker, the amount by which the width W2 is narrower than the width W1 can be reduced, thereby facilitating the absorption of pressure variations through the first damping chamber 15A.

[0140] like Figure 9 As in other examples, the thickness t1 from the first damping chamber 15A to the ejection surface 7 can also be thicker than the thickness t2 from the common flow path 11 to the ejection surface 7.

[0141] In this case, for example, similar to the above, it can be said that the thickness t1 is relatively thick, thus reducing the possibility of flexural deformation.

[0142] The surface (bottom surface) of the first side (-D3 side) of the common flow path 11 can be located closer to the first side than the surface (bottom surface) of the first side of the wide flow path (inlet 13).

[0143] In this case, for example, it is easy to ensure the height of the common flow path 11 (the length from the bottom surface to the top surface). That is, it is easy to increase the volume of the common flow path 11 (in another view, the area of ​​the cross-section). By increasing the volume of the common flow path 11, for example, vibrations leaking from the pressure chamber 35 into the common flow path 11 are easily dispersed within the common flow path 11 and are less likely to be transmitted to other pressure chambers 35. That is, it is easy to reduce crosstalk between the pressure chambers 35.

[0144] On the other hand, at the inlet 13, by making its width W1 wider than the width W3 of the common flow path 11, the volume (area of ​​the cross-section) is easily ensured. Alternatively, the inlet 13 can be deepened on the ejection surface 7 side as the common flow path 11. By ensuring the volume of the inlet 13, for example, changes in ink flow rate are less likely to be transmitted to the common flow path 11 as pressure variations. Furthermore, by not deepening it on the ejection surface 7 side, the thickness t1 up to the ejection surface 7 is easily ensured.

[0145] The ratio of the width W2 of the first damping chamber to the width W1 of the wide flow path (inlet 13), W2 / W1, can be greater than 0.5 and less than 0.9.

[0146] In this case, for example, if W2 / W1 is less than 0.9, it is difficult to apply force to the opening edge (corner) on the bottom side of the inlet 13 (plate 31E) when the damping plate 16A undergoes flexural deformation. On the other hand, by making W2 / W1 more than 0.5, it is easy to ensure flexibility.

[0147] Furthermore, to reduce crosstalk, the width of the second damping chamber 15B is usually set to be the same as the width W3 of the common flow path 11. However, for example, considering the deflection of the ejection surface 7 caused by the second damping chamber 15B, the width W4 (not shown) of the second damping chamber 15B can be made narrower than the width W3 of the common flow path 11. In this case, the second damping chamber 15B can preferentially reduce crosstalk, and the width W2 of the first damping chamber 15A can preferentially reduce the deflection of the ejection surface 7. That is, when W4 / W3 is less than 1, it can be set to W2 / W1. <W4 / W3。

[0148] In addition to the head 3 of the embodiment, the recording device (printer 1) of the embodiment may also have a moving part (conveyor 17) that moves the head 3 and the recording medium (printing paper P) facing the ejection surface 7 relative to each other along the ejection surface 7. As a result, printing can be performed while achieving the above-mentioned effects.

[0149] In another aspect, the recording device (printer 1) of the embodiment may include a head 3 of the embodiment and a wiper 21 that wipes the ejection surface 7. The first side described above may be the side (-D3 side) facing the ejection surface 7. The wiper 21 may simultaneously contact a region (hereinafter referred to as the "first region") where a part of the plurality of ejection holes 9 of the ejection surface 7 is located and a region (hereinafter referred to as the "second region") that overlaps with the first damping chamber 15A when viewed in the normal direction (D3 direction) of the ejection surface 7.

[0150] As described above, when the wiper 21 simultaneously contacts the first region and the second region, for example, due to the flexural deformation of the second region, there may be a wiping residue of the ink liquid in the second region. In addition, due to the above-mentioned flexural deformation, the contact pressure of the wiper 21 with respect to the first region changes, and the wiping state may change. These may affect the printing quality, for example. Further, for example, in a mode where the ejection surface 7 is made of a hydrophobic film, due to the flexural deformation of the second region, the contact pressure of the wiper 21 with respect to the first region becomes high, and there is a possibility that the hydrophobic film is scraped off or peeled off. However, in the present embodiment, the width W2 of the first damping chamber 15A is narrower than the width W1 of the inlet 13, reducing the possibility of flexural deformation of the ejection surface 7, and thus reducing the possibility of the above-mentioned adverse conditions. That is, the significance of W2 < W1 is great.

[0151] The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in various ways.

[0152] The recording device may also be a plotter. The recording device may also be a hand-held printer that is held and moved by a user's hand as a whole and relatively moves with respect to the recording medium. The recording device may also relatively move the recording medium and the head by moving the head using a robot or the like.

[0153] The recording medium is not limited to paper. For example, the recording medium may be cloth, wood, tile, printed wiring board (more specifically, an insulating layer printed with a conductive pattern), or a vehicle body.

[0154] The head may also be used for purposes other than the recording device. For example, the head may be used for the production of chemical agents. Specifically, for example, the head may eject a specified amount of a liquid chemical agent or a liquid containing a chemical agent toward a reaction vessel or the like.

[0155] As understood from the above examples of the recording medium and the like, the liquid is not limited to ink liquid. For example, it may be a coating material or a conductive material printed on a printed wiring board.

[0156] A pressurizing unit used to apply pressure to a flow path (liquid) to eject the liquid is not limited to a piezoelectric pressurizing unit. For example, a pressurizing unit can also be a pressurizing unit that applies pressure to a liquid by heating it to generate bubbles (a thermosensitive pressurizing unit).

[0157] The head can also be a head for circulating ink. That is, the flow path component can also have a common flow path for recovering liquid from appropriate parts (e.g., a descending section) of the independent flow path, an outlet (equivalent to an inlet), and a port. In this case, the common flow path and the wide flow path can also be the aforementioned common flow path and outlet for recovery. Furthermore, in the method of circulating ink, the various features of the embodiments can be applied to both the supply and recovery aspects, or only to either one.

[0158] In this embodiment, the first damping chamber 15A is located on the side of the ejection surface 7 relative to the inlet 13. That is, the first side is set as the -D3 side. However, in addition to the first damping chamber located on the -D3 side, or instead of the first damping chamber located on the -D3 side, a first damping chamber located on the +D3 side may also be provided. The description of the embodiment can be applied to a method in which the first damping chamber is located on the +D3 side by replacing the upper and lower sides, etc. The same applies to the second damping chamber.

[0159] The flow path component is not limited to a component constructed by stacking plates made of metal or resin. For example, it can be constructed from MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems). MEMS can include not only flow path components but also pressurization components.

[0160] Inventions that do not require the width of the wide flow path (inlet) to be wider than the width of the common flow path, the presence or absence of a first damping chamber, and / or the width of the first damping chamber to be narrower than the width of the wide flow path can also be extracted from this disclosure. For example, inventions in which the first side surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the common flow path is located at a position closer to the first side than the first side surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the wide flow path can also be extracted.

[0161] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0162] 1…Printer (recording device), 3…Head (liquid ejector head), 5…Head body (liquid ejector head), 7…Ejection surface, 9…Ejection hole, 11…Common flow path, 13…Inlet (wide flow path), 15A…First damping chamber.

Claims

1. A liquid ejector head, wherein, The liquid ejector head has: A common flow path extends along the ejection surface with multiple ejection holes and communicates with the multiple ejection holes; A wide flow path, which is connected to the common flow path, has a width wider than the width of the common flow path when viewed in the normal direction of the ejection surface; as well as The first damping chamber is opposite the wide flow path from a first side in the normal direction and has a width narrower than the width of the wide flow path when viewed in the normal direction.

2. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1, wherein, The first side is the side where the ejection surface is located relative to the common flow path and the wide flow path.

3. The liquid ejector head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The liquid nozzle also has a second damping chamber, which is located opposite the common flow path from the first side. The first damping chamber is not connected to the second damping chamber.

4. The liquid ejector head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The liquid ejector head has: The second damping chamber is located opposite the shared flow path from the first side; as well as Multiple plates, which are stacked in the direction of the normal. The common flow path, the wide flow path, the first damping chamber, and the second damping chamber are formed by cavities in the plurality of plates. The plate separating the wide flow path from the first damping chamber and the plate separating the common flow path from the second damping chamber are different from each other.

5. The liquid ejector head according to claim 2, or claim 3 or 4 which directly or indirectly references claim 2, wherein, The liquid nozzle also has a second damping chamber, which is located opposite the common flow path from the first side. The thickness from the first damping chamber to the ejection surface is greater than the thickness from the second damping chamber to the ejection surface.

6. The liquid ejector head according to claim 2, or claim 3 or 4 which directly or indirectly references claim 2, wherein, The thickness from the first damping chamber to the ejection surface is greater than the thickness from the common flow path to the ejection surface.

7. The liquid ejector head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The face of the first side of the shared flow path is located closer to the first side than the face of the first side of the wide flow path.

8. The liquid ejector head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The ratio of the width W2 of the first damping chamber to the width W1 of the wide flow path, W2 / W1, is greater than 0.5 and less than 0.

9.

9. A recording device, wherein, The recording device has: The liquid ejector head according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and A moving part that causes the liquid ejection head and the recording medium facing the ejection surface to move relative to each other along the ejection surface.

10. A recording device, wherein, The recording device has: The liquid ejector head according to claim 2; and Wipe the spray surface. The wiper simultaneously contacts the area of ​​the ejection surface, a portion of the plurality of ejection holes, and the area that overlaps with the first damping chamber when viewed in the normal direction.

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