Liquid injection head and liquid injection device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SEIKO EPSON CORP
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection head and a liquid ejection apparatus. [Background technology]
[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Liquid ejection apparatuses equipped with liquid ejection heads that eject liquid such as ink onto a medium such as printing paper have been proposed.
[0003] The liquid jet head described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of nozzles for jetting liquid, and a flow path for supplying liquid to the plurality of nozzles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-174384 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0005] If the liquid is not ejected from the nozzle for a long period of time, there is a risk that components of coloring materials, such as pigments or dyes, contained in the liquid will settle within the flow passage. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A liquid ejection head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a supply flow path connecting a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid, an inlet for introducing liquid, and an outlet for supplying liquid to the plurality of nozzles, the supply flow path including a stirring section in which a first rib and a second rib facing each other are arranged, the stirring section including, in a cross section perpendicular to an extension direction of the stirring section, a first region in which the first rib is arranged and a second region in which the second rib is arranged, the first rib has a first guide surface that guides liquid flowing in the first region toward the second region, the second rib has a second guide surface that guides liquid flowing in the second region toward the first region, and when viewed in a direction in which the first region and the second region are aligned, a first tip of the first guide surface and a second tip of the second guide surface intersect. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid ejecting apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the head unit shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a view of a part of the head unit shown in FIG. 2 as viewed in the Z2 direction. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the head chip shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a view of the first flow path member shown in FIG. 2 as viewed in the Z1 direction. [Figure 7] 3 is a view of the first flow path member shown in FIG. 2 as viewed in the Z2 direction. [Figure 8] 3 is a view of the second flow path member shown in FIG. 2 as viewed in the Z1 direction. [Figure 9] 3 is a view of the second flow path member shown in FIG. 2 as viewed in the Z2 direction. [Figure 10] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path member shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 11] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path member shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the stirring section shown in FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A3-A3 in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 13 is a plan view of a plurality of first ribs shown in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a plan view of a plurality of second ribs shown in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A4-A4 in FIG. 12. [Figure 17] 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A5-A5 in FIG. 12. [Figure 18] 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A6-A6 in FIG. 12. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the stirring unit 6 in FIG. [Figure 20] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the flow of ink in a liquid flow path of a flow path member of a comparative example. [Figure 21] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the flow of ink in a liquid flow path of the flow path member of the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 12 is a diagram for explaining the flow of ink in a first rib and a second rib of the agitation unit shown in FIG. 11. FIG. [Diagram 23] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a stirring section according to a second embodiment. [Figure 24] 24 is a plan view of the first rib in FIG. 23. FIG. [Diagram 25] 24 is a plan view of the second rib in FIG. 23. FIG. [Figure 26] 24 is a diagram for explaining the flow of ink in a first rib and a second rib of the agitation unit shown in FIG. 23. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a stirring unit of a modified example. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a stirring unit in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0008] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions, and some parts are shown diagrammatically to facilitate understanding. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these forms unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present disclosure is limited.
[0009] 1. First embodiment 1A.Liquid injection device 100 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a liquid ejection device 100 according to a first embodiment. In the following, for convenience of explanation, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other will be appropriately used for explanation. Moreover, one direction along the X-axis is denoted as an X1 direction, and a direction opposite to the X1 direction is denoted as an X2 direction. Similarly, one direction along the Y-axis is denoted as a Y1 direction, and a direction opposite to the Y1 direction is denoted as a Y2 direction. One direction along the Z-axis is denoted as a Z1 direction, and a direction opposite to the Z1 direction is denoted as a Z2 direction. In this embodiment, the Z1 direction is the direction of gravity, but the direction of gravity may be a direction that intersects with the Z1 direction.
[0010] 1 is an inkjet printing device that ejects ink, which is an example of a "liquid," onto a medium M. The medium M is typically printing paper, but a printing target made of any material, such as a resin film or fabric, can be used as the medium M.
[0011] The liquid ejecting device 100 includes a liquid storage section 9, a control unit 20, a medium transport mechanism 22, and a head unit 10. The liquid storage section 9 stores ink. For example, a cartridge that is detachable from the head unit 10, a bag-shaped ink pack formed of a flexible film, or an ink tank that can be refilled with ink is used as the liquid storage section 9.
[0012] The control unit 20 includes one or more processing circuits, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and one or more storage circuits, such as a semiconductor memory, and controls each element of the liquid ejection device 100 in an integrated manner.
[0013] The medium transport mechanism 22 transports the medium M in a direction along the Y axis under the control of the control unit 20. The medium transport mechanism 22 includes a transport roller 221 that transports the medium M. Note that the liquid ejecting device 100 may also include, for example, a movement mechanism that moves the head unit 10 back and forth along the X axis.
[0014] The head unit 10 includes a plurality of liquid ejection heads 1. Each liquid ejection head 1 ejects ink supplied from a liquid storage unit 9 from a plurality of nozzles N onto the medium M under the control of a control unit 20. An image is formed on the surface of the medium M by each liquid ejection head 1 ejecting ink onto the medium M in accordance with the transport of the medium M by a medium transport mechanism 22.
[0015] The liquid ejection device 100 includes a liquid ejection head 1 and a liquid storage unit 9 that stores ink to be supplied to the liquid ejection head 1. As will be described later, the liquid ejection head 1 is configured to be able to efficiently agitate the ink even if components of the ink, such as coloring materials, have settled. Therefore, the liquid ejection device 100 can suppress deterioration in image quality.
[0016] 1B. Head unit 10 Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the head unit 10 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the head unit 10 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a view of a part of the head unit 10 shown in Fig. 2 as seen in the Z2 direction. In the following, a view from a direction along the Z axis is referred to as a "planar view."
[0017] The head unit 10 shown in Fig. 2 includes a unit base 11 and a plurality of liquid jet heads 1. The unit base 11 has an elongated shape extending along the X-axis. The unit base 11 is a member for fixing the plurality of liquid jet heads 1. The plurality of liquid jet heads 1 are lined up along the X-axis. Note that, in the illustrated example, the number of head units 10 is four, but it may be one, two, three, or five or more.
[0018] Each liquid jet head 1 includes a plurality of head chips 3, a flow path member 5, an intermediate substrate 15, a holding member 16, and a fixing plate 17.
[0019] The multiple head chips 3 of each liquid jet head 1 are aligned along the X-axis. Each head chip 3 has multiple nozzles N that eject ink. In the example of Fig. 2, the number of head chips 3 in one head unit 10 is six, but it may be one or more and five or less, or seven or more.
[0020] The flow path member 5 is disposed in the Z2 direction relative to the multiple head chips 3, and is joined to the multiple head chips 3. The flow path member 5 has a liquid flow path that distributes ink to each head chip 3. The liquid flow path communicates with the flow path of each head chip 3. The flow path member 5 also has a wiring hole 500 provided for each head chip 3. The multiple wiring holes 500 are aligned at intervals along the X axis. Each wiring hole 500 is a through hole formed in the flow path member 5. A wiring board 40 of the head chip 3 is inserted into each wiring hole 500. A drive circuit for driving the head chip 3 is mounted on the wiring board 40.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the flow path member 5 includes a first flow path member 51, a second flow path member 52, and two protrusions 54 stacked in the Z2 direction. The first flow path member 51 and the second flow path member 52 are stacked in this order in the Z1 direction. The two protrusions 54 are bonded to a surface of the first flow path member 51 in the Z2 direction. The two protrusions 54 are disposed on a diagonal line of the first flow path member 51, which has a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. Each protrusion 54 is provided with a hole 509 that constitutes a flow path. These members will be described in detail later.
[0022] The relay substrate 15 is disposed in the Z2 direction of the flow path member 5. The relay substrate 15 is provided with a plurality of holes 150. The wiring substrate 40 is inserted into each hole 150. The wiring substrate 40 is joined to the surface of the relay substrate 15 in the Z2 direction. In addition, the drive signal and the like sent from the control unit 20 described above are transmitted to the drive circuit mounted on the wiring substrate 40 through the relay substrate 15.
[0023] The holding member 16 is a member that holds a plurality of head chips 3, a flow path member 5, and an intermediate substrate 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the holding member 16 has a holding portion 161 and two legs 162. The holding portion 161 has a space that opens in the Z1 direction. The flow path member 5 and the intermediate substrate 15 are disposed in the holding portion 161. Each of the two legs 162 extends in the Z1 direction from the holding portion 161. One of the two legs 162 is located in the Y1 direction in the holding portion 161, and the other is located in the Y2 direction in the holding portion 161. Although not shown, the holding member 16 has a hole that communicates with the hole 509 of the plurality of protrusions 54.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the fixing plate 17 is a member for fixing the plurality of head chips 3 to the holding member 16. The fixing plate 17 includes a base portion 171 and two bent portions 172. The base portion 171 is a portion on a flat plate along the XY plane. The two bent portions 172 are portions formed by bending the base portion 171 in the Z2 direction. One of the two bent portions 172 is located in the X1 direction of the base portion 171, and the other is located in the X2 direction of the base portion 171. The base portion 171 of the fixing plate 17 is bonded to the plurality of head chips 3. The two bent portions 172 are bonded to the foot portions 812 of the holding member 81.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the base portion 171 has an opening 170 provided for each head chip 3. The opening 170 is a hole formed in the base portion 171. The opening 170 is provided to expose the multiple nozzles N of the head chip 3 from the base portion 171. As shown in FIG. 4, the multiple nozzles N of each head chip 3 constitute two nozzle rows, a nozzle row La and a nozzle row Lb. In each row, the multiple nozzles N are arranged at intervals from each other along the α axis intersecting the X axis and the Y axis. One direction along the α axis is denoted as the α1 direction, and the opposite direction to the α1 direction is denoted as the α2 direction. In addition, the α axis is perpendicular to the β axis, and one direction along the α axis is denoted as the β1 direction, and the opposite direction to the β1 direction is denoted as the β2 direction.
[0026] 1C. Head tip FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the head chip 3 shown in FIG. 1. The Z axis is an axis along the direction in which ink is ejected by the head chip 3. The head chip 3 has a structure in which elements related to each nozzle N of the nozzle row La and elements related to each nozzle N of the nozzle row Lb are arranged in a substantially plane-symmetrical manner. In the following description, the elements corresponding to one of the two rows will be described with emphasis, and the description of the elements corresponding to the other row will be omitted as appropriate. The head chip 3 shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the structure of the head chip 3 is not limited to that of FIG. 5 as long as it is a structure capable of ejecting ink.
[0027] As shown in Fig. 5, the head chip 3 includes a communication plate 31, a pressure chamber substrate 32, a vibration plate 33, a nozzle substrate 37, a vibration absorber 38, a plurality of piezoelectric elements 34, a sealing substrate 35, a case 36, and a wiring substrate 40. The communication plate 31, the pressure chamber substrate 32, the vibration plate 33, the nozzle substrate 37, the vibration absorber 38, the sealing substrate 35, and the case 36 are each a long plate-like member along the α-axis. The pressure chamber substrate 32 and the case 36 are disposed on the surface of the communication plate 31 in the Z2 direction. The nozzle substrate 37 and the vibration absorber 38 are disposed on the surface of the communication plate 31 in the Z1 direction. For example, the respective members are fixed to each other by an adhesive.
[0028] The nozzle substrate 37 is a plate-like member in which a plurality of nozzles N are formed. Each of the plurality of nozzles N is a circular through-hole for ejecting ink. For example, the nozzle substrate 37 is manufactured by processing a single crystal substrate of silicon (Si) using semiconductor manufacturing techniques such as photolithography and etching.
[0029] The communication plate 31 is formed with a plurality of throttle portions 312, a plurality of communication channels 314, a communication space Ra, and a common channel Rb. Each of the throttle portions 312 and the communication channels 314 extends in the Z1 direction and is a through hole formed for each nozzle N. The communication channels 314 overlap the nozzles N in a plan view. The communication spaces Ra are openings formed in an elongated shape along the α-axis. The communication spaces Ra extend along the α-axis. The common channel Rb communicates with the communication spaces Ra and overlaps with the communication spaces Ra in a plan view. The common channel Rb extends along the α-axis. The common channel Rb communicates with the plurality of throttle portions 312.
[0030] A plurality of pressure chambers C1 are formed in the pressure chamber substrate 32. The pressure chamber C1 is a space located between the communication plate 31 and the vibration plate 33 and formed by the wall surface 320 of the pressure chamber substrate 32. The pressure chamber C1 is formed for each nozzle N. The pressure chamber C1 is an elongated space extending along the β axis. The plurality of pressure chambers C1 are arranged along the α axis. One end of the pressure chamber C1 in the direction along the β axis is connected to the nozzle N via a communication flow path 314. The other end of the pressure chamber C1 in the direction along the β axis is connected to a throttle portion 312. By providing the communication flow path 314 and the throttle portion 312 in the Z1 direction for the pressure chamber C1, it is possible to arrange nozzles at a high density, and it is possible to reduce the size and increase the density of the head chip 3. The communication plate 31 and the pressure chamber substrate 32 are manufactured by processing a semiconductor substrate such as a silicon single crystal substrate.
[0031] An elastically deformable vibration plate 33 is disposed above the pressure chamber C1. The vibration plate 33 is laminated on the pressure chamber substrate 32, and contacts the surface of the pressure chamber substrate 32 opposite the communication plate 31. The thickness direction of the vibration plate 33 is parallel to the Z1 direction. Note that, for ease of explanation, the pressure chamber substrate 32 and the vibration plate 33 are illustrated in Fig. 5 as if they were separate substrates, but in reality they are laminated on a single silicon substrate.
[0032] A piezoelectric element 34 is provided for each pressure chamber C1 on the surface of the vibration plate 33 opposite to the pressure chamber C1. The piezoelectric element 34 is an elongated passive element along the β-axis in a plan view. The piezoelectric element 34 is also a driving element that is driven by application of a driving signal from a driving circuit. Although not shown in detail, the piezoelectric element 34 includes, for example, a pair of electrodes and a piezoelectric body sandwiched between the pair of electrodes.
[0033] The case 36 defines a space for storing ink therein to be supplied to the multiple pressure chambers C1, and is formed, for example, by injection molding of a resin material. A space Rc is formed in the case 36. The space Rc in the case 36 and the communication space Ra in the communication plate 31 are mutually connected. A common liquid chamber R common to the multiple nozzles N is formed by the communication space Ra, the common flow path Rb, and the space Rc. The common liquid chamber R functions as a reservoir that stores ink to be supplied to the multiple pressure chambers C1. The ink stored in the common liquid chamber R branches off to each of the throttle sections 312 and is supplied to and filled in parallel into the multiple pressure chambers C1.
[0034] The vibration absorber 38 is a flexible film that constitutes the wall surface of the communication space Ra, and absorbs pressure fluctuations of the ink in the common liquid chamber R. The vibration absorber 38 is, for example, a laminate of an ink-resistant resin film, a SUS (stainless steel) member that holds the resin film and has spring properties, and a fixed substrate that protects the resin film and the SUS member. By providing the vibration absorber 38, the natural frequency of the flow path from the nozzle N through the pressure chamber C1 to the throttle section 312 is stabilized regardless of the nozzle N that is driven.
[0035] The sealing substrate 35 is a structure that protects the piezoelectric elements 34 and reinforces the mechanical strength of the pressure chamber substrate 32 and the vibration plate 33. The sealing substrate 35 is fixed to the surface of the vibration plate 33 with, for example, an adhesive. The piezoelectric elements 34 are housed inside a recess formed on the surface of the sealing substrate 35 facing the vibration plate 33. The wiring substrate 40 is inserted through a through hole 362 of the case 36 and a through hole 353 of the sealing substrate 35. The wiring substrate 40 is bonded to the surface of the vibration plate 33. The wiring substrate 40 is a mounting component on which a plurality of wirings for electrically connecting the control unit 20 and the head chip 3 are formed. For example, a TCP (Tape Carrier Package) or an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) is used as the wiring substrate 40. A drive signal and a reference voltage for driving the piezoelectric elements 34 are supplied to each piezoelectric element 34 from the wiring substrate 40.
[0036] In this head chip 3, when the piezoelectric element 34 contracts due to energization, the vibration plate 33 is bent and deflected in a direction that reduces the volume of the pressure chamber C1, the pressure inside the pressure chamber C1 increases, and ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle N. At this time, pressure also propagates from the pressure chamber C1 toward the throttle portion 312, and ink also flows into the common flow path Rb through the throttle portion 312. After the ink is ejected, the piezoelectric element 34 returns to its original position. At this time, the ink in the common flow path Rb from the nozzle N also vibrates. Then, at the same time that the meniscus of the nozzle N returns to its original state, ink is supplied from the throttle portion 312. Through the above series of operations, ink is ejected from the nozzle N.
[0037] 1D. Flow path member 5 As described above, the flow path member 5 has the first flow path member 51, the second flow path member 52, and a plurality of protrusions 54 in FIG. 3. Each of these members is provided with holes or recesses that form the liquid flow paths. The first flow path member 51 and the second flow path member 52 are laminated. These members are bonded, for example, by an adhesive. The lamination direction of these members is the Z1 direction.
[0038] Fig. 6 is a view of first flow path member 51 shown in Fig. 2 as viewed in the Z1 direction. Fig. 7 is a view of first flow path member 51 shown in Fig. 2 as viewed in the Z2 direction. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, first flow path member 51 has holes 501 provided for each head chip 3. Holes 501 form part of wiring holes 500.
[0039] Moreover, the first flow path member 51 has two through holes 519. The two through holes 519 are holes provided corresponding to the two protrusions 54 described above. Each through hole 519 communicates with a hole 509 of the protrusion 54. The first flow path member 51 has a quadrangular shape in a plan view, and the two through holes 519 are provided at any of the four corners of the first flow path member 51 in a plan view. The two through holes 519 are disposed on a diagonal line of the first flow path member 51 in a plan view.
[0040] 7, two first grooves 510 are formed on the surface of the first flow path member 51 facing the Z1 direction. The first grooves 510 are recesses formed in the first flow path member 51. Each of the first grooves 510 includes a first common groove 511 and a plurality of first branch grooves 512.
[0041] The first common groove 511 extends along the X-axis. The two first common grooves 511 are arranged with the holes 501 in between in a plan view. The inside of the first common groove 511 communicates with the through hole 519. The two first common grooves 511 are common to the head chips 3. The first branch grooves 512 are connected to the first common groove 511. The first branch grooves 512 are spaced apart from each other and extend from the first common groove 511 along the α-axis. Each of the first branch grooves 512 extends from the first common groove 511 through the center position of the first flow path member 51 in the Y-axis and to the center line of the first flow path member 51 along the X-axis. The first branch grooves 512 are provided for each nozzle row of the head chip 3.
[0042] Fig. 8 is a view of second flow path member 52 shown in Fig. 2 as viewed in the Z1 direction. Fig. 9 is a view of second flow path member 52 shown in Fig. 2 as viewed in the Z2 direction. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, second flow path member 52 has holes 502 provided for each head chip 3. Holes 502 form part of wiring holes 500.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, two second grooves 520 are formed on the surface of the second flow path member 52 facing the Z2 direction. The second grooves 520 are recesses formed in the second flow path member 52. The two second grooves 520 overlap the two first grooves 510 in plan view. The planar shape of each of the second grooves 520 is equal to the planar shape of the first groove 510. The first flow path member 51 and the second flow path member 52 are fixed by applying an adhesive to positions surrounding the peripheries of the first groove 510 and the second groove 520 facing each other in plan view. As a result, the periphery of the first groove 510 and the periphery of the second groove 520 are sealed with the adhesive, and the supply flow path R1 is defined.
[0044] The second common groove 521 extends along the X-axis. The two second common grooves 521 are arranged with the holes 502 interposed therebetween in a plan view. The two second common grooves 521 are common to the head chips 3. The second branch grooves 522 are connected to the second common groove 521. The second branch grooves 522 are spaced apart from each other and extend from the second common groove 521 along the α-axis. Each second branch groove 522 extends from the second common groove 521 through the center position of the second flow path member 52 in the Y-axis and to the center line of the second flow path member 52 along the X-axis. The second branch grooves 522 are provided for each nozzle row of the head chip 3.
[0045] Further, second flow path member 52 has a plurality of through holes 528. Through holes 528 are provided for each second branch groove portion 522. Each through hole 528 is provided at the tip of second branch groove portion 522. The tip is an end of second branch groove portion 522 opposite second common groove portion 521. Each through hole 528 is disposed at a position overlapping an end of first branch groove portion 512 opposite first common groove portion 511 in plan view. Each through hole 528 is provided for each head chip 3, and overlaps with each of the aforementioned through holes 361 in plan view.
[0046] 1E. Liquid flow path of flow path member 5 Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are cross-sectional views of the flow path member 5 and the case 36 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 10 corresponds to the cross section taken along the line A1-A1 in Fig. 7. Fig. 11 corresponds to the cross section taken along the line A2-A2 in Fig. 8.
[0047] 10 or 11, the flow path member 5 includes an inlet H1, a supply flow path R1, and an outlet H2. The inlet H1, the outlet H2, and the supply flow path R1 are spaces formed in the flow path member 5, and configure a liquid flow path through which ink flows.
[0048] 10 is a hole formed in the flow path member 5, and is a hole for introducing ink into the flow path member 5. The inlet H1 extends along the Z axis. The inlet H1 is composed of the above-mentioned through hole 519 and hole 509. The inlet H1 communicates with the supply flow path R1.
[0049] The supply flow path R1 is a space formed in the flow path member 5. The supply flow path R1 includes a common portion R11 shown in Fig. 10 and a plurality of branch portions R12 shown in Fig. 11. Note that Fig. 11 illustrates a cross section of one of the plurality of branch portions R12.
[0050] The common portion R11 is a portion that extends linearly along the X-axis. The common portion R11 is a space formed by the first common groove portion 511 and the second common groove portion 521. The common portion R11 intersects with the nozzle row in a plan view. The common portion R11 is connected to the inlet H1.
[0051] Each of the multiple branched portions R12 is a portion branched from the common portion R11 and extends linearly along the α-axis. Each branched portion R12 is a space formed by the first branched groove portion 512 and the second branched groove portion 522 described above. Each branched portion R12 is parallel to the nozzle row described above in a plan view. The branched portion R12 communicates with the outlet H2.
[0052] 11 is a hole formed in the flow path member 5, and is a hole for supplying ink from the flow path member 5 to the multiple nozzles N via the through hole 361 and the common liquid chamber R. The outlet H2 extends along the Z axis. The outlet H2 is formed by a through hole 528. The outlet H2 communicates with the through hole 361.
[0053] In the above-described flow path member 5, ink flows through the inlet H1, the common portion R11 of the supply flow path R1, the branch portion R12 of the supply flow path R1, and the outlet H2, in that order, and in the case 36, ink flows through the through hole 361 and the common liquid chamber R, in that order.
[0054] 1F. Stirring section 6 11, an agitation unit 6 is provided in the supply flow path R1 of the flow path member 5. The agitation unit 6 includes a plurality of convex portions protruding from a wall surface that forms the supply flow path R1. The agitation unit 6 is provided to agitate the ink in the supply flow path R1.
[0055] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the stirring section 6 shown in FIG. 11. Specifically, FIG. 12 is a view of the second flow path member 52 and a plurality of first ribs 61 described below, viewed in the Z1 direction. FIG. 13 is a view showing a cross section of the flow path member 5 at the position of line A3-A3 in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the stirring section 6 includes a plurality of first ribs 61 and a plurality of second ribs 62. From another perspective, the stirring section 6 has a plurality of sets of the first ribs 61 and the second ribs 62. The plurality of first ribs 61 and the plurality of second ribs 62 are arranged opposite to each other.
[0056] As shown in Fig. 13, each of the multiple first ribs 61 is provided in a first branch groove portion 512 of a first groove portion 510 which is a wall surface constituting the supply flow path R1. Each first rib 61 is a convex portion protruding in the Z1 direction from the first branch groove portion 512. As shown in Fig. 12, a first tip portion 611a of each first rib 61 intersects with an axis A along the α2 direction of the branch portion R12 of the supply flow path R1. The α2 direction coincides with the extension direction of the stirring portion 6.
[0057] 13, each of the multiple second ribs 62 is provided in a second branch groove portion 522 of a second groove portion 520 which is a wall surface constituting the supply flow path R1. Each second rib 62 is a convex portion protruding in the Z2 direction from the second branch groove portion 522. As shown in FIG. 12, a second tip portion 621a of each second rib 62 intersects with the axis A. Also, the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 overlap in a plan view.
[0058] By providing the agitation unit 6 having the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 facing each other in the supply flow path R1, the ink in the supply flow path R1 can be agitated. This makes it possible to suppress the precipitation of the coloring material components of the ink, such as dyes or pigments, in the supply flow path R1. This makes it possible to suppress the variation in the ink density in the common liquid chamber R of the head chip 3 via the outlet H2 and the through hole 361. This makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of print quality due to the precipitation of the coloring material components of the ink.
[0059] Fig. 14 is a plan view of the multiple first ribs 61 shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 14, each first rib 61 includes a first guide surface 611, a first surface 612, and a first tip surface 613. Each of the first guide surface 611, the first surface 612, and the first tip surface 613 is a flat surface, but may include a curved surface.
[0060] The first guide surface 611 is a surface of the first rib 61 facing the ink supply side, i.e., the common portion R11 side. A normal line of the first guide surface 611 intersects with the axis A of the branch portion R12. The first surface 612 is a surface of the first rib 61 facing the ink discharge side, i.e., the through hole 528 side. A normal line of the first surface 612 intersects with the axis A of the branch portion R12. The first tip surface 613 is disposed between the first guide surface 611 and the first surface 612 in a plan view and is connected to them. The first tip surface 613 is a surface along the XY plane and has an elongated shape. A normal line of the first tip surface 613 is perpendicular to the axis A. Moreover, the extension direction of the first tip surface 613 intersects with the axis A in a plan view.
[0061] Fig. 15 is a plan view of the second ribs 62 shown in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 15, each of the second ribs 62 includes a second guide surface 621, a second surface 622, and a second tip surface 623. Each of the second guide surface 621, the second surface 622, and the second tip surface 623 is a flat surface, but may include a curved surface. In the illustrated example, each of the second guide surface 621, the second surface 622, and the second tip surface 623 has a longitudinal shape along an axis intersecting both the α-axis and the β-axis in a plan view.
[0062] The second guide surface 621 is a surface of the second rib 62 facing the ink supply side, i.e., the common portion R11 side. A normal to the second guide surface 621 intersects with the axis A of the branch portion R12. The second surface 622 is a surface of the second rib 62 facing the ink discharge side, i.e., the through hole 528 side. A normal to the second surface 622 intersects with the axis A of the branch portion R12. The second tip surface 623 is disposed between the second guide surface 621 and the second surface 622 in a plan view and is connected to them. The second tip surface 623 is a surface along the XY plane. A normal to the second tip surface 623 is perpendicular to the axis A. Moreover, the extension direction of the second tip surface 623 intersects with the axis A in a plan view.
[0063] 12, 14, and 15, the second tip surface 623 and the first tip surface 613 intersect in a plan view. Also, a first tip portion 611a which is a connection portion of the first guide surface 611 with the first tip surface 613 and a second tip portion 621a which is a connection portion of the second guide surface 621 with the second tip surface 623 intersect in a plan view. Here, the first tip portion 611a is an intersection line between the first guide surface 611 and the first tip surface 613, but the first tip portion 611a may be an intersection line between the first guide surface 611 and any of a horizontal plane, a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first flow path member 51 and the second flow path member 52, and a plane parallel to the surface on which the nozzles N of the nozzle substrate 37 are formed. Similarly, the second tip portion 621a is an intersection line between the second guide surface 621 and the second tip surface 623, but the second tip portion 621a may be an intersection line between the second guide surface 621 and any of a horizontal plane, a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first flow path member 51 and the second flow path member 52, and a plane parallel to the surface on which the nozzles N of the nozzle substrate 37 are formed. Note that the first tip portion 611a may be the first tip surface 613 which is the tip portion in the Z2 direction which is the protruding direction of the first rib 61. Similarly, the second tip portion 621a may be the second tip surface 623 which is the tip portion in the Z1 direction which is the protruding direction of the second rib 62.
[0064] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a cross section of the flow path member 5 along the line A4-A4 in FIG. 12. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a cross section of the flow path member 5 along the line A5-A5 in FIG. 12. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a cross section of the flow path member 5 along the line A6-A6 in FIG. 12. In FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18, a cross section perpendicular to the axis A along the α2 direction, which is the extension direction of the stirring section 6, is shown. That is, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18 are cross-sectional views of the branch portion R12. In FIG. 16, the first guide surface 611 and the second guide surface 621 are meshed to make it easier to understand the arrangement of these surfaces.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the branch portion R12 of the supply flow path R1 includes a first region S1, a second region S2, and a third region S3 in a cross section perpendicular to the α2 direction. The first region S1, the third region S3, and the second region S2 are arranged in this order in the Z1 direction. The first region S1 is a region where the first rib 61 is arranged. The second region S2 is a region where the second rib 62 is arranged. The third region S3 is a region between the first region S1 and the second region S2, and is a region where the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 are not arranged. Therefore, the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 are spaced apart from each other.
[0066] The first guide surface 611 of the first rib 61 guides the ink flowing in the first region S1 toward the second region S2. The second guide surface 621 of the second rib 62 guides the ink flowing in the second region S2 toward the first region S1. As described above, the first tip 611a and the second tip 621a intersect in a plan view. In other words, the first tip 611a and the second tip 621a intersect when viewed in the Z1 direction, which is the direction in which the first region S1 and the second region S2 are aligned.
[0067] By providing the stirring unit 6 having such a first guide surface 611 and a second guide surface 621, the ink can be stirred in the stirring unit 6. Furthermore, during the stirring, the ink flow caused by the first guide surface 611 and the ink flow caused by the second guide surface 621 are less likely to collide with each other. Therefore, the ink can be efficiently stirred in the stirring unit 6. Therefore, even if ink does not flow in the supply flow path R1 for a long period of time, causing ink to settle in the supply flow path R1, the ink can be prevented from being supplied to the common liquid chamber R. Therefore, even if ink does not eject from the nozzle N for a long period of time, causing ink to settle, the ink can be efficiently stirred when the ink starts to flow. As a result, ink in a settled state can be prevented from being ejected from the nozzle N, thereby reducing the risk of image quality deterioration. Furthermore, the need to perform cleaning to recover the settled state by discharging the ink in the supply flow path R1 before the printing operation can be reduced. This reduces the risk of unnecessary liquid consumption.
[0068] As described above, the third region S3 exists between the first rib 61 and the second rib 62. That is, the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 are disposed with a gap therebetween. Therefore, compared to a case where there is no gap between the first rib 61 and the second rib 62, it is possible to reduce the effect of an increase in flow path resistance caused by providing the first rib 61 and the second rib 62. In addition, since the gap can be utilized to change the flow of ink, it is possible to improve stirring efficiency.
[0069] As described above, the first flow path member 51 and the second flow path member 52 are stacked on each other to configure the supply flow path R1. The first rib 61 is provided on the first flow path member 51, and the second rib 62 is provided on the second flow path member 52. By forming the first rib 61 on the first flow path member 51 and the second rib 62 on the second flow path member 52, the stirring section 6 can be formed with a smaller number of parts than, for example, a configuration in which a static mixer is disposed between the flow path members.
[0070] It is preferable that the first flow path member 51 and the first rib 61 are integrally formed by injection molding or the like, but may be formed separately and then joined. Similarly, it is preferable that the second flow path member 52 and the second rib 62 are integrally formed by injection molding or the like, but may be formed separately and then joined.
[0071] Furthermore, the stirring unit 6 has multiple sets of the first rib 61 and the second rib 62. Therefore, compared to a case where there is only one set of the first rib 61 and the second rib 62, the ink can be stirred repeatedly, making it easier to stir the ink. Note that there may be only one set of the first rib 61 and the second rib 62.
[0072] It is preferable that the number of the first ribs 61 and the number of the second ribs 62 are equal to each other. By making the number of the first ribs 61 and the number of the second ribs 62 equal to each other, it is possible to mix the fluid efficiently without unnecessarily increasing the flow resistance, compared to when the numbers of the first ribs 61 and the second ribs 62 are different from each other. Note that the number of the first ribs 61 and the number of the second ribs 62 may be different from each other.
[0073] 17 and 18, the center line in the β-axis direction of the branch portion R12, which extends along the direction in which the first region S1 and the second region S2 are aligned, is defined as line segment L. In a cross-sectional view, the distance between line segment L and the first tip surface 613 and the distance between line segment L and the second tip surface 623 are equal to each other. These distances are equal in all cross sections of the stirring unit 6. When these distances are equal, it is easier to stir the ink uniformly throughout the stirring unit 6 of the supply flow path R1, compared to when they are not equal.
[0074] The first angle θ1 shown in FIG. 14 and the second angle θ shown in FIG. 15 are approximately equal. "Approximately equal" means that the difference is less than 1%, including manufacturing errors and measurement errors, in addition to being exactly equal. The first angle θ1 shown in FIG. 14 is an angle between an intersection line L1 between a plane perpendicular to the Z1 direction, which is the stacking direction of the first flow path member 51 and the second flow path member 52, and the first guide surface 611, and the α2 direction, which is the extension direction of the stirring section 6. The second angle θ2 shown in FIG. 15 is an angle between an intersection line L2 between a plane perpendicular to the Z1 direction, which is the stacking direction of the first flow path member 51 and the second flow path member 52, and the second guide surface 621, and the α2 direction, which is the extension direction of the stirring section 6.
[0075] By making the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 approximately equal, the ink can be stirred more efficiently in the entire area of the stirring section 6, compared to when the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 are not equal. This effectively prevents the ink coloring material and other components from settling, and, if the components do settle, the settled components can be stirred efficiently.
[0076] The first angle θ1 is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. By being within this range, ink can be stirred more efficiently in the stirring unit 6 compared to when the angle is outside this range. From this viewpoint, the first angle θ1 is more preferably 35 degrees or more and 55 degrees or less, and even more preferably 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less.
[0077] The second angle θ2 is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. By being within this range, ink can be stirred more efficiently in the stirring unit 6 compared to when the angle is outside this range. From this viewpoint, the second angle θ2 is more preferably 35 degrees or more and 55 degrees or less, and further preferably 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less.
[0078] 17 and 18, the third angle θ3 and the fourth angle θ4 are approximately equal. "Approximately equal" means that the difference is less than 1%, including manufacturing errors and measurement errors in addition to being exactly equal. The third angle θ3 is the angle between the first guide surface 611 and the Z1 direction, which is the stacking direction of the first flow path member 51 and the second flow path member 52. The fourth angle θ4 is the angle between the second guide surface 621 and the Z1 direction, which is the stacking direction of the first flow path member 51 and the second flow path member 52.
[0079] By making the third angle θ3 and the fourth angle θ4 approximately equal, the ink can be stirred more efficiently in the entire area of the stirring section 6, compared to when the angles are not equal. This effectively prevents the ink coloring material and other components from settling, and, if the components do settle, the settled components can be stirred efficiently.
[0080] The third angle θ3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. By being within this range, ink can be stirred more efficiently in the stirring unit 6 compared to when the angle is outside this range. From this viewpoint, the third angle θ3 is more preferably 35 degrees or more and 55 degrees or less, and further preferably 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less.
[0081] The fourth angle θ4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. By being within this range, ink can be stirred more efficiently in the stirring unit 6 compared to when the angle is outside this range. From this viewpoint, the fourth angle θ4 is more preferably 35 degrees or more and 55 degrees or less, and further preferably 40 degrees or more and 50 degrees or less.
[0082] Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the stirring unit 6 in Fig. 12. As shown in Fig. 19, the stirring unit 6 is provided at each of the multiple branch portions R12 of the supply flow path R1. By providing the stirring unit 6 at the branch portions R12, it is possible to increase the amount of ink that can recover ink sedimentation in the supply flow path R1, while suppressing an increase in flow path resistance, compared to when the stirring unit 6 is provided at the common portion R11. The stirring unit 6 may be provided at the common portion R11.
[0083] The stirring unit 6 is disposed closer to the outlet H2 than the inlet H1. This makes it possible to increase the amount of ink that can recover ink sedimentation in the supply flow path R1 while suppressing an increase in flow path resistance, compared to when the stirring unit 6 is disposed closer to the inlet H1 than the outlet H2. Furthermore, the stirring unit 6 is preferably provided within a range from the outlet H2 to up to 20% of the flow path length from the outlet H2 to the inlet H1. Note that the stirring unit 6 may be disposed closer to the inlet H1 than the outlet H2. Furthermore, the stirring unit 6 may be disposed in the entire region of the supply flow path R1.
[0084] The agitation unit 6 is disposed in a linearly extending portion of the branch portion R12 of the supply flow path R1. From another perspective, the agitation unit 6 is not provided in a bent portion of the supply flow path R1. The bent portion is a connection portion between the common portion R11 and the branch portion R12. By providing the agitation unit 6 in a linearly extending portion, it is easier to agitate the ink compared to when the agitation unit 6 is provided in a bent portion. Note that the agitation unit 6 may be provided in the bent portion.
[0085] 20 is a diagram for explaining the flow of ink in a liquid flow path of a flow path member 5X of a comparative example. The flow path member 5X of the comparative example shown in FIG.
[0086] 20, consider a case where the ink starts to flow again after the ink has not been ejected from the nozzle N for a long period of time and the components of the ink, such as the coloring material, have settled. In this case, since the flow path member 5X of the comparative example is not provided with the stirring portion 6, it is difficult for the ink to be stirred in the supply flow path R1.
[0087] Low-concentration ink, which has a low concentration of coloring material and other components, flows in the Z2 direction region in the supply flow path R1, as indicated by the dashed arrow a1. Meanwhile, high-concentration ink, which has a high concentration of coloring material and other components, flows in the Z1 direction region in the supply flow path R1, as indicated by the solid arrow a2. The low-concentration ink and high-concentration ink then flow directly into the common liquid chamber R via the outlet H2. As a result, there are regions in the common liquid chamber R where low-concentration ink flows and regions where high-concentration ink flows. In other words, there is a difference in the ink concentration in the common liquid chamber R of the head chip 3. This results in degradation of image quality, such as color unevenness.
[0088] Fig. 21 is a diagram for explaining the flow of ink in a liquid flow path of the flow path member 5 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 21, an agitation section 6 is provided in the flow path member 5 of the present embodiment.
[0089] 21, consider a case where the ink starts to flow again after the ink has not been ejected from the nozzle N for a long period of time and the ink components such as coloring materials have settled. In this case, the ink is easily stirred in the supply flow path R1 because the flow path member 5 of this embodiment is not provided with the stirring portion 6.
[0090] Low-concentration ink, which has a low concentration of coloring materials and other components, flows in the supply flow path R1 as shown by the dashed arrow a3. High-concentration ink, which has a high concentration of coloring materials and other components, flows in the supply flow path R1 as shown by the solid arrow a4. The low-concentration ink and the high-concentration ink are mixed together in the agitator 6. The low-concentration ink and the high-concentration ink then flow directly into the common liquid chamber R through the outlet H2. As a result, the low-concentration ink and the high-concentration ink are mixed together in the common liquid chamber R. In other words, differences in ink concentration are suppressed in the common liquid chamber R of the head chip 3. As a result, image quality degradation such as color unevenness can be suppressed.
[0091] Fig. 22 is a diagram for explaining the flow of ink in the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 of the stirring unit 6 shown in Fig. 11. In Fig. 22, for ease of explanation, one set of the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 is illustrated. For example, as indicated by dashed arrow a6, low-concentration ink hits the first guide surface 611 of the first rib 61 and flows along the first guide surface 611, and while flowing in the α2 direction, gradually flows toward the β1 direction and the Z1 direction, and then flows to the outlet H2.
[0092] Furthermore, for example, as shown by the solid arrow a5, high concentration ink hits the second guide surface 621 of the second rib 62 and flows along the second guide surface 621, flowing in the α2 direction and gradually flowing toward the β2 direction and the Z2 direction, and then flows to the outlet H2.
[0093] The ink is agitated by the above-mentioned flow of ink occurring for each pair of the first rib 61 and the second rib 62. In particular, the agitation unit 6 makes it easy to agitate the ink in a direction perpendicular to the axis A in the XY plane.
[0094] According to the above-described stirring section 6, the ink can be stirred efficiently, and therefore deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.
[0095] 2. Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In the following exemplary embodiment, for elements whose actions or functions are similar to those of the first embodiment, the reference symbols used in the description of the first embodiment will be used and detailed descriptions of each will be omitted as appropriate.
[0096] Fig. 23 is a plan view of the stirring unit 6A of the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 23, the stirring unit 6A includes a plurality of first ribs 61A and a plurality of second ribs 62A. From another perspective, the stirring unit 6A has a plurality of sets of the first ribs 61A and the second ribs 62A. The plurality of first ribs 61A and the plurality of second ribs 62A are disposed opposite each other.
[0097] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the first rib 61A of FIG. 23. As shown in FIG. 24, the first rib 61A has a structure that is symmetrical with respect to the axis A in a plan view. The first rib 61A has two first guide surfaces 611A, two first surfaces 612A, and two first tip surfaces 613A. Each surface is a flat surface. In each first rib 61A, the two first guide surfaces 611A are continuously connected to each other. In each first rib 61A, the two first surfaces 612A are continuously connected to each other. In each first rib 61A, the two first tip surfaces 613A are continuously connected to each other.
[0098] FIG. 25 is a plan view of the second rib 62A of FIG. 23. As shown in FIG. 25, the second rib 62A has a structure that is symmetrical with respect to the axis A in a plan view. The second rib 62A has two second guide surfaces 621A, two second surfaces 622A, and two second tip surfaces 623A. Each surface is a flat surface. In each second rib 62A, the two second guide surfaces 621A are continuously connected to each other. In each second rib 62A, the two second surfaces 622A are continuously connected to each other. In each second rib 62A, the two second tip surfaces 623A are continuously connected to each other.
[0099] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the flow of ink in the first rib 61A and the second rib 62A of the stirring unit 6A shown in FIG. 23. In FIG. 26, one set of the first rib 61A and the second rib 62A is illustrated for the sake of simplicity. For example, the low-concentration ink hits the two first guide surfaces 611A of the first rib 61A and flows along the first guide surface 611A as indicated by the dashed arrow a7. As a result, a part of the low-concentration ink flows in the α2 direction and gradually flows toward the β1 direction and the Z2 direction, and the remaining part of the low-concentration ink flows in the α2 direction and gradually flows toward the β2 direction and the Z2 direction, and then flows to the outlet H2.
[0100] On the other hand, for example, the high concentration ink hits the second guide surface 621A of the second rib 62A and flows along the second guide surface 621A, as indicated by the solid arrow a8. As a result, a portion of the high concentration ink flows in the α2 direction and gradually flows in the β2 direction and the Z1 direction, while the remaining portion of the high concentration ink flows in the α2 direction and gradually flows in the β1 direction and the Z1 direction, and then flows to the outlet H2.
[0101] The ink is agitated by the above-mentioned flow of ink occurring for each pair of the first rib 61A and the second rib 62A. In particular, the agitation section 6A makes it easy to agitate the ink in the direction along the Z axis.
[0102] In the present embodiment described above, similarly to the first embodiment, the ink can be efficiently stirred by the stirring section 6A, and therefore deterioration of image quality due to precipitation of components such as coloring materials can be suppressed.
[0103] 3. Variations Each of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments that may be applied to each of the above-mentioned embodiments are illustrated below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples may be appropriately combined as long as they are not mutually contradictory.
[0104] In each of the above-described embodiments, the "plurality of first ribs" have the same shape as each other, and the "plurality of second ribs" have the same shape as each other. However, the "plurality of first ribs" do not have to have the same shape as each other. Also, the "plurality of second ribs" do not have to have the same shape as each other.
[0105] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an agitation unit 6B of a modified example. The agitation unit 6B shown in FIG. 27 includes a set of a first rib 61 and a second rib 62, and a set of a first rib 61A and a second rib 62A. The set of the first rib 61 and the second rib 62 and the set of the first rib 61A and the second rib 62A are arranged alternately. According to the agitation unit 6B shown in FIG. 27, it is easy to agitate the ink in both the direction perpendicular to the axis A in the XY plane and the direction along the Z axis. Therefore, the agitation efficiency can be improved.
[0106] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a modified example of the stirring unit 6. As shown in Fig. 28, the stirring unit 6 may be provided in the common portion R11 in addition to the branch portion R12 of the supply flow path R1.
[0107] Although head chip 3 does not have a structure for circulating ink, head chip 3 may be a circulation type head having a so-called circulation flow path.
[0108] A "liquid ejection apparatus" may be employed in various devices such as facsimile machines and copy machines, in addition to devices dedicated to printing. The uses of a liquid ejection apparatus are not limited to printing. For example, a liquid ejection apparatus that ejects a solution of a coloring material is used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming color filters for display devices such as liquid crystal display panels. A liquid ejection apparatus that ejects a solution of a conductive material is used as a manufacturing apparatus for forming wiring and electrodes for a wiring board. A liquid ejection apparatus that ejects a solution of an organic substance related to a living organism is used as a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing biochips, for example.
[0109] Although the present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the configuration of each part of the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that exhibits the same function as the above embodiment, and any configuration can be added. [Explanation of symbols]
[0110] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...liquid jet head, 3...head chip, 5...flow path member, 6...agitation section, 9...liquid storage section, 10...head unit, 51...first flow path member, 52...second flow path member, 61...first rib, 62...second rib, 81...holding member, 100...liquid jet device, 611...first guide surface, 613...first tip surface, 621...second guide surface, 623...second tip surface, C1...pressure Force chamber, H1...Inlet, H2...Outlet, L1...Intersection line, L2...Intersection line, N...Nozzle, R...Common liquid chamber, R1...Supply channel, R11...Common part, R12...Branch part, Ra...Communication space, Rb...common flow path, Rc...space, S1...first region, S2...second region, S3...third region, θ...second angle, θ1...first angle, θ2...second angle, θ3...third angle, θ4...fourth angle.
Claims
1. A plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid; a supply flow path that communicates an inlet for introducing a liquid with an outlet for supplying the liquid to the plurality of nozzles; Equipped with The supply flow path is provided with a stirring section in which a first rib and a second rib facing each other are arranged, The stirring portion includes, in a cross section perpendicular to an extension direction of the stirring portion, a first region in which the first rib is arranged and a second region in which the second rib is arranged, the first rib has a first guide surface that guides liquid flowing in the first region toward the second region; the second rib has a second guide surface that guides the liquid flowing in the second region toward the first region; When viewed in a direction in which the first region and the second region are arranged, a first tip end of the first guide surface and a second tip end of the second guide surface intersect with each other. A liquid jet head comprising:
2. The first rib and the second rib are disposed with a gap therebetween. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .
3. a first flow path member and a second flow path member stacked in a stacking direction so as to form the supply flow path, The first rib is formed on the first flow path member, The second rib is formed on the second flow path member. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .
4. the supply flow path has a common portion communicating with the inlet, and a plurality of branch portions branching from the common portion and communicating with each of the plurality of outlets including the outlet, The stirring unit is provided in each of the plurality of branched portions. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .
5. The stirring unit is disposed closer to the outlet than the inlet. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .
6. The stirring unit has a plurality of sets of the first rib and the second rib. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .
7. The stirring portion includes a plurality of first ribs including the first rib and a plurality of second ribs including the second rib, The number of the first ribs and the number of the second ribs are equal. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .
8. a first angle formed by an intersection line between a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction and the first guide surface and the extension direction of the stirring portion, and a second angle formed by an intersection line between the plane perpendicular to the stacking direction and the second guide surface and the extension direction of the stirring portion are substantially equal to each other; The liquid jet head according to claim 3 .
9. The first angle is in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. The liquid jet head according to claim 8 .
10. a third angle formed between the stacking direction and the first guide surface and a fourth angle formed between the stacking direction and the second guide surface are substantially equal to each other; The liquid jet head according to claim 3 .
11. the third angle is in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees; The liquid jet head according to claim 10 .
12. the supply flow path includes a linearly extending portion and a curved portion, The stirring portion is disposed in the linearly extending portion. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 .
13. The liquid jet head according to claim 1 , a liquid storage section configured to store a liquid to be supplied to the liquid jet head; A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: